Winterize Your Skin with St. Ives! Pear & Soy Body Wash and Intensive Healing Lotion Reviews

 

Winter has been nasty this year. Cold, rainy, and lots of snow. We hadn’t seen this much snow in Kentucky in forever. The kids had tons of snow days already, and it’s only January. Winter has already alerted my skin!

Tired of that itchy, dry winter skin? Fix it with St. Ives® Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash & St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion

 

Pear Body Wash

 

Waking up and getting out the door during these cold winter months is hard for me. I absolutely dread the cold. I hate the way it makes my skin feel dry and itchy. Winter and I just don’t get along very well.

That’s the reason I love the St. Ives Pear Body wash so much. It awakens my senses and energizes my mind while moisturizing my body. The succulent sweet pear scent is just delicious. I’ve never seen a pear body wash before now, and let me tell you—I was definitely missing this in my life.

The fragrance is at about a medium level- Not too strong yet has lasting power. It is light, fresh, fruity and yet has a milky creamy overlay that adds amazingness to something already at a 10. It’s a subtle, sweet, inviting, invigorating scent. I can’t get enough!

The body wash is very rich and creamy. The mixture is very luxurious and bubbles up very well. It definitely does moisturize and heal the skin from dryness. I am in love with this body wash and it will remain a favorite in my swap-up.

This unique formula of pear extract & soy not only deeply cleans the skin but also helps to improve the texture. The combination of vitamins and minerals soothe and deeply moisturize the dryness.

Product  Benefits

- 100% Natural Moisturizer

- Paraben Free

- Dermatologist Tested

- Hypoallergenic

It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and paraben free.

Get It: St. Ives® Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash $3.97

Intensive Healing Lotion

Winter has left my skin really dry, itchy, and dull. My skin definitely needed some extra TLC and that’s exactly what the St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion gives. Applying a rich lotion like the St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion will help keep dry and flaky patches at bay, by locking in moisture for 24 hours.

This lotion is very rich and creamy yet not at all greasy. I love the fact that it doesn’t take forever for the lotion to take effect. As soon as I applied it, my skin felt 100% better. The dryness was gone and the itching had gone away.

There isn’t really a scent to this lotion, if there is it’s very light. I love that this locks moisture in for a good 24 hours and is proven to heal even the driest skin. It has only 100% natural moisturizing ingredients such as soy bean oil, olive oil, mango seed butter… etc.

I love the fact that there are natural ingredients in the lotion and it’s affordable. The lotion is priceless because I can even use this on my kids!

Get Yours: St. Ives Intensive Healing Body Lotion $4.43

 

-Jessica

How To Select The Best Office Chairs

An office chair is something that most people take for granted. In fact if you asked most people about what kind of office chair they have, they will look at you with a blank expression. It's the same kind of question as what kind of gas do you put into your car. People just generally don't know. If it's served at a forecourt and it goes inside the car they will fill up and drive off. Same goes for office furniture, especially chairs. In most companies the phrase “cheapest is best” comes to mind. But of course this is a false economy. Most people work at least 7 to 8 hour days, and at least 6 of those hours are sat in a chair. I you have an office job. So it is very important, in fact it is imperative that you have good office chairs. Anything less is a disservice to yourself and to your people as a whole. Having said that they don't have to be super expensive, you can get all sorts of chairs for the home office or the office environment.

1: Classic Simple

Simple un-cushioned plastic chairs which are ergonomically designed to fit the human back and posterior. These chairs are best suited short use activities such as laboratories where the lab assistant will be sitting for 20 to 30 minutes per time before getting up and walking around. Stores like Great Deal Furniture has chairs starting from $135 + you can receive free shipping within USA.

2: Cushioned

Cushioned chairs are usually similar in design to the plastic chairs but they have quilting or cushioning for prolonged periods of sitting. Ideal for receptionists or data input clerks or purchase or sales ledger clerks and accounts departments. Grey seems to be the usual colour as it an easy to clean colour.

