UE Boom Review – The Ultimate Gift For Music Lovers

UE Boom Review The Ultimate Gift For Music Lovers

This year I have been working hard on finding perfect gifts for a few hard to buy for people on this year’s list. You know the ones….tweens and teens. You ask them what they want and they say things like “cash” or “gift cards.” While these are great options, I am a gift giver. I love it. I love thinking up the perfect gift. I love wrapping it up. And I love watching it get opened and the recipient’s face. There is something so fun about getting that perfect gift. And I have found it! Logitech has a great wireless speaker called UE Boom and I am in love.

First, can we talk about the packaging?

ue boom review

Your speaker will come in a tube that kind of reminds me of a tube you use at the bank drive thru.

ue boom review

Not only is this create a safe way for your wireless speaker to ship, it makes for a cool presentation.

ue boom review

There are two compartments, one above and one below and it contains the charging cord and wall charger.

UE Boom Review

Using the speaker is so easy. Just simply turn on the blue tooth on your device (I used my phone, but you can also use your tablet or computer.) Then hold on the power button on the speaker and it will connect. That’s it!

UE Boom review

There is a large plus and minus on the front that are not only cool looking, but will control the volume.

And speaking of volume. This little speaker can pack some serious sound! The sound is really amazing. It’s only a great size to go with you on the go. Speakers are water and stain resistant which means they are perfect for taking on trips, to the beach, the pool, even just to the bathroom to listen to while you shower. And this wireless speaker will last up to 15 hours on a single charge! WOW!!

Another fun thing about the UE Boom is the variety of colors. They even have some patterned speakers!

You can get a high quality, fun speaker for under $200. This is one of my top gift ideas this year! We are big UE Boom fans!

I received a UE Boom in exchange for my honest opinion for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

5 Things You Need For Holiday Entertaining

5 things you need for holiday entertaining
Can you believe that the holidays are here? Thanksgiving dinner will be served. Holiday shopping will begin. Cookies will be baked. And family will be coming in to visit. That’s what the holidays are all about right?

We all love company, but sometimes the preparing of company can be a little stressful. Here is a list of 5 things that you should have on hand and ready for guests to arrive!

  • Food One of my favorite tricks is to have a little something in the freezer ready to go. I make a really great lasagna. So when I make dinner, I just make an extra one and put it in the freezer. Lasagna is a great choice because not only is it delicious, but it will feed a crowd! When I have friends and family over that I haven’t seen in a while, the last thing I want to be doing is to be spending my time away from them and in the kitchen. Having a pre-made meal means they get something homemade and I don’t have to worry about it!
  • Some extra toiletries Not only can it be stressful for the host to get ready for company, but visiting can be stressful for the traveler as well! I know that when I am getting ready to leave for a trip, I can check and double check my things and it seems like I always end up forgetting something. Keep a few extra things on hand for these kinds of emergencies like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razor, shampoo, etc. And as a bonus: If no one uses them this time, they won’t expire!
  • Electronic Help When you have a guest coming over help them out with their electronics! I keep an extra one of our cell phone chargers in the spare room. I tell our guests to not even take theirs out so they don’t have to worry about forgetting it. I also write down our wifi password and have it ready for them so they don’t have to ask or go searching.
  • Extra blankets and pillows It’s always a smart idea to have a few extra pillows and blankets available. Everyone is used to something different on their beds. Some are used to lots of pillows, some not so many. Some are used to their rooms being very cool and some people may come in for the holidays from a warmer climate and need an extra blanket. Just by setting out some extras can really go the extra mile for your guests.

Febreze Holiday Collection

  • Febreze Oh yes! This is a must! Febreze offers so many items in so many different scents. The Febreze Holiday Collection has perfect scents that are designed to get everyone smelling the holidays!Febreze Holiday Collection

    Just smelling the scents like pine and winter, vanilla and sugar, or apple and spice will get you in the holiday mood.

5 things you need for holiday entertaining

Febreze was nice enough to send me a wonderful (and adorable!) box of Febreze Holiday Collection products and some really fun holiday ideas!

ideas for the holidays

There were so many recipes, home décor ideas and DIY projects that are perfect and so fun in my box. But these scents! They have me singing Holiday songs and put a little holiday pep in my step. You can find the Febreze Holiday Collection at Walmart. They are just perfect for getting your house ready for your holiday guests!

