Category: Uncategorized

What is it? 

Apidren is a weight loss brand made with a clinically studied proprietary ingredient to help provide potent results. The intended benefits include decreased waist and hip size.

There are only 2 active ingredients added to a proprietary blend meant to provide a combined effect that helps reduce fat cells. One 16 week study showed around an extra 3.5 pounds of weight loss in comparison to placebo. They also use testimonials to help show the possible benefits of this brand. In this review you’ll learn about the quality of ingredients, how customers have reviewed it, and what you can expect in terms of weight loss.

Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2016?

Apidren Ingredients and Side Effects 

Sphaeranthus Indicus Extract
Garcinia Mangostana Extract
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Magnesium Stearate
Silicone Dioxide

Sphaeranthus Indicus Extract: Plant native to parts of India. It has been used mostly as an anti-inflammatory, and as a way to regulate blood sugar. Though Examine.com mentions:

“huge limitation of the science behind this herb is that the mechanisms of action and the actual molecules… are currently not well known at all” 

The lack of quality scientific studies prevents this ingredient from being considered a possible weight loss tool.

There was one clinical study which showed that when this was combined with Garcinia Mangostana, that it had weight loss effects. However, this study was funded by a manufacturer who sold this proprietary formula. Studies of this ingredient by itself have not shown any proven weight loss effects. The data available on this ingredient is poor, and much more is need before determining if it would be safe and effective for weight loss. 

Garcinia Mangostana Extract: Tropical fruit grown in parts of Asia, Florida, and India.  It contains a low amount of nutrients.

It was used in traditional medicine as a way to treat skin issues, urinary tract infections, and other issues. Information about this ingredient is lacking. Web MD adds:

“there is no scientific information about whether mangosteen works for any medical condition” 

“not enough reliable information to know if mangosteen products are safe for use as medicines” 

A study by the University of London also found:

“serious weakness in our knowledge is the lack of clinical data” 

Though the official website for Apidren claims there have been 3 clinical studies on the key active ingredients, they fail to present this information anywhere. So it’s unknown if the studies were of good quality, and what where the full benefits.

As far as Garcinia Mangostana on its own, there’s a lack of information to help determine if it would be safe and effective for weight loss.

Typically, this ingredient is only studied for other health benefits. These effects have also been refuted often. The American Cancer Society adds:

“there is no reliable evidence that mangosteen… is effective as a treatment for cancer in humans” 

Mangosteen has also failed to have sufficient clinical studies to help show what it could possibly due to help with weight loss. 

Microcrystalline Cellulose: Anticaking ingredient made from refined wood pulp.  It may promote a laxative effect in large amounts.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven fat burner such as Sletrokor for better results.

Apidren Quality of Ingredients

The 2 key active ingredients have yet to be backed by any reliable clinical studies that prove it’s safe and effective for weight loss.

The only studies available online which showcase an effect for weight loss are backed by a company that makes a proprietary version of the active ingredients. No unbiased studies are available anywhere. Though studies on the ingredients themselves have either been lacking, or not yet proven by the medical community.

The other 3 inactive ingredients are only added to stabilize the product. It’s because of these failings that this brand is a poor supplement. The only supposed clinical studies are not published, and it’s important to look over the data to determine if they’re reliable studies. For a better weight loss option, you can find the best brands by clicking here.

There are far too many questions about the safety and usefulness of Apidren that have not been answered by the company.

The Price and Quality of Apidren 

Sales are available directly from the manufacturers. A 30 supply sells for $49.95.  This means that you pay a daily price of $1.66. This is expensive for what’s only a combination of 2 active ingredients.

Garcinia Mangostana extract has not been shown to help with weight loss according to multiple clinical studies. Also, Sphearanthus Indicus is also lacking enough studies to show if it’s truly effective. For brands which contain only clinically backed ingredients, you can click here.

The major problem with this supplement is that although the company uses clinical studies to help show its effects, they fail to cite the actual studies. There can be flaws in this study, and it’s unknown if they can be trusted without looking at the data.

The company uses graphs to help show what the difference is between this proprietary blend and a placebo, but much more information is needed to determine the overall quality. They fail to add how many people were tested, if they were on a diet, how much of the formula was used, and what possible side effects were experienced.

The makers claim that these findings were made public at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American College of Nutrition. In researching this, it has not been cited or proven to be actually true. It’s unknown if the company is actually telling the truth. 

Business of Apidren 

The manufacturers are called Advantage Nutraceuticals, LLC. Their contact information is listed as: 

Phone Number: (801) 319- 0481 

Address: 4778 North 300 West Suite 120

Provo, Utah 84604

The FDA sent them a warning letter for making unverified health claims about their supplements.  They required the company to stop making these claims, and to respond to the warning letter within 15 days.

Information on the company is difficult to discover. Though they have a Better Business Bureau listing, their contact information is completely different, with a different state as well as to what’s on their official website.

It’s unknown what the company stands for, and whether or not they changed their marketing clainms that the FDA warned them about.

There’s also no mention of a money back guarantee, so all sales are final even if one were to fail to experience any weight loss benefits.

EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.

Customer Opinions of Apidren 

Here are some real reviews from online customers:

“I felt extremely jittery, absent minded and uncomfortable” 

“These did not work for me, and I did not lose one pound” 

“literally did nothing but make me feel sick to my stomach” 

“this product upset my stomach, caused sleep loss, and most importantly did not contribute to any noticeable weight loss” 

The majority of reviews were extremely negative, their Amazon.com page currently has 43 complaints. There were issues due to a lack of weight loss, and only uncomfortable side effects.

People often experienced symptoms that are only a problem with stimulants. Though it’s unknown how these ingredients could have caused such an effect. There have been issues with insomnia, anxiety, rapid heart rate, jitters, headaches, heartburn, nausea, and frequent bathroom usage.

None of these symptoms listed have been shown with the kinds of ingredients used in Apidren. It could be that due to the lack of clinical studies, the side effects experienced by customers are possible. It’s unknown as there aren’t many reliable studies performed on the key active ingredients.

Sometimes supplement companies will add unlisted ingredients. It’s unknown if this is the case with Apidren. However, it’s odd that people have experienced side effects only common in stimulant ingredients.

To see brands which have not shown these kinds of side effects, you can click here.

Conclusion – Does Apidren Work?

Before you make a final decision on Apidren, it’s important to look at the customer reviews, the company history, and what kinds of proof are provided. The manufacturers fail to ever cite any of the clinical studies, so it’s unknown if this brand has truly been proven to help with weight loss. The company has been flagged by the FDA in the past for making false health claims about their supplements. Also, customers have mentioned they experienced terrible side effects. People have listed many symptoms that include heartburn, rapid heart rate, insomnia, and a lack of weight loss benefits in any form.

For a better supplement, you can try out the 2016 supplement of the year known as Sletrokor. Click here for more information as to why it won the number one spot.

This all natural supplement is made with plant extracts which have been clinically studied. Many people have left great testimonials and reviews to show why it’s so effective for weight loss. Many benefits are possible that include improved mood, increased metabolism, suppressed appetite, stabilized blood sugar, and several other potent weight loss effects.

You can even try Sletrokor risk free for a total of 30 days. They offer a full money back return with no questions asked. To learn more, you can click here.

 

What is it? 

Cardio Cuts is a weight loss thermogenic powder, and a pre-workout supplement. It claims to help with toning the body, providing recovery after a workout, and increasing energy while providing endurance.

It’s self-proclaimed as the first “pre-cardio/weight loss formula”, intended to provide full support for workouts. An intended benefit for workouts is delayed fatigue, so you can push harder during exercise. Is this truly an effective solution for weight loss? What do customers have to say about its effects? In this review every detail of Cardio Cuts will be covered in full.

Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2016?

Cardio Cuts Ingredients and Side Effects 

Cholecalciferol
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Folic Acid
Methylcobalamin
Calcium Citrate and Silicate

Magnesium Aspartate
Sodium
Carnitine Complex
Conjugated Linoleic Acid powder
Medium Chain Triglyceride Powder

Kelp
L-Tyrosine
Gum Guggul
3,5-Dioodo-L-Tyrosine
Beta-Alanine

Taurine
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine AKG
L-Histidine HCI
L-Isoleucine

L-Leucine
L-Valine
Glycerol
Bis Picolinato Oxo Vanadium
Ribose (D-Ribose)

Norvaline
L-Arginine
L-Arginine AKG 2:1
L- Arginine Ethyl Esther
N-Acetyl Cystenine

Alpha Lipoic Acid
Coenzyme Q10
Polygonum cuspidatum 20% Resveratrol
Grape Seed Extract
Folic Acid

Pine Bark Extract
Caffeine Anhydrous
Raspberry Ketones
Amla Fruit Extract
Citrus Aurantium Extract

Lotus Seed Exact (Nelulean)
Phosphatidyl Serine
Guarana Seed Extract
Calcium Citrate
Magnesium  Aspartate

Pyridoxine HCI
Cholecalciferol
Methylcobalamin
Malic Acid
Natural and Artificial Flavors

Maltodextrin
Calcium Silicitate
Sucralose
Acesulfame Potassium
FD&C Red 40

Gum Guggul: Sap extracted from the mukul tree. It’s used to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol. Though it’s used for weight loss, Examine.com mentions:

“not effective for the main means it is marketed for (fat loss)” 

Possible side effects from this include:

Vomiting, nausea, and stomach issues.
Allergic reactions.
Loose stools and diarrhea.
Headaches. 

Caffeine Anhydrous: Dehydrated caffeine used to help increase energy, metabolism, and to stimulate the heart.

Frequent usage can cause withdrawal symptoms. It may also lead to side effects that may include:

Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and agitation.
Jitters, anxiety, and restlessness.
Insomnia and fatigue.
Rapid eye movement, cold sweats, and muscle spasms.
Difficulty breathing and concentrating. 

The effects of caffeine are also limited, according to Examine.com:

“Habitual caffeine use leads to tolerance, which dulls several of caffeine’s effects” 

Since Cardio Cuts uses a proprietary formula, it’s unknown how much total caffeine is added.  This can be potentially dangerous, as not everyone reacts to caffeine the same. One customer who bought this brand mentioned that nowhere on the container does it mention the caffeine content.

The official website also does not list how much caffeine is added. If one adds stimulants from other sources such as coffee and tea, this may cause unwanted side effects. 

Citrus Aurantium Extract: Stimulant ingredient added  to help increase heart rate, blood pressure, and to help burn fat.

Web MD has expressed concern over this ingredient:

“POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken as a supplement for a medical purpose such as weight loss” 

It may increase the risk for side effects which includes:

Rapid hear rate, cardiovascular damage, and high blood pressure.
Headaches, migraine headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Heart attack and stroke.
Several other severe side effects. 

When mixed with caffeine, there’s a multiplied effect that may cause increased risk for serious side effects. It’s unknown what kind of an effect it may cause, but there have been cases of people experiencing heart attacks and even death from this mixture. 

Guarana Seed Extract: Seeds of this plant are used as a stimulant, due to its added caffeine.

Web MD adds a concern over this ingredient:

“LIKELY UNSAFE and even deadly, due to its caffeine content” 

Much like the other sources of caffeine in Cardio Cuts, it’s unknown how much is added. 

Sucralose: Non-caloric artificial sweeter that is around 1,00 times much sweeter than regular sucrose.

Studies have shown this ingredient to be potentially harmful. One study performed by the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health adds:

“Alters Gut Microflora and Increases Intestinal P-Glycoprotein” 

Damaged microflora can lead to immune system damage, and increased inflammation. The body releases p-Glycoprotein only when a potential contaminant overtakes the body. Therefore, Sucralose is considered a toxin when ingested. 

Acesulfame Potassium: Artificial sweetener that has studies showing it may be potentially unsafe. A clinical study performed by PLOS One was performed on rats, it showed:

“chronic use of ACK could affect cognitive functions, potentially via altering neuro-metabolic functions:” 

The rats given this sweetener had an altered brain function. There were also issues with:

“altering fasting insulin and leptin levels” 

So it had an impact on blood sugar, and the hormone that affects satiety called leptin. This means that one can eat a lot of it and still not have their appetite curbed.

Ribose: Sugar made by the body that’s used to improve muscle energy. Possible side effects may include:

Nausea, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea.
Headaches.
Low blood sugar.

Web MD also adds:

“isn’t enough information about the safety of long-term use” 

Much like the other ingredients in this formula, the makers of Cardio Cuts don’t add their own research, and since outside publications do not have enough information, it’s unknown what kind of an effect it may have. 

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven fat burner such as Sletrokor for better results.

Cardio Cuts Quality Of Ingredients 

The type of ingredients added to this formula are mostly heavy stimulants, amino acids which can be replaced with whole foods, and vitamins and minerals.

The issue with this blend is the possibility for extreme side effects. There’s an unknown amount of caffeine mixed with other stimulants. This may cause serious symptoms, and it’s impossible to properly dose this brand, since it’s stimulants are added in unknown amounts.

The combined effect of all this may be potentially dangerous. Not everyone reacts to stimulants the same, and since exercise is a big part of taking this brand, it may further the chance of cardiovascular related risks.

During strenuous exercise the heart is already performing at a high rate, to add more stimulants could potentially cause extra strain.

The Price and Quality of Cardio Cuts 

2 full scoops a day provide 20 servings at $69.99.  There are some ingredients that will likely increase energy due to their stimulant effects.

Though long term-use of stimulants is not considered a healthy solution for weight loss. Ingredients like caffeine have reduced effects that are only left to sleep loss with routine use. This brand has a combination of additives like synephrine, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, and many others, which may cause side effects.

The combination of synephrine and caffeine is a potentially damaging mixture. It may cause serious side effects including anxiety, rapid heart rate, cardiovascular damage and even stroke. For the price paid and the potentially damaging effects, this brand has a poor mixture of additives. 

Business of Cardio Cuts 

FitLife Brands Inc. make this brand, they can be reached via the following: 

Phone Number: (866) 820-5559 

No address or email is provided. There’s also no information about whether or not they allow for returns.

Outside of their own website, information is also lacking. It’s unknown how this company operates, or if users have had good experiences with the customer service.

EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.

Customer Opinions of Cardio Cuts 

Very little is known about this brands use, due to the lack of customer reviews. There are only a handful of people who have reviewed this brand. Here’s what a few had to say:

“hangover effect lasted until 7PM.. and I had the ONE  scoop drink at 7AM” 

“this product has made me gain weight” 

“started gasping for air and then wheezing” 

“got really really bad headaches whenever I use this” 

Much like other stimulant formulas, people have experienced serious side effects such as headaches, nausea, mood swings, insomnia, rapid heart rate, jitters, and feelings of anxiety.

Since no money back return policy is offered, all sales of this supplement are final. The combined effect of exercise and Cardio Cuts may strain the heart, and further the possibility for side effects.

Exercise plays a big role with this supplement, and though people do say it gave them an extra feeling of energy, this can be replaced with cheaper stimulants. Though stimulants are not advised for weight loss, as they may cause side effects.

Conclusion – Does Cardio Cuts Work? 

