Lush Decor

I recently was given the opportunity to select some products to review in my blog from Lush Decor. I am waiting on shipping, but want to get the word out on their giveaway IMMEDIATELY. So, this will be a two-part post.

First, the product I am waiting on ....

Isn't it just gorgeous? This is their Flower Texture 8-piece Comforter Set and I am getting it for a Queen-size bed. I cannot wait until it comes and then go to Target to get matching sheets. I am not a silk sheet fan, but I might have to find something to be spa-ish when I have this set on my bed. It has been SO long since I have had anything nice for decor.


They don't only do bedding though! You can find decor in the way of shower curtains, window treatments, and youth decor! I think Peanut would LOVE the Adrienne 3-piece Quilt Set on her bed when she's not sharing a room with the toddlers.

The best part about Lush Decor is they are offering ALL my readers 10% off! Just use coupon code LOVELUSH1 to get your discount. You can use your Amazon.com credentials when purchasing at http://www.LushDecor.com.

I am sure you are more interested in the $200 Gift Card that is being offered by Lush. One of my US readers will win a $200 Gift Card to Lush Decor. You can only use the gift card one time only. IF YOU ARE THE WINNER BE SURE USE THE FULL $200 IN YOUR PURCHASE. (did you catch that? You can ONLY use this code ONCE).  You have to be 18+ to enter. I’ve provided an easy to use giveaway form below. It’s quick and easy to enter. I’ll announce the winner on the giveaway form at the close of the giveaway and I’ll send an email to the winner. Be sure that you check the email that you supply in the form. Thanks and good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Lush Decor for sponsoring this giveaway. They are responsible for the shipping and the code giveaway. All correspondence will be passed along as the contest closes.

{GIVEAWAY} Hydrate your body with coconut water

I am SO tired of being dry after my showers. I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but you can actually see the dryness on my arms and legs after I get out of the shower. I have to slather on the lotion, just so I won't feel tight and uncomfortable. I got some shea butter soap, but it was in a bar and I really prefer liquid to put on my loofa. So, I was super excited when I was selected by Purex Insiders to try out the new Dial Coconut Water with Mango.

Just as the name implies, this soap contains coconut water. The mango fragrance will help wake you up and take you away from the woes of your household. Coconut water is one of the leading products to help replenish hydration, but it is also high in antioxidants and electrolytes. This product is available in stores now, but let me give you my review on it ... then I am going to offer you a giveaway for a coupon for a FREE bottle of Dial Coconut Water body wash.

The soap does contain some dyes, even though it appears clear. The mango scent is not too strong, but is enough to take my mind to somewhere tropical. I really like how easy it is to use and the cap holds real well. This is good since I have two toddlers who think my soap is their lotion.

My favorite part of this hydrating body wash is how soft my skin feels afterwards. I got out of the shower and actually felt like I had healthy skin that wasn't dry. This is a HUGE bonus for me. I have used Dial in the past, but usually only as hand soap. I have also tried a small sample of the Greek Yogurt body wash, and liked it as well. Dial is quickly becoming a favorite in this house.

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Look Great for a 1D Concert

One Direction is one of my daughter's favorite bands. She is head over heels about their latest release ... makeup. She loves the Mary Kay At Play line, and in our opinion, the 1D line is very similar. The make up will be released starting the 11th at Macy's and Beauty Brands on the 25th.

The band is young, hip, and bold. Their make up is designed for the new generation with collectable packaging and prices everyone can afford.

THE LOOKS COLLECTIONS

“The Looks Collection” comprises three keepsake tins inspired by One Direction’s globe-conquering albums, “Up All Night, “Take Me Home” and the latest chart topper, ‘Midnight Memories.” Each tin comes complete with everything you need to show off your personality. Are you a rock n’ roll girl, a fun party girl or the girl next door? We have just the right collection for you and illustrations to help show you just how to get your perfect look. All your beauty essentials are housed in a LIMITED EDITION collectable keepsake tin with removable sleeve, complete with ONE DIRECTION doodle stencils to decorate your keepsake tin and make it uniquely your own

You can read about the different looks to see what matches your personality. You should also follow them on Facebook. We received the "Up All Night" collection.

