BYOU Be Your Own You Magazine for teens and tweens Review + a subscription giveaway #giveaway @byoumagazine

If you have a tween girl you know just how challenging everything can be these days. The ages from 8-14 come with so many changes for girls. Many of the role models, magazines and social networks out there have a lot of information that is just not so suitable for their consumption. What is a mama to do that is looking for some good reading material to feed to her tweens? I am not talking about food either, I am referring to information and entertainment. BYOU Magazine offers a great solution! I like that the magazine bridges a wide range of ages and the stories are great for girls from pre-teen to teenagers. Each issue of the magazine kept her occupied for hours between the articles, the B-Smart puzzles, exercises and games to work on your brain and the crafts. She really loved the crafts...each issue has a seasonally appropriate craft that is not too complicated but interesting enough to keep their attention for a while.

BYOU channels positive messages of self esteem and sprinkles them gently throughout the magazine. BYOU shares lots of great positive entertainment models and blends the stories with education, crafts and fun along with a bit of silliness to balance it all out. The ultimate goal is to empower girls to make their own decisions and to make positive choices.  I love how they seek out healthy role models that teens and tweens look up to and feature them in articles.   BYOU touches on real issues that catch the interest of girls like my daughter. They address those things that they want answers to like how to manage a bully or what to do with friendship issues.  They also focus on staying healthy and moving your body.  The whole essence of the magazine is structured around positivity but in a way that is colorful and keeps their attention.

My tween really enjoyed the issues of the magazine that we received.  Each issue featured covers with teen celebrities like Kelli Berglund. Kelli shared her experiences and positive messages about how she lives her life. My daughter recognized and knew all the celebrities. I was impressed with the stories and the positive role models. The stories and tips the celebrities shared were positive and reaffirmed the ideals we teach in our own home. They all focused on education, personal achievement and following a straight path. The stories and interviews were upbeat and lighthearted...the messages came across in a friendly manner. BYOU magazine is a great resource for tween and teen girls for fun stuff too. Issues had age-appropriate crafts that my daughter loved the B Smart puzzles and quizzes. Those are always a hit...I remember loving puzzles and quizzes in my own teen magazines. It is fun to see the results! 

You can find out more by checking out BYOU Magazine online or checking out an issue in your local bookstore. You can subscribe annually for $17.97 a year or save by getting a two year subscription. You can even choose a digital subscription for less on the BYOU site.  Meanwhile, don't forget to enter my Rafflecopter giveaway for an annual subscription to BYOU magazine.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Valdler makes a reliable indoor rug to trap dirt and keep my home cleaner

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Reference ID: pm790f70042f200e878fa12440d51682cd

The cooler weather is here and that means I need a good indoor rug or floor mat to catch dirt, leaves, rain and snow from tracking into my house. This Valdler rug fits the bill perfectly. It is thin enough that the door can open but sturdy enough to prevent dirt and debris from coming in. 

It has a casual feel which is perfect for my den...the door leads out to the back screened in porch. When the kids come in the dirt lands on the mat and not in my house. I got the dark brown which is a chocolate color. It looks attractive and durable with a low key profile. It also comes in grey. It is the perfect size for my standard doorway. 

Valdler Doormat facts:

• This door mat is perfect for indoor use 
• Superior durability, longer lasting
• Non-slip backing; traps dirt and moisture
• Shoe scraping keep your floors clean
• Dimension: 18" x 30" in ; 45 x 75 cm; material: 70% PVC/30% PET

You can pick up this attractive and durable doormat right on Amazon for easy shopping amytime. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Thyme Essential Oil has a fresh, natural scent that blends seamlessly into carrier oils

I love using essential oils and have a stash of different scents that really help to make me feel good.  I love this Simply Earth Thyme oil. It is one of my faves to use in the morning to get me going, or when I need to revive myself in the afternoon. The scent is invigorating. This thyme oil lets me get a fresh focus. The oil allows me to easily restore some balance and energy to my day naturally.  Thyme Essential Oil  has a herbaceous scent that can't help but make you smile as you think of your garden even in the winter. It has a clean scent that blends nicely with citrus oils too. You can get creative and make your own oil blends too...it is easy.

This is Thyme (red) Essential Oil that is 100% Pure. I like that it is non-toxic too. There are no additives. It is unfiltered and undiluted with no fillers.

