Hope's Cafe

Laventine Organic Skin Care~ #Giveaway

2013-05-18T19:59:00.000-05:00

valentine /VA-lən-tine/ n. a sweetheart who brings you roses.

laventine /LA-vən-tine/ n. a sweetheart who brings you beautiful skin.

Wow, am I super happy to share this amazing company with you all! For the past couple months, I have really been looking at the ingredients in the "skin care" products that I use, and I was getting more and more disturbed with all the chemicals and junk. So, when given the opportunity to review an item from Laventine, an organic skincare company, I was of course thrilled.

Laventine sent me their Olive Facial Cleansing Oil, a water-soluble oil. I know what many of you are probably thinking-clean your face with oil? How stupid do you think we are? I know I have always heard to avoid putting any oil or oily products on my face, because after all-our skin creates enough oil as it is! However, olive oil is the perfect facial cleanser for so many reasons! To use, simply rub a small amount in your hands to warm, then apply to dry skin. Massage onto face in circular motions, and rinse off with lukewarm water. Now, if you're expecting an oily or greasy face, you will be disappointed-albeit in a good way. After using this for a couple of weeks, I am so impressed! Never has my face felt better. No oily build up, my skin is thoroughly cleansed without getting dried out. This even works great for removing makeup, no matter how stubborn. It is the ultimate facial cleanser, and I love that I no longer have to worry about the junk being used to "clean" my face-it's natural, organic olive oil!

Honestly, there is only one thing I don't care for about Laventine's Olive Oil Facial Cleanser. And that is the fact that I didn't know this existed years ago! I've been using chemical-loaded products for so long, when there is a healthy, natural alternative that honestly works so much better!

One of my readers will receive a Laventine Olive Oil Facial Cleanser!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Skate Shoes For Summer!

2013-05-16T09:16:00.000-05:00

Is everyone enjoying the warm weather? It finally seems to be here to stay for the summer, and we have wasted no time in getting outdoors for all kinds of sports and family fun. One of our regulars is volleyball, but we're enjoying everything from tennis, basketball, bike rides, family walks, and just about anything you can imagine doing outside. Everyone has a favorite summer sport or activity, and it's good to have the necessary gear for participation. For example, skateboarding can be done wearing just regular sneakers, but did you know there are actual skate shoes that are designed for use while skateboarding? For the longest time I never realized this, until J informed me some time ago. (Leave it to the teenager to teach the adult!).

Skates.Co.UK sent me a pair of DC Youth Block Net Skate Shoes for review. These are overall black with some really eye-catching lime green trim and laces, definitely some shoes that will stand out in a crowd. Perfect for M, who loves bright colors! I love the extra safety these provide for skateboarding. Because of the special design, the shoes feature an almost sticky outer sole that will help the rider maintain a good grip. The shoe upper is made with real leather, so these are certainly shoes that will last for a good long time-even with the wear and tear of skateboarding.

We also discovered that these shoes are perfect for use on scooters too. M loves to ride a scooter, and again, these provide an ultra-tough grip. You don't have to worry about your child's foot slipping off the skateboard/scooter when wearing these skate shoes!

M doing the Mary Poppins stand :)

If you need a pair of skate shoes like these DC Shoes, or perhaps some roller blades or in-line skates for yourself or the kids this summer, why not check out Skates.Co.UK? They have great prices and super fast shipping (even coming from the UK, I was impressed with how fast our shoes arrived!). Of course they also have all kinds of skate gear, from boards, clothes, helmets...it's literally a skate superstore!

Win A Trip For 4 To Brazil! #CB2NovogratzBrasilSweepstakes

2013-05-15T20:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of CB2 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever wanted to visit a foreign country? I guess techincally I have, because I have been to Canada quite a few times, but somehow Canada just doesn't seem as exotic as Brazil! So, let me share some exciting news with you, how you could win a trip (for up to 4 people) to Brazil.

First of all, the CB2 and Novogratz Sweepstakes is, obviously, sponsored by CB2. I must plead shameful ignorance here, because I had never heard of CB2 before! When I checked out their website though, I immediately fell in love with the beautiful home furnishings and decor. The newest line, CB2 and Novogratz Collection, features pieces from design duo Robert and Courtney Novogratz. This collection was inspired by their vacation home in Brazil, and I just love the style and colors! I think the Quadrado Rug is my personal favorite from the new collection; it is simply stunning.

