Year: 2015

I Can See Clearly Now…Check that BOX! + Enter to WIN a Pair of Designer Sunglasses! #VSP #sponsored

This post is sponsored content created for VSP. All opinions are my own.
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I’ve worn glasses or contacts forever it seems.  I can’t see a thing unless it’s standing right in front of my face.  I remember when I got my first pair of glasses in the 6th grade and it was life changing.  For a child who can’t see well at school it affects so much.  How they learn and absorb everything!  When I was in high school my mom finally let me switch to contacts and I thought I was “hot stuff” because I got rid of those pink plastic frames.

Taking care of your eyes and getting checkups is SOOOOO important y’all!  You only get one set of eyeballs and I’m going to take care of mine.  VSP is on a mission to help you take care of your pretty eyes.  It’s open enrollment season and I know…I know…you have to make all these choices during open enrollment that effect your entire year!  Who knows what could happen over the course of a year right?

VSP is the nation’s only not-for-profit vision care company. Their highest priority is to advocate for regular, professional vision care for everyone. If you have the option to CHECK THAT BOX for vision care you should do it!

Here are a few reasons why it’s so important:

  • Eye health is part of taking care of your total health. Annual eye exams can help detect signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and more.
  • Don’t let “easy” become “easy to dismiss.”  Vision care is frequently the easiest, quickest, and least expensive benefit option to review and select. If you have the option, consider taking it.
  • When VSP is an option, it’s your best Compared to other vision care options, VSP will save you money, keep your eyes healthy, protect your family’s vision, and help you look great.

 

Visit SeeMuchMore.com to learn more about eye health and how to evaluate your vision benefit options.

As a person who has VSP insurance personally I can tell you I highly recommend it and it’s fairly inexpensive.  Checking the box for vision care is less than a couple lattes each month.  I feel safer knowing if anything ever happens to my vision I’m taken care of.  I also get my glasses and contacts covered as well as eye exams every year.  To me it’s worth the little bit of extra cost each month to feel secure.

So, when it comes time for Open Enrollment this year, while you’re checking the box for medical and dental…don’t forget about your baby blues, your chocolate browns, or gorgeous green eyes. They deserve just as much attention as the rest of your body.

Also, ladies, I know when it comes to making decisions, we can tend to procrastinate a bit and sometimes even forget all together!  It’s okay to call your husband and ask what he recommends as well.  In fact he’ll probably like that you value his opinion.

VSP recently asked people to take a poll on open enrollment.  The end result was that most people dread it so much they would rather do most things than answer Open Enrollment questions except for one thing- cleaning a teenager’s bathroom! Ew.

When asked to compare their independent insurance decisions (like auto and home) to Open Enrollment insurance decisions, respondents were more likely to say they’re “more confident” and “more knowledgeable” about their independent decisions than their Open Enrollment decisions.  What are your thoughts on Open Enrollment?  Do you stress about it, or are you happy to have the option to have it?

To review the full poll findings, click here.

I personally am a “get things done” kind of person.  When I get that email saying it’s time for Open Enrollment I like to get started.  This way I’m done and I don’t have to think about it anymore.  Whew!

So, check that box for vision care, okay???  Don’t forget…I’m watching you

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VSP Heart‘s you!  

Enter to win a pair of designer sunglasses!

 

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I Mean Really?

Tonight I’m sitting here editing photos and so excited for the fall season to hit us.  I’m waiting patiently Texas…I know you can’t decide.  One day it’s 95 and the next it’s 50.  I’m ready for leaves to change colors and to feel a breeze instead of sweat under my arms.

We put another bid in on a house yesterday.  There are already multiple offers.  I think we are becoming pros at bidding on houses right now.  The market is crazy…we had no idea it was this crazy when we sold our house this past summer.  So, any prayers would be appreciated.  If it’s the Lord’s will then that will be our home, if not I know the right one will come along eventually.

Kids can be so mean.  Connor’s teacher told me that some kids were making fun of him at school because his hair was frizzy/curly.  He does have some crazy hair, but I love his curls.  He usually takes a shower at night and sleeps on it.  By morning it has definitely frizzed out and it’s hard to maintain.  But still- why would that even matter???  I bought a spray bottle today so we can spray it down if it gets out of control.  Anyone recommend any products for frizzy/curly hair for boys?

Who wouldn’t love this face?