UP ALL NIGHT KIT

• Taken - Glitter pink lip gloss that glows neon orange under UV light
• 4+1 Eye Shadow Palette
• More than this - soft blushing pink
• Gotta be you - silvered taupe shimmer
• Save you tonight - shimmering turquoise blue
• Another World - royal blue shimmer
• Up all night - sapphiree glitter creme
• I should have kissed you - bubblegum pink creme lipstick
• Little black dress - volumizing mascara
• Na Na Na - Aqua-blue metallic chrome nail polish
• Stand Up - Dark denim eye and body crayon
• Stencil set

Peanut got to use this makeup as her first product review. She will be posting her thoughts later. You can check her blog out at Marvel-ously Talented (link is also on the left sidebar). Here are a few photos of her before makeup, after Mary Kay mineral powder, the 1D eye shadow, and then the finished product. We are not fans of the eye crayon for eye liner use, but will be trying it out soon for the stencils. Scroll down to the bottom to see how you can enter a giveaway for your own makeup!

     

Are you ready to kick the junk in your trunk good-bye?

Okay ... So, I have been WAITING for Cassey Ho to announce what her July calendar will be but ya know what, I'm not waiting any longer! I am hosting a HUGE challenge in July that is guaranteed to kick-start the second half of the year. Maybe you have slacked on your resolutions, or maybe you only just made some goals. Perfect timing! So ... let's De-Junk in July!

In the month of July, I am hosting a group challenge that will be held on Facebook. You can join anytime, but the best way to earn entries is to start from the beginning! Let's first talk about what is required in the challenge.

Daily - Check-in ... this is what I will be validating the entries on! (each day you check in - you get one entry)
Month-Long - Select one of the challenge options and complete 85% or more of the challenge to get an additional 30 entries

So, that may sound REAL easy. HA! I have selected the following Challenges to choose from. With the Blogilates ... you WILL have to subscribe to her FREE newsletter so you can get the password for her FREE July calendar!

Challenge Option #1 - Jodi Higgs 30-Day Challenge

Challenge Option #2 - Blogilates with Cassey Ho
When you sign up for her newsletter (FREE), you will get an email when her July calendar is up and what the password is. You will then see a calendar that will look something like this ... only for July 2014!

Challenge Option #3 - Eat Clean
Cassey Ho has a Google Doc that she shares with recipes for eating clean. However, you can use any recipe you want ... as long as you eat clean for 85% of the month!

Challenge Option #4 - Whole 30
Participate in the Whole 30 Diet.


NOW, let's move on to the prizes. I am giving away ONE grand prize that is valued at $100. I also have a few secondary prizes (runner-up prizes). I am taking donations of prizes that are roughly $25 in value or sponsors who want to help offset my cost on the competition!

GRAND PRIZE

3-Day Refresh

Shakeology Sample Packet

Shakeology Sampler

$25 GC to Beachbody Shop

   

OTHER PRIZES

1 POP Video

$25 GC for Blogilates Shop

$25 GC for BeachBody Shop

 

Are you ready? Only two days away! Let's GO! Request HERE or click on the graphic below!

Purex Crystals Sweepstakes

Making your clothing smell great has never been easier. In addition to making it smell awesome, it has fabric softener in it so you do not have to add anymore. Oh, and it is cloth diaper FRIENDLY! You simply put the crystals in with your laundry detergent at the beginning of the wash, and the scent infuses with your clothing during the wash cycle!

There are currently five scents available:

• Fresh Spring Water
• Lavender Blossom
• Tropical Splash
• Fresh Moutain Breeze
• Fabulously Fresh

 

Just recently Purex Crystals added a new product to their line that is safe for all of children's clothing (including sleepware). Purex Crystals for Baby is hypoallergenic and dye free. It will not affect the flame retardant properties in your child's clothing!

