Obviously Marvelous

I’m A Natural Kind Of Girl…

Marcie — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:51:41 +0000

When it comes to medicine, I always try to take the natural approach above all. I am a big fan of herbal remedies and prefer to try them before even visiting the doctor. I have quite a few alternative medicine favorites that I have grown to love and trust. A teaspoon of honey for an upset stomach works wonders. A few drops of peroxide and rubbing alcohol into an infected ear twice a day, for three days or so, will make that earache disappear and eliminate the need for antibiotics all together. With all of the prescription drug abuse going on, especially by celebrities, it’s more important now than ever that we seriously stop and consider another way to live.

I am also a big fan of essential oils, such as the ones available on LiveTru. You’ll find that herbal oils come in amazing varieties to help with things such as mental alertness and energy levels, as well as help cure more serious concerns, like depression, digestive problems, and arthritis. You can choose to dab essential oils directly on your skin, as I currently do, or you can purchase a diffuser to dispense the oils into the air to maximize benefits to those around you as well.

I am by no means an expert on holistic approaches. There are many things I would love to still try in the future like detoxifying cleanses, acupuncture and chiropractic visits. Of course, there are instances where non-prescription fixes won’t always heal your illness or disease, but if you dive deeper into the world of natural medicine, you might be surprised what gems you find.

Disclosure: This post was brought to us by LiveTru. All opinions are 100% my own.

Friday 5: Anniversaries

Marcie — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:18:02 +0000

1. What significant anniversary will you be celebrating sometime this year? On Cinco De Mayo, May 5th, I will be celebrating an entire year nicotine free! I can’t even believe I’ve made it this far and honestly, I still occasionally miss smoking.

2. In your life, what is today the one-month anniversary of? I have absolutely no idea!

3. What is today the one-week anniversary of? I’d love to say eating right again, but it hasn’t even been a full week.

4. Sometimes the traditional wedding anniversary gifts seem a bit staid. If you had your way, what would be the right gift themes for the five years’ worth of wedding anniversaries? I think every year should be represented by an appropriate item. The first year would be sweets or fruit, since the first year is usually sweet. The second year would be a massage or spa day, since the second year can be a bit stressful learning to adapt to married life. The third year should be an item of comfort, since this is usually the year you get comfortable with the life you’re building together. The fourth year should be separate mini-vacations, since this is the year you can use a bit of a break (even when in love) The fifth year should be booze, so you can continue to tolerate each other. HA!

5. Among your friends, who’s been married the longest? My parents (yes they’re my friends)

Invest With Perpetual

Marcie — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:06:55 +0000

With many of our financial situations being rocky or unsteady, a simple savings account is not enough. The wisest choice is to invest your assets and plan for the future so you know what to expect. Like myself, you may be unsure of how to begin but thanks to Perpetual you can feel save and secure while working with one of their trusted financial advisers.

Specializing in an array of investment products, trustee services, corporate, retirement, and business options, Perpetual has been one of Australia’s top groups since 1886. Over that time, they have helped countless people invest and manage their money through all types of financial and market conditions. With over a hundred years of experience, it certainly makes me feel that I can trust Perpetual with my assets.

You begin by choosing an investment strategy that is right for you and your financial standing. The Perpetual advisers will take your current situation, time frame, willingness to take risks, and ask about your goal time frame before setting you up with the ultimate financial plan for you and your family. Don’t worry about feeling pressured or nervous, you will always be the final decision maker and the advisers would never want you to feel uncomfortable with your investment choices.

Perpetual also has a wonderful option for those of us involved in charitable giving. Your philanthropy will not go unnoticed or lack planning where your contributions are concerned. Have a charity you’re passionate about? The expert advisers at Perpetual will help you create a charitable trust or even create a charitable giving section of your will. What a wonderful way to give a timeless gift to the most deserving. If any of you happen to run a charitable or non-profit organization there are services for you as well. Perpetual can help to make sure the funds you spend are placed into the best hands possible.

No matter your financial standpoint or needs, investing for the future is key!

Disclosure: This post was brought to us by Perpetual. All opinions are 100% my own.

Contest & Voting Update

Marcie — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:45:08 +0000

As many of you read here on Obviously MARvelous almost two weeks ago, I need your votes and support in the Who Makes You Smile? contest. If you enter my giveaways on a regular basis, you are sure to have noticed the extra entries I am offering in exchange for voting and promoting my entry via social media.

Tomorrow, Friday February 24th, is the last day to vote and there are people right on my tail.

I REALLY need you ALL!

An entire trip to NYC for 2, a $1000 gift card, teeth whitening, and a hair/makeup photo session is at stake!

The winner is NOT decided strictly by votes alone. The top 5 entries go on to be judged, however, I want to finish with the top votes. I think that does go in my favor. So PLEASE.. if you haven’t voted, vote.

