Citrus Lane Review {and Giveaway}


Today, I want to share with you my first 'sampler' box review. And I'm excited to introduce you all to Citrus Lane. You may be wondering what exactly Citrus Lane is. Well, I can not explain it any better than they, themselves, do: fresh finds. parent tips. delivered monthly. They offer a monthly subscription {with free shipping} for their ever changing themed boxes. The items change from month to month but they will always be enjoyable & focused on your child's age range.

The theme for the box I received was the little artist. Included inside were the following items: Wee Can Too Veggie Art Kit {w/ 20% off code}, Putumayo 2012 Playground Sampler CD, Pop & Lolli Decal {w/ a 15% off code}, Hohner Kids Caged Bell, BabyGanics Toy & Table Cleaner, and $35 credit towards a Minted product. All of the items were wonderful but to be truthful- I picked favorites. The pop & Lolli Decal is going to look lovely on Lil E's wall at the new house, the BabyGanics Toy & Table Cleaner is wonderful to take along when going to a restaurant or on a play date & the Hohner Kids Caged Bell is still a huge hit around the house. Just look at this video I took:

{That's Bubbie you hear in the background, by the way.}

Another thing that I find neat about Citrus Lane care packages is that you can even gift them to a friend or family member. They provide a 3 month option, 6 month option, & a 12 month option. And as always- shipping is free.

Would you like to give this newly discovered awesomeness a try? Well, today just may be your lucky day. Enter below for a chance to win (1) care package from Citrus Lane.
{approximate retail value of $25}
a Rafflecopter giveaway {I received a care package via Citrus Lane to try out.
There was no monetary compensation & all opinions stated above are solely my own}

Archive Link Up: A Tuesday Linky Party {wk5}

Good Evening! I can honestly not believe that I am still up at this hour. There used to be a time when this was still early for me. But yeah- now that I have 3 crazies lovely people to take care of, I'm usually in bed by midnight or earlier. It's been a hectic day for me though and I'm just not ready for the quiet to end. At least I finally received my information about setting up dates for my certification exams. Now to just get that done & start hitting the books again. Joy! But in the end I know it'll pay off... Patience just isn't my strong point. When I want something, I seem to want it right then. Waiting stinks. So yeah, with that said- it's time {once again} to link up those Archive posts!

Here's how it works: Just link up a favorite post {or two} from your archive. Visit a few others to read what they have shared. Remember: You get what you give in terms of visits & comments. If you're feeling extra frisky- share our button :D

Be sure to visit {and follow} all of the lovely hosts:
Debbie, author of Wrinkled Mommy.
Angelica, author of My Daily Pages
Jennifer, author of I Am Not Superwoman
Jessica, author of Sugar In My Grits
Ann, author of Rays Retreat Ramblings
Liz, author of Sunny Bug World
Stephanie, author of Our Marriage Adventure

Obsession Confession: Pretty Little Liars

{source}

I know that I may be one of the last ones on the bandwagon but yeah- I am seriously addicted to this show. At this point I haven't even read the books {but plan to one day soon}. With the help of Netflix, I recently completely the first 2 seasons stopping only to eat, take care of the kids, & sleep. Well, I showered a time or two within those few days as well. The only thing that has me thoroughly frustrated over this show-- I'm having trouble finding the first 6 episodes of Season 3.

I guess you could say that this obsession comes with additional parts. Two additional parts to be exact. {Keegan Allen & Ian Harding} I am fascinated with both of these guys. They play their assigned characters so well & are both extremely dreamy. These two facts have earned them both spots as my dreamland boyfriends. I mean, who wouldn't like to dream of these two at night??

{Source}
So tell me: Have you ever watched 'Pretty Little Liars'? Read the books? If so, what are your thoughts? Any idea on where I can watch episodes 1-6 of Season 3?



Farm Rich Review {& Giveaway}

Recently, I was given the privilege of reviewing a couple wonderful products from Farm Rich. This review could not have come at a better time. I mean- who really has time everyday to prepare a wholesome snack for an entire family?! While Logan was here Farm Rich was truly my best friend at snack time.

I decided to give the Mini Pizza Slices & Mozzarella Cheese Sticks a try. Pizza is a big deal in our house & so are mozzarella sticks. Let me tell you- PERFECT choice! Both were favorites in our home that left Daddy & kids begging me to purchase more on my next grocery shopping trip. As for me personally- I'm not a big fan of mozzarella sticks. However, everyone {including myself} loved these. The only complaint was that the marinara sauce was a tad bit bland.