I did a review of the Fabulously Fresh Crystals a short time ago and this week Purex is offering a Purex Sweepstakes for a FREE four pack! The sweepstake ends on May 30 and there will be FIVE winners! Click on the graphic to enter (don't delay!)

Affiliate Link

FamilyFun Magazine Sweepstakes

One of my favorite magazines is teaming up with Purex to offer an awesome sweepstakes. FamilyFun is a parenting magazine that is released by the creators of American Baby and Parents magazines. Right now you can get a two year subscription for less than $8! You can find articles on getting pregnant, being pregnant, babies, toddlers, children, parenting, and then everything in between.

In addition to the magazine, they have a Pinterest account, online site, Facebook account, and they are on Twitter. If you need ideas for parties, recipes, crafts to do with your kids, or some handy travel tips, this is the magazine to get. It is inexpensive and full of information that parents need.

It is stock full of information for child products to help you figure out the perfect products for your needs. With summer right around the corner, now is the time to get a subscription to the magazine. With the sweepstakes that Purex and FamilyFun is putting on, 15,000 people will receive a FREE subscription to the magazine!

The sweepstakes is active until May 30! You still have PLENTY of time to enter. However, don't wait too long … this is not one you want to miss. Click on the photo to enter.

Affiliate Link

{Giveaway} You mean I don't have to sort?

One of the biggest things I remember from childhood were the piles that I needed to sort my clothes into beside the washer and dryer. There was a pile for whites, a pile for darks, delicates in another, towels had another pile, and then there was denim. Oh, and I think there was a pile for sweats/sweatshirts. I HATE sorting.

*Note - I was compensated for this post, but the opinions stated are my own. No one is the boss of me!*

As I have stated before, I LOVE Purex. I fell in love with Purex when I was looking for a laundry detergent for my infant clothes that was cheaper Dreft. I was given the opportunity to try their new liquid detergent, No Sort.

Purex No Sort and a Full Load of Clothes

Eep! Reds, Purples, and Whites ... oh my!

It should be noted, that I like things separate, but once I had children ... that OCD tendency just disappeared. There is just WAY too much laundry to be nit-picky about it!

As you can see in my pictures, I just threw all my kids clothing into the wash. I took the gamble by adding a couple of my white shirts and socks, in addition to my son's white shirts. I added a few of my Purex Crystals in as well because I <3 the way they smell.

After the 30 minute was cycle ... and the 55 minute dry cycle ... I pulled the clothes out and was super surprised. The clothes did NOT bleed. It should be noted that there was a red blanket that was washed with this was at the bottom and it had not been washed before.

Dark colors were still bright & whites were still white!

I totally recommend this detergent for others who are like me and do not have the time, nor patience, to be separating clothing out. It is convenient and does not require much detergent to be used.

In addition to my giveaway (below) you can enter Purex's "Try Your Luck & Win $500" Campaign. Their campaign runs from now until May 9, 2014 at 3pm PST. You could win a year's supply of the Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets (review coming this weekend, btw) and $500. 50 people will win a FREE box of dryer sheets as well!

If you are looking for something for Mother's Day, then Purex has a way to WIN a Moms' Night Out. Enter by May 11, 2014 and see an exclusive sneak peek of the movie coming out on Mother's Day, May 9.

Now, for the giveaway! I have THREE coupons that I will mail out for a FREE bottle of Purex No Sort.

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{GIVEAWAY} Apples, Apples, and more Apples

I am sure I am not the only one, but I have a daughter who is a fruit-o-holic. In fact, if she had her way, she would ONLY eat fruits and vegetables. I wish I was exaggerating! Monkey is not a fan of starches, grains, or meats. So, when I was approached by Wacky Apple products, I was head over heels in love!

