A look back at 2011

A look back at 2011.

I wasn’t able to blog for all of 2011. There were some deaths in my family that affected me fiercely.

My grandmother on my mom’s side passed away in February, 4 days after my daughters second Birthday. She was diagnosed with Brain Cancer in November 2010. The doctors gave her 6 months to 3 years, and she passed away in 3 months. She was my best friend, and I was sad to see her go. I am still halfway dealing with the grief of not seeing her everyday.

 
It has been a weird year without her making my kids smile and laugh, without her at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

But I know that she was an angel on Earth, so there is no doubt in my mind that she is watching over us..



I really wish I had this sweatshirt


and I am thinking about getting a tattoo like this one, although, mine will have the gray ribbon instead of pink. I have no tattoo’s, so this will be my first {If I get it}

If you aren’t sure about all the colors..


On the other hand, 2011 has brought me many loving memories with my kids and hubby. The kids are getting so big. I was looking at past pictures and I was astonished at how they looked at the beginning of  2011, to now.

{Then}
{Now}

Already I have gained more followers than I was thinking I would, so I am excited about what 2012 has to bring.

BloggyMoms Blog Prompt 1/1/12

BloggyMoms Sunday  January 1, 2012 Blog Dare

My Social Media Goals for 2012.

OK, for my stats right now- I am at

• 656 Blog Followers
• 1026 Twitter Followers
• 600 FB Followers
• 99 Networked Blog Followers
• 434 Google + Followers (personal page)
• 106 Google+ Followers (Blog Page)
• 48 on Klout
• 164 BlogFrog Community Followers
• 33 Bloglovin Followers
• 18 Feedburner Followers

So My goals are

• 2000 Blog Followers
• 2500 Twitter Followers
• 1500 FB Followers
• 500 Networked Blogs Followers
• 1500 Google+Followers
• 75 on Klout
• 500 Blog Community Followers
• 500 Bloglovin Followers
• 200 Feedburner Followers

I know I am shooting High here, but I want to make myself TRY as hard as possible to work my blog. As soon as I get high enough followers, I want to start my online shop. I didn’t want to have to try and network both, so I figured networking my blog and then showing my readers my work would be the best thing for me.

I have met some pretty awesome people blogging.

Thanks for being a follower, and I have much more in store for 2012.

Have a Happy 2012..

Jessica

New Year New You Blog Event ft. Perfectly Posh Business and Mohawk Home Rug

Hot for the Holidays*
I have had the opportunity to review Perfectly Posh Pampering Products. I don’t usually have the luxury of relaxing for more than 10 minutes at a time. Having two kids under 4 is stressful, exhausting, and I am on my feet all day nonstop. After reviewing Perfectly Poshs’ Pampering Pampering Products, I feel more relaxed, my skin feels more hydrated, and it feels amazing.
I had Adam watch the kids for me, so I could fill up the bathtub with the hottest water I could stand, drop in a bath bomb and relax for 30-45 minutes. I am usually stuck with taking 15 minute showers and hoping I have enough time to shave my legs before the kids come banging on the door. The Bath Bomb brought me some much needed bliss. They are amazing. You can either drop them in the water whole, or break them into pieces and use them like that. I received two bath bombs.
Whip Me Up

This is spicy and luxurious down to the very last bit. It creates a rich, foaming lather that conditions your skin and creates a frothy bath, and has a kick of sweet spicy chai.
Glittering Snowball Bombinator- VanillaMint

Vanilla with a hint of mint, gives off such a refreshing vibe. Amazing to your senses. Also leaves bathwater frothy and leaves skin soft and moisturized.
Feng Shoap

Feng Shoap
Shea butter and olive oil meet a powdery far-away fragrance and opulent lather for a cleansing experience that will blow your balanced mind. Triple-milled, exotic butter-based fine soap Chunk.
When taking a bath or shower, I usually use body wash because of my dry skin. Soaps usually dry my skin out more than usual. Not this soap. I loved it. It was so moisturizing and hydrating to the skin. It even lathers up so much that I even used it as a shaving cream when I didn’t know that I ran out.
And then to add to the beauty regimen:

• Tart Tootie- Sinful Skin lotion

Sweet but sassy…Pamper your skin and your senses with this spunky fragrance that will leave you feeling a little sinful.
I really liked this lotion because it was thick enough to go on smooth, but not so thick that it was greasy. It does have a sweet smell that makes you want to just savor the smell. I can’t really place exactly WHAT it smells like, because it isn’t something I have smelled before. This is a good thing though, because it is so different than other lotions.
Slather- Sassyooma Body Butter

