20 Mule Team Borax Crystal Snowflakes and Ornaments Craft

Who doesn't love to make gorgeous ornaments?  I have a fun and easy craft idea for the holidays that you can use for Christmas or Hanukkah or anytime. Think about all the possibilities. You can buy 20 Mule Team Borax in any grocery store for a reasonable price and it an all natural product that is easy to work with for fun crafts.

Required supplies:

• string
• wide mouth jar (pint)
• white pipe cleaners
• borax (see tips)
• pencil, popsicle stick or twigs
• boiling water
• various liquid or gel food colors
• scissors

1. The first step of making borax crystal snowflakes or ornaments is to make the snowflake or ornament shape. Cut a pipe cleaner into three equal sections for a snowflake or into the shape you want for your ornament.
2. Twist the sections together at their centers to form a six-sided snowflake shape. Make whatever shape you want if you are doing a round ornament or oval for example. Don't worry if an end isn't even, just trim to get the desired shape. The snowflake or ornament should fit inside a wide- mouthed glass jar like one you use for canning.
3. Tie the string to the end of one of the snowflake or ornament arms. Tie the other end of the string to the pencil or a wooden stick or even a twig. You want the length to be such that the pencil hangs the snowflake into the jar.
4. Fill the widemouth pint jar with boiling water.
5. Add borax one tablespoon at a time to the boiling water, stirring to dissolve after each addition. The amount used is 3 tablespoons borax per cup of water. It is okay if some undissolved borax settles to the bottom of the jar.
6. If desired, you may tint the mixture with food color.
7. Hang the pipe cleaner snowflake or ornament into the jar so that the pencil rests on top of the jar and the snowflake or ornament is completely covered with liquid and hangs freely (not touching the bottom of the jar).
8. Allow the jar to sit in an undisturbed location overnight.
9. Look at the pretty crystals and enjoy them all season long!!! You can hang your snowflake as a decoration or in a window to catch the sunlight

Because boiling water is used and because borax isn't intended for eating, adult supervision is recommended for this project.  If you really can't find borax, you can use sugar or salt (may take longer to grow the crystals, so be patient). Add sugar or salt to the boiling water until it stops dissolving. Ideally you want no crystals at the bottom of the jar.

The Bra Strap Solution: Strappys Decorative Bra Straps for Every Occasion Plus a Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Strappys complimentary for review purposes. As always, my opinions are my own.

I love wearing the latest trendy looks but sometimes there are fashion issues.  Don't you just love when a sharp cookie comes along and solves them for you?  All of the sudden you see someone with the solution to an issue that has bugged you for eons and you are just transformed?  That is exactly what happened with Strappys.  I saw someone wearing these cute decorative bra straps a few weeks ago and I just had to ask about them.  I did.  I am not shy when it comes to things like that.  Ladies need to do what we need to do!

Who hasn't struggled with the right bra for that cute tank top shirt?  How about that formal dress which really would look so much better with a great bra but you settle for something less because you cannot get the right look with the straps?  Aaah, it has happened to me so many times. It is an issue if you have a large bust or small...everyone looks better with a great fitting bra underneath. The issue is those unsightly bra straps. Who wants to see those?  That is where Strappys come in.  Strappys are bra straps that are meant to be seen! They come in all sorts of beautiful patterns from casual fabrics to dressy bling.  There Strappys with stones, beads and colors. You can even wear them with formal wear or a wedding gown. Just gorgeous. Strappys just attach to any bra that has detachable straps.  Who doesn't have 10 of those?  It is the perfect solution to any bra fashion dilemma.  A bonus idea is to use Strappys on one of your ho-hum bathing suits....bling up your bikini because every pair of Strappys is waterproof too!  

Here is the skinny on the Strappys: 

• completely waterproof
• totally adjustable just like a regular strap
• straps are available in two widths, regular and Buxom

The newest Strappy model is the features glittering crystal gems.  The Strappy Crystal Gem White Diamond Bra Strap will have them as you walk in the door. It is very comfortable and provides superior support while you sparkle and glimmer. Shhh, your little secret!  No more need to keep tugging on that strapless dress, your secret weapon is Strappys. This model has sparkling white diamond faceted gems that are mounted from the front hook to the back hook. Just like other Strappys, it adjusts just like a regular fabric bra strap. 

