tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59515986991569873972024-03-19T01:06:35.297-07:00Loving Life and Living on LessNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-22906581280705032912013-08-20T09:16:00.003-07:002013-08-20T09:16:51.677-07:00DIY Face Mask for Nourishing Skin and Reducing AcneMy skin has been rebelling lately. I've always battled acne and now adult acne is extra fun. Not. A while back I shared a Nutmeg Face Mask (for reducing acne and exfoliating) and it's still one of my favorite quick and easy ways to spruce up my skin. This mask helps tighten skin, smooth it and even reduce some inflammation from acne already on your skin. This one has a 'yucky' texture due to the egg whites in this recipe. My family thinks the nutmeg mask looks like poo smeared on my face...I just can't win.<br />
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I'm gonna try and explain why these ingredients are good for your skin and what they do rather than just list some stuff to spread on your face!<br />
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Egg whites: egg whites are full of protein and help nourish your skin. They tighten your pores and skin, too.<br />
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Lemon Juice: lemon juice helps extract dirt from pores and blackheads. The citric acid helps clarify skin.<br />
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Honey: honey has anti-bacterial properties that help reduce acne. It also helps hydrate your skin.<br />
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Baking Soda: baking soda softens skin and exfoliates without drying your skin out.<br />
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You will need:<br />
1 egg white<br />
2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
1/4 teaspoon honey (local and raw is best)<br />
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best but I didn't have any on hand)<br />
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Mix all ingredients well. You will find that the backing soda will drop to the bottom so before applying give it another whisk. I used a cotton ball to apply the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes (give or take). It'll dry fairly quickly but just let it sit for a bit. Rinse it off with warm water and pat your face dry. Your skin will feel tight for about an hour or so but I resist the urge to moisturize right away. I love the way this leaves me skin!<br />
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<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-29987707884445466382013-08-18T10:14:00.005-07:002013-08-18T10:14:56.112-07:00Free roll of New Scott® Extra Soft Tissue<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-41269075381678774872013-08-16T17:47:00.002-07:002013-08-16T17:47:58.529-07:00Amazon $5 off $25<a href="http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=lovlifandlivo-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a> is offering up $5 off a Purchase of $25 or more. Restrictions apply!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/socialmedia/promotions/BTS_2013/?ie=UTF8&action_object_map=%7B%26%2334%3B534438613278453%26%2334%3B%3A151397871726642%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D&action_type_map=%7B%26%2334%3B534438613278453%26%2334%3B%3A%26%2334%3Bamazon_social%3Aclaim%26%2334%3B%7D&camp=1789&creative=390957&fb_action_ids=534438613278453&fb_action_types=amazon_social%3Aclaim&fb_source=other_multiline&linkCode=ur2&tag=lovlifandlivo-20" target="_blank">Get Yours HERE!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lovlifandlivo-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-46793468464178218902013-08-16T09:40:00.000-07:002013-08-16T09:40:31.912-07:00Loot Crate: Monthly Subscription Box for Gamers, Guys, Geeks and More!Subscription boxes are all the rage and I love love love them. Most the ones I have seen are beauty or pet related so when I heard about <a href="http://www.lootcrate.com/llandlol" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loot Crate</a> I was more than intrigued. <br />
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For a little over $18 a month you receive 6-8 products that are considered 'Geek and Gaming Gear'. I love that this box is geared towards guys (and girls who game, as well). I feel like this is a completely new concept (at the very least, new to me) and truly a unique gift idea. The past crates were all really cool looking and I was a little bummed I'd only recently found <a href="http://www.lootcrate.com/llandlol" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loot Crate</a> (I missed out of some awesome gear- stuff I know my Hubs and kids would've liked, but even stuff I wished I had for myself!). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoubBPotyWPOQTllBz3JYAtrer7-OYSUZCTq7rkVAMExbvmX3F_J9H2WyUceJ0tVjpKYmC-Mu4ks0-iTwsePgSuUld1t9CdKvbdQSrvjiSRErGgEEldv8V-KUgQIKszfTlG-yCHeOWdpEg/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoubBPotyWPOQTllBz3JYAtrer7-OYSUZCTq7rkVAMExbvmX3F_J9H2WyUceJ0tVjpKYmC-Mu4ks0-iTwsePgSuUld1t9CdKvbdQSrvjiSRErGgEEldv8V-KUgQIKszfTlG-yCHeOWdpEg/s640/IMG_6245.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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My crate did arrive quickly and although I had planned to wait until Hubs came home, I tore it open. I couldn't contain myself, don't judge me! I caught glimpses of Thor, Yoda and Sonic and knew right away I loved this subscription!<br />
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<a href="http://www.lootcrate.com/llandlol" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loot Crate</a> is celebrating their 1 year anniversary! Use the code CAKE to receive 12% off<br />
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***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-8708890747653636792013-08-15T10:35:00.000-07:002013-08-15T10:35:02.975-07:00CapThat: Wedding Photo on WoodI got the opportunity to check out a new-to-me site <a href="http://www.capthat.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CapThat</a> and to share the experience of ordering and my thoughts on the product I received.<br />
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First and foremost, I noticed the cool options, like a photo on metal or wood. There's also all different sizes available and even custom sizing on some products like the canvas prints. There's <a href="http://www.capthat.com/#productCategory=503fb38dac77052d67000000" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">accessories</a> like playing cards, puzzles, coffee mugs and more. You can take photos straight from Facebook, Instagram or upload from your computer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCGhHwtB34MGzzQfuDaH40txNweTT7elqf_wQ5ddtEH2HKYgPqBtML6Hurx98Ryo1knuCBC_Yz07m2pESVGr5Gz8204VqDBlpZQvakX0G94osUBY6rxivHrQxSnTuWLsSAQUar3QKY93B/s1600/capthat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCGhHwtB34MGzzQfuDaH40txNweTT7elqf_wQ5ddtEH2HKYgPqBtML6Hurx98Ryo1knuCBC_Yz07m2pESVGr5Gz8204VqDBlpZQvakX0G94osUBY6rxivHrQxSnTuWLsSAQUar3QKY93B/s640/capthat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wanted a wedding photo to put up in my home office space and I was torn between a metal print and a wood print. After going back and forth I decided I liked the rustic look for the photos on the wood and thought it'd look great about my desk. I picked one of my favorite wedding shots and uploaded it right onto the site. It took just minutes to create my piece and checkout. It really helped that I could see a preview of the product as I uploaded and edited.<br />
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My 7x7 wood print is now hanging above my desk and I love it. It's really unique and these would make a wonderful gift.<br />
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***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-69962757710568101702013-08-15T09:50:00.000-07:002013-08-15T10:14:48.431-07:00Homemade Apple Butter in the Crockpot (No Sugar Added)No Sugar Added Apple Butter (AKA Naked Apple Butter)<br />
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Each year my grandparents (or as my kiddos call them, GiGi and PopPop) end up with more tiny green apples from there trees then they know what to do with. Lucky for me! These apples are perfect for cooking and I love cooking with fresh, organic home grown ingredients any chance I get.<br />
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Last year I took many of the apples and made apple butter for the very first time. My nephew was living with us and has an allergy to peanuts so I used the apple butter as a fun treat on toast for all the kids. The recipe I came up with (and the ones I keep seeing) had quite a bit of sugar and this year I decided to attempt to make apple butter with no sugar, I'm calling it naked apple butter! I picked up some local honey at a farmers market recently. I thought it might be the perfect sweetener for these tart little apples. Spoiler Alert: it was!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUxvvIiTLQlnG-tEVbhoD14rkvFq7gmm_z6ECFfMi39Tqgd6At6wAeCQNWR8LB66QafL3eLVdNa61i_hltIL8kKN84R6ww9mBUyrjdwlcbmCBfpLwDnMBC05VTLRgYw5k9Q1_t2HkE01W/s1600/applebutter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUxvvIiTLQlnG-tEVbhoD14rkvFq7gmm_z6ECFfMi39Tqgd6At6wAeCQNWR8LB66QafL3eLVdNa61i_hltIL8kKN84R6ww9mBUyrjdwlcbmCBfpLwDnMBC05VTLRgYw5k9Q1_t2HkE01W/s320/applebutter1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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You Will Need:<br />
16 small apples (approximately 2 lbs)<br />
1 cup of water<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg<br />
2 tablespoons honey<br />