 

This post is sponsored by Febreze. I was compensated for this post, however all opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

5 Hair Care Tips For Women To Have Healthy & Fuller Hair

rogaine1
When I was in my early twenties (way back when…) my beauty regimine was VERY different than what it is today. I could do things like not wash my make up off before I went to sleep. Well, actually, I could get by on very little sleep and not even have the under eye circles to prove otherwise. I also could perm, tease, and flat iron my hair like crazy. I honestly never thought about how (whatever the current) hair trends would actually affect my hair! I would color my hair on Monday and Wednesday decide I wanted to do something else and color it again. I put my hair through havoc. And somehow the ‘big hair, don’t care’ mentality still was effortlessly working for me. I had thick, beautiful hair that was full of volume.

 

Flash forward some years later (and no, I won’t tell you how many!) and my hair isn’t as thick as it used to be. Getting some volume is a little (ok, a lot) more difficult. I went from my old ‘big hair, don’t care’ motto to more like ‘fake it ’til you make it’. I needed to do something to get back my thicker hair that was full of volume. It stunk. And I thought I was stuck. But after a little effort and research I was able to find some great ways to take care of your hair – after your twenties!

Pen on calendar page closeup

  • Regular hair trims will keep your hair from splitting and will help it to grow healthier and more quickly. Depending on the thickness of your hair you should try to fit in a trim every 6-8 weeks.

    blow dryer
  • To help protect your hair from blow drying, use the cool setting. Bet you didn’t know why that was even there huh! The heat from your blow dryer will dry your hair out, so use the cool setting! Plus, as a bonus, it will help your hair have a great shine.rogaine1
  • Healthy hair is moisturized! I’ve done enough face masks in my lifetime, but somehow it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started doing hair masks! Styling your hair can be so hard on your hair. Blow drying, curling and flat ironing can all dry your hair out. Use a hair mask to help re-condition your hair. I also really recommend using an awesome conditioner. I REALLY love Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Conditioner. This stuff does amazing things! It conditions just like the best hair mask would!(I found my Neutrogena at Walmart!)

    bigstock-Refreshed-Young-Woman-Rejoicin-61718696
  • I know how tempting it is to throw your hair in a ponytail and hit the hay, but don’t do it! Sleeping in a ponytail can cause breakage and no one wants that!

    rogaine2
  • If your hair is missing that thickness and that volume it’s ok. It’s nothing to be ashamed about or embarrassed about! Rogaine For Women has a great product that can help you to get back that hair you are missing! Their product is so simple to use and can really help!

Photo%20Nov%2004,%207%2003%2009%20PM

Rogaine For Women is available at your local Walmart. In my store, it is located in with the shampoos!

 

These are five tips for hair care for women that can help your hair stay healthy and easy to manage. Plus, when your hair is healthy and looks it’s best, it helps you to feel more confident. And there is nothing more beautiful than that! #MoreIsBeautiful #CollectiveBias

 

#DreftClean Twitter Party 11/13 From 1-2 PM (Eastern)

twitter party

Are you ready for another FANTASTIC #MomsCheckIn Twitter Party? This time we are so thrilled to be partnering with Dreft to bring you the #DreftClean Twitter Party!

dreft

Dreft has more than just laundry detergent! Did you know that they have a whole line of stain removers, odor eliminators and multi-purpose cleaners? Dreft products are made to clean up the biggest and toughest stains while still being gentle and safe for even the smallest members of our families.

We love the stain removers! The To-Go Instant Stain Remover Pen removes stains, well, instantly and it’s the perfect size for keeping in your bag. The Laundry Stain Remover is sure to find a permanent home in your laundry room. It will become your best friend for getting out the toughest stains! I really love the Laundry Stain Remover also comes in a smaller spray! Perfect for taking with you on the go! Want to know more about Dreft products and have the chance to win some amazing prizes? Join us for our #DreftClean Twitter Party!

twitter party

When: Thursday, November 13 from 1-2 PM Eastern

Where: On Twitter! Just follow your hosts (below) and use the hashtag #DreftClean

@MomsCheckIn

@Dreft

@its_a_fab_life

@SeeMomClick

@SweetPennies

@SpaceshipsLB

@FamLuvStuff

After you follow your co-hosts just RSVP below to let us know you are coming! You can only be eligible to win if you RSVP and are at the party!

 

‘); // ]]>

 

Speaking of winning…Want to know what we are giving away?

Four lucky people will be winning a Dreft Gift Bundle and a copy of Scary Mommy’s new holiday book!

One lucky winner will be winning a Kindle Fire and a copy of Scary Mommy’s new holiday book!