Cardio Cuts is likely to produce an effect with its heavy mixture of stimulants. The issue is that there’s a lack of information as to how much of each stimulant is added. Many users of this brand have noticed increased energy for a short while, but they’ve also experienced serious side effects. Much like other stimulant formulas, it’s not a long-term, or well-rounded solution for weight loss.

There’s a better option in 2016’s best supplement of the year, which is Sletrokor.

People have left great testimonials showing how effective and safe it is for weight loss. This all-natural formula has no added stimulants, food colorings, binders, or unnecessary ingredients. It’s made with a wholesome formula for serious weight loss. That’s why customers have stated on the official website how much weight they’ve lost.

Sletrokor is also backed by a 30-day money back guarantee, so you can use this brand without any fears of losing out on money.

What is it? 

EpiBURN Pro is a weight loss brand that’s scientifically reviewed, and made to help provide extra energy for workouts. It’s intended to help support bodybuilding, strength training, endurance training, crossfit, and other forms of fitness.

It’s advised to limit oneself to an 8 week cycle, and then taking a 4 week break before starting up again. This is due to the added stimulants, which the company advises to avoid any additional caffeine in order to prevent side effects.  The website doesn’t offer much information about the intended benefits of this brand, but they do offer suggestions such as making sure to drink enough water. This review will go over customer reviews, the company history, whether or not it’s safe, and other important details about EpiBURN Pro.

Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2016?

EpiBURN Pro Ingredients and Side Effects 

Withania Somnifera (Root) Extract
Olea Europaea (Leaf) Extract
Yohimbe (Bark) Extract
Nelumbo Nucifera (Seed) Extract

Caffeine
Gelatin
Silicon Dioxide
Magnesium Stearate

Microcrystalline Cellulose
Titanium Dioxide
FD&C Blue #2

Withania Somnifera (Root) Extract: This herb is also known as Ashwagandha.  It’s used to lower inflammation, blood pressure, and to help calm anxiety.

There isn’t any quality data about how it works. Web MD adds:

“long-term safety of Ashwagandha is not known” 

It can also lead to side effects that include:

Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Upset stomach and digestive issues. 

Olea Europaea (Leaf) Extract: More commonly known as olive leaf extract.  It’s used to help control blood sugar, as well as help support healthy LDL cholesterol.

It’s also used for fat loss, but according to Web MD:

“there does not appear to be any overall fat loss” 

It’s also unknown what kinds of effects the leaf portion of olive may have. No quality studies have been performed. 

Yohimbe (Bark) Extract: Tree bark from a West African tree which has stimulant effects. It increase blood flow and stimulates nerve impulses.

Drugs.com also mentions its possible side effects:

“Yohimbe may cause central nervous system stimulation and paralysis, and may precipitate psychoses in predisposed people” 

Therefore, certain people may be incredibly sensitive to this ingredient. Web MD also adds:

“Yohimbe, taken by mouth, is POSSIBLY UNSAFE” 

It can potentially lead to side effects such as:

Rapid heart rate, agitation, and organ failure.
Seizure, muscle twitches, and cold sweats.
Headache, migraines, and ringing in the ears.
Mood swings, anxiety, and insomnia.

There are numerous other possible side effects, and this may be increased with the usage of other stimulants such as the ones added to EpiBURN Pro.

Examine.com also mentions that this ingredient is often not formulated correctly:

“labeled dose of supplements that contain it often does not match the actual dose” 

As you’ll see in the “Business of EpiBURN Pro” section, there’ been a history of issues with the manufacturing of the company’s supplements. 

Nelumbo Nucifera (Seed) Extract: Plant that’s found in parts of Asia, it’s also known as lotus. It’s meant to help provide sedative, and anti-depressant qualities.

There have been no human studies performed, and it’s unknown if this would be safe to take long term. 

Caffeine: This general stimulant is used to increase metabolism, energy, and mental focus. There’s a total of 100 mg of caffeine added to EpiBURN Pro per serving. The manufactures recommend about a 3 day maximum, meaning a total of 300 mg are offered.

This may cause potential side effects that include:

Insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.
Rapid heart rate, cardiovascular issues, and jitters.
Dehydration, abnormal heart rhythm, and nausea.
Headache, ringing in the ears, and migraines. 

Not everyone responds to caffeine the same, and that’s why the label for this supplement advises to be cautious of the amount added. It’s advised to carefully monitor one’s own results in order to avoid possible side effects. 

FD&C Blue #2: Artificial blue dye that has no nutritional value, it’s added to help give these pills a color.

A study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest showed:

“Blue No. 2 had statistically significant increases in brain cancers and other abnormal cell development” 

This ingredient has also been linked to hyperactivity and ADHD symptoms in children.

Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2016?

 

EpiBURN Pro Quality of Ingredients

Ingredients such as Nelumbo Nucifera, Olea Europaea, and Withania Somnifera lack any useful studies to either show long term or even short term effects.

The added caffeine with yohimbe may potentially increase the risk for serious side effects.  The rest of the 6 ingredients are inactive, and the added food coloring may also promote side effects.

Much more research is needed since only 2 of the ingredients have shown a possible weight loss effect. The problem with these 2 stimulants is that they require this brand to be cycled. This is in order to prevent any possible side effects.  So by its nature, this brand is not a long lasting solution for weight loss.

The overall quality of this brand is lacking. For a comprehensive list of the very best supplements you can click here.

The Price and Quality of EpiBURN Pro 

The manufacturers sell direct. A 90 capsule bottle lasting 30 days sells for $24.99, if taken at a full dosage.

Though since only 2 of the ingredients have been shown to potentially help with weight loss, it’s expensive. Caffeine and yohimbe can be sourced for much cheaper. They’re not good weight loss ingredients, since there’s a possibility for extreme side effects. Stimulant free options for weight loss are available if you click here.

Though this brand claims to be scientifically reviewed, they fail to cite any sources to back up this claim. This makes it impossible to determine what the science has to say about this brand.

One also has to consider drinking 125 fl. oz. of liquid if one is a man, and 91 fl. oz. for women. These are the stated directions set forth by the manufactures. They also add:

“Consult with your physician before using this product” 

They don’t mention exactly why, but it probably has to do with the concerns over the stimulants added.

Business of EpiBURN Pro 

The creators are USPlabs Supplements, LLC. They can be contacted via the following customer service information: 

Phone Number: (800) 890-3067 

Email: info@usplabsdirect.com

The company is currently facing a lawsuit by the FDA. The FDA has left a notice to consumers stating:

“indictment alleges that USPlabs engaged in a conspiracy to import ingredients from China using false certificates of analysis and false labeling and then lied about the source and nature of those ingredients” 

This was not the first time the FDA has filed charges against the company. They were also cited for:

“a dietary supplement linked to dozens of cases of acute liver failure and hepatitis, including one death and illness so severe that several patients required liver transplants” 

The FDA ended up destroying around $22 million of the company’s supplements.  This was in order to prevent the sales of this potentially harmful supplement.

The company alleges that new brands no longer have any tainted ingredients, but its’ unknown if this is true as the lawsuit is ongoing.

The company also claims to offer a money back guarantee, but they don’t mention exactly what one needs to do to schedule a return.

EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.

Customer Opinions of EpiBURN Pro 

Reviews are available online, here’s what some customers have experienced:

“I haven’t notice any benefits and am totally disappointed” 

“Makes me nauteous and jittery” 

“My appetite is the same and fat is still here” 

“I would definitely return this product” 

Much like other stimulant formulas, customers experienced unwanted symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, rapid heart rate, and feelings of nausea.