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Core and slice apples (I peeled mine but you don't have to if you plan on using a blender later for a smooth butter). Place the apples in the crock pot and add the water, honey and spices. Cook on high for 4 hours. Once the apples are soft and easily mashed you can turn off the crockpot and let cool. If you prefer a chunkier apple butter you can leave it be. I like a smooth apple butter so I used my blender. Store your apple butter in the fridge and enjoy on toast, in a pie, with peanut butter or on a spoon straight from the jar!<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-48222033079975143672013-07-22T22:03:00.001-07:002013-07-22T22:03:24.940-07:00Cross Country Cafe: Deals on K-Cups and MoreI live off coffee. I don't just enjoy it occasionally, I look forward to it each morning. Hubs and I were so lucky to receive a Keurig as a wedding gift a few months back and I started buying up K-cups! I did find that they could certainly add up; but I kept looking for amazing deals (hey, it's what I do) and I found <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=409275&u=702905&m=42816" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cross Country Café</a>. This site has smoking deals on K-cups, whole bean or ground coffee and even brewers. I love the selection of K-cups and when I saw the Donut House Chocolate Glazed Donut flavor I knew it'd be good. I was right! So right, in fact, that I catch Hubs brewing up my cups! Just kidding, of course, what's his is mine and what's mine is mine....hehehe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=412219&u=702905&m=42816&urllink=&afftrack=" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Donut House Chocolate Glazed Donut" border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/42816/donut_house_chocolate_glazed.jpg" /></a></div>
The clearance section is ever changing and can get you K-cups at a steal of a price but even the regularly priced options are the cheapest I've found. These cost $13.75 for a 24 pack. That's .57cents per cup. Plus, <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=402932&u=702905&m=42816&urllink=&afftrack=">spend $59.00 or more items and your coffee ships for free!!</a> <br />
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There's also Wacky Wensdays, where there is a featured product at an amazing price. Connect with Cross Country Café via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cross-Country-Cafe/245889055458746" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for up to date deals!<br />
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***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-40331940118012755122013-07-19T20:11:00.001-07:002013-07-19T20:11:20.656-07:00Gearing Up for a New Semester with Campus Book RentalsI've said it before and I'll say it again: college books are ridiculously expensive to buy. I average at least $200 per course I'm taking. This semester I'm taking 5 courses...I can expect to spend around $1,000 on books (on top of my tuition)!! Yikes.<br />
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At first I thought the idea of renting my books was weird. But then I thought more about it and DUH, I try to sell my books back (and getting next to nothing for them) to the bookstore after each semester...what is the difference?! The difference is the money saved! You can save tons buy renting your books each semester. Here are some of the perks to using <a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Campus Book Rentals</a>:<br />
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-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices<br /> -free shipping both ways<br /> -can highlight in the textbooks<br /> -flexible <span class="il">renting</span> periods<br /> -donates to Operation Smile with each textbook rented<br />
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This is a screen shot off my student account for school. It's one of the books I'll need (in fact I need two for this particular class) this semester. It tells me how much to expect to pay for the book (new, used, rent etc).<br />
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It was super easy to find the book on CampusBookRentals.com by copying and pasting the ISBN. Here's what came up for the exact same book. The rental price difference is almost 50% off!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cIprLFMdPkvDkrNhdPFHg6MLlgX6-7xC_pBfo1W4Rb7fCcahacMIxbvnfgacKqgN-8mJ4M5oUmpS89LYk5KKWxew0nrGc3qyrOz04BvLSzpgSqM-Us8TsEoWtQbPUvczpHKP-U-HimoY/s1600/book1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cIprLFMdPkvDkrNhdPFHg6MLlgX6-7xC_pBfo1W4Rb7fCcahacMIxbvnfgacKqgN-8mJ4M5oUmpS89LYk5KKWxew0nrGc3qyrOz04BvLSzpgSqM-Us8TsEoWtQbPUvczpHKP-U-HimoY/s640/book1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's also the option to rent books you already own using <a href="http://www.rentback.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RentBack</a>. You rent out books to other students and you could make 2-4 times more money than buyback options (like when the campus book store offers me $4 on a book I spent over $100; no really, that's happened. I always end up keeping them out of principle). <br />
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This is a great idea for anyone who's in college, going to college or who has kept their college books, like me. Yay! For saving money!!! I already own enough in student loans!<br />
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***Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post of an awesome company I really like. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-15562565679952950392013-07-15T21:40:00.001-07:002013-07-15T21:44:48.270-07:00Baby G's 2nd Birthday at AZ Air Time (Ball/Sports Themed)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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AZ Air Time Family Fun for All Ages!</h3>
We recently celebrated my youngest child's 2nd birthday. I lovingly call him Baby G here on this site and I can't believe my "Baby" isn't such a baby anymore. Birthdays are bitter sweet, but I love planning parties, making memories and celebrating my kiddos. <br />
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Baby G had his party at <a href="http://azairtime.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AZ Air Time in Scottsdale</a> (there's a Tucson location coming soon too!), which I found through good old fashion Googling. I used the virtual tour option and loved what I saw; trampolines everywhere, with foam pit, basketball, dodge ball and more. Our family has many cousins ranging in ages from 1 to 13 years old and AZ Air Time was perfect to entertain all of them (and the adults too!). There is a whole section for younger kids and adults or older siblings are allowed in only if they are assisting a child 6 or younger, perfect! This is where Baby G spent most of his time, on the 2 inflatable bounce housed (complete with slides and basketball hoop) and on the trampolines specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. <br />
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The older kids (and adults) had a BLAST in the foam pit- it was an overall favorite among our group. I am usually running around at parties, making sure everyone and everything is taken care of but our hostess was wonderful and since she was on top of it all I got the chance to get in on the fun, too! The basketball area was a work out but such fun. Baby G's grandma was convinced she'd get a slam dunk; she got close but she'll have to head back to AZ Air Time to keep practicing! My two oldest (Jelly Bean who's 11 and K who's 4) loved racing in the main trampoline area and there was plenty of room for everyone. I'd worried about how busy it might be on a Saturday afternoon with younger kids, but it was great!<br />
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Our guest count was at 18 kids and parents who'd RSVPed 'Yes'. We ended up with 6 kids (don't get me started; 11 of the missing kids were no call/no shows); but the kids that came had the best time. I loved watching them all exercise, laugh, explore and really make the most of this unique location. <br />
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The party location we picked was the semi-private option, decided upon because of the number of guests we (thought) we'd have. It was perfect and they'd set up the space in the colors I'd chosen when booking the party and again, the hostess was wonderful at directing guests after checking in and just generally taking good care of us. This was one of the <a href="http://azairtime.com/parties-and-celebrations/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">easiest birthday parties</a> I've ever planned. I brought cake, favors and a few 'themed' decorations but that was it, they took care of everything from start to finish. We had the party mid-afternoon so we didn't serve food, but you certainly could! Simply call up and let them know the week of the party and again, they take care of it all. It was all completely stress free.<br />
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Jelly Bean immediately asked if we can go back- explaining she'd be "super healthy" if she was able to go to AZ Air Time "everyday!". With summer temperatures reaching 120 here in Phoenix and Scottsdale; this indoor location is wonderful! Don't get me wrong; you'll sweat if you participate, but you don't have to, there's free WiFi and seating areas for grownups, too! They offer <a href="http://azairtime.com/fitness/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">trampoline workouts</a> and I think I may just have to check it out! <br />
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Looking for a fun spot to take the kids for a couple hours? Want a unique and awesome birthday party experience? Looking for a new workout regimen? Whatever it is; I highly recommend <a href="http://azairtime.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AZ Air Time</a>. The staff was wonderful and Baby G's 2nd birthday party was easy and by far one of the best party experiences we've had (truthfully, AZ Air Time and the fun the kids had helped me forget about the bunch of family members who never bothered to call or show up; well at least for the time we were there! Can you tell I'm upset still? This is not the first incident and it's usually the same family members each time, but I digress.)<br />
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You can find AZ Air Time <a href="http://azairtime.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/azairtime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/azairtime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> (like them for up to date info and deals- while your there let them know LLandLoL sent you)! Remember this place for when your kids are bored or when you are planning your next birthday party. You will not be disappointed.<br />
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<strong>Share some ideas for birthday party themes below!</strong> </div>
