Helping Hand Review #helpinghand

The “Helping Hand” by iStand allows you to see your phone or small Tablet and operate it with one hand while doing other things with the other. For example: Keep one on your kitchen counter while cooking or on your desk while paying bills or answering emails or place it in an empty cup holder in your vehicle, boat or RV.

The "Sticky pad" that comes with the "Helping Hand" model will hold a small Tablet as well as a phone in your vehicle. If you have a newer vehicle with a push button start, use the "Helping Hand" to hold your keys.

 

Product Description

The Helping Hand will hold your phone or tablet securely on your desk, kitchen counter or in your car, truck or boat without moving or breakable parts! It's made of heavy duty ABS plastic and comes with a washable sticky pad. Use it also to hold your phone while making a video by simply turning the HH on it's side and sticking the phone to the sticky pad. Available in black or white. White is perfect for your boat!

• Use on your Boat
• Use next to your keyboard on your desk.
• Or on your desk
• Washable sticky pad
• Use in a car, boat, truck, RV or minivan's cup holder. 

To be honest, originally, Oma thought, “when would I ever use this product” However, after using it, the Helping Hand really comes in handy; especially in the kitchen. Oma is forever losing her cell phone when cooking. The Helping Hand allows Oma to locate my cell phone quickly and keep it above liquid spills. 

Additionally, using Helping Hand in the car is much better than throwing your phone on the passenger seat. No longer will my phone slide to the floor and under the seat!

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Disclosure: The above item was received in order to facilitate review. I have not been compensated for this post. The “Oma Loves U!” blog will always provide honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products reviewed. We will only recommend products or services that we feel are of benefit to our readers.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Now you can indulge in guilt-free snacking! #HarvestSnapsFan

Oma has had the opportunity to try all six varieties of Harvest Crisps & Snaps pouches!

If you have not heard, Harvest Snaps  are a “good-for-you” snack that combines taste, quality and simplicity. They are baked, gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, yet low in sodium and fat.

The Snapea Crisps are made with all-natural peas; while the Lentil Snaps are packed with authentic lentils.

Compared to regular potato chips Harvest Snaps have:

• less fat and sodium
• higher levels of protein and fiber
• gluten-free (Harvest Snaps are made in a facility that also manufactures products containing wheat, milk, soy, shrimp and fish.)
• lower glycemic index
•  more vitamin B

All the Harvest Snap products had a pleasant constancy and no annoying after taste. 

Oma liked all the flavors. 

However, Snapea Crisps: Lightly Salted proved to be Oma’s least favorite. It was a tad bland.

The Lentil Snaps: Onion Thyme are Oma’s favorite. Sweet yet tangy, Onion Thyme was very flavorful. Harvest Snaps are a great Grain-free snack.

Harvest Snaps are perfect to pack into kid's lunchboxes and/or for a roadtrip. This hale and hearty snack is a healthy alternative to fried chips or french fries. 

The only improvement Oma would suggest is to make the packaging a re-sealable bag.

Want to Win

You have until 09/02/2014 to create your own own Lunchspiration Bento Box for the chance to win $1,000 for school or Harvest Snaps swag! One winner will be chosen every week. Enter every week for your chance to win.

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Oma was thrilled to find Harvest Snaps at her local grocery store this weekend. 

“Jimbo’s…Naturally!” strives to provide their customers with the highest quality natural foods available. That means no refined sugars, avoidance of GMOs and no hydrogenated oils, just to name a few!

If Harvest Snaps are sold at Jimbo’s, Oma trusts that they are healthy!

Related Posts:

Harvest the Power of Nature 

Harvest Snaps
 

This post was created in partnership with Harvest Snaps. I have been compensated for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

 #HarvestSnapsFan

Garcinia Cambogia Review Sonora Nutrition #garciniacambogia

Experts agree, the higher the percentage of HCA, the better the results. Sonora Nutrition 80% HCA Garcinia Cambogia Extreme Weight Loss Formula is the strongest and highest quality formula available anywhere today.

