Librarian Lavender & Reviewed the book Review Challenge! Sign up's End Today!

My friend over at Librarian Lavender has issued a Book review Challenge. Here are the details below directly from her site and a link to sign up. Sign up's close today. I'd love for you to join me!

Because of the holidays I've got quite a large review backlog. I've read a lot of books, but I haven't been able to write the reviews for them yet. Normally I review a book as soon as I've read it, so it isn't convenient for me to have a backlog. I thought it would be nice to turn this problem into something fun instead of worrying and stressing about it. I talked to my lovely friend Sophie from Reviewed the book who has the exact same problem and together we've set up a review challenge. We're going to try to review as many books as we can in 10 days. I'm going to set my goal at 14 reviews. It doesn't matter how many reviews you're planning to write as long as you set a goal that will be achievable for yourself. It's also perfectly all right if you don't have a backlog, the challenge is about writing reviews together, so if you read and review straight away, that's wonderful too.

If you're a blogger it would be great if you could write a post about the challenge on your blog. If you don't have a blog you can join as well. You can enter with the link of your Amazon, Goodreads or Netgalley account. Every review counts.

We're starting with our reviews on January 23rd. The event will end on February 2nd and we'll be celebrating with a Facebook and Twitter party for those who have signed up. Of course there will be prizes...

Review as many books as you can in 10 days

Join us by filling out the linky at Librarian Lavender!

~DEAL~ DIY and Crafting Ultimate Bundle

~Disclosure-These links are affiliate links and I will receive monetary compensation if you buy from these links~

One Complete Package of eBooks and eCourses dedicated to your DIY & crafting needs! The Ultimate DIY Bundle is your instant go-to library for a whole range of practical, satisfying and fun ways to decorate, repair and create.

✔ Decorate the perfect space for your family

✔ Make your own skincare products

✔ Take beautiful photos

✔ Create gifts from scratch

✔ Nurture your creativity

There aren't enough hours in the day, right?

With work, helping the kids with their homework, preparing meals, cleaning up after everyone and putting yet another load of laundry on, there’s very little time for sleep – let alone DIY and crafting!

But do you look at that bare wall in the den and that tatty tablecloth on the kitchen table, and just wish you had a few hours to do something about them?

Or do you browse through those wonderful crafting successes on Pinterest and think to yourself that “one day” you’ll have a few more minutes to yourself so that you too can create something incredible?

You’re not alone – we know just how you feel.

It’s frustrating, because you know just how satisfying it can be to create something of your own – that sense of accomplishment and fulfillment can’t be beaten. What you need is for someone to pull together everything that you need to get started, to make it as easy and painless as possible.

That’s why we created The Ultimate DIY Bundle for you!

The Ultimate DIY Bundle is your instant go-to library for a whole range of practical, satisfying and fun DIY and crafting projects. No more trawling: we’ve brought the highest-quality information from the world's leading DIY bloggers directly to your (soon-to-be scuffed) fingertips - at a price you won't believe.

The result? You can pick a project and jump straight into it with confidence, bringing your vision (and the picture on Pinterest!) into a reality you can be proud of.

Whether you’re interested in exploring home decor, sewing, crafts, the garden, photography or fun activities to do with the kids, The Ultimate DIY Bundle is the perfect tool to skip the information overload and throw yourself straight into an activity you love. Not only that, but the range of guides in our collection is so comprehensive that you’re sure to find yourself exploring totally new crafting territories too!

So we got permission from our favorite DIY and creative experts to bundle together an incredible selection of eBooks and eCourses—with a total value of $1200+— and sell them for an insanely discounted price of only $34.95!

Want to know what’s inside?

Our Ultimate DIY Bundle includes 76 eBooks and eCourses, worth over $1,200 in total. There are projects that the whole family can get involved in - from pet photography and home decor to chalk pastels and tassels. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed: every eBook and eCourse has been hand-picked for providing exceptionally high-quality information and tips.

And that’s not all! 5 of our favorite crafting companies have agreed to provide a special bonus to everyone who buys. These bonuses include an crafting class from Craftsy.com (up to $60 Value), a free gift certificate and 8x10 art print from Hope Ink Art ($43 Value), and 2 more awesome bonuses.

