Youth Express Eye Serum from InstaNatural

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from InstaNatural via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

I have been noticing something different when I have my picture taken lately...my eyes. They always had what I called "smile lines" underneath (my mom always told me I smiled with my eyes too, which meant that it was sincere). But now they're more like "smile puffs" since I've hit the big 'ole 33. As if I wasn't a fan of having my picture taken in the first place. 

So what's a girl to do aside from dodge every oncoming camera shot she can see coming her way? 

 " Our serum contains an advanced Peptide Complex - along with Plant Stem Cells, Matrixyl 3000, Astaxanthin, Kojic Acid, Caffeine, Passionflower, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamins C and E - which help to deliver exceptional results to the under eye area, resulting in a decreased appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles and puffiness."

I'll admit that I was taken aback by the orange serum at first, but after noticing it dried clear, I loved it! Why? Because with the orange hue, I could easily see if I was applying it evenly or not. Better yet though, I loved the results! Of course I still had a bit of a puff, but nowhere near what I had just 15 minutes earlier. 

Another aspect I love - it can be used morning and night! Perfect for when I happen to watch a sappy movie, which results in a full on ugly cry, which results in me waking up looking like I got punched in each eye. Now I can wake up looking "normal" (whatever that is), even after an ugly cry. 

The Youth Express Eye Serum is super easy to apply. Simply apply a small amount to your fingertips & gently press in a rolling motion, under each eye - starting at the inner corner & ending at the outer corner. That's it! 

InstaNatural offers a range of beauty products focused on using natural & organic ingredients.

All InstaNatural products come with a 100% LIFETIME SATISFACTION money back guarantee! Not to mention FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all orders over $25!  

Keep up with the latest from InstaNatural on Facebook, Twitter & Google+. 

Cellulite Cream, Age-Defying Moisturizer and Stretch Mark & Scar Cream from InstaNatural

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from InstaNatural via BrandBacker & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.


Do you ever get that feeling like a company made their products just for you?! That is how I feel about InstaNatural & this particular line-up of products. 

 It didn't take very long for all three of these products to make it into my daily routine! 

Be sure you rub this cream onto dry skin, twice a day, for optimum results.

Premium Enrichment Cellulite Cream


Made with a one-two punch of Caffeine (tones & tightens) & Retinol (repairs & restores), this thick cream seems to work wonders! All while thoroughly moisturizing with the light scent of Cocoa & Shea Butters.

  I've only been using this cream for a little over a week & can already see a difference. It's a subtle one, but it's definitely there. I can't wait to see what the long term use looks like! 

Be sure you rub this cream onto dry skin, twice a day, for optimum results.

Powerful & Nourishing Stretch Mark & Scar Cream

I have to say, that I somehow managed to never get a stretch mark until I had my third child. But I did manage to get plenty of scars from one thing or another, here & there. Which is why I was a bit excited to try this.

 Made with Cocoa Butter, Rosehip Oil, Mango Butter (all for nourishment & packed with antioxidants), Vitamin C, Grape Seed Oil & Evening Primrose Oil (for skin repair & moisturization), this cream has a soothing, light scent. Although I've only been using this for a short time, I have noticed a slight difference with my stretch marks & scars. But the most noticeable difference, is the suppleness of my skin! 

For normal to oily skin, use moisturizer after cleansing & toning, morning and night. For sensitive skin, use only at night.

Youth Express Age-Defying Moisturizer

Made with a combination of MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane, a naturally occurring compound found in all living creatures), Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Rosehip Oil, Cocoa Butter & Jojoba Oil, this moisturizer does just that. But far better than I've ever tried. 

The best part, aside from evening out your skin which leaves you with a flawless texture & tone, is the fact that you can use it anywhere. Although I do use this particular moisturizer as a facial moisturizer 98% of the time, I also use it where I have those rough dry patches that winter brings me every year. Making this quite the multi-purpose moisturizer! 


