Sun Flour Baking Co - Vegan Lemony Lemon cookie and Vegan Peanut Butter Cookie
Key Lime with ginger Mustard by East Shore
Gin Gins Super Strength ginger caramel candy by The Ginger People
Tangerine Glee Gum
Get $2 off (equal to free shipping so you'll pay $10 for a box) on a Love with Food box, use code: REEFRIENDS.
Sign up before 8/31/12 to get your hand on September's 'Back in Skinny Jeans' box!!
Giveaway Time!!
One lucky winner will win one trial month of Love with Food. Upon winning, you must provide your credit card information and if you aren't happy with the first trial box - then cancel at any time before the next month's box is shipped!
You must be able to complete the first 7 tasks on the rafflecopter (widget below) to qualify for this giveaway. US only. By entering this giveaway, you have agreed to reading the rules at the bottom of the rafflecopter widget. Starts 8/16 and ends 8/30 at 1159p EST. Good luck everyone and thank you so much for participating! I can't wait to see what we will get next month!
Before getting into the unboxing and crafting, I wanted to share an opportunity for you to win a Discovery Box from Green Kid Crafts.
Green Kid Crafts is one of ten finalists in the running to win the Green America’s People & Planet Awards! By voting for Green Kid Crafts to win the $5K prize and commenting on their website saying you voted, you are put into the running to win a DISCOVERY BOX!
Do the following for a chance to win a Discovery Box before September 4th:
Now to the unboxing and my son crafting one of three craft bags in the August Green Kid Craft box.
All about bugs was the theme of this month's August craft box.
As you can see, my son was in awe of how he was able to create a new little toy! We enjoyed creating this craft together and look forward to doing the other crafts real soon!
Don't forget to support Green Kid Crafts along with winning a chance for a Discovery Box! What do you think of this box? What crafts do you do with your little one?
Thank you for visiting and don't forget to follow my blog for new posts!
What crafts have you done with your little ones? Since getting my first Green Kid Crafts, my son and I get to create some great little crafts that bring back nostalgic memories of times I made similar crafts.
Who is Green Kid Crafts?
Enjoy earth-friendly, monthly projects that spark creativity and cultivate respect and love for the environment. With Green Kid Crafts, you no longer have to scramble for craft ideas and supplies to entertain your children. Suitable for kids ages 3-8, three of our craft projects come straight to your door every month. Order now and a package full of fun will arrive each month.
Although this is suitable for kids age 3-8 years old, with my supervision, this makes for a craft time project with my 2 1/2 year old son.
Since having my daughter a little over six months ago, I have been working on getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight by changing my diet. It is definitely easy to snack on junk foods like cookies and chips since being in my new career as full time stay at home mom after my daughter was born.
I recently discovered a new (and healthy) monthly food subscription box service called NatureBox foods.
NatureBox helps you eat healthier without needing to change your eating habits. We focus on snacks because that’s the easiest habit to change. Do you know that the average American eats almost 25% of their calories from snacking? In fact, snacking is the leading cause of childhood obesity. NatureBox helps you get more out of your day without wasting calories on the bad stuff.
Food You Can Trust
Every NatureBox item is carefully sourced and nutritionist approved. Everything inside your NatureBox will be guilt free so that you can feel great about what you’re eating. You can trust that our products will be made from the most wholesome ingredients and will be minimally processed, if at all.
Try Us Risk Free!
Each box costs just $19.95 and shipping is always free with NatureBox. You can pause or cancel anytime, and we’ll happily issue a refund if you’re not 100% satisfied.
Together, We Give
For every NatureBox sent out, together we’re helping to feed the hungry. NatureBox donates one meal for every box to feed the over 14 million children in America who go hungry. We believe in doing good and eating well.
"Reveal is a radiant floral fragrance that has a perfect balance. Light and fresh, it becomes sexier as you wear it. The scent of iris can be a bit dark or woody, but I decided to choose faces of it that make it feel velvety soft and airy." - Halle Berry
Head notes - Red Berries, Juicy Peach, Mimosa, Honeydew Melon
We are a humble boutique store that sells quality handmade products like false eyelashes and nail polish strips. We started out in the cosmetics business in the fall of 2008 and have been steadily growing step by step since. Based in the laid back city of Vancouver with its natural beauty, fabulous nightlife and chic boutique shopping, our brand is a reflection of the city’s lifestyle. Our false eyelashes are meticulously hand woven from natural hair fiber. Our quality is comparable to designer brand lashes, but our price is at a fraction of the price. We can maintain this low price because we have a much lower overhead and don’t have to spend money on advertising.