Now, for what you've been waiting for-information about the CB2 and Novogratz Brasil Sweepstakes! The grand prize winner will receive a 1-week stay (for yourself and 3 friends/family members) at the Novogratz's vacation home in beautiful Trancoso, Brazil. If you don't win the grand prize though, don't despair-10 other winners will receive a $100.00 CB2 gift card, and an autographed copy of "Home by Novogratz". The sweepstakes runs from May 2nd through June 3rd, so what are you waiting for? Hurry up and enter!

Sun Protection With Cute Hats!

2013-05-15T14:57:00.001-05:00

I'm really not much of a hat person, unless it's a baseball cap. Give me a baseball cap and I can wear it all day, but other than that-I don't wear hats. That is, I didn't until I discovered the cutest hat ever-the Ladies Scala Visor!

I received a Ladies Scala Visor in Fuchsia/White, and from the moment it arrived, I knew this would be my constant companion for the next several months. It is so much better than a simple baseball cap on so many levels! First of all, this Visor protects your neck as well as your face. Full protection, and it's much wider than a cap bill-it features a 5-inch peak.

Secondly, I love the feminine style of this visor. It brings to mind ladies gardening, or sipping lemonade while visiting in the backyard. Just a lovely, ladylike, must-have accessory!

I know, it doesn't really match the red shirt :)

In addition to the sun protection and style, this visor is perfect for traveling. It has an elastic loop attached at the back so you can simply roll the hat up and toss it in your suitcase, purse, or in a pocket in your car. It is completely crushable/bendable, and it pops right back into shape. I will be bringing this on our trip to Texas and New Mexico next week, as I will be certain to need sun protection out there!

With a retail price of only $25.00, this Ladies Sun Visor is affordable for anyone, and if you're going to be spending any time outside this summer, I highly recommend you check this visor out!

Steel Blaze Bracelet From TeNo Jewelry #Giveaway!!

2013-05-13T22:14:00.002-05:00

Not too long ago I stumble onto a Jewelry website by the name of TeNo. I was amazed at all their gorgeous pieces, from rings to necklaces to bracelets-and a good selection of accessories as well. I was so pleased when they offered to send me an item for review, and I was given the opportunity to choose one of their Steel Blaze Bracelets.

I chose the Blue Steel Blaze Bracelet, simply because it's the color I wear most often. This is a braided leather bracelet with a stainless steel clasp. What is unique is that this doesn't hook or catch, it is magnetized for easy on and off. However, it does not just pop open-something I was wondering about. I wear this just about every day, and whether it's a casual day running errands, or I'm playing racquetball at the gym, the bracelet stays in place.

I love the look of the bracelet; the braided leather gives it almost a western feel (great when I pair it with a denim skirt and cowgirl boots) but the steel clasp adds a touch of elegance. It can really be worn for casual or dressier events, due to the combined leather and steel. Honestly, it's a very versatile piece that any woman would love to have! And, if blue isn't your color, TeNo offers this in several other colors, so be sure to check them all out.

One of my readers will receive a Steel Blaze Bracelet!!

(Choose from the following list:

BLZ04, BLZ05, BLZ06-A, BLZ06-B, BLZ06-C, BLZ06-D, BLZ06-E, BLZ06-F, BLZ06-G, BLZ06-H)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gardening Fun With Miracle-Gro!

2013-05-13T17:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

How many of you are looking forward to gardening if and when we ever actually get the weather for it? I just posted on my blog about finally getting some consistent spring weather for a few days, and would you believe they're calling for possible snow again? Yeah, it's supposed to hit the low 30's today, and just yesterday it was 80 outside! However, gardening doesn't always call for a huge yard and being outdoors for several hours, digging in the soil. Did you know you can create your own mini garden with Miracle-Gro? That's right, Miracle-Gro is bringing a whole lot of fun garden projects, some of which are for indoor gardens!

So, after getting some inspiration from The Gro Project, a site that shows some really cute ideas for a garden, I decided to try my own. I went with a bowling theme; our family has started bowling quite a bit in the past couple months, so I thought this would be fun. Plus, we had picked up this mini bowling set somewhere, and this looked like a great use for it! With a cost of less than $5.00 total, and only a few minutes to design, creating these mini themed-gardens is something I could really get into! This one is pretty basic, but I am coming up with so many more ideas to try. I used a ceramic baking dish that we had picked up from a Goodwill, and filled it with potting soil. The next step is to add some flowers, and make sure it is planted in good. Then add your theme decorations; in my case, I set up the bowling pins, and used a large marble for the bowling ball. It's so easy, yet fun and pretty! And I know I can give the plants proper care with Shake’n Feed All Purpose Plant Food from Miracle-Gro.

