The Best Electric Toothbrush

I’ve never gotten a cavity because I love brushing my teeth. I thoroughly enjoy that fresh mouth feeling right after you brush. With my love for brushing and my love for technology, of course I recommend everyone to use an electric toothbrush. I remember when I got my first electric toothbrush. I was in first grade and asked for one for Christmas. LOL I was a strange child. My dentist could actually notice a difference when I started using an electric toothbrush; my my mouth was healthier than ever. From all the electric toothbrushes I’ve had through the years, I can honestly say Smile Brilliant’s cariPro Electric Toothbrush is my favorite!

What makes this toothbrush different from any I’ve tried before are its five brushing modes. I love that I can target different areas of my mouth differently and with all these modes to choose from, I never get bored while brushing. This toothbrush also lets you know when to switch from each quadrant by buzzing when 30 seconds is up. It will also shut off when brushing time is over at 2 minutes. With it’s 40,000 vibrations per minute, your teeth will be healthier and whiter than ever!

The cariPRO comes with a wireless charging dock, but I don’t have to charge my toothbrush often because it has a battery life of 30 days. The cariPro also comes with a replacement toothbrush head. Their replacement brush heads are really affordable for the quality you’re getting. Other premier toothbrush heads can run over $10 for one toothbrush head, but Smile Brilliant offers a 2-pack for $13. Another upside is that Smile Brilliant generously offers a 2 year warranty, which gave me peace of mind.

What I loved most about the Smile Brilliant’s cariPro Electric Toothbrush is that I can mindlessly brush without having to put a bunch of work in. I’m usually a zombie before I have my coffee in the morning, so it makes my morning routine more effortless. I think we can all appreciate an easier morning routine.

Great news!! Smile Brilliant wants me to give one of you a chance to have a cariPro Electric Toothbrush for yourself for free! For a chance to win it for yourself or a friend, simply enter your name and email address here: https://www.smilebrilliant.com/gb/shanialexis

You can also get 20% off a cariPro Electric Toothbrush by using my coupon code: “20shanialexis” here: https://www.smilebrilliant.com/product/electric-toothbrush#shanialexis

Happy brushing!

August 30, 2019August 30, 2019

11 Scientific Proofs That God Is Real and the Bible Is True

As you can probably tell from my fitness posts, I like to understand the science behind things. When it comes to my faith, I often hear people argue that God and the bible can’t be real because science proves it.

I think that science proves the opposite. However, I don’t think that naming off a bunch of scientific facts can make someone believe. I think that has to happen in their own way and their own time, and they have to be open to it as well.

As a believer, I love to research the scientific evidence because it really strengthens my beliefs. I don’t think we mix science and the possibility of a higher power enough. Science and God don’t have to be enemies. I think science was created by God. Science shows we were made from dust and well the bible says this too.

Genesis 2: 7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul”

But wait, there’s so much more…

10 More Scientific Proofs of God and the Bible

Non-Christian Historians from the time of Jesus do deny Christ as the Messiah, but all documented that Jesus was real. They just believed he was some sort of magician tricking Christians. There is written record from non-Christians that he was crucified and that there was an earthquake and darkness at this time. We have more proof that Jesus was real and crucified than the opposing.
The bible explained the importance of blood long before humans ever understood the importance of it. The bible stated in Leviticus Ch 17: 11 “The life of the flesh is in the blood…” It wasn’t until the 1800s that we figured this out. Old medical practices long after the bible was written would drain people’s blood when they were sick and it would often kill them.
The bible understood the importance of sanitation practices before we implemented it. In 1846, the city of London had a terrible Cholera epidemic because they would dump their sewage in the streets. Long before this, the bible stated in Deuteronomy 12: 13 ^“You must have a designated area outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. Each of you must have a spade as part of your equipment. Whenever you relieve yourself, dig a hole with the spade and cover the excrement.” (Sorry scientific evidence isn’t always “pretty”. LOL)
(More gross facts.) In 1847, 18% of women giving birth would die because nurses at the time would work on dead bodies and then help the women that were giving birth without washing their hands. After hand washing was implemented, this dropped from 18% to 2%. The bible warned us to wash our hands long before we started implementing it. Numbers 19: 11-12 “The person who touches any human corpse will be unclean for seven days. He is to purify himself with the water on the third day and the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean.” The bible actually explained germs many times. Covering your mouth and quarantine was instructed in Leviticus. The bible’s medical knowledge was ahead of the times.
For thousands of years Noah’s Ark was the largest recorded boat. With it’s dimensions being 30 to 5 to 3, this is the perfect ratio to carry tons of supplies. Much later these same dimensions were used for used for the SS Great Britain ship and also for ships for World War II. Noah’s ship building was the first of its time for a long time.. How would Noah know to make a boat with those dimensions? Only God can be the explanation..
Food regulations. We often get beef steak rare, but not pork steak rare. In the modern times we know this and understand why, but the old testament written 3,000 years before modern times exhibits a knowledge of food born diseases, which surpasses the knowledge people had back then.
The bible is perfectly historically accurate. Here are just a few facts that show how. The David stone proved David was a king of Israel. Pilate inscription that proved “pontius pilate” was the governor of Judea at the time that the bible says. And also, the unity of the bible: written over a period of 1600 years. It’s a catalog of 66 different books, 40 writers. They spoke different languages. But, there’s nothing contradicting if you really dive into the context. There is a “magical” unity of all of the books of the bible. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls proved that we translated through the years perfectly.. Ever played the game telephone? This would have been impossible without a higher power.
The bible is the most attacked book, but still the number one selling book. Some people in certain countries aren’t allowed to read the bible, like their government would literally kill them, but they choose to risk their lives and read the bible secretly. I believe this is because there is power in God’s word.
Miracles. They happen every day. We can’t explain them scientifically.
The very glue that holds our cells together, a protein called Laminin is in the shape of a cross. Colossians 1: 17 states, “He [Christ] is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

