Easy being Green! RubberMaid 2-in-1 Recycler Review & Giveaway

I am in love with this recycler. It has made my life 10x easier. I went through SO much trouble recycling before I got this. I save cans and take them to the recycling center up the road. I used to save them in grocery store plastic bags. I would save up until I got quite a few, and then take them out, crush them, and then put them all in a garbage bag.
The grocery bags would get really sticky, and I hated it. I would basically have to PRY them off the bag. Then crush them and transfer them to the larger bag. My hands were sticky and my back ached from crushing so many cans at once.
Now I can do the crushing one at a time and place them inside the bottom part of the 2-n-1 recycler. It is so much easier, no stickiness, and no hurting back. It makes recycling easy. I seriously think that if everyone in the U.S. had one, they would recycle more. They wouldn’t have to think twice about throwing cans, paper, and plastics in the trash.

The top and bottom are sorters, so you can use the bottom for something different than the top. I use the bottom for cans, and the top for plastic. We go through a lot of milk and juice, so plastic was the best thing for the top of mine.
It is super easy to clean. The top lifts out, and I just put it in my sink, fill it a quarter full with warm water, drop in a few drops of dish liquid, wash, rinse, and put it back. The bottom also comes all the way out, but it doesn’t need to be cleaned very much because it clips the trash bag right in.
So you just pull the green levers up and pull the bag out, and replace it! Easy as pie, and very easy to keep clean also. The extra coke juice doesn’t seep out into the bottom of the recycler.

I love that Rubbermaid is designing so many products to not only help the environment but help their customers as well. I love companies that do this. I have been using Rubbermaid for a VERY long time.
I love this!! and so does everyone who walks in my house and sees it. My mom wants one. She said it would make saving her cans so much easier. She keep them in a bag on her counter and puts them in a large outside trash bin when the grocery sack is full. Doing this makes her hands sticky though, and requires extra time that the recycler doesn’t!

About the 2-in-1 Recycler
The 2-in-1 Recycler makes recycling easy! This two-unit bin allows you to either contain trash and recyclables all in one location or sort recyclables. The top unit is perfect for collecting recyclables and has a fold away handle that makes it easy to take out and empty into your recycling bin. The lower bin tilts out for easy access, and holds an 8 gallon trash bag in place with the Liner Lock™ system. Alternatively, you can use the lower bin to sort another type of recyclable and carry it out with the built-in handles.
We are very excited to introduce the Rubbermaid 2-in-1 Recycler solutions that perfect for containing waste and recycling all in one location or for sorting recyclables.
The features of this product include:
*Keeps recyclables off the counter by giving them a place to live in your kitchen

*The bottom tilt out bin holds a standard 8-gallon trash bag AND features LinerLock™ bag management, so your bag stays put and does not slip.

*Both the top bin and bottom bin have convenient handles when needed to transport recyclables to wherever your recycling is stored for pick-up or transport.

*The 2-in-1 Recycler fits more recyclables while using 25% less floor space compared to typical divided containers.

*Made with recyclable materials and is recyclable
The Rubbermaid 2-in-1 Recycler is available directly from Rubbermaid.com or physical Meijer store locations. This 2-in-1 Rubbermaid product will make organizing recyclables in your home an easy and painless operation! Purchase the Recycler for only $39.99!  *Measurements: Size: 12.1" l x 16.7" w x 31.22" h
Be sure to follow @Rubbermaid on Twitter and the Rubbermaid Facebook Page! Follow the Rubbermaid blog, Adventures in Organization, which features some of the finest organizational advice known to man!
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own. I did receive free products from Rubbermaid in exchange for an honest review.
  One lucky winner is going to receive a Rubbermaid 2-in-1 Recycler for their home recycling needs ($40 Value)! This giveaway is open to residents in US and Canada; 18+. Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below for a chance at winning this amazing prize. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm before a forfeit is assumed. Ends on 5/5. Good Luck! Please follow the rules!

Jessica a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tweezerman Review

Pop of Op Mini Slant Tweezer- The stainless steel Mini Slant Tweezer features a hand-filed tip perfectly aligned to grab every hair every time with the smoothest precision. The ideal on-the-go tool for any makeup bag, purse and travel, this is the perfect miniature version of the award-winning Slant Tweezer a.k.a. the choice of make-up artists, models, celebrities and the most discerning beauty enthusiasts who demand the very best.

Tweezerman carries the cutest tweezer designs I have ever seen in my life. I’m not kidding when I say that I have never actually even seen any ones with designs. The only ones I’ve seen are the plain silver ones.

AND I’m not going to lie when I say I am a wuss. YES! I admit it. I hated tweezing my eyebrows because it ALWAYS made my eyes water and it did more damage to me then actually helped. WHY? because eventually I’d give up and NOT even do it.. lol.. You can make fun of me all that you want.. It really did hurt.

I even switched to the eyebrow shaper shaver thing. (which if I must say, made eyebrow hairs WORSE) They grew in thicker and faster, which sucked! I would notice a day or so later that they were all back. What’s the use in even using something like that if it makes taming eyebrows worse?

But when these tweezers presented themselves into my life, who was I NOT to give them a try? I was absolutely glad I did. They are very easy to hold, pull gently but get the job done, and help create a better shape than the regular stainless ones.

With these tweezers though, it’s an entirely different story. It’s like- it pulls but not STINGY pulls. It seems to do it in the direction of the hair, so it doesn’t hurt as bad. I’ve learned a few tricks and tips over the years.

The slanted tip of these amazing tweezers make it so much easier to grab ahold of those pesky little hairs and get them out of the way. Having unruly eyebrows IS NOT attractive in any shape or form. These are super-accurate and exact in the way they grab and don’t let go. I hated to spend so much (with other brands) that were letting hairs slip and break, which would eventually end up in redness, bumps, and blotches.

Since using Tweezerman, I have acknowledged less irritation and ingrown hairs that result in red bumps. It takes HALF the time it did when I was using the other brands because I don’t dread it. Half the time I spent whining about how much it hurt.. Now it’s a breeze; no whining, crying, or putting it off and ending up a caveman wannabe. (HA).