InstaNatural offers a range of beauty products focused on using natural & organic ingredients.

All InstaNatural products come with a 100% LIFETIME SATISFACTION money back guarantee! Not to mention FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all orders over $25!  

Keep up with the latest from InstaNatural on Facebook, Twitter & Google+.

Tasty Tuesday: Meatball Pizza

We're pretty big on pizza here, but honestly, I tend to get pretty bored with it really quick. So after a debate about what we were having for dinner one evening, either meatballs subs (my choice), or pizza (everyone else's choice), I decided to get a bit creative. After all, I was the one doing the cooking.

This Meatball Pizza definitely ranked high on the list of "most loved pizza's"! 

Ingredients:

• pizza crust

• pizza sauce

• cooked meatballs

• shredded mozzarella cheese

• garlic powder & other desired seasonings

Directions:

• Partially bake pizza crust if needed, before topping with pizza sauce, meatballs, shredded mozzarella cheese & seasonings.

• Bake in a 350º oven, until cheese is fully melted. 

 

Kodiak Cakes Giveaway Winners!

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Our winners have been chosen, congrats to Dianne H. & Sara S.!

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Musical Monday: Must Have Christmas Playlist

I'm usually not one for Christmas music, but this year I haven't been able to help myself. Of course that may be because I've discovered some of my favorite classic songs, sung with a modern twist. 

Without further ado...

• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, She & Him
• You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, VersaEmerge
• Merry Christmas Darling, Christina Perri
• Baby It's Cold Outside, Idina Menzel & Michael Bublé 

Along with anything by Michael Bublé & Pentatonix! 

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is by far my favorite, but Mary, Did You Know? & Little Drummer Boy are both close seconds. 

What are your favorite Christmas songs to listen to?

Kodiak Cakes & a FLASH Giveaway!

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Kodiak Cakes & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.
 

Pancakes are always a favorite breakfast in this house. But what's usually not a favorite, are the instant pancake mixes. Sure they're super convenient, but the taste is always a bit off. Which makes me glad to say, that I've found an instant pancake mix, that not only tastes great, but it actually tastes homemade! 

No added fat, sugar or cholesterol?! Yes, please!

It all started with the Frontier Flapjack and Waffle Mix! Based on an old family recipe, it contains 100% whole grain wheat flour, 100% whole grain oat flour, non-fat dry milk, dried honey, leavening, egg whites & sea salt. Pretty simple. And to keep with the simplicity, you just add water to get light, fluffy, might as well pulled all the ingredients out of the cupboard yourself, pancakes. 

Look at how fluffy those pancakes are!

The Buttermilk & Honey Flapjack & Waffle Mix contains the same grains and honey as the original flapjack mix, but is made with non-fat sweet cream buttermilk with a hint of vanilla, making it a favorite in no time! Actually, they were both so could, that I couldn't even choose which one I liked better. Although I'll assume that one may make for a better tasting waffle (because that's usually how it it), but my waffle maker & I haven't been on speaking terms for a while now. (It's not me, it's the waffle maker.)

No boring muffin flavors here!

Ok, so we all have those morning where we sleep late or the kids just don't cooperate, making the morning a mad rush. I despise those mornings, but they seem to happen all the time. But then I get that pang of guilt, grabbing a toaster pastry or some other convenience food, for my kids to inhale before rushing out the door. The solution: Minute Muffins. 

Paige enjoying a Minute Muffin on a rushed morning, most likely about 10 minutes before the bus comes.

Minute Muffins are an all-natural muffin mix served in a convenient, microwavable cup. Simply add water & microwave for one minute. That's it! Packed with fiber, protein, and whole grain, these  really give you the energy you need first thing in the morning all while tasting good too. And don't forget, they only take one minute to make! 

