Club 31!

Don't forget to stop by and check out what's new HERE!

Sugar N' Spice VoxBox Part I

So, in my last post, I told y'all how excited I was to get my first VoxBox from Influenster! Just in case you missed it, Influenster is a community of "trendsetters" invited to give their opinions of products and experiences. And the BIGGER your mouth, the more cool things you get to try out! I'm finally getting a chance to sound off on some of the products from my VoxBox! First up... the Colgate Optic White "trio".

I got the Colgate Optic White toothpaste in sparkling mint. The paste claims to whiten your teeth by 3 shades. I have used it for a week and I can definitely see a difference...3 shades? I'm not sure. I like the cool minty flavor and I didn't find it to be too gritty like some other whitening pastes. So I'd give this two fangs up!

Next up, the Colgate 360* Optic White Powered Toothbrush. When they say POWERED-- they mean POWERED! This thing buzzed so hard, it actually made me slightly dizzy! I know that sounds ridiculous, but it did! Now, I have a Sonicare that I normally use, so it's not like I'm not used to a power toothbrush! It's just that this one has A LOT of power! Don't get me wrong, it wasn't like it hurt my gums or anything, it was just really...buzzy! The bristles go in two different directions, so it kind of felt like the toothbrush was confused (for lack of a better description! lol) But again, I'm used to my uni-directional Sonicare. My teeth felt great after using it, nice & shiny clean! So again, I'd recommend it.

 

Last of the Optic White Trio I tried... the Colgate Optic White mouthwash. **sigh** I hate, and I mean HATE having to give a product a bad review... but this stuff is just plain awful. From the moment it touched my tongue, it took everything in me to not spit it directly back out. Yup, it's that bad. Remember when you had to "swish" the fluoride around in your mouth after you got your teeth cleaned at the dentist? Yea, that tastes 10 times better by comparison. And I know why it tastes so bad...peroxide. It's like swishing straight peroxide around in your mouth. I know that's what produces the teeth whitening results, but I'll stick to the peroxide being on the strips or in my trays...in my mouthwash? No, thanks! It made my tongue foam up & just left the most wretched taste in my mouth. I actually had to brush my teeth a second time to get the taste out. I couldn't vouch for it's whitening results because I couldn't bring myself to use the product a second time. But if you're cool with the salty, foamy, peroxide taste...go for it. Bleck! 

All in all, for the Colgate Optic White "trio"... 3.5 out of 5. 

Have you ever hear of Influenster? I signed up for this awesome company awhile back & I just got my first box of goodies! Yup, that's right-- they sent me this VOXBOX of FREE products to try out! And you guessed it, VOICE my OPINION!

Stick around for reviews of all of these awesome goodies!

Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer

Dickinson's Witch Hazel Towelettes

belVita Breakfast 

Colgate Optic White Trio 

necteresse 

Click on the widget above to head over to Influenster & check it out!

$10 Target Card!!

HURRY!!! These will go at lightning speed! Print your coupon here for a $10 gift card when you spend $50! We all know that's not hard to do at Target!!

And the winner is...

I was a little bummed that we didn't have more entries in the latest giveaway... BUT I am super excited to announce that the winner of the $12 Zinga gift certificate, is Emily B!! Congratulations! Don't forget to spread the word for more giveaways!!

Let's have a House Party!

Super excited about this new opportunity, I came across today! I have applied to be a host, through House Party! What does that mean? Well, I apply to be a host for companies as they become available. If they chose me, they send me a party pack full of all kinds of goodies! Then I get to invite you to share, play, & explore their products. How cool is that?!? Here are a few party's I have applied to host...

Fingers crossed!

ThredUp... your vitrual thrift store!

Nobody loves a good thrift store deal like me! But I don't always get a chance to peruse them as often as I would like. If you've got kids, I'm sure you've asked yourself (on more that one occasion!) "Didn't I JUST buy you those??"  Or how about that forgotten outfit in the back of their closet, with the tags still on it!? They grow so fast, it's hard to keep up sometimes! So here's an easy solution I have found...

