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Memory Keeper

Every family has a memory keeper aka scrapbooker.  Growing up my mom was the memory keeper out of her siblings.  She was always the one with the camera in her hand snapping candids at family dinners and holiday parties.  Then she would develop those pictures and put them in scrapbooks with each page custom decorated with stickers and cute little paper creations she’d either found or made herself.
Well, I guess the torch of memory keeper has been passed down to me because I’m now the one who’s always behind the camera snapping pictures to store in scrapbooks.  And thanks to My Memories Suite, I don’t have to spend hours or hundreds of dollars hunting down scrapbooking accessories and stationery.  Instead, I can create, decorate and print out custom pages from the comforts of my couch.  They have lots of templates to choose from like this one
This digital scrapbooking software gives you unlimited possibilities.  The best part besides being inexpensive is that you can also use it create birthday flyers, holiday cards, family newsletter and more.  You can choose your background, upload images, add text and much more.  In fact, I’m already working on creating a family Christmas card. (Yes, I’m that person.)  What do you think?
Pretty good huh?  I’m thinking that I’ll be tackling invitations for Moo’s birthday party next.  Overall, My Memories Suite is easy to buy, easy to download and easy use.  And guess what? One of you lucky memory keepers will get the chance to see just easy this amazing scrapbook software really is.
Yep, you can win your own FREE download of My Memories Suite by using giveaway form below.  Good luck.  Winner will be announced on Nov 9th!!  Meanwhile, you can stay updated on all their latest news by checking out their blog.
RafflecopterSettings = { raffleID: ‘OTQ4ZDQ5NWI1ZjhjM2RhM2EwMTBiNWM4ZjNkZTAwOjI=’ }; https://rafflecopter.ssl.dotcloud.com/static/js/widget/rafl-widget.js<a href=”http://rafl.es/enable-js”>You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored My Memories.  However, all opinions stated above are my own.

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Memory Keeper

Every family has a memory keeper aka scrapbooker.  Growing up my mom was the memory keeper out of her siblings.  She was always the one with the camera in her hand snapping candids at family dinners and holiday parties.  Then she would develop those pictures and put them in scrapbooks with each page custom decorated with stickers and cute little paper creations she’d either found or made herself.
Well, I guess the torch of memory keeper has been passed down to me because I’m now the one who’s always behind the camera snapping pictures to store in scrapbooks.  And thanks to My Memories Suite, I don’t have to spend hours or hundreds of dollars hunting down scrapbooking accessories and stationery.  Instead, I can create, decorate and print out custom pages from the comforts of my couch.  They have lots of templates to choose from like this one
This digital scrapbooking software gives you unlimited possibilities.  The best part besides being inexpensive is that you can also use it create birthday flyers, holiday cards, family newsletter and more.  You can choose your background, upload images, add text and much more.  In fact, I’m already working on creating a family Christmas card. (Yes, I’m that person.)  What do you think?
Pretty good huh?  I’m thinking that I’ll be tackling invitations for Moo’s birthday party next.  Overall, My Memories Suite is easy to buy, easy to download and easy use.  And guess what? One of you lucky memory keepers will get the chance to see just easy this amazing scrapbook software really is.
Yep, you can win your own FREE download of My Memories Suite by using giveaway form below.  Good luck.  Winner will be announced on Nov 9th!!  Meanwhile, you can stay updated on all their latest news by checking out their blog.
RafflecopterSettings = { raffleID: ‘OTQ4ZDQ5NWI1ZjhjM2RhM2EwMTBiNWM4ZjNkZTAwOjI=’ }; https://rafflecopter.ssl.dotcloud.com/static/js/widget/rafl-widget.js<a href=”http://rafl.es/enable-js”>You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored My Memories.  However, all opinions stated above are my own.

