Winter is Here, Layer Up and keep off the Chill! ModBod Review

Sponsored Review by Modbod

What is your number one MUST have in your wardrobe? That item that you automatically reach for no matter the outfit you end up wearing? 

For me it is this...

Yes, I wear one of these almost DAILY... if it isn't the famous basic cap sleeve, it is the famous basic long tank! ALWAYS. 

You can pair this cap sleeve with jeans or maxi skirt...

or layer it up with a cardi or lace top or even with the adorable high-waist skirts too! No need to pack this puppy up when winter weather arrives, it accompanies cute sweaters and jackets perfect! It is simply is sooo versatile and keeps you covered where coverage is needed. 

I'm so glad to have companies promote Modesty. 

Here is one way I wear Modbod's basic cap sleeve!

I love love love my Modbod cap sleeves.

 **Just a side note, I'm also glad that Modbod has improved their images as well. You might remember me being slightly bugged about this topic before... I can't expect companies to be perfect but I sure do hope companies such as Modbod will always help promote modesty.**

Checkout Modbod online, through FB, and Twitter.

All basic long sleeve scoop tees 25% off, just use code LSS25 at checkout.

**All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. I have not been paid to review this product, however, I did receive the product free of charge to review.

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Elephant Hopper Ball Review- Jumpingballs.com

Sponsored Review by JumpingBalls

I remember one of my all time favorite activities as a kid was bouncing around on something like these Hopper Balls... of course they were a bit more plane back in my day

(I am 30 now ya know! YIKES! Ya I just let that one slide by without announcing it on the blog... it did end up being a good day though)...

Anyway, my children and I were so lucky to review these sweet Hopper balls. We received "Ellie and Emily" the Elephant... yes my kids named the Elephants. :) We got the small size for kids ages 3-6.

I think I could just say they are awesome and be done but I'll go ahead with the details for ya!

(My boy right after a wipe out! lol... looking nice and tired and ready for bed in his pj's)

Pros:

Oodles of bouncing fun

It's exercise for the kids and they don't even know it!

Burn off all that toddler energy :)

These small hopper balls are great for ages 3-6

Easy to inflate

Very durable thick vinyl

Holds in air pressure amazing... 

we haven't had to re-pump at all and we have had them for weeks now. 

Can be used indoors or outdoors

Can be used for therapy sessions for special needs children as well

Great price for the product

Compact when deflated for easy storage

There are different sizes for different ages

There are also different options of animals and characters too

Cons:

 Does not come with a pump unless you buy a party pack or simply buy the pump.

It may be hard to get your kids OFF of them! 

Check out this video from Jumping Balls... looks like fun... I know you want one! ;) 

Checkout JumpingBalls on Facebook too!

Find Jumping Balls on Amazon too!

*All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. I did not receive monetary payment for this review. I did receive the product for review free of charge. 

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Onion Crunch! Yum Yum Yum! (Review)

Move over French's fried onions! There's another crunchy onion coming to the dinner table. 

Onion Crunch! Yum! Yum! Yum!

I was given the opportunity to try out Onion Crunch's Original Flavor of fried onions. 

We personally almost always use fried onions for green bean casserole but when presented with Onion Crunch, we were also presented with many different ways to use fried onions.

For our review, we tried 3 different methods. Onion Fried Chicken, Onion Crunch as salad toppers, and even Onion Crunch on our hamburgers. 

We used a recipe directly from Onion Crunch's website for the chicken. While it was good and we definitely liked the crunchy exterior, we think a FLAVORED Onion crunch would be best for the chicken. We like a little spice to our food ;) 

Which led us to the salad. We cut up what Onion Crunch covered chicken was left and tossed it right into our normal house salad... and we even added more Onion Crunch. 

It was PERFECTO! 

And of course, it was the perfect topping to our hamburgers too!

Sorry I don't have pictures for them but here is one from Onion Crunch's website... 

Looks delicious right?! 