Looks like fun, huh? Be sure to follow Miracle-Gro on Pinterest for more ideas, and you can also check out The Go Project Video!

Have fun getting creative in the garden this year!

Food Trucks?

2013-05-13T10:18:00.002-05:00

Have any of my readers ever grabbed lunch from a food truck? They are a pretty common sight in many larger cities, and even some small towns have a food truck. For example, during the summer when we get a lot of tourists coming through our small town (I'm talking really small-we don't even have a fast food restaurant in town) we have a truck that drives through town offering ice creams and frozen treats, as well as some other snacks. Not a meal truck, but still a food truck after all!

Our family visits Chicago several times throughout the year, and this is where you can really see food trucks in action. Some of these trucks have lines longer than the regular restaurants along the street come lunch time! I don't recall ever trying one during our visits, but perhaps we should since they seem to be so popular.

Of course, one place almost everyone has sampled food truck fare is at a carnival, fair, or even an amusement park. We will be visiting Six Flags Over Texas next week (yes, we are all vey excited!) and I am sure we will sample some of the finest Texas food truck meals!

InvisibleShield Protection for MacBook!

2013-05-11T13:10:00.003-05:00

As you probably have realized if you've read my blog for any length of time, I am very particular about my MacBook. It has been in the shop twice in the past few weeks for repairs (first time in 4 years of hard use). Both times, I felt like I was missing something important-and I guess I honestly was, since I do so much work on it. Let me just say after using a Mac for 4 years, returning to a PC was a little strange, and made me very thankful to have my MacBook back! Anyways, when I was given the opportunity to choose an item to review from GearZap, a tech device accessory shop, I quickly spotted the perfect piece. GearZap sent me the InvisibleShield for MacBook Pro 15".

This is unlike the typical case you get for a laptop or MacBook, in that it is not a hard plastic case that snaps on and off your device. Instead, it is a clear film that is applied to the top, bottom, and wrist rest/track pad area of your Mac. While this does take longer to put on than a basic case, I believe it is well worth the few extra minutes. You literally peel the film off the backing, spray it down with the applicator spray, and then line it up on your MacBook. This is what takes time; making sure it is lined up properly, and then using the squeegee (included) to remove any air bubbles and such. Once on, you hardly even know it's there, because it is a clear plastic film that clings to the frame. Unlike the previous case I had on for protection, this adds no bulk or weight.

You can't even tell there's a case/cover on!

You may not think a simple film cover is enough to protect your device, but this is military-grade, and will protect against scratches, oils and dust, etc. Watch this video to see just how strong it really is!

Check out GearZap for all your device accessory and MacBook case needs; they have something for everyone!

Never Lose A Sock!!

2013-05-10T14:23:00.002-05:00

I know, it's every mom's dream, right? Imagine never losing a single sock again! How many times do you run a load of laundry, and end up with a couple single socks with no match? You hold on to them for a few weeks, but the matching sock seems to have just disappeared. I know, we've all been there. That's why I wanted to share this exciting news with you-introducing Sockskies, the solution to the age-old sock dilemma!

Sockskies are fashionable, yet will prevent you from ever having a lost sock again.

THE DESIGN:

OUTSIDE OF EACH SOCK: One button is sewn in the middle upper part of each sock, beautiful and symmetrical.

INSIDE OF EACH SOCK: One button hole is sewn on each inner part of the sock.

QUICK SECOND(S) PROCESS:

After you are done wearing them, simply button up the socks together, throw in the laundry or straight to the washer and dryer. After you wash them, the socks come out paired and together!

For more information about Sockskies, check out the Kickstarter page here!

Biker Chaps

2013-05-10T14:18:00.001-05:00

Do you have any friends or family who own or ride a motorcycle? While it is something I would love to at least try, no one in our family has a motorcycle. However, I have multiple friends who ride quite frequently. I will be recommending they check out motorcyclehouse for all their cycle needs from now on!