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Romance Wednesday: Getting Pampered

Sometimes the stress and pressures of being a mommy to two busy bees, a wife, brand builder and all the other hats I wear takes a toll on me.  It’s hard to feel romantic and sexy when I’m running off of five hours of sleep or less.  I’m not even really talking about being sexy and romantic for my husband, but just being able to feel that way about myself personally.
I’m firm believer in the logic that before I can expect someone else to feel or think a certain way about me, I need to feel that same way about myself first.  It’s all the energy I give off.  And I need that energy to be real and natural not fake or forced.  This is why I enjoy indulging in the simple pleasures of life when I feel like my self morale is going down.
I don’t know about you but I need that ‘pick me up’ from time to time.  Lately, my favorite morale booster has been pampering myself.  I take great pride in my skincare and love trying out new products.  As a fan of EdenFantasys for over a year now, I’ve discovered that they have some really great bath and skincare products.  Most recently I decided to try out a few items from their Dona by Jo Collection.
Let me just say that if you enjoy products with mostly 0r 100% all natural ingredients, then this is the collection for you.  Anyways, here are some of the goodies I ordered:
Dona Body Polish (Mangosteen)
I like the term body polish as opposed to body scrub.  Sounds more luxurious and spa like.  The combination of sea salt, natural oils mixed with shaved chunks of passion and mangosteen fruit exfoliates the skin without making it feel like I’m being rubbed raw.  And the smell is so exotic! I love it!  The oils also work to make sure your skin isn’t drying out from the combination of the exfoliation and the water.
Dona Body Wash (Pomegranate)
Best lathering body wash I’ve ever used!  Trust me bar soap has nothing on this.  One pump goes a long way. Again the smell is heavenly and soothing.  Another thing I like about this body wash is that in addition to natural ingredients like pomegranate, green tea and goji, it also has benzyl alcohol.  Benzyl alcohol is often used products to help fight acne.  So, you’re not only giving your body wrinkle fighting antioxidants but helping to get rid of and potentially prevent body pimples in the process!
Dona Shave Gel (Acai)
Due to my sensitivity to shaving I’ve tried a lot of shaving creams and gels.  This makes my top 3 list! I have shaved twice with this stuff since I got it and no irritation or anything. No lie (in my Drake voice).  And it doesn’t leave you with that immediate dry and tight skin feeling that shaving can give you.
Dona Massage Oil (Acai)
This is the last product I put on.  My skin is very dry so traditional lotions don’t work for me. I have to use oil or petroleum based products to make sure my skin stays hydrated and I don’t end up spots of ashy skin before noon.  The massage oil works really and so far the only places I’ve had to touch up during the day have been my legs and my feet if I’m wearing sandals the rub a lot.  And not to sound like a broken record, the smell is nice.
Overall, I’m very happy that I took a chance and ordered these products as a gift to myself.  It’s not often that I spend money on myself.  You know that mommy/wife guilt kicks in sometimes.  Thankfully, I was able to push it to the back of my mind.  When emerge from my spa (ok bathroom), I feel do feel refreshed, sexy and more romantic about myself.
So, to all you other moms, wives, girlfriends and even single ladies, take the time to pamper yourself for you!   Guilt be damned, we’re worth it!
Do you pamper yourself?  What are some of your favorite products to use?
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  I sincerely enjoy trying out products from EdenFantasys!

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Romance Wednesday: Getting Pampered