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***Disclaimer: Some aspects of our party were commentary. As always, my opinions are 100% my own. Just take a look at those kiddos faces if you doubt the amount of fun they all had! :) If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-43530303608693086832013-07-13T22:11:00.002-07:002013-07-15T18:39:14.698-07:00Summer Staycation: Westin Kierland Resort and SpaWe try to take the kids on a vacation each year, we've been lucky enough (and frugal enough on the 'boring' stuff throughout the year) to be able to swing something each year. California beach, Universal Studios, overnight in Camp Verde to visit Out of Africa and Las Vegas. This year, rather than pack the kids up for hours in the car we decided to stay-cation! We opted for <a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/#" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa</a> in Scottsdale, Arizona and it was one of the best vacations we've ever had! If you follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/llandlol" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instgram.com/llandlol" target="_blank">Instagram</a> (@llandlol) or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lovinglifeandlivingonless" target="_blank">Facebook</a> you may already know just how great our time there was.<br />
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Staycation means vacationing in the general vicinity of your city and it's perfect for many reasons!</div>
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<strong>1.</strong> No long road trips with potentially whiney kids!</div>
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<strong>2</strong>. This also cuts back on travel costs (gas, pit stops etc).</div>
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<strong>3.</strong> Familiarity with the area.</div>
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<strong>4.</strong> This also includes being able to go home if you forget something!</div>
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<strong>5.</strong> You can also check in on your home and animals!</div>
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<strong>6.</strong> You don't have to request time off of work! Hubs met us right after work on Friday!</div>
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<strong>7.</strong> Explore your city! Take a look at your city as though you were a tourist- you'll find lots to do!</div>
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The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa is about 30 minutes away from our home and in North Scottsdale. I'd done some research before we went for our two days of amazing and knew Westin Keirland offered TONS of activities for the kids and lots of relaxation opportunities for Hubs and I. Perfect. We wanted to focus on the kids this trip because Hubs and I will be going on our Honeymoon in the fall. I wanted them to make memories and experience new things and TheWestin Kierland was the perfect place to do that.<br />
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From the moment we arrived the staff was wonderful! We valeted (complementary), took the luggage and delivered it to our room super fast. Checking in was quick but maybe it's just my kids, but they can't stand still for more than 2 minutes. The reception told them about some snakes just down the steps in the lobby and they enjoyed that while I finished check in We got our Pathfinder- which is a newsletter type thing with all the events of that week/weekend and I knew we were in for some fun! As a <span class="gD" email="GCCUSTSERVICE@confirm.starwoodhotels.com" name="Starwood Preferred Guest"><a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/#/resort/starwood-preferred-guest/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starwood Preferred Guest</a> (easy and free to sign up) we were assigned a room on a <span class="gD" email="GCCUSTSERVICE@confirm.starwoodhotels.com" name="Starwood Preferred Guest">Starwood Preferred Guest floor- the top floor! The view was AMAZING. The room was comfortable but the special touches the staff left for my kids was the best part. A little note welcoming them in the bathtub, writing on the bathroom mirror with their names and adorable stuffed animals for each of them! The kids (and their parents) really appreciated those efforts to make them feel special.</span></span><br />
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Friday evening they have a Food Truck Festival- food trucks park next to the big pool- we grabbed hot dogs and corn dogs from Short Leash Hot Dogs and sat in the pool area. There was a DJ and fun games and activities going on in the lawn and they were offering up some fun prizes too! Around 7:30pm they offer make your own s'mores, which I was really excited about. But I made the mistake of allowing my kids to 'put their feet' in the pool (I should've dressed them in their swim suits- but I went down to the festival without Hubs- who had just arrived from work and wanted to take a shower). This resulted in my 4 year old 'accidentally' getting in chest deep in his clothes. We called it an evening before s'mores. That was ok with me, though, I knew the kids had a fun-packed and busy day on Saturday! So we relaxed in the room, watched some TV and when the two little ones fell asleep we let our oldest be in charge and Hubs and I walked around the grounds and grab a late night bite. We split a burger and chips and salsa at Waltz and Wieser Saloon. It was delicious!<br />
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Our mornings always start early and our Saturday on stay-cation was no different! I had planned ahead and brought some snacks for the early morning and stocked our in room fridge with drinks. We ate and got ready because the oldest two kiddos were signed up for Kids in the Kitchen. <a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/#/fun/kierland-mining-co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Mining Co.</a> is the headquarters for all the fun stuff for the kiddos so we went down to sign them in. The staff was, yet again, wonderful (are you sensing a theme?)! They made the kiddos feel comfortable and had a little icebreaker before having them say bye to the parents and walking them to the kitchen area to make chocolate chip cookies. The program was 2 hours and the kiddos could not stop raving when we picked them up! They had adorable hats and cool aprons they'd colored themselves and 2 dozen cookies made by them. They were both so proud and happy to tell us all about it. My 11 year old said if she had to choose this (and the FlowRider) would be her favorite. <br />
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Speaking of <a href="http://kierlandflowrider.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FlowRider</a>, up next on our agenda was to head upstairs to our room and get ready for her scheduled time for the FlowRider. For anyone unfamiliar, as I was, take a look at the website and these pictures of my girl ROCKING it- and I think you'll get the idea. It was awesome to see her having fun with something athletic like this. The staff helped her feel comfy and she dove right in (well, not dove, it's not a diving pool, but you get the idea) and did amazing. Her session was an hour and there were other kids her age and adults doing it too! The cost for this is only $30 for an hour (and there's a one time registration fee of $15). It's only open to guests of the resort, but should definitely be part of your consideration if you are even thinking about booking at The Westin Keirland. This was a truly unique experience.<br />
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We took the rest of the day and enjoyed the <a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/#/fun/pools-waterpark-cabanas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adventure Water Park</a> at the resort (side note: there is an adult only pool, too!). It was an extremely hot weekend here so we got a cabana but truthfully, there were tons of umbrellas and chairs available. The cabanas start at $90 for all day- which is great because you can leave and come back without worrying your spot was taken. A cabana is definitely not a necessity, but we appreciated having a home base. Plus the rental comes with extras- the biggest one for us on that super hot day was bottles of water! The server from J. Swilling's (the pool bar and restaurant) was wonderful and the pizza and mojitos we ordered were great! <br />
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The Adventure Water Park has a splash pad, a shallow play pool for the little ones, a lazy river, water slide and of course a regular swimming area in the pool. We swam and enjoyed the lazy river together but my favorite part was watching my 4 year old go down the slide. He was just tall enough, the staff on duty checked, and honestly part of me hoped he'd be too little and she'd have to be the one to tell him. But alas, he was able to go down the 110 foot water slide. The lifeguard on duty at the bottom was great about letting my new swimmer find his independence trying to reach the side after sliding down but was there 'just in case' and I truly appreciated that. He told my son which side to swim to next time and explained that the water pushes you that way. My son got out of the water and immediate exclaimed "I want to do that again!!".<br />
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Hubs took the kids up to the room for nap/relaxation time while I went to check out <a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/#/spa/about-agave/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Agave Spa</a>. Agave Spa offers 20 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, movement studio, weight training and cardio studio, men's and ladies' locker rooms (each with whirlpool, sauna and steam room) and a full-service juice bar. I fully enjoyed my 50 minute massage and the whole spa was extremely relaxing. I enjoyed the whirlpool and the relaxation area after the massage and could've spent far more time in the spa, but I wanted to get back to the family and get ready for dinner at <a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/#/dining/deseo/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">deseo</a>.<br />
