BTS Backpack Event: How far can I stretch $25 to buy school suppliesfor kids in need? #givingbackpack #ebates

Disclosure:  I was provided $25 by Ebates, the sponsor of this event, to purchase a backpack and school supplies for children in need. I was not compensated in any other way for this post.

I had the opportunity to participate in a great event recently to benefit underprivileged kids. It is an annual event called the BTS Backpack Event. Ebates is the generous sponsor of this event. Bloggers volunteer to purchase at least $25 worth of school supplies including a backpack for Back to School. Bloggers can choose to supplement with additional items from your own pocket if they so choose like I did. The goal is to stretch the $25 as far as you can to get the most for your money.

Have you tried Ebates yet?  It pays so much to shop online with Ebates. Ebates is the pioneer and leader of online cash back shopping. Ebates pays members (like me!) cash back every time they shop online as well as provides them with the best coupons and deals online. Founded in 1998, Ebate's websites have paid over 250 million in cash to it's members. That's why millions of people have joined Ebates. Join today and save everytime you shop online. It is automatic and no work for you which is the sweetest part of all.  All your fave stores participate from Amazon to Kohl's. I can't tell you how many times I have saved a pretty penny when I was considering a purchase and then realized the additional savings Ebates would bring me. From back to school supplies and clothes to jewelry and even EBay purchases, you will be amazed at all the merchants on that Ebates list.

I started trolling the circulars a few weeks ago when I found out I was participating in this BTS event. It was a real challenge to find back to school deals this early but I was determined not to wait until the last minute. A big work project and a business trip loomed ahead so I wanted to make sure I didn't forget this important project as it benefits kids in need.  I saw a good sale going on at Staples so I was able to swing by there a few weeks ago. I picked up just over $18 in supplies including the following deals and more:

Slider pencil cases at .75 each
Bic Cristal pens at $1.00 each
Disappearing Glue sticks 5-pack for $2.00
1 subject notebooks .17 each
12 count yellow #2 pencils .68 each
Crayola colored pencils 12 ct .97 each
Crayola crayons 24 pack .50 each
Crayola colored markers  10 ct .97 each
Papermate pens $1.00 10 ct

I also picked up some candy bright folders there but I forget how much they were.  Definitely less than .25 each though.  The Staples brand glue was like .50! 

I happened to be food shopping the day after my Staples trip and right after my beat-me-up boot camp class and noticed a huge display at Shop-Rite.  I know. Sometimes you can find weird deals at strange places you would not expect. I was just in there to do my quick restock of milk, fruits and vegetables but look what I found.

Papermate pens 10 pack +bonus .44 ea
Highlighters mixed colors .99 each
Sharpie pens .69 each

Of course I bought multiples of everything since it was a good cause. I had found a great deal on a back pack a while back and had fortuitously bought two... because you never know and look, that worked out great because I just included one of those as part of the program. It allowed me to stretch my dollar even further!

The backpack was originally $29.99 (price tag still attached) but it was marked down on Kohls.com if I remember correctly and maybe it was $7.00? Of course figure in my Ebates savings with that purchase and shave off another 3-6%! It even comes with a bonus matching folder. I spent a little bit out of my own pocket but I did it gladly to help out kids in need. Kids need supplies to learn and if this can help then I am in to assist wholeheartedly!

This was a great feel-good project that I am thrilled that I was able to participate in along with BTS and Ebates.  

Exfolimate for exquisitely clean skin: a Review #exfolimate

 

I am always looking for something to improve my skin especially my facial skin. I have found that sometimes the most simple ideas are the most effective. Exfolimate is a new breakthrough in skincare technology tools that I recently had the opportunity to try out. Have you tried out different skin exfoliators? This is totally different! It only takes a minute every day to experience fast rejuvenation and deeper cleansing. The idea is simple but totally ingenious and an easy way to really rev up any beauty regimen to transform the complexion. In addition to deeper cleansing, Exfolimate provides enhanced exfoliation and superior moisturization. 

 

Exfolimate has a patented smooth edge micro groove technology that gently releases dirt
and oil embedded beneath your skin's surface.  Sounds kind of Star Wars, right? The company has shared with me that Exfolimate radically deep-cleanses to dramatically improves tone and texture, while reducing pore size, oily patches, dry areas and even improve visible signs of aging.