The individual Strappys Crystal Gems are removable on this new model so you have another option.  Think about it:  you can add the Strappys Crystal Gems to your conventional (3/8") bra strap or they can even attach to the regular buxom style (1/2") bra straps as well.  You can remove gems to size the Strappy Crystal Gem White Diamond Bra Strap perfectly to your needs.  Remember they are waterproof too so don't forget to sparkle up your bikini too!

Keep your eyes out for the latest news from Strappys because by the end of December they will have the Strappys Crystal Gem White Diamond model available as a bra strap cover for you. It will feature 23 sparkling gems that clip right onto a conventional bra.  I love this and think it will be great for those times when you need to wear a particular bra but the straps are not removable. Strappys has all the options for you so take a peek at the their website and order early for yourself so you don't have any fashion faux pas during the busy holiday season.  Don't forget to check off girls holiday gifts early as well.  I already have my eye on a few for gifts for girlfriends for Christmas and Hanukkah. Strappys has something for everyone.  Enter my Rafflecopter giveaway below to win a beautiful set for yourself or a friend.a Rafflecopter giveaway

My thoughts on the new Tory Burch fragrance and beauty capsule collection

Disclaimer:  I received this information via Vogue Influencer Network. 

 

A long time Tory Burch fan, I was surprised and excited to hear she was introducing a fragrance and beauty capsule collection.  It is classic but kind of unexpected at the same time. It is relaxed but very feminine.  You still get that tomboy vibe though in a good way.

 

I love that it is an easy and polished collection too. The new collection includes fragrance, body, color and home — all designed as chic accessories for a vanity. I can't wait to get some of these pieces for the holiday. Shopping time!!

Have You Heard About Lancome #DreamTone Yet? #bareselfie

Disclaimer:  I received a sample of Lancome DreamTone complimentary in order to evaluate it for myself. As always, my opinions are my own.

@LancomeUSA @SheSpeaksUp
I am a woman that really tries. To keep it all together from my head to my toes. I do. Boy, it is a lot of work from the hair color and highlights to the face creams and body creams.  Exercise.  Don't forget that.  I get to the gym and workout hard 4-6 days a week. I eat healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables and very lightly on the heavier stuff.  It works out pretty well for me with everything I do but the hardest part is keeping the face in place. Yes, I mean that.  Keeping the face from falling...downwards.  I use a lot of products. A lot. 

I buy products at Sephora, Nordstom, Target and even Rite Aid.  I have tried a lot of things. Some of them work better than others and some brands are better than others. I do prefer the luxury brands, okay I do admit it. The drugstore brands fit the bill but the luxe brands are so much nicer. They have a more elegant scent as a rule and they just seem to work a little better. 

I was interested when I heard I was going to be able to try out a new cream from Lancome called DreamTone. Even the name sounded exciting.  They are one of my all time favorite brands.  They just have great quality products from mascara to moisturizers that work for any skin tone and type.

I received the Lancôme DreamTone and added it into my usual skin care routine morning and night. So Dream Tone is a lightly tinted serum in three different formulations (1, 2 and 3) formulated to help quickly correct those irksome dark spots, discolorations and other skin tone imperfections caused by everyday life. Number 2 was the perfect color for me.  Lordy knows I need some assistance in that area so number 2 went to work right away on my face. I am really good with sunscreen and all that but I have some imperfections just like every single one of us.

I noticed a difference pretty quickly.  Using it the first time I could see the sheen and slight tint made my skin looker fresher, less exhausted than usual. After a few days, I looked fresher even in the late afternoon. My color looked good too. The container is an elegant pink and silver that looks pretty on my vanity to boot.  I will keep using Lancome Dreamtone and update you as I continue to see progress.  This one is a keeper I think, don't you?

You Can Win the UGLee Pen: a Perfect Ergonomic Pen Stocking Stuffer Blog Giveway

Disclaimer: I received samples of UGLee Pen complimentary to evaluate them and share my experiences. As always, my opinions are my own.

