Original photo, unedited

Cropped and edited

Linked up with SOOC at Marvelous Mommy

I’ve been using Purex Crystals fabric softener in Tropical Splash scent and it smells amazing!  It’s like a whiff of being on vacation while still in your laundry room.

You can see my full review of Purex Crystals Softener from last year when it first came out.  I still love using it on our clothes- the scents smell great and it really softens.

Purex Crystals is also safe for athletic wear, towels, and children’s sleepwear because it doesn’t contain oil.  Normally you shouldn’t use fabric softener on performance sportswear because the oil content prevents the wicking process.

I like the Jockey Sports Bra material but the sizing was wrong for me.  I received a small, which normally works for my frame.  Unfortunately the Jockey sports bra was too small and doen’t have much stretch so I couldn’t even get it around my torso to get it on.  So for me the Jockey sizing ran small and I should’ve went up one size.

Purex and Jockey have teamed up to give you a great discount: get your code for 20% Off Jockey Apparel.

Purex on Facebook       Jockey on Facebook

WIN IT:  1 lucky reader is going to win a bottle of Purex Crystals and a Jockey Sports Bra!!

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Disclosure: Jockey and Purex provided free samples of their products so I could review them.  However all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and honest.

Visalus offers those looking to become healthy the ability to refer 3 of their friends or family to the program and get their monthly kit for free. Plus everyone who joins the Challenge is eligible for the prizes, trips, and rewards offered by the company.

Every 90 days new winners are chosen in several categories for the biggest overall transformation to win prizes like Hollywood Make-Overs and Tropical Cruises.

I think this is a great motivator for the New Year.  As a family we’re definitely trying to get healthier.  We’re planning out our meals and using better ingredients, and both my husband and I have started working out regularly.  He’s going to the gym and running and I’m taking a Zumba class.  His goal is to lose weight and mine is to tone up.  And getting the chance to win something makes it even sweeter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What is a Facebook Blast? You the blogger can join for $1.50 with one account – Facebook.  Then I will provide the prize-$100 Amazon code.

What do you need to do to join? 

• Post about the event with the button linking back to this post. (Right click save the image)
• Send  a paypal payment to jennifer@makobiscribe.com with your email address. After I receive the payment, I will send you the form to fill out.  This way I won’t have to track payments at the end of the event.
• You will get the instructions once you send payment.
• Instructions on posting to your Facebook page can be found here
• Then schedule the giveaway post to go live on Feb 1 at 9:00 am EST to Feb 15 12:01 pm EST
• You can post on every blog you have, one post per Facebook account.
• I will email you on the 30th to remind you.

Have you made any resolutions for this coming year, like traveling more?  Or are you attending any blogging conferences this year?

I haven’t traveled very far in quite a few years.  We usually just head up north over the summer.  But even with short distance traveling I tend to pack a lot.  And there’s always the little travel items you need no matter where you go.

If I was going to fly again, hopefully to a blog conference this year, I would definitely need a luggage scale to make sure I didn’t pack too much.  It’s impossible for me to narrow down which outfits to take, and then of course there’s all the shoes… and don’t forget makeup and accessories!

TravelProducts.com offers lots of different travel items… even some you might not have thought of!  If you’re ever traveling overseas you’ll definitely want to check out their site to make sure you have what you’ll need.

I’m always in need of more organizers- in my daily life and when I travel.  The 3 piece Zebra Print Cosmetic Bag Set is fun and functional.  I can keep all my beauty items and small toiletries organized when I’m at home, and then when we travel I can quickly throw them all inside my suitcase.  I love that there’s 3 different sizes, the large holds a lot of stuff, and the material wipes easily for cleanup.

The one item we always seem to need when traveling is toothbrush covers.  TravelProducts.com offers a 3 pack Cap-a-Brush which is perfect for multiple travelers.  I do wish they came in more colors than white so when you travel as a family everyone could quickly see who was who’s.  The Travel Vitamin Pod is perfect for medications or vitamins and looks cute too.  And the Travel Baby Shampoo is just the right size for trips but I wish it was a 2 pack and came with the baby lotion as well.

Check out the Travel Products Blog for great traveling tips and a new downloadable Travel Checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you hit the road.

@TravelProducts Twitter    Travel Products Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the other blogs participating in the Blogorama Bonanza Remix 2012:

Disclosure: I was provided with products from TravelProducts.com in order to facilitate my review.  However all opinions are 100% my own and honest.

When I first seen the Lilla Rose Flexi Hair Clips I thought they were beautiful but was also a little intimidated.  On first glance I thought they were going to be difficult to put in.  It did take some getting used to over a traditional barrette but they weren’t difficult and the look is a huge upgrade from what I had been using.

You do need to take the time to watch the Sizing and Styling Video to know what size you’ll need for your hair type and depending on how you want to wear it.

My hair is slightly wavy and a little on the thinner/finer side now that I’m getting older.  ;)  My hair is also short (shoulder-length) so I only wear it half up.  I chose the Purple Stone Cluster flexi clip in size Extra-Small for myself and for my three princesses I knew they’d love the Crown of Hearts (size Mini).  These add a lot of style to your hair and hold really well.