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris | Aroma: Sharp, herbaceous, spicy | Origin: Spain | Benefits: Cleansing, purifying, energizing.

You can find this lovely Thyme Essential Oil right on Amazon for easy shopping anytime. 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Reference ID: pmffe4dce930652238d3e7bbfca0c6c112

SantaMedical Non-Contact Thermometer is effective and accurate

Time for a new non-contact kids thermometer! I am done with changing those ear covers on the old one. SantaMedical makes an accurate non-contact thermometer that is a cinch to use. Hold near to the forehead and ta-da...accurate temp in a few seconds. 

I like that I can save money and time without needing any accessories like those probe covers I needed to use with my old one.  The Santa Medical non-contact infrared (IR) clinical thermometer is fast and it will work even if my child is sleeping since I can get a temperature without touching the skin. 

The Santa Medical non-contact infrared (IR) clinical thermometer provides a simple, expedient, and accurate way for initial fever screenings by taking the temperature of areas on the face such as the forehead or tear ducts. The company shares that it obtains the body temperature reading with 0.3 degree accuracy in less than 1 second. The Santa Medical IR thermometer features an intuitive guidance system to secure positioning and confirm accurate readings. 

You can pick the SantaMedical non-contact Thermometer on Amazon for easy shopping anytime.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Kleenex Pocket Packs helps out during cold and flu season! @Crowdtap #sponsored @kleenex #Kleenexcares #KleenexBrandBelievers

Disclosure: I am a member of the Crowdtap Kleenex Cares program and Kleenex® sent me coupons to review this product.

They are not called tissues, they are called Kleenex in my home. I have been calling them that since I was a little kid. My mom always did too and my sisters. We still all do. I know some people who would object but so be it. I love my Kleenex® Brand’s tissue products  I was recently chosen to sample newly re-designed Kleenex Pocket Packs and I was curious to see those new designs. I love the Pocket Packs.

The Kleenex brand has always been in my house from the time I was little. I rarely stray from it no matter what my friends do. The worst is when you go to someone's house and they have the cheapie brand of "tissues." Ewwww!  Nothing worse than those things. Even when I was really young and just out in the workforce I still spent a tiny bit extra for my Kleenex.  Kleenex have been part of my life for good and bad...all those broken relationships 100 years ago,  it was a real challenge that dating and who didn't cry a few tears? I was so happy when I met my husband because it was clear he was a keeper. Kleenex was even in the ladies lounge basket at our wedding...my mom made sure of that.

I couldn't wait for the samples to arrive.  My daughter always has Pocket Packs in her school backpack and I always have them in my purse and my car. I am a huge Kleenex fan and just love these adorable Kleenex pocket packs. The messages make them even more meaningful than ever. They are the perfect size to stash in a purse or tote. The designs are totally on trend and make it easy to locate a pack in an emergency...a sneezing fit qualifies fully! The tissues are soft and strong...just what I always expect from Kleenex too. Every day we’re presented with opportunities to show we care. The Pocket Packs makes it easy. 

 

Kleenex® Brand makes it easy to never miss an opportunity to show someone you care, especially when it comes to everyday moments like a fall sneeze. Kleenex is on a mission to prove that we all care about one another. Hand a friend or a stranger a Kleenex® Facial Tissue this fall. Kleenex brand launched these cute newly designed Pocket Packs that feature caring messages that will uplift you and the ones you love. You can even write and share your own message of care on select packs! Hop on over to the nearest store and check them out. We love the new messages.

Rhodes Quick, Easy, & Delicious Party with Rhodes Microwavable Cinnamon Rolls @Tryazon @rhodesbread #Tryazon #Rhodesbread

The weather is turning chillier with the fall leaves rolling in. The time is perfect for baking and a warm cup of coffee with frothed milk. This is the time of year I enjoy having friends and family over to spend time together and bake up some warm treats in my oven or microwave. I love the scent of fresh baked cinnamon rolls but who doesn't. I was really excited when I found out that I would be working with Tryazon and Rhodes Dough to share about my experiences with a new product that is easy as 1-2-3 even for new bakers. 

There is nothing better good friends and family and yummy snacks on a Sunday morning!  Rhodes Bake ‘N Serv is a company that has been around for years and years. I remember learning how to bake years ago with my friend John using Rhodes Dough.  Even if you are a novice baker you will see they have options that make baking a real cinch. 