Combined, the bonuses themselves are worth more than 3 times The Ultimate DIY Bundle! So how much does all this cost? Just $34.95.

This offer won’t last long! Take action now, because The Ultimate DIY Bundle will only be on sale for 6 days—from 8am EST on Wednesday, January 21 until 11.59pm EST on Monday, January 26.

You can buy with complete confidence because you’re covered by our 1-year money-back guarantee. That means you have a full 1 year to read, watch and make use of every single product (and take advantage of all the bonuses)—and if you don’t think they provided enough value, just tell us and we’ll give you a full refund.

As if the eBooks and eCourses weren’t enough, we’ve selected 5 fantastic partners who’ll each give a special bonus to every buyer of The Ultimate DIY Bundle. The bonuses have a total value of over $169 – more than 4 times the price of The Ultimate DIY Bundle itself.

Your bonuses include: Choose 1 FREE Online Class from Craftsy.com (select from 15 of their most popular classes) UP TO $71.95 VALUE. Craftsy provides premium crafting classes on Home and Garden, Home Decor, Photography, Sewing, Scrapbooking, Art Journaling, and much more.

Download a FREE digital trial copy (full editions) of Where Women Create and Greencraft Magazine from Stampington and Co.

FREE $15 Credit to the Hope Ink shop PLUS a free 8×10 art print

FREE Sewing Pattern + Premium Video Class from UpCraftClub.com

FREE $15 Store Credit to be used at Fawnsberg.com

Running Water and How much I miss it....

I've never really given a thought to having running water. I mean who does, it's just a fact of life today. You get a house, and you get water. It comes out hot when you need it, and cold when you don't. It's an endless supply, you can leave it on and it never stops coming, until one day it doesn't!

Don has been working on our pipes now for six days. That's right six days with no water, no bath, no showers, no dish water. Six days of ok, surely now it's fixed and an hour later when the test comes all you hear is screaming...TURN IT OFF, TURN IT OFF, as water pours out of another pipe somewhere else. This house only has one bathroom. Surely there can't be that much pipe left can there? Imagine if it had 2 or 3 bathrooms? I finally can appreciate having one bathroom for 10 people because it mean's there is less that can go wrong. Sad, that thought.

The second day of pipe obliteration saw us ripping up the bathroom floor because the people who owned this house thought it was a grand idea to put a bathroom on the old porch. Only the bathroom wasn't raised up, so all pipes rest on the COLD concrete porch. Why then do they wonder that the pipes all froze and burst? Am I the only person who looks at pipes on a COLD concrete floor and thinks, hey this is a pretty terrible idea? Apparently I am.

Poor Don has been working in the freezing cold wet ground day after day, trying to repair them. Then he whistles as he leaves for work. I think I need to follow in his footsteps, only I can't imagine whistling during this. I think I got the easy job, ripping up carpet and cleaning up the mess the people before us left. Can I say I never want pets again? Ok maybe I do, but long after this goes out of my head.

Olde Westport Spice Company

Olde Westport Spice Company is an online specialty Food Company that stands the test of time.
Olde Westport Spice Company creates custom spice blends, seasonings and dry soups. Olde Westport Spice & Trading Company is a 33-year-old spice manufacturer that is still going strong. This online company operates a small plant in Goodland, Kansas, and knows a thing or two about spices, seasonings and soups. This family owned and operated company was originally founded in the Kansas City area and has stayed true to its mission of making custom spice blends for main meal dishes and appetizers as well as nearly 20 varieties of dry soups. The products are available online and at food-related craft and trade shows throughout the Midwest; and at gift and gourmet food shops. Olde Westport's spice blends and seasonings include Italian, Cajun, Taco, Fajita, Chili, Jalapeno, Beef Sauce, Salsa, Garlic and many more. All of the products use quality ingredients for a balanced flavor that compliments meats, pastas and vegetables. The company also invented dry soup mixes that are simple and easy to make including Antonio's Minestrone, Country-Style Creamy Potato, Chipotle Black Bean, Creamy Broccoli and Cheese, Kansas City Steak & Ale, Gold Coast Garlic Pasta Alfredo, Mesa Flats Chicken Enchilada, New Orleans Red Bean & Rice, Southwestern Tortilla, White Chili Soup and more. Olde Westport Spice and Trading Co. is owned and operated by Bill and Judy Petersen, who along with their daughter, Ann Myers, also own and run a restaurant (Westport Grill) in Goodland featuring the products. Bill first custom created all of the spices and seasonings in the kitchen of his home. Today the company has a manufacturing facility where Bill still researches and develops new recipes and dishes for future products. For more information or to place an order, please visit Olde Westport Spice Company online or call 1-800-537-6470.