Best Stain Removal Tips

If you are looking for more laundry tips, check out this week’s Moms Check In post! See you at the party!

My Number One Hair Tip

suave hub 1
I’m not sure what happened, but sometime in the past 5 or 6 years my hair has become dry. And gets tangled. Massively.

And when I say dry, I mean D-R-Y. I hate it. I love having my hair long, but man is it rough. In the shower I would lather up with shampoo and then conditioner. And then conditioner again. Normally, back in the day, I could run my fingers through my hair and it would be nice and smooth. Now, I run my fingers through the hair and it sheds like crazy and there are knots and tangles. After the shower, brushing my hair takes a while. My hair can be wet, but the ends are already dry and gross. My hair is tangled and it hurts! I have to brush like crazy. And if I blow dry it I have to go back again and fight to brush it. It’s a mess. Luckily a few years ago, I discovered the hair mask.

suave hair mask
I use Suave’s Professionals Moroccan Infusion Deep Conditioning Shine Mask. I absolutely love it. I use it once a week. It leaves my hair silky and easy to manage all week long. Seriously, this stuff is a MUST for me! It’s saved me tons of time, yanking and pulling and keeps my hair looking as good as it feels! If someone asked me for my number one hair tip, it would be to use a hair mask! Your hair will thank you!

suave hub 2
Did you know that the Walmart Suave Hub is filled with beauty tips, product promotions, and more They have had several tips that have been awesome for me and so good that I have had to share them with my friends! It’s also filled with contests and a savings center! There is a Suave product for everyone!

suave hub 3
What is your number one hair tip?

This post is sponsored by Global Influence. All opinions are 100% my own.

Gift Idea For Tweens Teens & Gamers Nerd Block Jr Review

Nerd Block Jr Review Gift ideas for tweens teens gamers
 

Holiday shopping is getting ready to be in full swing; are you ready? This year I thought I would help you out by finding great gift ideas for those hard to shop for people. Josh is 11 and it seems like all tween-kids want for Christmas are high end electronics, video games and money. They can be hard to shop for! But I found an awesome place to get gifts and they are delivered to your door! Even better right?

I love the idea of giving a monthly subscription box as a gift. It’s a gift that keeps coming back!

Nerd Block is a monthly subscription box that has tons of options available.

Untitled
Nerd Block Classic – $19.99 a month – Includes a T-shirt as well as a box full of fun Comic Con style things!
The Horror Block – If you like zombies, The Walking Dead and other creepy things this is the box for you! $19.99 a month Arcade Block – This box is all video game based. (I am going to order this box for Josh!) $19.99 a month
Nerd Block Jr. Girls – Just $13.99 this box is designed for girls around the ages of 6-11. (We are ordering this as a gift!)
Nerd Block Jr. Boys – Also just $13.99 a month this box is designed for boys ages 6-11. (I am also going to order this one for Josh!)

nerdbos9
I was really impressed with the box we received from Nerd Block Jr. Boxes are mailed out on the 15th of each month. You can order as few or as many boxes as you would like. I plan on ordering the Nerd Block Jr. box and the Arcade box from now until Christmas because these toys are perfect for stuffing the Stocking! Normally I am at a loss as to what to put in them, but not this year! A few of the larger items will be wrapped and put under our tree. (Like the tshirt from the Arcade box for example!) Then for Christmas, I will choose a box and get him a 3 month subscription as a gift. It’s a win-win for me! I get shopping done without having to even try and it will be full of things he will love!

I also plan on buying the Nerd Block Jr. Girls box as a gift for a family member. I think she will love the box and I think the fact that she will get one each month will be really special to her too! Who doesn’t like getting surprise gifts in the mail?

So what was in our Nerd Block Jr box….and more importantly, was it worth it?

nerdbox7
The first thing that I pulled out was this cute little Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle key chain. (It will be great for clipping to backpacks too!) It’s officially licensed and he’s pretty cute. He is about 6 inches tall so he is a great size for kids to play with. I will be saving this for a stocking stuffer!

On Amazon I could only find a set of 4, but they were selling for $39.99 + $3.99 for shipping!
So our estimated value for this guy is $10.00

nerdbox6
Next in the box was a Nitro Grinders. I’ve never heard of this before! It is an extreme stunt rider and there are 56 of them for kids to collect! I think you essentially pull it back and it races off doing cool tricks and spins.

I think this must be a toy that is popular in Canada (Nerd Block is from Canada) because I couldn’t find them on Amazon or Toys R Us in the US. But the Canadian Toys R Us did have them.