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The oldest two went to the <a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/#/fun/ages-4-7/pajama-party/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pajama Party</a> offered by the Westin Kierland while our youngest went to my parents house nearby- another great thing about sticking close to home! Hubs and I got ready and headed down to deseo. Deseo is Latin-influenced cuisine developed by an award winning chef. Our server was fantastic and helped us decide on each menu item we ordered. He guided Hubs through the menu after we explained Hubs' allergies. The food was AMAZING. So many choices that all sounded delicious. Though, Hubs couldn't try my appetizer (Shrimp Chicharro) I didn't feel bad, his appetizer looked just as wonderful and he was kind enough to share his Beef Antichuco. Both were great, for me, the shrimp was my favorite, it had a bit of spice with wonderful complementary flavors. A couple we'd run into on the elevator recommended the roasted artichoke as a side dish and we are huge artichoke fans, so we definitely We also got the purple mashed potatoes. Both were wonderful, but those artichokes were the stand out for me- I could've eaten the whole dish but I had an equally delicious entrée to enjoy, too! We ordered knowing we'd share and taste each others, as we usually do, so we got the Beef Tenderloin 'Churrasco Style' and Kobe Vaca Encebollado. At this point I was almost regretting the appetizers and sides because I was starting to get very full! I wanted to eat it all! Our server recommended wine options to us to fit our needs and complement our food choices and he encouraged us to save room for dessert. We were so full by the end of the meal but his suggestion of a chocolate cigar was too intriguing. Not only was it a mini work of art, it was so yummy! Deseo was 5 star all the way for me!<br />
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I picked up the kids from the Pajama Party, which if you are dining at deseo is complementary (bring your receipt!) and they were so excited to tell us all about their evening. The Pajama Party included dinner, which I didn't really think about (I mean, I guess I'd just pictured delivery pizza or something), but the staff took the kids to a buffet at Nellie Cashman's and the kids raved! They also got to go make s'mores by the pool, play, color and watch a movie. Both the kids (11 year old and 4 year old) enjoyed themselves and didn't feel like they'd been 'babysat', rather they'd just had some fun while Mom and Dad went to eat dinner. I appreciated that, especially with my oldest and there were other kids her age there, too! <br />
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The next morning we packed and decided to head to <a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/#/dining/nellie-cashmans/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nellie Cashman's</a> for the breakfast buffet we'd heard others raving about. They offer a <a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/#/dining/nellie-cashmans/bubbles-and-brunch/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bubbles and Brunch</a> buffet but we were too early, as I said, my kids wake up EARLY! We did enjoy the buffet offered with our favorite options being made to order omelets and locally grown fresh produce. Baby G loved the pancakes, too! I snapped a few more photos and we were off. <br />
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This vacation/stay-cation was jam packed full of fun and relaxation! New experiences and memories I'll forever cherish. The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa was the perfect choice for our needs- it's great for families but I would love to spend a romantic weekend with Hubs there, too! The grounds were gorgeous, activities offered were fun and unique, dining was delicious and the staff went above and beyond for my family. We're definitely going to be visiting again very soon- and we can because it's right nearby! <br />
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Check out the specials and <a href="http://specials.kierlandresort.com/rooms/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Westin Keirland Resort and Spa</a> next time you are looking for the royal treatment on your vacation or staycation in Scottsdale, AZ.<br />
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***Disclaimer: My family received parts of our staycation complementary in exchange for posting about our experience. As always, my opinions are 100% my own! If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-79336194481410210052013-07-05T12:32:00.001-07:002013-07-05T12:32:08.084-07:0028 Day Proskins Challenge!I'm not going to lie when I heard about <a href="http://proskinus.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proskins</a> Anti-Cellulite Leggings I got super excited. I heard there was a 28 Day Challenge; basically, where the leggings for at least 8 hours a day for 28 days (you can even where them overnight!) but I think they are cute so I started wearing them over long tunic type shirts. I'm sure I'll wear them at night too, since I can't wear leggings everyday and in AZ the temp is reaching the 120s and I will not be layering these (or anything) under pants!<br />
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I'm sure a change in eating habits and workout regime will help these leggings do there work in helping me lose inches. But for the most part I'm planning to keep my regular lifestyle; to really see what these babies can do! I'm super excited to try these out and share with you my findings along they way. I'll let you know next week if there is any change in my measurements.<br />
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I'm no scientist and I've only heard of a handful of these items but I like what I'm seeing here. This is what the tag says "How Does it Work?" (of course it went into much greater detail):</div>
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Caffeine, Retinol, Ceramides, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Fatty Acids.</div>
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***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
<a href="http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html">http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html</a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-34865494286175673702013-07-05T08:18:00.003-07:002013-07-05T08:18:55.634-07:00Despicable Me 2My whole family has be excited for Despicable Me 2 to come out this summer. The first one is one we enjoy often in our home- it's got a perfect mix for adults and kids to both enjoy. Plus, Hubs and I think Steve Carell (Gru) is hilarious!<br />
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Depicable Me 2 starts where the first left off; Gru is focusing on being a dad to his girls, Margo, Edith and Agnes. After some suspicious activity (an entire top secret lab is stolen!) the Anti-Villain League recruits Gru and teams him up with Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wig) to find out who the culprit is. Gru focuses his attention on Eduardo, a restaurant owner that Gru is convinced is actually the presumed dead super villain 'El Macho'. Side note: Eduardo's son has been flirting with Margo. It seems Gru's obsession with 'El Macho' (and his son) stems from his desire to protect his eldest daughter so the Anti-Villain League ignores Gru's accusations and claims.<br />
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Jelly Bean (my 11 year old daughter) thought Despicable Me 2 was even better than the first! We certainly had laugh out loud moments and giggled throughout the movie. I completely related to Gru regarding Margo and her seemingly overnight teenage behavior (I did mention I have an 11 year old girl, right?). The minions are still has adorable and silly as ever, although they start to disappear (or are they being kidnapped!?) throughout the movie. I loved seeing more sides to Gru- watching him relate to his daughters and to his new partner Lucy was refreshing and sweet.<br />
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This is definitely a movie I recommend for the whole family! It's perfect for all ages. My 4 year old is begging me to take him and I think my 2 year old would love it, too. Definitely, check it out!<br />
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***Disclaimer: I was able to take my daughter to a pre-screening of this movie to write this review. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-51841364085842640432013-06-30T23:41:00.001-07:002013-06-30T23:55:26.667-07:00Claire's SaleJust grabbed a pair of cute sandals and a hat for $5 each!<br />
Lots of great sales and if you have <a href="http://www.shoprunner.com/invite/a0QG0000004QNpjMAG" target="_blank">ShopRunner</a> these ship free!<br />
<a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-6375207-11413442">Super Summer Sale @ Claire's! Save on the hottest summer trends.</a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-6375207-11413442" width="1" />
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***Disclaimer: Post contains affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-29178811350495274482013-06-27T13:52:00.000-07:002013-06-27T13:52:29.592-07:00Summer Essentials Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer Essentials Giveaway Sponsored by DormCo and <a href="http://www.therosysnail.com/summeressentials/" target="_blank">The Rosy Snail</a>.</div>