CHAMPIONSHIP CHILI SPICE BLEND - This championship spice has helped chili creators win 12 state and national championships throughout the years and all over the US! But what is most important to us about our Olde Westport Chili Spice Blend is that our customers love to use it in their chili whether it's for a national championship cook-off challenge or simply for their own family in their cozy kitchen on a cold winter's night. We've heard from countless customers that our attention to detail and quality is what makes this chili spice blend stand out above the competitors. We know you might put beans in your chili or maybe you add apples and sausage or perhaps you have a special recipe that is top secret but starts with thick-cut bacon... however you concoct your chili we hope you'll try our chili spice blend.

GOLD COAST GARLIC SHAKE - Gold Coast Garlic Shake spice blend is truly one of those special blends of garlic, herbs and spices that our customers use in sour cream dips, sprinkle over steamed vegetables, fresh vegetables from your garden, garlic mashed potatoes or steak on the grill. There are more than 50 recipes in the Olde Westport Gold Coast Garlic Cookbook that will give you lots of ideas for quick simple meals with that high-end restaurant flavor. A garlic experience you will never forget. Check out the Olde Westport web site for a few recipes and placing orders.

Do you want to try Olde Westport Spice Company for yourself? You can get 10% off by going HERE!

Moving....and the flood...

Yep we love to move. Ok not really. I mean who loves packing up and moving all the time? What we like is going to new places. We decided awhile ago that while we love living on the farm we really wanted to be in town for the kids. Now when I say town what I really mean is one horse town. Summersville....population 500. Now population 507! We've been watching and waiting for a place. Houses in town don't come up often. So we finally find one (the hovel we called it) and were going to move and got a call that a much bigger, roomier place opened by the school. Still a hovel, but a hovel with potential.

We started our demolition yesterday. The previous tenants left everything they'd owned inside and in the front yard. When anyone asks where we are moving, I say you know that house by the school with all the trash. Seriously...I bought three boxes of garbage bags. What's sad is some of it's not bad. It's not my style, but it's not bad. So you have to wonder why? The neighbor came over and was so happy. No kidding! I'm happy someone is cleaning it and I didn't have to look at it everyday.

You know I could have a fine collection of yard art, a toilet, a sink, a broken birdbath, chaise lounge! Ha ha....No I'm totally kidding. What I was thrilled to see was hardwood under the old green carpet. We pulled that sucker up quick. Even better it's in pretty good shape. There is one spot where they started to paint it and then stopped....but we can sand that.

The kitchen is kind of cute, it can be left for now with just some paint touch-ups. The bathroom on the other hand....well it needs some serious love and new...EVERYTHING!

Today's plan was water on, internet called, more carpet pulling, top to bottom bathroom clean. Well that ended at water on. Yes the water was on for Noah. His ark would of gone in the yard nicely. Pipes must of froze, water poured out from under the house. Don spent all afternoon and evening in a foot of water. He will be finishing his scuba adventure tomorrow.

So for now we are cleaning and fixing. Lot's of painting to do, lots of trash to clean up and burn. It's a slow process. We still plan on having animals, especially chickens. The pig will stay at the farm till she's bacon ready. Off on a new adventure!

Older iPhone Models for Children

~This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. ~

Older iPhone models emerge as the perfect gadget for children. Trends show that parents continue to buy older model iPhones for kids these days. I know in my house we always buy the kids a previous years model. That way I won't cry if something happens to it.

In the ever-changing – and ever-breaking – era of technology, phones are often the first to be replaced. Cracked screens, water damage and everyday wear and tear contribute to a constant need for new devices. But the average buyer isn’t the only offender; it’s children that need to be watched with their gadgets while learning the responsibility of owning a new electronic. For parents looking to fit their child with a first device, a new iPhone may not be the best choice – and for good reason.