Two lucky winners will each receive, two coupons for a FREE box of Kodiak Cakes Frontier Flapjack & Waffle Mix! (exp/ 12/31/14 - value of $6 each)

The giveaway will conclude on at 12:00 a.m. est on Friday 12/26/14. Winners will be announced via rafflecopter & in a separate blog post which will be published no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday 12/26/14. Winners will also be notified via email & announced on the Smith and Blessings facebook page. Winners will have 24 hours to submit information for distribution of product. If 24 hours has lapsed, a new winner will be picked & then will also have 24 hours to submit their information.
 *Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

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Keep up with the latest from Kodiak Cakes on Facebook, Twitter, Intsagram, Pinterest & YouTube.  

The Manger Mouse Giveaway Winner!

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Our winner has been chosen, congrats to Linda B.! 

Give the Gift of Canon from Best Buy!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

I have been in the market for what I like to call, a "big girl" camera, for a while now. But I'll admit that once the megapixels & resolution numbers start flying, I'm lost. Which makes me super proud that I have decided on my own, which camera is the camera for me. 

The The Canon EOS Rebel T5i  is one of the best selling cameras on the market right now. Here's why - it comes with a 18-135mm IS STM Lens, 3" vari-angle touch screen, 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor & a DIGIC 5 image processor. Did you understand all of that? yea, me neither. But it basically means that this camera takes crystal clear photos (with face recognition, a major plus) super easily. (And that is exactly the kind of description I would give to the staff at Best Buy when I try to explain what it is I'm in the market for!)

But the major selling point for me is the fact that it also takes Hollywood quality HD video with continuous auto focus. So not only could I get some amazing action shots while the kids are playing in a soccer game, but I could also take great videos when I know it's going to be a game of the season! SCORE! 

And right now, you can score the Canon EOS Rebel T5i for just $899.99 at Best Buy! That means you SAVE $150 off the regular price! You even get a Lowepro - Trax 170 black camera bag and a PNY - Pro Elite 16GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 memory card. (Sale ends 12/20/14.) 

Be sure you check out all the amazing features this camera has & then run out & pick one up for that special photog (or wannabe photog like me) just in time for Christmas morning. 

Simple Sunday: If You Give a Girl a Rock Wall...

If you give a girl a rock wall, she will climb it! This was taken at the HOF4x4 Christmas party, where they just so happened to have a huge rock wall. Paige made it all the way to the top in no time at all, twice! Damien, he started & before I could get a picture, decided he was done. And then there was Hayden, who quickly realized that the girl was helping her "climb" so she decided to just dangle & say "more please".

The Mists of Time by Delia J. Colvin & a Giveaway!

NEW RELEASE.....

Book 4 of bestselling Oracles Series, The Mists of Time

The saga continues....

It began with a love more powerful than death. In modern day Manhattan, handsome Alex Morgan’s love for his soul mate, Valeria was both legend and tragic. Until, after 3000 years, they were finally able to destroy their ancient enemies—or so they believed. But on Christmas Eve, a decisive flash of lightning, opens a window in time and their future is changed forever...

In search for answers to their missing friends, Paolo Carrara leads them into the Underworld. And with one fateful step, Alex disappears into the past, igniting hidden passions, betrayals and a possible end to the people that Valeria loves most—including Alex.

To save her husband and friends, Valeria must travel to ancient Greece, praying that she can save him and the others, as the life that they knew vanishes into the mists of time…

"The Oracles does for Greek Mythology what Outlander does for the Klans of the Scottish Highlands!"

THE ORACLES

A love more enduring than life...than death...than destiny.

Available to buy from...
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk

 "The Oracles does for Greek Mythology what Outlander does for the Klans of the Scottish Highlands!"

 "An edge of the seat read," Beck Valley Books 

"Love, love, love this series!" 

Ready for a sneak preview??

Click to enjoy

From Trilogy to Series: The Oracles

The Sibylline Oracle Book 1

Can love defy time? 

