Father's Day - McGraw Review & GIVEAWAY!

With Father's Day less than 2 weeks away, time is running out to find the perfect gift. If you are still looking for ideas, I happen to have just the thing. 

I like to give gifts that will get a lot of use from. A like my gifts to show that I really put thought into it and selected something specifically for the person, based on their personality. And while price is not really a factor for me when choosing a gift, I always love to find a fabulous pick that is also affordable.

McGraw (Tim McGraw) is everything I want in a gift and more. 

Not only does it smell incredible, but the bottle and even the box look awesome. They are stylish yet manly. 

Not only that, but it's something he will use every day(or every special occasion depending on the person), so they will really get enjoyment out of it. Not only that, but every time he wears it, he will think of you.

Even more wonderfully, every time he wears it YOU will have the pleasure of smelling it. It really is fantastic. So much so that it almost feels like a gift to me.

The scent is very unique(much like Mcgraw himself). This woody-spicy fragrance opens with a bright note of Bergamot that blends with spicy and sweet notes of freshly grated Nutmeg for a vibrant and exhilarating experience. The heart is lush, rich and crisp with Lavender wrapped in earthen Moss. It finishes with soulful and sensual notes of Amber, Patchouli and Sandalwood blended with a touch of aged Whisky for a warm, round finish.

The best way to categorize this scent is masculine, fresh, sexy, sophisticated and sensual, although words cannot really explain the experience or the emotion that this fragrance creates. Additionally, the scent will be slightly different on every wearer according to their body chemistry. 

Fragrance makes such an incredible gift because scent is so powerful. It can change your mood almost instantly and a scent worn while creating a memory can easily trigger the memory even years later. 

Scent will always be one of my most favorite things in this world, and to me, it makes the most special and beloved gifts. Luckily, my wonderful husband agrees and is always incredible excited to receive a new fragrance from me. Although now that he has experienced McGraw, he is pretty hooked and I don't think he would like to be without it any time soon.

If you are looking for the perfect gift for the special man(men) in your life, I think McGraw would be an excellent choice. Because of that, Coty Fragrance and I are giving all of you the chance to win a bottle of your own(to gift or to keep). Enter below for your chance to win.

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

Father's Day - Staples Vayder Chair

Father's day is approaching so quickly. While I have been thinking about it for a couple months now, it has almost sneaked up on me this year. I think the reason for that is that Father's Day is not nearly as heavily advertized as Mother's Day, which is quite a shame in my opinion. I think that dads are just as important as moms.

In present day especially, the roles are not so mutually exclusive anymore. Many moms work outside the home and many dads are stay at home parents, but it goes further than that as well. Generally, father's are more involved all around than there were in decades past.

Many dads(moms also, but this is about dads) go to work then come home and still cook and clean and help children with homework, baths, etc. Of course the also spend time with the kids by reading, drawing, playing games, or whatever.

And the few activities I just mentioned do not even begin to describe the actual magnitude of a father's contributions. I feel that overall, mother's are seen as martyrs, and fathers are seen as bread winners who take for granted the work of mothers, whereas in actuality, most do just as much and are even more taken for granted.

Anyway, I did not intend this to argue the societal standards of moms or dads, but instead to talk about how important dads are and how much I feel they should be shown appreciation on Father's Day(and the rest of the year).

A great way to do that is to say thank you for all that they do, verbally or in a card. Giving a gift too is better though. While having a lot of material things is not really important to me(or my husband) I still feel it is important to show someone how much you care by giving them something they will love, so I put a lot of thought into gifts.

To me, it's not just about making sure he has something to open on Father's Day, but that he has something that he really needs or wants(even if he didn't know it yet), that will do more than be a fun memory from one particular day. I like to get him things he would not get for himself.

I like to think I am pretty good at choosing gifts, but it does get hard after awhile, since I do tend to go overboard sometimes, which has resulted in him having a great deal of stuff already. This year was a bit tricky, but I found just the thing, the Vayder Technical Mesh Task Chair from Staples.

"That was easy". This chair is so awesome. The Technical Mesh is incredible. I had never seen anything like it before, and it really makes this chair unique. It is lightweight, breathable and shockingly comfortable, yet extremely durable and very stylish.