Parents are now turning to certified pre-owned phones for their children’s gadget needs. Last month, Gazelle, the nation’s leading trade-in and buy site for electronics, found that 52% of mobile devices purchased on its online store were for kids or another family member, and 31% of customers were buying as a first device. Twenty-five percent of those who purchased also reported a lost, stolen or broken device as the main reason for replacing their device, making older phone models not only a cost-efficient solution, but also a practical one.

Cost continues to be one of the major reasons for purchasing a new iPhone or Android. And with kids at the helm, a certified pre-owned device is the perfect choice for any cost cognizant parent.

At Gazelle, quality is not sacrificed for cost. Gazelle completes a rigorous 30-point inspection on each device, backed with a 30-day risk-free return policy.

For those looking for a newer iPhone model, Gazelle offers iPhones from the 4 all the way up to the new iPhone 6 Plus as well as Samsung Galaxy phones and iPads.

For a limited time, Gazelle has discounted the price of the certified pre-owned iPhone 4S, starting at just $129. Visit buy.gazelle.com today to take a look at the certified pre-owned iPhone inventory.

Diapers Diapers everywhere....

Getting along good with our newest diaper editions. I have more inserts than I know what to do with! I think there is 80. I have been hang drying them. I was worried at first about them being misshapen but they haven't been at all. I've been just washing on cold and having no issues what so ever. I'm alternating using the covers that came with it and my all in two covers. Seems to work well either way!

Look at this crazy stack, and it's only half of them.

The biggest issue I am facing at the moment is the lack of room for laundry to dry. It's too cold outside and not enough room inside. This is how diaper laundry days look at our house at the moment.

Microbiome Plus+ GI Probiotic Supplement Review

~Disclosure:The author of this blog received compensation in the form of free product in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. All opinions are 100% that of the author's.~

Are you looking for a supplement to help with your digestive health? Microbiome Plus+ GI Probiotic Supplement is a 1 month supplement that you can take. It comes in a pack of four boxes. Each box includes two foil packs of supplements that you take daily with food. So two pills each time.

Research suggests that this supplement can help with weight loss by improving healthy microflora in the gut. This can speed your metabolism and support fat loss. Your gut also supports your immune system by good bacteria (probiotics) battling with bad bacteria to prevent disease and relieve allergies, bloating, gas, and constipation.

This Synbiotic formulation has also been shown in clinical trials to help support normal inflammatory response in addition to supporting digestive health.

Probiotics develop a healthy microenvironment in your digestive system and gastrointestinal tract which optimizes nutrient absorption, giving you the energy and stabilizing your mood.

I wanted to try this supplement because I have fibromyalgia and chronic pain. I spend a great deal of my day resting and I have a very small window of energy. I noticed that I do seem to have more energy for a longer amount of time. I was able to get more done in a day than I typically would after a few days use. I can not vouch for the weight loss because I have not been using them long enough but I could see how it could be just based on the energy you have to move and do things. I would use Microbiome Plus+ GI Probiotic Supplement again!

New Year, New You Challenge

~Disclousure~ I received monetary compensation for this post.

We’re looking for you to create a fabulously fantastic collection on Wanelo titled “New Year, New You” where you include products that represent your New Year’s resolutions.

If you enter, you can have achance to win one of the following amazing prizes:

ONE GOLD PRIZE : $75 Zazzle Gift Certificate and feature of 9 products from your collection on Zazzle blog
ONE SILVER PRIZE: $50 Zazzle Gift Certificate
ONE BRONZE PRIZE: $25 Zazzle Gift Certificate

How to enter:

1. Follow the Zazzle store on Wanelo
2. Create a collection on Wanelo.com titled “New Year, New You”
3. Tag every product in your collection #zazzlenewyou
4. Add at least 4 Zazzle products, and include at least 9 products total in your collection
5. Fill out this form to submit your collection

For a full description of the challenge please visit Wanelo Collections Challenge.

I feel like a Cloth Diaper Hoarder

A friend of mine mailed me a set of cloth diapers. She said they were from birth to potty. I was expecting a good amount, but certainly NOT this! WOW! I feel like a hoarder. Me the cloth diaper hoarder. This is a new kind for me. I have never tried these!

They have cute prints on them too! Stars and Polka Dots are two of my favorite things!

Wish me luck!