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One lucky winner will win a gorgeous Large Sorority Trunk for DormCo stuffed full of fantastic prizes for the best summer ever! Checkout all the prizes below and you can check out the reviews of these items over at The Rosy Snail!</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88314d117/" id="rc-88314d117" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-3410564793751824932013-06-26T15:21:00.002-07:002013-06-26T15:21:39.784-07:00Zaycon Foods<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How does <a href="https://www.zayconfoods.com/refer/zf237292" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zaycon Foods</a> manage to provide such high quality super fresh meat and produce to its </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">customers at such low prices? The answer is strength in numbers. And not our numbers, yours!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zaycon Foods can sell its products at bulk rate prices to individual consumers and families because our </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">unique sales event business model brings lots of people together, adding all their purchasing power into </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">a combined bulk food purchase. And when you buy as part of a group that’s committing to such a large </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">purchase, the power is in the hands of the purchaser! It’s the ultimate group buy in terms of both price and consumer empowerment.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can pre-select exactly what you want to order from a given Zaycon sales event – sometimes you </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">may want to stock up on our amazing meaty back ribs and sometimes it might be all about the Zaycon </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">bacon – and then, on the day of the sales event, you and a whole big bunch of your neighbors will find </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">yourselves in a nearby parking lot watching as an entire tractor trailer’s worth of high quality natural </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">food is unloaded into all of your cars! You will be amazed at how quickly one of our refrigerated trucks </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">goes from being filled with natural, fresh chicken or hundreds of gallons of grade A non-homogenized </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">milk to being empty and back on its way to the farm!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Zaycon Foods truck sales event often lasts less time than you would spend on a trip to the grocery </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">store, yet you will leave with a whole lot more food than you’d get at the market, and for much better </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">prices, too!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you use the Zaycon Foods sales event as your preferred place to purchase meats, milk, and any of </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">our other fine products, you get advantages even beyond the bulk pricing that comes with our special </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">sales model. You also have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what you’re going to get! A trip to the </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">grocery store can involve wasted time wandering around looking for various foods spread out across </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">the store; at a Zaycon Foods parking lot meat truck delivery (or milk or berries or fish delivery, too!) </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">you have pre-ordered your foods, so all you have to do is show up and wait for our friendly staffers and </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">volunteers to load up your car. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also, unlike in the grocery store, the prices you will pay for a Zaycon Foods product are locked in on our </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">website, so you will know how much you are going to spend before you have committed to a purchase. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At a supermarket, you might pay one price for chicken on one day, and then a higher price on another </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">day. With Zaycon, you decide that you want to order a case of our fresh boneless skinless chicken </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">breasts, you check the price and then you commit to it, knowing that from that moment on, we are </span></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">committed to getting you your fresh, natural food!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To Get Started Click on this <a href="https://www.zayconfoods.com/refer/zf237292" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a> </span></span></div>
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***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate links. By using these links you are helping support LLandLoL, but of course it is never required that you use my links. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-13286270640549180942013-06-24T10:01:00.001-07:002013-06-24T10:01:07.136-07:00$25 Monthly Makeup Challenge Month 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you are jumping right into the $25 Monthly Makeup Challenge feel free to check out the previous months: <a href="http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/2013/03/the-25-monthly-makeup-challenge.html" target="_blank">Month 1</a>, <a href="http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/2013/04/25-monthly-makeup-challenge-month-2.html" target="_blank">Month 2</a>, <a href="http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/2013/05/25-monthy-makeup-challenge-month-3.html" target="_blank">Month 3</a>. Basically, the challenge is to build a quality makeup collection buy budgeting $25 each month. <br />
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This month I knew I wanted to purchase mascara. And I wanted to share my thoughts on mascara. I have naturally long lashes, lucky me! But I use mascara everyday (and although my lashes are long, they are not naturally curled- boo.). I love the extra length and volume mascara gives. Here's the thing, though. Mascara has one of the shortest lifespans of any makeup product. You should be tossing your old mascara for a new tube every 3-6 months. I don't know about you, but for me, throwing away a high end mascara that runs $20+ after 3 months of use would make me cry a little inside. In fact, I probably wouldn't. Then I'd be risking my health and possibly introducing bacteria and such to my eyeball...so to avoid that temptation, I usually purchase my mascara from the drugstore. Don't get me wrong, the high end mascaras I've tried work and they work really well. However, there are great options at your local drugstore, too.<br />
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So, this month I headed to <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/" target="_blank">Walgreens</a>. I love walking around Walgreens beauty section. There's always deals and new items. I planned to purchase a mascara that was tried and true to me, perhaps a CoverGirl brand or Maybelline but as I walked around this Revlon Lash Potion caught my eye. I'm a sucker for fun packaging. I like Revlon and at $9 I figured it was worth a shot. It has a pretty standard brush but I like the formula a lot. It gives great length but doesn't clump.<br />
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Walgreens had a Buy One Get One 50% Off on <a href="http://www.revlon.com/" target="_blank">Revlon</a> products so I figured I'd pick up another item for my makeup arsenal. I decided on the dual brow pencil/gel combo, Brow Fantasy. Usually I use a powder (truth time: I usually use a eyeshadow powder from an ELF quad) but I was excited about trying a pencil but terrified at the gel. I've used a clear gel but this tinted gel scared me a bit, I was worried it'd be like a marker. After I tried it, though, I am super happy with it! It adds just a little touch of tint to my brows and I apply it after using the pencil.<br />
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I knew my total would be well below the budgeted $25 so I took this opportunity to check out some bronzers. I have and LOVE an inexpensive Wet N Wild bronzer but I wanted to go with something 'higher end' from the drugstore and one of my absolute favorite blushes I have is from <a href="http://www.milanicosmetics.com/default.aspx?" target="_blank">Milani</a>. So, I headed to that section and found this fun bronzer! It's a baked bronzer with some highlighting aspects, and I loved that. After I got it home and swatched it I got a little worried. It was sheerer and shinier than I'd hoped. I tried it the next day and I ended up liking it but I have to use a very light hand to avoid looking shiny. If you prefer a matte bronzer (I think it's good to have both in your makeup collection) this is not for you but I think that's obvious from the get go!<br />
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So, these are my drugstore purchases for this challenge. I absolutely think you can get quality items from the drugstore and it's a great way to add to your makeup collection. My personal collection includes high end and drugstore.<br />
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From the previous months I had accumulated a roll-over budget for this month of <strong>$43.52 </strong>for this month(in this challenge if you don't spend the full $25 we get to 'roll over' the amount saved!).<br />
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Total available this month (based on money saved so far and $25 each month): <strong>$43.52</strong><br />
Grand total this month: <strong>$22.71 </strong><br />
Amount left over (from $43.52): <strong>$20.81</strong><br />
<strong>Total Available Next Month: $20.81 + $25= $45.81</strong><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-17042197981477667502013-06-22T12:47:00.001-07:002013-06-22T12:47:13.003-07:00Dish Washing Made Easy With Cascade Platinum! #Sponsored PostWe bought our home two years ago and the first appliance purchase I've ever made was a dishwasher for our new home. <br />
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I will admit in the past I have used only dishwashing soaps that were on sale paying little to no attention to the quality. After all, dishwashing soap is dishing washing soap, right? Boy, was I wrong!<br />
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I started noticing the need to run a load two time or hand wash certain items after it ran. I also know that Hubs refuses to pre-wash. He says what's the point of washing before you wash them? I get it- kinda like cleaning the house before a housekeeper comes (not that I know that luxury well or anything, but you get the idea!). <br />
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Then I saw the cool design and awesome facts of <a href="http://bit.ly/16Te3N5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cascade Platinum</a> and was really excited to try it. Mom Central Consulting sent me a pack of 14 and I opened it right away (I do a load of dishes a day it seems like). The small squares really pack a punch! I'm already in love with the grease fighting power of Dawn and the Cascade Platinum has that quality right in the small pouch. I didn't need to run my washer twice and my dishes came out sparkling. <br />