3: Executive

Leather executive chairs, these chairs are usually reserved for executive management. Or people who have to sit for a long period of time. They're usually fairly expensive in comparison to the standard office chairs. But they offer that luxury and comfort only afforded by the use of the best quality materials. You can look at Sit4life collection because they have huge range of office and home chairs.

As you can see finding a good quality office chair is imperative to the health and safety of your co-workers. Moreover is it detrimental to buy cheap office chairs. They also tend to break quicker and therefore you are paying twice for an item that you could just pay for once if you bought the best quality in the first place. The range of office chairs available is as wide as the applications they are designed for. But the old maxim of “you get what you pay for” still stands whatever the office it needs to live in.

 

-Jessica

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

The kids have been out of school since before Christmas. They got out the 18th and were supposed to go back the 2nd. Well they were sick the 2nd, so I kept them home. Friday, Today, AND Tomorrow have been all snow days.

It’s been super cold here, snowing, icing, AND sleeting. It’s been nice but just let me say I AM SO ready for school to be back in! My kids have done their fair share of fighting, whining, and making HUGE messes.

I’m pretty sure I need a vacation about now, lol. 3 kids, 4 dogs, and not enough coffee. I am ready for the silence and a nap!

So-

yeah, yeah, yeah

this MAMA is ready for school again!

 

-Jessica

Just Don’t Do It

 

To live a happier life, there has to be more positive thinking. How can you step forward if you’re always looking back and rethinking or worrying about the future. If you have a dream, a goal, something you want to do, to be..

Think Positive. Always. If you think you can,  you’re halfway

there.

That is where confidence comes in. If you believe in your ability, your talent, your goal.. GO for it. Don’t let negativity blind you.. be you and be confident in yourself.

 

Don’t Let them Dull Your Shine

. Just Don’t Do It.

This is a part of the 365 Blogger Dare, Day 3.

If you’d like to join in, look at the prompts here.. link up your blog post below and I’ll comment.

 

-Jessica Renee

 

Almost There… #WritingPrompt

My main personal resolution (even before New Years) was to become more organized in both my personal and blogging life. Now that I own two blogs, it’s twice as much work & time.  I wanted to become more organized and use time wisely.

I desperately need to create a schedule so that both blogs get enough time and attention to prosper. I want to have amazing blogs while still having time for myself and my family.
I’ve been organizing everything around my house, my files, and my pictures on my phone/computer. I’ve been planning posts to write and thinking about so many different tutorials I want to share with you all.


I wanted to create time to actually “create.” I love crochet, sewing, and digital design. I love to design with digital scraps and website layouts. I would love to incorporate that into my blog this year. I think I’ve spent enough time working hard to get all of you loyal followers, now I want to make it worth your while to visit.

I don’t just want to be known as the “review” blog or “mom” blog or whatever. I want to offer more than a “niche”.

So, now that I have everything set up, now it’s just time to plan that schedule and stick to it. AND hope that creativity strikes more often, lol.

What tasks/goals/life plans have you almost met?

Join in on the Bloggy Moms Blog Dare Challenge and link up below! I’ll come visit!

My goals and resolutions for 2014

My 2013 wasn’t all bad, but it was more on the negative side for me personally than positive. This blog (Stylish Southern Mama) was selected for some extremely amazing campaigns this year.. my favorite being the Verizon South Blogger. I got to work with some amazing people and learned that no matter WHAT as long as you are dedicated, motivated, and work your ass off you’ll go places in life.

Southern Rambles  (my second blog) was created in July of 2013 and I am VERY proud to say that I went from a PR0 to a PR2 in just 5 short months, which was AMAZING to me.
BUT as great as 2013 was for both my blogs, I ended up falling into a bipolar depression around November- early December. My family lost 3 people unexpectedly this year, two of them being infants.

