2015 New Years Resolution!

Happy New Year!  I hope that 2015 is your best year yet!  :)


My New Year's resolution is to blog again!  I am hoping that this will happen in a more timely fashion than it has!  :)  I have to get my computer back in blogging order and get it blogging!  :)


See you soon!

A break....

Hey all!  I am taking a break from blogging right now.  (In case you didn't notice, lol)  I have started working again part time and I am just having a moment trying to get back into the working field, being the mom to two very active boys and keep house!  :)

Hope to get back sometime soon-ish!  :)

Build A Bear and Smiley360!

Thanks to Smiley360 we were chosen for a Build A Bear mission!  :)  What kid doesn't love Build A Bear?  And what MOM doesn't love watching her kid have fun!?!?  :)

Eli had a choice between a Super Hero bear, a My Little Pony and a Princess Palace Pets.  He chose the Capitan America Bear.  :)

 

 

After choosing his bear, Eli took his bear to get stuffed!

 

 

 

Then Eli had to choose a special heart for his Capitan America.  He got to make a wish and kiss it before putting it in!

 

Then Capitan America was off to a bath and brush to make sure he was EXTRA fluffy!





Then Eli got to make a personalized birth certificate OFFICIALLY naming Capitan America and making Eli his official owner!

Eli had a great time!  :)  BUT, we didn't leave without a bear for Jack too!  ;)  Jack's bear is named Patch.  :)

SO MUCH FUN was had by all!  I highly recommend a trip to Build A Bear for anyone who hasn't been there or who hasn't been there in awhile.  It is super fun!  :)

Thanks Smiley360 for the chance to do this FOR FREE! 

Jamberry review and GIVEAWAY!

I was so blessed that Allison reached out and offered me a chance to review some Jamberry nail wrap's and host a giveaway! :)

Jamberry has great nail wraps and other nail products! They are also now offering a month subscription box called StyleBox! 

StyleBox launched July 1st and will be available for July and August. After this open sign up period each consultant only has 4 invitations per month, so it might be more difficult to get a subscription then. You will receive a minimum of $30 worth of Jamberry Nail Products, a nail file, an Orange Stick, and a monthly style guide. Each StyleBox by Jamberry will have one catalog item and one exclusive item that is only available in that month’s box! When you subscribe, you take a quiz to find your signature style, and choose a plan that works for you. You can change your ‘signature style’ whenever you want, but at least 5 days prior to the coming month to ensure the change is saved.

3 Months – $75 USD billed up front  (equals out to $25/month)

6 Months - $140 USD billed up front  (equals out to $23.34/month)

12 Months - $275 USD billed up front  (equals out to $22.19/month)

 

 

 

You can also buy the nail wraps individually.  :)  When you do this, if you buy 3 wraps you get the 4th free!  Awesome!  I love the chance to get a bonus item when I buy!  :)

 

 

Now on to my review! 

 

I was able to get a set of Jam's to try out!  I chose the Orchid Polka set!  They are BEAUTIFUL!  Even better in person!

 

 

 

They were really easy to put on!  Here is all the items that I needed....

 



 

 

You choose the nail sticker that fits your nail, heat it for a few seconds (I usually do about 10 seconds) and place it on your nail.  I smooth it over with another finger or with the wooden stick.

 

 

 Then I file it down with the nail file (the courser side is better) and clip off any access with the nail clippers!  Then I usually run my finger under the hair dryer again for a few seconds and make sure it's really smooth.  :)  Then you repeat that 9 more times!  :)

 

Then your fingers look like this!

 

 

So so so so CUTE!  It was pretty fast (about 25 minutes, but I am an amateur) and really simple!  :)  The designs that you get to choose from are SO MUCH FUN!  There is no way that I could ever do any of them without these Jam's!  :)

 

Now comes the good stuff!  Let's get to the GIVEAWAY!  Allison has given me the opportunity to give one of my lucky readers a $30.00 Gift Certificate to Jamberry!  :)

 

 ENTER HERE!!!  >>>>>>>  a Rafflecopter giveaway

#1 Rated Hot Yoga Towel from Shandali Review

I was chosen to review a wonderful Hot Yoga Towel from Shandali!  And man!  It is pretty awesome!

First it is HUGE!  I loved that it was so large!  I am 5'4" and I could easily do yoga comfortably on this mat!

Second, it is super absorbent!  Perfect for when you are sweating during that hot yoga work out!

I also loved that to clean all you have to do is stick it in the washing machine!  No fuss, no muss! 

There is a pink option that I totally would have gotten had I been paying attention!  ;)

My kids think this towel is pretty awesome too!

Eli loves to play "exercise" so this is right up his ally!

I can't wait to get busy doing some yoga on this towel!  :)

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

Melting Into You (Due South Book 2)

I got the chance to read and review Melting Into You book 2 from the Due South series written by Tracey Alvarez. 