 

The UGLee Pen is a super comfortable ergonomic pen for any person that needs to write a lot or even just a little.  It is a perfect option for people who get hand cramps or otherwise experience discomfort when trying to grip a pen.  I know my fingers ache after a long day of taking notes at our meetings since using an ipad or electronic device is pretty much frowned upon.  I am looking forward to tucking my UGLee Pen into my tote bag so I can eliminate those finger aches at our upcoming meeting in January!  Many senior citizens with arthritis can find relief with a more ergonomically shaped pen like UGLee Pen too.  Think about it, UGLee Pen is also perfect for children who are learning to write or even for children with special needs.  It can help them to hold that pen alot easier because of the ergonomic shape and materials. 

I remember when I was in high school and college, if you needed to take a lot of notes your fingers would be aching at the end of the class.  UGLee Pen can make that a lot easier on your favorite student.  Wouldn't UGLee Pen be a really useful stocking stuffer idea?  So many stocking stuffers end up in File 13, otherwise known as the trash can.  This year you can pick up UGLee Pens and stuff those stockings with something that everyone can really use! 

You can follow them on their website and on "Like" them Facebook and Twitter @ugleepen for all the latest UGLee Pen updates. 

Don't forget to enter my giveaway below to win your own 3 Pack of UGLee Pens in a random color selection.  Happy writing! I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Truvia Natural Sweetener Brunch Party Experience #SweetSwitch from Crowdtap

Disclaimer:  I received samples of Truvia Natural Sweetener, Folger's coffee, Smucker's jam, a coffee mug and an apron complimentary through Crowdtap in order to share my experiences baking and using the products including Truvia.  As always, my opinions are my own.

I was recently selected to participate in a Truvia Natural Sweetener Brunch Party.  Have you heard about Truvia yet?  It is a fairly new all natural sweetener that you can use for most anything. It actually tastes great.  You heard right my friends. It tastes great AND it is all natural.  I was excited to receive this pretty exclusive opportunity to try Truvia Natural Sweetener and share it with friends by hosting a fun brunch.  

The Truvia brand really wants to share their sweetness with people who didn't know there are natural  options out there that are on par with sugar but let you cut the calories.  It can be kind of confusing these days with all the products out there so I was glad to bake some goodies and share with friends to let them see the goodness in Truvia.  I was familiar with Truvia, but I had never tried baking with it before. Just coffee and tea.  It tastes great in coffee and tea....that I did know.  I have used Truvia before and find it to be a good alternative to sugar especially when I am counting the calories.  Some of my friends are just so loyal to their sugar...it was fun to swap Truvia for my sugar when I baked and see the results come out so beautifully. Look at those muffins...they tasted as good as they looked and everyone wanted the recipe too.

We had the brunch at my house on a Sunday morning so it was relaxed and easy.  I actually made two kinds of muffins...the ones above are Apple Cinnamon and then I also made Cranberry Orange ones from the Truvia website.  Both varieties of muffins were baked with the Truvia Baking Blend. They came out great too.  I made a beautiful fruit platter with strawberries, melon, mandarins and kiwi too.

Of course I prepared a giant pot of Folger's Gourmet Selections Vanilla Biscotti Coffee. The coffee went perfectly with the muffins.  Everyone was amazed that the muffins tasted so good made with the Truvia. Paola and Ellen had never had Truvia before and they both said they would be going to buy it the next time they went shopping. They could not tell the difference!  Gary and Tammie had never heard of Truvia before but they thought my muffins tasted great.  Tammie tried it in her coffee and thought it blended just like sugar.  She also said she would try it at home as well.

I had an amazing bunch of goodies to create a  great brunch for my friends and neighbors.  I am appreciative that Crowdtap and Truvia partnered for this wonderful opportunity and shared it with me.  

 You can check out Truvia on Crowdtap and see what you think! You can get in on the #SweetSwitch conversation with the TruFan Community on Crowdtap just like I did.

#Spon New Revlon Lip Gloss Pink Pop

Disclaimer: I received a sample of Revlon Lip Gloss complimentary through People StyleWatch  A-Listers. As always, my opinions are my own.

I love all kinds of lip glosses because my lips are dry. Of course I was excited to get a new one from one of the classic brands...Revlon!  The color I received is #235 Pink Pop and pop it does.  It is a candy floss pink...very pretty and actually not too bright.  It compliments my skin tone nicely. 

I will be tucking this into my bag for a pick me up as the weather gets cooler and it will come with me on my winter Caribbean vacation this year too.  Try it and let me know what you think. 

