Saturday, February 22, 2014

The Beatrix Girls Review and GIVEAWAY!!

Being the mother of a 2 1/2 year old diva is not easy, but it sure is rewarding. Along with all the trials and tears come many triumphs and much laughter. And while I'd love to be a mother and a best friend, that is not entirely possible with a 2 year old.

She lives in her own world much of the time. In her world, she is the boss, and she has a ton of friends, only none of them are children. Instead they are her toys. She is friends with bears and cats, and babies, and she just made a new friend, who is really cool.

Her name is Ainsley and she is a pop star! More specifically, she is one of The Beatrix Girls.
Ainsley is a drummer, and she has beautiful blonde hair and a fabulous sense of style.
All of the Beatrix Girls are lovely and super stylish, but I chose Ainsley because she is a blonde just like my little girl. She loves to match her friends. Ainsley's adorable pink dress is just my daughter's style too, so they have quickly become the best of friends.

My daughter plays with Ainsley more than any of her other dolls. They watch TV together and Ainsley joins us for story time. She would probably sleep with her is I allowed it.

I love how Ainsley is not proportioned like the typical fashion doll. The focus is not a large bust or a ton of make-up. She dresses stylish and a bit edgy, but nothing too inappropriate for a young girl.

I love that all of the Beatrix Girls stand for friendship and fun, and they all love music. My daughter already loves music, so it's a perfect match. The Beatrix Girls make real music that is perfect for little girls.
If you know a little girl that loves dolls or that is looking for great music created just for her by 4 awesome girls, then I highly recommend The Beatrix Girls. That's why one lucky winner will receive a Beatrix Girl doll of their own. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

*Although I received this at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Sol Republic Relay Headphones Review #VZWBuzz

I don't know about you, but I love music. I do not mean a casual, "something fun to pass the time" love or "this song brings back memories" love. I mean an undying, "This song just ripped out my soul, but I love it" kind of obsessive passion.

Of course I don't love every song, but I love every type of music. I find comfort and happiness and excitement and (good) despair, and friendship and every other emotion you can think of from music. Often one song can make me experience SEVERAL(conflicting) emotions all at once.

My day is not complete unless I get my fix of music. I can literally feel myself becoming depressed if I go too long without it. Just hearing a certain song can completely change my whole day. It really is that essential to me.

That is both a positive and a negative thing, or at least it used to be. The negative part is that I do not live alone. I have a husband and 2 children to think of, and if they are watching TV or trying to hear or concentrate on something, they may not always appreciate my music as much as I do.

This especially effects my son, who is autistic. Certain sounds just set him off and he will cover his ears and get upset(to the point of crying). He even does that with his own shows or games a lot of the time. Obviously, I never want to be what causes him stress, so the music has to go.

I know there is always the option of headphones, but when I am also attending to a 3 year old, they are not too practical. I need to be able to move around(bend down, etc) without my headphones sliding off. Plus, headphones are bulky and uncomfortable.

That leaves ear buds, but I have small and VERY sensitive ears, so ear buds end up hurting them very quickly. I can't take more than 20 minutes before they have to go. Plus, since my ears are so small, they always fall out multiple times(even if I am being still), if I am moving, they don't stand a chance.

However, I am so excited to share that I finally found a pair of in-ear headphones that I can actually tolerate. Better yet, I LOVE them. Sol Republic Relay Headphones are incredible!
The term "Everyday Active" resonates so well with me. That is exactly what I need. It doesn't get much more active than being a mom. I also love the "Easy to put in, won't fall out" aspect.

What makes these really special is that they come with 4 sizes of rubber ear pieces, so you can choose the size that is perfect for you. That alone is enough to make me love these. Not I can finally have ear buds that it without hurting me.

