Sophomore: Stepping Into Maturity

I received a complimentary copy of the book, Sophomore: Stepping Into Maturity, and a promotional item to help facilitate my objective and unbiased review. 

Welcome to 10^th Grade and Navigating the Sophomore Year.  Remember those exciting and tumultuous teen years….well mine are back as I ride the roller coaster of high school with my teen daughter!  All the intense fun and drama are back from my yesterdays… with the added adrenalin kick of Starbucks and Social Media. 

Whew, she’s an amazing kid and we’re very blessed that she has a strong foundation provided by her Christian faith.  Our church community provides for an engaging high school youth program where the students participate in weekly youth group meetings, social activities as well as an annual mission trip.  Kristen has also helped to organize a special weekly Bible Study Group with some girlfriends at the local tea shop.  We were very pleased to be selected to receive a copy of Sophomore: Stepping Into Maturity by Lars Rood from Family Christian to experience and share. This is part of a complete series for Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior high school students that is faith principled and action-oriented.

This wonderful 30-day devotional for sophomore students is very engaging and interactive.  The handbook offers a key concept, opportunities to consider and discuss, what the secular world often comments, action steps to apply in daily life, and Bible passages to help them dig deeper in the Word on these matters.  Rood guides the reader through thirty wonderful devotions that challenge the teens to examine themselves, their faith and important choices as they navigate the maturation process.  Rood states, “A maturing faith, in my opinion, is one that is moving toward Jesus.   It’s a faith that has legs and is going somewhere.”  This is a profound concept, in my opinion, and one that I am eager for our children to embrace.

It's true that the Sophomore year of high school is somewhat of a limbo time for kids, no longer the freshman "newbie", not yet an upper classman.  However, students can embrace this exciting time and "make it count" with life-shaping resources such as this youth ministry series.

Here is a link from Family Christian to learn more about the book:

http://www.familychristian.com/sophomore.html

Personalized Teen Life Bible Gift Idea From Family Christian

As a member of Family Christian Bloggers, I was privileged to be selected to receive a complimentary Teen Life Study Bible by Tyndale House Publishers for personalized engraving from Family Christian Stores.  I received the book and promotional gift to assist with my review.  The opinions are my own.

The Steel City Leather softbound edition of the NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible (retail $44.99) is perfect for special gift to foster your favorite teen's Christian study!  This sleek, modern black and silver edition is great for a guy or gal.  My teen daughter, Kristen, is very active in our church's Youth Group.  She was very pleased to receive this for a Christmas gift recently. She commented on how useful it will be to her while also a having an on-trend, urban themed look to the book.

We were able to visit our local Family Christian Store to have a special engraved plate produced to personalize the book. The engraving process is simple and convenient, and at $6.00 complete - it's a great value to add that special touch.  I worked with the friendly staff person, Nathan, one afternoon to select the plate and engraving style.  He was able to prepare the plate just the way I wanted it on-site with equipment they have at the store within minutes!

We simply adhered the completed plate to the front cover and now Kristen has a fantastic Bible resource for her group work as well as into the future.



Visit the Family Christian website to learn more about the beautiful gift ideas for your teen:

http://img.familychristian.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/5/153976.jpg





The only teen Bible based on the world's best selling study Bible, the NLT Teen Life Application® Study Bible is packed with features designed to meet the challenges and needs of today's high school students. It uses the New Living Translation of the Bible text, making it easy for teens to read and understand.

Combining traditional study Bible features like book introductions, textual notes, character profiles and maps with application-oriented features focusing on choices, real-life issues and real-life stories of actual teens, the Teen Life Application Study Bible will help teens to not only better understand the text of the Bible, but also to see how it impacts their daily lives. 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Sampling Party. #MJdaisychain

I was selected by CrowdTap to host a special Marc Jacobs fragrance party!  I am a member of the CrowdTap Marc Jacobs Devotee group and enjoy sharing my thoughts and opinions about my favorite fragrance and cosmetic brand!  It so fun to engage with an innovative and creative brand this way.

I held the sampling party at my office with lots of coworkers. We enjoyed a nice break from the workday in our conference room. I decorated using the items provided in my party kit which was very generous.  We had festive daisy themed decor, balloons, craft and snacks!  I even sprinkled the table with tiny daisy flowers....

Marc Jacobs Daisy and Eau So Fresh scents are so perfect all year round, but with spring coming these Daisy scents are especially relevant!    Spring is almost here- so happy to bid this winter adieu!  My friends all loved the ligt and feminine scents and were eager to try them on and take home the generous samples provided.  It was intriguing to hear their excitement and notice that the scents layered lovely on everyone.

I wore a new daisy crochet top I shopped for last week. I felt really flirty and feminine with my cute spring outfit and elegant Daisy scent.  I've already placed an order with Sephora to have a layering lotion for the perfumes which feature hints of violet and notes of strawberry, ruby red grapefruit, and creamy vanilla for an enchanting fresh scent of warmth and comfort.

My friends and I will be greeting spring wearing cute #MJdaisychain handmade bracelets thanks to the great bead craft project also provided and smelling amazing with Marc Jacobs Daisy scents!


I received a party kit from Crowdtap and Marc Jacobs Daisy to assist with my review and party hosting. The opinions are my own.

Cascade Platinum Gel Pacs-Excellent Cleaning Technology

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cascade.  I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

To be frank, the daily chore of doing the family dishes may not be one of my favorite tasks….But I have always counted on Cascade automatic dish washing detergent to help make this important work much less tedious.  I have depended on Cascade to help make my dishes clean and sparkling. 