FREE Julep Maven Beauty-Full Welcome Box

~Disclosure~ This post contains affiliate links!

This month Julep is offering a FREE box to new subscribers! They are usually only 50% off so this is a great deal!

The Beauty-Full Welcome Box from Julep (a $42 value) is the perfect way to start your Maven subscription! As a Julep Maven subscriber, you get first access to trend setting colors and top-rated beauty products every month in addition to plenty more perks!

Julep Maven is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don't like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors/products you already have or don't want.

Julep Maven is affordable. You get over $40 of full-size products in every box for just $24.99 per month.

Mavens get benefits all month long at Julep - like 20% off, free shipping, early access to secret sales and more - imagine what you can save on yourgift shopping!

A Maven subscription is also a great gift for the nail polish and beauty product lover in your life.

So Join Julep Maven and get the Beauty-Full Welcome Box FREE! ($42 value) Just pay $3.99 shipping with code HOORAY!

Don't forget that the The Winter Escape Welcome Box and Valentine Welcome Box offered at 50% off expire on January 16, 2015. You can see that on my earlier posts, under Deals and Steals!

3 Beer Label Set Review + Giveaway

~I was sent these labels free for my honest review. I was not paid. All opinions are 100% my own.

I love to be able to customize things! So when I saw these custom beer labels from icustomlabel, I knew I needed to get some for my husband. I kept thinking how fun they would be in a bar or game room. You can get so many different options from Weddings, Baby Showers, Birthdays and many others. I wish I had know about them when I had my last baby. How cute would that be..Hi, Please Welcome Teddy to the world, now have a beer!

I received the three labels featured on these bottles. They were very high quality, clear and colorful. The minute we opened them we just laughed! They really are so much fun! I can't wait to make my own custom one's.

They have state of the art printers that allow them to print high quality personalized labels no matter how small or large your order may be. They also offer all sorts of other personalized labels which you can see on the website. The labels I received were high resolution and are very vibrant and bright. The labels can be printed to your exact specifications and you will be amazed at the huge selection of designs that they have to offer. Visit them HERE.

They have graciously offered me a set of labels to giveaway to my readers. Enter below!

Entry-Form

~Today ONLY~ Get Reebok Skyscapes for just $25 & FREE shipping

~This post contains affiliate links of which I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links~

For 1 day only, Reebok Skyscapes are just $25 when you use code SKY25 at checkout! Featuring a unique molded upper with foam to maintain softness, the Skyscape women's walking shoe is a stylish option for everyday escapes. Get on over to Reebok.com before this deal runs out! Some of these are normally $75, WOW!

Shipping is also FREE!! Please note this excludes Harmony styles

LEGO® KIDSFEST Missouri ~Giveaway~

Who wants to go to LEGO® KIDSFEST Missouri? I have TWO tickets to give away to LEGO® Kidsfest Missouri in St. Louis. This event is happening March 20 - 22, 2015 and will include Three Acres of Hands-On Educational Fun for All Ages!

The LEGO® KidsFest national tour stops at America's Center in St. Louis from March 20 - 22, 2015, for the very first time, bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in this three acre activity- and entertainment-packed family event. LEGO® KidsFest is for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.

Among the many LEGO® attractions, families will find:

* LEGO® Model Museum: walk among the dozens of life-sized models made from LEGO bricks
* LEGO® Ninjago: spin the way to being a Spinjitzu member
* LEGO® Mindstorms: play with programmed robots and snakes
* LEGO® Movie: help Emmet and Lucy conquer the bad guys
* LEGO® Fusion: work with real and virtual bricks
* Race Ramps: build a custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family
* Creation Nation: construct a creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
* Construction Zone: enjoy a creative build, play, and display area
* LEGO® DUPLO: explore imagination through building for the younger set
* LEGO® Retail: purchase LEGO® merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
* Big Brick Pile: build and have fun in a gigantic pile full of LEGO® bricks for creative play and enjoyment
* Monochromatic Builds: construct buildings and more using bricks of a single color to foster group creativity
* LEGO® Disney Princess: create and build a fairytale through LEGO® bricks
* LEGO® Friends: build for the five empowered friends from Heartlake City

"Any family who likes to be inspired, get hands-on and have fun together won't want to miss LEGO® KidsFest," said Vince Rubino, LEGO® Events Manager. "We're bringing so many activities for families in the St. Louis area to test and showcase their creativity and building skills in what is sure to be a family event to remember."