Due to the bold request of the family, as well as awesomeness of these products- I have added them to my bi-weekly shopping lists. And I should add that after giving these two products a try, I went out and purchased a pack of the Mozzarella Bites to try. Oh yeah- a new favorite!!

Want (2) coupons {valued at $6.99 each} via Farm Rich? Simply enter below for your chance to win!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Things Friday: Television Guilty Pleasures

You know, ever since Logan has been visiting this month I do not believe that my television has left Disney Junior more than a handful of times. I am constantly finding myself singing the tunes from certain shows & even enjoying one or two of them. This gave me an idea:
5 Television Shows I Enjoy Watching
{& am not ashamed to share}
Batman {the classic}

The one starring Adam West. I'm not sure if many of you remember {or have ever heard of} this show. It's always been a favorite of mine though. & Nothing beats the cheesy Wham! Pow! Kaboom! fonts accompanying the sounds. The violence is not really violent at all. Most of the lines are ridiculously corny. But hey- it's good clean television.


iCarly

Liking this show works in my favor a great deal. When I get tired of watching Disney Junior constantly, I simply suggest iCarly to Bubbie. He's always game for some Carly, Sam, & Freddie. The only issue I have with liking this show: reruns. Nickelodeon seems to play the same episodes over & over. To make it worse- Netflix only offers the first 2 seasons. ugh~

Chuggington

I have to be honest, I'd take Chuggington over Thomas the Train any day. I'm not ashamed to admit that I enjoy watching this show as I lay in bed with Bubbie at night. If he falls asleep before it goes off- I stay in bed to watch the rest of it. And sometimes, {in my everyday life} I even use the phrase 'Train-tastic'... Does that make me a dork?? Come on, Be honest.


The Bachelorette {this past season}

Okay, so this is a first for even me. There has been no other season of this show {or of the Bachelor} that I have watched every episode of. Truthfully- this is the first season that I have watched .period. Maybe it's the fact that I am from close to Charlotte {where Emily lives}. Maybe it had something to do with the hot guys. Yeah- that's it. & she picked my favorite!



Swamp People

I had only heard about this show when I happened upon a marathon & decided to stay and watch a bit. I was instantly hooked. Maybe it's the accents that drew me in. Who knows? I'm sure Jay Paul Molinere has a little something to do with it as well.


So what are some of your guilty pleasures when it comes to television?

USA Swim Team- Call Me, Maybe.

Since I really haven't posted lately {I'm working on a post to share soon. Promise} I wanted to share a wonderful video that I found via the Teething Bling Facebook page. Watch, enjoy, & share the smile.
TGIF!!



Sponsor Spotlight- Cutesy Bootsie

Brook of Cutesy Bootsie
Blog//Twitter//Facebook//Pinterest//Instagram

I am a former Minnesotan living in sunny South Florida. I haven't set foot on snow in nearly a decade and am sure I'd never remember how to drive in the icy tundra again. Cutesy Bootsie is where I blog about whatever is going on in my life - the joys and the challenges. I love to share my latest loves from reality TV to fashion and makeup to whatever my cute little dog might be up to.

Share one Blogging Tip with us: A tip? In order to get more comments, bloggers need to turn off that darn verification that I'm a human. I don't even think I've ever gotten a spam comment anyway. In fact, I've had actual comments end up in my spam folder. Once you get some comments, other people comment. And make sure you have your account set up so when you leave comments, the blogger can reply via email. I try to reply to everyone that comments on my blog and I hate when I can't because they don't have it set up. Don't know how? Google it because there are lots of great bloggers (much more savvy than I) who have instructions for these little things. Forming relationships is the key in making blogging meaningful.

Archive Link Up: A Tuesday Linky Party {wk4}

{Win a free sampler box of Funky Monkey Snacks}


Guess What~ I'm Back. The past two days have been c.r.a.z.y {to say the least}. We left for Tennessee Sunday evening at 8pm & did not get back home until last night at 11pm. The details of the trip are enough for an entire blog post in itself. So yeah- You'll be reading about it sometime soon. Now for this week's Archive Link Up: Because Archives Deserve a Second Chance. So get those archived posts ready & link em' up! See you in your comment space! & don't forget the wonderful bloggers that make this link up possible:
Debbie, author of Wrinkled Mommy.
Rosalind, author of NazilliVille
Angelica, author of My Daily Pages
Jennifer, author of I Am Not Superwoman
Jessica, author of Sugar In My Grits
Ann, author of Rays Retreat Ramblings
Crystal, author of Pet Geekery.
Liz, author of Sunny Bug World
Stephanie, author of Our Marriage Adventure

Here's how it works: Just link up a favorite post {or two} from your archive. Visit a few others to read what they have shared. Remember: You get what you give in terms of visits & comments. If you're feeling extra frisky- share our button :D




{Sponsor Spotlight}- The Momma Bear Diaries

 My name is Tiffany and I blog over at the Momma Bear diaries. I am a twenty something stay at home mom transplanted from Georgia to a blistering cold northern state. I'm in the middle of three bears. Sometimes, I cook, I always clean, and better yet I have the web design gene. If I had one tip to help a blog grow it would be to just be true to who you are! My blog is my place to tell you about it all! Feel free to stop by and send me an email to say hello!