This chair is so sleek. It would look great anywhere and coordinate with any decor. As much as I adore this chair, you'd think it was for me. While everything about the Vayder Chair is fabulous, since it is for my husband(who works a very physically demanding job and already has a bad back), the most important feature is comfort, which this chair is fully stocked in.

Not only does the height raise or lower to fit the user's preference(Pneumatic Seat Height Adjustment) but the chair has fixed lumbar support and offers center tilt with adjustable tilt extension and lock. The arm rest are also adjustable to ensure ergonomic positioning.

This chair also has a 5-star base with carpet casters. While that does not particularly effect the comfort, it does increase the functionality and make for a better overall experience. This is by far the best "office" chair I have ever tried.

My husband does not work in an office or anything, but he does all our finances(very diligently) and he needs a comfortable place to work on our budget, pay bills and so on, and the Vayder Chair exceeded my expectations in every way. I cannot think of a better gift than the gift of comfort and pain reduction. Plus it's something that will be used every day, making it so much more valuable than many other gifts.

If you have a hardworking man in your life who is deserving of a comfortable place to rest, I highly recommend the Vayder Chair. Show him you appreciate all that he does and let him take a break in the highest style with the Vayder Chair from Staples.

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

Heat Things Up This Summer With HABA

As summer creeps closer and closer, the temperature is steadily climbing, but with school about to wrap up for the summer, that's not the only thing heating up. Kids will be home all day with an extra eight hours to fill.

As a parent, it is important for me to make sure my kids have something fun to keep them entertained. During the summer, I want to make sure my son keeps building his knowledge. Just because he is not in a classroom, does not mean he cannot still learn new things and grow his skills by using toys that spark creativity.

The same with my daughter. Even though she is not in school yet,  I want help her grow and learn as much as she can before she gets there. Knowledge is power, and I think it is never too early to start learning. I feel you should try to learn something new every day. No matter how much you know or can do, you can always improve.

As great as it is to get outdoors and explore nature, that is not always possible. Rain, excessive heat, or scheduling can keep us indoors, and in those cases, I still need great activities for us. And while summer may be a "vacation" for the kiddos, Daddy still works hard every day, and when he is home, he needs quite sometimes.

That's why I so quickly fell in love with HABA's Soft Play Foods. The come in quintessential summer (American-Style) foods like Apple Pie, Hot Dogs, Ketchup and Mustard.

There are also more diverse foods like Sushi.

All of the foods are just to cute for words. I absolutely love them. I really like that he hot dog  bun opens and the pickles are removable. The same with the apple pie, the top "crust" comes off and the apples come out, so the kids can actually fill and top the pie themselves. The Ketchup and Mustard even really "squirt"(strings - red and yellow respectively).

The kids have so much fun playing with these foods. I feel they are learning about how foods work(following steps to create a recipe) and the Sushi has been a great stepping stone to teach about other cultures.

As much fun as these play foods are, they are making the kids, my son especially, want to cook real foods. That is exactly what I expected and I am so glad that is the case. I love teaching him that he needs to follow directions to make sure the recipe comes out correct.

HABA is heating up these recipes with their super fun and functional Silicone Baking Molds like the adorable flower one that I have.

Not only is the mold itself super cute, it obviously makes adorable cakes. The children and I made one the other day, and it was wonderful. My son wanted to measure and mix everything. He had so much fun and was so proud of himself for helping. My daughter liked watching. She felt like she was helping simply by doing so, and she certainly enjoyed eating the cake.

The cake came out BEAUTIFUL!

It came out of the mold effortlessly and cooked to perfection without burning or being gooey inside. This is such a lovely presentation(not my cookie sheet, clearly). I have never made a cake so pretty.

I wish it looked as nice once we had frosted it, but I am not very skilled in that department, plus the kids helped. It still looked awesome though, compared to my usual cakes.

It tasted great too, it was very moist, even after 2 days. The pan is just fantastic. I wish all my bake wear was this nice. Better still, this would be perfect used as a chip and dip/fruit and yogurt/veggies and dip platter. The separate sections makes it ideal and it is so pretty it would look nicer than any standard platter.

I have never met a HABA product that I did not love, and these are no exception. If you are looking to heat things up in your house, I highly recommend giving HABA products the chance to help.

