Apple& Eve Organics 100% Juice and Organic Quenchers Influenster VoxBox #PurelyOrganics #QuenchersAdventures #Contest

Yep!!!  That's right!  You guessed it!  I received another Voxbox complimentary from Influenster to try out and give my honest opinion about.  This time, I received the Apple & Eve Organics VoxBox.

 My box contained 1L Apple & Eve Organics 100% Juice in Tart Cherry and 3 Apple & Eve Quenchers in Fruit Punch Burst, Berrylicious Lemonade, and Razzberry Apple Splash.

 Yay!!! Look at all those free goodies.  I love anything free.  Best of all their healthy and yummy too!

This was the prefect treat.  There was enough juice for my three little ones and my hubby and I to enjoy.  We all love juice so this voxbox was perfect for us. 

Hubby and I absolutely loved the Tart Cherry.  For it to be 100% Juice with no sugar added, it was full of flavor. Apple & Eve states that they use only the finest organically grown fruit.  It's just how nature intended juice to be.  They are good for you and good for out planet.  Purely Organic.  Simply delicious.  Comes in an eco friendly carton that protect the juice and the planet.  The juices are available in: Orange Pineapple, Tart Cherry and Natural Style Apple. We will definitely be adding this to our shopping list. 

I have three children so this voxbox was perfect.  Each one of them got to try a different flavor juice. I can honestly say that they loved the way these Quenchers tasted.  These Quenchers are sweetened only with fruit.  They have 50% less sugar than the leading kids regular juices.  That makes them a winner in my book.  They are available in: Berrylicious Lemonade, Fruit Punch Burst, and Razzberry Apple Splash.  They got to try all three and they begged me for more.  They will be happy to see that I bought them a few more from the store today.

I can honestly say that this has been the most yummy and delicious voxbox that I received from Influenster so far.  Best of all it was all healthy!!!  I would recommend that everyone goes out and try these juices.  It's perfect for the whole family and I can bet that your kids will love the Quenchers as well.

Thanks again Apple & Eve and Influenster for sending me this delicious Voxbox.  My whole family enjoyed it! #PurelyOrganics #QuenchersAdventures #Contest

Maybelline #BetterSkinChallenge VoxBox From Influenster

     Guess what!  I was chosen by Influenster to take part in the Maybelline #BetterSkinChallenge In this challenge I was asked to wear the Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Skin-Transforming Foundation for 3 weeks and give my honest opinion about the product.  I was super excited when Influenster notified me that I had been chosen #contest .  I just LOVE receiving these lovely Vox Boxes in the mail. 

Here is how my voxbox arrived~

 

 

What's inside you ask~

Okay, so here is a picture of me before I started the Maybelline 3 week #BetterSkinChallenge

Just regular old me.  I think I'm kind of cute without the makeup!

     Okay, so let me be honest.  The color I was sent to review was #90 Warm Honey.  Now it was a shade lighter than my complexion so I had to do a LOT of blending but I was able to make it work.

So here is my week one picture~

I loved how light and airy this foundation was.  It went on super smooth and it had awesome coverage.  Even though it was a shade too light for my complexion, it was super easy to blend.

Week 3 pictures

     I wore this foundation almost everyday for the 3 weeks and I must say that I was pleasantly pleased with the overall results of this foundation.  I love how it covers all of my blemishes and make my skin feel super soft.  What I loved best about this foundation is how natural it looked.  Many times I forgot I was wearing foundation.  I will definitely purchase this foundation in my correct color.  As you can see from my week 3 pictures I really liked this foundation.  Oh, don't mind the frown on my face.  The sun was in my eyes!!!

Have you tried the Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Skin-Transforming Foundation???? If you have let me know how you liked it.

Want to know how to become an Influenster and have the opportunity to test great products??? ASK ME HOW!!!

*****I RECEIVED THIS PRODUCT COMPLEMEMTARY FROM INFLUENSTER FOR TESTING PURPOSES.*****

What's In the BellaVoxBox!!!

     I was so happy to receive my Bellavoxbox in the mail from Influenster.  All the products were sent to me complimentary for testing purposes.  Let me start off by saying that this is my seventh voxbox (well 5th actual box and I received 2 virtual boxes) and by far it is my favorite.  I was full of absolutely wonderful goodies: ones that I would definitely be using on an everyday bases. 