Rhodes Dough just launched something new--Microwavable Cinnamon Rolls--these are perfect for busy mamas. They are slowly making their way into stores like Walmart and Stop & Shop so keep checking your locations....I bet you will be seeing them soon. If you have a tiny bit more time they have an oven baked version of gooey cream cheese frosted Cinnamon Rolls as well. Rhodes make more than just Cinnamon Rolls though....If you are looking for a special roll to accompany a more formal dinner they make my favorite traditional soft and buttery dinner rolls which add a special touch to any table. They have a variety of dough that you can use to create all kinds of delicious recipes. Rhodes has dough that works for all kinds of meals, appetizers and seasons. The best part is how simple all their products are to bake whether you are using a microwave or traditional oven. I love how Rhodes Dough can be incorporated in hundreds of great recipes from appetizers to desserts. Take a peek at this yummy Blueberry Coffee Cake below!
 

Rhodes Bread believes that special does not need to be complicated unless you really want it to!  You can find all kinds of recipes on their websites that will fit perfectly into your holidays from Halloween to Christmas and even Hanukkah and New Years Eve. Rhodes understands that busy moms like me enjoy cooking and baking but we are sometimes limited with time between work, kids, activities and life.  Rhodes Bread make it easy to be a gourmet cook and host family, friends and even colleagues anytime with delicious treats that are ready in a flash. Take a peek at all the recipes and you can share the goodness with friends like I did. 

We had so much fun at my brunch today! I was surprised at how easy it was. I could not locate their newest innovation the microwave version of the Cinnamon Rolls but It was a pleasure to make the traditional Rhodes  Cinnamon Rolls since they came together so quickly. My guests were impressed and thought it would be fun to do around the holidays. I am excited to find the microwave version over the next few weeks in stores by me. I like the traditional one though...it gave us more time to catch up and chat. Clean up was a breeze as well. You can do so much with these Cinnamon Rolls and add your own special touch. 

Here is what I received for my party: 

• Free coupon for Rhodes Microwavable Cinnamon Rolls
• 10 $1.00 off Rhodes coupons for my guests
• Rhodes Oven Mitt

I spent some time on the Rhodes Bread Pinterest pages and on their website. I have looked there before and found recipes but I was amazed this time at the variety of options that they had. All of the Rhodes Bread recipes were fairly easy to replicate even if you were a novice baker. The instructions were simple and straight forward for all the recipes. You don't need to be running to specialty stores when you are making recipes using Rhodes Bread products because they use simple, delicious but easy to find ingredients.  The recipes call for fresh or canned fruits, dairy options like sour cream always cheat and use fat free Greek yogurt!), cream cheese, sugar, flour and grated cheeses which let you create delicious appetizers, main dishes and desserts everyone will enjoy. 

I have always found that prepping ahead makes a party so much easier. Perhaps you have more time than I do so just see what works for you when you are having guests over. Some people work great on the fly. So I prep a day or two in advance and get all my shopping done if that works for you and that way you can relax like I did on party day. The only thing I needed to do was show the guests how easy it was to make delicious cinnamon rolls with almost no work at all. Take a peek at Rhodes Bread and stock up your freezer with rolls and dough in advance of your next party or get together. The holiday season is going to be here before you know it and you will have the base for tons of quick recipes so you will never be empty handed.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Made From Earth Vitamin C Moisturizer is ideal for any skin types and feels wonderful on my skin

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Reference ID: pm3f9a3e956ecf0052d92f487f390dd6d6

I recently this novel skincare product from Made From Earth Vitamin C Moisturizer. I have had great luck with some natural products over the years so I was really hopeful. This vitamin C moisturizer feels light and seems to be gentle but effective for me so far.  Made From Earth Vitamin C Moisturizer has several added benefits that I like. The Vitamin C Moisturizer is a super moisturizer for all skin types. It is organic and free of harmful chemicals which is a huge bonus. An excellent daily moisturizer with no irritating chemical scents or fragrances.