*Note - while I have been given either free product or monetary compensation for this post, the opinions expressed are my own.*
Let me start with the information on the company before getting into my sampling. Wacky Apple is a family owned company (LOVE) that is only 2 years old. It all started after an after-school snack was full of high fructose corn syrup. There was no nutritional value and parents wanted more. They are a 100% ORGANIC farm and rely on sustainable living. Wacky Apple products are made from naturally sweet organic apples, free of pesticides; contain no added water, no artificial colors, no preservatives and no added sugar! 

Our products are, gluten free, vegan, and contain NO GMO’s. Wacky Apple makes delicious, fun, organic food your on-the-go family won’t stop eating - and our mission is to get healthy snacks into the hands (and mouth's) of kids so they may develop their own nutritious & healthy living habits!

They offer apple juice, jars of applesauce, individual sized applesauce packets, and flat fruit. They are currently only sold in Colorado, but you CAN purchase a gift pack online! I am hoping they start selling in more stores around the United States. Take the time to read their facts on apples!

This package was much anticipated as we had mailing snafus. My Monkey KNEW it was coming, so when the delivery driver knocked on my door, she HOLLERED that it was her package! I never had a chance.

Yup, didn't even get a chance to take a picture before the girls RAIDED the box!

ORIGINALLY, in this box was the following:

• 2 containers of Cinnamon Applesauce
• 2 containers of Golden Applesauce
• 2 containers Wild Berry Applesauce
• 1 container of Mango Applesauce
• 1 container of Apricot Applesauce
• 2 Cinnamon Apple flat apple
• 2 Golden Apple flat apple
• 2 Wild Berry flat apple

Knowing my children are messy eaters, I stripped them before serving them snack!

This was where I KNEW Turtle was ill. Monkey took care of 3 containers of applesauce

She had NO problem showing how much she LOVED the applesauce

Okay ... so time for the mommy verdict. *I* personally am not a fan of the fruit flavored applesauce, but the Golden and Cinnamon flavored are awesome. I love that they are an organic farm. The flat applesauce are not sticky and do not leave a mess, making them the best car snack food .... EVER. We WILL be getting more of these. The kids said they tasted like the fruit leather I used to make, and I rarely have time to make that anymore.

Nutrition -
They only have 77 calories per container ... however, the natural fruit juices push the serving size containing nearly 15% of the daily sugar amount for the day! As long as you keep that in mind when you are serving the applesauce, then you are going to be fine!

I am going to include one of the recipes they sent me ... just in case you were not aware, you CAN substitute applesauce for oil in recipes. With the fruit flavored applesauce, you can add more flavor to your dish.

Wacky Applesauce Cake in a Cup

Do you ever have a craving for cake, but don’t want to make a whole one? Try this awesome idea for a single serving, quick, cake in a cup!

-1 Tbsp butter
-2 Tbsp sugar
-2 Tbsp Wacky Apple Cinnamon Applesauce
-1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
-2 drops pure vanilla extract
-1/4 Cup flour
-1/8 tsp baking powder
- pinch of sea salt
-Chopped fresh apple chunks

Soften butter in microwave until soft, but not melted. About 10 seconds. Stir in sugar and mix well. Stir in Applesauce, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until incorporated. Now stir in the flour, baking powder, salt and apples. Mix until combined and smooth out top of batter in cup. Sprinkle your favorite granola on top, for an easy and delicious crumb topping. Pop it in the microwave for 50 – 80 seconds. Every microwave is different and weather conditions will also effect cook time. I suggest after 50 seconds, proceed at 10 second intervals. Enjoy warm, right out of the microwave, they really do taste their best right away. Careful not to microwave too long, they can get rubbery.

Use basic recipe for an easy platform to add nutrients. Try adding flax seed, chia seeds, cranberries, walnuts, granola, or chocolate chips! These make a great way to hide delicious nutrients in a “cake form.” Try combining granola, apples and flax and microwaving in a non-waxed paper cup for a quick breakfast while running out the door in the morning.