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I am loooooving ponchos this season.  I am not a fashionista, but I do like fashion.  I’m short and I like food too much.  I didn’t inherit one bit of my Mother’s gene pool in the height department because she’s 6 feet tall.  This is from Stitchfix.  You fill out a profile online and a stylist picks out pieces for you.  Overall I’ve really liked what my stylist has chosen for me 🙂

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I also bought a Christmas ornament for 2015.  Every year I try to buy an ornament with our yearly photo in it.  One day when I’m old and gray I can look at them all and see how we’ve grown over the years.

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Kindergarten homework is so fun!  I can handle the early years…when he gets into high-school he’s all Terence’s 🙂  There seems to be a new flyer, announcement, or to-do every day.  Gosh, some days I forget my deodorant let alone all the different things going on at school.  There is so much STUFF to remember.  How do you organize school stuff?

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Are you a coffee LOVER like me?  Whelp….check out this awesome shirt by my good friend Sarah, owner of Wake Me Up Designs.  Go get yours HERE before they sell OUT!  Sooooo in love with this shirt and it’s great quality too.  I’m weird about cottons and see through fabrics and this is high quality, good merchandise people.  I love everything she whips out!

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Toodles for now y’all!

What’s Hot this Holiday #ChosenByKids #TheList

This post is sponsored by Acorn Influence. All opinions are my own.

A few months ago I got to attend a fun even hosted by Walmart called the “Chosen by You Expo“.  I got a sneak peek at toys, electronics, clothing, and all kinds of gifts that will be available this season in Walmart.  I felt like a kid visiting Willy Wonka with all the toys around and I saw a ton of toys I know Connor is going to love too!  I’m going to share with you some of my favorites from the event and give you a head start on what’s HOT this holiday season.

Lets start with the toys:

As you can see Elsa is back in a big way!  Everything Frozen…I think back to when my sister and I were around this age.  We would have just died over this Disney Frozen Elsa Castle.  With the press of a button on top of the castle the icicle chandelier spirals down.  The castles also grows taller by the crank on the bottom.   Don’t forget Sing-A-Long Elsa Too!

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Then there is the Disney Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Checkup Center.  Connor loves this show and this is so cute. I can see lots of future veterinarians in our future.  For toys that is 🙂

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Of course no clinic would be complete without a Cuddles & Hugs Talking Lambie.


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Now, this my dear friends in ON MY LIST.  Connor is obsessed with Legos right now. This 3DIT Character Creator Molding Machine lets you create your own custom figures.  Mold them, choose stickers, and design.

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If you have a little girl and she gets scared in the dark this Minnie is so cute!  She lights up in all different colors.  Press the heart on Minnie’s hand again to lock the design and hear Minnie sing the hit song, “True Colors.”BBP_3882

Game night sure will be fun with Pie Face!

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The ULTIMATE Hot Wheels Garage

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Bake your very own Girl Scout cookies in this Girl Scouts Cookie Oven.  I tried one of the Thin Mints and it was delish!BBP_3890

Here are some other toys we got to take a peek at:

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Now lets move on to co-workers and friends.  What do you give someone in your life who you see every day and want to let them know you care this holiday?  Here are some ideas for you that won’t break the bank.  All items are available at Walmart stores nationwide.

Ahem…Coffee lovers unite!  This Starbucks cocoa gift set is perfect for friends and family!

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For the guy who likes to grill.  This Jim Beam set is packed and ready to go with everything needed for a yummy BBQ.BBP_3894

These “Movie Night For 2” packages are sooooo cute!  Everything ready to watch your favorite flick with some popcorn and candy.BBP_3895

Chocolate…yes please!  Ghirardelli gift sets are so yummy and good stocking stuffers too.BBP_3896The “techie” in your life needs things too right?  I have a few of those in my family.  Here are some great gift ideas for the gamers and the guys who just can’t deal with losing their remote.

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Meet the gaming chair.  I’m pretty sure my husband would never leave the house if he had something like this…but he would love me forever.  Ha! Now you can not only hear your music but actually feel it. Whether you are listening to music, watching a movie or playing a game.
Input and output jacks allow connection to your audio source and to other X Rockers for multi-player games. Wireless receiver is built-in; includes wireless transmitter to send audio from any source with headset.BBP_3924 BBP_3925

Terence and I both jumped on the Fitbit train about 6 months ago and we love them.  They keep us accountable during the day and we compete against each other to see who can get the most steps in each day.  Come New Years Eve you’ll be wanting this gadget to help you reach your fitness goals 🙂
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I love Nikon.  I shoot with Nikon.  And this is a great camera at an even greater price.  It’s brand new and perfect to capture those every day moments, or if you are ready to dabble in photography.  BBP_3933 BBP_3934Let’s talk fashion now ladies.  I mean I want to look great, you want to look great.  Let’s all look fabulous mmmmkay?  Here are some fun looks for everyone in the family.