There is sooo much more but, don’t take my word for it. Research it for yourself.

August 21, 2019August 21, 2019

The Best Place to Get Cupcakes, Cookies, and Cakes

Recently I celebrated my boyfriend’s birthday. We went on a float trip and went camping. You obviously can’t have a birthday party without some cake! Sweetology sent me some tasty cupcakes for all of us to enjoy. They had lots of cute decorating kits to choose from, but I of course chose their Great Outdoors Decorating Kit to fit the occasion. We got to have fun decorating the cupcakes ourselves. It was the icing on the cake to the perfect birthday celebration!

Sweetology is revolutionizing cake decorating. I was so intrigued by their company and what they’re doing that I wanted to learn more, so I went straight to the source. I conducted a Q and A with one of their employees, Elizabeth Davidson.

Q: What makes Sweetology different?

A: Sweetology isn’t just a place where you can go to buy baked goods. It is the first entertainment retail concept around the decoration of cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. What makes Sweetology special is that it’s all about the experience that is shared with friends and family and the memories that are created in the process of decorating. It’s a special place where little kids can decorate their grandparent’s birthday cake or participate in a fun camp with friends. But it’s also a perfect venue for a group of girls to have margaritas and decorate for a bridal party or just a fun-packed girls’ night out.

Q: I saw that you guys hold parties, will you tell me a little about that?

A: At Sweetology, we hold all different kind of parties. Birthdays are the most popular, but we do bachelorette parties, baby showers, and even corporate team building parties. My favorite part about Sweetology parties is that you get your own dedicated instruction by one of our expert decorator “Sweetologists”, whether you hold your party on or off-site. These parties are always a hit because you not only get to learn to be a better decorator and have a ton of fun in the process, but you also come home with a delicious party favor that you designed yourself.

Q: It seems that you guys are known for your self-decorating kits, but do you guys also take decorating requests?

A: Absolutely! On our website you can design your own cake by choosing size, flavor, frosting color, accent frosting color, and sprinkles. Or, you can always come into the store and put in a request. Either way, our skilled Sweetologists will make the perfect cake for your celebration. You can also have custom cookies and cupcakes made in any design- you name it. We do everything from company logo cookies to unicorn cupcakes.

Q: Do you guys hold decorating classes?

A: Yes, we hold decorating classes for all ages. Next up is our Sunday Funday where participants will learn to make a super cool one-eyed monster cake. You will be amazed at the kinds of things you can create with the right tools and instruction! Our summer camp for kids is also a series of decorating lessons. Each week is a different theme, like “Fantasyland: Wizards and Mythical Creatures” or “As Seen on TV”.

Q: What do you love about working at Sweetology?

A: Throughout the duration of my internship, I’ve gotten to see the passion of the Sweetologists who work in the store while I would shadow them. It is so much fun to see how much each of them is engaged with the kids and adults alike during camps and parties. It’s truly special that at Sweetology, we care why you’re there to decorate and want to make it the best experience possible.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

A: Yes! I have to plug the best fundraiser opportunity ever- selling our decorating kits! So, if any of your readers are looking to raise money for their organization, we have a unique, high quality product to offer as well as great marketing support along the way. People love that our decorating kits are a tasty treat- which is always a fundraising hit- but also that it provides an experience they can share with friends and family.

Also, drop in and decorate with us any time! No appointment is needed- we’re always happy to have you.

I’m so impressed with Sweetology and all they offer! It’s the perfect sweet escape in St. Louis.