You can find more recipes on their site! They are ALSO allowing me to host a giveaway on my blog!!

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{Giveaway} Review of Hereos of the City apps

This post is a review of a product that I was given access to and given products to give away. The opinions are my own.

 I was offered the opportunity to share something with my two younger girls. They absolutely LOVE Heroes of the City and there are now two phone apps that they can play on my Android device. Heroes of the City Movie and Heroes of the City Book. They are both for preschool-aged children, but I am not sure I completely agree with their age suggestions.


Let me first do the Heroes of the City Movie.

Here is the description that they provide:

• An all-in-one, safe and fun children's application.
• This is a perfect app for children 2-6 year. The app includes more than six hours of entertaining movies and nine exciting games!
• The content is fully adapted to the target audience and is based on the popular television series Heroes of the City
• More than six hours of entertaining movies!
• Nine exciting games!
• Air Play function for your Apple TV!
• Collect trophies to unlock your own secret surprise!
• One full movie episode, 3 games and a music video for free.

Language:
Give your children their first contact with a new language; it is possible to switch between multiple languages. The app includes English, Swedish, Russian, Polish, Thai, Korean, Dutch, Italian, Czech and Hungarian languages.

Here is the Good and Bad of the app:
Girls LOVED the app
Great graphics
Easy to understand and easy to follow
Large pictures making it easy to select for little fingers
The games are not exactly designed for children under 4 (they have a puzzle game that is hard to get the pieces where they go. There is a lot of abstract thinking required in some of the games.
They only offer UK English ... which is fine if you realize that it is similar to US English. There is no US Flag though, which can confuse young users.

Will I be keeping the app ... Most definitely. It is worth it. I just think that the market is more for pre-Kindergarten rather than preschool.

Now let's talk about the Heroes of the City Book.

Here is the description they provide:

• An exciting books for Toddlers with stories, games and movies.
• Follow the fantastically exciting adventures along with friends in town. Meet Paulie Police Car and Fiona Fire Engine as they help the townspeople find thieves, put out fires, and solve one of the many mysteries that happen in the otherwise quiet town. You will also get to know Calamity Crow, the most misunderstood bird in town. In the first book, you will get to know Paulie Police car.
• You will also find a memory game and a fun music video from Heroes of the City.
• You also have the option to purchase an additional eleven stories from Heroes of the City’s inhabitants; The Fire Engine, The Tractor, The Seaplane, The Tow Truck, The Hot Road, The Scooter, The Digger, The Fishing Boat, The Train, The Garbage Truck and The Helicopter and also a new game.
• Choose to get the story read to you or to read yourself.
• Discover lots of fun sounds and melodies with a simple press on the pictures.

Here is the Good and Bad of the app:
Girls LOVED the app
Great graphics
Easy to understand and easy to follow
Large pictures making it easy to select for little fingers
You only get one free book. The rest is purchased for less than $5
They only offer UK English ... which is fine if you realize that it is similar to US English. There is no US Flag though, which can confuse young users.

So, will I be keeping this app? YES. I will also be purchasing the full version. The paid downloads are protected with a parental control so your children cannot just clickity click it.

If you are looking for more information on Heroes of the City, check out their website and their Facebook page.

I was given two cars, a book, and a movie to give away to one lucky reader. HOWEVER, my girls got to the cars first, SO before this giveaway ends, I will be replacing those.

Guilty Party!

 

Current picture of giveaway gift!

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   This post is a review of a product that I was given access to and given products to give away. The opinions are my own.

{GIVEAWAY} Purex Crystals: Fabulously Fresh

This post is a review of a product that I got for free for being a Purex Insider. While the product was given to me, the opinions are my own!

I recently joined Purex Insiders because I absolutely LOVE the brand. I am not just saying that because I wanted free items, I bought Purex long before hearing about their Insider program. I have been itching to try their Purex Crystals because I have heard a lot about them. Mainly that they are cloth-diaper friendly. Um, yes please!