It’s a lot less stressful, I’ll admit. I wanted perfect eyebrows, but could NEVER get them because of the whiny baby stuff AND the growing back super fast when using the shave shaper. Now I don’t have to worry about it.

They are super fashionable, and are small enough to fit in any cosmetic bag or purse. As long as you have some kind of mirror with you, you could tweeze in the bathroom at work before a meeting or sitting in your care before a date with your babe. There is nothing less sexy than a uni-brow.

But to make tweezing go BETTER for you and to not hurt so bad, I give you some tips.

Tweezing Tips:

Take a hot shower (and put your face directly in the line of water for about 5 minutes.) Don’t drown yourself though.. lol. The hot water softens your eyebrow hairs and opens your pores. This makes tweezing a breeze.

FYI: If you are running behind on time and there is no way possible for you to take a shower, there is another option. Wet a washcloth in hot water (for about 2 min) and lay directly across your eyebrows. Leave it this way for a couple of minutes and the hot water does the same trick. Softens the hurt because it softens the hairs and opens the pores.

While tweezing- pull the hair in the right direction. Right eyebrow pull it right and left pull left. Pull UP and left or right. I f you pull down on the hairs, it will break your hair.

AFTER: Soothe your skin so it doesn’t turn red and blotchy. Great soothers include ice, skin cream (not lotion), or witch hazel (or something with witch hazel inside).

 

They have some pretty awesome tweezers for sale. Different styles and price ranges, no matter what your looking for. From $15-

Animal prints are a HUGE hit these days. I even started liking them and I have NEVER liked them. You still won’t see me wearing a zebra or leopard print shirt- but purses, clutches, and shoes- yes. Have you ever thought about animal print tweezers? Tweezerman HAS.

Animal Print Slant Tweezer- $25

Tweezerman doesn’t just sell tweezers though. They have a full line for just about every part of your body! They can help you with Brows, Lashes, Hands, and Feet.

Don’t forget to check out their “Beauty How-to’s”, to keep you looking your best!!

Follow on: Twitter & Facebook

Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did receive products in exchange for an honest review.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this,

 

Jessica

Kidzikoo Review & Giveaway

Adisyn had been on a sippy forever. She does drink mostly from cups throughout the day, but she still loves her sippy. I have been traveling a lot more throughout the day, and a sippy is a must. Keeping the liquids inside of it cool was much harder than I thought.
Until Kidzikoo that is.  My children complain if their drinks aren’t cool. They will not even drink it, and I don’t blame them. Who wants to drink room temperature juice on a hot day? And not to mention that if you put ice inside it will sweat everywhere. AND- in the winter- my kids need something to wrap around their cups because their little hands are freeze.
So, to prevent the complaining and the room temperature drinks- I was on the search for something AWESOME.
These Kidzikoo insulators keep the bottles and sippies the same temperature of whatever you have in them, without allowing them to sweat everywhere. These insulators work with both bottles AND sippy cups.
I really wish I had owned this when my kids were small and getting a warm bottle on the go was a very hard thing for me to do. With this you could simply fill up the bottle with warm water, slip the insulator on and then when baby gets hungry- throw in the formula. (Or pre-heat breast milk) All the same.. !!
If you look at the picture below>

you can see that they fit just about any bottle or sippy out there. They are extremely easy to put on. It doesn’t even take the maximum of 2 seconds to slide it on. It doesn’t give you any problems (of being too tight) and having to wiggle it on.
When you have it on, your kids won’t be able to pull it off though. It gently molds to the bottle or sippy. Also easy to get off. You just pinch the bottom of it and pull. Easy as that. It is also a GREAT protector for glass bottles (if that’s the kind you use.)

Did you notice that they are just as fashionable as they are functional? They have ten fun designs that fits just about every sippy or bottle on the market. I had trouble choosing my favorite because they are all so adorable and affordable AND made by a mom-prenuer. AND not to mention that they fit a RANGE of sippies and bottles (8-12 oz)
I hated when the kid’s sippies ended up sweating and leaving rings on the table. This prevents that also. So all in all- you GET more than you actually pay for. This prevents headaches all the way around, and how can I complain about that?

Out of the ten designs available, I ended up choosing the Julie Print. This is a red background with cute kittens and fish all over it. It has white stitching holding it together. I was never worried about keeping it clean though. Most of the time my kids are HUGE mess makers, and I had no doubt it wouldn’t be that bright beautiful color for very long. AND it wasn’t, but all I had to do was toss it in the wash with like colors. You also have the option of machine drying as long as you tumble dry. (Or just line dry it).
I love that she has included designs for both boys AND girls. That way I can purchase one for Aidan also. They are only $6.99 for one. So- you can purchase one for each kid, or one for yours and one for a friends’ or family members kid. They will be sure to thank you. It is a whole new meaning of fashion plus function.



About Kidzikoo

“Hi Kidzikoo Fans!  Lindsay Coleman here.  In case you don't know, I am the creator of the Kidzikoo!
Totally kid inspired, my son Landon has been the #1 driving force to make this new product from an idea to a reality.  Without him, I couldn't have done it.  Literally!  Here's the story...
One morning in October of 2010, Landon was sitting on my lap as he was drinking his cold milk out of his sippy cup. He reached back and put his little hand on my cheek and it was FREEZING.  I chuckled and said to him "burrrr, you need an insulator for your sippy cup!"  So, I marched upstairs to the computer to search for baby bottle/sippy cup insulators, thinking they would be found at any retailer.  Well, much to my surprise, I found NOTHING!  Immediately the light bulb turned on and the idea was born!
Over the past year, countless hours and tons of energy have been put into building this new business and creating the Kidzikoo for babies and kiddos around the world.  I hope you love them as much as I have loved creating them!

Lindsay, a "Mommy Inventor" is the president and CEO of LadyEdison, the parent and distribution company for Kidzikoo.  LadyEdison is dedicated to creating new and innovative products never before seen in the consumer market and distributing them to retail stores around the Globe.  Lindsay  hopes she can inspire other women to follow their dreams.
"Many people will knock your ideas and say you'll never make it happen. Use those who doubt you to fuel your passion and keep driving forward until you've accomplished your dreams. The sky is the limit and with good faith and hard work, all things are possible.  Believe in yourself and you WILL make it happen." (Lindsay Coleman)
LadyEdison is currently in the production of more products so stay tuned for their launch!”

