Book Review :: Small Steps to Great Parenting: An Essential Guide for Busy Families

As a mom of four kids, a wife, and taking online classes, it's safe to say I stay busy... sometimes too busy. It can be hard to find time to make sure each kid gets what they need from you. Right when I needed it, I was offered to review to this book.

I really found this book helpful in dealing with my kids, especially since I do have one that is very sensitive, and I have to approach things with him differently. With four kids, it can sometimes be easy to not worry about others needing attention when they don't ask for it. But, this helped me realized that may need that attention and be asking for it in different ways. I need to be more aware of their body language and facial expressions, not just their words. 

I love the examples given in the book about encouraging good behavior without shaming them. I plan to try them and hope to help build them up positively, without the shame. This book covers a lot of good techniques with how to handle things in a positive way so that our kids grow and learn to handle problems well into adulthood. 

I'm halfway through (hard to find time to read), but I appreciate this book so much and the advice I am getting from it for me and my kids. Definitely a book worth reading for any parent, or anyone that works with kids!

You can find this book on Amazon, at: http://a.co/3CAn70S

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Sample Source package - Part 1

My goodies from Sample Source! - Part 1

In case you don't know, Sample Source is a site where you can sign up to request to try free samples of many different products. They offer different products at different times. And best part is, it's completely free! Just register, and you're good to go.

Now, on to my products... 

First up, is the Flax Plus - Pumpkin Flax Granola. I only got to try a little, thanks to my husband taking it and finishing it off. But, from what I tried, it wasn't too bad. It must have been good for him to eat all of it. :)

Would I recommend this? Yes. Would I buy it? Yes.

The vitamins. I received the Hair Skin Nails gummies, and the Sundown Naturals Adult Multivitamin. I did not like either of them. They both had a very weird texture, and horrible taste. Especially the after-taste. I was disappointed. But, it happens. 

Would I recommend or buy these? No... unless you can get past the texture and taste.

If you received a Sample Source box, comment below and let me know what you think! Or, if you use these, let me know your thoughts!

Keep a look out for the next part of the samples!

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Product Review :: Scentsy

Ok, so first things first... What is Scentsy? Scentsy began with a simple idea—a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles—and quickly grew into oneof the most successful direct selling companies in the industry. Unique Scentsy warmers use a low-watt bulb to melt specially formulated wax slowly, maximizing its fragrance time. With no flame, soot, or wick, the Scentsy wickless candle system is a safe way to enjoy more than 80 Scentsy fragrances

.

There's so much to choose from - Scentsy bars, warmers (full-size, mid-size, plug-in), solids, buddies, on-the-go - that you're bound to find something you'll love!

I use Scentsy in every room of my house. Seriously! And if you're like me, dealing with horrible year-round allergies, don't worry! There are scents that won't bother you! I tend to stay away from the strong and/or flowery scents. I like the soft scents, like Simply Vanilla, Just Breathe, Sunkissed Citrus (love this in the kitchen!)... just to name a few.

So today, I'm going to test some random scents sent to me and give my thoughts on each one.

Product Review :: Jackpot Candles

Jackpot Candles... what is that? Simple. It's a candle with a hidden jackpot! These 100% soy candles have hidden things inside that can be valued from $5 - $5,000. You can choose what "jackpot" you want inside; ring, necklace, or earrings. And to make it better, you can choose what size ring to receive, which I loved and appreciated. Not only that, but each item comes with a code so you can go to their site, enter the code, and find out for free what your piece of jewelry is worth. I thought that was awesome. Candles are $24.95 each.

Product Review :: Sample Source

Ever heard of Sample Source? Like most review sites, they send you a survey, you fill it out and choose which samples you want of the options they give you (before they run out). I picked these:

I loved all the samples except the sunrise crunchy vanilla. It tastes good as it hits your mouth but then leaves a nasty aftertaste in your mouth that wouldn't leave. The coffee had a nice, smooth flavor. I really enjoyed it. I already liked tums, but these two new ones? Wow! I really like the tums freshers... the mint helps the upset stomach as well as leave a nice feeling in your mouth. The chewy tums tasted like candy. They were good. The wipes were nice as well. I was pleased.