Garcinia Cambogia has been found to increase metabolism, balance cholesterol levels, burn existing fat and prevent the absorption of new fat, making it ideal for those who want to lose weight or those looking to make lean muscle gains without putting on additional weight.

The product is 100% pure, using vegetarian capsules with no fillers, binders or unnecessary ingredients, so users know that the huge 1400mg dosage is purely the active ingredient, which has been distilled by Sonora Nutrition to an industry leading potency.

The new product has been so well reviewed by early users that the company has now introduced an unbeatable 365 day money back satisfaction guarantee, so that users can rest assured they will see the results they want from using the product without any risk of a scam.

Garcinia Cambogia is a small, pumpkin-shaped fruit. Numerous companies, and
even Dr. Oz have made claims that the rind of this plant may help aid in weight loss.

The natural extract, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), is the ingredient that blocks fat production and turns fat into glycogen, and is also said to increase lean muscle mass. Garcinia Cambogia is also supposed to act as an appetite suppressant.

REVIEW

Oma took two Sonora Nutrition Garcinia Cambogia with every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner, with lots of water. Honestly, Oma did not lose any weight. However, considering August was chocked full of celebrations and food, not gaining weight must be considered a plus!

However the Garcinia Cambogia did wonders to curb Oma’s to cravings for goodies or snacks! Also Oma’s energy level improved. Oma still needs to work on portion control and will continue using Sonora Nutrition Garcinia Cambogia to assist with that.

About Sonora Nutrition

Sonora Nutrition creates unbeatable weight loss and health related products. Their latest release is an industry leading 80% HCA Garcinia Cambogia supplement available exclusively through the Amazon Marketplace, featuring the highest quantity of pills with the highest dosages of the most concentrated garcinia cambogia of any product on the market.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Reef Indy's Skateboarding Debut

Reef Indy debuts his skateboarding skills in his first "Skateboard Exhibit"

Reef Indy is very serious as he listens to his Dad's instruction.

Reef Indy (11-Months-Old) practices on his skateboard with his Dad. Give this boy his board and he will occupy himself for hours.  The video below memorializes the first time Reef skateboarded in front of an audience.

Oma’s 60th Birthday Casino Crawl

Birthday Cake at Valley View Casino

Oma wanted to celebrate her 60th birthday in a celestial method. Since we live in the middle of Indian Casino real estate, the idea of a Casino Crawl strung forth.

Unlike a pub crawl, there would not be any consumption of alcoholic beverages. Since Oma was celebrating by herself, there would be no other designated driver. Oma was planning on an overabundance of gambling ending with a spa outing intermixed with banqueting.

If you're at all familiar with San Diego gambling, and Indian casinos, you know that the local gaming venues are extremely competitive. Oma planned her trip after consulting an article, “Top 10 Indian Casinos in the San Diego County Area by Inigo Figuracion.” 

Also in preparation of this epic adventure, Oma emailed the five closest casinos; Harrah's Rincon; Pala; Pauma; Pechanga and Valley View. The Casino Crawl was detailed and sponsorship was requested. Sadly, Pala Casino was the only establishment that even took the time to respond!

Therefore even though that response was a decline, it was decided that Pala would be the focal point of the crawl - where Oma would spend most of her time and cash. Further, Pala ranked highest on Mr. Figuracion’s list.

The weather on Oma’s big day was filled with rain, roarous thunder and spectacular lightning. Nevertheless, by 7:30 a.m., Oma was off to the first gambling establishment, Casino Pauma. Rated eighth on the Top-Ten list, this casino is also the furthest away from Oma’s home.

Casino Pauma

Casino Pauma is one of the smaller of the cluster of North County casinos that include Pala, Rincon and Valley View. Casino Pauma's spacious gaming floor is filled with a huge selection of the hottest slots around... from penny slots to nickel slots to quarter slots to dollar slots. We've got the traditional favorites to the newest, interactive games available, including video poker and keno.