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The biggest thing for me is eliminating the need to nag Hubs about pre-washing the dishes! There's no need to even think about prewashing anymore. Cascade Platinum gets rid of the worse kind of stuck on food, too. Dried spaghetti sauce or clumps of unused catsup (my kids request it but rarely use it)? No problem. I love that! <br />
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I try to include a lot of recipe posts on my site. I personally love to cook and bake and love finding new (and easy) recipes. With recipe sharing come food photos! I love that I have <a href="http://bit.ly/16Te3N5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sparkling dishes</a> and clean for photos and presentation. Cascade Platinum has teamed up with Gail Simmons (one of my favorite judges on <em>Top Chef</em>) to share why presentation is important and how Cascade Platinum can really help put 'your best food forward'.<br />
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Check out the fun <a href="http://tinyurl.com/PlatBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> #MyPlatinum and @MyCascade Contest! Two weekly winners and one final grand prize winner will be picked! Check out the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/PlatBlog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rules and guidelines</a>- I'll be entering!<br />
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Want to know more about Cascade Platinum? Check them out on <a href="http://on.fb.me/10Y8RQQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!<br />
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***Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and is part of a Mom Central Consulting campaign. I received the product to review and as always, my opinions are 100% my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html<br />
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-11022768600696156082013-06-21T20:45:00.001-07:002013-06-21T20:45:45.736-07:00Disney Pixar: Monsters University<h3>
'Scaring' My Thoughts With You!</h3>
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I feel like I'm been seeing trailers for Monsters University for over a year now. The anticipation was building and I was like a kid waiting for Christmas to hear more news about it's release. I am a HUGE Monsters Inc. fan, the movie was adorable and humorous and all around a winner. So I had high expectations for the prequel 'Monsters University'.<br />
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My expectations were exceeded! This truly was a heart warming and entertaining movie all about how our favorite monster team came to be. It's a tale of determination, self discovery and teamwork. It's full of funny moments for both the kids and adults watching which, for me, is a true sign of a winning movie!<br />
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This movie centers around Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan (Sully) and their time at the prestigious Monsters University. Mike has dreamed of attending MU since he was young and has dreamed of being a 'scarer' just as long. Sully has a famous last name and things come seemingly easy for him in the Scare Program; which frustrates Mike, who works hard studying for school. Mike and Sully are not instant friends (far from it!) and after a series of unfortunate events, find themselves needing each other and band together, along with some other very fun characters, to save their college careers! <br />
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The animation was, of course, wonderfully done, no surprise there. My 4 year old sat through the whole thing and did not ask once if it was over or if we can go home. This is a big deal for him! He loves movies but can bore quickly. Monster's University kept him interested and engaged and he was laughing right along with me at the antics these monsters got into. After the movie he told me I was 'the best mom ever' for taking him to see this movie! I should note that he has seen some of Monsters Inc. but hasn't watched in entirely (I think he was too young to sit for that long when I tried a while back) but he seemed to understand even without the knowledge of the Monsters Inc. plot.<br />
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I highly recommend this movie to all families! This is one you all will enjoy! <br />
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For more info:<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/DisneyPixar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Follow Disney/Pixar on Twitter</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Like Monsters University on Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://disney.go.com/monsters-university/?cmp=wdsmp_mon_mu_url_dcommonstersu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Checkout the website</a><br />
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***Disclaimer: We were invited to the free pre-screening of this movie. As always, my opinions are 100% my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html<br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-1950952180895891502013-06-21T14:53:00.002-07:002013-06-21T14:58:32.560-07:00Summer Series: Build-A-Bear (ColorPopz)!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On our summer bucket list I included <a href="http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Build-A-Bear</a>. I knew the kids would go crazy for this idea and I was right! If you follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/llandlol" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lovinglifeandlivingonless" target="_blank"> Facebook</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/llandlol" target="_blank">Instagram</a> you already saw what a good time we had!<br />
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I follow Build-A-Bear on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Buildabear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/buildabear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> so I knew there was a new line out called <a href="http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/productBrowse.jsp?categoryId=cat10780001&selectedParentCategoryId=cat110197&sc_hpan=banner_ColorPopz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ColorPopz</a>. I thought these would be perfect for summer with the bring colors and fun choices. I thought each kid would pick one of the three ColorPopz choices but I was wrong. Baby G wanted the same one big brother K picked. Duh, Mom. That really shouldn't have been a surprise at all!<br />
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I planned to go right when the store opened to avoid chaos and a crowd. It turns out there was a birthday party scheduled at opening on the day we were there! I was pleasantly surprised that the staff was still attentive and helpful to us even while a birthday party was scheduled. <br />
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The ColorPopz are so cute! There's Razzy Berry Kitty, Pizazzy Bear and Jazzy Frog. Both my boys went with the bright pink and big eyed Razzy Berry Kitty and Jelly Bean opted for the pretty orange Pizazzy Bear. Did you know Build-A-Bear has sound options?! I had no idea. What a cool concept especially for a special occasion or gift. We didn't add the sound for these but the kids sure had fun testing the sounds out! We moved on to the stuffing part and the staff was wonderful espcecially with Baby G (this was his first time and K has only done it once at a birthday party). They washed their animals in the 'bath tub' which K informed me was 'just pretend, Mom, but it's fun!'.<br />
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The ColorPopz are larger than I imagined but the regular clothing fits- which is awesome! There are even outfits made specifically to match these fun new animals. Of course my younger two cared nothing about matching or outfits that made any sense. Baby G saw a Woody outfit and although he walked around and looked at the many many choices...he went right back to the Woody costume and the staff helped him find cowboy boots, too. Jelly Bean tried on a couple outfits for hers, the first she dubbed to formal so she went on the hunt for something 'more casual'. The staff helped her find the perfect outfit and flip flops for her bear (which she named Dani).<br />
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K was dead set on getting the cat. He's been watching Puss and Boots any chance he gets and I'm certain helped sway him. He picked a karate outfit, a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. I love that he didn't care at all about the fact that the cat was pink- he decided the cat was a boy and named him.....Puss in Boots.<br />
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After their animals we dress and ready we moved on to the computers to create the birth certificates. The birth certificates are great for a few reasons. If you lose your animal and someone takes it back to a Build-A-Bear they can scan the animal, find you (the owner) and they will send it back to the address on file! Also, the certificate allows the kids to log in online for some special Build-A-Bear games with your animal. The computers got stressful with two too young ones wanting to 'type' (ie press buttons!). But, again, the staff came to our rescue. <br />
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The kids all played with the animals all day and Jelly Bean started playing the online games right away, too. My favorite is that the little ones have slept with 'Puss in Boots' and 'Woody Cat' each night since we brought them home. What a fun memory making morning!<br />
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Certainly things can add up taking the kids to Build-A-Bear, but I wanted to point out that they have bear options as low as $10 and you can certainly use a budget for 'extras' as a learning tool for older kids. There's a clearance section for accessories and clothing and kids can use the budget to determine what exactly they want for their new animal. <br />