My sister lost my beautiful niece Makenzie. It was such a devastating day, which turned into a heartbreaking rest of the year. Brandy was 25 weeks pregnant when Makenzie began her journey into the world. I’d been there, done that with Aidan. He was 24 weeks when he was born. There was a twist though, Makenzie didn’t end up making it like Aidan did. I felt such heartbreak for my sister, I wanted so much to hold her and tell her everything was going to be OK but how could I? I knew it was going to be hard for her, for me, for our family.

It not only made me have so many memory relapses of the rush of Aidans emergency birth and put me into a depression. I didn’t know how to look at my sister without almost crying. I couldn’t hold back my tears, my love for her, and the hardship she was facing. I was there, EVERY step of the way. Hiding in the bathroom at the hospital so she wouldn’t see me break down!

We have overcome the darkest days and come out stronger than we were. We love each other a little more, hug each other tighter, and are thankful for every day! It changed us, but we tried to make something positive out of the situation. We may not understand why Makenzie never got to live her life, but we’ve stood together and endured all the pain.

Blogging Goals and Resolutions
*Perfect the Art of Multitasking.
I was really great at it before but I am definitely going to have to up my game now that I own 2 blogs. I need to set a schedule for posting and getting everything done on both now.

*To remain focused on my goals and to write a personal post (part of the blogging challenge of 2014) every day in 2014.
*To start offering blog buttons and eventually entire blog designs.
Creation is my passion and I would love to be able to design for others!
*To blog more. To actually make the time to get everything on track- Emails checked, posts written, and add more personality to my posts.
*To have more guest posts. TO use my blog to help others. To showcase small businesses. As a small business owner myself I know how hard it is to get your name out there. SO I want to interview and showcase small businesses. These are the women/men who try their hardest to bring their creative beauty into the world and I love it.

Personal Goals and Resolutions
*My main goal is to remain focused. As a writer, focus and motivation are the 2 most things we have to have. Without them work goes unwritten and I don’t want that. I want to remain on TOP of everything. My blog, my house, and my kids.
*Be a motivator to others. There are people out there just waiting for the right words, the right song, or the right ear to become a better person. To love stronger, to be WHO they are without fear of being judged. I have always been who I am and have never been swayed by what others thought of me. I think everyone should be who they are and LOVE who they are. I would love to help others see that they are indeed beautiful.
*To laugh more. I try my hardest to be a positive person, but sometimes my bipolar takes over me and the depression comes out. It is just a feeling that comes over me where I miss those who used to be a part of my life. I start missing old family members, old friends, and those who have passed.

There will probably be more to come, but these are my resolutions for right now. I WILL do each and every single one of these too. I’m not one to make resolutions and forget about them until December.
Do you have any resolutions? What are they?

14 Foolproof Reasons to Love Lemons in 2014

(SANTA PAULA, CA) - The New Year is all about fresh starts and self-improvements.   Lemons are one of the most underrated yet incredibly versatile tools we have at our disposal. With New Year's Resolutions declared and the accompanying sense of personal responsibility at hand, there's no better time to delve into the wonderful world of lemons - and all the fantastic things the number onetrendiest foods of 2014 can do for all those resolution-makers in 2014.

Beauty

Lemons are universally celebrated for their many uses in the world of beauty. See below for tips to look ones best, despite the harsh winter weather.

1.  Heal that dry skin. Cold winter winds can wreak havoc on your skin! Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and honey and apply on your face and neck. After 10 minutes rinse off with cold water. Lemon contains hydroxyl acid which is highly valued in many beauty products.

2.  Lemons work wonders on chapped lips. As with the dry skin, chapped lips are hard to avoid in the colder months. Mix a teaspoon each of cream, lemon juice and honey and rub it on your lips. Use for a week and see your chapped lips disappear - naturally!

3.  Revitalize dull or damaged hair. Combine ¾ cup olive oil, ½ cup raw honey, and 3 tbsp of lemon juice. Set aside. After shampooing your hair, towel dry and work the lemon juice mixture into your hair by combing it evenly throughout. Cover your hair with a plastic cap for ½ hour. Shampoo and rinse hair thoroughly.