Sometimes the stress and pressures of being a mommy to two busy bees, a wife, brand builder and all the other hats I wear takes a toll on me.  It’s hard to feel romantic and sexy when I’m running off of five hours of sleep or less.  I’m not even really talking about being sexy and romantic for my husband, but just being able to feel that way about myself personally.
I’m firm believer in the logic that before I can expect someone else to feel or think a certain way about me, I need to feel that same way about myself first.  It’s all the energy I give off.  And I need that energy to be real and natural not fake or forced.  This is why I enjoy indulging in the simple pleasures of life when I feel like my self morale is going down.
I don’t know about you but I need that ‘pick me up’ from time to time.  Lately, my favorite morale booster has been pampering myself.  I take great pride in my skincare and love trying out new products.  As a fan of EdenFantasys for over a year now, I’ve discovered that they have some really great bath and skincare products.  Most recently I decided to try out a few items from their Dona by Jo Collection.
Let me just say that if you enjoy products with mostly 0r 100% all natural ingredients, then this is the collection for you.  Anyways, here are some of the goodies I ordered:
Dona Body Polish (Mangosteen)
I like the term body polish as opposed to body scrub.  Sounds more luxurious and spa like.  The combination of sea salt, natural oils mixed with shaved chunks of passion and mangosteen fruit exfoliates the skin without making it feel like I’m being rubbed raw.  And the smell is so exotic! I love it!  The oils also work to make sure your skin isn’t drying out from the combination of the exfoliation and the water.
Dona Body Wash (Pomegranate)
Best lathering body wash I’ve ever used!  Trust me bar soap has nothing on this.  One pump goes a long way. Again the smell is heavenly and soothing.  Another thing I like about this body wash is that in addition to natural ingredients like pomegranate, green tea and goji, it also has benzyl alcohol.  Benzyl alcohol is often used products to help fight acne.  So, you’re not only giving your body wrinkle fighting antioxidants but helping to get rid of and potentially prevent body pimples in the process!
Dona Shave Gel (Acai)
Due to my sensitivity to shaving I’ve tried a lot of shaving creams and gels.  This makes my top 3 list! I have shaved twice with this stuff since I got it and no irritation or anything. No lie (in my Drake voice).  And it doesn’t leave you with that immediate dry and tight skin feeling that shaving can give you.
Dona Massage Oil (Acai)
This is the last product I put on.  My skin is very dry so traditional lotions don’t work for me. I have to use oil or petroleum based products to make sure my skin stays hydrated and I don’t end up spots of ashy skin before noon.  The massage oil works really and so far the only places I’ve had to touch up during the day have been my legs and my feet if I’m wearing sandals the rub a lot.  And not to sound like a broken record, the smell is nice.
Overall, I’m very happy that I took a chance and ordered these products as a gift to myself.  It’s not often that I spend money on myself.  You know that mommy/wife guilt kicks in sometimes.  Thankfully, I was able to push it to the back of my mind.  When emerge from my spa (ok bathroom), I feel do feel refreshed, sexy and more romantic about myself.
So, to all you other moms, wives, girlfriends and even single ladies, take the time to pamper yourself for you!   Guilt be damned, we’re worth it!
Do you pamper yourself?  What are some of your favorite products to use?
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  I sincerely enjoy trying out products from EdenFantasys!

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Fun Unique Riches

A few weeks ago, I won a giveaway over on Harlem Love Birds.  I was surprised that I won because when it comes to giveaways, I usually go through a dry spell for a while and then a winning spell.  I guess I’m back on the winning side.  Hmm… maybe, I should have played the lottery too.
Anyways, the giveaway was sponsored by the online boutique Fun Unique Riches owned by Unique Figueroa.  She creates arm candy for children of both genders.  And since most of her bracelets are spiral bracelets, they can be worn by adults if too. Not going to lie, I did sport Moo’s bracelet once.
Speaking of Moo’s bracelet, I let her pick it our herself from the website.  She choose to go with the Jewels for $5 in purple.  I know it was the little candy style jewels that made her choose this one.  To say that my child likes candy is an understatement. LOL.