They are so stylish too. I love the feisty Lemon Lime color, and the shape is really unique.
As wonderful as styling is though, it is all about function. These headphones have i5 Sound Engines, Mic & Music Control and Ear-tips for LIFE. They are lightweight and low profile and even sweat and water resistant!
These really are amazing. I have worn them several times already and they have not fallen out even once. hey really are lightweight and very comfortable, I could barely feel them(which is saying a lot coming from me).

The sound quality is DIVINE. Everything sounds so much clearer than through my computer(laptop or desktop speakers and even better than the stereo. I am so impressed. It takes my listening experience to a whole new level. Plus while these are not noise canceling, having them in my ear reduces the background noise that using a stereo and such allows.

I am so glad I took a chance on these headphones. If you have been looking for a better way to enjoy music, these Sol Republic Relays are the way.

*As member of a pretty cool team of influencers, the #VZWBuzz Team, I received the Sol Republic Relay Headphones from Verizon. No additional compensation was provided nor did I promise a positive review. All opinions are my own.*

Friday, February 14, 2014

Stuffed With Love This Valentine's Day. Win a Build-A-Bear Gift Card!!

With all the love in the air today, so much focus is placed on romance (and candy). All too often, kids are left out of the equation. I mean they get little Valentine's Cards at school and maybe a little box of candy here and there, but they are usually not front in center of the gift shopping.

In my world, my kids always come first, so I was not going to give them some mediocre treat and pass it off as a gift. So in my search to get them gifts truly worthy of the title, I went to a place that I always trust for unforgettable keepsakes.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is the ultimate destination for Valentine's Day. Nowhere else can you get such amazing furry friends. Not only can you get Valentine's themed clothing and accessories, but even animals that are Valentine's themed themselves.

How adorable are these? I got the Huge Hearted Lion for my son.

He is decked out in style with his adorable "Be Mine" Plush Heart, Heart Antenna, "Heart Throb" Hoodie, and High Top Sneakers.
It doesn't get any cuter or more hip than that. He is cuddly and sweet and yet still edgy enough for boys to love.

Of course for my little princess, we had to go full on girly. So I got the Pink Hearts Hello Kitty.
She projects Valentine's Day through and though right down to her gorgeous pink color and heart patterned fur.
Of course, Hello Kitty is a fashionista, so she had to be dolled up in a beautiful Pink Hearts Party Dress, White Sequin Flats, Sparkly Hello Kitty Purse and her lovely bow.
This is probably the most beautiful plush toy I have ever seen. I know my little girl will love her. I am so tempted to steal her away for myself. I love Hello Kitty, and this one is just to precious for words.

Anyone shopping for a Child this Valentine's Day needs to visit Build-A-Bear Workshop. Even if you are shopping for a woman, it is a very good choice. I know a Build-A-Bear friend would make me one happy lady on Valentine's Day or any other day.

And since Build-A-bear makes such an amazing gift, we are giving away a $25 Build-A-Bear Gift Card to one lucky winner. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck.

*Although I received these at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.* a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Tatcha Indigo Collection Review

With today being a day of romance, there are many things that need to go smoothly today. One thing that needs to be smooth is my skin, which is easier said than done. My skin is very picky.

When I was younger, I never had to do anything, and my skin was always soft. Now it is the opposite, I do everything I can think of, and I can barely achieve a step above alligator skin. It's kind of hard to feel romantic when your skin feels like sandpaper.

I needed great skincare. Something much better than everything else I had been trying. Thankfully, my most beloved brand for face care recently released a body care line. I knew that if anything would work it would be the new Indigo Collection from Tatcha.
What makes Tatcha so special, is that the formulas come from the super secret beauty rituals used by Japanese Geisha for hundreds of years. These are premium products with real, natural ingredients and timeless secrets.

The indigo collection now makes it possible for me to get the same incredible, renewing care and healthy glow that the Tatcha Ritual gives my face. I am so in love with these products.