Use Onion Crunch on salads, hot dogs, hamburgers, casseroles, chicken, dips, soups, fish, pizza, baked potatoes and so much more! Adds just enough crunch and a great additional flavoring to your favorite recipes. 

I also love that they have snack size bags of Onion crunch to take with you for lunch or eat plain... ya know like when you are pregnant and need a little crunchy flavor ;)

Overall, I like the product and the taste. I would love to try the flavored kind as well. My kids really like the Onion Crunch guy too... my boy has been saying, "Onion Crunchy Yum Yum Yum!" quite frequently lately. Ya I'd say he's a fan!

Did you know???

Onion Crunch has a shelf life of 1 year too! Not that it'll last that long as soon as you taste it because you'll be eating it up fast!

TO BUY:

Find locations near you that sell Onion Crunch.

Check Out Onion Crunch on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclaimer: I was not paid to post this review. Product was supplied free of charge from Onion Crunch. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions.

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Be sure to enter the Mother's Day $200 Shopping Spree Giveaway

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Reading Horizons Review!

"Home School Intensive Phonics Teachers Kit"

(Ages 4-9)

I have to admit, I wasn't sure where to start my review on the "Home School Intensive Phonics Teachers Kit" from Reading Horizons! Upon receiving it I was stunned by the quality, time, and preparation that went into this program! 

I simply can't review this product the way I have others in the past so here it goes!

While I do not home school my children I do believe that parents are the most important teachers!
This program's name could simply read Intensive Phonics Teachers Kit because it can easily be applied in a classroom setting, not just at home.

As a first time parent of a kindergartner, I have felt a little overwhelmed with knowing how to help teach my child the foundation of reading. Don't get me wrong, I read books to her, I teach her to spell some words, and she knows her abc's and their associating sounds really well but heading into actually teaching her to READ, I feel like any extra direction and help I can get is good! So I was, of course, super excited to get this program to review.

The "Home School Intensive Phonics Teachers Kit" includes:

*Teachers Manuals (2 Volumes)
*Sound Essentials Student Manual
*Reverse Listening Cards
*14 Reference Posters
*Enrichment CD with all necessary printables and activities
*4 small reading books
*Step by Step Instructions
*Black Zippered Canvas Tote bag(NICE!)
*T-Shirt "Read Books on Shirts"- Love it!


As I have read through the Teachers Manual and the prefaces of each manual this is what I found:

*QUALITY!
So impressed by the quality of the physical program!

*Step by Step Instructions!
Easy to follow Step by Step instructions and directions for the "Teacher"

*Quick Reference Tabs!
I love the easy to navigate tabs!

*Explanations! 
I even learned a few new(or forgotten rules of reading) through details explanations of how each applied step helps build the foundation for reading!

*FREE Teacher Training! And FREE WEBINARS!
This is really good for me- as I know it's important for me to be my child's best teacher BUT I need to learn the qualities and skills of a teacher! ;)
There is one webinar available for Tuesday Sept. 11th!

*MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! 
This program offers a 60 day money back guarantee because it is proven that with in 40-60 hours of instruction you will see a jump of 2 to 5 grade levels in reading!
THAT'S AMAZING! Which brings me to my last one...

*CONFIDENCE!  
Not what you expected? This isn't just confidence for me as a teacher, but for my children as they learn to read and know they are smart and will excel in life! Reading is key to being able to excel!  Since the program has such an amazing guarantee, I'm confident it will work!

I'm super excited to get results with my child. We have recently started the program and she already loves it! We also played some of the games in the car while traveling and were quite entertained!

My daughter tells people with excitement that she has something to help her learn to read!

I also LOVE the time I get to spend one on one with her- having three small kids, it seems harder and harder to get that bonding time!

I will continue to update you with her success as well!

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**There are also other programs available as well.




*Disclaimer: I did receive this product free of charge to review but was not paid in any other way to post this review.  However, all opinions expressed are my own honest opinions! 