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Also, I think we'll implement a new system in our home where kids can earn 'bear bucks' as rewards to use to purchase new accessories and such for their collection of Build-A-Bear animals.<br />
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<strong>Do you use a system for rewarding the kiddos? Would your kids like a system were they could earn Build-A-Bear 'bucks' at home?</strong></div>
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***Disclaimer: Review products have been given to me for review purposes. My opinions are my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-61487820887159081432013-06-21T13:55:00.003-07:002013-06-21T13:55:26.015-07:00Red, White and Blue RaspberriesThe fourth of July is coming up (and two days later it's Baby G's 2nd birthday! So bitter sweet, but I digress). I wanted to try out dying sugar and thought this would be the perfect opportunity. Raspberries were on sale for $1- it was definitely a sign.<br />
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<strong>What You Will Need</strong>:<br />
Raspberries<br />
Coconut<br />
Sugar (and food coloring)<br />
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I won't lie. I wasn't sure how the sugar dying would work. I put a bit of sugar (approx. 2 tablespoons. Maybe 3) and one drop of food coloring. I tried using a toothpick to stir it. It kind of clumped so I used my dry (clean!) fingers to blend the color with the sugar. I was surprised but pleased- it worked! It came out really pretty and kind of glittery. <br />
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I used the coconut and put it in the raspberry and dipped the end in the blue sugar. Done! <br />
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You could use a white chocolate chip in place of the coconut (which I intended but when I went to my baking cabinet I found out I was out of white chocolate chips)! These would be great and refreshing for a 4th of July gathering and they are so easy! <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">What are you favorite 4th of July recipes?</span></strong></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-86461216676884977972013-06-12T17:24:00.001-07:002013-06-12T17:24:31.879-07:00Summer Fun! Kids Bowl Free at AMF Bowling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz27UXHZub4FTzPAx3vUY806ABTTuZtHbVGOPqjOqDc8Gc5FGg8nBZQ3pLNKxk_g_Ep3TszJOOzsQCPtMG8drYe_nfQDKakwNZyUSL13553WjQg9PhyphenhyphenEKLr-g2TKC_0JwwTc8Edy7h2s/s1600/summeractivitypin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz27UXHZub4FTzPAx3vUY806ABTTuZtHbVGOPqjOqDc8Gc5FGg8nBZQ3pLNKxk_g_Ep3TszJOOzsQCPtMG8drYe_nfQDKakwNZyUSL13553WjQg9PhyphenhyphenEKLr-g2TKC_0JwwTc8Edy7h2s/s200/summeractivitypin.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span>Bowling is on our Summer List! This is a great program allowing kids to bowl free this summer!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><span>KIDS BOWL FREE ALL SUMMER! Summer fun is just around the corner, and so are we. Sign-up for Summer Unplugged and Summer Pass now! Free bowling for kids all summer long! Kids registered in the Summer Unplugged program can bowl two games per day, every day, all summer long! Sign up today! <a href="https://freebowling.amf.com/?source=USFAMILY" target="_blank">https://freebowling.amf.com/?<wbr></wbr>source=USFAMILY</a></span></span><br />
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***Disclaimer: Us Family Guide, AMF Bowling and LLandLoL partnered to bring this info to my readers. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-49266163289976448042013-06-07T17:54:00.002-07:002013-06-07T17:59:20.379-07:00Butterfly Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyq4GVsu_a1HveiPk1bX7yLw2nzwcjPZHGZZyS-iHnLAw_gRzTaGVbbW9Iugiv5oxaTzHYF6PIF6XpiIP89HC1qRaDOquA4xj-0awNCbxFoZOLmTSJ8q5QWi1GKdAlz_eq16cQyuHBUA/s1600/butterflylobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyq4GVsu_a1HveiPk1bX7yLw2nzwcjPZHGZZyS-iHnLAw_gRzTaGVbbW9Iugiv5oxaTzHYF6PIF6XpiIP89HC1qRaDOquA4xj-0awNCbxFoZOLmTSJ8q5QWi1GKdAlz_eq16cQyuHBUA/s640/butterflylobby.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/llandlol" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lovinglifeandlivingonless" target="_blank">Facebook</a> you got to see me posting some photos a couple weeks ago from a media event held at the newly opened <a href="http://www.butterflywonderland.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Butterfly Wonderland</a> in Scottsdale, Arizona. This new attraction is unique because it is the largest butterfly pavilion in America!<br />
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You can start this attraction with a 3D movie which is actually an IMAX movie called 'Flight of the Butterfly' that's been shortened to under 15 minutes. It was a beautiful movie that was educational and informative, I recommend starting your adventure here. However, I don't know if my young ones would sit for the whole movie, it's possible it would grab their attention but I'd be surprised if they'd sit for a full fifteen minutes! Definitely attempt it though, just sit near the exit just in case. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8xSKHOjbc3hfTu81Fn5dchHWbBpNNKTYjDk8pqxfmSHZ0z2YsgcorpX394d4D4_O5248C34L1_4h0fFY-LHLCKAh0j5jLXD3viuPidunsGiO0Z1umiqjhoRoeZICFhoxeGDOtFotfP8/s1600/butterflyemergencecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8xSKHOjbc3hfTu81Fn5dchHWbBpNNKTYjDk8pqxfmSHZ0z2YsgcorpX394d4D4_O5248C34L1_4h0fFY-LHLCKAh0j5jLXD3viuPidunsGiO0Z1umiqjhoRoeZICFhoxeGDOtFotfP8/s640/butterflyemergencecollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Next up is the Butterfly Emergence room where you see the many chrysalids and you might even be lucky enough to see a butterfly emerge! The chrysalids are beautiful and it's amazing to see the different colors and sizes. I learned that the color and look of the chrysalid is directly related to where the butterfly forms it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGCu-_Um-xkwUK9nRUxi27sNeX3Y0uIlvKUJ0Fcg3DSFPt_iQtuJprXbFgK8uePksSRcDTvEuoKeFKXQRJ-m6BUB0gcFu3Uis_TYtgrzRJAcYEl9Tt9qfT-n7AgcBGO1stuwD4xx3SBQ/s1600/butterflycollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGCu-_Um-xkwUK9nRUxi27sNeX3Y0uIlvKUJ0Fcg3DSFPt_iQtuJprXbFgK8uePksSRcDTvEuoKeFKXQRJ-m6BUB0gcFu3Uis_TYtgrzRJAcYEl9Tt9qfT-n7AgcBGO1stuwD4xx3SBQ/s640/butterflycollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once you are ready you can head into the atrium. There are thousands of butterflies living here. I went in the evening (after the venue is closed) when the butterflies are beginning to calm down and sleep and I still saw so much action, I can't wait to see this attraction during the day while the butterflies are most active. I was extra lucky and had two butterflies land on me on separate occasions! I thought the butterflies would be sleeping so I failed to bring my nice big camera but my cell phone did the job alright and I captured some pretty good shots.<br />
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I could spent hours in the atrium. It was beautiful. Humid to remain a rain forest like temperature, but beautiful. When you exit the atrium you head into the café. The Vermont Sandwich Company supplies items in the café. I got a chance to sample some items from this restaurant and it was delicious!! Side note: the fruit the butterflies snack on comes straight from the café- if the fruit doesn't sell it goes to the butterflies. I love that! No waste!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUgo-1c1K4l0G3RYEoYMG6dk1jqbXsBmTcir1F8O6EyO0DDvJbLokYynOlizSoSxLiiDtGxVUShdMLEWZySZf50hRmw42WO0GOJ5xTHx0089gqk6ju__LqKUxkDMjGvXl1QhQQd52kX0/s1600/butterflymorecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUgo-1c1K4l0G3RYEoYMG6dk1jqbXsBmTcir1F8O6EyO0DDvJbLokYynOlizSoSxLiiDtGxVUShdMLEWZySZf50hRmw42WO0GOJ5xTHx0089gqk6ju__LqKUxkDMjGvXl1QhQQd52kX0/s640/butterflymorecollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Next up is the Live Ant Colony and Honey Bee exhibit. This area was small but very interesting. Moving on I realized there was a small aquarium- it just keeps getting better. The aquarium area was little but there is a stingray touch tank! The stingray wasn't there during my visit but I know the kids will get a kick out of that when we visit as a family! You exit out into the fairly large gift shop. Lots of goodies for adults and kids. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEgXscn52K1SjFf3bvAan6vPVY9sSCz9nDey1m0ZN1UjkngtXWp2XxTk80lXCSRKeOSV0zA7kdfCW7pq1kicM258g-tML4RFPaVlDNhTga7-CUe13UIte_fLARxTz25Fum4uZkAx0Inc/s1600/butterflymecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEgXscn52K1SjFf3bvAan6vPVY9sSCz9nDey1m0ZN1UjkngtXWp2XxTk80lXCSRKeOSV0zA7kdfCW7pq1kicM258g-tML4RFPaVlDNhTga7-CUe13UIte_fLARxTz25Fum4uZkAx0Inc/s640/butterflymecollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new friend at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SongsKateSang?fref=ts" target="_blank">Songs Kate Sang</a> snapped these amazing photos of my excited surprise with my new butterfly friend!</td></tr>
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Butterfly Wonderland is offering a great deal right now. A lifetime membership at almost 90% off! Until 6/15/13 the single lifetime membership is only $99 and a family of four is only $249. You can visit Butterfly Wonderland for LIFE! Very cool. There's a whole entertainment complex slated to go up in the near future "Odyssey in the Desert" and I'm extremely excited to see what's in store.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU0uXqoU02cNtAbJ1hzR8CGHrEXdxdEtoFAe0s2c9lcmouuw3kcAMaVBvAHFok3zK2T4v1IJ3F2txp4o8A8A4-qKU0a-zIck9WzBklr1J7s4ACoPHhSnjWd5kMtTSbqVxsfjekxlM2Sk/s1600/butterflyhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU0uXqoU02cNtAbJ1hzR8CGHrEXdxdEtoFAe0s2c9lcmouuw3kcAMaVBvAHFok3zK2T4v1IJ3F2txp4o8A8A4-qKU0a-zIck9WzBklr1J7s4ACoPHhSnjWd5kMtTSbqVxsfjekxlM2Sk/s320/butterflyhead.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
Check out Butterfly Wonderland on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ButterflyWonderland?ref=ts&fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.butterflywonderland.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online</a>! This is a great indoor option for the summer and a truly unique experience!<br />
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<strong><em>Side note: my step mom informed me that her mom says if a butterfly lands on you, you get a new dress. I thought it was adorable (and means I get two new dresses, right?!). Do you have any fun superstitions or traditions when it comes to butterflies? Let me know below!</em></strong><br />
