So I got a book called

'How To Never Look Fat Again- over 1000 ways to dress thinner without dieting' by Charla Krupp, a couple of weeks ago to review.  It came in the mail and I was like well, I'll get to it (the first trimester pregnancy exhaustion is kicking my heinie!).  So one day last week, I sat down at the kitchen table to eat a snack and there the book was sitting.  I opened it and could not put it down. 
WOW! It's not a book that you would read from cover to cover in one sitting, but it is very easy reading with a lot (I mean a ton) of great photos to give you examples of what you should/should not be doing.  It is arranged so that you can pick your 'problem area,' learn how to dress it in order to look thinner and move on.  There are some amazing tips and tricks to use to look slimmer (no, you probably won't get to look as thin as Kate Moss, but you may be able to give her a run for her money!)  I was happy to see a picture of the author and she is a woman with curves.  Very refreshing, although I kind of see mainstram media going from uber skinny to curvier women.  All I need Charla Krupp to do now is to write this book again and include preggos! haha. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who does not have the patience to diet but has the patience to shop.  Well worth the read.

My Very First Review and Giveaway!!!!!

I am thrilled that my first giveaway is something that I have had the opportunity to use with my daughters;   Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces from Inspired By Finn.  I discovered amber teething necklaces from the phenomenal community over at The Babywearer (I get a lot of wonderful info there), as I was looking for a natural painkiller for teething.  Inspired by Finn came very highly recommended, so I ordered.  It was difficult to order just one because they come in different styles and colors- all beautiful!  I put the teething necklaces on my daughters at the first sign of their first tooth popping through and the amber worked better than any analgesic that I have ever used.  An amazing product, to say the least.

<---- S3 wearing her dark cherry chip-style necklace (unfortunately not carried anymore but trust me, it did the job!)

From the website:

 How can baltic amber help us? 

Pain Relief -

Baltic amber contains analgesic properties and helps take the edge off of many types of discomfort associated with dental issues, headaches, joint pain, etc. 
Strengthens the body's immune system - 
In many different and subtle ways, succinic acid helps boost the body's own natural healing ability and immune system. 
 Restoring Energy – 
The human body naturally produces succinic acid. The salt of succinic acid (succinate) is one of the most active substances in the processes of cellular respiration and intercellular energy creation. Succinic acid restores oxygen and energy supply to depleted cells and helps the body return to a normal, functioning state. 

Inspired by Finn is a company local to me, with stellar customer service and a serious selection of amber and other pain alleviating products. Inspired by Finn also carries Hazelwood, adult amber jewelry, Babylegs and other foot and leg warming products!

So without further delay, I am announcing an Inspired by Finn Giveaway!  The winner may select any 17'' in-stock necklace or a bracelet.  There are some beautiful pieces on the site! 

What you need to do:

1.  Mandatory entry- visit the Inspired By Finn site and come back and tell me one thing you learned about Amber or Hazelwood in the comments section below!  You must do this before any other entry! 

For additional entries: (Leave a comment in the comments section below for each entry!)

2. Follow my crunchtastic blog!

3. Subscribe to me via email.

4. Subscribe to me via RSS reader.

Just can't wait? Inspired By Finn has graciously granted my readers a 20% off code to use (enter 'blog' at checkout)!!! You can click on the Inspired by Finn button to the left or visit from here .

Contest will run from 10/30/09-12/11/09.  Winner will be chosen randomly by a random number generator and announced on 12/13, after confirmation.   Enjoy!!!

Contest is now closed.  Winner will be announced on Monday!!

*please remember to complete the mandatory entry in order for your subsequent entries to count!  Leave a comment below for each entry you complete!!!*