There were also complaints about a lack of weight loss, with many people claiming there was no benefit to this brand. Many failed to have their appetite suppressed, nor did they experience any other weight loss support.

For supplements backed by great customer reviews, you can click here.

Conclusion – Does EpiBURN Pro Work?

When making a decision on EpiBURN Pro, it’s important to look at the science behind these ingredients, and what the company stands for. Not only did this brand fail to give many people any weight loss benefits, but it’s also shown the possibility for serious side effects. The manufacturers are currently under an FDA investigation over concerns over tainted ingredients. This brand also can only be taken for short periods, in order to prevent possible side effects.

A better alternative is offered by the 2016 supplement of the year called Sletrokor.

This all natural supplement is made with wholesome ingredients that help with appetite suppression, improved mood, increased metabolism, and many other potent benefits. That’s the reason why so many customers have left testimonials showcasing the benefits of this brand. Many have lost weight and had great results by using this natural supplement.

Sletrokor is also backed by a full 30 day money back guarantee. You can try it for yourself and return it if you aren’t satisfied. For more information about this brand, you can discover what it offers by clicking here.

There are few things I detest more than parents who judge other parents. The sense of superiority you feel in not losing it when my kid has just toppled over the (third) display in the supermarket after he has screamed for 20 minutes about not getting a cookie at the bakery and after opening the pretzels which, obliviously to you, have been sprinkled up and down the produce aisle? Well, if you are not hissing under your breath that there will be ABSOLUTELY NO SCREENTIME TONIGHT and that you are taking away the star on the “good for you!” chart and that you are Very Disappointed in their behavior? Then you obviously have never taken a child to the supermarket. Which means you either don’t have children or have very luxurious accommodations which allow you to saunter on over to pick  up the weekly 72 gallons of milk without your children in tow.

So back off with the contemptuous look. Offer me a hand when I am trying to check out while swiping the candy bars out of my child’s hand and balancing a 90-pound container of laundry detergent and two-ton vat of peanut butter at the same time. Or just tell me that you hope my day gets better.

My top picks for reminding me that there will always be those days (also great to share if anyone in your house has a Very Bad Day).

Actually, just read this one.  It’s the best, and you’re probably too tired for more than one book anyway.

The post What to Read on The Horrible No Good Very Bad Day appeared first on Tips on Life and Love.

What is it?

Ab Cuts is a weight loss brand made with oils to help reduce body fat, increase metabolism, and provide antioxidant support. It’s made without the use of stimulants, and is said to not have the risk for headaches or jitters.

It’s touted as being offered in an easy to swallow capsule, that’s made with liquid gel technology. It’s meant to be combined alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan, with 2 capsules required twice a day. There is fish added to this product as well, so they do give a warning to be careful if one has any allergies. In this Ab Cuts review you’ll learn about what customers have to say, whether or not it’s safe, and what you can expect in terms of weight loss.

Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2016?

Ab Cuts Ingredients and Side Effects 

Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol)
Safflower Oil (80% CLA)
Omega 3 Fish Oil
Borage Oil

Flax Seed Oil
Sesame Seed Oil
Gelatin
Glycerin

Purified Water

Safflower Oil (80% CLA): This flowering plant is used to help lower cholesterol and to reduce the risk of heart related diseases. It’s chemicals also help stimulate the heart and widen blood vessels.

It’s often used as cooking oil in dishes.

The key active ingredient provided by this is CLA, or conjugated linoleic acid. It’s used to help reduce fat. Though Examine.com mentions that in regards to these claimed weight loss effects:

“CLA too weekly affect PPAR receptops to really incude fat loss in an appreciable amount” 

They also add:

“human studies on CLA are very unreliable and the overall effects seen with CLA are not overly potent as well as sometimes contradicting” 

The standard diet also gets a sufficient amount of this, since it’s found in dairy and beef products in high amounts. 

Omega 3 Fish Oil: This general health supplement is used to help provide EPA and DHA, omega 3 fatty acids which help lower inflammation and improve brain health.

It’s not needed in people who eat fish, or in those who get enough omega 3’s from certain foods.

Though this ingredient can help with lowering cholesterol, taking too much of it can also raise cholesterol. High amounts of it can also be harmful the immune system. Possible side effects from this include:

Fish burps, indigestion, and bloating. 
Rash, heartburn, and loose stools. 
Nausea, frequent stools and nosebleeds.

There’s also a concern with heavy metal contaminations. Fish oil neess to be specially processed in order to avoid any contaminations with mercury, lead, and other potentially damaging additives that are found in contaminated waters.

It’s unknown how well Ab Cuts processed their own fish oil. The concern is that this can be seriously damaging to health, and Web MD adds:

“Consuming large amounts of fish oil from some DIETARY products is POSSIBLY UNSAFE” 

“can be contaminated with mercury and other industrial and environmental chemicals” 

Therefore, it’s very important to watch out for intake of this ingredient. These kinds of ingredients may cause:

Mental retardation, brain damage, and growth defects. 
Blindness, seizures, and toxic buildup. 

Research needs to be revealed on whether or not the manufacturers of Ab Cuts have actually tested this ingredient for heavy metals. 

Borage Oil: This plant extract contains GLA, a fatty acid used to help lower inflammation, and to provide an antioxidant effect.

This ingredient has to be specially extracted, due to its chemicals which may cause issues. Web MD confirms:

“Borage seed oil is LIKELY UNSAFE when products containing dangerous chemicals called (PAs) are taken by mouth” 

The possible side effects from these chemicals are serious, and Web MD adds how it may:

“damage the liver or cause cancer, especially when used in high doses for a long time” 

Possible side effects seen from the GLA found in borage oil include:

Increased risk for seizure. 
Liver damage. 
Premature labor. 
Increased risk for bleeding and bruises. 
Loose stools, diarrhea, and flatulence. 

Flax Seed Oil: The processed seeds of this plant are high in alpha-linoleic acid. It’s used to help decrease inflammation.

Plant based alpha-linoleic acid is not always processed the same in all people. For certain body types, it’s poorly absorbed and loses any of its potential inflammation lowering effects.

This ingredient may also lead to side effects that include:

Loose stools, flatulence, and diarrhea. 
Allergic reactions, rash, and difficulty breathing. 
Laxative like side effects. 

Its potential benefits have also been disputed by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 

Sesame Seed Oil: This crop is found in parts of South American and Asia; it’s often used to cook with.

It’s said to control blood sugar, as well as provide an anti-inflammatory effect.  Intake of this has to be carefully monitored, as high amounts can cause weight gain due to the high amount of calories.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven fat burner such as Sletrokor for better results.

 

Ab Cuts Quality of Ingredients 

The problem with this formula is that many of its ingredients have not been proven to have any signfiacnt weight loss effects. They can also be replaced with more wholesome alternatives.

For brands made with clinically researched weight loss ingredients, you can click here.

Many of these ingredients have no known weight loss effect. Many of the intended benefits are meant for reducing inflammation, and to help with reducing cholesterol.

Still, these additives are also all oil based, so it’s possible for it to support weight gain. Fatty oils like these are often added for cooking but only in small amounts.

Taking repeat amounts of these oils has a different effect per person. Not everyone processed these ingredients the same, and in some people oils actually increase cholesterol, triglycerides, and other unwanted issues.

The Price and Quality of Ab Cuts 

Sales can be made directly from the manufacturers.  An 80 capsule bottle sells for $26.99. At the recommended 4 capsules a day, each bottle lasting 20 days can be broken down at a daily cost of $1.34. 

Though it has all natural ingredients, many of these additives can be replaced with cheaper alternatives. Ingredients like vitamin E, safflower oil, sesame oil, and flax seed are available in whole foods for a reduced price.