I was provided with a complimentary product to review. All opinions expressed are my own and 100% honest. This is not a sponsored review.
WIN IT:
ONE lucky Made.By.Jess reader will win a Kidzikoo of their choice.
To Enter:
Please make sure you read all directions for each entry. Mandatory entry must be completed for all additional entries to count. Please note: The mandatory entry is the first one listed on the giveaway form. IMPORTANT!: Where is says “Extra Info” please provide the required information. If there are no specific instructions, write the entry that you completed. Example: if the entry is to follow Made.By.Jess with Google Friend connect please make sure you add your  GFC name in the extra entry box. You MUST do this so that I can verify your entry. If your comment is the winner and it cannot be verified – it will be deleted and another chosen.
<Sorry for this, but there have been many blogs (including mine) that has trouble with people SAYING and not DOING.
Thank you and Good Luck!

Jessica

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LoveTrueNatural Review & Giveaway

I received Plump up the Volume Anti-Aging Kit from LoveTrueNatural. The Anti-Aging kit comes with

1. Advanced Lift & Firm Serum (4ml tube)
2. Eye Bright Peptide Serum (4ml tube)
3. Plump Lip Treatment (15 ml tube)
You put all of these products on your freshly cleaned face. I washed my face and then put on the Advanced Lift & Firm Serum on my face and neck. I immediately felt it drying. After it started drying, I felt it gently tugging and tightening my face. After it was dry, my skin felt so smooth and silky. I loved it.
After the Advanced Lift & Firm Serum dried, I applied the Eye Bright Peptide Serum around my eyes. It took more than one application to see the results in this, but after about 2-3, I did. Making dark circles disappear is more difficult than tightening your face. Dark circles are caused from many different things.

Often it’s fatigue, or the natural process of aging- where you skin thins, you lose collagen and the blood lines show. My dark circles are from fatigue. I rarely get the needed amount of sleep, and NEEDED something (desperately) to help me with this. I didn’t just want to cover it up with makeup, I wanted it to go away.
I can see each day as I use this a big difference in the amount of darkness underneath. This product has amazed me in the amount of time that it helped the darkness go away. It wasn’t completely gone, but really—there isn’t a product that can truly make it go away, just reduce it.

Like I said- the reason I even have dark circles is because of my sleeping pattern. I couldn’t expect this to take it ALL away, since my sleeping is still at a minimum. I loved that it helped reduce it SO much and then using concealer and makeup- you CAN’T see it at all.

The Plump Lip Treatment is something that you can feel INSTANTLY. You can feel this helping your lips. I have tried others that taste VERY bad, this one tastes like a peppermint/cinnamon mix and actually DOES work. You put it on like a normal lipgloss during the day. (It feels like a chapstick but is more creamy) It doesn’t stay on for long periods of time as a creamy liquid, but you can still feel it long after the cream is gone. It seeps into your lips and gives your lips a natural glow (and tint).

I was very happy with all 3 of these products and how well they worked, and how fast the results came. If you AREN’T looking for something to keep your skin youthful and glowing- they also sell other products.
They sell Face Products like cleanser, exfoliators, and moisturizers. They sell organic makeup; such as foundation, makeup remover, mascara, and more. Natural Hair Care products such as shampoo and conditioner, etc. Even more on the website.. be sure to check it out.

"True Natural Spa's all natural and pepperminty lip plumper is the must have product for full, voluminous lips! Combine this with their ultra-concentrated, spa-grade anti-aging serums to restore your skin's youthful appearance and resilient complexion.

"Plump" combines cinnamon oil, peppermint and niacin to bring fullness and a warm tingle to your lips

The True Natural Spa Lifting Serum contain bio-hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines, natural polysaccharides to provide intense firming and lifting, Ferulic acid and pomegranate extract give antioxidant protection against harsh environments and premature aging.

The Eye Bright Peptide Serum combats dark circles, skin pigmentation and fine-lines around the eye area with arbutin, cucumber extract and collagen enhancing peptides."

About:
The ingredients used to make each product on loveTrueNatural will never be a mystery. A complete and clear ingredient listing appears on all loveTrueNatural products, making it easy for you to make informed decisions, especially if you have any allergies, sensitivities or concerns. If an ingredient listing is missing or you believe it to be incomplete or erroneous, please let us know so we can research and correct the listing!

We give preference to packaging that is designed to have the lowest impact on the environment and utilize post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and products with ingredients that are safely biodegradable.
Not only are the products we recommend as safe as possible, we are also committed to fair trade and fair working conditions. Products found on loveTrueNatural are never tested on animals, nor do they utilize dead animal byproducts.

Here at loveTrueNatural, we do the
research for you. Not only are the products
we recommend safe and free from harmful ingredients, but our team of Estheticians & Beauty Experts have personally tried each & every product to ensure they deliver the results promised, and, WE LOVE IT.
We aim simply to provide you with THE BEST natural beauty shopping experience. Our staff is here to help you find the right skin care regime, choose natural makeup colors, and offer tips on anti-aging products and more. Whether for yourself or loved ones, Natural Beauty Begins Here!
XOXO loveTrueNatural Team
You can connect with Love True Natural Products several ways:
Subscribe to Newsletter and save 15%
Facebook & Twitter
BUY IT: You can buy these products for $54 HERE
WIN IT:
Love True Natural Products is offering the same set that I reviewed to one lucky Made.By.Jess reader. Open to the U.S. only. Good Luck!
Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored post. Although I was provided with products to sample, all opinions are 100% honest.

Jessica a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mineral Hygienics Review

Mineral Hygienics is an all-natural mineral make-up that is made in the United States. It is completely organic—Meaning no talc, no nuts, no dyes or fragrances, No Gluten or Bismuth..

You get 5% cash back on every order, and if you don’t like it ( within 45 days) you can return it.