**http://www.topdentists.com/smile/entry/244212 **

You can vote once per device, so once on each computer, once on each phone, once on each tablet, etc. Don’t forget work computers, spouses phones, etc. If you have already voted you can still go to my contest link and share the entry via Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and so much more. Ask your friends and family to take 10 seconds to vote.

It would mean the WORLD to me to win this and if I do…. I will have a very special giveaway hosted by me and only me as a huge thank you to each and every one of you that have supported me!

Human Tags Review & Giveaway + Coupon Code (3/15)

Marcie — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:14:37 +0000

For years people have worn military dog tags. Even if they didn’t belong to you, a wife may wear her husband’s or a family member might wear the dog tags of someone who has given their lives for our country. They are a simple gesture of representing yourself or someone you love and now there is a new spin on those classic tags to make them even more personalized.

They’re called Human Tags and creator Don Taubin recently opened an Etsy shop to start making them available for everyone. Human Tags are created by laser etching pictures of your choice onto colored anodized aluminum dog tags to make a unique keepsake necklace or key chain to cherish for a lifetime. Currently available in black, red, or blue as well as a gold or silver chain, Human Tags also have room for a word or name to create the ultimate, one of a kind piece that is just as special as the person who will wear it.

Human Tags are perfect for a military spouse or family member missing their loved one serving overseas, a mother who would love an extraordinary way to show off her kids (you could even order a tag for each kid and wear them all on one necklace), an animal lover that wants to feel closer to their pet, or a wonderful way to remember someone who has passed away. Human Tags also make a fabulous gift idea for a birthday, anniversary, and of course, Mother’s Day, which will be here in less than 3 months.

Once I first saw Human Tags I loved the idea behind them! They combine the classic dog tag with the picture bearing locket necklace to make something truly different. All of you loyals know I LOVE different. I chose one of my favorite vow renewal photos with the word Forever to be etched onto a black tag. Since I am a silver/white gold lover, I, of course, selected a silver chain. When my Human Tag arrived I was giddy. It was not only unique but since it’s something so personal, it really hit close to home. I loved it! If I could scoot the word Forever just a tad more center at the bottom of the tag, it would be 100% perfect. After all, I am a perfectionist like that. It is durable like a usual dog tag, only softer due to the picture. I wore it yesterday while running errands and received two compliments from total strangers, as well as a compliment from my sister, who saw it for the first time. It truly is perfect for anyone, any age, male or female!

Buy It
To purchase your own Human Tag please visit Don Taubin’s Etsy Shop. They start at $9.99
For every person who adds the shop to their favorites, Don will send you a 20% off coupon code

Win It
Human Tags has generously offered 5 lucky Obviously MARvelous readers their very own custom Human Tag!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ideas On Refreshing The Look Of Your Child’s Bedroom

Marcie — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:05:43 +0000

When it comes to your children there is nothing more exciting then giving them a fun and new space to call their own. A child’s bedroom is a place that should invite them to use their imagination and inspire them, and this can be done in a number of ways.To begin with, try and maximize the amount of space that they have by using special consolidating furniture like bunk beds.

Not only does adding twin over twin bunk beds give you more space, there are some really exciting things that you can do to them to them that will give your child a wondrous place to play and have fun. There are specialty bunk beds, kits, and even patterns that you can purchase that can help you transform your child’s bed into a variety of themes depending upon what their interest is. There are options to change their bed into shapes that resemble animals, cars, airplanes, ships, and a whole host of other possibilities.

In addition to adding unique bunk beds, you can also do creative things to the room itself to give an adventurous feel. This includes adding artificial plants, bright colors, and creatively decorating furniture. If your child is between are 4 and 11 they are at a great age to help give input on what will be fun and exciting, without also hesitating because of outside pressures, such as what negative thoughts peers might have.

If they fail to give a lot of ideas, go with primary colors, such as you might find in a crayon box. Keep things simple and as open as possible. Children love and need a place to play, and the more space that you give them the better. This is another reason why adding storage containers and utilizing bunk beds is a great idea.

Disclosure: This guest post was brought to us by BunkBeds.net

Thirsty Thursday Subscription Feed Blog Hop – Week 81

Marcie — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:00:01 +0000

** PLEASE NOTE **

It saddens me to announce that my blog hop partner, Smookie Style, is going to be leaving her blog. You can read her post here. Thus, I will be hosting the Thirsty Thursday Blog Hop alone. I hope to still be able to have a place where we can gather on Thursdays and hopefully all gain a new subscriber or two. Regardless, I will miss Celia very much and am proud to call her my friend!

Thirsty Thursday Blog Hop

Thirsty for followers?

Come get to know us and stay for a drink.

