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.

Box Tops for Education and Winn Dixie FuelPerks-Flash Contest

I am a total coupon nerd...love to realize the best value for our hard-earned dollars! I am thrilled with my local Winn Dixie Supermarket - I've shared previously about my savings and their latest addition of added value with the FuelPerks! rewards....Just this week I paid only $1.89 per gallon for regular with a reward of $1.50/gallon for 20 gallons at my local Shell station - so awesome!!!

Now that it's January and you're back to the routine of taking the kids to dance or chess club and running all those errands, Box Tops and Winn Dixie fuelperks! can help support your family's adventures! Gear up on Bonus Box Tops for the upcoming school year and fuel up on great savings when you purchase participating Box Tops for Education products at Winn Dixie.

When you buy 5 participating Box Tops items at Winn Dixie save 10 cents per gallon on gas AND get 20 Bonus Box Tops
Find great savings on Box Tops products including Big G cereal, Nature Valley and Fiber One bars, Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks, and many other great products
Check out www.boxtops4education.com to find out more about the Box Tops for Education program and how you can help support your local school

Here's the FLASH CONTEST details...
Please comment on this post and tell me what you will do with the money saved by shopping at Winn Dixie and earning your FuelPerks! One winner will be randomly selected on January 17, 2013 to receive a Winn Dixie $25 Gift card! Must be a US resident; age 18 or older. Be sure to provide your email contact information.

"Disclosure: The information and gift cards have been provided by Winn Dixie and General Mills through MyBlogSpark."

Melissa & Doug 2012 Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway!

The holidays are just around the corner, so you know what that means….time for the Melissa & Doug “Terrific Twenty” list! This list compiles the “best of the best” holiday gifts for the 2012 holiday season, and we’re excited to share it here with you!

To celebrate, we’re having a “20 Days of Terrific Twenty” Giveaway on our Facebook page! Every day (starting TODAY, November 6) we’ll be giving away one item from our Terrific Twenty list to at least one of our lucky Facebook fans! Like them on Facebook with this link http://www.facebook.com/MelissaAndDoug to enter to win a gift every day from the Terrific Twenty list.

GIVEAWAY!:
Melissa & Doug are providing a free Beeposh Elvis Lion as a giveway. To enter just
visit Melissa & Doug today to check out these great gift ideas for the little folk in your life, then tell me by posting a comment below what is the one toy you would like to get for someone special:

http://www.melissaanddoug.com/Promos/2012+Terrific+Twenty+Holiday+Toys/2012+
Terrific+Twenty+Holiday+Toys+from+Melissa+&+Doug/35178

One winner will be selected via random draw and contacted via email provided for mailing address. Winner must respond within 48 hours or an alternate winner will be selected. US resident only. Contest will commence 11/6/12 and end at midnight on 11/13/12. Prize will be mailed to winner by Melissa & Doug. Good Luck Readers!

I was provided a promotional item from Melissa and Doug to help facilitate my post. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for reading!

StyleUnited: New View, New You Program and Contest

So excited to share my experience with the new P&G StyleUnited: New View, New You Program. This outstanding and innovative online beauty and fashion resource puts a team of experts in your "tool kit" to make you fabulous!

StyleUnited is brought to us by such great brands as Olay, Frederic Fekkai, DDF Skincare and Cover Girl. Providing access to exclusive editorial content and personalized recommentations, StyleUnited connects women to their full style potential using unique tools:

- Style 360: a fully personalized diagnositc quiz that has been designed to understand your individual needs in skin care, hair care, cosmetics and fashion
- Customized Beauty and Fashion Content - hundreds of curated articles, blogs and how-to videos from industry experts created to answer your every question while keeping you up to date on the latest trends!

I loved exploring the site and all the interactive elements. It's super easy to register and then you complete four quiz segments to get your personalized results: FASHION FOCUS, MAD FOR MAKEUP, SKIN DEEP and HAIR AFFAIR. You build your profile and can view or print out the results. You will get your personalized regimen for these important areas to look and feel great. You can even order on line with P&G QuickBuy which features the brands. Exclusive offers are currently available including a great Olay & Venus Smooth Skin Kit for only $30 with free shipping.



