Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask Giveaway - #MothersDay

Here we are on day #3 already of our Mother's Day Gift Guide.  We're talking beauty today ladies, and you guys following along.

Day 3's wonderful sponsor is Montagne Jeunesse. They're in the business of making us more beautiful with their wonderful facial masks.

This isn't my first experience with Montagne Jeunesse facial masque's.  When I was a young girl in my twenties, I worked as a manager of a beauty supply company.  The Montagne Jeunesse masques were a big seller and the ones I used on a regular basis.  I love them.

I have to admit it's been years since I've used them and was really excited to have the opportunity to review their more recent masques.  I received the following 5 masks:

• Green Tee Peel Off - Detox & Poor Cleansing Masque
• White Chocolate - Ultra Deep Cleansing Masque
• Fruit Smoothie - Deep Poor Cleansing Masque
• Clean-Up Mud - With Aloe Juice for Blemish Prone Skin
• Passion Peel Off - Deep Cleanse, Purify and Protect

Why use a facial mask

Washing your face just isn't enough.  Here are five reasons you should be using a facial mask.

1. Deeper Cleansing - It just makes since. Soap doesn't extract dirt it only washes the surface, while a facial masks pulls the impurities out, giving you a deep cleanse.
2. Unclog Your Pores and get rid of dead skin cells - your skin will be able absorb more moisture from your skincare products and your skin will look refreshed, hydrated and more toned.
3. Better Feeling Skin - Facial masks help stimulate blood circulation; which in turn will make your skin feel smoother and softer.
4. Improve the overall health of your skin - Facial masks flush out accumulated toxins, and clear up blemishes, which helps to keep your skin healthier.
5. Because it's relaxing - We all need a break and with a mask on, really what else are you going to do?  Seriously it's just fun to give yourself a mini spa moment and your skin will feel so refreshed when you wash your mask off.

Green Tea Peel Off Masks

I used the Squeezed Lemon Green Tea Peel Off Masque.  This is the detox and pore cleansing masque.  It smelled so good!  I'm not kidding.  My skin felt revived and re-energized. The mixture of green tea, ginger root and squeezed lemon, made my skin feel so clean and cool.

Better skin in 4 easy steps

1. Cleanse
2. Apply 
3. Relax for 15-20 mins
4. Peel

Win It

So that's it.  You made it through my review and now comes the goodies.  The good people at Montagne Jeunesse were generous enough to sponsor a giveaway for both my readers and Mamawj's Moment Away readers.  Click HERE to enter Julie's giveaway.  So if you enter Julie's giveaway and you better, that gives you 2 opportunities to win.  The prize?  One reader on each of our blogs will win a set of 5 Montagne Jeunesse masques in a pretty purple bag.  You know the drill. Just use the simple form below to enter.

Entry-Form

Remember to come back everyday for a new Mother's Day gift idea and a chance to win a new prize. We have more exciting gifts to come. Click HERE to go to the main gift guide post with each days giveaway link.

See you back here tomorrow for a new giveaway...

But give what is inside (the dish) to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

~ Luke 11:41

2014 Mother's Day Gift Guide Giveaway Schedule - #Mother'sDay

Welcome to the 2014 Mother's Day Gift Guide Giveaway.  Julie from Mamawj's Moment Away and I will be your hostess' this week.

We've put together this helpful guide, full of great idea's for any mom, including yourself. Not only will we be sharing our reviews with you, but you will have the chance to win one or more for yourself.  Umm' you're welcome.  Just kidding, I'm not really that sarcastic. :)

*New giveaways will start at 11 AM EST daily.

Day #1 - ToiletTree Profession Skin Care System Giveaway

Day #2 - Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil Giveaway

Day #3 - Montagne Jeunesse Facial Mask Giveaway

Day #4 - Light 'n Go Bonfire Log Giveaway

Day #5 - Kerusso T-Shirt & Travel Mug Giveaway

Day #6 - The Bouqs Flowers Giveaway

Day #7 - Swiss Colony Treats

*All the giveaways will end on May 7th at 11:59 PM EST.