We actually have a Pastor friend who usually once a year takes a weekend motorcycle trip with some men from his Church. They have a fun time, ride their motorcycles, and enjoy the company. I'm not sure if any of them wear motorcycle chaps for men, but I do know where they can purchase some now!

While it has been a men-only trip so far, I know a couple of girls from the Church have wanted to join them as well. The Pastor's daughters both enjoy riding, and have tried convincing their Dad to take them along! Maybe I should give them a motorcycle vest for women as a gift this year!

Give Mom a Seagate Slim! #MothersDayGift

2013-05-09T13:47:00.003-05:00

Still rushing around looking for that last minute Mother's Day gift? Thankfully this year I found the perfect gift well in advance, but there are many times that I have been frantically searching for that perfect gift! I mean, when it gets down to it, shopping for Mom can be one of the most nerve-wracking jobs, because we all want our Mom to be happy with her gifts, right?

Well, worry no more, because Seagate has the perfect gift for Mom this year, and you can pick it up online through several different online retailers, including Seagate.com and Amazon.com.

This Mother's day, why not surprise Mom with the Seagate Slim? This lightweight portable hard drive is literally no wider than a pencil's width. In fact, it's about the size of a typical tri-fold wallet! 500GB of storage for all Mom's photos and files, all in this tiny, portable device she can bring anywhere!

"The Seagate Slim portable drive is a thin and light way to back up the things that are important to you on Windows^®computers.

Protect your stuff with easy, flexible backups
Automatically save photos from your social networks
Share photos and videos to social networks with a click"

One of my readers will receive a Seagate Slim!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shopping For Dad?

2013-05-09T13:32:00.002-05:00

How many of you have trouble finding the perfect gift for a family member? I actually have 2 that are difficult to shop for; my Dad, and my oldest sister. Especially my Dad, because he already has way too many ties and pens, but he doesn't really have a hobby or special interest that we can find related gifts for. However, if your Dad owns or rides a motorcycle, you might want to consider shopping for him at motorcyclehouse.

You might be thinking motorcycle-related gifts would be expensive, but I assure you, you can find great gift ideas for very reasonable prices at Motorcyclehouse. For example, check out these mens biker gloves, that sell for only $24.99.

Of course, men aren't the only ones who enjoy motorcycles; I have a friend who enjoys riding with her brother, so don't count out the ladies when it comes to bikers! In fact, if your Mom rides a motorcycle, a pair of motorcycle gloves for women would make the perfect Mother's Day gift this weekend!

Color Changing Tees Are Fun! #Giveaway

2013-05-06T13:59:00.001-05:00

Okay, I am so excited to be sharing this fun product with you all today! Especially since we're finally getting the type of weather you can wear tees outside comfortably now, instead of freezing cold or pouring rain-our typical weather for the past month. Del Sol is a company that specializes in color changing clothes, and they graciously allowed me to choose a tee for review. I chose the Tribal Turtle T-Shirt, and it didn't take long for this to arrive.

When I first tried on the shirt, I immediately loved the fit and feel. It's just the right size; not too tight, but not bulky at all either. I also appreciate that it doesn't have cap sleeves or the mini sleeves typically found on women's tees. Those drive me nuts, and I was so glad to see that this shirt has regular short sleeves!

The real fun though, was wearing my new shirt outdoors. I tried it out once, and then called some of the kids out to see it. They were enthralled! Literally, within seconds of stepping out into the sun, the turtle design starts changing colors. It turns from white to sparkling colors in just seconds! Very fun, and the perfect piece to wear at any outside event or happening this summer! And, you might think that it needs special care with the color-changing feature, but simply cold wash and then dry on low in your dryer, and you're ready to go!

One of my readers will receive a Del Sol Tee!!

(Winner's choice of style, up to $25.00)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Clothed For a Motorcycle Trip

2013-05-06T10:24:00.002-05:00

Did you know that motorcyclists have unique clothing that they wear especially for riding their cycles? I knew that most bikers had jackets, and possibly chaps, but I didn't realize there were also specific biker vests. However, it does make sense. Although I personally love the look and feel of leather, I think if I was going to take a motorcycle ride at night, I would much prefer having a reflective vest like this one.

However, I would probably end up with multiple vests, because honestly, I am a huge fan of leather. Probably stems from my love of all things horses, which includes leather saddles and other equipment, but ever since I was a child I have had a fondness for leather. So, I think if I was gearing up to get a motorcycle, I would probably end up with a reflective vest, and a leather biker vest.