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

Keep the Whole Family on Track with iBits and Best Buy

It's clear that the frigid temperatures of winter are long gone. Now that it is warm(or in our case, unbearably hot already), it's time for those warm weather activities, especially with kids about to get out of school for the summer.

Since a great way to have fun an cool down is to hit the beach or the pool, there is so much focus on having a "beach body". I'll admit, I am totally guilty of desiring that, and working to be fit is very important, but the focus should not be looks, it should be health.

That is especially important as to set a good example for your kids. There is so much pressure on kids to look a certain way and fit society's mold, the last thing the need is too see their parents acting like it's all about getting thin and such.

I want to teach my kids that being active is important to keep them healthy, but I never want them to worry about their weight and feel bad about themselves, especially just because I do it.

I have been trying to find ways to help my children be more active while still having fun. We play a lot and it is wonderful, but it is so much more play than "work" that it is hard to explain to my son how the activity is helping him stay healthy.

So when I discovered that Best Buy had iBitz Activity Monitors and saw that they had versions specifically for kids(as well as adults), I knew that would be perfect. My son is already a huge fan of technology, so having his activity linked to his ipod touch just makes so much sense.

What really makes the iBitz for Kids Wireless Pedometer so special  is that it syncs to a rewards platform app.  Parents can set goals and rewards such as play time, screen time, or an adventure with a parent. Kids are even able to earn coins and content on Disney's Club Penguin™.

My son cannot get enough of his iBitz for Kids. He loves earning the rewards, but he is also so proud every time he reaches a goal, just knowing that he did it. The positive reinforcement is awesome. I wish I could ear rewards just by being active, although good health is it's own reward.

I do also have an awesome pedometer of my own. The iBitz Unity for adults tracks steps, distance, weight (added manually), height, overall physical activity, even BMI, and allows me to incorporate my family and friends if I want.

Both iBitz models store your activity for 30 days. They are water-resistant and have a durable clip that works on the hip or the shoe. They are also really affordable.

Whether you are looking to achieve a "beach body", trying to improve your health or looking for ways to help your child(ren) be more active,an iBits activity monitor from Best buy is the way to go.

*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.*

Lysse Mother's Day Giveaway

Sponsored  

From Lyssé

Hey Moms ­ Out with your sweats! A new EASY, stylish way to dress from Lyssé

Thinking twice of taking you kids to little league in sweats?? Finally, there’s a new, easy way to dress to suit the lifestyle of moms today who believe they shouldn’t have to choose between looking great and feeling comfortable. Lyssé, with its new line of spring performance wear, has come up with just the solution. Lyssé, which until this month has been best known for it's favorite leggings, has created a full ready to wear line that combines the comfort and fit of active wear with super-soft custom knits, innovative designs and expert tailoring for a fit that feels like yoga wear but looks couture.

 

And it’s EASY to wear.

- The clothes have all the smoothing built in to give women a sexier, more flattering look – without using shapewear. - It’s all washable. It’s easy to pack. And it goes with your wardrobe. Each of the essential versatile pieces can be dressed up or down and mixed and matched with pieces you already own.

 

WIN IT!!

 

5 Winners will win a pair of capris (ARV $58 per pair)

The giveaway starts 5/6/14 at 12:01am EST and ends 5/11/14 at 11:59pm EST. It is open to United States Residents 18 and over. Winners will be selected via random.org and notified via email within 48 hours after the drawing. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or a new winners will be selected. Winners' names will be displayed via the Rafflecopter widget below.
  a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: I am participating in a Bloggin' Mamas campaign and received a pair of Lysse Capri Pants to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Mother's Day - RISE Beyonce Review + Special GIVEAWAY!!

If you are looking for a sizzlin' hot Mother's Day gift, you have come to the right place. Now this may not be the ideal gift for your grandmother, and who knows, maybe it would be, but this is for all the younger mommies you need to shop for.

If you are looking for a great gift for your wife, sister, best friend, etc, then RISE Beyonce is perfect.

RISE is a rich and intoxicating luminous floral with beautiful top notes of Italian Bergamot, Golden Apricot and Iced Basil Sorbet; Luscious middle notes of Gold Symphony Orchid, Freesia Blossom and Natural Jasmine Sambac and sensual bottom notes that include Autumn Woods Accord, Cashmere Musk and Vetiver Extract.