Soothing Silk Body Butter:
This ultra rich and creamy body butter is made with real indigo, Liquid Silk and Squalane. Not only does it leave the skin incredibly smooth and hydrated, it also soothes the skin with the anti-inflammatory properties of the Indigo, which also provides an amazing blue hue.
It's almost too beautiful to use, but the results are so amazing, that there is no way to resist. I could not believe the difference this made on my legs. Even if today were not Valentine's Day, it would feel like it was with as silky as my legs feel.

Soothing Silk Hand Cream:
This amazing hand cream also contains Indigo, Liquid Silk and Squalane. It is even more rich than the body butter, making it perfect for extra dry areas like the hands. Since dry skin is such a problem for me, I also use this on my heels, knees and elbows to really put dry skin in it's place.

It works like a miracle cream, making dry skin vanish and feel super hydrated and smooth without leaving behind a greasy residue like most other hand creams do. I would not believe how well it absorbed or how much healing can be done with such a small amount.

Of course, the Indigo gives this a stunning blue color as well.
These products make me feel like a queen, or better yet, a Geisha. I cannot believe the complete transformation my skin has undergone is such a short time. I could never use anything else to care for my skin.

Not only does my skin look and feel infinitely healthier and more beautiful, but these products smell divine. It is like an aromatherapy treatment every time I use them. Scent is so important to me, it is a complete mood transformer for me, and this makes me happy and soothed.

If you are in a position to splurge on yourself(or have someone splurge for you), you have to get the best for yourself, and that is Tatcha without a doubt. For your body, get the indigo collection, and for your face get the Ritual collection or any of Tatcha amazing products. I guarantee the best skin you've ever had.

*Although I received these products at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Skinny Jane Weight Loss and Nutrition for Women Review & GIVEAWAY!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  

After losing a good deal of weight last year, I kind of let myself splurge too much over the holidays, and put some wight back on. I already learned how to diet to an extent, but I wanted to take the pounds back off quick and jump start my weight loss, while also cleaning out all the junk in my body.

I had the opportunity to try out Skinny Jane Weight Loss and Nutrition for Women. I was able to try all three varieties of yummy shakes.
I am partial to vanilla shakes, so that was my favorite, but the chocolate and banana ones are delicious too. They are more filling than I thought too. What I really love about the Skinny Jane Program, is that, in addition to shakes, you also get Skinny Burn Capsules, to help you burn more fat.
And even more wonderful, you also get Skinny Cleanse capsules to clean out your body.
I have never had a shake diet with a cleanse added. That is really beneficial, and something I have been looking to find for awhile. Best of all, the cleanse effect is gentle, which is very important. I also got an eating plan to be sure I got maximum results. The portions were fairly small, as in all weight loss plans, but the food choices were great, nutritious and tasty.

Overall, this plan is a winner. I lost 6 pounds during the 7 days I was on the plan, which is pretty darn impressive. If you are looking for a weight loss program that really works, I highly recommend Skinny Jane Wight Loss and Nutrition for Women.

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.

Monday, February 10, 2014

The Gigglebellies Musical Adventures Review

As my daughter gets older, she is learning more with each passing day, and I am doing all I can to help her and teach her. Although she is my second child, her learning style is still new to me, as my son is autistic and learned very differently.

I am always on the lookout for new ways to help her grow her vocabulary. We read together, I write words for her and go around the house naming everything, but there is always room for more. I wanted a way that would be really fun, that would get her excited, and be memorable.

What I found was Gigglebellies Musical Adventures.
It is perfect because in addition to fun characters and bright colors, the videos use music to teach and entertain. Learning to a tune, makes it so much easier to remember things (take the alphabet song for example).

I got the Ultimate Fan Pack which includes three DVDs and an adorable Peanut stuffed animal.
Is that not one of the cutest stuffed animals you've ever seen? So colorful and sweet. My daughter LOVES it. She loves the movies too. She was so excited when I gave them to her. I think it made her feel grown-up to have movies just for her since her brother has many movies of his own and she previously had none.
She has already started singing some of the songs. It makes me feel so good knowing that she can be entertained and educated at the same time, and that she feels special to have such a collection solely for her. She adores Peanut and sleeps with it every night. They always watch the DVDs together, and it is so precious.