Estimated Value: $4.99

nerdbox5
I see a collection in the making! This Super Mario Mini Figure is really cute. We got Yoshi who is jumping in mid action. There are lots of characters to collect and knowing how much Josh loves Mario, I think we will have to see about collecting so more!

I found this item selling on Amazon for $9.99.

 

nerdbox4
When I first pulled this out I was like awww man. This book is going to be too small for Josh. And we love Dragons! But when I opened it up…

nerdbox3
It’s a comic book! While it is easy enough for young readers it is also entertaining enough for Josh. This is probably one of my favorite things in this box!

You can also order the book on Amazon for $5.88!

nerdbox2
Kids love temporary tattoos. And one for your face? I’m sure it will be a hit.

On Amazon these face tattoos sell for $11.99-$14.99 each!
I am going to estimate the value of this at $12.99.

nerdbox
Total paid for this box: $13.99 + shipping (approximately $6 to US)

Total value for this box: $43.85

Like I said, for me this box takes the guess work out of Holiday giving. Plus, it comes to me filled with things I would never think about! That’s great! I save time and money. A few boxes and I will have the stocking filled and a few gifts under the tree!

And as far as giving Nerd Block as a gift – it’s a great value, filled with great items and it’s a gift every month! How fun!

 

I was given a trial box of Nerd Block to use for this post. All opinions are my own.

Suave Products For The Whole Family + $50 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway

suave perks 3
We all have a brand that is our go to brand for things like shampoo, body wash, and deodorant. But for me, I have just one go to brand for ALL of those! Suave! I’ve been using their products for what seems like ever now and I really enjoy them! I love that I can easily get them at Walmart. I love that they are affordable. I love that they have products for our whole family. I love how they work. And now, I love that they have a rewards program! Perfect for families like ours!

Suave Perks1
Suave Family Perks is a really simple program. First you sign up. Then, when you shop and buy your favorite Suave products at Walmart, just scan your receipt. You will earn points which you can exchange for Walmart gift cards. Easy right? It is!!

And with all of Suave’s great products you can really add up points fast!

These are my favorite Suave products that we use in our house.

dry shampoo I absolutely love the Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo! This is one of the best dry shampoo’s I’ve tried!

 

 

leave in conditionerMy hair can get really dry. Add in a hair straightener and it’s SUPER dry. The Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave In Conditioner is definitely my go to product!

 

 

hairsprayAnd after I’ve done all that straightening, I need it to stay! I love the Suave Extreme Hold Hairspray. It holds all day and helps me to have some volume! Trust me – this lady needs some volume! 🙂

 

 

apple wacky melonFor Josh, it’s hands down the 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash. I love that it can do all 3! He loves the scents! We go back and forth with the Apple Toss scent and Wacky Melon.

 

What Suave products do you use in your home? Don’t forget to sign up for the Suave Family Perks!

Want a chance to win a $50 Walmart Gift Card? That’s a lot of Sauve products! Good luck!

Suave Family Perks – Resourceful Mommy

 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Global Influence, per FTC regulations. All opinions are 100% my own.

The Most Amazing Fruit Tea (The Best Fruity Drink EVER!)

This shop has been compensated by #Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

The Most Amazing Fruit Tea

I have a few favorite things in the world. One of them is fruity drinks. I have perfected the BEST fruit tea. Seriously, I make it all the time! I bring it with us to get togethers and everyone always asks me for the recipe. Some people are known for their lasagna; some people are known for their chocolate cake. Me? I’m known for my fruit tea! Whether you are looking for a way to spruce up your water or something to drink while you are trying to ditch the soda or even just looking for something delicious – this is the perfect drink!!

display

The other day I was in Walmart and saw a Crystal Light display and it dawned on me that I have not shared this with you yet! And the timing couldn’t be better because Crystal Light is sponsoring the Miranda Lambert Platinum Tour and rewarding customers with a #PlatinumTour Sweepstakes!!

What is the Platinum Points Loyalty Program? Simple create an account, purchase qualifying Crystal Light products at Walmart and scan your receipt. You will start earning your points! You can redeem your points for some really awesome prizes! At the end of the program they will be selecting one winner for an amazing sweepstakes prize!