Isn’t it pretty?!
Compared to other accessories boutiques I’ve seen, Fun Unique Riches is reasonably priced.  I know that sometimes you have to pay for quality.  However, some of these boutique owners forget that we have the internet and can price their materials.  But this is not the case with Fun Unique Riches.  And I will be ordering from her again.
So, if you’re in the market for some arm candy for your daughter or son or yourself if you have small wrists like me check out her boutique.  You can also follow her on Instagram at fununiqueriches!
Disclaimer:  This is not a sponsored post!  I simply loved the bracelet we received and the work and prices listed on her website and wanted to share.
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Fun Unique Riches

A few weeks ago, I won a giveaway over on Harlem Love Birds.  I was surprised that I won because when it comes to giveaways, I usually go through a dry spell for a while and then a winning spell.  I guess I’m back on the winning side.  Hmm… maybe, I should have played the lottery too.
Anyways, the giveaway was sponsored by the online boutique Fun Unique Riches owned by Unique Figueroa.  She creates arm candy for children of both genders.  And since most of her bracelets are spiral bracelets, they can be worn by adults if too. Not going to lie, I did sport Moo’s bracelet once.
Speaking of Moo’s bracelet, I let her pick it our herself from the website.  She choose to go with the Jewels for $5 in purple.  I know it was the little candy style jewels that made her choose this one.  To say that my child likes candy is an understatement. LOL.

Isn’t it pretty?!
Compared to other accessories boutiques I’ve seen, Fun Unique Riches is reasonably priced.  I know that sometimes you have to pay for quality.  However, some of these boutique owners forget that we have the internet and can price their materials.  But this is not the case with Fun Unique Riches.  And I will be ordering from her again.
So, if you’re in the market for some arm candy for your daughter or son or yourself if you have small wrists like me check out her boutique.  You can also follow her on Instagram at fununiqueriches!
Disclaimer:  This is not a sponsored post!  I simply loved the bracelet we received and the work and prices listed on her website and wanted to share.
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Getting The Soft Touch With Palmolive® soft touch™

Growing up one of my least favorite chores was washing the dishes.  While most teenage girls were into caking on makeup, I was all about caking on nail polishing and adorning my fingers with as many rings as possible since my mom didn’t allow us to wear makeup with the exception of special occasions.  If you know anything about having to wash dishes by hand, you know it can really take a toll on your hands.  I’m talking about chipped manicures and over dried skin.  Not a good look or feel at all.
Fast forward to the present and I’m back to washing dishes by hand because our current place doesn’t have a dishwasher.  And with two kids and a husband that likes to drink out of a new glass with every refill, my sink fills up fast.  So, I’m roughly washing dishes two to four times a day!  And I’ve tried gloves but they make hands sweat and I’ve broken my share of glasses because wet gloves make for a slippery grasp.  What’s a woman to do y’all?
Cue my friends at Influenster.  They me two bottles of the new Palmolive® soft touc™h dish detergents-Vitamin E and Coconut Butter- to try out.  Let me say that before trying Palmolive® soft touch™, I was a tried and true Dawn user.  That was the only detergent my mom trusted in our household as kids.  But let me tell y’all, after using the Vitamin E formula the YUMMommy household might be making the switch to Palmolive® for real!
Seriously, my hands have never felt softer and not overly dried out after washing dishes.  Plus, it’s just as effective as Dawn at cutting through grease and grime and the scents are divine.  Now I know why their slogan is “Tough on Grease, Soft on Hands.”  I’m truly loving the fact that I paint my nails and not have to worry about my polish chipping the same day.  This dishwasher has definitely been made a fan of Palmolive® soft touch™ and will be heading to Walmart to pick up some more bottles!  I do recommend that if you haven’t tried Palmolive® soft touch yet, that you buy a bottle and see how it compares to your current brand.
What is your favorite brand of dish detergent to use?
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Getting The Soft Touch With Palmolive® soft touch™