The only ingredients which are unique include Omega 3 Fish oil, which can also be found in all types of seafood. It’s not been shown to be a very potent ingredient for weight loss. This is likely why so many users of Ab Cuts have given it negative reviews, as you’ll see in the “Customer Opinions of Ab Cuts” section.

There are better options for weight loss available that come from unique plant extracts not already seen in foods. Discover which brands offer better results by clicking here. 

Business of Ab Cuts 

The creators of Ab Cuts are Corr-Jensen Labs; they can be reached via the following customer service contact details:  

Phone Number: (303) 468-4215 

Address: 221 S Cherokee Street

Denver, Colorado 80223 

Email: info@abcuts.com

The company does allow for a 90 day return for Ab Cuts when purchased via their official website. However, this is subject to their approval, which they can deny for any reason.

Not much information is available about the company. It’s unknown if they truly honor their money back return.

EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.

Customer Opinions of Ab Cuts 

Here are some customer reviews featured on their Amazon.com page:

“I kept getting the worst kind of ulcers with these. Cannot even throw up” 

“we have noticed no appreciable results in the stomach area after consuming four bottles” 

“No help with appetite control or nothing. Very disappointed” 

“It made me gain weight. My stomach is bigger than its ever been” 

Currently 79 different people reviewed this brand unfavorably. Many were disappointed to experience no weight loss benefits.

Certain people actually gained weight, even by adding diet and exercise.

There were issues with side effects which inldued bloating, heartburn, nausea, stomach problems, digestive issues, and other symptoms.

Conclusion – Does Ab Cuts Work? 

Before you make a decision on whether or not to buy Ab Cuts, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims. This brand does have natural ingredients, but many of these additives have failed to show any significant weight loss effects. That’s the reason why so many customers have failed to see any results. Instead, there have been claims of side effects by customers. This brand is lacking in any truly potent ingredients for weight loss; these ingredients are meant more to reduce inflammation.

The better solution is avialble via the 2016 supplement of the year called Sletrokor. You can learn more about this brand by clicking here.

This all natural supplement has helped many people lose weight with its wholesome plant extracts. The benefits that custoemers have enjoyed include suppressed appetite, improved mood, stabilized blood sugar, increased metabolism ,and many other benefits. This brand is free of filler ingredients, and you can read great testimonials about its effects on their website.

Sletrokor is even backed by a full 30 day money back guarantee. If for any reason you aren’t impressed, returns are offered with no questions asked. To find out what makes this brand so effective, click here.

What is it?

Forskolin Fuel is a weight loss pill made with just one key active ingredient for improving emetabolism. Its natural extract is said to be potent enough to help optimize hormones, as well as support weight management.

Information about the company is limited, as there’s no official website. However, Forskolin Fuel does have one pure ingredient made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Is this truly an effective weight loss solution? What do customers have to say about this diet pill? This comprehensive review will go over all the important details you need to know about Forskolin Fuel. To find the very best diet pills, check out this top 10 list by clicking here.

Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2016?

Forskolin Fuel Ingredients and Side Effects 

Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract (20% Forskolin)
Maltodextrin
Gelatin
Magnesium Stearate

Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract (20% Forskolin): This plant has a chemical in it called forskolin, which helps promote a powerful heartbeat, widen blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and it’s claimed to be effective at increasing testosterone.

It’s used to help promote fat loss, though Examine.com mentions there is limitations with this ingredient:

“Forskolin is still being researched for its effects on testosterone and fat loss” 

Therefore, not enough proof is available to help show whether or not this ingredient would be useful and safe.

Science-Based Medicne.com has also reviewed journals which have tested this ingredient:

“It doesn’t eve mention the possibility of using it for weight loss. The safety rating is “possibly safe”, and it lists potential interactions with prescription drugs” 

One other study performed by Baylor University which gave this ingredient to obese men showed:

“CD does not appear to promote weight loss” 

It did show to increase the possibility for bleeding, and that’s why it’s advised not to take this ingredient before going into surgery. However, overall, it’s unknown what possible side effects it may be.

Drugs.com also adds:

“Forskolin has multiple sites of action and should be used with caution” 

“Quality clinical trials are lacking to support claims made of the weight loss properties of forskolin” 

Overall, many health and science based organizations have questioned the use of this ingredient for any weight loss purpose. 

Maltodextrin: Artificial sugar that can be extacted from corn, wheat, rice, potato, and tapioca. It’s commoly found in processed foods as a way to provie sugar or fiber.

It can have a high glycemic index rating, which might raise blood sugar. A study by PLOS One found that maltodextrin lead to:

“intestinal anti-microbial defense mechanisms and may be an environmental priming factor for the development of chronic inflamatoryr disease” 

It has shown the ability to damage healthy gut bacteria, which can have serious consequences to overall health. The long-term effects of this are unknown, but inflammation is the cause of many harmful diseases and health problems. 

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven fat burner such as Sletrokor for better results.

Forskolin Fuel Quality of Ingredients

A major selling point for Forskolin Fuel is that it contains only one active ingredient. There are 3 inactive additives which provide texture and support for the supplement. Maltodextrin has been shown to be potentially harmful due to it raising blood sugar and also being extracted from processed ingredients.

The main issue is with the lack of studies provided for Coleus Forskohlii Root extract. The current evidence shows it to be yet to be proven. There’s also no support offered by the manufacturers to help show why this version of Coleus Forskohlii would be any better than other brands.

There’s a lack of any valuable information about what this brand can do, and whether or not it would be safe to take for weight loss. As you’ll see in the “Customer Opinions of Forskolin Fuel” section, many have experienced unwanted side effects and a lack of weight loss.

The top 10 diet pill supplements are featured in this comprehensive list, click here for more information.

The Price and Quality of Forskolin Fuel 

No official website is offered, though there are still sales offered on Amazon.com. A 30 day serving sells for $37.95. This averages to a daily price of $1.26. 

The label does state the brand is made in a GMP certified facility, but there’s no evidence provided that the amount of Coleus Forskohlii added is any more effective or safe than any other similar brand.

This ingredient can easily be found in many other supplements which feature just the active ingredient. The company adds 125 mg of 30% forskolin extract. It’s unknown if this is an optimal dose, or if it’s safe.

The lack of information makes it impossible to determine the overall quality. The only thing known for certain is that no proof has shown this ingredient to be effective for weight loss.

The leading consensus is that it has not been thoroughly studied for either safety or positive effects. Taking an unknown substance is not advised, as it’s impossible to predict what kind of an effect it may have.

The sole active ingredient has been shown in some clinical studies to be ineffective for weight loss.

For your convenience, a list of the top 10 diet pill supplements is featured here. 

Business of Forskolin Fuel 

There is an address for the distributor of this brand, but it’s unknown if they make it or simply produce it for someone else. No company name is listed but here is the address listed on the Forskolin Fuel label in hard to read print:

Address: PO Box 7574 Milton Kaynes

MK11 90Q United Kingdom

There is one website which makes it seem like they make this brand, but in their terms and conditions they mention:

“(it does not) endorse, nor is it responsible for the contents advertising, products or other materials made available” 

Without knowing the official company name, it’s impossible to file a complaint or to schedule a money back return.  There are claims made about the potency of this brand from their Amazon.com page, but it’s unclear who runs this page, or if its representations are truthful.

The website that discusses this brand is only a distributor, and they are not the makers. It’s unknown why the official company does not manage their own website. This makes it impossible to ask any questions about Forskolin Fuel.

The one website that sells this brand also only offers returns on unopened and unused products.