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USA Kids Cups Review

If you have kids, you have sippy cups. Period. Possibly 50 different kinds of sippy cups too. Some are great while others are terrible! I could name a few but today I want to share with you an AWESOME sippy cup that is super cute too!

USA Kids Cups are unique for a few reasons, 

#1 They are made in the US of A!! 

You can feel great supporting the USA economy instead of... uh um... those other countries who shall remain nameless.

#2 Special No-Leak Valve!

It is unlike any other and it isn't a dinky rubber one that is easily stained hard to clean! It's a snap on hard plastic valve. Speaking of cleaning...

#3 Easy to Clean

Since it is a hard plastic snap on valve, it also snaps off easily. The cup, lid and valve are all dishwasher safe! Cleaning is easy peasy or... you could say It's a Snap! Oh snap!

#4 BPA Free

What mom needs one more thing to worry about like chemicals that are harmful to their children?! None! They do not contain any Bisphenol-A(BPA), which, according to research has been shown to leach into foods and liquids and can be harmful to animals and possibly humans(whether it's harmful or not, you bet as mom you will worry... I have enough to worry about!)

#5 Environmentally Friendly

The cups are made out of recyclable plastic so when your kids out grow them, just toss them in the recycle bin!

#6 CUTE TO BOOT! 

They have a few different designs, one set for girls, one set for boys, and one gender neutral set! 

All are super cute!

My boy love his because it has farm animals! My girls love the butterflies, flowers, and beach scenes.

My kids were super excited when they saw the new sippy cups, and sad that I wouldn't let them use them right away! LOL! Wash before use as usual. 

I personally put my kids to bed with a sippy full of water almost every night to make sure we aren't woken up with the, "I need a drink" call but I have had many that just leak all over the place! I'm happy to have these leak PROOF sippy cups! No more wet beds... at least not from water... *sigh* and LOL! 

To BUY these cups, head HERE!

*Available at your local Wal-mart!

Watch for an upcoming coupon right here from MLBB!

*Disclaimer: I was not paid to review these products however, I did receive free product to review. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. All information I chose to share about the product comes directly from the USA Kids Cups website.  

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Mia Mariu Make-up Review

Lip Gloss is a girls best friend, or it should be! I LOVE LOVE lip gloss! It is a simple easy addition that makes a big impact in a subtle way. I often wear just mascara and lip gloss and feel beautiful with just that!

I received Mia Mariu's Luminous Lip Gloss in Dulzura and Romance.

Dulzura                                         Romance

 

What I liked about the Luminous Lip Gloss:

1) The Smell!

Really, that is the first thing I noticed as I opened them up! 

My daughter says they smell like cake- 

I couldn't place my finger on the smell accept that it did smell delicious!

2) Texture

Nice and smooth, not too sticky and not too runny.

3) Application

Comes in a tube and has an easy soft brush application.

4) Color

I love that each lip gloss gives off lots of shine and even a little sparkle! 

The colors are subtle enough that they will play up the natural color of your lips.

5) Long Lasting

I don't feel like I have to reapply it several times a day- 

although I am tempted to just to smell it!

I also received a few small samples of Hydrating Moisturizer with SPF 30+, RestauraCel-C Microdermabrasion Thermal Activator, and RestauraCel-C Microdermabrasion Refinisher Cream.

Since a one time use of these sort of products is not enough to give a real review, I will just simply say, they seem to have a nice line of skin products. The actual use of them is easy and enjoyable. Results can not be determined but any sun protection is a big plus for the skin.

Thank you so much Mia Mariu for the product to review.

Disclaimer: I received free product to review but was not in anyway paid to write this review. The opinions expressed in the review are my own honest and personal opinions.

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Copy- Kids DVD Review- Kids Learn to Eat Healthy

Does anyone else struggle getting their kids to eat healthy food or is it just me?

Do you find yourself asking this question?

Good news is that enough parents have had the same troubles as you and I that someone finally did something about it! That's how the Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables DVD came about! 