Ever heard of it? Me either, until a friend introduced me to it recently. ThredUp is a "greener" way of shopping & saves you a ton! I like to call it a virtual thrift store. You can  purchase & sell your kids clothing!
If you want to sell, they send you this happy polka dot bag! You fill it up & send it back to them. They go through the bag, list the items for you, & calculate your credit! Then you get to spend it on "new" clothes! They are pretty strict about accepting only clothes in new or excellent used condition. Which is awesome, because you know that that's exactly what you'll get in return!

If you sign up now, you can get a $10 credit! Hunt around and find something for around $3-$4...and you can get something for completely free! Shipping is normally $7. But if you spend $40, shipping is FREE! Also, for the month of August, use the code AUGUST20 for 20% off your order!

Claim your $10, HERE!

The "125" GIVEAWAY!

We reached 125 "likes"! So...here it is, an 8x8 Shutterfly Photobook giveaway!  Enter to win here!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


You can also share the giveaway with your friends!

Good Luck!

Do you smell a sweet deal? Oui!

This weekend, Bath & Body works is rolling out their new "From Paris with Love" Collection! This Saturday, from 1p-5p, visit your local B&B Works store to spend the afternoon in Paris... Ooh La La! With any full-size signature collection purchase you will receive a free gift of  $15 value. I've been to one of these launches before & the goodies are always awesome! Looks like this one is a travel size lotion, candle, and a pocket-bac in a new fall scent, yummy!

Don't forget to pair your purchase with this coupon and you'll get ANOTHER  signature item for FREE!

*My local store always lets me "double up" on offers like this, but some may not. Also, get their early, this is a "while supplies last" offer. Some stores may not be participating. 

Your Day Planner on Steroids... and $100 in discounts!

Holy smokes! I don't even know where to begin with post... I have a TON of good deals to share with you! I think I may have to divide this up into a few different  posts, or it might become a big 'ol information overload!
Ok, so first things first.... have you ever heard of Cozi? All I have to say is, HOLY FREAKIN' COOL BATMAN!! Any company, product, gadget, app., etc. that says it can organize and/or simplify my life, I'm game! Well, Cozi says...and Cozi does! Give this website/app five minutes of your time & I promise you will fall in love!

Basically, Cozi functions like your brain used to, before you had kids. It's your day planner on steroids.  It's your Calendar, To Do & Grocery List, Meal Planner, Journal, Sticky Note all rolled into one. But that's not even the best part... it's a FAMILY app! So everyone you want to have access to it does. "Honey, I need you to go to the store... the list is already on your phone."  Not only that, but they are a wellspring of awesome info and tips about pretty much anything you can think of. Best of all it's FREE. We all know I heart free! Take a look see below...

Cool, huh? And you thought I was done...nope. Cozi is offering a ton of awesome discounts when you sign up. I'm talking $100 worth of discounts! That right there is enough to make me want to sign up!


Like... Six months of ShopRunner for FREE! Uhm, guess what's in 5 months... Christmas. That means you can get free 2 day shipping, at tons of your favorite stores, through the Christmas season! ShopRunner also offers you perks like free return shipping, waiving the $1.50 delivery fee when you order pizza online from Domino's, and % off at all kinds of different stores.

They are giving you 10% off at Zulily! And what is Zulily, you ask? Well, it's like shopping at 100's of awesome little boutiques... but for WAY less...and from home. Their deals are wicked amazing.

Want $5 off at Mabel's Labels? They'll give you that too! You never knew you needed a label for "that", did ya?

You're gunna get $5 off at Schoolbags for Kids. Everybody needs a totally cool backpack like one of these. Or what I plan on buying... they offer a "One There Schoolbag" which is donated to a child in need for only $5 after the discount.







Also, 10% off at Laptop Lunches. These things are crazy cool!



You'll be getting 10% off at another FAV of mine, PlumDistrict! Similar to Groupon, but for ridiculously, cool Mama & Kidlet "things"!


That's not even all of the discounts! I am on a discount HIGH right now! I'm excited about Cozi & all the awesomness they are offering their members. I higly recommend you check them out.

If you don't already have accounts with ShopRunner, Zulily, or PlumDistrict, sign up through my link to earn both us us some money! Usually, they offer new members $5 off their first purchase... combine that with your other discounts & save even more!