{Sponsor Spotlight}- The Thriftiness Miss


As the name implies, I am one thrifty miss. I love to refashion, repurpose, craft, cook, and create as frugally as I can. I also love the fact that I can help inspire other people in any way.

My passion besides crafting and blogging is my family.



For some thrifty fun follow me on my journey.. 


    


I truly enjoy my readers' comments and replying to them. I've made some great friends since I've started blogging and I can't wait to make more. 

Blog Growth Tip: Be a good blogger

Be good to others and they will be good to you. Be honest and friendly and good blog karma will come your way!

















Friday Letters

Photobucket
Dear July Why couldn't you have slowed down a bit? I mean, it's already time to take Logan home. This sucks! Dear Logan I've enjoyed every moment of you being here. Stinks that we are taking you back already but rest assured- we'll see you again soon. Dear Clayton Homes Thank you for getting our house on our land... finally. It may have taken forever but at least it's there. Now for it to just get put all together so we can move on in. Dear Readers, Thank you. It means so much that you all have been so patient through me not posting as 'in-depth' material since spending time with the family. I'll make it up to you. Promise. Dear Bubbie I love you, I do. I love getting to cuddle with you through the night. However, there just isn't enough room for your keyboard too. And your shoes? Really? There's no need to wear then as you sleep. Dear Lil' E Do you ever plan on sleeping through the entire night? Or are you destined to be like your Daddy? I'll love you either way but please try harder to make it through an entire night. Mommy's brain hurts from all your nightly wake up calls. Dear the victims of the Colorado movie theater shooting I am sorry for your suffering. This is such a senseless act & it makes me sad to see that our world has come to this. You are all in my thoughts, as well as in my prayers.

Sponsor Spotlight- Here's What I Think About That

Blog//Twitter//Facebook//Google+

My blog is called “Here’s What I Think About That”. I named the blog because I find myself prefacing my tirades with “Here’s what I think…” My blog is where I share thoughts about my day to day life. I enjoy reading (and writing) about everyday things. I find so many of my experiences are either a little bit funny or a little bit ironic –I’m lucky that way. What I love about Blogs is that each of us has the ability to self- publish! I love that we are able to have access writers that wouldn't necessarily be published by the Publishing Houses/Magazine Shops. I'm sure there are so many more blogs that I want to read that I haven't found yet.

Any blogging tips you'd like to share?:
TIPS/ Plans for growing my by blog:
I still feel new to this blog world. I plan to focus on three things in the near future:

1) Improving the overall look and functionality of my blog. I've created the Blog Format I'm currently using. The framework is a blogger template, but I've worked to learn enough HTML to personalize it. I think it could still look better. My goal is to improve the look. Haven't decided if I will continue to design, write the HTML myself, or if it's time to bring in a professional.
2) Good and regular content. I want to make sure that my writing is good and entertaining.
3) I plan to sponsor more blogs in the future. I love the opportunity it provides to get to know other blogs and bloggers.

Sponsor Spotlight- Crazy Mama

Blog//Twitter//Facebook//Google+

Hi, I'm Camille, otherwise known as Crazy Mama! =) I am 24 and a part time college student, majoring in creative writing. I met my husband in an online game (Guild Wars!) and a year later, we got pregnant and married. Now we have a beautiful little girl, and another bebe on the way!! We also have 4 fur-babies. I blog about our crazy life. <3

Share one blogging tip with us:My best blog tip is comment others! That is the best way, in my opinion, to gain new and loyal followers. You will also make some great friends!