I'm so lucky to have such a great partner hosting this gift guide with me.  Julie has put in hours of work along side of me to help make this, our first ever Mother's Day Gift Guide, a Success.  Be sure to go over to her blog where you can enter to win most of more prizes from these same sponsors.  We will be having a joint giveaway for a couple of exciting gifts at the end of the week too!!!  Can't wait to share those with you.  Think yummy #treats and beautiful #flowers, hint-hint!!!   You can visit Julie here: http://mamawjsmomentaway.blogspot.com/

Good Luck Y'all...

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

~ John 1:16

Giveaway - Breakfast with Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil - #Mothers Day

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

It's time for day two of our Mother's Day Gift Guide.  I'm really excited to tell you about Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.

I first heard about all the great benefits of coconut oil from my sister over a year ago.  Since then I've been seeing chefs on tv and bloggers everywhere talking about using coconut oil in their recipes.  One name kept showing up over and over again and that was Tropical Traditions.

I knew just what my first recipe would be.  Coconut Banana Pancakes.  Sometimes we like to eat breakfast for dinner.  Who has time for a big breakfast at breakfast time right?  So after a day at the beach yesterday, that was fitting my mood perfectly.  And this recipe is so easy and healthy.

This was my first time trying it and I wasn't sure if Neil would go for it but I was wrong.  He loved it too.  Who knew you could make pancakes without the flower.  3 simple ingredients and you're done!

I used the coconut oil in my pan just like you would and other cooking oil and I have to tell you not only did it add a great flavor but they didn't have all the greasiness your food normally does from cooking.  Another thing I noticed about the virgin coconut oil was the clean, pure smell.  I didn't have that stinky grease smell after cooking.  There are hundreds of uses for coconut oil. You can get an idea by viewing the short 94 second video below.

Here are just a few of the things I plan to use my virgin coconut oil for

• Make your own Magic Shell Recipe for ice cream
• Use it to condition a wooden cutting board
• It makes a great massage oil
• Homemade Lotion Bars
• Use as a hand and foot spa treatment.  Add some Lavender or Tea Tree Essential Oil for added benefits.  Rub into hands and add gloves or socks
• Make your own Homemade Lip Balm add a little peppermint oil for a nice scent and tingling feeling.
• Mix with equal parts of baking soda for homemade goo-gone to remove sticky labels
• Mix with a couple of drops of peppermint oil an effective insect repellent

My thoughts

I'm all about trying to incorporate more natural ingredients into our diet but like everyone else I worry about sacrificing taste.  Tropical Traditions is definitely one thing I will be adding to my kitchen pantry from now on.  I'm excited about using it in all sorts of new recipes.  I'm also eager to get some little plastic lip gloss jars and make my own chapstick and nail cream.

For more information about this wonderful product

• Tropical Traditions Home Page: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com
• Gold Label Product Page: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm
• What is Virgin Coconut Oil: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/what_is_virgin_coconut_oil.htm
• How to Use Coconut Oil: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/how-to-use-coconut-oil.htm

Win it

Remember to go visit Julie over at Mamawj's Moment Away to enter her giveaway for even more chances to win!!

You'll also want to be sure to come back here every day this week and enter to win a new and different giveaway from one of the great sponsors we have lined up.  Click here to start at the beginning where you'll find each new giveaway link.

Entry-Form

Stay strong ~ Live Long,

Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.

~Psalm 68:10

ToiletTree Professional Skin Care System Review and Giveaway - #MothersDay

Disclosure:  I received a Profession Skin Care System from ToiletTree to help facilitate my review. As always all opinions are 100% my own.

Welcome to day one of our 2014 Mother's Day Gift Guide. Julie from Mamawj's Moment Away and I have teamed up with some wonderful sponsors who want to share their products with you.  So lets get in the Mother's Day shopping mode and get this party started.