Alright, so last, but certainly not least, you guys & dolls have been so awesome, I want to give something away! I LOOOOOVE giving you stuff. How about an 8x8 Photobook from ShutterFly? Show me some love, let's get to 125!

Christmas in July!

If you've been around here awhile,  you know Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year... well that & Halloween (can't wait!!)! So it goes without saying that I think about it all year long. Especially in July, when it's 100* outside & my face is melting off. (Don't get me wrong, I am a beach bum at heart & there is salt water in my veins!)

So, guess when I start my Christmas shopping? That's right, JULY! And not just because I'm anxious for cooler weather, but that's when I get the most awesome deals! Every July, Target marks down a RIDICULOUS amount of their toys 30%, then 50%, and finally 70%! Now, come 70% there is not a lot of selection left, but you can still get some steals! I like to get about 75% of my kids shopping done at this time of year. That leaves little for me to worry about in December & loads more time to do fun crafty things with my kiddos! Check out my Homemade Christmas posts from last year!

This is part of my stash... I wish I could show all of it to you, but my little ones are around! I plan on doing another post when I have finished my "Christmas in July" shopping!

Don't forget when shopping at Target, if the red tag ends in an 8, the price will be dropped again. If the price ends in 4, that is as low as it's gunna get, so you better grab it!

Happy deal hunting!

Oh... and you thought I forgot... TISHA HUGHES, you are the Cool K-cups winner today!!! Tisha you can email me with your info & I will send you your prize pack! Congratulations!

New Pampers Gifts to Grow Code

Are you a member of Pampers "Gifts to Grow"? If you are, here is a code for  10 points!!FBJUL44RHXU7412



If not, head over to the Pamapers and sign up! It's a great rewards program, even if you don't have little ones! You can earn all kinds of rewards & freebies!


Thanks for the code Dian!

Get Vocal, at VocalPoint.com

Back in 2007, I became a member of a site called VocalPoint. I'm always looking for hot deals & new products...and this site always delivers! They offer coupons, freebies, tips, reviews & ideas! And you get to sound off on all kinds of products!

Right now you can reserve your $3/1 coupon AND free sample of ZZZquil!

And there is also a $.75/1 for International Delight's new Iced Coffee!
Use as a double, or if you are lucky enough a TRIPLE, and you can try this out for next to nothing!


These are just two hot coupons they are offering right now, but they always gave goodies on their site! A lot of times they offer freebies & samples... my favorite!! So, check them out!

Come "Meet the Cool Side" of K-Cups!

Happy 4th of July!

Well,  I figured if I keep waiting to get everything on the blog just the way I want it... I may never make it back here to share lots of great deals & fun things with you! So, here it is, in all its flawed, hot mess, glory...for now! I wanted to come back with a BANG...I have two very exciting things, I just couldn't wait to share with you!!!. First being, my lovely friend, Fran has started her own site; to share all kind of yummies with you! So head over here, to show The Domestic Diva some love! Yum!

And second, I have an awesome giveaway for you! If we reach 100 "Likes" over at Coupon Swappers, I will be giving away two Keurig "Meet the Cool Side" K-Cup packs & a slew of HOT $2/1 Keurig K-Cup coupons!!!

All you have to do is like the K-Cup post & share the Coupon Swapper page! When we hit 100 "Likes", I will pick 2 grand prize winners & multiple winners for the coupons! Help me get you more cool stuff!

Each grand prize winner will get a Keurig "Meet the Cool Side" K-Cup box that contains:
*Nantucket Blend Iced Coffee- "Wherever you enjoy it, this iced coffee will remind you of relaxing summer afternoons at the shore."
*Southern Sweet Black Tea-"Bold black tea with just the right amount of milled cane sugar to quench and front porch thirst."
*Hazelnut Iced Coffee- "Rich, indulgent hazelnut-- now over ice! The sweet, buttery nut flavors you love, in a refreshingly icy cool brew."
*Black Tea & Lemonade- "A bright and sunny favorite--a legendary combination of smooth black tea and natural lemonade. Makes the perfect "tea time" partner."

So head over to Coupon Swappers, share the page & like the post... and you're on your way to an ice cold K-cup pack!

(I am a Bzzagent, and I receive samples & coupons to try out and give my opinion on. I am in no way affiliated with Keurig.)