Coveted CosmeticsFalse Eyelashes are handmade pieces of art. Each individual fiber is meticulously woven together to form beautiful, strong false lashes. We use only sterilized natural hair in their production. The false eyelashes are woven with attention to detail and a lot of patience! The end result is a masterpiece of light, wispy, beautiful lashes that are designed and made to wow the world! Even though they feel feather light, their weaving is strong and durable. With proper care they can last you many unforgettable nights.
Our company is based in the beautiful city of Vancouver BC, Canada. Our false eyelashes are made in Indonesia. The factory, located in the clean open countryside of Indonesia, helps to support the livelihood of the local people. We feel that it is important our products come from humble beginnings. The factory plays a role in supporting the local economy, providing wages to allow families to send their children to school, provide medical care to the elderly and improve their living standards. The factory produces very little chemical waste as the hair fibers used to make the lashes are natural and the weaving is done by hand. Coveted Cosmetics is honored to have such a valuable partner in maintaining the excellent quality our brand has become known for. We believe supporting all people in their pursuit of a better life is everyone’s social responsibility. [source]
There continues to be a boom of more monthly subscription boxes that are catered for almost everyone out there. If you are a parent to a toddler and are concerned being earth friendly, there is a monthly subscription for you called Green Kids Crafts!
Who is Green Kid Crafts?
Founded in 2010, Green Kid Crafts is the original earth-friendly, craft subscription company. We are a mom-owned, green company that offers natural, sustainable, and responsible choices for craft projects.
Have you ever wanted to try out earth friendly products but don't know where to start? Are you currently eco conscious and like to discover great products before buying full size products at full price?
The prevalence of gluten in our food system has received a lot of attention recently. It’s estimated that celiac disease affects 1 out of every 133 people and generally speaking around 18 million Americans have some degree of gluten sensitivity. The culprit is the hard-to-digest protein called gluten, that even a healthy intestine can not completely break down. For those with celiac disease, the undigested gluten essentially causes the body’s immune system to lash out at itself, leading to malabsorption, bloating and diarrhea — the classic gastrointestinal symptoms — but also, at times, joint pain, skin rashes and other problems.
For these reasons, PROBAR is proud to announce that they are moving away from gluten as much as possible. PROBAR’s first certified gluten-free product is due to come out in March 2012: a fruit-dense, superfood snack bar (~150 calories). Fruition is designed to deliver 1 serving of fruit in every bar and is built from a 100% vegan, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free medley of dates, oats, chia seeds, and cashews.
Toys can do many things for your child(ren) such as assist in their developmental milestones, occupy the child's time, etc. But now a days, toy recalls have been widespread for many reasons and one of those reasons is high levels of toxic lead contained in the toy.
With this concern, it creates an extra step a parent takes when determining if a toy is safe for their child. I found a great toy company called Green Toys that creates toys that alleviates the lead concern and is eco-friendly.
We believe the world would be a much better place if everyone said “please” and “thank you", cell phones didn’t ring during movies, and all toys were fun, safe, and made from environmentally friendly materials. Since it’s probably no use holding our breath for those first two, we’re concentrating on the toys. Green Toys Inc. makes an awesome line of classic children’s toys constructed from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. This helps reduce fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving the overall health and happiness of the planet.
You can! With the summer here it is time to show off your loveliness along with cute outfits and a great reliable grooming tool is key!
I've tried a number of shaving products with and without electric features and know what I'm looking for in product. I personally like using a 'wet/dry' electric shaver for my grooming needs and I have come across shavers that tug or give me razor burns which is really painful.
Sometimes it's easier for us to describe who we are by describing who we're not. We’re not an old, corporate, last-year, following, mean-spirited conglomerate. We don't have middle-management, corporate governance, a company dress code or a board of directors. Founded just 8 years ago by people who considered themselves destined for hair removal, we are fast, fearless, free-spirited and passionate about producing great quality products with award-winning design at affordable prices that everyone can enjoy.
It's officially summer and the sun brings on the heat with UV rays that can affect our skin, body and our eyes. Sunglasses aren't just an accessory to complete your outfit of the day but necessary for eye protection.
Ultraviolet (UV) light rays from the sun not only can damage the skin, they can also harm the eyes. Long-term exposure to UV light increases the risk of cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens. Some experts believe UV rays increase the risk of macular degeneration, a chronic disease that affects the central vision.
Sunglasses are an easy and effective way to protect against UV rays. "It's best to wear sunglasses any time you're outside and need sun protection," says Dr. Khan [source]
To prepare my summer look, I went on a search for a perfect pair of sunglasses knowing they were crucial in protecting my eyes but I had to ensure it suited my style. I appreciate a lot of different styles and found a great website called Giant Vintage which sold sunglasses that ranged from vintage to modern style sunglasses.