Let's be honest, any extra help we can get when it comes to teaching our kids is welcomed right?! 

(Ok, well maybe not. Maybe all those comments from other know it all parents or grandparents 

or in-laws aren't so welcome, lol!)

I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical of a DVD teaching my children to eat good foods. 

BUT I am not the expert here! I have a tough time trying to make sure I eat good foods! 

I popped in the Copy-Kids DVD and this is what happened:

*Grabbed My Kids Attention

IMMEDIATELY! They loved watching the other kids.

*Learned Names of different Fruits and Vegetables

Like I said, I am still trying to eat a better variety of them so there were some my kids didn't know. 

This also makes the foods familiar and recognizable at the grocery store!

*My Kids COPIED the Copy-Kids

They began to do the actions the kids were doing, 

being creative with foods and pretending to eat the same foods

*Ordered Good Foods to Buy

After the DVD was over, I asked them which fruits and veggies 

they would like me to buy at the store for them to eat.

They answered tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and apples! 

(Usually it would be strawberries, bananas, oranges... notice, no veggies!)

Although I can't say they are eating and loving everything they ordered, they are experimenting with fruits and veggies more and I have heard many comments from my 3 year old boy. Here is my favorite!

"I need to eat Healthy foods so I can grow big and strong like Dad!" in a very strong excited voice!

They have been more open to trying new foods as well and as they continue to watch the Copy-Kids DVD I'm positive they will continue to enjoy their fruits and veggies even more!

*Side Note: The DVD doesn't work on adults! ;) But the kids wanting to eat good foods might! 

Disclaimer: I received free product to review but was not in anyway paid to write this review. The opinions expressed in the review are my own honest and personal opinions.

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The Juppy Review

I love new and innovative baby products geared to help out mom and baby! 

This product struck me as very different from the rest of the hot baby products out there. 

Most new baby products are meant to just be cute, but this one serves a real purpose- 

help baby to learn to walk faster and with better posture!

"What is the Juppy?"

"The Juppy Baby Walker is a non-traditional, parent-assisted baby walker 
used to safely teach babies how to walk sooner while eliminating dangerous falls" 

"Whether you are at home working, at home mom or the baby sitter,The Juppy is ideal! It is a simply designed baby item that has been featured on several hundred blogs for moms. 

The reviews have been 100% positive, mostly due to the fact that The Juppy reduces your pain, eliminates possible injury to your child and it fits in a purse!"
(Exert from The Juppy website)

What's so great about The Juppy?

*No bending over to help baby walk!

With the straps you can adjust the length to fit your needs, 

then just hold on as your baby struts their stuff!

*Teaches Baby to walk in a natural form and with better posture

The seat of The Juppy gives baby a sense of security 

and helps them stand more upright as they walk

*Quality Construction & Design

It is made of very durable outer lining and soft inner lining. 

The seams are very well constructed and will hold up to their design.

I sew so I should know! ;) The zipper is an added convenience and is great quality too! 

No catching or breaking! I was impressed by the ease of the zippper- 

may sound funny but if you have worked with lots of zippers, 

you know there is a difference.

*Personalization

You can add your babies name! Cute!

*Portability

Easily rolled up, slipped into its smooth carrying bag 

and packed in your purse or diaper bag

*Machine Washable

If baby explodes in it, you can easily wash it out. 

Wash on gentle cycle, cold water and air dry.

*Dr. Recommended!

"I had the opportunity to watch the Juppy in action and I was amazed.As a parent, I can recall the hours spent hunched over my children as they learned to walk. Your device eliminates the aching back that goes along with it. The Juppy also should eliminate the chance of a nursemaid's elbow, a very common injury to children as a result of pulling on an arm and dislocating the elbow. The Juppy's straps allow a even pull with very little strain on the toddler. I was most impressed with its simplicity. I would even go so far as to say it is brilliant!” 