Hot Huggies Coupon!

Mornin' y'all! Here is a great diaper coupon for you! Go here ...scroll down to the bottom & follow the instructions. You will be given a link to print $3 off Huggies new Slip-On diapers... and the best part, there doesn't seem to be a limit on the number of prints! Enjoy!

A "Homemade" Christmas Wrap-up!

I wish that I could have finished this for you before Christmas-- but I didn't actually finish the gifts until Christmas Eve! So, tuck this away in your "I need a gift quick" file & I hope you can use these ideas throughout the year! (And I actually started writing this on the 4th! Geez o Peez! I won't even begin to explain the house problems we have been having, that have kept me so busy...it's just gross)

One of the gifts I showed you were the Body & Hand Scrubs! I love these things! Here are my finished products; I really wound up with some yummy scents this time around!  I painted the tops with chalkboard paint rather than stick labels on them-- that way when they are empty, they can be re-purposed!

Lemon Drop, Vanilla Brown Sugar, Orange Coffee, Coffee, & Banana Foster's!!

Everyone on my list also got the Chalkboards I made in A "Homemade Christmas" Part IV.

Now, onto the things that I didn't get to tell you about!! This Christmas I gave everyone "Green" Cleaning Baskets! My husband & some of my family like to make fun of me "saving the environment" or being "crunchy"... but I'm ok with that. And I rather like the adjective "Crunchy!" So BAH, to them. In addition to being kinder to Mother Earth & my family's health... these products are WAY cheaper! So, I'm saving money right along with the environment! Hehehe. Any who, my pregnancy brain attributed to me forgetting to take as many pictures as I would like to include with this; such as the FINISHED PRODUCT...DOH! I will just have to give you what I have... imagine the rest.

The first thing I included in my baskets was homemade laundry soap. Super easy to make & so much cheaper than the store bought stuff. There are tons of recipes out there on the net. The one I use is plain & simple...

-1c. Borax

-1c. Washing soda

-2c. Soap flakes (sans suds)

-Essential Oil  (optional)

So here are my supplies...

-Borax $3.99 (and yes, if you eat it, it's toxic...otherwise it is completely safe to use)

-Washing Soda $2.99

These are both BIG boxes & will make a ton of detergent.

-Yardly Soap $1.49 (I like Yardly because it already has essential oil in it & smells great; but you can use Fels Naptha, Ivory, etc. I think you can get an 8 pack of Ivory for under $3. You will also see in the pictures "orange soap." This was an cold pressed, organic bar I got for free & wanted to try out.)

Ok, so first thing you do is grate the soap. I have a big ol' plastic bowl & a grater from the $1Tree that I use just for "making" stuff. The hard soaps grate REALLY easily. I was done with the Yardly in just a few minutes. The cold pressed, softer soap is a little bit more of a challenge. It kept melting on me & clogging up the grater. So, I finally put it in the freezer for 5 minutes & tried again...much easier. But I had to do this a few times. The smell of the soap is amazing, so I pressed on! 

Next thing you do is mix it all together...find a nice container to put it in & you're done! I've had a lot of luck finding glass containers (I try not to use plastic ones) at the $1tree. The ones in the picture above had perfect little squares on each side that I painted with my favorite chalkboard paint! (Then you can write a little note on them too!) But you can really put it in anything...even you're old laundry soap box. As you will see in the picture of my own "counter" box, I keep it in a metal canister. You know the ones that sit on your counter & don't really have anything in them--but everyone has a set? Yea, those. =) If you are giving this as a gift, don't forget to attach a little note letting people know that this detergent is safe to use in HE washing machine & front loaders. Also, with directions to use about 1 Tablespoon per load & to add 1/2c. white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This detergent smells great going in, but will leave no lasting scent on clothing. So, if you like your clothes to "smell" then you can put some essential oil on a piece of felt or cloth & throw it in the dryer. Make sure the oil is dry or it will leave spots on your clothes... I learned this the hard way =(. Otherwise, just enjoy the chemical freeness that your clothes now have!

