Jumpin-Beans

My little girl is growing up.  Yep, I hate to admit it, but she is... She used to want to play video games and cartoons... Now she likes to pamper - and play spa with me.  I love it, but it just goes to show - you can't keep them little for long.   FTC Compliant Review Policy:    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are  my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. She is turning 9 this year- I was surprised when she asked for a squish mallow cake.  We are lucky that one of my close friends is AWESOME at making cakes and makes her what she wants each year...  The other thing she wanted?  Make up and all that fun stuff!   I was lucky to have the chance to work in a review of Onyx with their  Skin Care / Nail Care line.  Savannah and I have both loved it all.  This ...

I know that I am not the first and I won't be the last to say that this year has thrown many a curve ball our direction.  I have had highs and lows... but one thing I am really working on is TAKING TIME FOR ME! Maybe that isn't a huge deal to some, but to me, it is something I tend to push to the back as I want to make sure my kiddos have everything they want or need... but that isn't always fair.  I have started to do a few "little" things that are just for me, because I feel that when I am the best of me, I can give and be the best for them! Just what am I doing?  Watching TV shows for ME :)  Reading books for ME ---  and PAMPERING myself now and then!  I have seen these cute masks before, but never bought them.. but you can guarantee I will in the future!  FTC Compliant Review Policy:    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product test...

There is no hiding the fact that both of my children suffer from eczema.  Broxton had it bad as a baby and now that he is 8, it is pretty much no longer an issue.  Savannah, on the other hand, has had major issues, even more so than Broxton.  When I was invited to EcoHome in Atlanta for an author book signing, I was excited to go and see what new products would catch my attention.  While there, I spotted their display for a new (to me) product line, Key West Aloe. FTC Compliant Review Policy:   The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation They had a tester tube out of the Key West Aloe Lotion , so you better believe I put some on Savannah's arms to see how it would do.  You know, most lotions are either really greasy, or they are really scented and end up drying...

I keep trying to think of gifts to give to people that already have everything they could want or need. To me, that means thinking of a fun gift that they might not normally buy for themselves.  One thing for me?  I think face masks (for your skin) are just too cool and I really want to try them all out. Since I don't really take care of my skin, I think that is great that I am interested in this.  I really want to try out all the different sheet masks out there, but I have been eager to see what the mud mask is all about as well.  Lucky for me, I was sent some great products for review.  Mud Mask and "fancy" shampoo! Why yes, thank you.  I would love to pamper myself!   FTC Compliant Review Policy:   The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency  for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation....

Life can be stressful for everyone, right? I know I am not the only one.  I am not even talking about BIG reasons to stress.  It can be anything from the stupid drivers out there... to those in school taking a test.  Yes, there are big and small issues out there, but we try to make the most out of it all.  One thing for me is to try and relax and take time for me when I can.  It can be a day at the spa, a trip to the grocery store alone or even a nice relaxing bath.  I had planned on making welcome to a new school year basket for Broxton's new teacher, but I know how people are about certain scents and I did not want to send in something she didn't like. Know what I did instead?  Made me a little care package and boy oh boy, I have been enjoying it!   FTC Compliant Review Policy:    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product tes...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I will be the first to tell you that I am not a "girly girl."  I do not wear makeup (except for special occasions) and I don't wear dresses.  There is nothing wrong with that, just like I think there is nothing wrong with me NOT wanting to do the same.  Don't get me wrong, I used to wear makeup all the time and I used to get my nails done ALL THE TIME...   Just not these days.  I do love a nice pedicure and I love to be pampered...  but that is not the point of this blog post.  I wanted to tell you about WHY I only paint one of my fingernails.   I received a collection of different colored nail polish from duri cosmetics for review.  I just loved the colors as they are not...

The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Pampering is not just for your baby.  Not to mention that your "baby" doesn't stop being your baby when it reaches a certain age.  Even though Broxton is now 5, I still baby his skin as if he was a newborn.  I see nothing wrong with that and I love how his skin feels!   We were sent The Healthy Baby Butter from Lavanila and it has been awesome putting it on Broxton and not having him freak out that it burns his skin (eczema) or that it is too cold / hot or whatever issue he wants the lotion to have.  We have used it numerous times and each time he greets it with a smile and that is what a mama wants.  This is one of the lotions he uses after bath time.  I will comment on the fact that I do wish it had a stronger sc...

I love being a mom.  Love love LOVE it... More than anything.  I know I am not perfect and I know I never will be, but I try to be the best mom I can be....  and the best mom for my son. Every now and then I need to relax and focus on me.  Not a selfish thing, but just a time to recharge and refocus on what the priorities are in my life...  The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. A couple years ago, I was introduced to a scent I will never forget, Moroccan Oil.  The smell is amazing and it was great for my hair.  I had the oil (that I secretly used on my skin as well) and the shampoo / conditioner... The only problem was that it was so expensive.  I had to give up that enjoyment... But not any more! Suave has come out with their Suave Beauty line ...

I recently had the chance to check out the site, Naturally Me.  Naturally Me is a store from a mom.  The owner, Chaundra, has 2 kids.. While growing up, they had skin issues and just as most parents, she could not afford to buy the expensive treatments... that was when she took matters into her own hands and created a product that they would be able to use... without the cost of it!  I for one am glad she did, as the prices on her site are very affordable.  That being said, I had to head over and check it all out... Of course, dealing with Broxton and his eczema flare ups, I was going to check out what they had for skin with eczema .  I was impressed that they not only had a body butter, but you could also purchase an eczema sampler set.  Surprisingly, I decided to treat myself! I noticed that Naturally Me had a gardenia soy candle .  If you know me personally, I love gardenia. It reminds me of my Nana and I love seeing gardenia scented pr...

Have you heard of ONE bath and body ? I was intrigued by their philosophy. They are a green company. Meaning, they are trying to help out our Earth! Their packaging is remarkable. They don't use plastic... just cardboard, or metal tins! Now, I am sure you are wondering how they do that and offer shampoo and conditioners... not to mention soap.. Well, that is because most are in solid form! Yes, SOLID form!!!! We reviewed a few items that I will share with you today. Up first: I was able to soak and enjoy their Bath Fizzer . I will admit, I was bit curious as to how to use it. I knew to put it in the water, but it said for a long relaxing bath, use whole fizzer ... Use half for a short relaxation. I was wondering if I was going to have to chop it or if I was supposed to just take it out after it shrunk some... I know, I know... Don't even go there! Well, lucky for me, when I opened the package, I saw that they had it simplified for people like me! They had it cut in half and...

Italian for Sweet Earth, Terra Dolce seems to just sweep you away on a relaxing vacation... In the sanctity of your own home! I was visiting the Terra Dolce website and I have to say, each and every single one of their products were just begging me to slip away to peaceful relaxation! Just listen to the names of the different collections they carry: Barefoot Contessa : Beautiful & Barefoot .. sw eet scent of summer florals & fresh grass Travel to this special region of the world with every application! Rather special floral, fresh & sweetly captivating scent. Grecian Blue: In Greece the juniperberry takes two or three years to ripen, turning the berry from green to a beautiful blue. A rich, crisp, earthy wood sweet scented silk lotion taking you back to ancient times. Floridian: An orchard of citrus by the ocean....if you listen, you can hear the gem colored waves crashing on the shore! Florida is known as the Orange State. This entire scent is dedicated to The Floridi...