Day one's giveaway is brought to you by ToiletTree Products. Julie and I are reviewing 2 great products from them, so once you finish up here, you'll want to be sure to head over to Julie's next and check out her super handy Shampoo and Soap Shower Dispenser.

Every woman I know likes to be pampered.  I certainly do. Spa treatments are a fun luxury but they're out of my budget. So I get creative and do as much pampering for myself at home as I possibly can.  Now I can feel even more pampered with this Waterproof Professional Skin Care System from ToiletTree Products.

I've had a face brush before but the ToiletTree brush system puts it to shame.  This system comes with 4 interchangeable attachment heads!

• Body Brush
• Face Brush - Medium for normal skin types
• Face Brush - Soft for sensitive skin types
• Pumice Stone

I love how convenient this tool is to use.  Because it's a waterproof unit, it's ideal to use when showering, which is where mine stays.  It operates with 4 AA batteries which are included.

Why should you use a Professional Skin Care System?

• Stimulates skin renewal
• Improves overall skin clarity and appearance
• Removes dead skin cells to expose healthier-looking skin
• Energizes skin and leaves it smooth, soft and radiant
• Cleans deep to help remove stubborn makeup
• Enhances absorption of moisturizers

With summer here there are a few ways I like to get prepared for the season.

• First, I like to have a nice tan but I don't want to head to the beach pasty white on my first trip.  Plus I like to do tanning in moderation.  I don't have the time to spend hours tanning on the beach, nor do I want to put my skin through that much damage.  My solution is to use a self tanner, but did you know to get an authentic looking tan, there are a few steps you should take first.

*Very important:  24 hours before applying self tanner you want to shave and exfoliate your body. 

The body brush exfoliates my entire body leaving my skin soft and smooth and ready to accept the spray tanner for a flawless finish.

• Second, my feet need to be sandal ready and that means no crusty heels. Ew! 

I love having the pumice stone attachment. That rotating stone scrubs my heels CLEAN and sandal ready!

Buy It for a Mom or yourself

You can purchase your own in your choice of six colors. The Skin Care System is on sale on the ToiletTree website or Amazon for only $39.95.  That's a $20.00 saving from their normal price of $59.95.   Think of the money you're saving by doing your own facial!  You can also connect with ToiletTree on Facebook and Twitter.

Win It

Thanks to our generous sponsor ToiletTree Products one lucky Cotton Pickin Cute winner will be chosen to win the Professional Skin Care System right here.  Just enter the Giveaway Tools Form at the bottom of this post.

Right after you enter my giveaway, you'll want to head straight over to Julie's at Mamawj's Moment Away because you'll want her ToiletTree #giveaway for a handy Shower Dispenser too!

And then be sure you come back tomorrow to find out what our next Mother's Day gift selection is.

Now for your chance to win enter below

Entry-Form

Count your blessing and enjoy your day... 

"Honor your father and mother."  This is the first commandment with a promise.  If you honor your father and mother, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth."

~ Ephesians 6:2-3

#GiftGuide

Coming Soon - The 2014 Mother's Day Gift Guide - #GiftGuide

Mother's Day is coming in just a few short weeks away!

In honor of Mother's Day Julie from Mamawj's Moment Away and I have been working hard to tie up all the loose ends on our 2014 Mother's Day Gift Guide.  And we're tickle pink at the gift ideas we've come up with this year.

So whether you're looking forward to being spoiled or spoiling another mother, Julie and I have some great gift ideas for you. We're not ready to spill all the beans but we can tell you that the fun starts Monday and you don't want to miss any of it. Every day starting the week of April 28th we'll be sharing a great Mother's Day gift idea and giving you a chance to win them.  How cool is that!!

Here's an idea. Why not forward this link to your honey, I'm sure he'd appreciate a little help in the gift giving department too!

Until Next Time...