I (once again) will not include spoilers as I can't stand when I find out what happens before I read the book!  But I will tell you that this is a GREAT, fast romantic read!  The characters are dynamic and you can't help but fall in love with Zoe and Jade.  Those little girls make the story even better.  Watching Kezia and Ben fall in love is a rollercoaster of emotions.  Anger, sadness, hope, love, seduction...  You will experience it all!  This was such a fast read, I ended up reading the whole thing in a day (which you know is a feat because I have two little humans running around!). 

Over all, if you are looking for a good romantic read, this would be a great series to get into!  :)

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

Charlie the Cavalier Printable Image for Children's room or playroom!

I also got a chance to review a sweet printable Charlie the Cavalier image for a kid's room or playroom!

This image is from the book.  It is Charlie and his friend dancing and playing!  It is so cute and perfect for a playroom!  :)

If you would like to get this image please go here and check it out!  :)
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Charlie the Cavalier Begs for Attention Children's Book and Printable Puppet Review

I had the chance to review Charlie the Cavalier Begs for Attention.  :) 

 

It is a really sweet and cute story book for children!  The thing that I liked best about it was that it really addressed a subject that affects children of all ages....  When a loved one leaves them!  I loved the rhymes and especially the knock, knock joke (Eli LOVES to tell knock, knock jokes!)  The pictures were really sweet too. 

The other thing that I really loved about this book is that there is a FREE printable puppet that you can print off.  :)  The best part about this (to me) is that you can print it off before you leave and you can Skype or FaceTime with your child and s/he will see that you have Charlie with you!  I love that!

Over all this book was super sweet!  Eli said that he really enjoyed it.  :)  And you know you have a hit when a 4 year old likes it!  ;) I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Hidden Under Her Heart EBook Review

 

Hidden Under Her Heart is an EBook that I received for free to review from the author, Rachelle Ayala. 

Ok, so this is the VERY FIRST Christian Romance novel that I have ever read.  I truly thought, "What could be so interesting about a Christian romance novel?"  I thought that they would meet, fall in love and get married. 

Boy was I wrong!

This book....  Man, this book....

At first I wasn't sure that I liked it.  Maryanne and Lucas met in such a way that I thought it was going to be exactly like I had imagined.  But then things got intriguing.  I honestly couldn't put it down for two days!  (And that is saying a lot considering I have two little humans at home that have to be tended to!) 

Maryanne and Lucas are the couple that you route for.  You WANT them to make it against all odds.  At moments it looks like things are going to fall apart, but then you get a glimpse of hope for their relationship to hold on to.  There are MANY touchy subjects that I wasn't expecting (rape, abortion, prematurity, NICU stays) and I wasn't ready for them when I started the book.  But the author took Maryanne and Lucas through each event in a graceful way. 

The thing that SHOULD have popped out to me the most (I think) was abortion issue.  But the thing that DID stand out to me the most was the prematurity and NICU stay.  I think this was the thing that hit me the most because I had been there and done that, so it was shocking to see it in a Christian romance novel considering it has nothing to do with romance!

I don't like to give away to much when I do book reviews, but I think that this was an interesting read!  I really enjoyed the ending!

Over all, this book beat my expectations of a Christian romance novel.  If you want a book that goes beyond the romance and into the depths of the relationship, then this is the book for you!  :)



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

TLC VoxBox!

It's been awhile.  Life got in the way, and I have been super busy with kids and such!  :)  But hoping I can get back into blogging a little!

So, I was so excited to see that I received the TLC VoxBox from Influenster!  :) 

In this box I got:

1: Shell Fuel Rewards card:  This is not something that I would use, we don't use Shell that often for gas.  But I passed it on to my mom who loves it!
2: Puffs Plus Tissue pack:  LOVE Puffs tissues!  And I love the little pack that fits perfectly into a purse or diaper bag!  :)  These had the lotion in them and are super soft!
3: ANEW Reversalist Complete Renewal Express Wrinkle Smoother:  I have tried this and have to say, it goes on wonderfully!  :)  I don't have "wrinkles" yet, but have been using it next to my eyes and corners of my mouth for those little "laugh lines" that are there.  :)
4: Ivory soap:  Yes, this is just a bar of Ivory soap.  But OH the things that this can be used for!  We are planning on making some fun soap for in the boys bath!  :)
5: Neo to Go: This is something that I have been eyeing in the store and with 2 boys you can never have enough Neosporin!  Lol.  Now it can go with us anywhere for on the go use!
6: Breyer's Gelato:  YUMM-O!  This is the perfect after dinner treat!  :)  Even better with 2 spoons and a good movie!  ;)

Over all this box was the perfect mom box!  We need a little TLC and we have to give a little TLC!  :)  Thanks Influenster!

