You may have heard something about “Super Fruits” recently, and if you are like me, you might have wondered what that meant? A super fruit is nutritionally dense, and very good for you. Thanks to the Family Review Network, we recently got a chance to try out one such super fruit, the prune! Not just any prunes though, Sunsweet Ones!

I know, I know… prunes! They often get a bad name, or get made fun of, but they are really very good for you. Sunsweet Ones are individually wrapped prunes, making it easy to keep some handy on the go. It’s also great because the packaging keeps them super moist and keeps you aware of the serving size. They were the best prunes that I have tasted.

Below is more information on why prunes are so super and you can find information at http://www.pop-a-prune.com. Want a chance to win some, and a fun tote as well? Keep reading!

What makes a Prune SUPER:

* Antioxidant rich. Prunes have a high antioxidant (ORAC) score. Antioxidants help to slow the oxidative damage to our bodies, and many researchers believe that antioxidants slow the aging process.
* Potassium punch. Move over bananas! Ounce for ounce, prunes have more potassium than bananas. Studies have shown potassium helps prevent hypertension and stroke.
* Bone health. A handful of nutrient-rich prunes a day may help bone metabolism and the reversal of bone loss for people with osteoporosis. They may also lead to improved bone formation.
* Low Glycemic Index (GI). Prunes are a low GI food, and therefore help to contribute to a low Glycemic Load diet and can aid in preventing and managing conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and obesity.
* Heart health. Prunes can help play a role in preventing heart disease and chronic diseases because they’re rich in antioxidants, which slow the chemical process of oxidation and protect key cell components from damage.
* Prebiotic power. Prunes naturally contain prebiotics, which stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine. This helps dietary fiber perform well and promotes immune system and digestive health.
* Weight loss. Prunes are a good source of fiber, and this can help keep hunger pangs at bay. As a food component, fiber isn’t absorbed, so it doesn’t contribute calories that’s why high-fiber foods are included in weight loss diets. Plus, four prunes have just 100 calories!

5 Lucky Readers will win a a Sunsweet reusable shopping bag and a Sunsweet VIP Coupon, which is good for ANY Sunsweet product up to $5.50 in value. This giveaway is open to those in the USA only. To enter leave a comment on this post (you may comment daily) before midnight on December 7th, 2009.

“This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and Sunsweet Ones, who provided the product for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.”

*this giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Judy, Cheryl, and Sherrie.*

One thing that I love most about doing reviews is the way I get introduced to things I never heard of before. I got a review copy of the new Brandi Carlile CD, Give Up the Ghost recently. What a treat! I had never heard of Brandi before, so I was curious what kind of music it would be. It’s a bit hard to categorize the style of music, but I would say it’s mainly folk rock or even country.

Album Tracklisting:
Looking Out
Dying Day
Pride And Joy
Dreams
That Year
Caroline
Before It Breaks
I Will
If There Was No You
Touching The Ground
Oh Dear

Apparently, those of you who are Grey’s Anatomy fans are already pretty familiar with Brandi, as some of her songs have been on the show. A fun tidbit about her is that she was inspired to pick up the guitar and learned to play after seeing the Indigo Girls in concert at Lilith Fair. She’s come a long way since then! If you enjoy folk rock music, you will probably enjoy this album a lot! You can buy Give Up the Ghost online, or download it on iTunes. You can find out more about her and hear samples of her music on her website, BrandiCarlile.com. She even has a Facebook Fan page if you want to be a fan there.

Pump Gloves

What are Pump Gloves you ask? They are super fun gloves that cover your hands while you are at the pump! As their saying goes “Don’t Be a Ditz, Cover Your Mitts”!

I recently got a pair from the company to review, and I have to admit, I love them. Especially now that the weather is getting really cold and wet, these are great to have on hand when I go to the gas station. They keep my hands warm, dry, and clean. Plus, I think they look really adorable. Sure my husband accused me of being a “prissy girl” when he first saw them, but I would rather keep my hands warm and happy than be a “tough cookie”!

They are very soft inside, and come in the cutest package! They even come with a handy storage bag that fits perfectly in a glove compartment or center storage unit in the car. I also think they would make a perfect gift for the girl who has everything! I don’t know about you, but filling up the car with gas is one of my least favorite things to do, but these gloves make it a lot more pleasant. Who knew?