Federally recognized since 1891, and established in August of 1892, the Pauma Band is one of seven Bands of the Luiseño people located in San Diego and Riverside counties. The Band opened Casino Pauma in May 2001

Upon arrival, Oma visited the player’s club. There were no specials offered for visiting on one’s birthday. However, Oma did participate in the “Turn $20 into $30” promotion. Basically, you give them “$20 Cash and they add $30 in Pauma Play to your Players Club account. Unfortunately, the slots proved very tight and that money vanished quickly.

This casino has changed dramatically since Oma visited last. They no longer offer the 99 cent breakfast. Oma settled for a two dollar cherry turnover that proved cold and stale. Also the staff was not very responsive. Oma asked that an employee take her photo for this article and was informed that they are not allowed to do so.

Needless to say, Oma left Casino Pauma speedily. Oma would not rate this casino anywhere in the top-ten. It is a small casino that really offers no incentives, and little excitement.

Harrah’s Rincon Casino was Oma’s second stop. Harrah’s is rated sixth on the Top-Ten list.

Harrah's Rincon Casino

Since gaming giant Harrah's runs the Rincon Hotel and Casino, it's no surprise it goes for the Las Vegas experience. A new 21-story hotel tower has made the formerly cozy resort into a full-blown entertainment complex. Harrah's also attracts a range of name acts for its concert series, but it gets a few minus points for its remote location and attention-taxing drive. But for getaways, you'll definitely feel like you're away at Harrah's Rincon.

Harrah’s is by far the most aesthetically pleasing of the four casino Oma crawled. It truly does transport you into the “Las Vegas” experience. The casino area is large with a variety of slot machines and a few tables. It was well-lit and was so clean it sparkled. Further, the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful.

A downside that Oma experienced was the tightness of the slots. Oma expects to lose; however she also expects a nice payday when a bonus is won. Harrah’s did not live up to their slogan “Your First Resort for Winning!” 

Also be aware that there is currently construction at this site; the signs to parking was misleading and Oma ended up in the off-limits construction area.

Harrah’s also did not offer any specials for celebrating your birthday with them. Lastly, Oma pushed her call button on the slot machines to order a drink, unfortunately no-one ever replied. A water would have been welcome.

If it reads like a lot of negatives, be aware that Harrah’s Rincon Casino has earned its spot in the Top-Ten list. Oma has heard their spa is wonderful; one day Oma will have to do a spa day at Harrah’s.

Lunch time was rapidly approaching. Oma drove the short distance to Valley View Casino, which is ranked seventh on the Top-Ten list.

Valley View Casino

The all-new Valley View Casino currently offers over 1,750 exciting slot machines; 18 table games including single-deck blackjack, double-deck blackjack and Pai Gow poker; delicious dining options including an award-winning buffet, the Black&Blue steakhouse and lounge. Valley View is also becoming a player in the summer concert competition with a new outdoor venue featuring top-name entertainment.

The casino has been a vision of the San Pasqual Tribe for many years and the Grand Opening on April 18, 2001, marked a milestone event in their history. The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians are members of the Kumeyaay people.

Oma and Opa visit this casino monthly. Therefore Oma had a free buffet coupon and a coupon for a birthday twenty dollars cash. Yet it was such an unexpected surprise when the friendly player’s club employee welcomed Oma with a huge smile and a Birthday T-Shirt.

The casino is very clean and the ventilation is excellent. Oma also loves that there are self-serve soda fountains on the casino floor so you don't have to wait for a waitress to get a soda or water. Their non-smoking section is also very large and welcoming. They have a large selection of slot machines that are updated regularly. More importantly, you can actually play for a while before losing all your money and the Jackpots are exciting.

Oma’s free lunch at the buffet was also very enjoyable. Open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the lunch menu includes prime rib, authentic Italian, Asian, Mexican and American specialties, plus made-from-scratch soups, fresh rolled sushi, homemade cakes, pies and much more. The buffet staff also went out of their way to make Oma feel welcome.

If you could only pick one casino to visit, Oma would pick Valley View Casino.

Last on Oma’s Casino Crawl agenda, the fourth ranked Pala Casino.