There are many choices in the style and design of biker vests; you can even get a motorcycle vest for women. These look just lovely. I love the fitted style of this one. Very feminine looking, yet not out of place on a motorcycle ride!

I Love My New Camera Bag!

2013-05-04T14:53:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been frustrated trying to find that perfect something, knowing exactly what it is you want, but no one else seems to understand the piece you're looking for? That's what I've been going through trying to find the perfect camera bag. I have a small Sony HD Camcorder, that I bring to a lot of events, and sometimes end up carrying it around for literally 8 hours or more. I have a small bag that holds the equipment okay, but it just wasn't...perfect. So, when I was given the opportunity to choose a piece from LoveCases, I knew exactly what to look for, and I quickly found what looked to be just right.

LoveCases graciously sent me the Tamrac 3442 Rally 2 Bag, which is designed for Digital SLR Cameras, but also looked just right for my camcorder and accessories. Sure enough, when the bag arrived, I discovered I had made the perfect choice!

First of all, I love the slim look. So many camera/camcorder bags are wide and bulky, and that is not what I want to be lugging around for hours on end! The exterior is also water resistant, so should I happen to get caught in the rain someday, I know my camera is not going to get soaked.

There are several pockets in this bag, and the main compartment can be adjusted to fit your needs using the padded dividers. I use this for my camcorder and cord, and then carry the extra batteries and SD cards in another pocket inside. There are also a couple mesh pockets on the outside, that would work for a water bottle, or other necessities.

One other aspect of this bag that makes it perfect for my needs is the extra wide shoulder strap, with no-slip padding. Instead of trying to keep a narrow strap up on my shoulder (like my previous bag) I don't even have to worry about it now. Between the extra padding, the width of the strap, and the no-slip feature, I can go for hours without adjusting the bag on my shoulder!

Be sure to visit LoveCases and check out all their wonderful camera bags today!

Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated in any way; I did receive product for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Gel Manicure at Home with Haute Polish!

2013-05-03T14:45:00.000-05:00

Before I start this review, let me mention that I am not the kind of girl who spends a lot of time on her hands. In fact, I very rarely wear nail polish, practically never get a manicure, and really don't waste much time on them. I just don't have the time to waste sitting there and carefully applying 2 coats of nail polish (and possibly a coat of lacquer to keep it on longer), and I don't have the money it would cost to go the salon on a regular basis for a manicure. However, when I heard about a way to get a professional-looking gel manicure at home, in less time than I thought possible, I was intrigued. So you can imagine how excited I was when Haute Polish sent me their Haute Polish Kit for review!

The Haute Polish Kit comes with the LED Talking Smart Setting Light, Classic Red Polish, Remover Pockets, Detailing Wands, Cleaner/Finisher Wipes, and Nail Buffer. The steps to getting beautiful salon-style nails at home are very simple. First, use the nail buffer to buff the top of your nails, and push back the cuticles. Then use a cleaner/finisher wipe to remove any dust and oil. Next, apply the Haute Polish shade of your choice (in my case, the classic red) and then place your fingertips under the LED light. This talks you through the process, and basically in less than 60 seconds, your polish is dried, set, and ready to go.

I did my thumbs separately, as trying to fit the thumb in with the other fingers was a little awkward. No big deal though; I still had both hands done in much less time than I ever did with traditional polish! Honestly, I was so amazed at how good my nails looked!

I was a little skeptical as to how long the polish would last. While Haute claims it lasts up to 2 weeks, often these things are overrated. However, even with me washing dishes, doing some cleaning/scrubbing in the house, and typical everyday wear, the polish did indeed last well over a week. Success! I can now get a salon-style gel manicure at home, at much less cost, and in 10 minutes or less! You just can't beat that!!

Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated in any way; I did receive product for the purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Motorcycles Mean Spring!

2013-05-03T12:13:00.003-05:00

One thing that always notifies us it's spring time around here, is the amount of motorcycles on the road. This past Sunday, driving back from Church, we passed at least 3 separate groups of motorcycles, just out enjoying the weather and the ride. Every spring this happens, and although it's later than normal this year, you can always tell when the weather is warming up by the amount of bikes on the road!