Bluum March 2014

This is the Bluum March 2014 box for a 4 year old boy.  I got Eli a 3 month subscription after seeing a January box.  But I haven't been super impressed by the boxes and I don't think I am going to renew after next month.  I think we are going back to Citrus Lane or I might subscribe him to Nerd Box Jr for boys.  :)  We will see!  lol

Anyways, Bluum is $24.99 a month and there is a discount for multiple month subscriptions.  They go from ages 0-5.  :)

This is the box!  :)

Sleep Sheep Soothing Puppet ($18.95)  This is cute, it a puppet AND a hot/cold pack.  So if the kid is feeling sick, you can use the hot/cold pack.  I like that.  Eli likes it because it reminds him of Lambie from Doc McStuffins.  lol

Parents Click Clack Bell ($9.99)  I am not sure Eli will like this, but I am hoping.  lol.  Saving it for his Easter basket!
Shark Skinzz foldable water bottle ($6.99)  Eli won't like this.  He has one and doesn't use it.  :(

Raspberry Fig Bar ($0.65)  Not really into this one.
Luna Chocolate Dipped Coconut ($1.20)  This was DELICIOUS!  lol.  :)  I wouldn't mind more of these!  ;)

Paid $15.00
Value $37.78

The value is there, but I feel like this box does NOT do a good job catering to the 4 year old boy age group.  :/  We shall see what next month brings!  :)

Box Me Mommy March 2014

Box Me Mommy is my FAVORITE monthly box right now!  I love that there is an option for Mommy + Us!  That is the one that we are subscribed to, so we get items for a 1 year old, 4 year old and mom!  :)

Box Me Mommy prices vary depending on what box you order, with the Mommy + Us box the cost is $33.00 a month.  But recently they have been sending out discounts!  So sign up for their emails!  :)

On to the FANTASTIC box!  :)

Woot woot!  (There is 1 item that is missing from this picture, but it's in the unboxing!)

These are the 1 year old items....

Alphabet Zoo ABC House Blocks ($24.99)  Jack will love these!  Saving them for his Easter basket! :)

Re-Play Bowls ($4.99)  These are so cool!  They are made from recycled milk jugs.  And we can always use more bowls! 

These are the 4 year old items....

Zoo Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bag set ($12.00) I have been wanting a set of these!  And now we have them!  lol

Re-Play 8 Pack Utensils ($4.65)  We have a set of these and love them!  So these are a great addition!  :)

This is a shared item...

Ready for Spring book ($7.16)  We love books so this is a welcome addition to our book shelf!

 

 

These are the mommy items...

 

The KIND bars are an extra in my box because one of mine was ruined from my box last month!  So they threw 2 into my box this month!  Lovely customer service!!  :) :)

 

Germ Fighti'n Hand Lotion ($9.99) This smells AWESOME!  It says to use it before and after diaper changes.  I will!  lol

 

Butter London nail polish ($15.00)  LOVE Butter London nail polish!  So excited to get this!  :)

 

Paid $28.00

Value $78.78

 

Once again, Box Me Mommy hit it out of the ballpark!  I really love this box!  Woo-hoo!!!!!



Citrus Lane March 2014

This is Eli's last Citrus Lane, but Jack will keep getting it.  :)  And I am thinking that Eli will get re-subscribed in the end too, lol.

Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for kids age 0-5.  We have loved it for a long time!  :)  Some months are great, some aren't but that is the way it goes with sub boxes!  :)  The cost is $29.00 for month to month with a discount if you sub for multiple months.

Let's get on to the boxes!

Here is Eli's box:  (4 year old boy)

 
Woo hoo!!

 

 

Petit Collage Memory Game ($15.00)  Eli loves memory!  And He really loved this game!  :)

 

 

 

Me4Kids Medi Buddy ($5.99) We have gotten one of these already in a CL box.  :/  But it is something that you can use another of!  :)

Hello Hanna Monkey Hello Book ($9.95)  This looks like fun!  Eli will enjoy making the story up!  :)

Hape Toys Bamboo Vehicle ($6.52)  Eli has gotten 2 of these in past boxes too, but this is a new design.  :)


Jack's Box:  (1 year old boy)

Yeah!  First, I liked how this box was "themed".  It had 2 safari items and 2 wellness items!  :)



Me4Kids Medi Buddy ($5.99)  We got this same thing in Eli's box. 

 

CleanWell All-Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes ($3.89)  We have gotten this in a previous CL box too, SIGH!  But again, this is a good item to have multiple of.

 

 

 

 

Chronicle Books You Are My Baby Book ($7.92) This is so cute!  You can open the big part of the book to the different animals and the smaller part of the book to different baby animals to match the animal baby's and mama's!

 

Hape Qubes ($9.75)  These are so cute!  Jack loves animals and these will be well played with!  :)

 

 

Eli:
Paid $18.75

Value $37.46

 

Jack:
Paid $11.00

Value $27.55

 

Both boxes were great this month!  :)