The DVDs teach numbers, colors, ABCs and more.  I love that the incorporate classic songs like Old McDonald and The Wheels on the Bus, but also feature original songs. Plus everything is featured in a unique and whimsical way that is hard not to fall in love with.

The songs are super catchy. I even catch myself singing along more often than I'd like to admit. It's just so much fun. If you are looking for fun and educational DVDs for your child, I highly recommend the Gigglebellies Musical Adventures.

*Although I received these at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Amore Mini Gift Tower Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Just in case you missed the hundreds of commercials, and didn't happen to notice the Valentine's displays in every single store, I figured I should remind you that Valentine's Day is February 14th (THIS FRIDAY)!

You know what that means, if you are in a relationship, it is time to think about gifts. Obviously, gifts are not everything, but if you are into giving gifts, it is only logical that you will want to give something the recipient will love. While it is the thought that counts, giving the same old generic box of candy every year could eventually get a bit boring.

Don't get me wrong, I love anything my husband gets me, and I certainly love my sweets, but there are better options that assorted chocolates, many of which I end up not even eating. Cookies and baked goods are always a hit with me, but we don't have a good bakery around here and supermarket selections are not very good. They certainly don't have that special something to make the memorable.

Thankfully, if any of you find yourself looking for something more special, more delicious, more beautiful than mass produced candies and supermarket cakes, I happen to have the perfect suggestion. A stunning gift tower from Yummes.

Yummes Handcrafted Confections are just like home made only prettier and much more delicious. They are made with care, with passion and love baked in. Anything from Yummes would make an unforgettable gift, but they even have a whole collection of Valentine's Day Gifts, like this amazing A'more Mini Tower.
This little tower contains lots of deliciousness. With 12 items total, there is certainly a lot to love.
I have had Yummes confections before, but out of this collection I had only previously tried the Chocolate Chip Champ Cookie Sandwiches, which are heavenly.
Two chocolate chip cookies, sandwiching delicious icing, dipped in velvety chocolate and top with sprinkles. Seriously, does it get any more indulgent?

For those looking for something every bit as exciting, but a tad less rich, there is the chocolate dipped chocolate chip cookies.
These are really good sized cookies. Although I know they were delicious, I did not actually taste them myself as my hubby devoured them all. He had to sneak them while our daughter was asleep, because she loves Yummes maybe more than we do. She is 2 1/2 but she knew what it was as soon as she saw the box.

She helped me eat the last item in this collection, the Heart Sugar Cookies.
As greedy as it sounds, I wish she hadn't helped me. Sugar cookies are my favorite type of cookie, and these iced ones were sinfully good. I could have eaten them all myself and then some. The flavor is outstanding, not overly sugary, and the texture is perfect, not crumbly or crunchy.

This tower would make a great gift for anyone this Valentine's Day. Women looking to buy for a man, this is perfect. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and this tower is like an express pass. As a woman, I can say that this is the kind of gift that would make me VERY happy. I can't imagine a kid who wouldn't be ecstatic to receive this, and it even makes a great gift for yourself(I plan to get myself more).

And in the spirit of gifting, Yummes and I are offering one of you this exact same tower. One very lucky winner will receive an A'more Mini Tower of their very own. Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck!

*Although I received this at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, February 8, 2014

The New Dyson DC59 is Available at Best Buy!

 *The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.*

With arctic temperatures still upon many states, I know that most of you are dying for Spring to arrive. I'm in Florida however, and I am in no hurry for Spring. The weather has been wet enough here, and it only gets worse in Spring.

There is another reason I am not ready to welcome Spring just yet, and that is Spring cleaning. I have a hard enough time keeping up with day to day cleaning. Between my kids and the sub-par cleaning aids I have, it is a wonder I can accomplish anything.