November 17, 2017November 19, 2017

Taylor Swift “Reputation”- A Review from an OG Fan

There is a clear disclaimer in the title. I am an OG Tswift fan. A Swiftie. I will obviously be a little biased when reviewing this album. If Taylor recorded her farting in a melodic rhythm for 15 tracks, I would probably still buy the album and tell everyone that it’s a real piece of work.

I fell in love with Taylor when she debuted her first single, Tim McGraw. You really can’t get anymore OG fan than that. I can remember the first time I saw the music video. I was sitting in my grandma’s living room watching CMT. I still get goosebumps every time I hear that song. My sister burned me the “Taylor Swift” CD for Christmas that year. Still to date the best Christmas present I’ve ever received. (Taylor Swift concert tickets from mom coming in a close second!) I feel like no one remembers that album. SO many good songs!! Tim McGraw, Picture to Burn, Teardrops on my Guitar, Should’ve Said No, and Our Song.

I get annoyed when people say “I miss the old Taylor Swift.” or “I used to hate her, but she’s got some good songs now.” I’m obviously a protective mama bear when it comes to my girl, TSwizzle. I love her music in all forms. It has helped me get through plenty of heart breaks and her music always make me feel like a powerful woman. There is something about her poetic lines and metaphors that explain how I feel in a way I’ve never been able to put in words. It’s really rare that an artist can encompass my feelings. Most songs I like these days are hip hop songs, where I don’t know what half of the words even mean. Taylor’s music is a nice escape from that.

Her new album is definitely different than anything she has done before, but it’s Taylor breathed. It is still poetic, classy, and catchy.

1. Ready For It?

Is Taylor Swift rapping? Close to it. This song is a sexy, dark love song.

My favorite lyrics: “Some boys are tryin’ too hard, he don’t try at all though. Younger than my exes, but he act like such a man, so I see nothing better, I keep him forever.”

What the song means to me: This song shows the honey moon stage. The excitement of meeting someone that isn’t boring for once. Are you ready for the games?

2. End Game (feat. Ed Sheeran & Future)

This isn’t one one of the songs on the album that I find myself playing a lot. (Yet…) I do like that it focuses on forgetting about their reputation and being together forever. Not a lot of hip hop songs portray that.

My favorite lyrics: ” I don’t wanna touch you. I don’t wanna be just another ex-love, you don’t wanna see. I don’t wanna miss you. Like the other girls do.”

What the song means to me: When you meet someone and you want to be their next and last kiss. When you see your power couple potential.

3. I Did Something Bad

I do find myself playing this song often. I like that Taylor is bringing out her dark side in this song. I think this song proves to Taylor haters, she is no longer singing “whiny break up songs”.

My favorite lyrics: “I never trust a narcissist, but they love me. So I play ’em like a violin and I make it look oh-so-easy. ‘Cause for every lie I tell them, they tell me three. This is how the world works. Now all he thinks about is me.”

What the song means to me: I think this song shows a girl who attracts narcissists and has got really good at playing their games. She begins to not feel bad for stooping to their levels. She realizes she doesn’t owe anyone anything.

4. Don’t Blame Me

Another favorite I have on replay. This track fully dives into electopop, but there is a soulful undertone, almost like a haunting church hymn.

My favorite lyrics: “Don’t blame me, love made me crazy. If it doesn’t, you ain’t doin’ it right. Lord, save me, my drug is my baby. I’ll be usin’ for the rest of my life.”

What this song means to me: This song explains the addicting, make me crazy kind of love. No matter how bad it is for you, there is no walking away from it.

5. Delicate

AHHHH. Yet another, I have on replay! This song is more laid back. A nice refresher from some of these heavy, “got me in my feels” songs.

My favorite lyrics: “Is it cool that I said all that? Is it chill that you’re in my head? ‘Cause I know that it’s delicate (delicate) Is it cool that I said all that?Is it too soon to do this yet? ‘Cause I know that it’s delicate.”

What this song means to me: When you’re in that beginning part of the relationship and you are both starting to like each other, but you don’t know if it’s too soon to tell them how you feel. You don’t want to ruin what you have.

6. Look What You Made Me Do

Okay when this song dropped, I could not stop listening to it. It made me so psyched for the Reputation album. I really love a good revenge track. It’s haunting, sexy, and triggering.

My favorite lyrics: “I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me. I’ll be the actress starring in your bad dreams.”

What this song means to me: When someone does you wrong so many times that you finally crack. They bit the hand that fed them and now their dead to you. The old caring, nice you is dead and you’ll never be quite the same. They’ve done you so wrong that you know, you will haunt their conscience forever.