This blog hop is hosted by

Obviously MARvelous

1. Follow your hostess by subscribing via reader and/or email: Obviously MArvelous
(Make sure to verify this subscription by clicking and confirming the email link you are sent. Following this way is a two step process)

2. Link up the main home page of your blog on the Linky Below

3. Copy and paste the Thirsty Thursday button in a blogpost or on your sidebar (found on right sidebar)

4. Click other links on the Linky and follow some new friends

~Obviously MARvelous~

I’m Marcie (aka MAR) from Obviously MARvelous! My blog offers a look at my life as an outspoken, funny, tattooed wife and SAHM of 3 as well as some wonderful product reviews and giveaways! Please have a look around and enter a giveaway or two!
(You can subscribe to my feed via reader/email by clicking the links on the right sidebar)

Wordless Wednesday – 2/22/12

Marcie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:49 +0000

Bub got a treat while his sisters spent the night at Grandma & Grandpa’s house.

After his marshmellow lollipop he covered himself with pillows and crashed on the couch.

Beyond-Bedding.com Crib Set Review

Marcie — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:34:33 +0000

One of the highlights that stands out for me during the three times I was expecting was deciding what theme to make the baby’s nursery. There were so many wonderful options and choosing paint colors, crib bedding, and decor was always a lot of fun. Makenna had a pastel explosion of pink, purple, and yellow butterflies, ladybugs and other garden friends. I re-used the same set for Maddie, born almost exactly two years later, only added some new touches to make things look different and unique for her. Selecting Bub’s theme was especially fun since I was awaiting a baby boy after two girls. We agreed on a super cute sailboat theme that had a vast array of both soft and navy blue. I tied in a life raft and ships in a bottle on a shelf to make his room even better.

Beyond-Bedding.com is a fantastic online retailer that carries a vast array of bedding sets and room accessories for everyone ages newborn through adult. Each and every collection that is offered is high quality, unique, and available at an affordable price. Regardless of which set is perfect for you or your child, you can count on receiving a durable, long lasting bedding set that is made from the finest materials. Although there is a huge variety of bedding available on the site in many different patterns, colors and styles, Beyond Bedding has also thought of everything. They carry sets in similar patterns and themes for various ages, so you don’t have to worry about an older and younger child having to share a room or go through the hassle of redecorating a room as your child grows. Simply upgrade the bedding to have the room grow with your (not so) little one.

If for some reason you have a vision in your mind of the exact bedding set you’d like but don’t see it available on Beyond-Bedding.com they can still help you with their custom childrens bedding option. This allows you to create your dream set in just four easy steps! You start by selecting your fabric collection, then select your bedding size, next is your bedding style, and finally you’re able to customize every single piece of your dream collection. Your child will literally have a one of a kind bedding set directly from your imagination to their bedroom.

I was very excited to be able to review a Beyond Bedding set of my choice. I immediately knew I would select a crib bedding set for my nephew on the way. I was super happy to be able to provide this for him and it was really fun looking through all of the amazing sets offered on the site. After a week of thought, consideration and opinions from family the final decision was the 9 piece Jungle Time Baby Bedding crib set pictured above. This amazing set comes with a comforter, 2 window valances, crib skirt, fitted crib sheet, bumper, diaper stacker, and a decorative pillow for $189.99! There are some extra items that my sister would like to add to her son’s room that does not come with the set, like a matching mobile, lamp shade, and wall hangings. Luckily, Beyond Bedding carries all of those additional accessories and so many more.

I would like to apologize for not having a picture of the bedding all set up in my nephew’s crib. My sister is only 23/24 weeks pregnant and they’re just starting to get Baby B’s nursery together. I PROMISE a post with photos including all little aspects of his room when it’s ready to show!

I was expecting a nice crib bedding set but when the Jungle Time crib set arrived it really surpassed my expectations.It was soft yet at the same time high quality. You can feel any piece of this set and just KNOW it’s going to last without a problem. My favorite part of the set was the different fabrics used throughout. There are portions of luxurious corduroy like material, only softer. The difference in texture really made this set stand out to me. I also have a special spot in my heart for the big blue elephant that graces the comforter and is also found throughout the set. After all, Baby B’s name will begin with an E and I’ve been envisioning him with little elephants for quite some time.

I have to admit that although the kids are older, it’s still really fun selecting the theme for their rooms. I’ve watched their style change and grow and at the same time I’ve noticed new awesome choices available in kids bedding. I am going to be upgrading the girls’ room in the summer and I would LOVE to purchase the pink/zebra sets first shown in this post. I only hope their tastes will match mine! Either way, with great customer service, easy returns, and unique styles, we will be shopping on Beyond Bedding

Buy It
To purchase any of the bedding sets shown here, as well as hundreds of others, check out Beyond-Bedding.com! Each and every order has a $7.95 flat rate shipping price so feel free to stock up for the entire family.

**A product(s) was provided to me by the author, manufacturer, or representing PR agency. This opinion is 100% my own and not influenced by monetary compensation **

Happy President’s Day

Marcie — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:34:36 +0000

Here is a fun infographic filled with some presidential facts to celebrate today!