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

~ Exodus 20:12

Teachers Change Lives - Adopt-A-Classroom with Office Depot - #TeachersChangeLives #CGC

I have a theory.  Next to our families, teachers are the ones who make the biggest impact on our lives.  So much time spent in their presence has to leave an indelible mark on us.

I'm in my 50's and yet I can still name at least one teacher for every year, from kindergarten through 12th grade.  There are so many special memories I have.

• There was Miss Petre, my first grade teacher in 1966, who was more like a grandmother, oh' how I adored her.
•  Then there was Miss Atchley, in 2nd grade, who also taught my sister, and made me feel so special.  She devoted her life to her students and caring for her own mother.  We were her children.
• I still remember the day I met my 3rd grade teacher, Miss Whitmore.  She was so young and beautiful.  I was on playground being very shy.  She began talking to me and then picked me up and sat me in her lap, giving me very kind compliments and saying our last names were almost identical.  She knew just how to make me feel a little more confident and so special.  And I wasn't even her student yet.

The one thing that stands out in my mind, was walking through the halls after the days end, and seeing the teachers still there, putting in hours of work decorating the classes for us, or toting arm loads of paperwork to their cars, and knowing they would spend hours upon hours of their free time grading papers at home.  What an honorable profession.  They certainly weren't doing it for the pay or the glory.  They got very little of either.

Yes teachers have always had a very special place in my heart.  Now I'm the grandmother of school age children and my heart is still thankful for all they do.

Estrella Pyfrom
Estella Pyfrom uses her Brillant Bus to give students access to technology. She used her life savings to build this bus to help bridge the digital divide. She has recently been featured as one of CNN's heroes.

Teachers make a big impact in all of our lives.  Not one of us can say they didn't because most of us spent a minimum of 12 years in school.

Think about the importance of that statement.  We, as parents are responsible for teaching our children, which is a life long job, but we also hand over a huge chunk of that responsibility to teachers.  We count on them to turn little minds of curiosity into big minds filled with the skills to enter their adult lives.

Now ask yourself this; "How much credit or appreciation do I give them?"  Teachers change lives!  They really do and how do you put a value on that?  Their salaries certainly don't reflect their worth.  On top of not being paid nearly enough, teachers spend money every year out of their own pocket, especially in underfunded areas.

That's why I'm so eager to tell you that Office Depot and Adopt-A-Classroom have partnered to raise awareness about teachers and all that they do in the lives of their students.

• Adopt-A-Classroom is a nonprofit organization that helps connect donors with teachers to enhance the learning environment for students
• Office Depot and Adopt-A-Classroom have partnered to raise awareness about teachers, and all that they do in the lives of their students.

You Can Make a Difference Too

Teachers are doing innovative things in the classroom and you can help them do more by donating.  By joining Office Depot we can make all make a difference.  You can donate to Estrella Pyfrom from the video above or a teacher from your own community.  You can also register your classroom and become a part of the Adopt-A-Classroom program.

It's as easy as following the steps below:

• How to Register Your Classroom as a Teacher
1. Go to Teachers Change Lives website (http://clvr.li/1emq4KF)
2. Click on the red box that says "Register Your Classroom," which will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website
3. Follow the corresponding steps from there
• How to Donate to a Teacher
1. Go to Teachers Change Lives website (http://clvr.li/1emq4KF)
2. Click on the teal "Donate to a Teacher" box on the Teachers Change Lives website (http://clvr.li/1emq4KF), which will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website
3. Follow the corresponding steps from there

#TeachersChangeLives #CGC
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

 Hug a teacher today...

In everything set them an example by doing what is good.  In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

~ Titus 2:7-8

Detox with FitTea + $500 Target Gift Card Giveaway #FitTeaDetox

Disclosure:  Thanks to Markerly and FitTea for sponsoring this post.  As always all opinions are completely my own.

Everyone want's to be fit.  It's the hot topic of this generation.  But sometimes it's a catch 22. You have no energy, because you don't exercise.  You don't exercise, because you have no energy.  You just need a little help and that's okay.  That's why I want to tell you about a product called FitTea.