4.  Keep your breath nice and fresh. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice onto your tongue and swish it around in your mouth, swallowing the juice after a few swishes. This can lower the pH level inside your mouth and kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

5.  De-bloat with lemon and cucumber. Take 1 cucumber, 3 stalks of celery, ½ a lemon, 1 kale leaf and 1 green apple and blend in a juicer. This simple, natural juice helps to fight unsightly bloating (and ease abdominal discomfort in the process).

Home

Lemons are an easily obtained, often overlooked asset to the running of any household. See below for tips on how to keep any home clean and lemon-y fresh in the New Year.

6.  Lemons can keep your living space smelling fresh! Lemons work wonders to remove unpleasant odors. Throw a few lemon peels into the winter fire or boil them in water on the stove to fill your home with a fresh, citrus fragrance.

7.  Make your own all-purpose cleaner. Add an equal amount of lemon juice and water to a spray bottle to create an effective kitchen and bathroom cleanser.

8.  Keep the bugs at bay. When it's cold outside, insects often seek refuge in the warmth of homes. For ants, spray lemon water where you see them appear. For spiders, place bits of fresh lemon peel strategically in dark corners or on windowsills. For insects attracted to clothing, push cloves into the peel of new lemon and dry in the sun. After 4-7 days, the lemon will be completely dry (depending on weather conditions) and becomes a natural insect repellent for wardrobes, cupboards, and suitcases.

9.  Lemons add ambiance. Their cheerful yellow color adds a welcome splash of warmth into those cold January days. Place lemon slices in your flower vase and add water for a beautiful effect.

Health & Nutrition

Lemons are a staple for those who know that sometimes the best remedies are the simplest ones. See below for tips to battle the adverse effects that cold weather - and the ailments that go along with it - can have on the body.

10.  January is the month of the detox. Straight lemon water is a great detoxifier for your body. Squeeze the juice from a lemon half in your water. Cut the lemon half in pieces and put in your water for extra flavor.

11.  Germs abound this time of year. If you get a sore throat, add lemon juice to one cup of hot water and drink every couple of hours to help relieve a sore throat. (Hint - lemon water also increases production of white blood cells, thus fighting infections.)

12.  Lemons can help lower your cholesterol after a season of holiday snacking. Mix a pinch of salt with warm lemon juice and drink daily.

13.  Lemon juice is a handy weight loss tool. While no single food item is a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, adding lemon juice to a meal can reduce its rating on the glycemic index (GI). This can promote weight loss by keeping you full for longer, or by slightly reducing the amount of fat the body will store.

14.  Homemade honey, lemon and ginger tea can turn the worst cold into yesterday's news.Take 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger, 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 Tbsp. honey.Put the ginger in a tea pot or medium bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over it and let it steep for 3 minutes. Place the lemon juice and honey in a large mug, and strain the ginger tea into the mug. Stir to dissolve the honey, and add honey or lemon (or whiskey, if you're feeling old school) to taste.

Lemon uses described here have been selected from multiple public sources. Limoneira Company is not responsible for any adverse effects caused by following these generally accepted benefits.

For more wonderful tips to get the most out of every lemon, visit www.limoneira.com.

About Limoneira:

Limoneira Company, a 120-year-old international agribusiness headquartered in Santa Paula, California, has grown to become one of the premier integrated agribusinesses in the world. Limoneira (pronounced lē mon΄âra), is a dedicated sustainability company with approximately 10,000 acres of rich agricultural lands, real estate properties and water rights in California. The Company is a leading producer of lemons, avocados, oranges, specialty citrus and other crops that are enjoyed throughout the world. For more about Limoneira Company, visit www.limoneira.com.