Character jammies for the boys

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Super hero shirts for the guys

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Love this wallet and it comes in so many colors and designs.  It’s only $6.97 too!BBP_3912 BBP_3913

I can’t imagine ever needing a makeup brush again.  This makeup brush kit is an awesome stocking stuffer for teenage girls.  It’s pink and has 24 pieces in an easy roll-up design.BBP_3917

Holiday leggings!  I would totally wear these…and dress my entire family to match.  Just sayin.BBP_3942

Flannels are hot right now.  So many different shirts and only so many days of the week…sigh.BBP_3945

Everyone needs an adult Minion onesie right???BBP_3946

This sweater is SO soft!  I couldn’t stop touching it.  #cozyBBP_3947

Aaaaand last on my favorites list is this Coca Cola Mini Can Fridge.  So cute and perfect for a game room, college dorm, or just because. BBP_3955

I hope this helps you out.  If you’re like me & you run around like a chicken with your head cut off looking for things to buy at Christmas.  Well, not this year.  That is not going to be me.

So tell me…

What’s on your favorites list this for this season?

A Story of Hope, Empowerment, & Love + A Fab Giveaway! #VillageArtisan #HEBBlooms

 “This post is sponsored in part by Ethical Sourcing Network. All opinions are my own.”

This fall HEB Blooms is introducing a line of beautiful new products from Village Artisan.  What is Village Artisan ladies???  Well, it’s a fashion line full of sari scarves, bags, jewelry, handmade soaps, wooden frames, and handmade paper products.

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Village Artisan’s story is one that I feel truly drawn to.  The company gives women in North India the opportunity to train and become skilled at a trade.  These women are able to work in a loving community at a fair wage.  They pour their hearts into every piece of Village Artisan merchandise.  Buying something from Village Artisan is supporting these women, empowering them, and giving them hope.

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I just adore this set of bangles I received from Village Artisan, and every time I wear them I think of the beautiful women that made them.

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You can learn more about Village Artisan and how this mission all got started HERE.

“Every person has a story:  The story of Village Artisan is about empowering women, giving dignified work to men and delivering fashionable quality products to you, the discerning and socially conscious buyer.”

Village Artisan is such an amazing organization and company and I’m so excited that they are available in HEB Blooms stores in the Texas area- Austin, Houston, and San Antonio specifically 🙂

Photo courtesy of rwethereyetmom.com

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Each Village Artisan piece is handcrafted & one of a kind.  Scarves are upcycled and many jewelry pieces have upcycled elements from reclaimed saris.  The journals and note cards are made of 100% recycled cotton.  They are so pretty too!
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I hope you’ll consider checking out all these amazing products at your local HEB Blooms store next time your there.  Supporting these women means the world to them.

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Follow Village Artisan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Because Village Artisan LOVES YOU so much they are giving away (one) piece of jewelry to a reader!!!

Just enter below:

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Friday Favorites: A Link Up -School Lunch/Snack Ideas

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Yay!  It’s Friday…It’s Friday!!!  HOLLA!  I hope you join in on our weekly link-up.

This week I’ve just wanted to be like this…

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But unfortunately it’s been anything BUT.  Our lease is up on our apartment.  We still haven’t found a house.  They are all so expensive…like what do these people DO for a living???  They must all be trust fund babies or they live in mansions empty of furniture and only a futon. I don’t want a 5000 square foot house!  I want half the house for half the cash darn it! AND…I didn’t win Powerball yesterday. I was counting on that $191 million dollar cash payout this week.

Seriously.

I volunteered to help teach Connor’s art class today wish me luck with that.  All I know is that it involves paint.  Gulp.  (Note to self don’t wear anything of value)

SOOOOOOOOO….moving on.  This week’s link up topic is school treats and/or lunch ideas.  I need help with this so bad it’s not even funny.  Connor’s lunch revolves around peanut butter and jelly and turkey and cheese sandwiches.  That’s it.  That’s all I got.

I did this fun Halloween treat a few years ago and you can find the info and free printable HERE.

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I love doing crafty things and I’m going to try to find something to do this year for Connor’s class too.  It’s the whole lunch situation I struggle with.  After a couple of weeks of school Connor came home and said “Mom…did you know there is another way to eat lunch…it’s called TRAYS”.  I laughed so hard at that!