I love companies that offer your money back if you don’t like their product. This usually means that they are a VERY honest company, and want you to REALLY test it out before making a decision.

With mineral make-up, you have to get it at least a week (if you have never used it before) before saying yay or nay. WHY? It could blend well with certain moisturizers or NOT, you could NOT exactly know how to use the brush and come to realize that once you get the hang of it, that your makeup seems more and more flawless.

I had this issue. I realized that I was putting too much makeup in the lid at first and it was clumping (in spots). And that I was DIPPING the brush and not SWIRLING. For the best results—tap a little makeup in the top of the lid at a time and SWIRL the brush in circles to help it pick up the makeup. The swirling actually warms the minerals and helps it stick to your face longer, smoother, and without all the clumps.. silly me.

I really did like this make-up. I am one to go with the trend of make-up. I try and stick with mineral as much as possible. When I was younger and heard all the horror stories about lipstick being made from dolphin and whale fat—it disgusted  me. I didn’t wear makeup for a VERY long time. Only eyeshadow for the longest.

Since companies are becoming greener, I have started back and am TOTALLY glad. I look flawless everyday (even though my skin is uneven) because of the way mineral makeup makes your skin look. It’s like it forms to your face as a second skin and covers all blemishes without KNOWING you have makeup covering it.

I was sent 6 different colors of the Mineral Hygenics Makeup to try. The 6 were Silk Translucent, Light, Fairly Tan, Medium Light, Medium, and Warm Kiss.

Before putting on any mineral makeup, I suggest getting a makeup primer or a really good moisturizer. If you do this, your makeup will stay WAY longer than if you applied it without.

I tried every single one of these foundations. Every single one of them work amazing well. I WISH I had DARKER skin tone, but I ended up using Medium Light mixed with skin translucent bronzed with warm kiss.

It created the most beautiful look. It looked sunkissed, natural and you couldn’t even HINT at me actually having makeup on. It didn’t peel off, fade away, or gently disappear. One day I was so exhausted that I even took a nap with this on—I woke up and my face looked EXACTALY the same. I was amazed that my pillow hadn’t made any of it come off.

Now that summer is on it’s way (very fast, if I must say) I am always looking for a way to keep actual sunrays off of my face without having to smother it in sunblock. This makeup has natural SPF ingredients that are chemical free. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

This makeup allows your skin to breathe because it doesn’t soak up the natural oils or moisture in your face cells. Most do—and shortly your face can turn into an icky ooey gooey mess—that WILL need to be redone. I can say that for mineral Hygenics that isn’t the case. I took the kids to the park on the hottest day of the week last week and I still didn’t have to retouch up my foundation.

Mineral Makeups (Most of them) claim to be organic (etc).. but ARE they? REALLY? How can you REALLY tell? Look at the ingredients. The less ingredients there are in a makeup, the better off your going to be. The less your going to have to google search.. lol

I do this all the time. I google search stuff to make sure I won’t end up with some horrible rash or something after using it. This makeup has 4—yes FOUR ingredients. Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxide, and Mica. Google search THOSE. No harmful ingredients in sight.

This isn’t a makeup that will make your face SHINE. It is designed to mimic the actual “reactions” of skin. So it is designed (as a matte finish) to not give gleam and glare to your face. It actually gives quite an airbrushed look. My face was smooth, soft, and NEVER itched EVER.

This is perfect for every skin tone, whether you are extremely fair skinned, olive skinned, or VERY tan. They have a shade for you. I would suggest getting the starter kit though, so you can test the waters so to speak. I thought I’d use a medium darker and I was SO wrong. That is usually the case with women and their makeup.. So go a little lighter at first and work your way up to a darker shade.. see which one is best for you. They have a section on their website that helps you choose the best color for you.

Medium (My Best Shade)

This is our most popular shade. When exposed to the sun your skin will tan very easily and in most situations you will not burn. You probably do not have skin sensitivity issues. Your neutral or warm undertones will look beautiful in our minerals!

• Medium Light - Cool to Neutral Undertones
• Medium - Neutral Undertones

Celebrities that best fit this shade:

• Pamela Anderson
• Jennifer Aniston

You should check out their application tips, which are VERY helpful in getting the best coverage.

Really awesome make-up. Organic all the way. Very great coverage, sun protection, no problems with it at all. The only thing I didn’t like about it was the brush. The brush was really scratchy.. I had another brush and used it, and the makeup was awesome. Other than the brush—I love IT!!

Disclosure: Mineral Hygienics provided me with a sample of product for my review but my opinions are my own. This isn’t a sponsored Post.

Jessica

Kidlandia Review

“The Kidlandia Game site is a fun, safe, educational place where kids and rule their own worlds! With fun games, a delightful host Kreechur, a stamping and decorating game, and shop with wonderful accessories for purchase with Kaploons, the Kidlandia Game site offers hours of fun. Kids can play alone, or invite their friends to play with them.”

 

In Kidlandia, Kid’s get to build their own little world of play, while building their imagination. You get to choose what color and type of popkin (character) you want. You then get to choose hats, clothes, shoes, and something to carry. You’ll then have to help them create a username, password, and provide your email.

Then you’ll have to check your email and click the link, so that Kidlandia knows that your child has permission to play games there. I think that this is an awesome add-on. So you know what they have asked to do before doing it. My kids are too small to do anything without my help anyway, but if there were big enough to play on the internet by themselves—this would be a good choice.!

Your child then gets to name his land, and place all the houses, plants, and other kreeturs wherever she or he wants them. They can hatch eggs to get more kreeturs and win kaploons (money) that you can use in the store.

There are tons of kreeturs to play with and unlock, and organize. The more they play the more kaploons they receive to buy various items from the store.This is a cute and fun personalized game, that gives your child control over everything in their own little “world.”

Not only does this site offer this cute game, but you can also buy personalized items from them. They sell blankets, mugs, placemats, canvases, and more. The items do not all feature kidlandia kreechurs, but Disney and Nickelodeon items as well.

I received the Dora and Lighting McQueen personalized canvases to place on their wall. They are VERY adorable, and there are so many choices of personalization.  It comes with the town’s special day, and each (White and Red lettering) can be personalized.