Pala Casino

As you can tell, I'm splitting hairs with these rankings. Because giving Pala Casino fourth place is a bit misleading. Pala, with its 4-diamond hotel and large casino, is the prototypical Indian casino that harkens to the Vegas experience. Great dining, top-name entertainment, and great amenities. Pala has spa facilities and a nifty pool area with cabanas, and it attracts big name entertainment concerts. Just pay attention to the road when driving along Highway 76

Oma arrived at the Pala Casino just in time for her 2:00 p.m. spa treatment. The Pala Spa is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily and features 10,000 square feet of organically inspired luxury, with outdoor relaxation and treatment areas. Separate men’s and women’s locker rooms are each equipped with showers, steam room, dry sauna and indoor whirlpools. All the amenities are include with a spa treatment costing $50 or more.

Oma opted for the August Spa Special “5 flowers Illuminescence Facial Ritual” for $104.00. (Warning – they add the tip on for you so my bill came to $122.00)

"Five Flowers Ritual" 50 minutes: Illuminescence facial based on an ancestral Balinese ritual which blends the extracts of 5 tropical flowers and skin cleansing with a neck, shoulder muscle and face massage which awakens skin vitality.

The facial was wonderfully executed by a sociable Raquel. Then a soothed and pampered Oma relaxed in the Spa Café for a light snack of an apple and cup of ikaati Black Orchid  tea. Oma had never tasted ikaati tea in the past, but will definitely buy some in the future – it was very flavorful with a hint of vanilla and an accent of mandarin orange.

Oma also utilized the indoor whirlpool and outdoor relaxation area. Oma’s Spa outing was faultless; go if yozu have the opportunity.

A trip to the player’s club was hassle-free. Oma received a red “60 +” dot on her card and a certificate for twenty dollars to spend at a casino eatery.

The “60 Plus” club is a free promotion. All members of 60+ Club will receive a 30% discount at the award-winning CHOICES the Buffet, every Tuesday from 11am-3pm. You can also win a share of $300 every Tuesday following the free 1:00 p.m. show at the Infinity. 

Oma cannot wait to check out the “60 Plus” club on a Tuesday in September!

Oma had a choice of ten restaurants in which to spend her twenty dollar food voucher. Opa does not like sushi, the Casino Crawl presented a good prospect to explore the Sushi Sake.

Enjoy the honored Japanese tradition of sushi with a Southern California flair at Sushi Sake. This sushi-bar style restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh and baked sushi selections as well as a collection of sake, available hot or cold. Diners are welcome to enjoy a seat at the bar where they can watch as these culinary delights are prepared by our skilled sushi chefs or they may “grab and go” and enjoy their meal on the casino floor or outside on the Pala Terrace.

Oma selected the Nigiri Sushi: Sushi Platter. The freshest tuna, salmon, yellowtail, whitefish, albacore and shrimp was served with a spicy tuna roll. This plate was both filling and fresh – very tasty. The sushi bar staff was very pleasant. Oma will be back in the near future.

The casino itself was expansive and unsoiled. The machines allowed you to play and enjoy an occasional jackpot. Oma even participated in a slot tournament which cost a ten dollar entry fee. Finishing in nineteen place – Oma’s payback was $5.19.

While playing the slot machines, patrons are entertained by live bands. The bands set-up over the bar and are quite entertaining. Oma listened to two bands in the three hours she spent there.

Oma actually left Pala with a few bucks in her pocket – not a winner but Oma did not spend the entire budget! Nonetheless, it was 7:00 p.m. and after twelve hours, fifty-six miles added to the odometer, and three meals, the Oma’s 60th Birthday Casino Crawl was complete.

In summary:

• Skip Casino Pauma altogether; it is not worth your time or money;
• Stop by Harrah’s for its beauty and maybe a Starbucks;
• Spend most of your time and money at Valley View and Pala Casinos for the friendly staff, enjoyment and amenities.
• If you could only pick one casino to visit, Oma would pick Valley View Casino; however Pala came in at a very close second! 

Be sure to tell them that "Oma Loves U!" sent you.