All Your Faves Disney Classics Box Set is now available for pre-order! #DisneyClassicsBox @DisneyMusic

Disclaimer: I received an electronic copy of the Disney Classics Box Set for my personal use. I am participating in a blog post campaign from One2One Network and Walt Disney Records. All opinions are my own.

Do you remember singing with your sisters or brother on those long car trips?  Remember singing along to "A Spoonful of Sugar?"  Aaah, one of my absolute faves!  We used to have so much fun with that one and "It's a Small World."

You can bring back all those amazing memories and share them with your little ones, grands or even nieces and nephews right now!  I was so excited to hear that the Disney Classics Box Set is available on November 12, 2013 and you can pre-order it right now!  It totally reminds me of all that fun with from my special trips to Disney World and Disney Land....remember the music all over?  Even if you weren't little the last time you visited it made you feel like a kid again when you heard all those classic Disney tunes, right?  "It's a Small World" on the ride...I remember my friend telling me she couldn't get that fun song out of her head for so long and it kept making her remember about when she was little and visited with her family and her sister.

You can snag it to pre-order on Amazon right here and now before you forget. Perfect for Christmas or Hanukkah.  The suggested list price for the box set is $49.98. (Prices may vary as you know depending on retailer.) The box set includes 4 discs of 94 original recordings.  You know all your favorite ones are in there too. There is a special bonus included too.

Disney Modern Classics
1. Under the Sea – The Little Mermaid
2. Be Our Guest – Beauty and The Beast
3. Seize the Day – Newsies
4. A Whole New World - Aladdin
5. What’s This? – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
6. Circle of Life – The Lion King
7. Colors of the Wind - Pocohontas
8. You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Toy Story
9. Out There – The Hunchback of Notre Dame
10. I Won’t Say (I’m in Love) – Hercules
11. Reflection – Mulan
12. The Time of Your Life – A Bug’s Life
13. Strangers Like Me – Tarzan (Phil Collins)
14. When She Loved Me – Toy Story 2
15. Whopp-de-Dooper Bounce – The Tigger Movie
16. If I Didn’t Have You – Monsters, Inc.
17. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride – Lilo & Stitch
18. Look Through My Eye – Brother Bear
19. One Little Slip – Chicken Little
20. Happy Working Song – Enchanted
21. Dig a Little Deeper – The Princess and The Frog
22. I See the Light – Tangled (Mandy Moore)
23. We Belong Together – Toy Story 3

Disney Theme Park Classics
1. The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room – Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
2. Swisskapolka – Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
3. Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me) – Pirates of the Caribbean
4. Splash Mountain Medley – Splash Mountain
5. The Bear Serenade – Country Bear Jamboree
6. Grim Grinning Ghost – Haunted Mansion
7. It’s a Small World – it’s a small world
8. There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow – Carousel of Progress
9. The Great Outdoors – Country Bear Vacation Hoedown
10. Space Mountain – Space Mountain
11. Soarin’ – Soarin’ Over California
12. It’s Tough to Be a Bug – It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
13. California Screamin’ – California Screamin’
14. The Best Time of Your Life – Carousel of Progress
15. Space Mountain – Space Mountain (2005)
16. Universe of Energy – Universe of Energy
17. Kitchen Kabaret Medley – Food Rocks
18. One Little Spark – Journey Into Imagination
19. Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey) – O Canada!
20. Golden Dream – The American Adventure
21. Finale – Fantasmic!

Disney Timeless Classics
1. Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf – Three Little Pigs
2. Whistle While You Work – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
3. When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio
4. When I See an Elephant Fly – Dumbo
5. Little April Shower – Bambi
6. The Three Caballeros – The Three Caballeros
7. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah – Song of the South
8. Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly) – So Dear to My Heart
9. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes – Cinderella
10. All in the Golden Afternoon – Alice in Wonderland
11. You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly! – Peter Pan
12. What a Dog/He’s a Tramp – Lady and The Tramp
13. Once Upon a Dream – Sleeping Beauty
14. Cruella De Vil – 101 Dalmatians
15. Let’s Get Together – The Parent Trap
16. The Ugly Bug Ball – Summer Magic
17. A Spoonful of Sugar – Mary Poppins
18. The Monkey’s Uncle – The Monkey’s Uncle
19. Fortuosity – The Happiest Millionaire
20. The Bare Necessities – The Jungle Book
21. Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat – The Aristocats
22. Whistle Stop – Robin Hood
23. Someone’s Waiting for You – The Rescuers
24. It’s Not Easy – Pete’s Dragon
25. Best of Friends – The Fox and The Hound