When she's rescued by handsome Alex Morgan, Valeria thinks she's found her happy ending. But Alex knows the terrifying truth...time is running out! And unless they can discover the source of an ancient curse, fate will take her life...again. Greek Mythology and modern romance intertwine in this addictive trilogy.

THE SIBYLLINE TRILOGY - a love more enduring than life...than death...than destiny.

The Symbolon Book 2

Can love defy fate? 

The Symbolon, is the passionate second novel of The Sibylline Trilogy that weaves Greek mythology with a modern tale of eternal love! For 3000 years, Alex has dreamed of a life with his symbolon, his mortal soul mate. But when they approach the ancient council of immortals for approval of their marriage, they discover that sinister forces object to their union. Soon, they are faced with terrifying threats, including a devastating separation that neither may survive.

THE SIBYLLINE TRILOGY - a love more enduring than life...than death...than destiny.

The Last Oracle Book 3

Can love defy death itself? 

The Last Oracle is the final book in The Sibylline Trilogy, weaving Greek mythology with a modern tale of eternal love.

As Alex and Valeria's wedding draws near, their secret plans are discovered, and now no one is safe!

To triumph over the dark forces that threaten their existence, they must risk returning to the Underworld. Hidden in a secret chamber along the river Styx is the first oracle, Myrdd, whose jumbled mind holds the key to their survival. But Myrdd's solution forces Alex and Valeria to confront death, for a chance to change their fate!

THE SIBYLLINE TRILOGY - a love more enduring than life...than death...than destiny.

About the Author

Delia J. Colvin is the International Bestselling author of The Sibylline Trilogy. She authors a popular blog and is listed as a contributor in two business books. She has worked in a variety of occupations from marketing to entrepreneur, Air Traffic Controller and Russian Interpreter. But her passion is in writing and helping people. Delia has donated both time and money to literacy programs around the country.

PERSONAL NOTE From the Author: As much as I enjoy writing, I love hearing from readers even more! It would mean the world to me if you would take a moment to send me an email and say hi. I personally answer all of my emails. Email me at DeliaJColvin@gmail.com

Find the Author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Google+   Goodreads   YouTube

Follow the tour

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

2 Winners each win a $20 Amazon.com Giftcard or Paypal Cash
(winners choice)
Open Worldwide

Ending on Friday 19th December at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
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Beautiful Incentives: Giant Microbes Giveaway!

Brie, from Beautiful Incentives, has done it again! And honestly, this giveaway couldn't have come at a better time. The hubs is on the verge of pneumonia, the kids have snotty noses, grandpa just got over the flu & just about everyone I know has dealt with some kind of sickness in the past week alone! Which basically means that I'm ecstatic to participate in this awesome giveaway (& get some great ideas for Christmas gifts while I'm at it).

It's about that time again when everyone goes back to school or their jobs, or they're around a ton of people during the holidays. The time when people get a little too close for comfort. The germs are a flying and it's a crap shoot where they'll land, but your chances of getting sick are much higher when you don't wash your hands, you can be sure.

Introducing Giant Microbes! The cute, cuddly versions of gross bacteria and germs. These are hard to stay away from and can serve as daily reminders to keep clean and avoid the real things. Especially great for children. It's a fun way to teach them to stay clean and have fun doing it!  

See the full review by Beautiful Incentives.

The lovely people at GiantMicrobes are here to offer you what I call the "Stay Well" collection! Enter the Rafflecopter below to be the lucky winner who will win 3 plushies & and a handwash dispenser! Good Luck and Happy Sick-Free Holidays! 

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This giveaway and review is in accordance with FCC guidelines. Beautiful Incentives and all bloggers promoting this are not responsible for fulfillment of prize. Open to US & Canada residents.

Snacktastic Saturday: Pumpkin Crunch

I know, I know. It's almost 2015 & I'm STILL eating pumpkin flavored foods. But I just can't help myself. The same can be said for my friends when I treated them to this delicious Pumpkin Crunch at an impromtu lunch date at my house. 