It gives you ideas on how to personalize this (child’s name, last name, mom’s name, dad’s name, siblings’ name, friends’ name..)

This is what the Radiator Springs one looks like. Aidan has his full name on it. With little personalization here and there… HE LOVED IT! He thought it was the best thing in the world. (He DOES love Lightening Mcqueen though) and LOVED seeing his name in print beside MATER and all the rest.

If your trying to think of a personalization gift that hasn’t been overdone.. whether for your kid, grandkid, niece, nephew, friends’ kid.. You can’t beat this. It’s only $20.. so price isn’t bad either.

Free personalization including Primary name, birthday, title, additional names (up to 25), additional characters, plants, animals, and poses.

This ISN’T the one Adisyn received (of course) but taking a photo isn’t exactly doing so well. You can’t see the words very well..

But she received the Dora poster.. She is a Dora freak. Everything there is to have of Dora—she wants or has. Shoes, pajamas, panties, chairs, socks.. etc. So when I seen this,, I knew she would love it.

You can purchase these items at the Kidlandia Shop HERE.

Be sure to check out Kidlandia with your little guy/gal – you won't regret it for even a second!!.

You could also connect with Kidlandia on Facebook & Twitter.

Disclosure: I was sent item for review purposes. However, all opinions stated are my own.

Jessica

Small Business Etiquette ♥

I am a very impatient person, I really love companies that are prompt with their response and delivery of items that I buy. I can't stand for something I bought to just sit on the shelf for days or weeks. This kind of ticks me off. It's like telling the customer that you don't really appreciate their business.

As a small business owner, I would rather work with small businesses than large companies. WHY? Because TOO many times I have been LOST in the system of computers, customer service, and press 1 for this and press 2 for this. Who tell you to speak your answers and then it takes you back to the main menu just so you have to do it all over again. I'm like UGH, what the HECK. How can this keep happening?

This companies have MULTI-Millions and possibly more than that- THEY can pay people to answer the phone and talk to me, reassure me that my order just hasn't went down the drain, and that I haven't lost ALL of my money.

With small businesses, it is TOTALLY different. When you call or email them 99% of the time you ARE talking to the OWNER or someone very close to them. I understand some have assistants. I mean making all the things they do, selling the things they do, marketing.. All of that is VERY time consuming- AND they have the time to answer you personally.

If I were to be asked BIG or SMALL-- I would totally go with SMALL. They aim to please, appreciate your business, and usually gift wrap or add in something to your order.. ♥

How can you go wrong with that? Plus, you are helping small businesses when you order from them. You are helping these women, men, mothers, sisters, aunts.. Help pay their bills, buy their kids school clothes and food!

So, remember this.

It isn't hard to find small businesses at ALL. Etsy, Artfire, Zazzle-- they are all places with independent artists, crafters, business people of all walks of life just waiting for you to order something amazing from them!!

Have you ever worked with a small business online? Was it different from working with a large company?

Have you ever worked with a well known company who you felt could care LESS about your business?

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

 

Jessica

Snap-n-Step Review and Giveaway

Do you have a toddler or a preschooler? How many times have you had to stop what you were doing and re-tie shoes? How many times has your kid tripped and fallen because of untied shoelaces?
I have this issue with both Aidan and Adisyn ALL the time. I have had plenty of scrapes and bruises happen because their shoelaces have come untied and they have tripped. I feel terrible when this happens, and tried to find a way to prevent this. I was double knotting their shoes, but was having TOO much trouble trying to get them out again.
If you have this same issue- No more velcro or double knots is in your future if you don’t want it to be.. It is a
WHY?
Because Snap-n-Step has created the cutest most functional way to keep your kids shoes tied.
HOW?
Watch this awesome video on how to install it.. You just put it under the shoelace and press the bow of the shoelace into the velcro, snap and GO!!

This is such a genius product, making tons of mom’s life easier by keeping their kid’s shoes from untying, saving time by not having to retie them, and keeping kids safe because they aren’t tripping over shoelaces..
Visit the Snap-N-Step website to learn more about this great product.
They have girl prints, boy prints, and solids. We received the Army Men Snap N Step and Aidan loved it. He thought it was so exciting to have something “just for Him” to help him. He can try and tie his shoes, but it’s still too complicated for him. He gets aggravated when he can’t, so this really helps for the time being.

About

If I had a penny for every shoelace I’ve retied for my three children, I’d be rich! Over the years I’ve tried everything to keep those darn laces tied, yet nothing worked! One thing was certain, those untied laces and I would meet again and often just minutes later.
Like so many parents, I was frustrated constantly bending down to tie shoes in the most unfortunate of places.
Then in a SNAP it came to me- a fashion-conscious, simple to use product that saves time, eliminates frustration and keeps your children safe, both on and off the athletic field…Snap-n-Step!
I am honored to offer you a product that is made in the U.S.A. Our packaging is printed using vegetable ink at a local 100% wind energy powered plant using sustainable paper from well managed forests. We believe in doing our part to conserve the earth for all of our children.
Save time. Be safe. Look cool!
Nicole Carson
Mother of 3 who got tired of retying shoelaces!

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*Disclosure:  I received the products mentioned above free for a review purposes. All opinions are my own
BUY IT: You can buy both girl and boy prints for $6.95, and get the solids for $5.95 HERE
WIN IT: One Lucky Made.By.Jess Reader will win their choice of one set of Snap N Step Designs

Jessica

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Bath-a-licious Review

As a mother of 2 kids under 5, I am ALWAYS looking for a way to relax at home. I don’t get much time to be able to take a long hot bath. Usually it’s jump in the shower and HOPE to be able to shave my legs without missing a hundred spots.

But- when I DO get the time- I want to go ALL out. I want to be able to sit, soak, and relax until the water cools.

Bath Bombs

These bombs are $5, weigh 9 ounces each and come in two halves.

I received the Romance Bath Bomb.

Out of all the bath bombs that I have ever used, this ranks #1. Why? For a lot of reasons. Other bath bombs come in a whole bomb, and are VERY hard to break. If I want to use a bomb in pieces, I want to have  the option. With others- I tried everything from smashing it against the side of the tub to bashing it with a shampoo bottle. Nothing worked. These bath bombs come in 2 halves, just FOR that purpose. AMAZING and VERY thoughtful.