     Well, lets take a look inside!!!!!

This is how my Bellavoxbox came.  Isn't it lovely!

Here are all the goodies!!!

Water Is Good For The Body and Laughter Is Good For The Soul!

     We all like clean, fresh water right?   Sure we do!  Even though I know you can think of other yummy, refreshing drinks to gulp down other than water, none of those choices are vital to your body like water.  We all know the benefits of drinking water and If you don't then I suggest you educate yourself on how critical partaking in a few glasses of yummy, clean and fresh water can be. 
     I know, I know your thinking "Blah, Blah, Blah..." but trust me, water is important to your body and even more, laughter is good soul.  That's why I want you to meet Arthur Tweedie.  Arthur is a Water Critic.  He loves going around in search of clean, fresh water and he loves to blog and make video of all his shenanigans.  After meeting Arthur Tweedie, I know you'll be on the look out for clean, fresh water yourself.  I think I'll have a glass right now!


#Contest

What's In My #TlcVoxbox?!?!?

     I was so excited to learn that I was chosen to receive the #TlcVoxbox form Influenster.  I knew it would be filled with lots of goodies but I could only image what they would be.  On June 1 a pretty little lavender box was delivered to my house and I couldn't wait to open it and see what was inside.


     My TLCVoxbox was full of awesome goodies for moms of the Influenster Nation.  All the items included in my box are things that all busy moms (like me) would need to make our lives easier. 
Okay so lets get into what was included in this awesome TLCVoxbox!

1. Neosporin Neo To Go- A convenient no touch, no sting spray that fits anywhere to give you infection protection and pain relief all while you are on the go.  It is designed for one handed use and is great for your purse, kitchen, desk, workshop, golf, gym or travel bag.  Retail price $4.97- $7.50.
2. Breyers Gelato Indulgences- Free coupon to receive anyone of the four delicious varieties that feature a trio of textures- creamy gelato, luscious sauce and gourmet toppings- for the ultimate indulgence.  Retail price $4.49-$5.99.
3. Ivory Bar Soap- Ivory Bar soap is 99.44% pure clean & simple and contains no dyes or heavy perfumes.  Recommended by 4 out of 5 moms!  Retail price $3.99 for a 10-pack.
4. Anon Anew Reversalist Express Wrinkle Smoother- This translucent cream-to-powder balm blurs the look of wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. Visit Avon.com and receive 15% off your Anew purchase of $50 or more with code Anew15.  Code valid until 8/1/2014.  Direct deliveries only. Retail Price $30. 
5. Puffs To Go- Puffs To Go are perfect for use in the car, in your purse, on-the-go, wherever you go!  Plus, Puffs are dermatologist tested to be gentle.  Retail Price $0.49 per single pack.
6. Shell Fuel Rewards Network Card- The Fuel Rewards Network program at Shell is a free loyalty program that helps you save money on fuel.  For a limited time, new members save 25 cents per gallon on their second fill up and 3 cents every time after!

Yes, all these products were sent to me complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes and the best part about it is that I got them all for free!!! Yep, that's right, ALL FOR FREE!!!!!


     These products are all so good and I couldn't have been happier with them.  I opened the Ivory soap a few nights after receiving it and of course it was a hit.  My family loved how gentle it was and the kids were so excited when they saw that it floated.  The Neosporin Neo To Go came at the right time because my son and daughter both fell and had nasty cuts.  I'm so glad we were #NeoReady because it was a lifesaver.  I knew the Puffs single pack wouldn't last long because my kids suffer from bad allergies.  They are soft and gentle and I will be buying more of these.  I was excited to receive the Fuel Rewards card because gas prices are just to high these days and not to mention I have a Shell station a few minutes away from my house. I had was super shocked to see that I received a full sized Avon Anew Wrinkle Smoother for free in this box.  I mean it does cost $30 so I'm totally glad it was free.  I'm only 32 so I don't have any wrinkles just yet but I will still happily use it so my can look my best at all times. 
     AND THE MOST AWESOME OF ALL THE PRODUCTS WOULD HAVE TO GO TO THE BREYERS GELATO INDULGENCES!!!!!   Let me tell you that these babies are soooooo super duper yummy and delicious!  I have already tried the Vanilla Caramel and my husband and I couldn't get enough of it.  We found ourselves spoon fighting trying to get the last scoop.  I really want to try the Tiramisu and I have already requested that it be my special birthday treat. I mean who cares about birthday cake when you can have some yummy, creamy gelato.  Well make cake and Gelato!!!