There is even an opportunity to schedule a complimentary, 1:1 Beauty Expert Consultation via webcam or telephone! Wow, that's all I can say! I am preparing to schedule mine for the 30 minute appointment. So psyched to get some great tips and trends in such a tech-y, fun way!

Another cool option is to invite others to participate in the fun and launch your own "Inner Circle" friend group to share your opinions and results...

Register today to be sure to enter in the SheSpeaks StyleUnited: New View, New You Giveaway. You could win a $500 shopping spree at Macy's or Nordstrom. Entries are now open until June 8th!

I received a promotional item from SheSpeaks to thank me for my review. My opinions are my personal experience.

Freschetta Rally for Real Pizza!

Frozen pizza shouldn't simply taste better. It should be better. Freschetta®frozen pizzas are made with top-quality ingredients and taste-tested recipes, just to make sure your pizza will always deliver Fresch® flavor.

Let's discuss why I Rally For Real Pizza when it comes to serving my family the freshest pizza ingredients. I am participating in a Financial Peace family financial workshop series to help our family "live like no one else today, so we can truly live like no one else in the future"! I am striving to limit our expenses and take out pizza can get very costly - so we are thrilled to enjoy Freschetta's delicious and wholesome pizzas at home to be more thrifty without sacrificing taste!


Join the Freschetta's Rally for Real Pizza by submitting a photo to the Rally Mosaic on Facebook www.facebook.com/freschettapizza. Each week they will select 100 winners -- to each receive 5 Freschetta® Pizzas. On March 30, they will also select 10 winners - who will each receive Freschetta® Pizza for a year!

I occasionally receive compensation in the form of products for posts. However, the opinions I share are solely my own.

My Tide: Tide Coldwater Liquid Detergent/P&G Future Friendly

I think if I ever really thought about how much time, energy and money our family invests in our laundry each year, that we would likely more seriously consider a clothing-optional lifestyle! Well....may be not! A New Year's Resolution is to try to reduce our family's environmental footprint and debt while also building a savings reserve and college/retirement funds. Whew, ambitious and daunting, but not without merit...

Anyway, I've found a great new ally in my battle of the laundry basket with Tide Coldwater Liquid Detergent. This great formula helps get all our clothes clean while washing in cold water. We did get an HE washing machine last year, but this is a new concept for me since I've always gone warm. However, we are making some serious efforts at our home to be more environmentally friendly while also focusing on saving for our future needs as we are participating in a financial peace workshop. My main concern was - will cold water really get our clothes clean?

I received a Tide Coldwater liquid detergent kit with a sample and product information from SheSpeaks.com to facilitate a review and share my experiences. I was excited to learn more about the cold water laundry option for our family to share with my readers.

I was a little skeptical, but immediately saw great results in my first load! I should have realized that since it's Tide we're talking about, there's no need to fear - Tide is here to save the day! I was pleased to discover Tide Coldwater and washing our clothese on the "cold" water setting provided fresh and clean clothes for all our loads - lights and darks.

Switching to cold water washing is a small step every family can take in your daily life to conserve energy and save money on your utility bill - gotta love a win-win, right?

Get more information on Tide Coldwater by visiting:
http://www.tide.com/en-US/product/tide-coldwater.jspx

I received a Tide Coldwater Liquid Detergent sample, resources and promotional item from SheSpeaks.com to help facilitate this review. These are my own opinions and experiences.

If you would like to learn more about SheSpeaks - visit them on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/shespeaksup

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine: Get a Pretty Pucker!

I don't know about you, but I'm always on the hunt for a great lipgloss! Sometimes they are sticky, or taste weird, or rub off really quickly. I'm so excited to find a new gloss to get a Pretty Pucker....

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine is such a nice lipgloss for a great value price! They're light on the wallet, but high on shine....sweet! They even have a fun candy/cookie scent and flavor. Truly amazing is the $2.49 retail price - easy to slick on and go. The generous tube of gloss features a nice sponge-tipped applicator for a nice glossy pucker that lasts!

I recently received the NYC New York Color Lipquid Lipshine in Nude York City (pictured above). It's a light, fresh nude shade that has a high impact shine. Pure pigments provide a 3-D gloss effect and has Vitamin E to add shine and moisture - just in time for these chilly and gusty winter season!