Based on sell-out attendance in previous markets, advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Five identical sessions are available for the three-day tour stop. LEGO KidsFest tickets are $22.50 for adults and $19.50 for children and can be purchased online HERE!

The LEGO® KidsFest 2015 tour stops include Arizona (Glendale): February 27 - March 1; Missouri (St. Louis): March 20 - 22; Tennessee (Nashville): April 17 - 19; and Texas (Austin): September 4 - 6.

On tour since 2009, previous LEGO® KidsFest tour stops have included major cities such as Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, San Jose, Cleveland, Houston and more. Tickets generally sell out and attendance averages 27,000 visitors at each venue. To date, more than 700,000 have enjoyed more than 35 LEGO® KidsFest shows. In 2014, the tour made its first stop in Alberta, Canada, selling out a week before the show. In 2013, the LEGO® KidsFest was awarded Best Proprietary Event by Event Marketer Magazine. The LEGO® KidsFest is managed by BuzzEngine, an event and marketing agency.

~READY for the GIVEAWAY?~ TICKET Giveaway Details are as follows-

One of MY followers will win (2) tickets to the opening night session on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 4-8:30pm at America’s Center 701 Convention Plaza St. Louis, MO 63101

You must be 18 to enter, 1 entry per day allowed. Winner will be randomly chosen by USFG on Friday January 23 and announced on my Blog on Friday, Feb 27 and notified via email. So please make sure you follow my blog by email HERE and/or enter with your correct, most checked email address.

ENTER HERE

Then come back and leave me a blog post comment of who you'd love to win these tickets for!

I encourage you to LIKE and Follow LEGOKidsFest on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram for all the latest ticketing updates as this event has been selling out in prior cities.

BanZ Collection of Sun Safety Products for Kids!

Created in Australia, BanZ has a complete protection collection of sun safety products for children ages 0-12. Sunglasses, hats, hearing protection and swimwear are available in multiples styles and sizes as well as sunscreen, swim goggles and more.

Want to get a Free Case & Sunscreen Sample? Use the coupon code FREE at checkout to receive a BanZ slip case as well as a sunscreen sample. Click HERE

Watch for my review at a later date, just in time for the start of swim season!

Review & Giveaway Mickel Yantz LLC Print

Who else loves artwork? I'm a sucker for a good print and I secretly have an obsession with sugar skulls. My husband also loves them and so when we married I now have a valid reason to buy them. I buy them for him and enjoy them in secret. You can't imagine how funny it is to see a house full of primitive antique's from the 1700-1800's and then a random sugar skull collection. Ok, it's not the only random collection...

For Christmas I ordered this beautiful Batman sugar skull print from Mickel Yantz LLC on etsy. It was a gift for my husband. I happened to contact him directly because the print I wanted had sold. He was gracious enough to put up a new one from me. It was very hard to hide this print until Christmas. I wanted nothing more than to give it to him the day it arrived. I was good though. Christmas Day came and finally I could give it to my husband. I can't even tell you how thrilled he was. Two of his favorite things in one print. First words out of his mouth were, Can we get more? Well YES!

Included with my husband's print was this card featuring his artwork and on the back a handwritten note and drawing. Honestly for me as an artist living in a house full of artists this was the BEST part! A handwritten/hand drawn note is more precious than gold! Not to mention how thoughtful that he took time out of his busy schedule to jot a quick personalized note.

His shop on etsy is filled with all manner of wonderful pop culture prints...These are a few of my favorites. 13 Disney Villains Sugar Skull Print

No artwork collection (In my opinion) is complete without a little Hello Kitty.

Or a Star Wars Darth Vader Sugar Skull ...I mean that's just a classic for anyone.

Certainly in our household no room is without some Harry Potter memorabilia. Lord Voldemort Sugar Skull Print

You can also find different Little People, Football, and other pop culture prints featuring Disney Villians, Superhero's and Science Fiction characters. The quality of the prints is wonderful, great clarity and color. Color is much more vivid than you can see in these photos. Each print comes packaged in archival, acid free bag With an acid free backer card. They also come signed by the artist.