One thing these motorcyclists almost always have in common is their biker jackets. They may not all be wearing the exact same style, but they almost all wear a leather jacket. Personally, even though I don't ride a motorcycle (although I would like to try it sometime) I think a lot of biker jackets are neat. I love the style, and actually have a motorcycle-style jacket that my brother found for me. It is very similar to the one pictured below, and I just love the look! You can actually find quite a variety of biker jackets for women online, but this style is my personal favorite.

If you have a motorcycle and enjoy spending your free time on the road, you may want to check out Motorcyclehouse, and see all biker apparel and accessories they have to offer.

Explore Nature With The Young Scientists Club! #Giveaway

2013-05-02T16:48:00.000-05:00

Do your children enjoy science? I know this is a question that can receive so many different answers. Personally, I didn't start enjoying science until I hit early teens. However, I know some kids that have loved science and science projects/experiments from a very young age. I do think it is important though, and can be a lot of fun as well. That's why I love companies like The Young Scientists Club, that make science fun and interesting even for youngsters! When I was given the opportunity to choose a Science Kit for review, it didn't take long to find the perfect kit.

I received the Explore The Wonders of Nature Kit, which is part of the Magic School Bus line. This kit retails for only $19.99, and is loaded with so many exciting projects for kids. My personal favorite was Keesha's Experiment: making an animal track plaster cast! The required tools and ingredients are already in the kit; for this, we just needed to add some water. Following the instructions, we filled a bowl with sand, and moistened the top. Then using the (miniaturized) bear track mold, we created a bear paw print in the sand. Mixing up the plaster of paris is easy with the instructions, and then we poured the plaster into the print. It only took about 20 minutes to harden, and then we pulled out our very own bear paw cast!

I also thought the Leaf Art was fun. This is a very simple project that only requires white paper, crayons, and various leaves from your backyard. Here's how our art turned out:

Exploring The Wonders of Nature certainly helps children do just that, and I love how fun and easy all these experiments are. There are so much more than just the couple I mentioned; build an ant farm, dissolve an egg shell, create a paper mache ant, etc. Any child will love this kit!

One of my readers will receive their choice of kit from the following list!!

1. Explore The Wonders of Nature

2. Bubble Science

3. Rainbow Science

4. Kitchen Science

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wind And Weather Helps You Enjoy Spring!

2013-05-01T14:21:00.001-05:00

I don't know about all of you, but I am definitely happy about spring's arrival. Would you believe that only the past few days have been real spring weather? We've had a couple days here and there that were a little warmer, but not until this past weekend did it start warming up and staying warm! Needless to say, it didn't take long for me to get back into my outdoors routine. Walk and/or bike every morning for 30 minutes, practicing Tae Kwon Do outside in the afternoons, and spending as much time possible out of the house! I also like sitting out back and reading, or just enjoying the sun. We have plenty of seats on our deck, but nothing that is actually out in the yard. That's why I was so excited when Wind and Weather sent me their Steel Tuscany Olive Branch Bench for review!

This bench comes unassembled, but as it's only 4 pieces, it is so easy that I was even able to put it together all by myself! Seat, back, and right/left legs.

Working by myself, I had the bench assembled and ready to go within 12-15 minutes.

Almost done!

When the rest of the family came out and saw the finished bench, they were seriously amazed. It is so gorgeous! I love the intricate olive branch design on the back; it turns the bench from a useful item into a useful and pretty piece for the backyard. The seat is over 15" deep, and the bench features curved arm rests as well. This is a very comfortable place to sit whenever I want to take a break outside.

Love the design on the back!

The bench has a very antique look that will add to any garden or yard, and because it's made of 100% steel, you can be sure it won't get dented or broken easily. Perfect for us, because we have kids running around so much!

Wind and Weather has a multitude of other fun outdoor equipment, so check them out.

And, they're offering one of my readers a $50.00 Gift Code!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Customize Your Look With eShakti Clothing!!

2013-05-01T10:58:00.005-05:00

Are any of my readers familiar with eShakti? It's only one of my absolute favorite online shopping sites, because of one very unique aspect. Not only do they offer some of the most lovely, feminine clothing I've ever seen, but you can literally customize any piece to fit your style. If there's a skirt that you like, but prefer a longer hemline, eShakti can do it. Found the perfect blouse, but want shorter sleeves, or collar/neckline change? Yep, they can do that too! Literally every item on eShakti can be customized!