Getting fit doesn't necessarily mean going on a diet or losing weight. It's all about feeling better.  When you feel better you look better. Even your skin looks better when you're fit - it's a overall noticeable difference.

Of course, I want to look toned and weigh my idea weight, but even more than that, I'm looking for a boost in my metabolism. That little spark of energy that's going to get me going.  With a tagline like "Give us a few weeks and we'll give you a new waistline" I think it's a product worth trying.  I mean swimsuit tryouts are nipping at my less than tight butt!

How many times have you said "if only I had the energy to do something about losing weight"?  Well here you go:

FitTea is an all-natural detox tea.

• Build a rock-solid immune system with FitTea!
• It super charges and boosts your overall immune system and gives you more energy.
• Promotes fat burning
• Promotes and soothes digestion
• Antimicrobial properties

Another hot word is organic.  Natural and organic ingredients are important for a healthy lifestyle. This is the list of FitTea's all natural ingredients:

• Organic Green Tea
• Oolong Wu Yi
• Organic Rooibos
• Ginger
• Pomegranate
• Guarana
• Birch
• Stevia
• Corn and Honey Powder

That's it!  No scary ingredients you can't pronounce.  These ingredients provide a fast-working and natural detox.  These natural ingredients have other benefits besides detox, which includes, weight loss, increased energy levels, suppressing the appetite, and natural antioxidants.

We all need a little Decaf FitTea in our lives

FitTea also offers a caffeine-free alternative.  The ingredients are Holy basil (Tulsi) spearmint, rosehips, lemon myrtle and linden blossoms.

I'm not the only one talking about FitTea.  See what other people think about FitTea and their results here:

http://marker.ly/b/fittea637/11899/50

You can buy FitTea online now.

They also have the pro pack available.  The pro pack will naturally double your results and your energy.

Be Fit Y'all...

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

~Proverbs 14:30

Zarbee's Natural Relief Project - Breath Easy Naturally

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Zarbee's Naturals.  I received a promotional item and a product sample as a thank you for participating.

Ahhh spring.  It's so wonderful to see you again.  I open the windows to welcome you in my home.  I go outside to spend time celebrating in your beauty.  I'm in awe of your bounty.  And what do you do for me? Achoo! My nose runs, my head's congested, my throat gets itchy, and my eyes swell with tears. Thanks!

It's no surprise that the warmer temperatures bring blooming plants which in turn provide me with seasonal congestion. My grown son has dealt with the same seasonal suffering that I have, and now I have a 13 year old grandson, who faces these same challenges.  Try keeping a 13 year old from going outside. Good luck with that!  I worry even more about his issues with congestion because he has cystic fibrosis.  He already takes so many medications, that why it's important to me to be able to recommend Zarbee's Naturals to his dad.

My Top 3 Tips To Help Overcome Seasonal Congestion

1. Hit the beach!  Okay, so this may not be practical for everyone, so the next best thing is to use saline spray. 
2. Avoid chores outside, but if you must do them where a mask.
3. Close doors and windows until the worst passes.

Natural Is The Way To Go

Zarbee's Season Relief helps me to maintain a healthy lifestyle so I don't have to give up on enjoying the outdoors.

"Zarbee's Season Relief is a new solution with clinical support for combating general congestion.  It's made from the extract of Butterbur, a plant used for centuries in Europe, but less so in the U.S."

Zarbee's Natural's Season Relief is intended for children 12 years of age and over.  It's available over the counter at CVS and Target.

Try Zarbee's Season Relief and Give back

This spring, in a major initiative to introduce Americans to the benefits of Butterbur, Zarbee's is sharing samples, educational information and natural wellness tips through the Seasonal Relief Project.  For every trial of Zarbee's Season Relief with Butterbur Ze339, the company is donating to four causes that protect fresh air, including the Fresh Air Fund, Children & Nature Network and Moms Clean Air Force and Healthy Child Healthy World.