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Product Review :: Bigelow // Truvia

I love Sam's Club. Why? Mostly for the free food samples, haha. But now, they have a machine that gives each card holder one free sample of something. Last time I went, it was Bigelow Green Tea and Truvia.

On this cold day for Texas, I decided to try it. I knew I liked the Truvia. I've had it before. It has a nice sweet taste to it. As for the tea, I'm not a big fan of green tea, but tried anyways. It's really good. Has a nice, smooth taste. No bitterness. I was impressed. And it's 100% organic. I might possibly get more. I'm really enjoying it!!

What are some of your favorite teas?

Sponsor(s) of the month:

Product Review :: Rose VoxBox

The Rose VoxBox

by Influenster

+ belVita Crunch Breakfast Biscuits
belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits are made with delicious ingredients and carefully baked to release nutritious sustained energy, all morning long. They are a good source of Fiber and B-vitamins, contain no high fructose corn syrup, have 18-20 grams of whole grain per 50 gram serving and taste great, which makes belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits perfect for when you are on the go.

My thoughts: I got the blueberry ones. They were great! They had a nice, rich, blueberry flavor... texture like eating a cookie yet crunchy. I loved it! Now, I really wish I had gotten to try the chocolate ones from my last VoxBox - my husband got to them before I did.


+ Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions
Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions help keep feet warm and dry while providing all-day comfort. Their multi-layer design helps insulate the foot while two plush layers provide extra cushioning. Cozy Cushions help keep feet dry by absorbing perspiration and offer superior support on hard surfaces.

My thoughts: I haven't tried these. And I don't plan to. I like Dr. Scholl's, don't get me wrong... but these are lined like a blanket, and I hate, HATE, for my feet to be hot. These look like I would just suffer. My feet are weird, which we won't get into, haha. My husband on the other hand, always has cold feet so I might try to get him to use them. If not, I'll find someone in my family that will.

+ Kiss Gradation Polishes

Create a ‘gradation/airbrushed’ look at home with a set of 3 mono-chromatic polishes with hints of shimmer and shine.

My thoughts: Polish goes on great, covers good. For the first attempt at this, I think it turned out really well (and I'm not that great when it comes to applying nail polish). I think for step 3, I need to be a bit faster to make it blend better. I'm happy with how it turned out though during the first try. I like it! I want to get other colors now, haha.

+ Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara

The 60s are back in full swing with a thicker, fuller, wide-eyed look!

My thoughts: I love this mascara! It works wonderful! Making my lashes look fuller and thicker, which they need. I'm very pleased with this and will be buying more when I run out. It's hard finding a good mascara that works for you, so I'm glad this one does.

+ Vitabath Hydrating Lotion

Moisturize your skin with lotion formulated with Aloe Vera, Safflower and Olive Oils for silky soft skin. This hydrating lotion enriches skin with luxurious moisture and a delicate scent. Free from propylene glycol, phthalates, mineral oil, and synthetic color.

My thoughts: Love, love, love!!!! The lotion is thick, but absorbs great... the smell is amazing - like cupcakes... skin feels smooth and wonderful afterwards. I will continue buying this when I run out, for sure! 

+ Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles
 Smooth, Melting, Luscious. When you break the shell of a LINDOR truffle, the irresistibly smooth filling starts to melt and so will you. Available in 10 smooth melting flavors.

My thoughts: Who doesn't love chocolate?! It's smooth, silky, tasty, and amazing. I've always loved Lindt LINDOR chocolates.

I received these products from influenster.com, in return for giving a review.

Sponsor(s) of the month:

Product Review :: Rimmel Stay Matte VoxBox

Rimmel Stay Matte

by Influenster

Rimmel London introduces new Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation!

Rimmel London is bringing you new Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation - a breakthrough feather light, oil free formula with an airy mousse texture that's comfortable on your skin, never heavy or greasy. Your new beauty staple delivers all day shine control and blends flawlessly for a natural looking matte finish, all while minimizing the appearance of pores. The weight is over - finally, shine has met its matte.

My thoughts: I really liked how well it goes on and covers. Blends in evenly. It feels light, easy to put on, and gives a shine-free look. I'm really happy with it! Definitely an item I plan to keep in my make-up routine. 

I received these products from influenster.com, in return for giving a review.