It’s rare for a company to not list at least their name to back up a diet pill. Usually, this is only an issue with company’s who have been fined, or who try to avoid dealing with helping satisfy customers. It’s never explained why the manufacturers have failed to provide any important information.

EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.

Customer Opinions of Forskolin Fuel 

There are some reviews listed on their Amazon.com page, here are what some users have experienced:

“Got no weight loss but plenty of bloating and jus feeling Blahhhh!!!” 

“It has not changed my appetite and I have gained a couple of pounds” 

“used the full bottle as directed and did not lose ONE pound” 

“I was really disappointed after taking this product for 2 weeks and not noticing a change in my weight at all”

A total majority of 53 negative reviews were left online. Many complained about adding diet and exercise, and still failing to lose weight while using this supplement.

There were many who bought this brand from the one website which sells it; though they were disappointed to see no money back return is offered on open bottles.

Some people did experience side effects that included bloating, upset stomach, increased hunger, ill feelings, and diarrhea. It’s unknown if these kids of effects are common with the key active ingredient, as there’s a lack of quality studies performed on humans.

Conclusion – Does Forskolin Fuel Work?

When considering a brand like Forskolin Fuel, it’s important to keep in mind the price, company policies, and studies on the sole active ingredient. Just one active additive is found in this diet pill in Coleus Forskohlii, but it has not been proven to be safe or effective. Many customers who bought Forskolin Fuel also failed to see any weight loss benefits. Many experienced multiple unwanted side effects. The company behind this brand is also elusive, and it’s unknown who owns Forskolin Fuel. One website which sells this brand does not offer a money back return on opened products.

The alternative is the 2016 diet pill called Sletrokor. The ingredients include natural, stimulant free extracts which have been shown to promote appetite reduction, metabolism increase, improved mood, and a host of other positive benefits. Sletrokor won the 2016 supplement of the year for its fair price, quality ingredients, potent effects, and natural extracts.  That’s the reason why so many people have left favorable reviews. Testimonials are offered on the official website to show how effective this diet pill truly is.

You can try Sletrokor risk free using their money back return. Their 30 day money back return policy allows anyone to try Sletrokor without a fear of losing money. To learn more about Sletrokor, you can click here.

What is it?

Plexus Accelerator+ is a weight loss pill made to help raise metabolism and burn fat. It’s intended to be used alongside a diet and exercise plan for weight management.

It contains ingredients including plant based compounds which have been studied in clinical reviews. Before using this diet pill it’s advised to seek the recommendation of a physician. To take it one needs to drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily. This comprehensive review will go over the ingredinets quality, the customer reviews, and how effective Plexus Accelerator+ is for weight loss. To see the top 10 diet pill supplements click here.

Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2016?

Plexus Accelerator+ Ingredients and Side Effects 

Niacinamide
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Folic Acid
Methylcobalamin

Calcium Glycinate
Chromium Picolinate
Yerba Mate Leaf Extract
Higenamine Hydrochloride

Hordenine Hydrochloride
Hawthorn Berry Extract
5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan from griffonia seed extract)
Green Tea Leaf Extract

Hypromellose
Rice Flour
Magnesium Stearate
Titanium Dioxide

Yerba Mate Leaf Extract: Often boiled as a tea, this plant is used due to its stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine.

There are safety concerns about this ingredient. Web MD adds:

“Yerba mate is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for most people, when taken by mouth for short periods of time” 

“It increases the risk of mouth, esophageal, laryngeal kidney, bladder, and lung cancer” 

It may lead to side effects that include:

High blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and cardiovascular damage. 
Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. 
Insomnia, restlessness, and headaches. 

There are also concerns about it being ineffective for weight loss when used repeatedly. Stimulants found in this are known to be innefective for long term use.

No information is provided about how much total caffeine is sourced from this tea. The company fails to list any useful information about the total amount of any stimulant added. 

Higenamine Hydrochloride: Extract of the nandina plant which is used to burn fat.  Though Examine.com adds:

“limited evidence on these claims” 

It does raise heart rate and increases heart contractions. Web MD also adds:

“Higenamine is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth” 

“The purified or extracted chemical higenamine has not been studied in people. Therefore, its safety is not clear” 

It can lead to cardiovascular related issues, and there have been cases of people experiencing serious heart related symptoms. 

Hordenine Hydrochloride: Extract found in many foods, it’s used to help burn fat. Examine.com adds:

“not enough evidence exists currently to support its usage as nutritional supplementation” 

Due to its effects on blood pressure, it may cause cardiovascular problems. 

Hawthorn Berry Extract: This is a plant extract used to increase heart contractions, and to lower LDL cholesterol.

It may cause side effects that include:

Nosebleeds, headaches, and palpitations. 
Insomnia, agitation, and dizziness. 
Fatigue, upset stomach, and many other issues. 

5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan from griffonia seed extract): African shrub which contains the chemical 5-HTP which is used to help create serotonin.

Though in this form, Examine.com adds:

“Additional studies are needed to determine whether supplementing Griffonia sinplificolia is truly comparable to supplementing 5-HTP” 

Possible side effects may include:

Nausea, heartburn, and gas. 
Stomach cramps, nightmares, and decreased sex drive. 
Headaches, sweating, and agitation. 
Poor coordination, shivering, and life threatening. 

This ingredient may also lead to serotonin syndrome, which causes negative changes in brain chemistry. There’s no evidence provided by the company that they formulated it to be added in safe amounts.

When dosing with ingredients like this, it’s advised to always use a strength that fits with one’s own demands. Excess amounts can potentially cause serious health problems. 

Green Tea Leaf Extract: Common tea extract used due to its antioxidants and caffeine. The safety of this ingredient has been called into question. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health adds:

“There have been some case reports of liver problems in people taking concentrated green tea extracts” 

Its weight loss effects have also been called into question by the same group:

“There are not enough reliable data to determine whether green tea can aid in weight loss” 

Possible side effects that include:

Rapid heart rate, agitation, and cardiovasxualr damage. 
Anxiety, headaches, and migraine headaches. 
High blood pressure. 

There have been issues with organ damage caused by this ingredient.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven fat burner such as Sletrokor for better results.

Plexus Accelerator+ Quality of Ingredients

Many of the simulant ingredients added to his have either been shown to be potentially unsafe, or not effective for weight loss. There’s also no explanation as to how much caffeine is added, so it’s impossible to determine whether or not it would be safe to take.

There are added vitamins and minerals which are good, but the proprietary blend is made up of things like 5-HTP which may cause serotonin syndrome, and green tea leaf extract which has shown the possibility for organ damage. The company has failed to give any information about the total amounts of each stimulant extract added. They add ingredients which are known to contain stimulants, but they fail to address the issue of proper dosing. It’s impossible for anyone to make an educated decision on how much would be safe to take.

A list of the top 10 diet pills is available in this comprehensive list.

The Price and Quality of Plexus Accelerator+ 

The price for a 30 day serving bottle is $39.95. This breaks down to an average daily price of $1.33.

The ingredients added to this are stimulant compounds, vitamins and minerals, and a 5-HTP extract. Though without knowing the amount of stimulants, it’s unknown if this would be safe for everyone. The label advises to take just one capsule to start with, then adding an additional pill if needed. This is in order to see if one can handle the effects.

It’s unknown how safe this brand is, as they fail to provide important information. The combination of the proprietary blend can be potentially harmful. There are additives in this which raise blood pressure, and make the heart beat faster. It may also change brain chemistry and cause many symptoms that include mood swings, depression, and ill feelings.

To see the top 10 list of diet pills you can click here. 