The most BEAUTIFUL box!

Unboxing

Purex Crystals: Limited Edition

Okay, so let me first talk about what I have heard about Purex Crystals:

• Smells divine
• Safe for all clothing (including towels and children's clothing)
• Smells great for weeks

Here is what I can tell you after using it for a week.

~ The new Limited Edition: Fabulously Fresh smells Ah-MAZING
~ It eliminated the odor in my children's stinky socks and clothing
~ It has not reduced absorbancy in my towels (it does not reduce absorbancy in cloth diapers either)
~ My kids love it

I can also say that my drawers smell awesome. The best part is it is so easy to use. Pour to the 1 line (unless you are washing uber stinky clothes - but only use it to the 1 with cloth) and then put into the washer! I then add my 2-3 TBS of detergent, clothes, and press start. Pull them out of the washer and breathe in deeply. Yeah, buddy. Still doesn't help with the folding of laundry though.

If you are looking for a way to freshen your laundry, then I have a treat for you. Purex Insiders has given me the ability to offer ONE viewer a coupon for a FREE bottle of Purex Crystals Limited Edition!

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This post is a review of a product that I got for free for being a Purex Insider. While the product was given to me, the opinions are my own!

{Giveaway} Happy Birthday ... #DisneySide Style!

*I was selected by MomSelect and Disney Parks to host a #DisneySide party. I have received free products in order to host the Disney Side @Home Celebration. The opinions expressed here are my own.*

Today was our much anticipated #DisneySide birthday party for Adella. We spent much of last night preparing with the last push this morning. We were finishing everything up as guests began to show.

Last night's preparations were hanging the decor, clearing out chairs (and moving the table), and setting up the Mickey Mouse cookies.

We decided to have the party shortly after noon and serve a light lunch. We ran into a few snafus (such as not being able to find any Mickey Mouse chicken tenders) so I decided to just make things work. Our lunch was STILL Mickey Mouse tenders with homemade French Fries (recipe at the end).

Find the recipe here

 After eating, we let the kids play for a bit and then we did our photo shots.

Yup, I also found my #DisneySide

 We had a coloring contest (all the kids won Blow Pops!)

We then had Disney trivia and Bingo (but we forgot to take photos!) When it started to snow, we decided to pick up the pace so that everyone would be ready to go when parents got there.  I made a Mickey Mouse cake with homemade fondant and the cookie cutters given to me by Disney Side and Mom Select.

Tip - GET THE DOUBLE STUFF (don't skimp). I also just dyed the bark instead of rolling in more sugar!

Theoretically Mickey on snow. Was my first time and Adella loved it (all that matters)

Yes, Adella danced while being sung to

The biggest gift of all was thanks to American Tourister, with a beautiful carry-on suitcase. Inside was a letter letting our Peanut know she was going to Texas this summer to visit her aunt and uncle ALONE. She is excited ... and scared (we are excited ... and scared!). 

 

Adella was given the American Tourister DeLite (found at Target)

This party was such a huge success thanks to Mom Select, Disney Parks, Ocean Spray, #RunDisney, HP, and TwoSmiles. You can find which products I received complimentary on my previous post about party planning.

NOW, for the giveaway!

I also received an iPhone 5 cell phone case and several packages of HP Photo paper. I am giving ONE lucky reader that phone case and ONE package of photo paper!! The raffle is open from tonight through March 8th. Please read the terms of service.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I had a GREAT party and my daughter has realized that #DisneySide is for ALL ages!

Homemade French Fries

* 5lbs Russet Potatoes

* Oil

* Cooking Spray

* Salt

1) Scrub potatoes and cut into thick fries.

2) Place in a pot and cover completely with cold water.

3) Let soak for 30 min to 1 hour (removes starch from the potatoes).

4) Drain water and lightly coat with oil.

5) Place on a pan lightly coated with cooking spray.

6) Sprinkle with salt (or other seasoning if desired).

7) Bake at 425 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.