Along with rounding out the end of May, we welcome June! Almost halfway through the year? Goodness the year has definitely zoomed by! Here is another weekly roundup of how last week was for me!
One of my favorites subscription boxes is New Beauty's Test Tube! I really like this subscription because I feel the products are higher end products and, in all the cases that I've gotten a test tube, you get at least 3 full size products. I haven't done an unboxing or review of my previous 3 test tubes and I'm sad that I didn't because I could have shared the awesome goodies!
Here is the video of my unbox and review of my Spring 2012 test tube. Also, I announce the winners of the last two giveaways that ended recently!
Would you consider yourself a food enthusiast? Would you like to receive unique, hard-to-find tasty bites which varies based on seasonal themes? Well, say hello to Love with Food!
About Love with Food
Love with Food was founded by Aihui Ong who wanted to combine her two passions, tech and food. The company is passionate about helping the more than 16 million children in America who are at risk of hunger. So for every box sold, they donate a meal to several food banks such as the Feeding America Network and Share Our Strength - No Kid Hungry.
How does Love with Food work?
Monthly Membership
Get 8+ curated gourmet bites per month
Earn points good for free products
Member-only access to discounts
Every purchase supports food banks
$10 + $2 shipping per month ($12/month)Cancel anytime
This month's hits and miss are going to be a blog only (no youtube video) because I realized I didn't have very many favorites for April. I am currently testing several things this month so May's Hits & Miss should be more eventful.
Here are my April Hits -
First is the Rimmel Lash Accelerator. I am in LOVE with this mascara. It gives my sad display of eyelashes some extra vavoom. After curling my lashes for 5 seconds, I apply one coat and I've got some noticeably pretty lashes. I've done the trick where I've used 2 different lashes to get some plump but these by itself do the job.
Many rely on coffee, energy drinks or even caffeine pills to get an extra push of energy in our day. Unfortunately, many do not know that certain snacks can help give you energy and are better for you! But the search of what is best for you can be difficult.
A great option for a energy picker upper that's raw and organic is from Superfood snacks!
We are a sustainable superfood company from the island of Kauai. Our focus is on creating cutting edge organic products using raw ancient superfoods and specialty ingredients from around the world. We source the highest quality organic & wildcrafted fair trade ingredients for all of our recipes.
Our organic raw chocolate superfood line is packaged in the very first ever-printed package that is made with NatureFlex TM non-gmo, sustainably sourced, 100% biodegradable and compostable materials.[more about this great company on their website]
If you are one of the fortunate ones that don't need false lashes then lucky you! My daughter and son have gorgeous long lashes and they are only 2 yo and 4 mos! For me, on the other hand, I have short sparse lashes and need two different types of mascara with a lash curler to get some decent looking lashes.
Fortunately, there are false lashes to the rescue!
This will be a review of three Eylure strip eyelashes!
Here is a video of my quick hits of my review about these lashes along an announcement of the Eylure Lashes!
About Eylure:
Eylure, the UK's #1 brand, premieres in the U.S.
Award-winning beauty Innovators Eylure are setting a new standard in beauty essentials with the introduction of their false eyelash collection, debuting in the US market exclusively at Ulta stores.
Since their conception in 1947, Eylure has remained at the forefront of creation and innovation in an exciting and ever-changing industry, producing gorgeous original lashes that have been worn by iconic beauties like Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Ingrid Bergman and Marlene Dietrich. Fans of Eylure are not limited to stars of yesteryear and the brand continues to appeal to high profile celebrities and professional make-up artists alike.
From Eylure’s subtle and pretty Naturalites to their dramatic Intense and Double Lashes or the bespoke finish of their classic Individual Lashes, there is a style and range suitable for everyone!
Out of the many lashes that Eylure has, I was able to test and review three which were the Katy Perry "Oh, My!", Naturalites lengthening and Naturalites evening wear.
Each packet of lashes include eyelashes on a tray, directions and small capsule of eyelash glue.
Katy Perry Lashes - "Oh, My!"
A stunning and wearable new lash collection from Katy Perry and Eylure. This style is called "Oh, My!" it is big and beautiful with a layered effect. All the texture you could want in a lash yet so wearable and really flattering. Be daring, go double effect! All Katy Perry lashes by Eylure are handmade, 100% natural and each style is reusable.
The Test -
After completing my eye makeup application, I opened the sleek paper box that the strip lashes were on and pressed down against the tray then pulled in the opposite direction. Once on my fingers, these dense and thick strip lashes made me say "Oh, My!"If you were to take 3 to 4 strip lashes together, you would somewhat have the thickness that these lashes had!