Visit www.seasonalrelief.com to sign up for a FREE product sample and to get your own customized seasonal congestion tips.

Later Gator...

Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plant and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so.

~ Genesis 1:11

Fun Saturday DIY Project from Mamawj's Moment Away

The weekend's here and I bet you're in the mood for some fun spring crafts.  Problem is, it's a busy weekend with Easter on Sunday and you don't have a lot of time.

Well don't fear, Julie from Mamawj's Moment Away has taken all that into consideration when she came up with this springtime craft.

I love diy projects that recycle everyday items.  Julie used glass pickle and jelly jars and even the lid from a Purex Crystals bottle.  Julie's a smart girl.  Not only do this terrariums light up but they smell good too.  She added a few Purex Crystals to the jars as filler so the items have something to nestle into.  The burlap on top breaths so you can smell the crystals, and Julie drilled holes in the cap on the smaller jar so you can smell the scent with it too.
*tip - if you don't have a drill don't worry, use a hammer and a nail.

But hey, enough of me telling you about it.  Click here to head over to Mamawj's Moment Away and see her step-by-step tutorial.

P.S.  Don't forget to enter my giveaways below and Julies over at Mamawj's Moment Away.

• Purex No Sort For Colors Giveaway
• BrylaneHome Step Stool Giveaway

Wishing you all a blessed Easter...

Do not gloat over me, my enemy!  Though I have fallen, I will rise.  Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.

~Micah 7:8

Purex No Sort Sweepstakes and Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received a this product to facilitate my review. However all opinions are 100% my own.

If I were to ask readers if their favorite chore was sorting the laundry, I feel pretty certain there wouldn't be many hands raised.  Purex want's to help us out with that little dilemma.

Women don't like sorting laundry and if they ask their families to wash the clothes, well more times than not they end up with a ruined item or two. Colors bleed.  It's just a cold, hard fact. Sorting clothes has always been rule #1 when we teach our children about doing the laundry.  Well Purex is changing the rules!

Purex is always working hard to make your life easier. They know our time is precious and we look for all the short cuts we can find.  Cutting out the step of sorting is a sure time saver.

Let me introduce you the newest laundry innovation from Purex....

ANTI-COLOR-TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY

This new technology traps loose dyes in the wash and does not let them settle onto other fabrics.  Typically color bleeding happens when dyes bleed out of fibers and deposit onto your other garments but the new Anti-Color-Transfer Technology stops that.

A Miracle you say!  

Well not exactly but it is packed with innovation that changes the way we do everyday laundry.  We all know new clothes, especially bold or dark ones are loaded with dye.  The manufactures know there's a certain amount of dye loss with washing. We all do.  They're just not going to stay looking that way, but after a few washes the major part of that loss is over, but not all of it. So keeping that in mind, please follow these words of advice:

• Wash strongly colored fabrics or new pieces of clothing, especially jeans, separately at least 5 times before doing a mixed color load with Purex No Sort for Colors detergent.

The Sweepstakes

To celebrate the release of the NEW Purex No Sort for Colors detergent, the Purex brand will is hosting a Sweepstakes.  One grand prize winner will receive $1000 while 100 2nd place winners will receive a coupon for free Purex No Sort for Colors detergent!  Be sure to Purex website and enter for your chance to win Big.

You can prevent color bleeding and stop sorting your clothes with the NEW Purex No Sort for Colors detergent.  It's already on store shelves.  I found it my local Walmart.

A Cotton Pickin Cute Giveaway

Of course as a Purex Insider I can't let you leave here without a chance to score a FREE coupon so that you can try it for yourself.  2 lucky Cotton Pickin Cute winners will be chosen at random to receive their own coupon.  Just enter below.

Entry-Form

Good Luck & Good Wishes...

So he went to him and kissed him.  When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, "Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed.

~Genesis 27:27