Visit their website to learn more and check out all the great New York Color products: http://www.newyorkcolor.com/products/lips/lipgloss/liquid-lipshine
It comes in 10 shades in a range from nudes, to berries and fuchsias....something for every skintone!

Disclaimer: I received a sample of NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine as part of the Influenster Holiday VoxBox to facilitate my review.

ImPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails

I am the proud owner of “drop dead gorgeous” nails thanks to ImPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails! I am sporting a truly salon-look mani in a diva design called “Space Cadet”. It’s like wearing crackled-look polish technique without all the mess and drama. Sweet!

ImPRESS is the revolutionary way to apply nail polish. Featuring advanced technology, you will get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on and you’re done (no drying time!). ImPRESS comes in 36 colors and patterns, including trendy brights, fun prints, classic darks and animal prints.

I had lots of fun applying these with my daughter, Kristen. We loved how fast and easy it was to turn my plain, boring nails into hands worthy of a night-on-the-town! Now she’s begging for her own to try!
I work as an executive assistant and special events director, so I am typing, dialing and writing all day long – not to mention household chores, etc. After applying the ImPRESS Press-On Manicure, it’s like I have a shiny and chip-free coat of armor on my nails. I haven’t experienced any problems carrying out my normal work routine since the product fits my nails perfectly. They have stayed on without any loosening or unexpected removal surprises.

I’m really, really impressed with ImPRESS! Now I’m off with Kristen to shop for more colors…
Be sure to use their promotional coupon offer and learn more about ImPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway by visiting their website at:

www.impressmanicure.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BwayNails

Twitter: @BwayNails


I received a package of ImPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails in Space Cadet as part of the Influenster Holiday VoxBox to facilitate my review. This is my personal experience and does not impact my unbiased opinion.

Torani Syrups Add Flavah!

The holidays are quickly upon us - Thanksgiving Day is my perfect holiday! Filled with tradition and family fun, without the overt commercialism that has overtaken many simple holidays. I enjoy gathering my timeless family recipes to prepare a wonderful feast for the senses! The scents, flavors, colors and textures of the fall and winter fill our home as we prepare the festive Thanksgiving meal while the kids begin preparing their Wish Lists for Santa as we watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV....it's really magical! Love those traditions, but I'm always on the look-out for something new or innovative to add flav-ah to the holidays....

This year I've discovered a great new partner in the kitchen - Torani flavored syrups. These syrups are perfect for adding unexpected flavor and decadence to your favorite coffee, tea, cocoa, sodas or recipes. Many are sugar free and sweetened with Splenda, so they aren't on the "Naughty List"! The syrups come in a wide variety of amazing holiday-inspired flavors including:

◦Pumpkin Pie
◦Hazelnut
◦Peppermint
◦Gingerbread
◦Salted Caramel
◦Sugar Free Vanilla
◦Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon
◦Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie


Be sure to visit their website at: www.torani.comUse the link provided in this post to save 10% off your on-line orders - courtesy of Torani and SheSpeaks.

I received a sample of Torani products to help facilitate this review from Torani and SheSpeaks.

GIVEAWAY! DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

I recently learned of the most awesome home-party direct sales concept:DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES! This is a relatively new party sales program that was launched in 2007, and I was thrilled to receive a DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Starter Kit to facilitate my review courtesy of Dove Chocolate Discoveries and MomCentral Consulting. Later in this post, I'll provide details regarding a giveaway for a free Dove's Chocolate Discoveries Starter Package to one lucky reader!

In honor of Women’s Small Business month, I'd like to salute DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES which help to empower women entrepreneurs in their search for unique business opportunities while balancing career, family, community and self - whew! Many of you already know that I work full-time as an executive assistant for a national non-profit in addition to being a busy wife and mom - plus active in a number of professional and civic organizations or projects! My blog and other online board activities round out a full plate of activities and interests - now I'm researching the Dove Chocolate Discoveries opportunity as a party host this coming month. I'm planning on sharing these amazing chocolate sweet and savory products and recipes with lots of friends with the help of a local chocolatier consultant. The benefits of hosting a party are great, including monthly host and guest specials. They have all the latest trends in chocolate such as easy and convenient mixes and recipes for chocolatinis, fondues, decadent desserts, and meat rubs - I can't wait!