The next two things in the basket were a shaker (you can get S&P shakers 2/$1, that are glass at the $1Tree) filled with baking soda & a nice fat lemon. Yes, I did say lemon...as in the ones that grow on trees. I give instructions to sprinkle the baking soda in sinks, stove tops, bathtubs, showers, etc. Then cut the lemon in half & scrub! I use this all the time to clean pretty much everything. DO NOT use this on granite. Lemon juice & vinegar both, are far to acidic to use on granite.

The next item, was an aluminum spray bottle containing a disinfecting spray. Guess where I got the bottle? Yupp, $1Tree. Again, super easy to make-- equal parts distilled water & isopropal alcohol. I add a few drops of essential oil for a nice scent too. This is safe on all surfaces. As soon as it dries, the alcohol smell just disappears.

I think that about wraps it up for my baskets... but at this point I can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning, so I might have missed something. There are some other things that I have been making, that I want to share with you as well-- hopefully later today, but I make no promises! =)

Happy New Year!

Hi All! I hope this finds everyone happy & healthy in the new year...and recovered from Christmas! I know I'm having a HARD time getting back into the swing of things. It will all come in time...I HOPE!

Well, I was hoping to be able to announce a big 'ol giveaway from the Ebates sign-up... unfortunately, we only had one qualifying purchase! So, I'm sad to say that this time around I won't be able to do the cash giveaway. BOO! But, no worries... as soon as they give me a new sign-up promo, I will share it with you! You can still sign up for Ebates anytime, and get PAID to shop!

If & when you DO sign up for Ebates, you get to choose a gift card! After your first qualifying purchase they will send it to you...for real! Here is one of mine right here...

Make your online purchases through your Ebates, get cash back, and a gift card!

A "Homemade Christmas" ... take 5!

I really wanted to have this up for y'all last week, but... life happens! As most of my readers know, I am expecting! Last week, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes...BOO! Gimme a break, right before Christmas, are you kidding me!?!? Well, needless to say I had to make some changes & fast.... tests and appointments and classes...oh my! Really put a cramp on my "crafting!" If you are looking for something last minute & homemade there is still time... I promise, I'm still making my gifts!

You have probably come across this recipe during the season or you may even remember it from when you were a kid. Salt dough ornaments! These are so simple to make & they don't take that much time at all. I know this because, I had less then 5 hours on Tuesday, to make my GIANT Cub Scout den their annual Christmas Ornament! Whew! Kneading all that dough was quite a work out! I also like to make this for my kids to play with, while I'm trying to get other stuff done! It keeps them busy forever, it's completely non-toxic, & I love anything that requires them to use their imagination!

Ok, so... Here's what you need:

-Flour
-Salt

-Warm Water

-Oil

Yupp... that's it! Here are the measurements I use; but you are can alter it to make as little or as much as you need! I mix 1c. salt with 1 1/2c. warm water & about a tablespoon of oil. You don't have to add the oil, but it does make a big difference in how easy the dough is to work with.  I let that sit for a few minutes for the salt to begin to dissolve. If you would like to make your dough colored... now is the time to add the color. I will let you know, that it takes A LOT of food coloring at this point to get the dough any TRUE color. I recommend painting them after you are done instead. But never the less I have done it both ways, to each their own! In another bowl I put 4c. of flour & then add the salt mixture to that. Mix well, put your hands in it & knead it...if it's too sticky, add some more flour... if it's too dry & crumbly, add some more water (little at at time)

Now you're ready to rock & roll! At this point you can either hand if off to the kids to play with, along with some cookie cutters; Or, you can make your own ornaments! I can play with this stuff for hours! As always, your imagination is the limit. Just remember the thicker you make the ornament, the longer it will take to dry! So, if time is a factor at this point (3 days before Christmas!) then you should probably consider making snowflakes rather than snowmen!!! Once you have finished your design you can put them in the oven on a cookie tray at 200*. This process can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. When they are done you can paint them & then either apply a layer of white glue or clear paint to help protect them!

Another version of this dough is to add spices. Like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, etc. This makes the dough smell amazing.... but it also colors the dough brown. I love to make my "Gingerbread People" ornaments out of this or a "stamped"/"mold" ornament. You can use anything as a stamp! If you like the design, stamp your ornament with it!

I have more projects to complete today-- I better get to it so I can share them all with you!

A few quick deals! Hurry while they're HOT!