     If you never heard of Influenster or if you would like to be part of the Influenster nation, it is free and easy to join.  I have gotten two voxboxes since I joined and I can't wait to qualify for more.  Until then, I'll just enjoy the goodies I received in my TLCVoxbox.

Heather Von St James: A Story of Hope

 Winning the Fight Against Cancer

“It takes a village” is a saying that I heard frequently when I was pregnant with my daughter who was born on August 4th, 2005.  After her delivery, by emergency C-section, a “village” of people, parents, family members, and friends surrounded us.  They were there to meet our daughter, Lily, and wish us well. Life was good, however I was not prepared for the storm that was about to come.

After a month off, I returned to work full-time.  I began to have symptoms that I attributed to my being a new mom.  I had no energy; felt tired, and was breathless all of the time.  The symptoms did not let up, so I went to the doctor.  After undergoing a myriad of tests, on November 21, 2005, 3-1/2 months after the birth of Lily, I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma.  

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos and affects the lining of the lungs.  As a child, I was unknowingly exposed to asbestos and 30 years later, I developed cancer.  When informed of my diagnosis, my first thoughts were about Lily and my husband.  I was told that if I did not have any treatments for mesothelioma, I would have 15 months to live. I knew that I had to do whatever it took to save my life.

I undertook the most drastic treatment that I was offered.  My husband and I flew to Boston, where I underwent a procedure called extrapleural pneumonectomy, which involved the removal of my left lung. I spent 18 days in the hospital, another two months recovering at home before starting chemotherapy, and then I began radiation treatments.  

My “village” of people came forth to support me, as a new mom, and as a victim of mesothelioma.  These people surrounded me with love, support, and prayer. People from all areas of my life came to support me.  Through this experience, I found out who really cares about me.

My daughter, Lily, lived with my parents while we were in Boston.  When they needed help, they also found a “village” of people to help them.  Married women, with whom I babysat as children, showed up to help my parents.  People from my church surrounded my parents with help, love, and support.  While in Boston, my husband and I made new friends who were going through the same ordeal as I was, and we bonded. These friends helped us through each day.

Back home, in South Dakota, mom sent me grainy, black and white email pictures, and I witnessed my daughter’s progress; she went from using a bottle to eating food.  I tried not to cry when the nurses would come by to admire the pictures.  Lily was the reason I was there, fighting for my life.  

Having cancer taught me to live each day as if it might be my last.  My favorite quote:  “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.”  

Heather Von St James is a 43-year-old wife and mother. Upon her diagnosis of mesothelioma, she vowed to be a source of hope for other patients who found themselves with the same diagnosis. Now, over 6 years later, her story has been helping people all over the globe. She continues her advocacy and awareness work by blogging, speaking and sharing her message of hope and healing with others. Check out her story at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog.

Been away enjoying my family

     I never knew how much I missed out on my kids lives when I was working.  I would just send them to daycare and not think much about it.  When I picked them up I would asked them what the learned and they would tell me and I would be so proud of them.  They would come home sing songs and try to teach me the new games they learned at school.  They where having new experiences but I was not a part of them.  A teacher that they may or may not remember was getting to share in such a major part of their lives one that I never got to see because I was always working.
     
     I was truly blessed when I decided to leave work and stay home with my kids.  I didn't realize how much I was missing out on.  Now I can see my kids grow.  I can be involved with their learning and see how they interact with one another and watch them play. We can dance, sing songs, play games, and build cherished memories with one another.
    
     I missed out on 160 HOURS a month with my first two children with me working and them being in daycare. 160 hours every month is a lot of time not to be around your family.  That's time I can't get back. I missed out on a lot of  my sons firsts like drinking out of a cup and eating with a fork and spoon.  Those may seem like little things but they are major to a mother.

     I don't ever want to miss out on that much time with my family ever again.  one minute their babies and before we know it they are grown.I going to enjoy all the time I can spend with my family.  Time is precious once it is gone you cant get it back.