These are irresistable for holiday gifts as well as some "self indulgence"!


Visit their site to learn more about DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES as a unique way to fund raise for schools, make extra money for a family, and a way for stay-at-homes Moms to reenter the work force:
www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com
Dove Chocolate Discoveries Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/dovediscoveries
I'm please to host a giveaway of a DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Starter Kit (approx. value $150). Please visit the DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES website and post one comment on this blog to share "What you would do with the extra money you could earn as a DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES Chocolatier" by the deadline of October 16, 2011; 12 AM EST. US Residents only. Winner will be selected by random drawing on 10/17/11 and winner will be notified by email for mailing address information. Prize awarded will be mailed directly by DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES and MomCentral Consulting.


I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of DOVE Chocolate Discoveries and received a Starter Kit to facilitate my review.

Modern American Teen: Transition from Glasses to Contacts

My DD Kristen and I wanted to give you an update to her journey to contacts since becoming participating Test Drive Ambassadors for Bausch + Lomb Soflens daily disposable contact lenses. She received a complimentary 90-day supply following her eye exam and evaluation. Our eye care professional agreed that she was a great candidate to try them. Kristen returned for a fitting and lesson in use and care of these great daily wear contacts. The eyecare professional was so very encouraging throughout the appointment, and she worked carefully with us to be sure Kristen was comfortable with the process and care regime. Kristen persevered through the whole "touching your eyes" barrier and gained confidence in the process!

Click on this link to the Soflens daily disposables site to learn more: http://bit.ly/nwJpLU


She has been practicing the insertion and removal and how important sterile conditions and care are to maintaining healthy eyesight. Kristen looks and feels great - building her self-esteem and confidence. Her friends have commented on how beautiful her eyes are without the distraction of her regular glasses. She has found the entire experience very positive and affirming as she journeys through these tumultuous teen years.

The experience has further cemented our relationship far beyond the issue of eye wear. We have instituted a "Daily Talk” with your teen – which helps us maneuver the "warzone" of parent-teen communication mine field and broach more difficult subjects. Today's youth carry a heavy load that we adults need to support as they journey towards adulthood. MomCentral Consulting and Bausch + Lomb provides added insight at http://www.bausch.com/en/Our-Company/Recent-News/2011-Archive/Big-Talk

I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bausch + Lomb and received Soflens daily disposables to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

LIFE: Insure Your Love Picture Mosaic

Are you like me, procrastination queen of planning for insurance and other key financial arrangements? I am taking a careful review of our family's situation this month to feel some piece of mind and more in control over these vital details...especially as we move towards plans for the kids' education and our retirement - hey, the future is now!

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to think about protecting the most important people in our lives. The nonprofit LIFE Foundation sponsors Life Insurance Awareness Month in response to the growing problem of too many families not having adequate life insurance protection. According to the industry research group LIMRA, 11 million U.S. households with children under age 18 have no coverage. Those families are just one illness or accident away from a financial crisis, and something needs to be done about it. That's why LIFE has created the "Insure Your Love Picture Mosaic" in support of Life Insurance Awareness Month.

The "Insure Your Love Picture Mosaic" is designed to recognize and celebrate those who have made the responsible decision to protect their loved ones by owning life insurance, while also introducing them to a larger community of others who have made the same choice. People are encouraged to upload up to 20 photos of their loved ones, whose financial future has been safeguarded by their decision to purchase life insurance.

I've uploaded some of our family photos to include myself, hubs, the kids, Pekinese Preston and our parents in honor of their excellent example. By adding your photos to the mosaic, you will also be helping out a great cause. For each photo uploaded, $1 will be donated to the LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance to students who have lost a parent and are struggling to achieve their dream of a college education.

Here are the details on how to upload your photos (up to 20) to the mosaic, which can be done through the LIFE Foundation's Facebook fan page, located at www.facebook.com/lifehappens.org.

I received a gift card as part of a promotional program with the LIFE Foundation and MomSelect.

Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2011