Business of Plexus Accelerator+ 

The owners of  this brand are Plexus Worldwide, LLC and they are a multilevel marketing company. Their customer service contacat information is as follows: 

Phone Number: (480) 998-3490 

Address: 9145 E Pima Center Pkwy

Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

The manfauctuerrs have a C rating on their Better Business Bureau page. This low rating is because of the 682 complaints from customers.

Listed here are some customer reviews of the company practices:

“have yet to receive a response from them” 

“I tried for months to cancel the subscription” 

“I want my refund and I feel the reasonable amount of time to get the refund has passed” 

“I am so appalled at this buisneeses absence of professionalism” 

Hundreds of peole were concerned to find that the company failed to honor a money back guarantee. Many tried sending repeat emails and phone calls, only to be put on hold and never actually helped.  There were issues with having to wait on hold often and not being helped by the customer service representatives.

There were far too many warnings from people adding how they would not recommend dealing with this group. Many stated they would not have bought any brands form the company had they known it would be this difficult.

Some were told they would be reimbursed, but these same people have waited with no reimbursement filed to their banks.

EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.

Customer Opinions of Plexus Accelerator+ 

There are no testimonials or customer reviews for this diet pill available online. The company also fails to offer any proof that it’s safe or effective.

They do claim that one of their ingredients is clinically studied, but they fail to cite any of these findings. Without more information, it’s unknown if the proprietary formula has been specifically formulated.

Due to a lack of available information about this brand, it’s unknown if users have experienced healthy results, or any weight loss benefits.  Critical information is lacking.

Conclusion – Does Plexus Accelerator+ Work?

When considering this diet pill brand, it’s important to go over the kinds of ingredients used, proof, and what clinical studies have to say about the additives. Many of these ingredients need to be carefully dosed, and in certain people they still may experience unwanted symptoms. There’s additives found in this may can contain significant amounts of stimulants. The company has failed to provide any proof of safety, and they don’t mention the total caffeine content.

The best weight loss pill of 2016 is out now, and it goes by the name of Sletrokor.  This all natural diet pill supplement is made with plant extracts added in specific amounts for well-rounded weight loss. Customers have left testimonials showcasing how potent yet safe it really is.

You can now try Sletrokor risk free for a total of 30 days. If for any reason you don’t like it, you can make a return with no questions asked. You can click here to learn more about Sletrokor.

I should start off by saying that I have mixed feelings about rewarding kids for reading. There have been a bunch of articles making the rounds recently about whether it works, starting with one in the New York Times. In my perfect world kids read because they love to read. When I think of rewards, I think of either a bribe or an incentive to do something not so desirable, like helping with the dishes after dinner (or going to work on a Monday morning). But my perfect world, while lovely, is not reality. I do think some kids simply need extra incentive to read, and rewards can be a good way to get them going.

What opened my eyes to the use of reading rewards, even as I was fighting it, was a trip to my local library. In the height of summer reading season the library really promotes incentive programs. The amount of prizes they have for kids is somewhat astounding, from a Frisbee to a gift certificate to a local ice cream store to the grand prizes for the winners in each age group, which appeared to be very large gift baskets. I sighed. What happened to reading because you love it? Are we putting reading in the same category as chores? Or making reading a competition?

But there those kids were, lined up on a summer morning, eager to have their reward cards stamped. The librarian took the time to talk to each one of them about the book they just finished (in what may have been a brilliantly sly check to see if they indeed did read it) and sometimes recommended another one (“Oh, well if you loved that book then maybe you want to try a Rick Riordan title next!”). The kids were excited, eager, and engaged. The library was bustling. People were reading. So what if it took a little stamp and the promise of a Frisbee to get them there?

I get nervous about rewards as a parent because it can be a slippery slope. Reward for chores or behavior? Reward for potty training or sleeping through the night, but not for making a bed every day? Do we set the bar that we expect certain behaviors, disqualifying them from rewards? I expect my children to be respectful, gracious, and kind. That behavior isn’t rewarded in our house, it’s mandated. But I also expect them not to maim each other. So in an exasperated, at-the-end-of-my rope state I have resorted to “You will earn a treat if you keep your hands off your brother’s head for a full week.” (We didn’t make it.)

While it is our hope that kids do things that enrich their lives simply because they love them—play an instrument, take ballet, learn how to code—most of those things require discipline and practice. Neither of those traits, I’m afraid, is entirely common in children. Even a diehard sports fan who loves the game is probably going to complain about the long practices and drills required before taking the field in glory. A struggling or disinterested reader being told they have to sit down and read a book can seem like punishment, and that’s sooooo not what you want in encouraging reading.

Enter the carrot on the stick.

I believe it’s the hope of most parents that once kids start reading routinely and once they find what they love to read, the incentives go away and kids will read because they enjoy it. That should, at least, be the goal. And rewards really vary, from stars on a chart (God bless the children satisfied with that), stickers, a promise of a specially prepared dinner, earning a later bedtime or, if you want to go there, buying something like a much-longed for toy or game. You can also get creative. As a reward for reading each chapter of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory my best friend made her daughter a special chocolate treat, which I love since it ties into the theme of the book. I think she’s ambitiously crazy, but you should see her Pinterest-worthy birthday parties.

Some parents reward for each book finished; some reward by the chapter. It really depends on how much incentive your child needs to keep chugging through. It also depends how many books your child can manage. You don’t want to have them chomp through books for the sake of checking them off a list, or racing through them in order to get a new Lego set. You want them reading at a comfortable pace, and you want to make sure the reading comprehension is there. So, if your child is a struggling reader saying “If you finish five books we can make a trip to the ice cream store” might seem like you just asked them to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Saying “I will be so proud of you when you finish that book so let’s plan something really fun for when you do” is more realistic. Then take it from there on the next one.

In my perfect world I get up and run because I know it keeps me healthy, is good for my brain, wards off disease, and aids my goal of living a long life. But believe it or not “living longer” is not always motivation for me at 5:30 in the morning. While over the years it’s become routine, I will probably never wake up and yell, “Hooray, time for a run!” Do I love it? No. Have I learned to like it? Yes. Do I do it? Yup. But every now and then I need a little a carrot on a stick to get one foot in front of the other. I call them Running Rewards. Maybe for each mile I’ll buy myself a new book.

Series are great for getting kids reading with characters they meet and love. Here are a few series that might work for the newly independent reader:

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Geronimo Stilton: Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye

by Geronimo Stilton

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Enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love

Who Is Geronimo Stilton?
That’s me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! What’s that? You’ve never read one? Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that’s a promise!

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Amber Brown is not a Crayon

by Paula Danziger

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Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are best friends. They’ve known each other for practically forever, sit next to each other in class, help each other with homework, and always stick up for each other. Justin never says things like, “Amber Brown is not a crayon.” Amber never says, “Justin Time.” They’re a great team—until disaster strikes. Justin has to move away, and now the best friends are fighting. Will they be able to work it out before it’s too late?

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Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark

by Mary Pope Osborne

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Jack and Annie’s very first fantasy adventure in the bestselling middle-grade series—the Magic Tree House!

Where did the tree house come from?

Before Jack and Annie can find out, the mysterious tree house whisks them to the prehistoric past. Now they have to figure out how to get home. Can they do it before dark . . . or will they become a dinosaur’s dinner?

The post Do Reading Rewards Work? appeared first on Tips on Life and Love.

Every relationship starts with a first date, but there’s so much confusion about them. What do you say when he asks? When should it be? And most importantly, what do you wear? Here are the rules for making the best first impression from I Had a Nice Time and Other Lies…: How to Find Love & Sh*t Like That.