Mickel Yantz LLC has graciously offered my readers a chance to win a print from his etsy shop. You will be able to choose any 11x14 or 11x17 print.

Mickel Yantz LLC Print Giveaway

Cloth Diapers & why I swore I would not use them!

Cloth Diapers....you say those two words and you hear one of two things. Some mom's you ask about cloth diapers and you get such gushing love and you wonder, can that be real? Do they really LOVE cloth diapers that much? Or are they just saying what you want to hear so you will stop using disposables. After all when you used to think of cloth diapering mama's it was in the terms of green, environmental, tree loving hippies. You see some flowing dressed woman with a daisy chain in her hair. Ok seriously though I love daisy chain's!

Other mama's are like no way, no how am I ever using cloth. Gross who want's to touch that. Washing them would be so nasty. Why would anyone want the mess when you can just throw them away? Plus isn't it super hard and don't you have to change them like every 30 minutes? That was me. I was the excuse making mama. I have Fibromyalgia and Lupus so when I thought of cloth I just saw work and a lot of it, not to mention the ick factor. I remember my mom telling me about hanging diapers on the line in the winter to freeze. No way was that going to be me.

My husband has been asking me to try them since before our first son was born two years ago. I fought and fought and said never, Never Ever! Then I found online blogs and giveaways. I mean I'd had a blog for Antiques, and I knew there were giveaways online but I didn't think people actually won. So I started entering and pretty soon I noticed a heavy cloth diapering trend on the blogging world or giveaways. How could this be? Are these women all nuts? I really thought so. Shame on me. I pride myself of being open-minded. Apparently not open-minded enough. Why would 10,000 people enter a giveaway to win a cloth diaper? The patterns are cute but it's not like anyone see's them.

After months of giveaways, and blog posts and starting my own blog back up with a re-vamp I started talking about cloth diapers. My mom and my husband once again started going at me about trying them. After all here we are living on a homestead/farm raising our own animals for meat, recycling, barely using water, eliminating our footprint but I am still using gross disposable diapers. I hate disposable's...I don't use disposable feminine products so why they said is this any weirder? I dunno, why is it I thought?

So I joined a few cloth diaper groups, spent every waking hour watching blog reviews and giveaways. I wondered how does anyone know what to buy...what do all these weird words mean all in one, all in two, fitted, prefolds, covers. YIKES my head was spinning. I asked some questions in a mommy group on facebook. I didn't really get the answers I was looking for. Quite honestly I still don't have all the answers I am looking for.

A saw on some blog somewhere in blog land a review for a inexpensive diaper, and I got some gift card codes from them. I thought why not, what can it hurt. At least give it a try. So I ordered two diapers. Now don't forget that I have no idea what I am doing here? I just randomly order two diapers and inserts. I really ordered based on the look of the diaper. One had Mickey mouse, and the other an adorable green and blue polka dot. I am a sucker for polka dots.

They arrived, only no Mickey Mouse, I got what (in my opinion) was some hideous animal print diaper with velcro instead of the snaps I'd ordered. I was slightly turned off at the thought of putting such an ugly diaper on my Teddy. I emailed them and they sent out the correct diaper. In the meantime I tried the other two. They were minky's. Soft so so soft. My poor Teddy had been sick and I thought what a treat to wear something that soft on your bum. I'll just try them out so he can be more comfortable. Obviously having two diapers is not enough. Not sure what I was thinking? Probably that I would hate them, and use them once and never again. Boy was I wrong!

Let me tell you cloth diapering is all about trial and error. I Tried and I made a lot of Error's. I forgot to change him...and complete soak through. Oops! This happened more than once I am ashamed to admit. I don't have a diaper sprayer so it's dunking for me. This is not at all as gross as I imagined. Because the whole diaper does not need to be dunked, just to the soiled part. I worried about washing, and for days I was washing two diapers and inserts alone. Really? I finally found somewhat of a understanding with my diapers. I've learned to change him more often. I've learned that the odor of a cloth diaper is that there really is NO odor. That's the best part for me, I can't stand the smell of disposable's now. You know what else I have learned? That I can do cloth diapering? I no longer see myself slaving away washing and changing every 30 minutes. I no longer picture myself outside line drying diapers in the snow. I see myself in a entire other light. A cloth diapering mama, ME!