-Dr. John Lepore D.O., F.A.A. | Kidfixers Pediatrics

My youngest is 18 months so by the time I got this product to review, she was already walking, although quite wobbly, lol! She had finally started walking without holding onto things at about 16 months(my other kids were 14-16 months as well) so I can immediately see the value in this product! I even put her in it to see how she would do. She loved it but more importantly, she did walk more upright with better posture!

I am happy to say that I'm more prepared for helping my next baby walk!

(when I have one, this is not an announcement)

;)

THINGS I WOULD ADD:

*A clip for pacifiers

(If you already own a binky clip, it could easily attach to the straps)

*Print options for the fabric

Every child and parent is different so different prints would be fun.

The Juppy is so well built and I'm sure that as they continue to grow as a company, they will always find ways to add even more quality to the product too!

Disclaimer: I received free product to review but was not in anyway paid to write this review. The opinions expressed in the review are my own honest and personal opinions.

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Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil Review

I am so pleased to be able to review the Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. 

My first recipe I used is this one provided by Tasty Yummies (click for original recipe)! I had to adapt it a little as I didn't have all ingredients. I prefer frozen mangos if you have them- this makes the mixture less gritty. If they aren't frozen and you don't like grittiness- just drink through a straw. The taste is great and the coconut flavor is so yummy in it. I have to say the vanilla amps the flavor for me too! I'll be trying it again with a banana and frozen mangos next time! JUST a little FYI: Did you know my first job was mixing smoothies at Jamba Juices? I LOVE smoothies!

ADAPTED Coconut Mango Banana Smoothie – Serves 2

2 cup milk

2 mangos, sliced

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil

1 handful of ice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes for topping, optional

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Sprinkle some coconut flakes on top, if you wish.

I'm excited to try out some other great recipes with coconut oil too! I think it would be yummy for chicken on Hawaiian Hay Stacks too!

Here is some information about the product from the company. 

Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on the website: 

What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. 

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

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Flying Greeting Card Review

Ok, I just have to say that this is just a super cool idea! I mean really... day in day out... you go check the mail, you get envelopes, adds, and an occasional package-which I know I enjoy... but how cool is this....?

Open the mail box and receive INSTANT FUN! 

I received this Flying Card in the mail just yesterday! It instantly put a smile on my face! Of course I LOVE that they personalized it with my very own Blog Name and Banner! How cool is that? You can add an image to these things too!?! And I want to let you know, these Frisbee's are not cheap little flimsy Frisbee's! The gold one I received is very thick and durable! 

I totally think it would be so cool to use the Flying Cards as an invitation to a Summer or Outdoor Birthday party or to ask someone to a high school dance. 

Of course you could just use it as a Birthday surprise for your kids and their friends. I also like that you could send one to the cousins who you don't necessarily buy gifts for but give them at least a card anyway- 

why not Send A Flying Card instead?!

Some idea's to print on it:

"Come have a Flying Good Time at Jack's 5th Birthday Party

Bring your Frisbee for Frisbee golf and other fun games at the Park."

"Zip on Down to Jessie's Party"

"I think you are pretty fly! Would you go to Sadie's with me?"

Or this would be fun to send to your friends for an Ultimate Frisbee Championship! Maybe even do a silly Schedule or just say, "Meet every Tuesday at 9 in the park!" 

Yes I so would have done this in college! :)

And it would be great for doing business promotions too! 

"Bring in this Frisbee and save 20% off your purchase!" 

Of course I would already think the Frisbee was cool enough, no discount needed!

For more ideas just visit Send A Flying Car's Idea page.

Use Coupon Code "FIRSTORDER" to receive 10% off your first order!

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While you are visiting be sure to enter the following giveaways:

Famous Dave's Professional Self Tanner

Summer Patio Giveaway

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Fabulous Tan without Skin Cancer! Famous Dave's Self Tanner Review

Ok, let me be honest! I love the look of a nice tan. BUT I can't get a tan without excessive visits to a tanning salon... HELLO SKIN CANCER! No thank you! I used to tan at salons in my less mature days but I always regretted it.

