Fractionated Coconut Oil

A while back, I posted about using coconut oil, mentioning that it is semi solid at room temperature, much like shortening (although not as dense).  Today, I'd like to talk to you about Fractionated Coconut Oil, which is a liquid.

Fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long-chain triglycerides are removed, leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides, which makes it an absolutely saturated oil.  Plainly put, it's been altered to be a stable liquid.

I received a 16 ounce bottle of fractionated coconut oil from Majestic Pure.  When my oil arrived, it came with a sticker listing the expiration date on it, which I re-adhered to the bottle, to ensure that I use it in a timely fashion.  (As a side note, the other day I found children's pain reliever in my bathroom that expired a year ago.  I am thankful to have such healthy kids that we can't use up 24 chewables before they expire.)

It also came with a handy little pop open lid, which I used to replace the very secure shipping lid.

I have been using my fractionated coconut oil to dilute essential oils, and to create oil blends.  It's also a popular base ingredient in many DIY body products, such as natural hair care, lip gloss, deodorant, and shaving cream.  Many people mix a favorite essential oil with Fractionated Coconut Oil to use as massage oil.

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Purex Power Shot detergent #giveaway

Check out what showed up at our house recently!

Purex sent us a bottle of their new Power Shot concentrated laundry detergent.  I asked one of the kids to put it in the laundry room for me, and this is what I found when I went in there later:

As you can imagine, I do a lot of laundry with 10 people in the house.  Some people have a "laundry day."  How cute.  I do laundry every day, so making it go quick and easy is always a plus.

The new flip top lid on Purex Power Shot opens easily.

And the "dummy proof" measure-it-for-you bottle makes it easy to get just the right amount in a jiffy.  This design is perfect for children helping with the laundry, or folks with special needs who might have a hard time twisting or measuring.

By the time I was half way through the bottle, I realized I was spoiled by how easy it was to flip the cap, invert the bottle, have just the right amount of detergent dispensed, turn the bottle upright, flip the cap closed, and be done!

In addition to our giveaway here on the blog, where you can win a coupon for a free bottle of Purex Power Shot detergent, Purex is giving away 3 Whirlpool washer & dryer sets, and 300 bottles of detergent!  Enter HERE and receive a $1 coupon, too!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tempered Glass iPhone Screen Protector

I got a new phone for Christmas.  It feels very indulgent, but my old phone was starting to randomly turn off for no reason, and sometimes wouldn't unlock, so it was time.

Almost the first thing Paul said after I opened it was, "Be sure to get a case to protect it!"  And I did, of course.  I picked out something cute, with cherry blossoms on it.  But the case doesn't have a clear front piece to it.  So I was very happy to be able to review the iPhone 6 Tempered Glass Screen Protector.

The screen protector is super easy to install.  It comes with a wipe you use to clean your screen, and then it adheres rather like a rigid sticker.  Easy peasy!  Now my phone is protected from scratches and cracks.  Once installed, you can barely tell it's there.  It doesn't interfere with the phone in any way, and it's completely clear.

The screen protector sells for a modest $7.97, a worthwhile price to protect expensive technology.  If you have a different phone, check out their other products to see if they carry your size.

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Toddler Toys from The Learning Journey International

We recently received a package from The Learning Journey International.

They sent us the On The Go Activity Set to review, which contains a pair of "keys" and a "cell phone" toy.  This set sells for $14.99.

Unfortunately, the cell phone toy did not work, and the company declined to send us fresh batteries or a replacement toy, so I can't comment on how it sounds.

These toys are intended for children aged 3 months and up.  I had hoped that Luke would play with them, since he seems to like musical toys, but the buttons are flat, and he doesn't have the coordination to hold and push them.  (Luke is 3 years old, but profoundly handicapped, and functions more like a young infant.)

Katie and Hannah (who are 4 and 7) love to squirrel things away in bags and backpacks, and these toys made a welcome addition to their purse play.  The keys have 2 buttons, which make a variety of sounds when pressed.  The girls liked making noise with the keys, of course.  The music didn't bother me, but one of my teens found it grating.

The Learning Journey International website shows a nice variety of educational playthings, including puzzles, games, toys, and more.  I like the look of the money set, and the cash register.  (We're going to be learning about money soon.)  You can connect with them on Facebook or Pinterest.

Linking up with:

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Our Week

This week went by quickly!  We're seeing signs of SPRING here already.  The trees are budding and blooming, daffodils are popping up.  Such a mild winter!  It's warm enough to skip the fleece jacket when I do afternoon school pickup.  Looking forward to good park weather!  

In history, we've made it through the Barbarians, Charlemagne, the Celts, Saint Patrick, and Vikings.

Miss Hannah is still working her way through the Art Projects book.

In Home Art Studio, we did 2 projects this week!

The first one was based on Humpty Dumpty, and involved masking tape and bristol board.

And SALT!  Salted watercolor produces neat effects.

I just love all the vibrant color in this project.

The tape peeled up easily after the paint was dry, and we were left with works like these:

See how neat the texture is with the salt?

I have to say, I'm really enjoying how easy Home Art Studio makes it for us to do art each week.  Watch the DVD, do the project.

Katie Bug was playing with the pouch lids and wanted me to get a picture of this.

In addition to colors, and matching, we're working on patterns and counting and copying.

I thought Luke might be interested in the bright colors, but he just rubbed the carpet and never actually touched the pouch lids.

Eli has been building with K'nex the last several days.  I really like the turtle!

I like that he'll build something according to the directions... and then modify it to make it more his own.  He's made several improvements to most of his vehicles.

Our second project with Home Art Studio was inspired by The Princess and the Pea.

It was a resist project.  The kids drew beds, then traced over them with glue.  (Eli chose green glue from our window clings a while back.)

The next day, after the glue was dry, they painted their projects.

I like that even though they're all doing the same project, each piece turns out so differently.

This week, we learn about castles and knights and the medieval church and the pope.  Should be fascinating!

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