 

-Jessica

Our Favorite Flooring Choices to Improve the Look of Your Home & Not Break the Bank

Whether moving into a new home or upgrading the look of an existing room, flooring installation can make all the difference. Picking the best flooring can be a daunting task, especially with all of the possibilities that exist, but we hope to make flooring installation a little easier with our favorite flooring options that will greatly improve the look of your home, and not break the bank.

Carpeting



If you love the delightfully warm and cushiony comfort of carpet, then perhaps it’s time to see the new and exciting carpet options that exist today. Many manufacturers are creating more durable and even stain resistant carpeting. It’s important to assess how much traffic your designated room gets, before deciding if carpet is right for you. Carpet is ideal for homes with small children, as it provides comfort and cushion for those adventurous crawlers.


Hardwood


Timeless, elegant and beautiful, hardwood flooring is perfect to obtain an elegant appeal. Hardwood flooring is expensive though, and requires a little extra care. There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing hardwood flooring. Visit a local Flooring America to find out what styles exist and can work in your home, or with your budget.

Laminate and Vinyl Flooring

Both laminate and vinyl flooring are excellent inexpensive alternatives that can resemble the look of more expensive flooring options. Laminate flooring is durable and very low maintenance, and flooring installation is a breeze.

Vinyl flooring offers a large selection of colors and patterns, and can also mimic the look of more expensive flooring options. Vinyl flooring is also durable and easy to care for.

Professional installation is still highly recommended to ensure the longevity of your floor.



-Jessica Renee

Verizon Edge- Upgrade Your Phone When YOU Want #VZWlife

Disclosure: As a member of the #VZWLife team, I received compensation for this post.

Have you heard about the new Verizon Edge plan? Verizon Edge is a brand new wireless plan that allows upgrading of phones every 6 months and you aren’t tied to a long term contract. This plan allows you to get a new 4G LTE smartphone this year and every year after.

No more long term contracts that only allow you to upgrade every 2-3 years. No more looking longingly at that new smartphone in the window just WISHING you could have it. NOW you can. No more phone envy, get the phone you want at prices you can afford.

HOW?

You pick out/choose your new phone. Then the price of the phone is broken down into 24 monthly payments and added to your bill. When your current phone is 50% paid off, which is at about 6 months you are eligible for another phone upgrade.

The upgrade is called Edge Up. To be eligible for Edge Up, the Edge phone that you return must be in working condition and free from any damages. That IS it. As long as you keep your phone in good condition, you have the option of upgrading every 6 months.

The pro’s to joining the Verizon Edge Program is that you aren’t bound to a long term contract that only lets you upgrade your phone every 2-3 years. Not having to pay for the phone up front is also a plus, it’s broken down into payments instead. This makes getting an upgraded smartphone a LOT easier.

As long as you have a service agreement with at least 6 months of good payment history, at the time you enter your 24-month Verizon Edge Agreement, you are qualified. There is no long-term service agreement that is required. There are no hidden fees to join in the program or to upgrade!

All Verizon phones and smartphones are available through the Edge program. Whether you’re looking for a Samsung Galaxy S4 or new Iphone, they have it. OR if you aren’t looking for a smartphone and just want a regular phone without a contract, they have those as well!

Pros:
•Purchase a new phone with a low monthly payment
•Enjoy the latest technology available by upgrading your phone more frequently
•Sign a month-to-month agreement instead of a long-term contract
•Upgrade without additional fees or finance charges

No more phone envy for you! Trade your phone in for one that YOU want!

Check out the new Verizon Edge program on the Verizon Wireless site.

 

Jessica Renee

 

Otterbox Samsung Galaxy S4 Build Your Own Defender Series Case #HolidayGiftGuide2013 #VZWlife

 

Since I’ve upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy S4, it’s become a constant companion to me. It’s become a necessity for keeping me organized, on time, and entertained. I wanted to make sure that it remains in one piece, so I started checking out the Otterbox Galaxy S4 Defender Series Build Your Own Case.