I was given the opportunity to choose an item from eShakti for review, and let me tell you-this was not an easy decision! There are literally so many pieces to choose from, and they're all so pretty! I finally picked a ruffled military-style jacket, and requested the long sleeves be shortened to 3/4 sleeve. After placing the order, I eagerly awaited my new top, and it wasn't long before it arrived. Upon opening the package, I was beyond pleased-the pictures of this top just don't do it justice. A gorgeous denim-colored chambray fabric, with a mandarin collar and ruffles that literally cascade down the front and around the back of the hem. Literally one of prettiest tops I own! It has a slightly military air, and this is added to by the lovely buttons. It is tailored as well, so it gives a nice slim fit.

I wore this for the first time to a special event, and absolutely loved it! It is one of those pieces that doesn't just look nice on a hanger-when I donned the jacket it fit perfectly, and looked great. Paired with a dressy black skirt, it's great for those special evenings. Because of the lightweight fabric, it was nice and cool all evening, and I don't picture this being too hot to wear even during the summer months. eShakti has delivered once again, with this stunning jacket and their customization options!

Love the ruffled neckline!

The ruffles continue down the front...

...And around the back

The back of the neck is ruffled too

Add A Pop of Color With A Fraas Scarf!

2013-04-29T13:33:00.002-05:00

So, I must say I am not a scarf person. Or, at least, I was not in the past. I wear a scarf during the winter if I'm outside for any length of time, but that is about it. Recently however, I received a Fraas Scarf for review, and I have had so much fun finding new ways to accessorize with just a "simple" scarf!
I was able to choose a scarf from the Mystical Waters line, and I opted for the Turquoise, simply because I wear so much blue-honestly I thought both color options were simply gorgeous!

When the scarf arrived, I was so impressed and pleased with the fabric. It is designed for spring/summer wear, so it's very lightweight. Not only is it light, it's also super soft, and I guarantee this is one scarf that will never itch, scratch, or otherwise frustrate the wearer! I have tried this a couple different ways, and really like both of them-I'm very excited to try out some new wearing styles too!

It pairs well with many of my outfits (goes great with a denim skirt) and I have actually started looking for new tops that will offer more opportunities to wear my Fraas scarf! The scarf is nice and big, so you can double it if you want it smaller, or use it as a sash around your waist-I tried this, and it looks great!

If you want to add some color and style to your spring/summer wardrobe, I suggest you start with a Fraas Scarf. This single piece can change up your look in so many ways, and add flair and pop to any outfit!

Build a Water Garden This Summer!

2013-04-29T12:04:00.002-05:00

How to Build a Water Garden for Summer Entertaining

Water gardens are quite popular for backyard decorating, and they offer the benefit of less maintenance than a fish pond. Your plants will stay beautiful in their zen setting, and neighborhood cats won’t come over to feast on them. Since your plants are already in water, they require less attention than a normal garden. Plus, they look stunning showcased in your backyard, providing a unique element of beauty and escape.

Important Supplies

The most important supply you’ll need is a good pond liner. Pond liners come in a variety of sizes and weights, and they are relatively inexpensive but oh-so important. A pond liner will keep the water in the right place and prevent it from soaking into the dirt around the pond, which would create a muddy mess. You’ll want to make sure your liner is the right size and strength.

A good pond liner should have a guarantee of lasting a number of years, so you’ll know that you don’t have to empty and re-line the pond every summer. Put a lot of work into making sure your pond is set up well, so you’ll only have to minor maintenance on it each summer, with the major maintenance coming only about once every decade. You’ll also want to purchase a pond filter, which will keep the water from becoming stagnant.

Choose the Right Plants

Talk to a gardening expert at a local store or nursery to be sure that the plants you’d like fit your lifestyle and design aesthetic. It’s easy to look on the internet for photos of plants you love, but before you spend a lot on them, make sure they are options that will adapt well to your lifestyle. If you’re not at home a lot, or if your kids tend to take up a lot of your time, it’s best to go with low-maintenance plants, even if they aren’t as stunningly beautiful as other plants you’d like. If you’re unable to maintain some of the plants, they won’t look as nice anyway.