Disney Television Classics
1. Mickey Mouse March – The Mickey Mouse Club
2. The Ballad of Davy Crockett – Davy Crockett – King of the Wild Frontier
3. The Triple R Song (Yippi-A, Yippi-I, Yippi-O) – The Adventures of Spin
and Marty
4. Theme of Zorro – Zorro
5. Scarecrow – The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh
6. Winnie the Pooh – Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree
7. Minnie’s Yoo Hoo – The Mouse Factory
8. Who, What, Why, Where, When and How Day – The New Mickey Mouse
Club
9. Gummi Bears Theme – The Adventures of the Gummi Bears
10. Duck Tales Theme – Duck Tales
11. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Rescue Rangers Theme Song – Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Rescue
Rangers
12. Darkwing Duck Theme – Darkwing Duck
13. Theme to Lizzie McGuire (Extended Supa Mix) – Lizzie McGuire
14. Rockin’ at the House of Mouse (Extended Version) – House of Mouse
15. The Naked Mole Rap – Kim Possible
16. Cheetah Sisters – The Cheetah Girls
17. Aloha, E Komo Mai – Lilo & Stitch: The Series
18. Hot Dog! – Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
19. Get’cha Head in the Game – High School Musical
20. Nobody’s Perfect – Hannah Montana 2
21. Gitchee Gitchee Goo – Phineas and Ferb
22. This Is Me – Camp Rock
23. What Time Is It – High School Musical 2
24. Everything Is Not as It Seems – Wizards of Waverly Place
25. Mickey Mouse Club Alma Mater – The Mickey Mouse Club

You can get more scoop on all the social media sites too including Twitter and Facebook and the Disney Music website.  The four volumes of the collection – Disney Modern Classics, Disney Timeless Classics, Disney Theme Park Classics and Disney Television Classics -- bring favorite musical moments to all Disney fans...something for everyone!
This amazing box set was compiled by Disney Music Group’s resident music historian and
Grammy®-winning producer, Randy Thornton. The all-new “Disney Classics Medley” (featuring songs from “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast”) performed by YouTube a capella sensations Alex G and Peter Hollens, will be available as a free download when the box set is pre-ordered at iTunes and Amazon. Who doesn't love a little freebie, right?  The music video originally debuted on Alex G’s YouTube Channel, garnering over 568,000 views in less than 24
hours.

Do it now so you don't forget and you can check off one great gift for a special someone in your life this holiday season!

#Thanksgivvukah and Hanukkah Discounts, Giveaway and Great Ideas for Your Family Celebration

Disclaimer:  I received downloadable Hanukkah e-books complimentary in order to review and share this information with my readers. As always, my opinion is my own.

Can you believe the excitement this year?  Hanukkah is now just 27 days away. Plus, if you are like me, you are planning for the once-in-a-time Thanksgivvukah. Isn't it crazy?  Everyone has been talking about it this year. I bet you have some fun ideas for your special celebration too.

If you are looking for some additional ideas Jewish Holidays In a Box has some fantastic ideas to help you out....totally discounted!  Shhhh. They even offered to share a copy of their downloadables complimentary to one winner on my blog giveaway below. 

Celebrate Hanukkah: How to Light Up Your Holiday  This e-guide is  “an absolute lifesaver,” for anyone!  It is a 32-page guide full of engaging photos and creative ideas for any busy mom or dad.  I love how organized it is from the explanations and history to all the super ideas for a fun celebration.  It is a great reference guide to refer back to for years to come. Use code Glam1 for 25% off

·  

Happy Hanukkah Art & Activity Pak – This downloadable guide and activity pack provides the perfect inspiration for your little ones and their friends getting ready for Hanukkah.  It guides you through crafty projects to decorate the house, creating joyous Hanukkah cards and making adorable gift tags.  It even gives away the secret to making a gorgeous 6-foot-long DIY Hanukkah banner. Don't forget to enter quickly...Thanksgivvukah is coming soon! Use code Glam2 for 25% off
 a Rafflecopter giveaway