Growing up one of my least favorite chores was washing the dishes.  While most teenage girls were into caking on makeup, I was all about caking on nail polishing and adorning my fingers with as many rings as possible since my mom didn’t allow us to wear makeup with the exception of special occasions.  If you know anything about having to wash dishes by hand, you know it can really take a toll on your hands.  I’m talking about chipped manicures and over dried skin.  Not a good look or feel at all.
Fast forward to the present and I’m back to washing dishes by hand because our current place doesn’t have a dishwasher.  And with two kids and a husband that likes to drink out of a new glass with every refill, my sink fills up fast.  So, I’m roughly washing dishes two to four times a day!  And I’ve tried gloves but they make hands sweat and I’ve broken my share of glasses because wet gloves make for a slippery grasp.  What’s a woman to do y’all?
Cue my friends at Influenster.  They me two bottles of the new Palmolive® soft touc™h dish detergents-Vitamin E and Coconut Butter- to try out.  Let me say that before trying Palmolive® soft touch™, I was a tried and true Dawn user.  That was the only detergent my mom trusted in our household as kids.  But let me tell y’all, after using the Vitamin E formula the YUMMommy household might be making the switch to Palmolive® for real!
Seriously, my hands have never felt softer and not overly dried out after washing dishes.  Plus, it’s just as effective as Dawn at cutting through grease and grime and the scents are divine.  Now I know why their slogan is “Tough on Grease, Soft on Hands.”  I’m truly loving the fact that I paint my nails and not have to worry about my polish chipping the same day.  This dishwasher has definitely been made a fan of Palmolive® soft touch™ and will be heading to Walmart to pick up some more bottles!  I do recommend that if you haven’t tried Palmolive® soft touch yet, that you buy a bottle and see how it compares to your current brand.
What is your favorite brand of dish detergent to use?
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5 Reasons Why We Love Real Kids Shades

Disclaimer:  We were provided two pairs of shades to facilitate this review.   All opinions expressed below are 100% our (me & Moo) own!
When it comes to my kids there’s nothing I’m more protective of than their health- physically, mentally and emotionally.  Part of making sure they’re healthy physically is making sure I’m protecting their eyes.  While I’m not an expert, I know the importance of protecting ones eyes.  I had an infection that could have left me blind as a baby, I’ve worn glasses since I was a toddler and my eyes are sensitive to light.
Thankfully, Moo and JJ have been blessed not to have nay eyes issues.  A recent trip to the doctor revealed that Moo has 20/20 vision.  Since we spend a lot of time outside on sunny days, Real Kids Shades (RKS) sent her one pair of their 3-7 year olds Hot Pink Flex shades and one pair of Pink/Purple Flex Duo shades for 3-7 year olds.  Parents these are the real deal, not some toy shades from the neighborhood dollar store.  What to like about RKS shades?

They each came with these durable little pouches
1-Doctor Recommended: With 6 US Patents and 2 Australian Patents, US Food & Drug Administration approval for protecting kids’ eyes from UV-A and UV-B rays, CPSIA compliance and shatterproof, impact-resistant lenses many opticians recommend RKS shades for kids 12 and under.  Most RKS frames can be fitted with prescription lenses.
2-Durable But Comfy:  The lenses are made of a shatterproof and impact-resistant polycarbonate.  And trust me, Moo has put them to the test.  They’ve been dropped, stepped on and even left in a buggy for over 45 minutes in 100 degree heat in the almost three months she’s been wearing them! (Yes, we wanted to test them out for a while to make sure they would last & they have.)   As for the comfy part Moo says “these don’t hurt the back of my ears!”  Regular shades have arms that are hard and can irritate the crease where the ears connect with the head.  RKS shades have sturdy but soft and flexible arms.
3-Stylish:  Moo gave her new shades two thumbs up.  She’s very opinionated about what clothes and accessories she wears now days.  For me the shades are perfect for a child a her age.  
4-Affordable:  When I add up all the toy/cheap shades the Mr and I have purchased in the last two years for Moo, we could have gotten three pairs of shades from RKS.  At the end of the day these shades will grow with her and last until she’s at least 7.  And $14.99 is not a lot of money at all for all for you’re getting with RKS- shatterproof lenses, 100% UV-A and UV-B protection, and kid friendly frames.
5-Partnerships:  RKS has partnered with organizations like Prevent Blindness America and Melanoma International Foundation.  They work with PBA to increase awareness about the importance of protecting our children’s eyes from damage caused by UV rays.  I don’t know about you, but it gives me comfort knowing refutable organizations back up brands that my family and I use.
To learn more about Real Kids Shades you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  I encourage you to not just take our word for it, but to invest in a pair of RKS shades for your kid and see for yourself how they stack up to other kids brands.  I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.  Like I said, Moo’s been wearing these shades all over for a few months and they’ve lasted longer than most of her previous shades.  $14.99 is a small price to pay when it comes to protecting your child’s vision, don’t you think?
How do you protect your child(ren)’s eyes year round?
Posted on Leave a comment