Stage It

You’ll want to take a look at your backyard and strategically think through everything you use it for. If you need space for kids to play and space for grilling and entertaining, factor all those needs into your decision of where to set up the pond and how big it should be. Once you’ve determined the size, decide what types of staging elements you’d like around it, such as rocks, bird baths, fountains, mosaics, or benches. You may be able to find some of these items inexpensively at garage sales or second-hand stores to save some money.

Paige One writes about a variety of topics, including summer entertaining!

Dana Pieper's EveryBody Fitness Review!!

2013-04-24T09:03:00.000-05:00

What would you say if I told you that there was a fitness program that would work-for any body and every body? I'd probably get mostly "Yeah right", or "uh-huh". It seems like most, if not all, exercise programs, are designed for a specific group or type of people, and if you don't fit in there-then you have to search for a program that will work for you. However, this is not the case with Dana Pieper, creator of EveryBody Fitness-the fitness routine that is literally designed to work for everybody!

I received 2 of Dana's DVD's for review; Kickbox Challenge, and Total Conditioning. I'll start by saying that the kickboxing challenge is my favorite, simply because I love martial arts and anything even distantly related to them, but both of these programs are excellent!

Kickboxing Challenge is a fun and exciting routine that takes you through various punches and kicks including jab, uppercut, hooks, roundhouse kicks (my favorite!) and much more. You're kept moving at a fast pace that will burn calories and strengthen and tone your body, but at the same time you are having fun! Yes, it is a tough workout, and you may need to work at one of the lower intensity levels, as demonstrated by other instructors on the dvd. But, that's why this is EveryBody Fitness-because no matter your current fitness level, and no matter your goals, you can do Dana Pieper's Kickbox Challenge!

Total Body Conditioning is a 1-hour program that delivers...well...a complete body workout! There are strength and cardio segments, and you'll use resistance bands, weights and a stability ball as you move through. I love the plyometrics, as these are highly recommended for people involved in martial arts. And, Dana also adds in some kickboxing, so that's a lot of fun too!

To learn more about Dana Pieper and her unique fitness program, or to order dvd's, you can visit the Everybody Fitness website.

Moving To Florida?

2013-04-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

I have to admit, living in Florida sounds pretty good right about now! Between the weather not being able to stay either cold or normal spring temperatures, and then the enormous amount of rain we've been getting the past few days, I would jump at the chance to be in Florida! Of course, as soon as the weather turned real hot down there, I'd want to be back up here, so I guess I'll just stay where I am. I did live in Florida for several years when I was younger though, and overall it is a pretty nice place to live. So, if you live in Florida and are looking to move into a new home, or maybe you are planning a move to Florida, be sure to look at FL New Homes before you move.

Personally, if I was going to move back to Florida, I would prefer to be in the northern part (near the Alabama border, so around Destin, Pensacola area) or down in central Florida near Ocala, Lake Mary area. As much as I enjoy some of the Orlando area attractions, Orlando traffic is not something I would want to deal with on a regular basis! So, if you live somewhere within a 1-2 hour drive from SeaWorld and Disney, I figure that would be just about perfect. Close enough to visit regularly, but not too close to Orlando! That's just my thoughts though; really most of Florida is a lovely place, and I have many great memories of living there.

Get Mombo for Mom!

2013-04-22T15:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Comfort and Harmony for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have any of my mothers ever heard of Mombo, by Comfort and Harmony? If you nursed your baby, then you are probably familiar with the concept of a nursing pillow-a special pillow, designed especially for use during nursing. Well, I recently learned about a new product called Firm2Soft, by Mombo. It is a one-of-a-kind nursing pillow, with 2 sides. One side is more firm, for extra support during nursing. The other side is super soft and comfoy, for just about any time baby needs a pillow! It also is the only nursing pillow that features a vibration, for a nice, soothing experience for baby. Sounds like something any nursing mother would want, huh? Good news-Mombo products are available at Toys R Us and Babies R Us! You can also check out and follow the Mombo makers, Comfort & Harmony on Twitter.

Seriously, I will be recommending the mombo nursing pillow to all my nursing and expectant mommy friends. These seem like such the perfect tool to make feeding time easier and more comfortable for both mommy and baby. They are available in a few different colors too; you can choose from standard, deluxe or nude styles, and then choose your slipcover design from there. The Mombo nursing pillow would make a great gift for a baby shower too!

So, if you need more information about Mombo, or just want to see how it works, or find customer reviews, you can find Comfort & Harmony on Facebook.