Eight full ounces of crazy, moisture infusing Slather... climb in with both hands. A cool, sassy citrus experience. Satin cocoa butter so indulgent, you'll use both hands to get it out and get it all over. You'll want it all over. Slather is packed with aloe, glycerin infusers, and vitamin E that give elasticity and youth to your dry, needy skin.
I am one of those with the dry, needy skin. I dislike winter time because my skin gets all dry and itchy. I was so relieved to have something to relieve the itchiness. This body butter is amazing. I rate it a 10 out of 10 on the awesome scale. Not greasy, awesome citrus smell {but not overwhelming} and you can use it on your hands, feet, and everywhere in between.
Cinnamon Sass Perfume Tin

Just dip your finger in and rub on your pulse points {neck & wrists} and you’ll be smelling cinnamony sweet. I’m not usually a cinnamon person. It is too much for my senses. It burns my nose, but this isn’t over the top strong. It just gives enough smell to smell great. Not overpowering, and stays for awhile.
For the hands-

• Lei Away

Get a Handle on fabulous hands. A unique blend of all-natural shea butter and protecting beeswax combine with cocoa butter, sunflower seed waxes and vitamin E to infuse your busy hands with moisture. Shield them from the insanity of the day while adding just a touch of sensational fragrance.
Available in five luxurious fragrances
Warm and sunny. A plumerian breeze that will make you want to leave the bikini behind.
I really liked this because it leaves your hands feeling moisturized without having to reapply lotion all the time. I am like a super freak when it comes to dry hands. I hate it. I constantly and using something to keep my hands feeling moisturized. I get chills when I touch paper when my hands are dry, and because I write all the time I desperately needed this.
I crochet, and the yarn leaves my hands feeling dry, so I just slipped this inside my crochet bag. ♥`~♥
For the Feet- You're feet deserve to be spoiled. An explosive, invigorating blast of pampering peppermint and thyme will soak, scrub, and soothe away the abuse that you're crazy life and not-so-sensible shoes are putting your feet through.

• Fabulous Fizzies

Whether you're looking to soak up to soften or just to apologize to your tire toes, Fabulous Fizzies are the best way to brighten and perk up the most tired feet and all you throw at them. Infused with soothing canola oils for added moisture.
I filled up a foot soaking tub with hot water, dropped a fizzy in, and let it do it’s magic. I could feel it peeling away the dry skin. It was so relaxing and invigorating to find something that actually worked. I let them soak way beyond the time needed because I needed the pampering. My feet stay so dry in the winter that I pull off my socks and reapply lotions or body butters to them almost every couple of hours. I hate dry feet.

• Rubby Scrubby

Feet so amazing, your feet will be begging to go play. Rubby Scrubby is our sparkling pink peppermint sugar exfoliators in a mild shea butter soap base. Take it with you into the shower or bath, and rub over tired heels and toes and everything in between to reveal soft skin all over.
This product is amazing. Again, with dry feet- I feel so weird in the winter walking around. After using the fizzies, I dried my feet with a towel, and then whipped this big bad baby out. I loved it. I want to definitely keep using this and buying more. I have never experienced anything like it in the world. It looks like a giant lip balm, and you scrub your freshly cleaned feet with it. I left my feet a little wet, and then used it. AMAZING how much it exfoliated my feet, and how much softer and moisturized my feet felt.

• Soothing Stick

Freshly soaked and scrubbed feet deserve a pass or two with the Soothing Stick. Your feet will be primed for the skimpiest of sandals with this soft, and perky peppermint concoction. Made from silky corn starch and protecting beeswax to be non-slippery, and perfectly pampering.
After using the Rubby Scrubby, I used the Soothing Stick. It looks just like the rubby scrubby, except it soothes instead of exfoliates. Using all these products together I truly felt like I was a queen living in a moms shoes. My skin was soft, I smelled wonderful, and my feet and hands were so hydrated.
I love these products, and so did my mom. I let her try some of them. She is constantly on her feet at work, and then when she gets home, she still doesn’t get to sit down for long. She loved them.

About the COmpany:

Perfectly Posh proudly offers pure, pampering products. We carefully select the lines, fragrances, and ingredients we offer you, to let you indulge body and mind. It is a pursuit of Perfectly Posh to give you products that you can be proud to wear and to share.
Posh offers you things made from the very best ingredients on earth. From luxurious shea and cocoa butters, to indulgent and nourishing oils, you can be sure that our products are the highest-quality formulations you can find. Find peace of mind knowing we're:
• Paraben-free
• SLS-free
• Gluten-free
• Soy-free
• Animal by-product free
We offer pampering that is spa-grade, long-lasting, and a fabulous experience. Perfectly Posh uses tocopherol (vitamin E) as it's primary preservative, and we fragrance with high-quality perfumes and essential oils. Take care of yourself with products that will please you both mind and body.