Of course, I love that they are machine washable, because after several uses, especially with the upcoming snow and muck season around the corner, I am sure they will need freshening up! Here is a bit about the company:

Jean Schipper of Laguna Beach, California, designed this whimsical, yet practical, product with inspiration from her friends, Becky Johnson and Judy Ahlheim Beal of New England. Five percent of profits will be donated to the Princeton Environmental Institute, Princeton University.

You can find Pump Gloves online, and they come in a three different styles/colors. Mine are like the photo, black with white polka dots and a pink ribbon! I couldn’t have asked for a better pair to review, they are super cute and do tend to attract some attention at the pump as well! Add in the fact that they can help protect your hands, and manicures too, and you have a fun and functional product… one you never even knew you needed!

Gypsy Soule Legacy

I recently got an amazing pair of boots to review on our site from Gypsy Soule. These are not your regular boots, they are handcrafted to bring your feet a totally unique wearing experience.

If you are looking for something unique and something that will help you stand out from the crowd, then Gypsy Soule is for you! From studs, animal print, zippers, and fur, you can find them on glam embellished Gypsy Soule sheepskin lined suede boots.

These aren’t your regular, plain old boots though! They have captured the attention of retailers and celebrities everywhere. Celebrities Kris Jenner Kardashian mom, Miranda Lambert, Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Love Hewitt are proud owners of Gypsy Soule products. I imagined them being a perfect boot for the Sundance Film Festival, where you need both comfort and style, while also braving the snow and cold!

The boots come in other patterns, and the company also offers some fun flip flops and clothing. My summer loving souls would be happy in their flip flops for sure! Luckily, the boots are made to help keep the feet toasty warm in the coming winter months.

A little about the company:

In 2003, Lorinda Graham-Van Newkirk brought the concept of jeweled, cowhide flip-flops to reality in the Western retail market. Seemingly overnight, the once unseen combination was on the shelves of retailers around every corner and Gypsy Soule® flip-flops became the catalyst for an industry trend. Lorinda and Amy plan to build upon the core of Gypsy Soule — “products for women, designed by women.” The collaboration began with friendship and a mutual work experience. Both bring various pieces of experience to the design table and plan to bring fresh, new items to the mainstream and western retail industry.

I have decided to donate my review pair to our Pink October event! That’s right, one lucky winner with a size 9 (womens, USA) foot will get the chance to own these blinged out boots! Prepare your feet for warmth, and prepare yourself to turn heads! The pair is just like those in the photo, and are brand spanking new (only tried one once with clean socks, so don’t fret). Would you like a chance to win?

Leave a comment on this post before October 30th, 2009. You may enter daily until the giveaway ends. You can get an extra entry by being a “fan” on Facebook. Please be sure to fill out the email portion of the comment form correctly, as the winner will be contacted by email the day after the giveaway ends. This giveaway is open to those in the USA and Canada.

As always, a donation is not required for entry, but we do encourage you to make a donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation during this time.

*this giveaway is now closed, congrats to Susan Ledet.*

We are always on the look out for fun games to play! Playing games of all kinds is something that we enjoy doing often, so when Family Review Network offered us a sample of a new game called Rummino, we wanted to try it!

Rummino – The Tile Rummy Game combines Rummy with the strategy of word tile games. Although the game has a bunch of tiles with letters on them (92 to be exact), there are no words to create because it is played like Rummy. The game combines the game play of Rummy with the strategy of word tile games

To play, you draw tiles, play them off sets and runs already on the table, and work to get the highest number of points. If you are familiar with Rummy it should be a fun and easy switch for you. For those who aren’t, it might take some getting used to at first, but it’s really an easy game, though you can throw in a lot of strategy as well.

Rummino – The Tile Rummy Game is recommended for ages eight and up, and while we didn’t try it with any children, it was certainly good for the adults! Do you enjoy games in your home as well? If you do, this is one that is worth checking out. Don’t let the simplicity of play fool you though, it’s a game that can be both challenging and entertaining every time you play! You can purchase Rummino – The Tile Rummy Game online at Amazon.com.