5 Reasons Why We Love Real Kids Shades

Disclaimer:  We were provided two pairs of shades to facilitate this review.   All opinions expressed below are 100% our (me & Moo) own!
When it comes to my kids there’s nothing I’m more protective of than their health- physically, mentally and emotionally.  Part of making sure they’re healthy physically is making sure I’m protecting their eyes.  While I’m not an expert, I know the importance of protecting ones eyes.  I had an infection that could have left me blind as a baby, I’ve worn glasses since I was a toddler and my eyes are sensitive to light.
Thankfully, Moo and JJ have been blessed not to have nay eyes issues.  A recent trip to the doctor revealed that Moo has 20/20 vision.  Since we spend a lot of time outside on sunny days, Real Kids Shades (RKS) sent her one pair of their 3-7 year olds Hot Pink Flex shades and one pair of Pink/Purple Flex Duo shades for 3-7 year olds.  Parents these are the real deal, not some toy shades from the neighborhood dollar store.  What to like about RKS shades?

They each came with these durable little pouches
1-Doctor Recommended: With 6 US Patents and 2 Australian Patents, US Food & Drug Administration approval for protecting kids’ eyes from UV-A and UV-B rays, CPSIA compliance and shatterproof, impact-resistant lenses many opticians recommend RKS shades for kids 12 and under.  Most RKS frames can be fitted with prescription lenses.
2-Durable But Comfy:  The lenses are made of a shatterproof and impact-resistant polycarbonate.  And trust me, Moo has put them to the test.  They’ve been dropped, stepped on and even left in a buggy for over 45 minutes in 100 degree heat in the almost three months she’s been wearing them! (Yes, we wanted to test them out for a while to make sure they would last & they have.)   As for the comfy part Moo says “these don’t hurt the back of my ears!”  Regular shades have arms that are hard and can irritate the crease where the ears connect with the head.  RKS shades have sturdy but soft and flexible arms.
3-Stylish:  Moo gave her new shades two thumbs up.  She’s very opinionated about what clothes and accessories she wears now days.  For me the shades are perfect for a child a her age.  
4-Affordable:  When I add up all the toy/cheap shades the Mr and I have purchased in the last two years for Moo, we could have gotten three pairs of shades from RKS.  At the end of the day these shades will grow with her and last until she’s at least 7.  And $14.99 is not a lot of money at all for all for you’re getting with RKS- shatterproof lenses, 100% UV-A and UV-B protection, and kid friendly frames.
5-Partnerships:  RKS has partnered with organizations like Prevent Blindness America and Melanoma International Foundation.  They work with PBA to increase awareness about the importance of protecting our children’s eyes from damage caused by UV rays.  I don’t know about you, but it gives me comfort knowing refutable organizations back up brands that my family and I use.
To learn more about Real Kids Shades you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  I encourage you to not just take our word for it, but to invest in a pair of RKS shades for your kid and see for yourself how they stack up to other kids brands.  I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.  Like I said, Moo’s been wearing these shades all over for a few months and they’ve lasted longer than most of her previous shades.  $14.99 is a small price to pay when it comes to protecting your child’s vision, don’t you think?
How do you protect your child(ren)’s eyes year round?