Sponsor(s) of the month:

Product Review :: Mama VoxBox

The Mama VoxBox

by Influenster

This is my first VoxBox so I was very excited to get it! I've been with Influenster for over a year now and have gotten two products from them, but this is my first VoxBox filled with goodies. And what better than to get the Mama VoxBox? Yay! Anyways... let's talk about the goodies...

+ belVita Soft Baked Breakfast Biscuits

Baked with hearty whole grains, belVita Soft Baked Breakfast Biscuits are delicious, nutritious and give you satisfying morning energy to start your day off right.

My thoughts: I can't say much for this, because when the box arrived, I was out of town at my parents... so my husband opened it and stole it for himself, haha. He says it was very good though. I couldn't get much more out of him.

+ Dr. Scholl's For Her Comfort Insoles

Dr. Scholl's For Her Comfort Insoles are uniquely designed to provide all-day comfort. They absorb shock and impact on the heel and help to protect the sensitive ball of foot area. Best of all, they work great in a variety of shoes including flats and boots!

My thoughts: I'm a fan of Dr. Scholl's, so I'm not surprised how nice these are. They fit into the shoe nice and neat, you barely can feel it in there. But still gives you good comfort. I'm very happy with them.

+ POND'S Luminous Finish BB+ Cream

It's not your ordinary BB! With Tone Perfecting Complex, POND'S Luminous Finish BB+ delivers the instant results you have come to expect from BB creams, PLUS the long term benefit of more even toned skin. How? First it delivers a special pigment system designed to blend flawlessly into skin to immediately conceal imperfections. Then, it keeps working to target the source of the dark spots on skin's surface, visibly fading them over time.

My thoughts: I got two tubes of this; one for light skin, one for medium skin. I used the light skin - medium will be going to my sister. It goes on smooth, covering nicely, and leaving a nice feel. Doesn't feel like you have a thick layer of cream on - it aborbs good and goes on evenly. It also has a nice smell to it. I'm very happy with it.

+ Annie's Microwavable Mac and Cheese Cup - Real Aged Cheddar

Introducing Annie's microwavable mac & cheese cups made with 100%  real cheese! All of the goodness of Annie's mac & cheese and ready in just about two minutes.

My thoughts: I got the one called Real Aged Cheddar... and yes, it did taste aged, haha. Didn't care for it too much, but it wasn't bad. It cooked up nice and mixed well. It smelled like something homemade. I ate it all, so it was kinda good.

I received these products from influenster.com, in return for giving a review.



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Product Review :: TruMoo Milk

To kids, TruMoo® must feel like a trick — Mom’s letting us drink flavored milk again!? — but it’s really just a nutritious treat children and parents can’t help but agree on. Made with pure, fresh milk from your trusted dairy, no artificial growth hormones and no high fructose corn syrup, TruMoo® has the delicious taste kids go crazy for, now with 35% less sugar* than a leading chocolate milk brand. And this bewitching season, there's even more to treat your family to: Get into the fun with limited edition TruMoo in classic Chocolate and NEW Vanilla in Orange!
*A leading low-fat and fat-free chocolate milk brand contains 28g of sugar per serving. TruMoo® low-fat and fat-free chocolate milk contains 18g of sugar per serving.

Whether or not there was some sort of sorcery involved in the creation of TruMoo® is up for debate, but the yummy milk is packed with eight essential nutrients – calcium, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin, phosphorous and potassium – to help strengthen kids’ bones, build and repair muscles and keep them full and satisfied.

Did you know children who drink flavored milk:
- Drink more milk and get more calcium and other key nutrients than non-milk drinkers?
- Drink fewer nutrient-poor sodas and fruit drinks than non-milk drinkers?
- Do not consume any more added sugars or total fat than non-milk drinkers?

These are just a few of the reasons why you can and should feel good about handing your child a glass of TruMoo® every day. Bottoms up!

 

 

My thoughts:

 

First off, who doesn't doesn't chocolate milk?! And being pregnant at the moment, I was very pleased to be getting this! It was a nice, smooth feel. The taste is very good. And my oldest son likes it. Between that and knowing this isn't packed with unneeded things.

 

This is something I would buy again. But the price? It seemed a little high for my taste. Because of that, I doubt I buy it again anytime soon. Other than that, I would definitely recommend it! We are really enjoying it.

 

 

 

I received this product from bzzangent.com, in return for giving a review.

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