30

For me, I will be able to earn lots of points! We go through a lot of a Crystal Light! 🙂

1

The Most Amazing Fruit Tea

Ingredients

  • Crystal Light Tea – I have used the Lemon Tea and the Peach Tea. Both turn out great! I like the Peach Tea the best!
  • 1 cup Orange Juice
  • 4 Qts. Cold Water
  • Fruit – For this batch I used a frozen berry mix that had strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and pomegranate

Instructions

  1. The recipe couldn’t get easier! Simply mix all of the ingredients together and serve!
https://itsafabulouslife.com/amazing-fruit-tea/

 

40

I always keep packages of Peach Iced Tea in my purse to add to my water while I’m out and about! Crystal Light makes it so easy to have a low calorie drink that tastes amazing. There are so many varieties available at Walmart. Plus, now with their new Platinum Rewards Program, it’s really a no brainer!

 

Win 1 of 5 $50 Walmart Gift Cards + High Value Clean & Clear Coupon

“This is a sponsored giveaway with Mums the Word Network and Clean & Clear. All opinions are my own.”

1

When I was a pre-teen/teenager my face used to break out. I always remember saying to myself “I can’t wait until I get older so my face stops breaking out!”

Then, I got older.

And my face still breaks out! Luckily, it doesn’t do it as often or as severe, but still! I thought pimples were a faze. Something I would outgrow. I have learned a thing or two about skincare since I was 12 though (like toothpaste will not make your zit go away magically by the next morning!) One thing that I have learned is that in order to treat your skin, you have to understand your skin. For me, that means a few things.

clean and clear2

One, I need to exfoliate! I get those nasty blackheads. I know, gross right? I can feel those little bumps all across my nose and – eh, yuck! I use the Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub (available at Walmart). It has multi-action beads and wow does it work! You can feel it exfoliate and clean, and the best part is that it can help you see fewer blackheads in just two days!

Clean-And-Clear-Morning-Burst-Facial-Cleanser

For my everyday cleaner, I use the Clean & Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser (available at Walmart). Y’all. I love this. You feel …. clean afterwards. It has these little bursting beads inside the cleanser and they are seriously amazing. My skin feels so good after I am done washing with this!

0038137003572_500X500

When I was younger I used to think that only dry skin needed moisturizer. Oh no! I moisturize everyday with the Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer (available at Walmart). And trust me, my skin thanks me! This moisturizer not only moisturizes your skin, but also will fight off breakouts! Awesome huh?

tumblr_m2ltcnJkeT1qdetvy

And on the rare occasion that a pimple slips through, I use the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment (available at Walmart). This can reduce the appearance of pimples in only 4 hours! It’s a great thing to have in your skincare toolkit just in case!

Save $1.00

Clean & Clear makes tons of really great products! You can find them easily available at your local Walmart. Plus, you can print off a high value coupon (while supplies last!) from Walmart! Simply take a 4 question skin care quiz and print off your coupon! While you are there you can find skincare tips and watch some great inspirational videos!

AND….If that wasn’t enough, you can get entered to win one of five $50 Walmart gift cards! That’s a lot of Clean & Clear! 🙂 Enter below! Good luck!

Win With CLEAN & CLEAR

Fall Bucket List + Febreze Home Harvest Collection

Fall in Love with Febreze Home Harvest

It’s fall!!

Are you as excited about this as I am? I love everything about this season. I love the leaves. I love the pumpkins. I love the weather. I love the smells. I love. Everything. I’ve been looking forward to this fall since, well, last fall.

Speaking of smells, do you see the adorable box that was delivered to me the other day? Febreze sure knows how to spoil a girl!

DSC_0048

DSC_0056

DSC_0049

The barn was packed with lots of goodies. A Febreze freshener with two of the new fall scents. I love that these each have 2 scents so you get a nice combination. I received the vanilla sugar mix and sandalwood chai. And yes, they are delicious smelling!

They also sent one of my favorite Febreze products ever. The Febreze car vent clip. These are so easy to use. You just clip them into your car’s vent and you are good to go! When the air (or in the fall, the heat!) blows it blows the scent out. Your whole car smells amazing! The toasted almond scent that they sent me to try was really awesome. My mom rode in my car last weekend and had to stop at Walmart to buy her own!

They also sent a really adorable recipe box filled with fall recipes, activities and inspirations! I loved it so much that it inspired me to create my own fall bucket list to share with you!

fall bucket list

 

What are you looking forward to the most this fall? I am so excited to begin checking off things on our bucket list!

The Febreze Home Harvest collection is available at Walmart! It will have your home smelling as festive as you feel this fall!

This post is written by me on the behalf of Febreze. I was compensated with products and/or payment for my honest opinions about their products. All thoughts are my own and 100% my real opinions!