I have tried self tanners before too, and to be honest, I really never noticed a difference with those lotion kinds that you put on every day or I got really orange on my knees ankles and hands with the others. I just haven't trusted self tanners so I've always been WHITE WHITE WHITE. I even swim at the pool a lot but I try to be careful with sun exposure. My legs are the HARDEST part to tan too. 

So I am thrilled to have been able to try out a new professional tanner, Famous Dave's Medium Moisture tanning lotion. I am a white girl so I didn't want to just morph into a DARK tan but there is a dark tanner available too. I love that it came with a diagram card to show you just how much you will need for each body part(1-2 pumps for lower leg) and a step by step instruction sheet so that you can have the best experience with it as possible. It didn't say to use gloves but I did- due to past experiences of self tanner.


This is right after doing the right leg, left leg is my normal WHITE WHITE WHITE skin. 
It's already working!

Pro's:

*No SKIN CANCER :)

*Great instructions

*Super Easy to apply

*Nice even Tan

*Not orange looking! 

*My husband even said it looks natural and he whistled at me :) BONUS!

*If some areas(like knees and feet) get a little too much on it, you can simply rub a bit of it off without removing the whole tan

*You DON'T APPLY EVERY DAY(Instructions say for the most natural looking tan, do it every 4-5 days)

*A bottle will last me quite a long time- worth the money for sure!

*You can get dressed just 5 minutes after applying it

*You see immediate results and the tan progresses over the next 4-6 hours after applying.

*I love that since I have been working out, loosing weight and trying to be healthy, I can also have a healthy tan.

Con's:

*It does have a dark green color when you use it- don't let it scare you

*It says Fragrance Free but it does have a bit of fragrance to it- although I thought it wears off fast too. And you can simply put on lotion a half hour later(or whenever it's dry)

*I didn't wait quite long enough before putting on my shoes so a little rubbed off and it looks like I have a tan line from them.. very authentic though!

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While you are visiting be sure to enter the following giveaways:

Summer Patio Giveaway

250 Business Card Giveaway from Uprinting

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Nail Fraud vs. Jamberry Nails

Quite a while back some of us scored free Jamberry Nail Shields through a daily deal site and then shortly after we were able to score some free Nail Fraud nail shields. 

Here is the packaging for both, front then back where the instructions are.

What's the difference between the two you ask? 

Well, I'm here to show you the difference!

I'll start with the Jamberry Nail Sheilds.

Pros: 

We got them for free through a daily deal site.

No drying time.

Lasts up to two weeks(even longer for me, three).

SOO many styles to choose from.

Thicker durable shield aka nail sticker.

Light weight- 

it doesn't feel like you are wearing anything on your nails vs.'s acrylic nails or nail polish

Easily applied: just peel and stick, then blow dry for a few seconds.

Enough to do two sets of toes and nails depending on nail sizes.

Only $15 a set with FREE SHIPPING.

Leaves a super smooth surface and looks like a real manicure- I have ridges in my nails and they didn't show.

Came with detailed instructions so you KNOW what you are doing.

Cons:

Blow dryer is too hot for my little girl to handle.

Trimming the edges is a bit tedious but not terrible.

Now for Nail Fraud- 

Pros:

The design we got was cute.

We got them for free through a daily deal site.

No drying time.

No blow dryer necessary.

Easy stick application(read more on that under cons though).

Came with 50% off coupon.

Only $12 for a set but you pay for shipping of about $3.

Enough to do both mine and my daughters fingers and toes.

Cons:

Thin and flimsy shield aka nail sticker causing tears and ripples.

Packaging is excessive- has two sides of clear packaging to remove from nail adhesives- a bit difficult but I learned a little trick, just pinch and slide the nail adhesive and the thin clear film will slide off a little then you can peel apart.

Lasts up to a week- not really, my daughter has already lost 4 of hers in less than a day.