This is a powerful scent, it is not overpowering by any means, but it is bold, and intense. It has great depth and is very indulgent. When I wear it I feel confidant and passionate. It is perfectly suited for it's name. Wearing this fragrance makes you feel like you can RISE above anything.

It just makes you feel beautiful. How could you know feel pretty when the bottle is so stunning?

Gold(to me) is a symbol of excellence and luxury, and that is exactly what this fragrance represents to me. I feel like a million bucks wearing it. Other people have definitely noticed. I have been given numerous compliments on smelling "great" "wonderful", "beautiful" and so on and asked by 3 different people what I was wearing and where they could get it.

It just makes you feel so good when someone compliments you. Not that you should worry about what others think, or try to fit into their ideals, but when others support something you are already doing, it is always nice.

I really love fragrance as  gift because it is something you can use every single day. It doesn't die like flowers or perish(and add unwanted pounds) like food, it doesn't hang in the closet a lot like a sweater or sit on a shelf like a figurine.

Fragrance is something that can cause memory real too, so when the recipient wears it, they can literally remember you giving it to them, and attach that and other memories they will make while wearing it, with that scent forever. All in addition to the instant confidence and spirit boost one receives when they smell amazing.

You can pick up RISE most anywhere that fragrance is sold. Makes Mother's Day extra special with this incredible fragrance. Normally, you would also have the chance to win this amazing fragrance as well, but it is so popular that there is no supply for giveaways right now.

Don't worry though, there will still be a giveaway, and the lucky winner will get to choose from SOUL2SOUL(by Faith Hill) and Exotic Jasmine(by Halle Berry), both of which I have personally tried and are just as incredible as RISE. Enter below for your chance to win one of these wonderful fragrances. Good luck!

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

Mother's Day - Faith Hill SOUL2SOUL Review & GIVEAWAY!

Mother's Day is almost here. If you still don't have the perfect gift for the special woman(women) on your list, never fear, because I know just the thing. Yes, flowers are nice. They look and smell beautiful, but in a week or so, they are gone. Then all you're left with is an empty vase(and an empty wallet).

Don't get me wrong, I love flowers as much as the next girl, and it is the thought that counts, but I would much rather get a gift that I can actually use, and that will last longer than a week. Since it is hard to resist a gift that smells lovely, I decided on the best of both worlds.

Fragrance is the perfect choice. Not only does it last way longer than flowers, it smells just as good(if not better) and can even be just as beautiful if you choose the right one. Plus every time she wears it, she will think of you and the wonderful gift that you got her. What could be better than that?

So what is the right choice? Well there is definitely no one answer, but I do know one fragrance that is sure to impress. SOUL2SOUL by Faith Hill smells fantastic!

Not only that, but as you can see, the box and the bottle are gorgeous.

 The name is even perfect. SOUL2SOUL, 2 souls connected to each other, just as a Mother is connected to her child. Mother and child are one for nine months, and they connect more deeply than any others ever could.

Getting back to the fragrance, this is a romantic, elegant, radiant fruity-floral scent. The key fragrance notes are sparkling fruits like Georgia White Peach and Grapefruit and passionate Everlasting Flower, Princess Rose and Lotus Flower.

Fragrance is just so powerful. Wearing certain scents can actually change your mood. Wearing this I feel happy and uplifted. It makes me feel beautiful and fresh. I just love it. But what really makes fragrance such an amazing gift is the impact it has on others, beyond the recipient. 

For example, my husband loves this scent. He is happy when I wear it, and he always comments on how great it smells, which makes me even happier. I've also gotten compliments from other family members, and even strangers. While I do not base my self-worth on the words of others, it is always nice for someone to say you smell fantastic(or look great, etc).

You never have a stranger walk up to you in the checkout line and say "nice flowers". It's just all the little things that add up to make the gift of Soul 2 Soul so incredible. This bottle not only costs less than good flowers(and many other gifts), but lasts much longer, looks beautiful, smells incredible, boosts your mood and attracts compliments. What more could a gift really do?

I am so in love with this fragrance, and I hope that many other mothers get the chance to fall in love with it this Mother's Day as well. Although I cannot make that happen, I can ensure that one lucky ready will get to try it. Just enter the giveaway below for your chance to win your very own bottle of Faith Hill SOUL2SOUL. 

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