'What's Up Wednesday' 4th Edition


Ello' Friends! Here I am with another Wednesday of updates based around my life. {I even made a nifty lil' banner to go with the reoccurring theme} May to June managed to fly by within the blink of an eye. July has not really been much of an exception. Here it is already time to take my step-son back to Tennessee. I'm sure it is going to be one of the hardest things we've done in a while. Especially with Bubbie being so used to him being here to spend time with. The hubs also has an appointment up that way once we have dropped Logan off. The details are still something we wish to keep private but I will ask this: please keep my family in your thoughts & prayers. A great deal is at stake when it comes to this appointment. All the thoughts & prayers we can get will truly be appreciated.
Last week we drove out to the land to see if there had been any progress. Seeming as though we were supposed to move in at the beginning of June we weren't feeling very optimistic. We've been waiting on permits from the county in order for them to demolish the old home that was on the land when we purchased it... Much to our pleasure though, when we pulled in front of the land- the old house was gone!! This is a HUGE milestone in the process because it is all pretty much 'down hill' from here. With our house being built as we speak {it's a modular}, it should be ready to move onto our property sooner than later. We're looking at right around the beginning of August. It's going to feel so weird finally getting to move in to our home after waiting for SO long... but boy, is it going to be a wonderful feeling!

So my sister-in-law sent me a text message this evening to let me know that our post office sucks. My completion certificate came in from school & yeah- they crossed out this address. Then they proceeded to send it to California where my brother-in-law recently moved. I can kind of understand the mistake {his name is Jesse} but yeah- this is one set back that I did not need. My certification exam information is in that packet. ugh! I just hope they don't send anything else there that is suppose to come to me. Read people, read! Jessica is not the same as Jesse.

Okay, now that I have gotten that rant out of the way- I'm going to take my booty to bed. If I stay up any longer I'll continue to eat these Cheez-its & let's face it~ I really don't need them.

Have a great rest of the week!

[P.S.] Anyone want a free button or signature for their blog? I'm slightly addicted to Photoshop lately {like you hadn't noticed} and would love to play around with it some more. Most of my stuff is real simple, but cute... comment below if you'd like for me to create something for you:D

Archive Link Up: A Tuesday Linky Party {wk3}

As many of you know, we've had my step-son in town with us since the end of June. However, it is closing in on time to take him back. This is one of the reasons I have not been posting as much as usual. I mean, I have but nothing of 'in-depth' material. We'll be heading to take him back to Tennessee this weekend. As the time draws closer I expect the hubs to have a pretty hard time with things. There's a great deal of reasons it's harder to take him back this time then the last {he was 3 then}. Once we've made it back & things have settled down a bit, I'm sure you'll hear some of the thoughts currently going through my mind. Yeah- you most definitely will. {let me just tell ya} But anyways- it really has turned out to be a blessing having him here with us for this short period of time.

Now that I have explained my recent bloggy silence, it is time for this week's Archive Link Up.
brought to you by:
Debbie, author of Wrinkled Mommy.
Rosalind, author of NazilliVille
Angelica, author of My Daily Pages
Jennifer, author of I Am Not Superwoman
Jessica, author of Sugar In My Grits
Ann, author of Rays Retreat Ramblings
Crystal, author of Pet Geekery.
Liz, author of Sunny Bug World
Stephanie, author of Our Marriage Adventure

For those of you who aren't sure how it works; It's real simple! Just link up a favorite post {or two} from your archive. Visit a few others to read what they have shared. Remember: You only get what you give in terms of visits & comments. If you're feeling extra frisky- share our button :D
I look forward to reading what everyone shares this week!




Sunday Social {wk6}

Sunday Social

I would have to say that the best trip I have been on was to Gatlinburg, TN. The mountains are my favorite, where as most people prefer the coast. There is just something about Gatlinburg year round but around Christmas time- it's even more grand. Definitely recommend it!

Humm... this one is a toughie. If it can only be a weekend trip then, maybe near by in Williamsburg, VA or down at the Outer Banks. I'm not much of a drinker but to go out and have dinner {and maybe a drink or two} would be fun at either place.
A cruise! Definitely a cruise! The hubs has suffers from a mild case of aqua-phobia but for some reason would be on board for a cruise {on board. haha}. If it were with the entire family I'd take it one step further & sign us up for the Disney Cruise.
How about a stay-cation? As I've mentioned before {here} we live near a bunch of attractions. Being close to Busch Gardens, Virginia Beach, & Colonial Williamsburg would make for an awesome stay-cation for any family living near by.
Ireland & Germany are {2} places on my list. However, those are pretty cliche' to me. Iceland, though, is one place that I have always been fascinated by. Top country to visit on my 'Bucket List'. Oh yeah- add 'Route 66' to the list too.
Traveling with kids? Be sure to take plenty of activities to keep them occupied during the trip. Don't forget the baby wipes or snacks either. Traveling alone or with adult companions? Be sure to bring your book {ebook}, iPod, & a nice pillow for a nap. On either occasion- Remember your camera!