With all lashes, directions suggested trimming the lashes to fit your upper lash line. I did not trim and proceeded to apply enclosed adhesive to the base of the lash. I love that this glue had a wand helping make application less messy and great to pop in your purse for on the go in the event an emergency touch up is needed.
I waited around 20 to 30 seconds to get the glue to be tacky and applied these on with my fingers. I used a pair of tweezers to get the ends as close to my lash line. Once these lashes were on, they looked super dramatic and I liked it! They had some weight to it but they weren't overpowering that it felt like they were obstructing my line of vision. I've used other lashes that were heavy and long which felt like visors for my eyes.
Overall, they stayed on fairly well and were comfortable to use. I had one occasion where I had to remove and reapply the lashes because my inner lash line were a bit wet prior to application. My eyes have a tendency to water up a bit and my false lash application didn't go on perfectly as it should have due to my eyes. That by no means was due to the product but me. I really like these lashes to give me some extra oomph!
Direction were very thorough including 8 different languages
All items you need are included
High Quality
Great dramatic look
Didn't feel too heavy
Reusable
Can fit any eye size
I like the tray because it will help keep shape when not in use
Ranking - 5 out 5 stars
Would you recommend it to a friend? YES!
Naturalites Lengthening
Eylure Naturalites strip lashes enhance the natural beauty of your eyes. Suitable for all eyeshapes, they are ideal for regular wear or a special occasion.
The Test -
I initially applied these strip lashes after completing an earth day eye makeup look. Opening the sleek paper box, I removed the lashes by using my two fingers on both hands and lifted the lashes from both ends off its plastic tray.
I personally have a love/hate relationship with this tray. For each lash, a section of the tray had two sticky circles where you can stick the lash themselves onto for storage. At first I was thinking, how will this keep the shape of my lashes but as you stick them back on you ensure the curvature is intact when you store them. I thought that feature was pretty innovative and I ended up loving it. But then after a while the tackiness began to wear off and they started to move around in the casing. An easy fix is to dab a bit of the included eyelash glue on the tray then place lashes the same way with the sticky circles.
These had a white band with the lashes being long with small gaps between each lash bundle. Taking the wand from the include eyelash glue, I applied a thin layer onto the lash band and waited 20-30 seconds to get to a tacky consistency. Using my tweezer, I apply the lashes as close to my lash line as possible.
Earth day look (see tutorial) using liquid liner after lashes were applied.
I noticed that that you can see the white band while on my lash line and an easy fix was to take my liquid liner to cover the white band. I tested these lashes again with a very minimal eye makeup look that had no eyeliner and applied as close to upper lash line as possible making it look very natural.
Overall, these were great lashes! I have gone over 5 uses on these already and can see that I will be able to get more use with proper care.
I applied these lashes after finishing a full eye makeup look and these were very easy to apply. Using the same process as the lengthening lashes (above), these strip lashes looked great! They had a very full look to them making my eyes look subtly more dramatic.
Direction were very thorough including 8 different languages
All items you need are included
High Quality
Natural look
Very light weight
Reusable (going on over 5 uses already)
Can trim to fit any eye size
The tray is innovative
Con -
Sticky circles can lose it's tackiness (easy fix by using included lash glue)
Ranking - 5 out 5 stars
Would you recommend it to a friend? YES!
From these lashes, Eylure has a great line of high quality false lashes that includes the eyelash glue with each packet. Their eyelashes line have such a large variety to choose from depending on the look you want to achieve.
In short -
Packaging - In sleek paper boxes with plastic trays which included directions and capsule size eyelash glue. Eyelash glue had an included wand inside container.
Ease of use - Yes, directions were in some case included over 8 different languages on how to use lashes.
Smell - glue was unscented
Cost - "Oh, My!" - $6.99, Lengthening - $5.99 and Evening Wear - $5.99 (prices via ulta.com)
Additional - In the Katy Perry Eylure lash line there are 3 additional looks available.
I will be hosting a sponsored giveaway for the Eylure lashes I just reviewed!! Three (3) winners will be chosen for one each of the lashes above. When choosing winners, I will select them random via rafflecopter (widget below) - 1st person chosen gets their first ranked, 2nd person gets their 1st ranked but if it has been chosen then they get their 2nd ranked and third person will get the remaining lashes.
The first 8 tasks on the rafflecopter are MANDATORY and not completing them will not qualify you in this giveaway. You can earn more entries by doing any or all of the following per day during the giveaway - tweeting, posting a photo, sharing giveaway or commenting on a previous post or youtube video.
This is open internationally for all ages (under 18 must get a parent's permission) and will start 5/4/12 and ends 5/19/12 midnight EST.
I am so excited to host this sponsored giveaway and have you enjoy these lashes as much as I have! Thanks in advance for participating!
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