Are you ready to try one out for yourself?  Want to enter to win one?

CLICK HERE to enter the Lilla Rose party and get FREE SHIPPING!!
(register on the site then start shopping, use the link above until Jan. 29th to receive FREE shipping)

LILLA ROSE PARTY ends Jan. 29th- ORDER HERE!

And while you’re waiting on your Lilla Rose product to be shipped (all products ship at the end of the party, Jan. 29), enter the giveaway below for your chance to WIN a Lilla Rose product valued at $15!  Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico- enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received free product to facilitate my review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and always honest.

Tasmyn Vaughn didn’t expect much when her dad’s job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But there is more to King than meets the eye, and soon Tasmyn’s ability to hear other’s thoughts is the least of her worries. Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood rituals, she discovers the town’s secrets aren’t just bizarre, they’re deadly.

Buy it HERE

What People are Saying about Fearless

“Tawdra’s debut novel enthralled me from the start. She captures the struggles and fears of the high school journey perfectly- with a paranormal twist. Tasmyn and Michael will have you adding them to your “favorite couples” list! I was sad to see this book end, and look forward to reading more by Tawdra soon!” Sarah M. Ross Young Adult Writer

“Fearless is a fantastic read. It is appropriate for both young adult and older readers with its charming storyline of a young lady learning to use her supernatural gift for the greater good. The characters are relatable, something that every reader can appreciate. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series takes Tasmyn, Michael and their friends.” Marcie Bridges, reviewer

“Fearless is a great read for young and old alike. It perfectly
intertwines the magic of first love with the twists and turns of a
thrilling plot that pulls the reader in. When I finished the final
chapter, I could not wait until my next “trip” to King to visit with Tasmyn and Michael!” –Devyn Prado, Reviewer Taking Time for Mommy

Not ONLY is Author Tawdra T. Kandle having a Giveaway for a KINDLE but everyone that signs up for her newsletter will get her 2nd book BREATHLESS as soon as it comes out in March & 25 entries for the Kindle Giveway!

Now for the Kindle Giveaway!! Fill out the Rafflecopter Form below:

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Once we figured out the best spot for them to play without having toys all over the living room, we realized we needed something for the floor to make it more inviting.  It’s in a tiled area that wouldn’t be very comfortable to play in for very long.

That’s where Rugs USA came in to the picture- they have over 9,000 area rugs to choose from for any space in your home.  Whether you need a runner for a hallway, something plush for your feet when you get out of bed, a beautiful rug for your living room, or even an outdoor rug for your patio, Rugs USA has it.

They have a huge selection of cute children’s rugs too including princess, cars, zoo, alphabet and more.  I chose the Rugs USA Kids Train Rug for the play space for my girls and we absolutely LOVE it!  I wanted something that wasn’t too over-the-top bright or childish and that would look good with the rest of the house since it’s right next to the living room.

This train rug is adorable and has a classic look.  It’s a really high-quality plush rug so it’s perfect for the kids to play on.  The 3′ 6″ x 5′ 6″ size was exactly what I was looking for- not too big or too small (it also comes in 5′ x 7′).  There’s been no pilling or shedding, it’s easy to vacuum, and my girls absolutely love playtime now.

Rugs USA has thousands of top brands at discount prices, and right now many of them are up to 75% off plus FREE shipping!  No matter what your style is- traditional, modern, country, or classic- you’re bound to find something you love at RugsUSA.com.

Disclosure:  I was provided a free area rug from RugsUSA.com to help facilitate my review.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and honest.

It’s here… time to enter to WIN a $100 Amazon GC in the latest Twitter Blast!

The giveaway runs from now til the end of the month, just complete the entries in the Rafflecopter below. You can come back and do a few each day or do them all in one sitting! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As a family of five and with 3 young girls, we pile up a lot of laundry around our house.  And I am not a fan of doing laundry… especially since I have to go to the basement to do it.  There’s also so many steps involved- sorting, washing, drying, folding, putting it away- and IT. NEVER. ENDS!

But with the New Purex Triple Action UltraPacks laundry detergent, at least one part of doing laundry is so much easier now.  You may actually use something similar looking in your dishwasher but these little packs are for your washing machine.

You just drop a Purex UltraPack in at the start of the laundry then add the clothes… so simple!  The packs dissolve quickly and are low-sudsing for easy rinsing.

convenient pre-dosed liquid detergent packs  

contain new Triple Action liquid formula

double the cleaning power in every drop*

dissolve quickly—even in cold water

safe for all machines, including High Efficiency (HE) washers

*have 2x concentrated liquid detergent

I love the ease and convenience of not having to lift a heavy laundry detergent bottle and not having to pour and measure anything.  For normal size loads you only need one pack, but I tend to do extra-large loads so have been using two packs for most of my loads.  The clothes also tend to have stains (ya know 3 young kids and all) so need the extra pack.

The NEW Purex UltraPacks will be available in stores February 2012.  Check out the Purex Facebook page to stay up to date on all the newest products.

Disclosure:  Purex provided a free sample of their UltraPacks to help facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.