7. So it Goes…

This song is definitely a sexy one for Taylor. Dark and steamy. Something I could hear in a 50 Shades of Grey movie. She has a great way at hinting at sexy thoughts without really saying them because Taylor is a classy b****.

My favorite lyrics: “I’m yours to keep (oh) And I’m yours to lose. (baby) You know I’m not a bad girl, but I do bad things with you. So it goes…”

What this song means to me: When someone has that magical effect on you where they can get you to do just about anything.. Someone that gives you a dangerous high. When their skin is pressed against yours, you feel complete. Something you’ve never felt. Your bodies are like two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together.

8. Gorgeous

I feel like next time I see a gorgeous intoxicating face in a crowd, this song is going to be playing in my head. Once it is in your head, it is hard to get out.

My favorite lyrics: “You make me so happy it turns back to sad. There’s nothing I hate more than what I can’t have. And you are so gorgeous it makes me so mad.”

What this song means to me: It takes me back to that child-like flirting when the more you liked someone, the more you acted like you didn’t. When you meet someone so gorgeous that you know there’s not a chance for the two of you, but you will still daydream about it.

9. Getaway Car

This synth-pop song is breathtaking and exhilarating. It takes you on a roller-coaster full of emotions.

My favorite lyrics: “Don’t pretend it’s such a mystery. Think about the place where you first met me. Ridin’ in a getaway car. There were sirens in the beat of your heart. I shoulda known I’d be the first to leave.”

What this song means to me: When you start a romance with someone, but you know it’s doomed from the start. You know you’re going to be the one looking for a reason to get out.

10. King of My Heart

This song isn’t my favorite. Probably because I don’t relate to it. I haven’t found the “king of my heart”, but I’m glad Taylor has!

My favorite lyrics: “And all at once, you are the one I have been waiting for King of my heart, body, and soul, ooh whoa. And all at once, you’re all I want I’ll never let you go”

What this song means to me: When you think you’re going to die alone then you meet someone that makes you feel like you never have. You find the one you’ve been waiting for all this time.

11. Dancing With Our Hands Tied

I try not to listen to this song too much because it’s really dreary. It makes me feel like I’m looking out a window of a dark, cold room on a rainy, gloomy day. It’s depressing to say the least.

Favorite lyrics: “Could’ve spent forever with your hands in my pockets. Picture of your face in an invisible locket. You said there was nothing in the world that could stop it. I had a bad feeling.”

What this song means to me: When you fall in love with someone and they say they won’t let anything get in the way of forever with you. Yet, everything gets in the way of forever with them. You would do anything to be able to dance with them again.

12. Dress

A sonically slow and sultry love ballad. This song is the most lustful song on the album.

My favorite lyrics: “Say my name and everything just stops. I don’t want you like a best friend. Only bought this dress so you could take it off.”

What this song means to me: All you think about is being next to the person you love in bed. All you want is them and you don’t care about the risk of heart break. They are always on your mind. They’ve left their mark on you.

13. This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things

An upbeat, playful song calling out the backstabbers. An anthem to laugh at all the ridiculous rumors.

My favorite lyrics: “Here’s a toast to my real friends. They don’t care about the he-said-she-said.”

What this song means to me: When people enjoy spending their time talking about you and figuring out ways to ruin your reputation, but would never say those things to your face. Well, those fake friends ruin nice things and good people.

14. Call It What You Want

My personal favorite on the album. Catchy, beautiful, a pop master piece.

My favorite lyrics: “My castle crumbled overnight. I brought a knife to a gunfight. They took the crown, but it’s alright. All the liars are calling me one. Nobody’s heard from me for months. I’m doin’ better than I ever was.”

What the song means to me: You can be going through some real shit and at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what people think of you. It shows how love conquers all the drama. Your reputation doesn’t matter. Love matters.

15. New Year’s Day

This song reminds me of Taylor’s older music. I love it. The simple guitar and piano backing doesn’t distract from the beautiful lyrics.

My favorite lyrics: “Please don’t ever become a stranger, whose laugh I could recognize anywhere.”

What this song means to me: You want the good times with someone, but you’re willing to endure all the bad times for the good times. Hold on to the memories, whether they’re good or bad because the memories and each other are all we really have in this world.

Reputation is a concept album. It has an overall theme of well, reputation. It’s the perfect mix of hip hop, trap, and electro-pop production styles. I had to listen to the songs on this album a few times to really fall in love. Like 1989, it is very sonically cohesive. I do sort of miss days where an album was more like a playlist of random, great songs. Although, I love that a concept album better portrays an artistic story.

I have loved watching Taylor’s music grow. I grew with it. I’m a born and raised country girl that moved to a city. My music choices have evolved as well. I love that Taylor can write and perform any type of music. She truly is an incredible artist.