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***Disclaimer: I was invited to a special media event to check out and share this new attraction with my readers. My opinions are, as always, my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html<br />
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<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-85272423690589417112013-06-07T09:49:00.001-07:002013-06-07T09:49:29.415-07:003 Tips for Stroller ShoppingWith so many options on the market it's hard to decide which is best for your kids and your needs. Here's a few tips and guidelines to help you choose the perfect <a href="http://www.jane-usa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stroller</a>.<br />
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1. Safety. First and foremost, you should look at safety features. You'll need to decide if a 3 point harness is sufficient or if you'd prefer a 5 point-harness. Checking the stroller for pinch points or sharp areas. You'll also need to consider stability- if you plan to hang your bag over the handles check to see if the stroller is stable enough to handle your bag! It's s small thing that's sometimes overlooked but really makes a difference when you're out living your life! I got an umbrella stroller without thinking about the weight of the bag...it won't stay upright without a child in it. <br />
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2. Stroller size. I drive a Prius and the trunk space isn't huge. Take this in to consideration when you are looking for a stroller. You might find the perfect stroller but if it doesn't fit into your trunk it won't work.<br />
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3. Handles and Wheels. Test the <a href="http://www.jane-usa.com/strollers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">stroller</a> out. You want to make sure the handles are at a comfortable height and the wheels will work for what you need. Do you need three wheels or four? Jogging strollers traditionally have 3 wheels to ensure the ability to control the stroller in rougher terrains. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDxOXxYG0SIOcL3K0rl_yPz89fVVIk544dgRL3ye8GCyl8Qi1uA8T6HhGgofSJWVpvEqrS9QoLXpZh6Ln5AsiEmtZ15RONdhxvZjVhzheUYxPc6hQ8cLv_b7FB-vv72QFLv9jA47zdg0/s1600/stroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDxOXxYG0SIOcL3K0rl_yPz89fVVIk544dgRL3ye8GCyl8Qi1uA8T6HhGgofSJWVpvEqrS9QoLXpZh6Ln5AsiEmtZ15RONdhxvZjVhzheUYxPc6hQ8cLv_b7FB-vv72QFLv9jA47zdg0/s640/stroller.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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***Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by <a href="http://www.jane-usa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jané Strollers</a>. The opinions and thoughts are, as always, my own. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.htmlNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-19855997309334291832013-06-06T15:45:00.001-07:002013-06-06T15:45:45.269-07:00Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Built To Amaze!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span><em>Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents <span class="il">BUILT</span> TO <span class="il">AMAZE</span> </em></span><span>is coming to the US Airways Center June 26 – July 1, 2013<em>. You can see the full schedule and check if they are coming to a city near you <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/Ringling-Bros-and-Barnum-Bailey-Built-To-Amaze-tickets/artist/1788389?ac_link=LSC10_hp_rsl1&list_view=1&spotlight_ren_od=1&tm_link=tm_homeA_2_f1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>!</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYIeDsXYiuiKXSrN7lntTBS_rpY_wY24_ekR7dz9e8FZvg0Q8Cj37jz41qt70XosdWjf5MsRd7aFORt9BTpeYCugiFCFMVX5I8Eb6Yww0UcZzeoiYOYkt44NlbOENeMy60LKvjB74b1g/s1600/circus.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYIeDsXYiuiKXSrN7lntTBS_rpY_wY24_ekR7dz9e8FZvg0Q8Cj37jz41qt70XosdWjf5MsRd7aFORt9BTpeYCugiFCFMVX5I8Eb6Yww0UcZzeoiYOYkt44NlbOENeMy60LKvjB74b1g/s1600/circus.gif" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey</i></b><b><span style="font-size: 8pt;">®</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span>Presents <i><span class="il">Built</span> To <span class="il">Amaze</span>!</i></b>, an extraordinarily engineered circus experience custom-<span class="il">built</span> for family fun where <i>Children Of All Ages</i><b><span style="font-size: 8pt;">®</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></b> find out what it takes to construct <i>The Greatest Show On Earth</i><b><span style="font-size: 8pt;">®</span></b>. The visionary blueprints have been assembled with a contemporary toolbox of unparalleled imagination that will be unleashed from shipping crates right before the audience’s eyes for the all-new circus spectacular <i><span class="il">Built</span> To <span class="il">Amaze</span>!</i> <u></u><u></u></div>
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<span><strong>DISCOUNT!!!</strong></span></div>
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<span> $5 off tickets in the $20 price levels.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b>$5 Off with code MOMSAVE<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u></u><b>Valid on $20 & $25 tickets only<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u></u><b>No double discounts<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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<b>Valid on all show days and times EXCEPT Opening Night (Opening Night tickets are 50% off, excluding front row and VIP seating)<span><u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span>Tickets can be found at <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/" target="_blank">www.Ticketmaster.com</a>. </span></div>
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<span>The circus in on our 'Things to do this Summer' list! With the coupon codes (and especially the 50% off opening night offer) this is a great way to share something amazing with the family and save some money!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AqMp0WNWrNdN5mbbw7IJCqKiSQjxNeyCLGPtrOooNYgP6DZhMJyyYxeLZcikr-UUBEbEwWHYDBc20MoUAPYnJ6O8rB0h_CyF23wpjVqP9lOJ2QAcXYOSklTw2PZ3wpQKAT4owMgYExI/s1600/summeractivitypin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AqMp0WNWrNdN5mbbw7IJCqKiSQjxNeyCLGPtrOooNYgP6DZhMJyyYxeLZcikr-UUBEbEwWHYDBc20MoUAPYnJ6O8rB0h_CyF23wpjVqP9lOJ2QAcXYOSklTw2PZ3wpQKAT4owMgYExI/s320/summeractivitypin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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***Disclaimer: I received tickets for opening night in exchange for sharing this info with all of you! If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
<a href="http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html">http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html</a></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5951598699156987397.post-58845476656004921422013-06-06T15:18:00.000-07:002013-06-06T15:18:17.829-07:00Starlooks Starbox May When my box came for May I was super excited. I mean, this is the kind of mail I should be getting! Not bills and junk mail! I've been pleased with my <a href="http://looksbook.starlooks.com/#628" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starbox</a> each month since I started subscribing and this month is no different. The subscription costs $15/month plus shipping. <br />
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The box is adorable! I love it! The theme this month was Tribal. The box was about accessorizing with makeup. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFnJRkia-rTaXLT74ZP4o9n-7Sm9w1n7-x8lL_owh9WpWGMDFRjIR_ShJOb3NDmvGx1wcNEqyiyZujJTaCZsirEvCLFWk3-4iSaEVeGAuAqwjSKD0nDEoeto5PZToDsKJsDKdI-sSy7s/s1600/IMG_5437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFnJRkia-rTaXLT74ZP4o9n-7Sm9w1n7-x8lL_owh9WpWGMDFRjIR_ShJOb3NDmvGx1wcNEqyiyZujJTaCZsirEvCLFWk3-4iSaEVeGAuAqwjSKD0nDEoeto5PZToDsKJsDKdI-sSy7s/s640/IMG_5437.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The box came with the added extra of the mini nail file and came with the crystal (which I missed the last two boxes so I was really exited it was in this one!!).</div>
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Total Retail Value: $55</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_mL64QNXRqTuqpvFJy9FdBF3bg-GJY88eBX09WAt2AEUA91U3CYsf-gA7Ll8Ry5WBqSHrFPzVRPq-CReo-QzZIkTD6wR0G6orYj837jSIGDS7xch2IdCZGP7JFQ9m3je0PVm71g5jNI/s1600/IMG_5450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_mL64QNXRqTuqpvFJy9FdBF3bg-GJY88eBX09WAt2AEUA91U3CYsf-gA7Ll8Ry5WBqSHrFPzVRPq-CReo-QzZIkTD6wR0G6orYj837jSIGDS7xch2IdCZGP7JFQ9m3je0PVm71g5jNI/s640/IMG_5450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cream Blush in Emphasize (retail value $17)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLUzpa64ZNDmIY3gMmgJfu-PNNAkTfPh_EL6zojPXwRbUBZ6Eu3Mj-EivFrSVT4RyG0jHqMe2Vs9aEHcXEkoApWez2YwYK3lOs4wr7XxS0OI5P4YZPw4pIUQASPPuiAAxKFDCi_E6GiU/s1600/IMG_5451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLUzpa64ZNDmIY3gMmgJfu-PNNAkTfPh_EL6zojPXwRbUBZ6Eu3Mj-EivFrSVT4RyG0jHqMe2Vs9aEHcXEkoApWez2YwYK3lOs4wr7XxS0OI5P4YZPw4pIUQASPPuiAAxKFDCi_E6GiU/s640/IMG_5451.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Brow Shader Compact (retail value $21)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1SU_SwDxqlihgfeup6VU7rTQDIUFUEvx_sY4L8qWKGvFLxIOI4VbNpB0JGKXB4EXIneV5orlcxXAU5SDTTn2HOxE-VoKoaNF3P9lWMcCkl1qEq7BHkSHEL05CdOHLJcMAZsapV-ixFc/s1600/star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1SU_SwDxqlihgfeup6VU7rTQDIUFUEvx_sY4L8qWKGvFLxIOI4VbNpB0JGKXB4EXIneV5orlcxXAU5SDTTn2HOxE-VoKoaNF3P9lWMcCkl1qEq7BHkSHEL05CdOHLJcMAZsapV-ixFc/s640/star.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Pigmented Luster in Cinnamon Toss (retail value $17)</div>
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***Disclaimer: I purchase my Starlooks Starbox myself. I do receive an extra product each month (this month was a lipstick in Roseate- a beautiful pink) in exchange for sharing my thoughts on the box I purchased. If you have more questions regarding this please check out:
http://www.lovinglifeandlivingonless.com/p/disclosure-and-policies.html<br />
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12769637852747836965noreply@blogger.com0