My kids play games and watch cartoons on my phone, so I needed tough. I needed to know that the case offered great protection and definite stability should there be an accidental drop. This Galaxy S4 case is made of three layers that work together to protect when I least expect it and needed it the most.

• Multi-layered case includes a polycarbonate inner layer, built-in screen protector and outer slipcover

Two-piece polycarbonate plastic inner shell snaps together around the phone. It fits snugly, while allowing access to the charger port and speaker jack. It also allows access to the camera without the flash catching any part of the shell.

There are ten different colors available for the plastic inner layer. Of course, I chose the lime green! I loved that lime was an option, since it is my absolute favorite color! I really love how the other colors look as well though. There are so many different looks you can create just with the inner/outer shells.

The inner layer contains a built in screen protector. I love this because it keeps my phone fingerprint free while my kids are playing with it. It doesn’t effect the ability of the touch-screen on the phone either, which I also love.

I can text or send an email with very receptive touch ability with the screen protection and plastic case on. My kids can play their games without getting anything directly on the screen, which is awesome! It protects against scratches and smudges without comprimising anything!

The outer shell is rubber, so it absorbs the shock of an accidental drop. I’ve had my share of “oh NO” moments already and am SUPER glad that the phone was protected by an Otterbox. It fell screen first onto the floor after my daughter stood up and forgot it was on her lap. After a gasp and quick inspection… there was NO damage!

The rubberized outer shell is available in 8 different colors. Mixed with the inner case, there are 80 different varieties you could make with them! How awesome is that? Whether it’s your favorite colors, your school colors, or your favorite teams colors!

 

This case has been awarded the Best Case/Accessory for the S4 by both Business Insider & PC Mag! This is for great reason! It is tough and rugged yet looks amazing! It allows access to all jacks, charging ports while also offering protection from dust.

Each layer is easy to get on, taking under a minute to fully complete the setup. If you have to take them off, the inside layer is pretty tough to get off. I’ve figured it out and it’s easy now—just work one side (left) and work your way around, unsnapping as you go.

I couldn’t imagine not having the Otterbox to protect my S4. The phone is extremely light and thin, and seems very delicate without the case. I’m in love with my case, and you could be as well! Get yours now!

Otterbox Galaxy S4 Defender Series Build Your Own Case $59.90

Connect with Otterbox online:

Facebook,  Twitter, & The Otterbox Website

 

 

Jessica Renee

Winter Style Must-Have! Bamboo Shoes, flats, & Boots #MustHave

Do you have tons of clothes, only to find out that you’ve been wearing the same couple pair of shoes with each outfit? As a woman, I love shopping for new shoes but as a mom I am always looking for ways to save money.

We don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to look classy, stylish, and finish off our outfits. There are tons of amazing Bamboo Shoes in a variety of styles. It doesn’t matter what kind of outfit you’re trying to put together or what style you have, you’ll find something you ♥.

The 2013 Winter Trend is all about being bold while still keeping it low-key. It’s all about making your own unique fashion statement while still feeling comfortable. Paired with the skinny jeans look, any kind of boot, bootie, or flat looks stunning!

You can transform boring bland jeans into “hey look at me” with an amazing pair of heels. You can add color to spice up the outfit and give your look a “pop” of design. OR you can just follow suite and go with the classic black.  

You don’t have to spend your entire paycheck to look and feel amazing! Almost all of these shoes are under $30, and come in a variety of color! Can you say “HELLO, you’re coming home with me!” lol.

Have you seen the wedge sneakers? I really like these black ones, not so sure on the brown ones. I’d definitely wear a pair under jeans, they look really awesome. These would be better for those jeans that are flared/ wide-leg!

I am really loving the slouchy boot & riding boots look for this fall/winter! It has been super cold here and boots are a must! Whether they are flats or have heels, boots look AMAZING paired with jeans for a casual look or even dressed up under your work clothes!

What look are you really into this winter/fall?

Xoxo

-Jessica