Assuming there’s no awkward texting dynamic and the bro promptly asks you when you’re free for a date, you should never accept the first day he suggests unless that’s literally the only time you can swing. Remember, you’re busy as fuck. Just because what you’re busy with is an ABC Family Movie marathon is no reason to accept the first date he proposes. He doesn’t need to know what you’re doing, only that you’re in demand. So, suggest a different day and if he can’t do that then agree to the next one he suggests. Make it work but don’t be so amenable that you appear desperate for male interaction. That’s what Tinder is for.

The first few dates should try to be scheduled for weekdays because you have a shit-ton of other important fun stuff to do on a Friday night with your friends besides waste it meeting a guy whom you barely know for a drink. You only get two weekend nights per week. Think about who really deserves them. You’ll know you really give a fuck about a guy when you’re actually willing to forgo your bestie’s thousandth Saturday night pregame to let him take you to dinner.

Finally, the day of your date has arrived and the worst has happened. You have no fucking idea what to wear! Take a minute to breathe. This is the moment you have been preparing for at yogalates. You can do this. Here’s what you do:

1. Don’t go too fancy. You don’t want him to think you bought an entire new outfit for this occasion. I mean, you probably did but, again, the less he knows the better. If you’re going to wear a dress or a skirt, make sure the heels are casual. Tight jeans with a tank or top that you sleep in will do. And wear something you’re comfortable in so that you don’t spend the entire night fidgeting, making sure the button on your top doesn’t bust into his eyeball. But remember, “comfortable” never means you’ve fallen into the Gap.

2. Don’t go too slutty. Key word here is “too.” Don’t wear a turtleneck, but don’t wear a crop top with lowrise shorts, either. Find a chic medium that shows skin but leaves room for the imagination. The goal here is that if there’s a lull in the conversation, he won’t notice because he’ll be wondering what your cleavage leads to. If he can basically see what your nipples look like, well, then he’s probably not going to notice the lull, either, because he’ll be too focused on getting rid of his boner.

3. Don’t go all Kardashian Glam Squad. Never wear too much makeup on the first date. Unless he’s Helen Keller’s cousin with similar vision impairment issues, he will always notice and will equate slathering it on with insecurities. Did you ever wonder why men don’t watch Real Housewives? It’s because Teresa Giudice’s face looks more overdone than the phrase “sorry not sorry.” Get that shit down to clear, even, bronzed skin, natural blush, with some subtle eye shadow and eyeliner, and either a trendy dark lip or a light-pink gloss. If you have serious issues and don’t know how to tone it down, then we don’t know what to tell you. Watch YouTube?

The post 3 Fashion Rules for A Baller First Date appeared first on Tips on Life and Love.

If your life doesn’t revolve around everything Nora Ephron, you’re doing it wrong. For the Nora essentialists, here’s a list of nine books she inspired (and some of her own), from our friends at Off the Shelf, a daily blog that connects great books with great readers.

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One Day

by David Nicholls

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It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.

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Attachments

by Rainbow Rowell

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Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It’s company policy.) But they can’t quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives. Meanwhile, Lincoln O’Neill can’t believe this is his job now- reading other people’s e-mail. When he applied to be “internet security officer,” he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke. When Lincoln comes across Beth’s and Jennifer’s messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can’t help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories. By the time Lincoln realizes he’s falling for Beth, it’s way too late to introduce himself.

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The Divorce Papers

by Susan Rieger

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Sparkling and sophisticated, this sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking debut novel tells the story of a very messy, very high-profile divorce and the endearingly cynical young lawyer dragooned into handling it.

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The Portable Dorothy Parker

by Dorothy Parker

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For this new twenty-first-century edition, devoted admirers can be sure to find their favorite verse and stories. But a variety of fresh material has also been added to create a fuller, more authentic picture of her life’s work. There are some stories new to the Portable, “Such a Pretty Little Picture,” along with a selection of articles written for such disparate publications as Vogue, McCall’s, House and Garden, and New Masses.

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I Was Told There’d Be Cake

by Sloane Crosley

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From despoiling an exhibit at the Natural History Museum to provoking the ire of her first boss to siccing the cops on her mysterious neighbor, Crosley can do no right despite the best of intentions — or perhaps because of them. Together, these essays create a startlingly funny and revealing portrait of a complex and utterly recognizable character who aims for the stars but hits the ceiling, and the inimitable city that has helped shape who she is. I Was Told There’d Be Cake introduces a strikingly original voice, chronicling the struggles and unexpected beauty of modern urban life.

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Not That Kind of Girl

by Lena Dunham

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For readers of Nora Ephron, Tina Fey, and David Sedaris, this hilarious, wise, and fiercely candid collection of personal essays establishes Lena Dunham—the acclaimed creator, producer, and star of HBO’s Girls—as one of the most original young talents writing today.

In Not That Kind of Girl, Dunham illuminates the experiences that are part of making one’s way in the world: falling in love, feeling alone, being ten pounds overweight despite eating only health food, having to prove yourself in a room full of men twice your age, finding true love, and most of all, having the guts to believe that your story is one that deserves to be told.

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Sister Mother Husband Dog

by Delia Ephron

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Bestselling author Delia Ephron shares a deeply personal collection of stories and essays, anchored by a loving remembrance of her sister Nora.

In Sister Mother Husband Dog, Delia Ephron brings her trademark wit and effervescent prose to a series of autobiographical essays about life, love, sisterhood, movies, and family. In “Losing Nora,” she deftly captures the rivalry, mutual respect, and intimacy that made up her relationship with her older sister and frequent writing companion. Other essays run the gamut from a humorous piece about love and the movies—how one romantic comedy completely destroyed her twenties—to the joy of girl friends and best friendship, the magical madness and miracle of dogs, keen-eyed observations about urban survival, and a serious and affecting memoir of life with her mother and growing up the child of alcoholics. Ephron’s eloquent style and voice illuminate every page of this superb and singular work.

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Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

by Mindy Kaling

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Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?”

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The Most of Nora Ephron

by Nora Ephron

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Everything you could possibly want from Nora Ephron is here—from her writings on journalism, feminism, and being a woman (the notorious piece on being flat-chested, the clarion call of her commencement address at Wellesley) to her best-selling novel, Heartburn, written in the wake of her devastating divorce from Carl Bernstein; from her hilarious and touching screenplay for the movie When Harry Met Sally . . . (“I’ll have what she’s having”) to her recent play Lucky Guy (published here for the first time); from her ongoing love affair with food, recipes and all, to her extended takes on such controversial women as Lillian Hellman and Helen Gurley Brown; from her pithy blogs on politics to her moving meditations on aging (“I Feel Bad About My Neck”) and dying.

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Heartburn

by Nora Ephron

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Seven months into her pregnancy, Rachel Samstat discovers that her husband, Mark, is in love with another woman. The fact that the other woman has “a neck as long as an arm and a nose as long as a thumb and you should see her legs” is no consolation. Food sometimes is, though, since Rachel writes cookbooks for a living. And in between trying to win Mark back and loudly wishing him dead, Ephron’s irrepressible heroine offers some of her favorite recipes. Heartburn is a sinfully delicious novel, as soul-satisfying as mashed potatoes and as airy as a perfect soufflé.

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I Feel Bad About My Neck

by Nora Ephron

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Ephron chronicles her life as an obsessed cook, passionate city dweller, and hapless parent. But mostly she speaks frankly and uproariously about life as a woman of a certain age. Utterly courageous, uproariously funny, and unexpectedly moving in its truth telling, I Feel Bad About My Neck is a scrumptious, irresistible treat of a book, full of truths, laugh out loud moments that will appeal to readers of all ages.

The post Reading Nora: 12 Essential Books for Every Nora Ephron Fan appeared first on Tips on Life and Love.