Posh is Pure

At Posh, you'll be able to indulge in the things that will spoil your skin and mystify your mind. Get peace of mind with our products.
Prepare to be passionate about our pursuit! We offer over forty unique, creatively branded products to choose from. Whether you want to take a long, leisurely bath, or need to brighten your mood on the go: Posh is for you. Find an Independent Consultant near you today, and indulge today in our fabulous USA-made products.

fun, simple, social business that fits YOUR lifestyle. When you join Perfectly Posh and start your NEW business you'll get:
• 19 pampering products plus tools & supplies (see below).
• A supportive team.
• Generous commissions plus team bonuses and more.
• A creative, new business!
• Ground-level entry into a fast-growing business
• Be your own boss.
• Ongoing corporate support & training.
• Creative USA-made products you'll be proud to share.
Below is everything you'll receive with your Starter Kit. For more information, use our finder to locate a Perfectly Posh Consultant near you.


Your Perfectly Posh Starter Kit is a great value at just $99 plus tax and shipping. We currently are enrolling NEW business owners all over the lower 48 states, Alaska, and Hawaii. You'll get an assortment of both product and tools that will help you succeed. Below we've shown you everything you'll get... enough product and tools to hold your first Posh Party, and earn back the cost of your kit!
Of course you can keep an inventory on hand, but it's not required. We also offer additional promotional products and tools that will help you get a lot of great attention and a fun, professional look. These tools are not required, but are extremely helpful and available now at www.poshportal.com. This site is continually expanding with the training and tools that will help you grow and succeed at Perfectly Posh.

You get 19 Purely Pampering Products Including:
• Sinful Skin
• Handle: Solid Lotion Hand Bar
• The Healer
• Cajole for Her
• Cajole for Him
{Easy Essentials}
• Portabalm
• Mister Mister: Mood Mister
{Bombinator}
• Whip Me Up Bombinator
• Lil' Miss Frisky Bombinator
• Sweet Crazy Daisy Bombinator
{LipShot}
• Beach Ballistic Lip Balm
• Raspberry Bang-Bang Lip Balm
• Beach Ballistic Lip Gloss
• Raspberry Bang-Bang Lip Gloss

{HotJotter}
• Sister, I'm a Poet Hot Jotter
• Vanilla Chic Hot Jotter
{CHUNK!}
• Polka Dot Peppermint Chunk
• Feng Shoap Chunk
• Hippie Scrubber Chunk


Plus helpful tools and supplies:
25 Catalogs
25 Order Forms
50 Business Cards
1 Posh Purse
50 Tester Stickers
1 Protégé Pin
10 Product Placards
25 Posh Party Invitations
10 Teambuilding Flyers
10 Product Flyers
10 Hostess Flyers


*One Lucky Made.By.Jess Reader will win their very own Perfectly Posh Business. This is a $99 Dollar Value.







About:


Mohawk Home, the rug division of Mohawk Industries, is the largest manufacturer of area rugs, indoor and outdoor mats, and washable rugs in the United States.
Because we participate in a fashion industry, Mohawk Home employs a team of design professionals specifically recruited for their expertise in textiles and floor covering innovation. With a commitment to relevance in style we are continuously creating trend setting designs and constructions as well as updating timeless classics.
While we view ourselves as an innovative, fashion-design company, we never lose focus on our mission to produce the highest quality and value-oriented products possible, while minimizing our impact on the world around us. As part of the largest flooring manufacturer in the world, we are able to control quality from raw materials to the finished product. Through sustainable manufacturing and the dedication of our associates we can ensure that the Mohawk product always delivers the best value at the best price with world-class service.
You can find our products at all the great retailers.

The Welcome Mat that I received was very high quality for the price. It was a rug under $20 but yet, seemed like a $50 dollar rug. It is very thick, which is great when trying to keep the foot traffic from getting carpets dirty. I was astonished at how heavy it was. The Welcome Mat is very decorative, I really liked the look of this rug.