Not durable, if you plan to do dishes, wear closed toed shoes(like running shoes), these are not going to stay pretty.

Trimming was tedious- even more so than the Jamberry brand.

Not very many styles to choose from- and the ones there are right now, just aren't that cute in my opinion.

Not great instructions leaving you to try and figure it out for yourself.

Overall, Jamberry takes the cake. 

They have SOOO many styles I love and often have deals like Buy 3 get one Free! 

Plus they are based out of Utah too! I actually don't know where Nail Fraud is based out of but Utah or not, I don't care for them and I won't be buying any at even 50% off with the coupon. 

Sorry Nail Fraud... I hope you are able to improve your product more by getting reviews like mine. I rarely have a bad review to give but want to be totally honest to help customers and businesses alike.

 **I was not paid by either company nor given product directly from either company to review. This post is all my own personal opinion about products I "purchased" through daily deal sites.

While you are visiting be sure to enter the following giveaways:

Lace Leggings Giveaway

Summer Patio Giveaway

250 Business Card Giveaway from Uprinting

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My Craft Project with FREE ACE PAINT!

*For details on getting FREE paint go here!

I totally forgot to take the BEFORE picture but lets just say it was sad! It was a light boy blue and had writing and stickers and a phone number on it! I got it for free when I purchased another dresser off of Craigslist. I KNEW it could be cute. Originally I was just going to go with white and distressed for a universal look in one of the kids rooms... then we moved into our tiny apartment and we needed something to hold miscellaneous tools... and it sits on our back deck. 

I'm in the middle of redoing the back deck area... it's taking longer than I want... due to unpleasant surroundings... (SMOKE)... that's another story in and of itself. I believe that if you choose to harm yourself, fine but with smoking you are harming everyone around you! Anyway, this is the first real change to the back deck.

So here is the finished product(without handles just yet)...

Here is how I did the stencil(with vinyl cut out from my Cricut)...

And this is the crappy paint(yellow) it bled so bad but we'll just say that it is distressed :)

And here is where I used the free paint from Ace (orange and turquoise)- worked FABULOUS not perfect but WAY better than the yellow!

I bought the crappy paint at 50% off at Wal-mart a long while back but it still may have been TOO much! 

The yellow ColorPlace paint was very watery, runny, and even a bit see through because the color went on so thin while the Clark + Kensington was thicker and full of color nor did it run so much. I did need to make the vinyl stick a bit better in some areas though.

What are your painting or crafting tips?

While you are visiting be sure to ENTER the following GIVEAWAYS:

Carri's Creations $20 Gift Card

One pair of Lace Leggings from Baby Be Jeweled

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Home Depot Project Loan Review-- and a MAJOR PRIVACY ISSUE

As you may know already, we did the Home Depot Project Loan to remodel our newly purchased condo. While it was a great start to be able to accomplish out remodel needs- since we were unable to combine it right into our mortgage, the end was not so great.

Pros:

*ability to remodel on our own

*price match guarantee-they were great at matching and even beating competitors most of the time

*flexible 6 months no payment or interest and can be paid in full before that date free of charge

*monthly statements in the mail during the 6 month period so we didn’t just forget we had the loan

*service was really great- we had to have our children with us most of the time we were shopping- the LOCAL workers were so kind and understanding

*did not qualify for as much as we hoped- we were disappointed but it helped us stick to a tight budge t

Cons:

*did not qualify for as much as we hoped

*If not paid off in the 6 month time period, there was an interest rate of 13.99% YIKES! No thanks!

*Can’t pay it in store

*Can’t pay it by debit or credit card- no perks earned - unless you cash advance it out to another bank then pay it by phone or online-which we needed to do because of the amount we had to pay. J BE SURE NOT TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST DAY TO PAY… just in case you run into problems with the transaction, like we did. Luckily we were way ahead of schedule… NO WAY would we pay that interest.