So, this deal is not Christmas related in anyway... however, I ALWAYS need printer ink! I swear there are little elves in my printer that drink that stuff! I did recently switch to a Kodak printer & that has made somewhat of a difference! And the ink is a lot cheaper. Any who... right now you can get 27% cash back at 4Inkjets, when you shop through your Ebates! I get ink dirt cheap this way!

And speaking of Ebates... have you signed up yet??? Well, I know you haven't! We've had about 6 people sign up, but only one person has made a qualifying purchase! This means that I will not be able to do the money giveaway! BOO! I'm not giving up hope yet though! We have until December 30th to make a qualifying purchase with through your Ebates account! We only need 9 more people in order to meet the first money benchmark & for me to GIVE YOU MONEY! So, when you open up those gift cards this Christmas... take advantage of all the after Christmas sales online & get PAID!

Children's Place is offering an extra 30% off with the code JOLLY or SANTA! Use your Ebates for 2.5% cash back! Or print this coupon to get the discount in store. Also, if you got any CP cash earlier this month, now is redemption time!

I will be the first to admit, I really hate shopping at WalMart... but sometimes, ya just gotta. Well, right now there are offering expediated in-store pick up! This is awesome because, you can shop online, get your 2% cash back through Ebates, NOT have to pay shipping or fight too much of the crowd, just go & pick it up! You must place your order by 6pm!

The stores listed below are also offering the in-store pick up option....and cash back! Hehehe...

One of my favs...GROUPON is offering $20 Old Navy gift cards for $10! Get it now for those after Christmas Sales! Of course... use your Ebates to get 3% off your GROUPON purchase!

Christmas deals from the "Up & Coming"...Local Artists & Small Businesses

I love when I am able to support local artists & smaller businesses-- or as I like to call them, the "Up & Coming"! I wanted to share with you some of my favorites! Giving a gift that is an original & one of a kind, makes it that much more special! If you still have someone special on your list to shop for, I'm sure you can find something amazing with these folks...or maybe a Christmas present for yourself!

Captive Glass

Ruby Marble Bowl

Red & Gray Cane Bottle

Captive Glass is based out of Richmond, and specializes in "production vessels & custom furnace blown glass." You won't find a more unique Christmas gift, than one of these pieces of beautiful glass. Become a "fan" and receive $10 off per piece during the month of December. For more information, you can find artist, Matthew Athayde, here!



For The Love of Pearls

If you are looking for an affordable & stunning piece of jewelry for someone for Christmas, you have to check out For The Love of Pearls! As Courtney will tell you, "These are not your Grandmother's pearls!" She offers customizable pieces in pearls & semi-precious stones. She is offering 20% off your purchase through the month of December! Just tell her I sent you!

JillianReneDecor

JRD offers a beautiful array of home decor pieces, including "original wire woven button designs, sculptural flowers and decorative pillows." If you are looking for a fresh & fun, one of a kind design, visit Jillian here! As a thank you for supporting local independent artists, Jillian will offer 10% off with the coupon code LOCALART2011, through the end of the month!

 

Photography by SMC

Have a special event coming up? If you are looking for a passionate & fun photographer, look no further! Sarah is a local photographer that servers the Richmond & Williamsburg areas. She specializes in weddings, couples, families, maternity, newborns, pets, and digital painting. To say thank you for keeping it local, she will give you a FREE 5x7 of your choice, with any session booked by 12/25/11 (session does not need to be redeemed by that date).  Visit her here, to schedule your session today!

  

Abe's Market

 I call Abe's a "conglomerate" market... meaning it's a whole buncha stores in one! They are a collection of small businesses & independent merchants that offer amazing natural & organic products! I use them to purchase a lot of supplies for my projects; like essential oils, carrier oils, and my soap nuts! They have given me a coupon to share with all of you! Use the code BUYERTHANKS to receive $10 off of $30 until Dec. 19th! They are also offering FREE shipping through the rest of the year! Try them out, I know you will find something you love!

CCSG

Have a music lover on your Christmas list? Check out this awesome group. Connor Christian & Southern Gothic hail from Atlanta, Ga. This Southern Rock Band is a must for your playlist. You can listen to them here! Then pick up the new album & take a look at their tour schedule, to see when you can catch them live!