Saturday, May 3, 2014

Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms Book Review and Giveaway

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


No one ever told you the real story before you got married and had kids and started squeezing. You know just what I am talking about. I squeeze every single day. Squeeze a shower, breakfast, healthy meals (I really try!), gym time, hubby time, kid time, an occasional manicure or pedicure...it never stops. My friends that don't work pick up even more of the work at home and that is no bargain either. Are you juggling motherhood, marriage and a career like me? Whether you're a career woman  or a stay-at-home mom, you want to give your all in every part of your life.  It is a real challenge though, I must admit! Not that I don't love every minute of my life....well most of the minutes at least!

Personal time and romance are not as frequent...okay. Sometimes stress levels really get a little kooky here in my home especially when a business meeting looms and it overlaps with the big end of the year theatre performance for one of the kiddos. I just try my best to keep pedaling steady.  I will ask hubby to pick up some of the pieces and do extra when this happens. You just have to or you're gonna lose it. Michelle knows all about it and she writes about her struggles in a new book that really hits home for moms like me.

I was interested to hear about a new book by Michelle Perry Higgens that recently was launched called Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms.  This book brings back into focus some of the checks and balances that are critical for long term fulfillment. The nice part about the book is that is gives you 7 easy steps to bring back that better balance.

Some of the key areas the book focuses on:
  • Put the romance back in your marriage 
  • Learn to set boundaries and ask for help 
  • Let go of perfectionism and the damaging myth of the Supermom
  • The secret principle that will change everything
My thought on this book:

Michelle Perry Higgens really hits a lot of critical points for moms that we sort of put on the back burner. I think she makes some excellent points because she is coming from a place of total understanding. She isn't speaking out of her you-know-what.....she is a real mom just like you and me. She has struggled and walked the walk. She shares her visions and what has worked for her to improve her life and her marriage. Even if you only pick a few tidbits out of her book to integrate into your own life then I would consider that a home run.  She puts some great thoughts out there and I agree with her. Some of the things I have learned myself already through trial and error like asking for help. I used to try to do it all and you just end up mad and resentful. You have to ask. Give specifics too.  The guys don't get it unless you give them specific instructions on how they can help take the load off you. You both will be happier for it. You might know some of her tips but others may be new to you and it could really help you be happier and improve your relationships with your spouse and family.

I recommend you picking up Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms and I hope it helps you as well.  Don't forget to enter my giveaway and you could win your own copy. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Eco-Friendly Party Favor Herb and Shaped Crayons with Seeded Plantable Paper Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
It can be a challenge to come up with a cute but useful party favor when you are the party planner.  I was able to check out two of the most adorable party favors recently from Favor Creative. They actually have a variety of innovative favors including Organic Soaps, Potpourri Sachets, Herb in a Box, Custom Shaped Crayons with Seeded Plantable Paper and Color Me Herb Kits.  Favor Creative uses organic and all-natural items and works diligently to research sustainable companies for packaging and other product elements. All their packaging is made from biodegradable, recycled or compostable materials. Now that is what I call GREEN.

One of the things I love about the favors I received is that both of them are totally green, useful and super cute at the same time. A win-win for everyone. The first one is called Herb in a Box.  This popular eco-friendly party favor is a fun and unique green gift that just about anyone would enjoy.  I know my little one would be so excited if I came home from an event with Herb in a Box. It would be great for anyone from gardening novices to green thumbs, all year round since you could use it inside or outside.  This herb favor comes in a 100% recycled favor box – inside the box is a 2″ biodegradable pot, a soil pellet, instructions for planting and organic herb seeds of your choice.  They offer 14 different herbs/flowers so there is a lot of variety too! They choose different seeds for each participant so it is a surprise too.


The second adorable favor is perfect for adults or kids.  It is Shaped Crayons paired with Seeded Plantable Paper.  A perfect option for a child's spring or summer birthday party. A great solution to eliminate that junky candy! My little one thought this was just amazing. The cute crayon favor part comes in a variety of shapes including flowers, butterflies, lady bugs, building blocks or bones for this fun party favor and activity. The shaped crayons are paired with wildflower plantable seeded paper. Participants can spend time coloring and having fun and then plant their drawing when they get home and watch it grow!! (Instructions are included.) Crayon colors are solid (red, green, yellow, blue) or a mixed colors (red, green, yellow and blue) so you can even match it to themes.  I received the mixed colors which were fun...a pretty blend of bright colors.

The favors I received are both unique and fun.   Totally perfect for all business and even ideal for personal events. Favor Creative has a minimum of 10 favors per order.  T Kids and adults alike will love the ones I received for sure. They are part of an eco-friendly party favor collection by Favor Creative.  Check out their site and see all the options that are available.

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.

HSI Professional Argan Oil Spectacular Leave-In Hair Treatment

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

I have to use a hot brush and flat iron at least a few times a week to get my hair styled the way I like it. I worry about protecting my hair though and didn't know what to use. There are so many options out there.  I had heard a lot about Moroccan Argan oil over the past few years and I was curious about it.  I feel like I am one of the last ones to discover the Moroccan "liquid gold," I can see a big difference in my hair since I started using it. It looks infinitely more nourished and has incredible shine. The essential nutrients contained in this magic-in-a-bottle product are meant to give your hair a very healthy look, lots of shine and velvet smoothness. This is a leave-in treatment conditioner which feels really light on your hair, without building up residue or being greasy.
I have been using this Professional Argan Oil as an extra thermal protection before styling my hair with my flat iron, and hot brush. My hair tends to be on the frizzy side so it can get very challenging. Even with twice yearly keratin treatments I still have to use my hot tools to get it to behave.  It really seems to tame the frizz and it has a nice, light scent.  My hair ends up beautifully styled with a soft and shiny finish.  I like that I can go off to work or out for an evening and I feel very put together.   You can find it on Amazon which makes it easy to have beautiful hair like mine every single day!
 
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.

ATTITUDE Fragrance Free Dishwashing Liquid Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
Do you worry about chemicals and additives in many of the commercially available cleaning products? I am always reading the labels.  I recently had the opportunity to try out a new fragrance free dish washing liquid that is free from all those icky chemicals.  I really like that this product makes me feel comfortable to wash all my child's food and beverage glasses and plates. I actually have been using it for our dishes as well since it works so effectively.

Bio Spectra created Attitude which is a fragrance-free baby dishwashing liquid specially formulated to clean milk and formula residues from baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, nipples and breast pump components.  This is an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic dish detergent that does not have any scary contaminants linked to cancer.   This is an excellent way for mom's to feel good about keeping their baby and children's food utensils clean and fresh with no chemical residue. It cleans very effectively and has no scent so it is not irritating.

Attitude has shared a few key facts about their product with me:

  • Free of carcinogen ingredients and by products (IARC group 1 & 2)
  • Free of 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, tested by independent laboratory
  • Certified eco-friendly by EcoLogo, the most recognized certification in North America
  • CO2 neutral: no contribution to climate change
  • Fragrance free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Vegetable-based and biodegradable (OECD 301)
  • Free of EDTA and NTA
  • Not tested on animals
  • Vegan product
  • Septic tank safe
  • Made in Canada
 This is an excellent product to try if you have little ones. If you are creating a gift basket for a new mom this would be a super product to include. I have made beautiful gift baskets for baby showers and I am sure any mom would be thrilled to learn about this product.

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.