Friday Follows {wk 1} Take 2!


Welcome to Friday Follows {Wk 1/take 2}
As some of you may remember, a few Fridays ago we {Briana of Newly Blissed & myself} tried starting a new weekly link up. However, something went wrong and we both had to pull our post. That was a few weeks ago and here we are to give it another whirl. We're keeping our fingers crossed & I'm giving 'Simply Linked' one more chance. Here's to hoping it works well this time....

This week's Social Network: GFC/Linky Followers

The rules are simple:
[1] Follow your Hosts via Google Friend Connect and/or Linky Followers
[2] Comment letting us know you're a new follower so we can return the love
[3] Repeat this step for a few others who have linked up {& remember, you get what you give}
[4] Grab the button, spread word of the party, & return next week for a different featured network :D

newfridayfollowbutton2


I Am. written for {Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop}

I am linking up with Mama Kat for her weekly Writer's Workshop.
Prompt 4. Fill in the blanks of this template and create your own I Am poem.

I Am
I am smart and kind
I wonder what my full purpose is on this earth
I hear gentle voices
I see smiling faces
I want to become an experienced quilter
I am smart and kind

I pretend to not care what others think
I feel curious
I touch the limits of the sky
I worry about the well being of my family
I cry when my children hurt
I am smart and kind

I understand what true love is
I say live life with no regrets
I dream of buildings grand
I try to please everyone
I hope to run a marathon one day
I am smart and kind

'What's Up Wednesday' 3rd Edition

Phew! It feels like it has been forever since I wrote. When in fact, it hasn't been that long. I mean, we had the Archive Link Up yesterday. Being the momma of 3 kids, 4 pitties, & 2 rabbits is not an easy task. Kudos to those who dominate {or simply survive} such situations. It's definitely not for the weak hearted.

Though I wouldn't trade any of it for the world {some peace & quiet sounds nice, however} I feel like I have been thrown into a whirl wind. Logan is helping keep Bubbie occupied during the day but the 'newness' has worn off. We have made it into full sibling mood. Fuss, fight, frustrate your brother. The older son keeps getting the younger son to do things that get them both in trouble. The younger of the two is continuously mean to the older. The room turns into a disaster zone 10 seconds after a good cleaning & there is constant taddle telling. But like I said, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Never thought chaos could be so lovely. But it is.
It seems that I have so much to share with you guys but in the end, there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. There are numerous reviews that I have recently done & quite a few giveaways that are waiting in the wings. {Is that even a saying?} Late at night, once the younger two have gone to bed, is my preferred posting time. This has worked well in the past but here lately I have managed to fall asleep while getting Bubbie to fall asleep. Either that or once I hit the bed, my body is just too exhausted to get back up. {lol} but rest assured, I'm planning to get around to them soon. Not to mention- I've got like a gazillion miscellaneous post ideas that I think you'll all love.

That's right folks~ Bubbie has finally started putting words together. His first sentence just happen to be "You're Welcome Daddy"... The hubs was so excited & was grinning from ear to ear. Now it is a sentence that he uses regularly. Not only is it music to my ears because it is a sign he is on his way with his speech but it's so polite too. He may be mean as a rattle snake but at least the boy is going to grow up with some manners. {lol} He comes by it honestly, poor boy. It's simply in his blood.

Hey- before I go I need to share last night's dream with you all. Here lately I may not be getting my blogging done like I wish I could but as far as sleep goes- I'm having some pretty awesome dreams. This one, in particular, has been on my mind since I woke up...

My family & I were looking for a new place to live. My mom remembered a place that she used to live long ago. My dad {her ex husband} was helping her show us the place. It was humungous! A large bedroom, 2 office areas, an old consignment shop area, & an area where people were practicing karate. There were pictures of my mom's dad all over the bedroom and me, being the dork I am, was ecstatic over the 2 office areas. Then the dream started getting out of control. My family eventually became those from the show 'Good Luck Charlie'. Our new home was only half of this HUGE mall like building. There were eating establishments {yummy ones}, a gym, an auto mechanic shop, & we had free run of them all since we lived in the other half of the place. But yet- I was more excited about the office areas. {lol} That and going through all of the stuff from the consignment shop area. There were blankets, pillows, Bibles of all sorts {even electronic Bibles}, clothes, & much more.

It wasn't really an eventful dream but concluded in me waking up happy. There was a phone conversation with the Hubs in the dream :D Also, a few other small occurrences that were just fun. Just thought I'd share it with you all. Put it in writing to help me remember it a little better as well.

Hope ya'll are having a fantastic week!
{I'll be back soon! Promise.}