I chose the brown floral Welcome mat. The best thing about it is it isn't a rug that can be scooted around and you have to fix all the time. It stays in place due to the rubber on the bottom. It firmly grips the floor, so that there aren't muddy or dirty foot tracks coming in. It cleans shoes and boots while hiding the dirt in the hidden channels in the rug, so it doesn't have to be cleaned all the time. The rubber is recycled made from tire scraps, which is always a plus in my book. I love when companies take something and use it for goodness. This is definitely a long lasting strong rug made of only the finest, but it is also cheap. They aren't expecting you to spend an arm and a leg for a rug. They make beauty affordable, and who can argue with that? Definitely not me. When you are purchasing these rugs, you know that you are keeping America a cleaner place by keeping used tires out of landfills. 
All in all I loved this rug. I loved the design, the thickness, the fact that it is recycled, that it doesn't slip, that it stays clean while cleaning your families shoes and preventing messes from outside coming in.


Now for the giveaway: 

I think it is much better than Avon, because it isn’t as widespread. I tried to sell Avon and got absolutely NOWHERE, because so many people already sell it. So every time I went to leave brochures, there were already people who had left them.
This will give you a chance to actually get somewhere, because they help you with selling and promotion, they give you the tools you need. After people experience these products for themselves, you won’t have to worry. They will re-order and re-order because they are amazing. They are going to basically sell themselves.


About Mohawk Home:



Mohawk Home, the rug division of Mohawk Industries, is the largest manufacturer of area rugs, indoor and outdoor mats, and washable rugs in the United States.
Because we participate in a fashion industry, Mohawk Home employs a team of design professionals specifically recruited for their expertise in textiles and floor covering innovation. With a commitment to relevance in style we are continuously creating trend setting designs and constructions as well as updating timeless classics.
While we view ourselves as an innovative, fashion-design company, we never lose focus on our mission to produce the highest quality and value-oriented products possible, while minimizing our impact on the world around us. As part of the largest flooring manufacturer in the world, we are able to control quality from raw materials to the finished product. Through sustainable manufacturing and the dedication of our associates we can ensure that the Mohawk product always delivers the best value at the best price with world-class service.
You can find our products at all the great retailers.



The Welcome Mat that I received was very high quality for the price. It was a rug under $20 but yet, seemed like a $50 dollar rug. It is very thick, which is great when trying to keep the foot traffic from getting carpets dirty. I was astonished at how heavy it was. The Welcome Mat is very decorative, I really liked the look of this rug.

Mohawk Home Black 18 in. x 30 in. Recycled-Rubber Doormat

I chose the brown floral Welcome mat. The best thing about it is it isn't a rug that can be scooted around and you have to fix all the time. It stays in place due to the rubber on the bottom. It firmly grips the floor, so that there aren't muddy or dirty foot tracks coming in. It cleans shoes and boots while hiding the dirt in the hidden channels in the rug, so it doesn't have to be cleaned all the time. The rubber is recycled made from tire scraps, which is always a plus in my book. I love when companies take something and use it for goodness. This is definitely a long lasting strong rug made of only the finest, but it is also cheap. They aren't expecting you to spend an arm and a leg for a rug. They make beauty affordable, and who can argue with that? Definitely not me. When you are purchasing these rugs, you know that you are keeping America a cleaner place by keeping used tires out of landfills.
All in all I loved this rug. I loved the design, the thickness, the fact that it is recycled, that it doesn't slip, that it stays clean while cleaning your families shoes and preventing messes from outside coming in.
They do sell more than just welcome rugs though, they have tons of different items to choose from, and they are all sold at well known retailers. 


They Sell Bath Rugs, Outdoor Rugs, Area Rugs, and Kitchen Rugs 

Here are some of their Welcome mats, that you could choose from:
The Best Place to find these are {Here}

Mohawk on facebook

Mohawk on Twitter
Mohawk on Youtube



Disclosure: All opinions in this post are my own. This is not a sponsored post. I did receive products to review, and I appreciate Perfectly Posh  and Mohawk Home working with me.
I want to thank the companies for sponsoring this.




Now for the giveaway:
One Lucky Winner will win a Business from Perfectly Posh {$99 value} and to complement this Business a Welcome Mat from Mohawk home to welcome your customers to your home..


-Jessica

Thursday Blog Hops

Welcome to Made.By.Jess
Thanks for visiting. I appreciate you following, and I will definitely follow you back. Just leave a comment to let me know where to follow you back at...
I have some awesome giveaways going on
You can find them at the left side
<---------------------------------
Thanks,

GoldenEel Review & Giveaway

I write basically all the time. I have tons of notebooks to categorize my thoughts, so that one notebook isn’t completely filled up with rambles that aren’t connected. This book is just right for what I needed to keep all my online websites and communities login and password info.
I also like to keep track of blog hops and places to list giveaways and such..