*if you can’t pay it in full, you start accruing the interest and start making monthly payments…. Not fun. I guess some may consider this a pro… not us

*AND ANOTHER REAL KICKER... when we paid the loan in full by phone... our receipt for payment came via mail ON A POST CARD!

Now let me just restate that, ON A POSTCARD!!!

It read something to the affect of,  "Thank you for your payment of $5000 from your bank account provided for your Home Depot loan on this date(a specific date)."  All our personal info RIGHT THERE for ANYONE TO READ! 

Not that I don't trust my mail man(whom I really don't know) but he's not the only one that had access to this little POSTCARD that gave out so much personal information. And not only that, my bank statements come by mail too! Hello...I can just see some stranger saying, "Hi.. these people just paid $5000 on a revolving credit loan(which I ASSURE you is CLOSED now) maybe we should remodel our kitchen on their tab! And while we are at it, lets empty their savings because they must have some since they can easily pay off that $5000"   They would have been wrong about that last part but still!!! And you'd think that since we just paid them $5000 that they could afford a freakin envelope and a stamp for a receipt since they won't let us pay in stores!

I made sure to call and tell them what I thought about that!! Guess what, the person on the phone, their customer service, was surprised that they did it that way too.


So overall, I would dare say we will NEVER EVER use Home Depot Project Loan again!!!

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My Review of Double Umbrella Doll Stroller

Cute but not the most sturdy

The stroller is very cute and I love that it comes assembled. My daughter wanted this stroller specifically because it is a double and it is PINK. She hasn't seen it in person yet because it is for her birthday. I'm sure she'll love it so that is what matters most. BUT she has a big tough brother who probably will think he needs to test it out... definetly not sturdy enough for that. The wheels seem to be a cheaper plastic and if left outside too much I'm sure they would get frail and crack. We'll see but my impression is that it is a cute stroller but not the most durable so it'll have to be replaced(like the old one she had) down the road.

I would only recommend it to those who want an inexpensive double doll stroller that will only survive one child for a toy.

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

An ideal, compact stroller when your doll wants to bring along a friend, this Double Umbrella Doll Stroller is a fantastically fun and usefull toy. The Umbrella Stroller has the ability to fold flat and also includes storage baskets, swivel front wheels and a canopy. This is ...

Double Umbrella Doll Stroller

(legalese)

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Toy Story Wall Decal Review- CSN Stores

I was thrilled to get this wall decal for my boys room. We recently moved and he has had NO decorations in his room. I have had a hard time deciding how to do it. I wanted it cowboy themed because I have cute cowboy hats already and my boy loves the farm and Woody too! Daddy is a bit of a cowboy himself. Of course he looks up to his dad! So when I saw this wall decal I knew I had to have it. It is a HUGE decal! It says about 3 feet on the description and that is pretty close but he seriously seems HUGE! It is so fun. As I put it up, my son got so excited and literally thought he was real! He said HI WOODY! and he still does too! He knows Woody hangs out in his room all the time. Bedtime is more fun because Woody is there! It is just too funny how much he LOVES it!

And as far as the quality of the product, I really love it because it is thicker than traditional vinyl so it doesn't tear easily and you can remove it and then put it up somewhere else. we'll be taking it with us when we move(not for about a year) because I know my son will not want to leave Woody behind! It comes rolled up so when you apply it to the wall, the first couple of days you may notice the edges curling up, just press them back to the wall firmly and they eventually stay put.

The picture above is from CSN Stores, mine turned out a bit blurry. I still need to figure out my new camera. But I put all the small decals on his fan and he loves that too! He can watch them spin around or just stare at them in bed. Plus, he won't be tempted to pull off the little woody's and take them around the house with him! Good thinking huh?!

Over all, WE LOVE IT! It gets 5 stars from us!

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

HI WOODY!

By mlbbetsy from Washington, UT on 4/5/2011

5out of 5

So easy to use and a favorite for any Toy Story fan! My boy talks to him as if he were real, it is that good! and we'll be able to remove it easily when we move and put it up in a new place.

(legalese)

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