It has an amazing design. These are very beautiful, eye catching, and very colorful. I couldn’t have been more awed if I wanted to be. As soon as I seen it in it’s clear plastic wrap I was taken away, Breathtaking, astonishing, and attractive. These would be awesome to give as gifts for new moms, moms to be, graduation, anniversaries, wedding, and more. Who wouldn’t want something so amazing?

Bath Bombs are my vacation at home (away from home). My secret addiction and guilty pleasure. There are so many different choices of scents to choose from that I may actually have to buy 1 of each at some point in my life. REALLY- no joke. The romance was awesome. It’s all gone now, and I am super sad. It smelled amazing. A mixture of roses, marigolds, violets, and a touch of oakmoss. I have NEVER in my life smelled anything like this. It is a very feminine smell that lasts longer than most perfumes do.

I turned on the hot water, dropped the bomb in, and went to get a towel. When I returned the entire bathroom smelled so pretty, floral, and relaxing. I have never used a bomb so fragrant, although not overpowering. The bomb made my water seem so silky and frothy. I noticed that my skin felt just as silky when I got out.

Later on that night I was picking up toys, and when I leaned over- I could smell the bomb all over me. I was up late blogging and could STILL smell it at 2 that morning.

Other Bombs I really want to try:

Sore Muscles Therapy: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey:

Peppermint: Tickle Me Pink:

 

Plumeria Sugar Scrub Cubes

These sugar scrubs come with 12 cubes wrapped in cellophane and closed with a silver tinted bread tie. These are so beautifully colored as well. So many different colors (yellow, purple, and pink). They smell just like fresh cut summer flowers.

These cubes are made with sugar to exfoliate those extra dry or oily places and spaces. I used them on my knees, elbows, feet, face, and even on my upper back. You can actually feel them digging past the first layer of skin to rid the skin of hidden roughness and dirt.

Exfoliation has been used in so many different ways for many years to maintain the natural beauty of skin. It removes the oldest layer of skin to brighten skin and remove dirt. New skin cells are built in the bottom layers of skin, and unclogs pores. This is essential for your body as well as face, and should be done AFTER you have cleaned it. Exfoliating should only be done maybe 2-3 days a week, because over exfoliating will dry out your skin.

Out of all the exfoliating products on the market, I have never actually used sugar cubes before. They are astounding because they are small enough to fit in your palm and REALLY get to the bare bottom of those pores and rough skin.

You can FEEL the sugar in it, and the results of it within one use. ONE use, not many. Not a week or a month. You can use this after shaving to keep your legs and underarms smooth as a babies skin longer than usual. Wonderful product, and also another great product to gift to those you love (or yourself).

Fruit Punch Soapsicle

The soapsicle shown isn’t the one I received. She doesn’t have anymore of the Fruit Punch in Stock. It looks like the one above, but it’s just a plain clear glycerin red color instead of the pink and blue. The one shown above is the cotton candy soapsicle.

The Fruit Punch Soapsicle smells just like Fruit Punch!! YUM. It bubbles up very well, which my kids loved. They thought it was funny that a popsicle was creating bubbles. (They are only 3 and 5).. I love that they create something for every member of the family whether man, woman, or child.

These soapsicles weren’t only fun to my kids, but they LOVED them. They had fun spinning the soapsicle in their hands for more bubbles and cleaning themselves. Better yet- they smelled just like Fruit punch.. lol

I love that they are so creative in the way everything is designed. So many choices in everything from soaps to bombs.

Soap Bar

The soap bar that I received is also not on the for sale listings anymore. It is a sweet smelling, multi layered, multi colored soap. It smells like a spicy chai tea or something. Very relaxing yet uplifting. I didn’t use this as a bath soap, instead I put it on my bathroom counter as a hand soap because it looked so decorative.

I really like it there, and the ribs on the soap massage your hands. This is awesome because after typing all day or writing, or whatever my hands tend to get stiff. I can wash my hands (flipping the soap over and over in the palm of my hands) and the ribs just make the tension melt away. ..

 

 

 

About Bath-a-licious:

Bath Bombs Etc. (Bath-A-Licious) was founded in September of 2010 and is a (military)-family owned and operated business. Based in the Deep South where the fragrant scents of flowers are strong and the southern breezes and southern hospitality abound, we have created a line of bath bombs/bath fizzies and Fizzy Bath Salts which bring these fragrances to you for an experience in your bath/shower that is not only relaxing and moisturizing but is also pleasant to your senses.

Not being an overpowering aroma, but enough to settle you into comfort, we offer an extensive line of fragrances/scents which will appeal to you for your “me time.” If you’re looking for a relaxing, aromatic bath experience, Bath-a-Licious is the way to go.

Our bath bombs and shower steamers are molded and produced individually for that “special touch” of relaxation. Whether you are that “I need a SHOWER NOW” type of person or the “I can’t wait to slip into a HOT TUB OF WATER” person, we have a perfect scent for your maximum relaxation.
It's not just a bath, it's aromatherapy and a moisture rich, skin softening, muscle relaxing heavenly experience! Simply drop Bath Fizzie in bath water and watch it fizz! It's like a Alka-Seltzer fizzing in your tub! Just sit back & relax!

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Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored review, all opinions are 100% mine. I wasn’t compensated for this review. I did receive products in exchange for an honest review.

 

Jessica

 

Saffron ROuge Review ♥ #Mineral

I was very lucky to be able to work with Saffron Rouge.
About
 Saffron Rouge:

Saffron Rouge is the first beauty retailer in the world to focus exclusively on organics.
Offering over 1,000 of the world’s finest organic beauty & aromatherapy products, Saffron Rouge is North America's #1 online destination for organic skin care, cosmetics and aromatherapy.
Founded in 2002, Saffron Rouge is comprised of a group of beauty experts that are passionate about organics. We take great pride in only selling the best and purest beauty products. Our goal is to operate a website where consumers can shop carefree because they know that everything we carry is truly organic.