This will by far not be the last post you see about cloth diapering. Follow me on my journey...maybe you'll learn something with me! Besides how can anyone resist that adorable fluffy bum? I will say for all this trial and error...I am never going back to disposables! It just proves you really never know until you try something!

Julep 50% off Winter Escape Welcome Box

~This post contains affiliate links~

Oh yes a new box...Love the fun colors! I get boxes from Julep, they have wonderful quality beauty products!

It may be cold outside, but you can find your own paradise with the three hot shades in Julep Maven's new Winter Escape Welcome Box for new subscribers. Not only does this limited edition welcome gift include three nail colors, it also includes a fan favorite beauty product bringing the value of the box to $58 - yours for only $12.49 and shipping is free. A Maven beauty box subscription is one of the best values going and as a Julep Maven subscriber, get first access to trend setting colors and top-rated beauty products every month.

Julep Maven is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don't like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors/products you already have or don't want.

Julep Maven is affordable. Every month you get more than $40 of full-size products for just $24.99 per month (tip - prepay for three months at a time and save $15). Julep Mavens get 20% off all single product purchases, free shipping, early access to secret sales. If you are passionate about your polish, that adds up to some amazing savings! Get started now! Join Maven and get 50% off and FREE Shipping on your Winter Escape Welcome Box with code DEFROST or get your Welcome Box FREE when you pre-pay for your first three months and use the code DEFROSTFREE.

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~Review~ 100% Plant Based Konjac Sponge Infused with French Green Clay

~Disclosure~ I got this product free for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

I was so excited to get this because I have terrible skin and pores. I have heard great things about using clay and Konjac sponges. It comes in a little box with a Thank you card. The packaging was very good. When it first arrived and I pulled it out I was shocked by how hard it was. I've used other sponge's in the past and remember them being "not soft" but I don't remember them being hard. I wondered how this would be for my skin, but don't worry because it's like Silk. I was very pleased with the color, not that horrid color most sponge's are. This is a very light green color. It's actually very pretty. It has a little knotted string attached to it to hang and has a pretty teardrop shape to it. So it doesn't look bad hanging in your bathroom.

When you go to use this you need to soak it through with warm water. It's pretty fun watching it plump up. It gets about double it's size when wet and very soft. Then you use it to gently massage your face. NO SCRUBBING! You don't have to use any kind of cleanser, I didn't. But you can if you'd like to. It's super soft on your face and free from chemicals, pollution and irritants. The end point of the teardrop is perfect for around your eyes and nose area's. The bigger part works great on your cheeks and anywhere else on your body. This can be used all over. I have been using it on my face because that is my problem area.

The first photo is pre-soak, the second after wet. While it's hard to see the size you can see how it lose's those wide holes. It's becomes soft and glides (literally) right over your skin. No joke there, it's relaxing. I honestly could sit in the bathroom all day and wash my face. I am always one of those oh I'll wash it later, oh I need coffee first, oh I'm late. Not now, I use this religiously ever morning. I still have my coffee first though!

After about a week of use I decided I should pay attention to my skin. I'd been sick so not really looking at it. It's much smoother and softer. The biggest thing I noticed is my HUGE pores have shrunk. So for me that's a huge win. I always have had very large pores. My husband commented one morning (yes I know he isn't a normal man) that my skin was soft and glowy. Is that a word? Glowy? He was right though, it is glowing. I love this sponge and will certainly buy more when this one fades away. I've never actually wanted to wash my face before. You'll see what I mean when you try it!

To store your sponge all you need to do is hang it somewhere to dry. I hung it right next to my hand towel by the sink. It gets plenty of air and I can't forget it in the morning. When your done using it gently squeeze/press the water out, no wringing! You could damage the plant fibers, if you do.

These Konjac sponge's are 100% biodegradable and sustainable. I thought it was super fun that you can plant it in your flowerbed or compost when you are done with it. That's what I will be doing with mine! This will teach the kids a valuable lesson. The sponge is not tested on animals, it's Vegan friendly, and has no added dyes or color. It has two ingredients, Pure Konjac powder and Illite (French Green Clay). That's it...no unpronounceable words!

You can find the 100% Plant Based Konjac Sponge Infused with French Green Clay on Amazon and on the Oleavine

website.