My skin glows a bit and looks very fresh each time I use the Made From Earth Vitamin C Moisturizer. I have been using it under my makeup and it goes on smoothly leaves my skin with a nice finish! I feel good about using it under my makeup to keep it smoother. Look for Made From Earth Vitamin C Moisturizer online and let me know what you think.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

HotelSpa® 6-setting 4" Chrome Spiral Shower Head makes my morning shower luxurious

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Reference ID: pm1cdfcfeed3322d0532a442de1ea9f1e9

I recently received a HotelSpa® 6-setting 4" Spiral Shower Head in chrome to try out in my own shower. I was excited because this was a new high performance shower head that had 6 luxurious settings just like in my favorite hotels. It was easy to install and I can even adjust the angle how I like. It has a neutral large grey face and a 3 zone dial that moves smoothly. It has all the settings that I love when I stay in a hotel so I literally feel like I am being pampered each and every day now. They include: Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Hydro-Mist, Rain/Mist, Rain/Massage and Water saving Eco Rain.

Some details about this luxurious home HotelSpa® 6-setting 4" Spiral Shower Head:

• Water Consumption 2.5-GPM (9.5-LPM) 

• High power performance and superior flow precision with 6 luxurious settings

• Settings include: Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Hydro-Mist, Rain/Mist, Rain/Massage and Water saving Eco Rain

• Oversize 4" Gray Face

• 3 zone click lever dial with rub clean jets

• Angle adjustable

• High fashion bell design

• Tool free installation

• Lifetime warranty

 

What could be better than a luxurious hotel shower every day in my own home? Not much! The best part is that this HotelSpa® 6-setting 4" Spiral Shower Head is available conveniently at Lowes online.

Tweens with braces love Pumpkin Banana Smoothies #pumpkin #smoothies

My tween recently got braces. Oh boy, that was something else. Right after the application of the brackets it took so long that the poor thing experienced an episode of syncope. That was a real experience let me tell you. Good thing she was secure in that chair. 

We finally got her home with the braces and the whole bit all in there including the Halloween themed bands. Yup, orange, yellow and white just perfect for Halloween which is approaching quickly. Her mouth is pretty sore so I am sticking to soft foods and smoothies for now. In a few days she should be in much better shape. Meanwhile, I thought it would be fun to create a special smoothie to soothe those teeth and gums. My idea was for a Pumpkin Banana Smoothie. 

It was easy to make with a frozen banana, a cup of frozen pumpkin puree and a quarter cup or more of lowfat organic Greek yogurt. I thinned it out with a little Apple and Eve Organic Apple Juice as well. I added a bit of maple syrup or you can use your sweetener of choice (or not). This was a big hit and really provided some soothing relief to her gums.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Acquapura Personal Water Filter is great for camping #acquapura

I have been looking for something like this to use when we go on our day hikes, out camping and to reserve for emergencies as well. This is a unit that lets you purify water directly from the source with the special straw or you can use the bottle and fill it up. This is definitely something that I wanted to get because you can never be too careful even when preparing properly for a long hike or a camping trip. Water is an essential that you always need so this is a great option to have. If you live in a more rural area this is also excellent to have in case of emergency. You know you will always have a supply of drinking water available no matter what the situation. If you are considering a personal water filter this Acquapura will give you confidence in any situation. You can be sure that wherever you are whether it is camping upstate in the wilderness, traveling abroad, or in a dire survival crisis that you will have clean and safe drinking water when you need it.

Most people are unaware of the possibilities out there from weather to other emergencies that can lead to a scarcity of potable water. This portable water filter lets you be prepared for these types of emergency scenarios. The AcquaPura Personal water filter is a portable emergency water filter straw that allows you to convert any non-saline water source, (lakes, rivers, streams, springs, rain and more), into completely safe and drinkable water.

This Acquapura Personal Water Filter uses a revolutionary Triple Absolute Filtration system uses an ultra carbon and particle filter that is chemical-free and has anti-bacterial properties. The activated carbon granules contain ionic silver known to be one of the most potent antibacterial elements out there.  Ionic silver is also a powerful tissue-healing agent. The company shared that this means that the AcquaPura Personal water filter will reduce harmful mineral compounds such as heavy metal ions and chlorine.  It can also provide protection from water-borne illnesses. This unit is light-weight at just 2.12 oz (60 grams) and it's truly ultra-compact. It can filter 400 gallons of water at up to 400ml (14oz) per minute. This little unit is sturdy and dependable so the AcquaPura camping water filter will last in storage years. If you think about it, you can pick up an extra to keep in your car, basement or in an emergency kit. You can find the  Acquapura Personal Water Filter right on Amazon too for easy shopping anytime at all..

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.