 

 

Ingredients:

 

• 1-15oz. can pumpkin puree

• 1 can evaporated milk

• 3 eggs

• 1C. sugar

• 1/2tsp. cinnamon

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• 1 1/2 stick margarine

• 1C. chopped walnuts or pecans

 

Directions: 

 

• Thoroughly mix together pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar & cinnamon in a large bowl with a mixer.

• Pour into a greased 9x13in. baking pan. 

• Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix over top of pumpkin mixture. 

• Melt the margarine & drizzle over the top of the cake mix. 

• Top with chopped walnuts or pecans & bake for 350º for 45-55 min.  

Fun Friday: Christmas Tree Toothpick Frills

I'm a firm believer in the saying "it's the little things that count". And, it doesn't get much littler than these Christmas Tree Toothpick Frills! But you should know, that they get BIG reactions - most notably when they're topping a double chocolate & caramel filled muffin for breakfast. 

These are super simple to make & just require some toothpicks, green construction paper or cardstock & Elmer's glue. 

• Cut a strip of your paper & then cut fringes in it. 

• Starting near the bottom of your toothpick, begin wrapping the paper around a couple of times before gluing it in place & cutting away the excess strip.

• Repeat for several layers, making sure that the last layer covers the top part of the toothpick. 

• Take another toothpick to carefully curl the ends up slightly.  

*Note: If you'd like, you can also add colored dots as ornaments, & two gold star stickers at the top of the tree (one on each side).

Think It Thursday: Birthdays & Holidays, Oh My!

This is my mantra this time of year. 

November 23rd starts the chaos of celebrations, the hubs birthday. Of course Thanksgiving is next, unless it's the year that it falls on his birthday (he was a turkey baby) & then followed by a nephew's birthday. 

December starts off with my youngest celebrating her birthday on the 9th, then Christmas in the blink of an eye & my youngest nephew celebrating the same milestone birthday as my youngest on the 27th (apparently he liked my due date better & vice versa).

After New Year's Eve & all the confetti comes all the pork & sauerkraut. Then a few days later, my hubs great grandma turns 25 for the millionth time (I've completely lost track of how old she actually is). My brothers birthday is on the 18th, which was my due date for my oldest, but she preferred to come the 24th instead. 

Don't forget to add in a few friends birthdays along with a few friends kids birthdays here & there too.  

Talk about a busy time of year! (Now I know how Santa feels.) 

 

The Manger Mouse & a Giveaway!

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Ambassador International & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

Every year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas day. And we often recount the story of Joseph & Mary, and their journey to the stable in Bethlehem where our Savior was born. But I can almost guarantee you, that you haven't heard this version before...

The Manger Mouse is a wonderful children's book centered around Matty, a meek stable mouse. Much like Mary, Matty is called upon to play an integral role for the arrival of our Savior. But just when he thinks he has fulfilled his duty, there comes a task that only he can do. 

Debbie Wall's illustrations are beautiful!

I have to say that this is the cutest version of this story that I have ever heard! Sarah Martin Byrd does an amazing job relating the events of Jesus' birth through the eyes of a stable mouse & his mother. And even though the other animals in the stable are only occasionally mentioned, the fact that they had names themselves seemed to thoroughly entertain my kids. 

Would you love a copy of The Manger Mouse for a special child in your life?

One lucky winner will receive a hardback copy of The Manger Mouse, by Sarah Martin Byrd.

The giveaway will conclude on at 12:00 a.m. est on Saturday 12/20/14. Winners will be announced via rafflecopter & in a separate blog post which will be published no later than 3:00 p.m. on Saturday 12/20/14. Winners will also be notified via email & announced on the Smith and Blessings facebook page. Winners will have 24 hours to submit information, which will then be passed on to Ambassador International for distribution of product. If 24 hours has lapsed, a new winner will be picked & then will also have 24 hours to submit their information. Smith and Blessings is not responsible for prize shipment.
 *Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

 

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