I asked if he wanted to try a tray and he said no because the food wasn’t what he liked.  I don’t mind packing his lunch, I actually like it.  The question is what to put in it?

This snack looks awesome, I may try this sometime it looks easy.  Recipe found HERE.

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If you have awesome lunch ideas…help a sista out.

Link up below:



Coming soon:
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The Power of Aroma #DoctorAromas

This post is sponsored by Bloggin’ Mamas & Doctor Aromas. All opinions are my own. 

Essential oils are all the rage these days and so are therapeutic aromas.  Recently I had the chance to try out Doctor Aromas home therapy kit. 

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I love walking into a place and feeling good.  I took the Doctor Aromas therapy kit up to the dental office I work at.  Who wants to walk into a Doctor’s office and have it smelling clinical right?  So, I thought we could try this…whatever helps our patients feel at ease and boosts our spirits!

We tried several of the different oils out and they smelled fabulous!

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The healing properties of the plants and essential oils in Doctor Aromas’ formulas can stimulate the immune system and circulation, improve concentration, alleviate headaches, act as an antiviral and antibacterial agent, provide comfort, fight fatigue, improve memory, and many other benefits.  I use essential oils at home and I definitely believe they have healing effects.

It was super easy to install.  Just insert your batteries:

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Place your aromatherapy kit so that it points towards your handler’s air filter. Be sure to check the instructions for the best placement for your type of air handler.  Doctor Aromas is designed to spread the fragrance through your AC system so it can spread throughout the entire area in your home or office.

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The battery operated Dispenser attaches to the Aromatherapy Fragrance Canisters and automatically sprays onto the AC filter. The kit comes with a remote control that allows you to program the interval between sprays, as well as your preference of fragrance intensity.

Program your remote:

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One Aromatherapy Fragrance Canister lasts a month or more.  That’s a pretty good amount!  I’m looking forward to using ours this month and seeing how it works in our office.  I hope y’all get a chance to try it and you can find out more info HERE.

EASY. PEASY.

Believe me if I can install this you can too!  So, all you have left to do is….

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Celebrate the True Spirit of American Beauty with @Almay #SimplyAmerican

This post is part of a collaboration between Almay and SheKnows. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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We had a great weekend at the Texas State Fair.  There is just something about the start of the Texas Sate Fair that says “fall” even if it is still 95 degrees outside.

This year I had the best time visiting the Almay bus at the fair.  I had a chance to spin the wheel of prizes, get a mini makeover, and recharge my phone on the patio and relax.

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Michelle and I chilling on the patio

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Almay has proudly announced its collaboration with the USO, the only military non-profit organization that has supported our troops and families for more than 70 years. Almay will honor the women of the U.S. military and veterans, and focus on troops as they transition from service back to their communities.

I got my picture taken at the “kissing booth” and put on the big American flag.

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This summer, Almay embarked on the ultimate road trip, creating a custom, Simply American experience that will stop at venues such as state fairs and other festivals. Almay will offer make up touch ups and celebrate the people, places and occasions that best exemplify the American spirit, including service women, veterans, military wives and their families.  This means so much to me because we are a former military family.  Terence and I lived on base for almost 6 years right after we got married 🙂

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The Almay Simply American bus tour is going out with a bang on October 3rd, making its last stop at the Austin City Limits Music Festival.  Texas peeps check it out!  I know a lot of friends who are going to the Music Festival, so don’t forget to stop by the bust and get your free makeup touch-ups with Almay makeup artists, Almay product samples, and giveaways!

Makeup samples from AlmayBBP_7585 Here is my makeup artist and my makeover- makeover selfies 🙂

She put the most moisturizing lipstick on me.  My lips are always dry, so I loved this! She also wrote down all the products we used so I could take it home.  #scoreBBP_7604

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Share your #SimplyAmerican beauty photos for a chance to have it featured on Almay’s hub page HERE.  In addition to contributing $250,000 to the USO, Almay will also donate $1 for each approved share, up to $10,000 max donation until 10/6/15.

Find all the stops for the Almay Simply American tour HERE.

Follow on Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram

Just for kicks I’ll share the WORST picture in America!  Ha ha!  I actually suggested we ride the dizzy ladybug roller coaster at the fair.  I can’t tell you how thrilled we all were to be on it.  I look like I have whiplash (because I did!) that ride spins you so hard I could barely stand to get off!  Poor Connor’s face….oh my goodness!  Terence just kept telling me to stop screaming…these are the memories life is made of.  Histerical.

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