Our Disney Side Frozen Celebration Party #DisneySide

Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to host a Disney Side @Home Celebration from Disney Parks and Mom Select.  I received complimentary products to host the party as well.  As always, my opinions are my own.

Woohoo!!  You know I was SOOOOO excited to get selected out of tons and tons of applicants to host a Disney Side @Home Celebration Party.  We had an amazing Frozen party with moms, dads and kids all joining in on the fun time. All of the kids have seen Frozen at this point and it is one of their Disney top picks for movies.  We had so much snow here in the the mid-Atlantic it was a real challenge to HAVE our party...so pathetic but I had to change the date a few times because of snow---ugh.  But perfect for a Frozen theme!  Everyone was practically racing in the door since all the kids knew about the party for a while....they were so happy to get to be a part of it since it had been rescheduled twice.  It was a happy Disney Side day in my home on Sunday.

It has been so chilly here in the mid-Atlantic that we had to have the party inside though I was hoping the kids would be able to run around outside more.  At this point, I am just happy it didn't snow out my party again so it was fine. We have plenty of room in our home and Mom Select and Disney sent us tons of fun to make it easy to have a fantastic party inside or out!  It was festive though and the supplies I was sent made the party easy too.  I baked up a bunch of tiny cookies during one of the snow days and then plattered them right up.  These are always a huge hit and their tiny size makes them absolutely addictive...in a good way!  I also baked some regular size chocolate chip cookies. Just before the party I put a small scoop of vanilla or chocolate frozen yogurt in between two of the cookies and put them on another platter and froze them.  I almost forgot about my Frozen Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies but thank goodness I remembered before everyone left.

What was included in the kit to make my party a super hit?  All the lucky hosts including me got an amazing kit containing Disney themed party favors, decorations, games, activities and recipe ideas. Everything was packed right into this perfectly sized American Tourister Rollaboard.  It was so adorable and it made things very easy to craft an excellent party at home.  I was actually amazed that the American Tourister Rollaboard suitcase held all of the supplies. It was just about filled up with all kinds of craft ideas and supplies to make an amazing party. I put the suitcase out with the tee shirts in it and fabric markers to remind everyone about planning a trip to one of the Disney resorts soon whether they choose Cali or Florida....the fun is always there for every family no matter how large or small.  One of our friends just came back from Disney World two weeks ago so the kids were giving us the latest updates during the party too. 

The kids loved all the extras in the party packet and had fun applying the Donald Duck tattoos on one another and also adorable Disney stickers.  In between they sipped on my Frozen Pink Punch.  So easy to make with Lemonade, Sprite and a few scoops of vanilla frozen yogurt.  I picked up some decorative straws and it just looked fantastic in these tall, clear cups.  Very grownup too.

One of the highlights of the party was the tee shirts from Hanes.  We received a stack of excellent quality tees in the perfect size for the kids.  Fabric markers were tucked in there too. The kids had tons of fun crafting their own tee shirts from Frozen scenes and characters including Olaf who was a big fave.  The kids used printouts I had made ahead of time and placed them under the tees to copy the outlines.  Some of the guests were so good that they were able to color freehand with the fabric markers and create their own Frozen scenes.  The kids enjoyed taking candids with the tees on and I used the HP photo paper that was provided in my kit to print out the photos.  The kids were so excited to go home with cool pictures wearing their own creations! 

It was such a joy to personalize our Disney @Home celebration and make it just our own. I was amazed at how appropriate the Frozen Disney @Home celebration was with the crazy winter we had.  The moms and dads were all laughing when we realized that....jeez, we had spent our own whole winter practically frozen here less than an hour from New York City....definitely not our usual mild winter.  Disney @Home gave everyone (kids and adults) the opportunity to get out of the house and catch up with one another over some yummy treats like my Frozen Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches. You can share in the fun and get some ideas for your own party by checking out the Disney Side Celebration website and Babble.

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."  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

NEW Dial® Deep Cleansing Hand Soap Encourages Clean Hands for the Whole Family! {Giveaway}

Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned above for free for the purpose of this review as a member of the Purex Insiders. I was not financially compensated for this post.  The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.  However, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Are you a scent nut like I am?  I just love scented soaps and by the way, I am really particular about excellent hand washing skills in my house.  Nothing inappropriate but I insist on everyone washing their hands when they come home from work or school and before eating. It is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy any time of the year.

Dial must have been thinking about me when they created their new line of amazing hand soaps.  NEW Dial® Deep Cleansing Hand Soap is the latest Dial® Brand hand soap that blends a touch of luxury with the superb cleansing power that you know and love.  They are perfect for your own bath, a guest bath, at the kitchen sink or anywhere between.  

I really can't believe how these amazing scents from the Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap line truly elevate my everyday hand washing experience. They smell absolutely yummy! They clean really well too.  They are great for everyday and I have been using them for over a week now...my hands feel soft and smell just delicious. The weather finally has warmed up enough for to start cleaning up my garden beds and I always need to scrub like three times.  This time I tried Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap and all that soil was off after one washing!  That gentle micro-scrubber power really works like magic. 

Each scent of these premium hand soaps feature super vibrant scents, a gentle micro-scrubber formula that smooths and moisturizes the skin, and a modern, fresh design that adds a bit of special style to your home. I was excited to see that there were three scents in the new line....all of them totally decadent....hard to choose my fave because they are sound AND smell just luxurious! Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap comes in Yellow Raspberry and Black Sugar, Water Blossoms (smells like Water Lily), Coconut Lime Verbena.  