I did just acquire an invaluable asset to help me clean my home though. Now that I discovered the Dyson DC59 Animal Cordless Vaccum, I cannot believe I ever got anything clean without it.
I used to clean my floors (tile, laminate and area rugs) with a broom. Not only did it take forever, it did not fully clean all the dirt and dust. A broom cannot reach the dirt deep down in a rig, and often fine dust is left behind on hard floors. Basically I was using maximum effort for minimal results.

The DC59 is so much better. It's not only infinitely better than a broom, but it is far superior to every other vacuum I have ever used. First of all, it is cordless. To some people, that may not matter, but to me, it is vital.

My daughter hates the vacuum. She cries every single time I use it. If I am even holding it she cries(even if it's off), so when I have to unplug the vacuum and move it to each room and such, that takes way more time than it should, not only dragging out the cleaning process, but her fear as well.

Equally as important, it is powerful. I have owned many cordless vacuums, and I have never found one that possessed the power that I require. If the vacuum is not powerful enough to clean the floor, it is worthless. Thanks to the Dyson digital motor V6, which spins at up to 110,000 times a minute, and the 2 Tier Radial Cyclones, the DC59 sucks up as much dust and a conventional vacuum. Three times the suction of any other cordless vacuum in use.
I've noticed that it actually picks up MORE dirt, dust and hair than my corded vacuum. The suction is so strong I can feel the tension on the carpet, though the vacuum still glides effortlessly. The pickup on hard floors is mind blowing. That is because of the Carbon Fiber cleaner head.
I had never owned a vacuum that actually cleans my hard floors effectively, but this better than I ever hoped for. Good this it is bagless and super easy to empty.

I really love that it is so easy to maneuver. The ball joint is a huge part of that. It gets into corners and under furniture effortlessly. It makes cleaning easy, and so much faster than with a broom or traditional vacuum.

The Dyson DC59 cleans so much more than floors too. With the included tools, you can tackle practically any cleaning job.

The Crevice Tool:
This is the tool that I use most often. My couch and loveseat have attached cushions, but they still have indentations between them which trap EVERYTHING. Since the cushions don't come off, it is so hard to clean between them. This tool does it quickly and effectively. I also use it to clean out my daughter's high chair and in between the seats in the car.

The Combination Tool:
My son has a race car bed, and there is tons of extra space around the mattress where junk gets trapped, this tool is the perfect fit to finally take care of the mess without moving the whole mattress.

The Mini Motorized Tool:
This tools makes cleaning stairs, cars and furniture a breeze. I've even gone so far as to clean my ceiling fans with it. Since the DC59 is perfectly balanced for high or low cleaning and weighs only 4.65 pounds, it was not even difficult.

And since the battery lasts for up to 26 minutes, I can clean all my floors with time left over to clean couches and other stuff without having to stop and wait for it to recharge. I also really love is that instead of weakening before it dies, it stays at full power and then just shuts of completely. No trying to clean at partial power.

Another amazing feature is that the DC59 comes with it's own docking station, and it is designed to charge while on the docking station, so it is always out of the way and on the ready. My old vacuum was always in my way.

Everything about the Dyson DC59 Animal Cordless Vacuum is incredible. I cannot believe I ever cleaned without it. Anything else would feel prehistoric at this point.

If you are looking for a vacuum that will literally change the way you clean forever, then you have to get the Dyson DC59 Animal Cordless Vacuum, which is now available at Best Buy. Nothing could be better that getting your life changing vacuum at the store that knows how to serve you.

Best Buy is one of my favorite stores. Not only are the the first to get the hot new products, like the Dyson DC59, but the associates are so friendly. they are always available to help you, and they are actually knowledgeable about the products they sell. If you still have any questions about the Dyson DC59 Animal, I am confident that your local Best Buy will be able to answer them for you.

If you splurge on yourself only one time this year, I strongly urge you to get the new Dyson DC59 Animal Cordless Vacuum form Best Buy. It will be one of the best purchases you EVER make.