Harvest the Power of Nature #HarvestSnapsFan

It is not Oma’s birthday yet; however it seem like it was today. Oma was selected to be a Harvest Snaps Influencer. Like most ladies of Oma’s age, losing a few pounds is always a goal; regrettably finding easy yet healthy snacks always positions as a stumbling block.

Oma’s downfall is her love for anything
Potato Chip or French Fries!

Harvest Snaps generously sent Oma all six varieties of Harvest Crisps & Snaps pouches to sample.

Oma had never heard of Calbee North America. However, they were one of the first Japanese food manufacturers in North America when they began selling their Saya and Shrimp Chip brands in the early 1970’s. They stand by their claim: “Harvest the Power of Nature." Calbee Inc. is the second-largest snack food company in the world. Calbee Inc. has strategic partnership with Pepsico Inc.

From the Harvest Snaps Website

Snapea Crisps: Lightly Salted

The smooth, mild flavor of the pea is already delicious. So why mess with Mother Nature? We simply sprinkled it with a little salt to bring out the flavor and, voilà! Natural goodness, made great. Perfect for a post-workout snack, lunch side or crunchy topping on a salad, Lightly Salted Snapea Crisps are so simply good, you can eat them with anything, anywhere.

Snapea Crisps: Caesar

It’s a classic flavor that’s known for being as rich in calories as it is in taste. But now you can indulge in that one-of-a-kind Caesar taste without the guilt! Made from 60% pea, Snapea Crisps Caesar blends tangy and savory for a delicious, shameless way to snack.

Snapea Crisps: Black Pepper

Looking to spice up your snack life? We’ve taken the simple taste of pea, applied the perfect pinch of pepper, and created a warm kick of flavor your taste buds won’t forget. If you’re looking to make a bold impression on your taste buds, Snapea Crisps Black Pepper is a lip-smacking way to switch things up.

Snapea Crisps: Wasabi Ranch

Custom-made for the adventurous snacker, Snapea Crisps Wasabi Ranch will having you saying, “Oh, snap!” We married the intense flavor of wasabi with the refreshing taste of cool ranch to creative a flavor that invigorates the senses.

Lentil Snaps: Tomato Basil

You can’t go wrong with this garden-fresh combination. Dive into this all-time flavor-favorite with our take on ripe tomatoes and sweet, aromatic basil on a light, crispy lentil base. Lentil Snaps Tomato & Basil is a new twist on a timeless taste.

Lentil Snaps: Onion Thyme

Oh, the onion. Sweet yet tangy and oozing with a flavor all it’s own, it adds a little pep to, well, everything! Paired with the slightly minty, dry herbal taste of thyme and sprinkled on our crispy Lentil Snap crunch, it’s a synthesis of savory snacking you’ll come back to again and again.

Oma had never heard of Calbee North America before. 

However, I have been enjoying their Shrimp Chips for years!

Oma fixed a 120 calorie Lentil Snaps: Onion Thyme snack {approximately 24 pieces} for her after-swim food. It tasted great and was surprisingly filling. Oma will report back to you after conducting her taste complete sampling.

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This post was created in partnership with Harvest Snaps. I have been compensated for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

My ALS Ice Bucket Challenge #icebucketchallenge

As of Sunday, August 17, 2014, The ALS Association has received $13.3 million in donations compared to $1.7 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 17). These donations have come from existing donors and 259,505 new donors to The Association.

The ALS Association’s mission includes providing care services to assist people with ALS and their families through a network of chapters working in communities across the nation and a global research program focused on the discovery of treatments and eventually a cure for the disease. In addition, The Association’s public policy efforts empower people to advance public policies in our nation’s Capital that respond to the needs of people with ALS.

NASCAR Race Mom was challenged to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge by my ex-friend Richard. . . . 

So here I am to nominate my four soon-to-be ex-friends to accept this worthwhile challenge. In keeping with my NASCAR Mommy blog themes, my four nominees are Jen Kwasniewski (Dylan's Mom); Heidi Pursley (Taylor and Tyler’s Mom), my buddy Cindi Peace (Kelsy’s Mom) and I would not want to forget our dads so I also nominate Butch Gilliland (Amanda, Lisa, & David’s Dad)