So I added some sticky tabs to make the notebook into a binder like notebook. I love the design of the notebook. It is so beautiful and thoughtful, and even the hubby tried to steal this one for work… But I branded it MINE.. haha
I love the quality, it isn’t a notebook that is going to fall apart easily, or be ripped to shreds by little hands.
Goldeneel is a Cafepress powered shop, which sells more than just notebooks.


They sell Hoodies
I really like this 4 leaf clover one..

They sell baby onesies

Love the stitched heart..
Dog Tshirts

Pillows

Iphone Cases

and more…
Find what you're looking for yourself or great gifts for your friends. You'll find merchandise with unique designs on t-shirts, hoodies, beer steins, posters, iGear and more!
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored Post. All opinions in this post are my own, and honest. I did receive products to review. I want to thank Goldeneel for Sponsoring this on my blog.. Facebook and Google are not affiliated with this giveaway what-so-ever…
And now for the Giveaway
One Lucky Made.By.Jess Reader will win a GoldenEel Logo Notebook…

Happy’s Christmas Gift {Book Review & Giveaway}

I received the book Happy’s Christmas Gift by Geoff Parker, Sr.

I really enjoyed reading this book to my kids. Not only did it teach them about being kind, it is just an awesome story with a very cute dog as the main character.

Nana wrote Happy’s letter to Santa, so he was on his way to have it mailed. After dropping off his letter, he takes his stroll along town as usual. He runs into Amy, who is currently living at a shelter. She is afraid that Santa won’t know where to find her on Christmas. She accidently drops her letter, so Happy picks it up and takes it to the post office for her. Inside the post office, he accidently falls into the bag for Santa to pick up. He was frightened, but soon found himself on an adventure he would never forget. He soon finds himself at the North Pole. Nana, on the other hand, is at home and worried about where Hap may have gone. The elves made Hap his very own Santa costume, and he headed back home to Nana, after visiting all the stops at the North Pole.

My kids loved this book. They found it exciting and loved Hap. I loved that this book taught kindness during a time where kindness is needed. The book is illustrated very nicely, they liked that Hap got his very own Santa Suit, and got to go back home to Nana.

This book is for sale here for $14.99 with FREE shipping in US and Canada and only $3.50 worldwide. There are English-only, Spanish-only, and English-Spanish versions available.

Disclosure: The opinions in this post are my own. This is in no way a sponsored post. I did receive Hap’s Christmas Gift Free to Review from Happy Tales Publishing

Now for the Giveaway..

This Giveaway is hosted by Rafflecopter.. So please give it a second to load. Please follow the rules.

-Jess

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Babar and Father Christmas DVD Review & Giveaway

The DVD Babar and Father Christmas is a really nice addition for the holidays. It contains 3 short stories, with Babar and his family.

Babar and Father Christmas is the first story. This is based on the book with the same name. Babar and his wife Celeste live in Celesteville with their 3 children; Flora, Pom, and Alexander. They have heard about how Father Christmas brings presents to humans on Christmas, and write him a letter asking him to come to Celesteville. But Rataxes, the Rhinoland leader, thinks he can steal the letter, and keep all the toys for himseld. So Babar wants to find Father Christmas and ask him face to face to visit Celesteville.
"A Child In the Snow," is the second short animation on this DVD. Babar and his family go on vacation in the mountains. But he also has a plan that nobody know about. He plans to try and find a giant creature that he first seen as a child.
"The Gift," is the third short. Babar wants to get the old lady a special present from the “Way out Bird” which happens to be a feather from his tail. The only problem is that the only place to find the bird is the “way out peak” which happens to be a very dangerous spot.
My kids had never watched Babar before. They loved it. I really think this DVD will become a family tradition on the holidays. I took some time to talk to them, and tell them that they were lucky to have Santa come and visit, because some kids don’t get to be visited by him. They thought it was an awesome movie, and I thought it had an awesome theme. I have already added this to the list of Christmas movies for us to watch  before Christmas. Your kids would probably enjoy this as much as mine did. The animation is bright and catches their eye, and the stories all have meaning behind them.
Disclosure: All opinions in this post are honestly mine. This is not a sponsored post. I did receive the DVD to review from EntoneGroup..
and Now for the Giveaway
One Made.By.Jess Reader will win their very own copy of Babar and Father Christmas to share with their family next Christmas…
This Giveaway is hosted by Rafflecopter. Please make sure you follow the rules, or your entries will be deleted. Thanks, Jessa Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday Blog Hops

Welcome to Made.By.Jess. There are some giveaways that are open, that you could enter. Or, you could just look around. Leave me a comment and I follow back. I had an amazing Christmas with my kids and hubby. I will post some pictures tomorrow.

"Win something awesome.."