I was recently provided a sample of their Cascade Platinum Pacs to try at home and share my results.  I have been very pleasantly amazed by the “amped up” results with this new product variety.  I have noticed cleaner results for both my dishes as well as the dishwasher!  I have experienced outstanding cleaning and my dishwasher’s interior looks and smells much cleaner.  I love not having to rewash or rinse dishes before or after cleaning as I’m a working mom that leads a busy life.  I have also found that these great gel pacs dissolve thoroughly rather than experiencing my own personal melt-down when only partially dissolving as some other gel pac dishwashing products I have tried in the past.  I will continue to shop for the Cascade Platinum to keep enjoying this “upgrade” for my dishes - It’s evident that Cascade values my time and resources by continuing to research and develop improved technology in their family of products for busy moms like me!  My guess is you are with me on the same page, right?

According to Cascade, this latest technology allows Cascade Platinum Pacs to deliver the most powerful clean available while simultaneously helping to maintain the sparkling look of your clean dishwasher interior.  It has an advanced triple action “recipe” that is specially designed to leave dishware virtually spot-free and help prevent the build-up of hard-water film on dishwasher walls. 

Why we need this:

-Powers away touch, 24-hour stuck-on food

-Eliminates the need to pre-wash dishes

-Helps maintain the look of new machines and prevent additional hard-water film build-up

-Delivers exceptional dishware shine

-Contains the Grease Fighting Power of Dawn

Cascade is partnering with Gail Simmons, Top Chef judge and editor of Food+Wine magazine.  Gail has partnered with Cascade to discuss why presentation is just as important as preparation. 

Learn more about this great collaboration with Gail Simmons by viewing videos available on the Link to the Cascade Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/10Y8RQQ and Cascade YouTube page: http://bit.ly/124rLfa

Be sure to visit the Cascade link to learn more about this product: http://www.cascadeclean.com

You can also “Like” to follow on the Cascade Facebook Page to keep up with all the latest news and events to stay connected.

Cascade is currently hosting The Cascade “My Platinum” contest for four weeks via Instagram by encouraging fans to upload photos related to weekly contest themes.  You can show off how sparkling clean Cascade makes all your pots, pans and dishes to be entered to win fantastic prizes like a new Whirlpool dishwasher! 

Week 3 is just kicking off (Entry: 6/17-6/23) with “My Platinum Clink” theme. 

Show us how you serve up creative concoctions in sparkling glasses.  Cheers!

Visit the contest page at http://tinyurl.com/PlatBlog for more information on how to enter and submit entries via Instagram.  Be sure to use the #MyPlatinum hashtag and tag @MyCascade in your entries to qualify.

Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash from Influenster

I was so pleased to be selected to receive another great product sample to try and share my experiences from Influenster VoxBox!  The new Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash cleanser is a great multi-tasker for the family.  The scent is simple and clean and it works great for hair and body - great for men, women, teens and kids, too!  I love seeing that my shower seat is now free of extra products since we can downsize to just the one bottle for everything!

I found it to be a great body wash and shampoo product that leaves me feeling fresh and clean without residue after rinsing. It's a great value and has the great Ivory branding we all know and trust!   I do recommend this product.  And it's Made in the USA!

Now that summer is here with all the hot and stickiness of outdoor fun, be sure to try out these new Ivory products for your family.

I received a complimentary Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash product from Influenster.  All opinions are my own.

•        Visit this link to the Ivory® digital short on the Influenster Ivory® Video Page
•        Learn more now by visiting this link to Ivory’s Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/ivory

SimpleHuman Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror

I was so excited to receive this amazing and innovative SimpleHuman Lighted Make Up Vanity Mirror to sample and review from ModernMom.  This mirror is super smart and fun to use.  I found it to be ultra easy to set up and charge with the provided instructions and detachable cord.  You can even charge it from your computer...talk about tech-savvy beauty!

I have used a lighted mirror since childhood, but had no idea how great the latest technology has become!  This is not my mother's makeup mirror...it's absolutely the best mirror I have ever used!  The SimpleTouch has incredible features in a sleek, beautiful stainless steel body. The mirror is a 5X magnification and a great size that makes my daily skincare and makeup application a breeze.  I don't wear contact lenses, but I could expect that this mirror would be a great help with this as well.   Also great for the male shaving routine!  It has a motion sensor that literally learns your behavior to turn on and off  when you approach it!   Great LED lighting and wireless charge capability means extended bulb life and no cords on your sink or vanity...love it!

Definitely check out this luxe beauty tool to upgrade your routine!

The sensor mirror lights up automatically as your face approaches. Its tru-lux light system simulates natural sunlight, allowing you to see full color variation, so you'll know when your makeup is color-correct and flawless. And unlike traditional bulbs or fluorescent lighting, our long-lasting LEDs won't burn out or diminish even after many years of regular use. We designed it to be cordless, so there are no messy cords cluttering up your counterspace. It easily recharges with the included USB cord and adapter. The distortion-free mirror is 5x magnification — ideal for providing exceptional detail while still allowing you to see your entire face at once.

Visit their website to learn more:  http://www.simplehuman.com/sensor-mirror

Although it may be a bit pricey at $200, I believe its a great investment that comes with a 5 year warranty, giving confidence for this purchase!

I received a SimpleTouch Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror from ModernMom.com to facilitate my unbiased review.  As always, all opinions are my own.