The Inika Pure Primer.

The website states that "INIKA Pure Primer consists of certified organic Aloe Vera Leaf juice, Jojoba and Lemon Myrtle to help offer the skin protection and hydration prior to makeup application.
It creates an even canvas for foundation application and improves the staying power of your makeup.
Containing certified organic essential oils – Lavender, Lemon Myrtle and Jojoba for nourished and hydrated skin, the primer calms and soothes the skin and offers protection and hydration.
Perfect for dry/normal skin, INIKA Pure Primer can be worn alone or under other foundations."
This primer is amazing. You can feel the hydration/moisture of this when you put it on your skin. I have really weird skin. some spot are oily, where other parts are dry. This primer not only helped hydrate the dry parts (where mineral make-up usually flakes off) but it also kept the make up on ALL DAY.
This created an even canvas for me to work on. It go on smooth like a lotion or regular moisturizer. The makeup seemed to glide on instead of ball up and end up coming off after awhile. This is a certified organic primer, which makes it 10x better than regular. All the natural products do WONDERS for your face!! Loved it♥
The Inika Natural Perfection Concealer

INIKA Natural Perfection Concealer is perfect for camouflaging imperfections in the skin. The light whipped mousse texture blends easily creating a flawless base. It hides blemishes, dark circles and pigmentation and helps to even out skin tone. Light reflecting properties reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This concealer comes in 2 different colors, which are light and medium,

I received the medium concealer sample. I liked it, although it didn’t cover ALL of the blemishes I was hoping to cover. It was a little more liquidy that I expected, but it DID cover up the different parts of skin on my face (color spots). It didn’t cover up acne though. I had a zit I was hoping to cover up, and it didn’t do the trick. I could still see the redness of it, which I was trying to cover.
After I put the liquid and mineral foundations on, it WAS gone. It may have been just because I have really deep pores. I always have. So I read the website on application and it said you could apply this AFTER foundation, so I did. I tried to cover up that same zit, and guess what- IT WASN’T noticeable at all.
So, if you are trying to cover up color spots, use the concealer BEFORE, if you are trying to cover up acne, you can use it AFTER to do the trick. . It went on smooth, nice, and very silky. You can either use your fingertip or brush (I recommend the brush) to apply this. You can apply this before or after your foundation (or alone).
This was VERY good at covering dark circles under the eyes. It seems I always have them now. To be able to get any work done, I have to stay awake after the kids go to sleep because through the day they are like very hyper tornado’s tearing through the house, and I don’t get any time alone. There is a downside to staying up late- Dark circles that make the overall appearance of your face look grey and diminishing. This worked greatly to cover up the fact that I am a night owl and barely get any sleep. =)
The Inika Mineral Foundation

From the Website “INIKA Liquid Mineral Foundation is packed full of organic antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Formulated with certified organic ingredients that provide intense hydration while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it blurs the line between moisturizer and foundation.
Aloe vera leaf juice and jojoba are combined with shea butter, calendula, argan and chamomile oils to soothe, hydrate and moisturize the skin, especially after sun exposure. Tamanu oil is added as a powerful anti-microbial agent and is known to help aid with the appearance of scarring, pigmentation and sunburn. Macadamia nut oil nourishes the skin. Renowned antioxidant green tea extract is known to help diminish the appearance of wrinkles.”
This liquid mineral foundation comes in 4 colors (Beige, Cream, Honey, and Tan). I received a sample of HONEY, and was absolutely thrilled with it. It felt like a second skin. I didn’t have problems with it being darker or lighter in certain spots. It held on and stayed longer than any other liquid foundation I’ve ever used (including non-mineral).
Most liquid foundations (and non-liquids) made me look like I had layers and layers of makeup on even though I didn’t. I hated that. I would have to put lotion on over top of it and gently pat with a towel or washcloth until it evened itself out.
My skin felt fresh and supple. I didn’t even feel like I even had makeup on. Which is a total PLUS. I hated high school where so many girls looked like they had rolled in doritos. There makeup was VERY visable and not their skin color. With this foundation, you don’t have to worry about that. It blends in very well to the skin and covers up old acne scars. I don’t have many and they aren’t deep, but I hated putting concealer on them and then putting makeup on.
What an awesome foundation. I absolutely love it, and WILL be adding it to my daily makeup from now on. Beautiful skin, beautiful face all because of a simple foundation!!
The Inika Mineral Powder Foundation

INIKA Mineral Foundations are a concealer, foundation and powder in one with the added benefit of SPF15 protection. You can achieve an absolutely flawless finish without clogging pores or irritating skin. The foundations are not diluted with cheap fillers and harsh chemicals, making the pigments very dense and pure.
The purity of INIKA Mineral Foundations also makes them a fantastic choice for people with skin conditions such as acne, scarring, rosacea or pigmentation. The pure pigments provide a simple and effective way of covering these conditions.
Minerals are inert, stunting the growth of bacteria. Titanium and zinc oxides contained in INIKA Mineral Foundations have soothing and calming properties for the skin. Mica reflects light from the face, creating a soft, smooth and more radiant skin. Mica contains hypo-allergenic properties that help cover up the appearance of redness.
Only a very small amount of product is required to achieve natural and beautiful coverage. Your foundation will last longer than ever before. The foundations are gentle enough to use after cosmetic and facial procedures. They are water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your foundation moving if you perspire. All this achieved with such a light finish that you won’t even feel like you are wearing makeup!
INIKA Mineral Foundations are 100% certified vegan and certified cruelty free and suitable for all skin types.
Available in 8 different colors, so you can find the perfect match for your skin tone. I received PATIENCE, which is a medium type foundation. This is a miracle product. It goes on smoothly, which is a plus. Usually I have a problem with mineral foundations rubbing off in my dry areas and having to reapply later in the day on my oily parts (combo skin).
This product never ONCE failed me. I used nothing but this.!! I have to say- I was amazed once again!! It didn’t fade away after an hour like most minerals. You couldn’t tell I even had makeup on, which was AWESOME. Who doesn’t want perfectly flawless skin that actually looks REAL?
I didn’t want it to look like I had makeup caked on my face or have a discoloration, and I didn’t. It is VERY close to my skin color, although it is a litter darker (but what I wanted). Even though it IS slightly darker than my natural skin, you can’t even tell. I just didn’t want to get something that was going to make me look pale and sick all the time (so I tend to always go slightly darker) as I can always add a little moisturizer to it if it is TOO dark. But I never had that problem with INIKA. All the products  I received I was VERY impressed with and WILL feel slightly less of a person if I don’t get them in the future.
I mean, HEY, who can go from the best of the best to NOT the best? LOL