I know you are adding them to your shopping list as we speak.  I have to tell you I zoomed right over to Rite Aid to hunt them down as soon as I heard about them.  I think my favorite is Coconut Lime Verbena but all three are scrumptious scents.  Let me know your own personal fave.

Don't forget to enter my super giveaway below where you can win your own choice of Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The graceful water lily is the inspiration for this elegantly scented, premium soap. With delicate micro scrubbers, it cleanses hands gently yet effectively, leaving them moisturized and fragrantly fresh. - See more at: http://www.dialsoap.com/products/deep-cleansing-water-blossoms-liquid-hand-soap#sthash.lz1A8lGd.dpuf

The graceful water lily is the inspiration for this elegantly scented, premium soap. With delicate micro scrubbers, it cleanses hands gently yet effectively, leaving them moisturized and fragrantly fresh. - See more at: http://www.dialsoap.com/products/deep-cleansing-water-blossoms-liquid-hand-soap#sthash.lz1A8lGd.dpuf

Amara Organics Vitamin C is your Facial Skin Secret....ssshhhh!!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  

How has your skin been faring this cold, cold winter?  Are you having any skin issues?  It seems like it is all my friends and I talk about is dry, itchy skin and how to resolve it. From our heads to our toes!  I was even seeing dry spots on my face and I mentioned it to my friend at the gym a few weeks ago.  I almost felt a little better when she pointed to a dry spot on her own face and we grumbled together.  The timing couldn't have been better when I was offered an opportunity to try Amara Organics Vitamin C, E, and Hyaluronic Acid Serum a few weeks ago.  I have heard so much lately about the benefits of Vitamin C Serums and how it can increase radiance and brightness--after this winter I need some radiance!

I liked that Amara Organics shared that they are committed to high quality natural and organic ingredients in all of their skin care products including their Vitamin C, E, and Hyaluronic Acid Serum.  They even conduct extensive clinical testing on their products which was comforting to me. They are focused on using organic, non-toxic ingredients that are never tested on animals and that is always wonderful.

Did you know that the anti aging power of Vitamin C + E + Hyaluronic Acid can quickly offer almost anyone brighter and more radiant skin? I just recently learned this myself.  I also liked that Amara Organics informed me that their Vitamin C Serum is safe for all skin types and conditions, including dry or irritated skin, acne, and eczema. It will not clog pores and does not contain parabens or alcohol. My skin can sometimes be sensitive so this was reassuring.

A few ingredients I was super happy to know are NOT in any Amara Organics product:

• No Petrochemicals
• No Parabens
• No Artificial colors
• No Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates
• No DMDM Hydantoin/Diazonial Urea
• No EDTA
• No TEA, DEA, or MEA
• No Phthalates
• No Methylisothiazolineone

Amara Organics facial serum contains vitamin C and vitamin E, suspended in a concentrated base of pure hyaluronic acid. It sounds super technical but in a nutshell this is how Amara Organics Vitamin C, E and Hyaluronic acid Serum can help you:

• Stimulates collagen levels to bring back skin’s natural elasticity and smooth fine lines and wrinkles
• Neutralize free radicals through the antioxidant combination of vitamins C and E to help reverse damage caused by the sun, pollutants, and cigarette smoke
• Protects your skin from UV damage like age spots, discoloration & fine lines
• Smoothes skin texture and brightens complexion

 

How and when do you use Amara Organics Vitamin C, E and Hyaluronic Acid Skin Serum? Very easy to incorporate into any routine.  I have been using it for several weeks now in the morning.  I just apply a few drops to my face and neck and give it a minute to dry and absorb into my skin. I continue with my regular makeup and moisturizing routine. It has been working well and my skin does look good. My friend Nina just stopped by and out of nowhere she asked what I have been doing since I looked so good (!!!!!) Happy day. I guess Amara Organics has been working for me.  I just taught my older sister and mom about the benefits and they have been using it regularly too.  

1. Cleanse and tone face as normal
2. Apply a thin layer of serum on face, neck, and décolletage
3. Allow the serum to dry and absorb into skin...about a minute or two
4. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen as normal

Where do you buy this skincare superstar? Where else but Amazon which makes life easy peasy. 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."
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.

Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron Book Review and KINDLE FIRE HDX Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned above for free for the purpose of this review. I was not financially compensated for this post.  The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.  However, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tess Villanova is a Detective with the St Augustine police force, and has just been assigned a new male partner, Logan McMillan. Logan hails from Chicago and has a distinct personality that added interest to the book right away. I really liked both Tess and Logan together and I think you will too. They are both super professional, Christians, and have both been forced to confront that scary prospect of why bad things happen in our world...over and over again.  The book takes you back to Tess's senior year in high school when she faced the horror of seeing her best friend murdered at the prom. Can you even imagine?  Her sweet friend Samantha was the first victim of a maniacal serial killer.  Then another body is unearthed and the dynamic duo of Tess and Logan are assigned to lead this critical investigation.  Tess is still doing her quilting and this plays into the story...in fact her Aunt who lives in the nursing home has a clue that is going to help but I don't want to say much more and give anything away.
 

The two investigators work closely together to find the serial killer and while they do so they also discover a mutual attraction.  This gets kind of tricky and interesting too! Of course Tess and her quilting guild get in a way sometimes but Logan is persistent. It makes for a great read.  Things become super complicated because they still are working together.  You get a sweet romantic story plus a mystery all wrapped up in one.  What could be better for a beach vacation read or a cold winter weekend? I had a couple of people in mind who I was suspecting as the killer but I wasn't really sure till very close to the end. Maybe you will guess faster than I did. I love mysteries!

Don't forget to enter the Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway...what a super prize!

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."