The Inika Mineral Bronzer

Use INIKA Mineral Bronzer bronzer to create a sun-kissed glow. The bronzers are inspired by the feeling you have when your skin is kissed with a natural glow from the hot summer, sand, longer days and wearing your favorite summer dress and heels. This product exudes the freshness and playfulness that comes from this bright, warm, happy season. With INIKA Mineral Bronzer, you will look like a sun goddess without the tan lines!
This Mineral Bronzer is available in 4 colors.

I received the Sunloving Mineral Bronzer, and fell in love (& lust). I used this all over my body to create a bronzed look. I have tanned skin, but my legs usually go un-tanned. I gave up the tanning bed long ago.. This gives me the glow I need without having to subject myself to harmful UV rays.
Start with a tiny amount and work up the layers from there. It is easier to add than to try and buff out if you have used more than what you should. I put some in a small bowl and mixed it with lotion, and used it as an all over body tint. Works very well. Just what I needed.♥ It isn’t too orangey or look fake tanned.
On your face you just buff on with the fantastic vegan kabuki brush to see the tan building evenly on your skin. You can choose to apply it to your cheekbones, nose, and chin- or add it all over your face. Goes on very smooth and gives such a natural beautiful color.
(TIP) You may want to use a separate brush for your bronzer and actual mineral foundation. I messed up and used the same brush at first and it didn’t work out too well for me. I wanted to add my mineral foundation and THEN add the bronzer, but the Kabuki brushes are SO awesome that they hold the foundation/bronzer deep in the brush.. so make sure to rinse and dry the brush or get another brush all together.
Suki Eye Shadow and Concealer Brush

This large application brush uses high quality, cruelty-free fibers allowing for easy application of eye shadow and concealer.
Are you tired of dealing with a concealer that leaves your face uneven and your hands all yuck? No more. This brush is the answer for you. You have ultimate control over WHERE your concealer/shadow goes without making a mess of yourself.
It is VERY worth it to get high quality brushes. Rubbing make-up on with fingers or the applicators that come with it is just NOT the same. Putting makeup on with the applicators will usually leave your shadow/concealer at risk for coming off very soon or crumbling.
Using this brush was AMAZING. I used this as both shadow and concealer brush as well as to put on the liquid mineral foundation. I LOVED how this brush felt against my skin. It feel practically like silk. It ISN’T made of animal hair though. It is all natural organic brush that makes you FEEL classy all through the day.
I tried both. Using the brush and NOT using it. I could tell a HUGE difference. My fingers were sticky when I didn’t use the brush, my makeup looked clustered in spots, and just overall looked amateur. Using the brush made me feel like my makeup was airbrushed on.
I felt my face OVER and OVER and just couldn’t grasp the fact that I actually had makeup on. It was AWESOME. I loved everything about it. The fact that it’s natural and that it gives me smooth, beautiful, and pulled together makeup. =)

Inika Kabuki Brush

Inika Kabuki Brush is made from 100% synthetic materials and wood from sustainable forestry. Specifically designed to use with vegan minerals, this brush creates an air brushed finish.
To protect brush, cleanse regularly using a chemical-free shampoo. Lather and rinse until the water runs clear and stand the brush to dry naturally overnight.
I have had this brush for about a month now, and I love it. Usually short brushes like this tend to lose their hair and don’t work very well after awhile. The bristles are ALL still intact and it hasn’t even shed one bristle. It is very soft to the face and soaks up the mineral powder/bronzer very well. I didn’t have to keep swirling it around inside the containers to collect more powder/bronzer.
You just circulate it over your face and the powder makes it way back to the tip of the brush to give me an overall healthy looking face. It is thick but not scratchy like many other brushes that I have used. It gives flawless beautiful skin, without all the clumping in spots while missing others.
I was VERY impressed. You tap the foundation or bronzer into the lid of the container and swirl it around. This heats up the minerals and gives you a better application for a longer wear.
As with any brushes, you need to keep them clean for a better use. If you don’t bacteria could grow inside your brushes and eventually break your skin out. This brush is VERY easy to clean. I get a small bowl and fill it up with warm/hot water, (I then use natural shampoo or body wash) to clean it, and then rinse with cool water. Then lay it on a towel for an hour or so and then put it back where it goes. (Or you could wrap it in a baby washcloth or dishcloth and put it up, but you do want to give it some air)..
Keeping your brushes clean not only help your skin (keeps your skin cleaner, clearer, and free from break –outs) but it will help your brush last way LONGER. I definitely recommend dipping into those pockets and going for something that costs a little extra because you GET a LOT extra.
EVERY single product that I received from Saffron Rouge was high quality products that last longer than so many others that are the same price or even higher. I loved them. Loved the companies customer service. They were very nice, quick to respond, and very helpful. Shipping was very fast and VERY cute. It came wrapped in a silk red ribbon for elegance. Who DOESN’T want to open something THAT elegant and beautiful? This company definitely goes the extra mile to make the customer happy- VERY happy =)
More about the company:
In order for a product to be sold at Saffron Rouge, it must meet the following criteria:

1. It must have at least one of the organic body care certifications, or provide sufficient evidence to Saffron Rouge that they are using certified organic content as much as possible.
2. Saffron Rouge considers products that contain even one Black List™ ingredient not acceptable for sale.

This way we can guarantee that all the products available at Saffron Rouge are free of toxic synthetic ingredients, synthetic colors, fragrances and preservatives, and are never tested on animals
Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and their Blog.
Discloure: This isn’t a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine, and not influenced in any way. I did receive products in exchange for an honest review.

Jessica Renee