Exfolimate works in multiple ways to help your skin:

• Superior moisturisation
• Cleanses, refreshes and revives skin
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Leaves skin feeling softer and looking brighter
• Improves skin tone and texture
• Reduces dry spots and oily patches
• Increases the absorption of skin care products
• Safe for all skin types
  

After I use Exfolimate I find my skin gets super clean. It feels and looks better because it is free of pore clogging elements so I actually find that I get improved absorption of my creams, lotions and serums. The wonderful part is that it is safe for all skin types. Sometimes my skin can be sensitive but I had no problems using Exfolimate. I find that it leaves my skin feeling softer, brighter and more refreshed.  You can conveniently find it on Amazon and check it out for yourself.

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.

Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream review #BodyMerry

I love my beautiful hazel eyes. They change color with the light and I always get compliments on them.  That is what I want people to notice when they look at my eyes. Lordy, I don't want them to focus on any kind of fine lines or things that might reveal my age. I keep all of that really close to the vest! If you want your eyes to express everything but your age then you might want to consider an eye cream that I recently tried called Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream.  Body Merry is a comprehensive solution for all of the offenders including dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness, crow's feet, fine lines, dryness, sags or bags.

Now I don't like using harsh chemicals or products that might irritate my skin. Who needs that headache?  Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream is perfect for the delicate eye area since they use only natural and organic ingredients. I found it to be very gentle but I woke up looking refreshed each morning.  That is a perfect blend for me.

Body Merry Eye Cream has an amazing combination of elements to help keep your eyes looking fresh like the latest in peptides like Matrixyl-3000 and Tripeptide-5.  They also craft Body Merry Eye Cream with an ocean based Retinol and botanical Hyaluronic Acid. They know that people like me need serious help so they also included several key antioxidants, organic vitamins and minerals, pure plant oils. They did not forget the botanical actives like Aloe, Witch Hazel, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin C, Cucumber, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Green Tea, Licorice, Eyebright, Avocado Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Lemon, Lemongrass, Vitamin B5, Lavender and Chamomile as well. You have a treasure trove of ingredients to bathe your delicate eye area in moisture to keep it looking soft and fresh every single day.

Body Merry suggests that you follow their usage guidelines for best results: 

• Clean and dry your skin before use.
• A baby pea sized dollop is sufficient for both eyes, so start with that and add more if needed
• Dab the cream with your pinky along the contours of your eyes to the cheekbones, at the outer corners and underneath the brows.
• Use on eyelids to help to keep kids fresh looking and lifted. Dab the cream into the crevices at the corners as well.
• Apply Body Merry with a gentle circular motion to your eye area
• Let the cream absorb for a minute or two (or longer) before applying make up.
• Body Merry can be used on the face and neck as well as on your hands--space saver when traveling
• For best results, use morning and night. You can see results in as little as 5-6 weeks.

Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream works beautifully on all skin types which makes it an ideal option.  This luxurious cream leaves skin looking and feeling firm, plump and youthful. This is a great cream for quick and long-lasting results even better...those compliments!  You can find Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream on Amazon too so shopping is easy anytime day or night.

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.

Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash Review and Giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I am a member of the Purex Insiders. 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."

Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash was created to provide your skin with a daily boost of refreshing hydration. NEW Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash is the latest Dial® Brand body wash bringing you hydration to your body washing experience in a tropical fun new scent. I love the scent of coconut water so I was looking forward to trying out the Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash.  My little one got to it first last week and shared that she loved her shower with my new body wash. She told me her skin was so soft and she LOVVVVEDD the scent.  Hmmm. That is what happens when you have a tween. 

This lovely body wash is infused with coconut water and a refreshing mango aroma. I was able to try it too that night, thank goodness she didn't use it all up on me.  It left my skin replenished and hydrated.  I would love to use this every time I  shower and I have been using it all week.  My skin is always so dry I need every little bit of help I can get so I was thrilled to hear about this new product from Dial.  

Dial created a totally advanced formula that has a special moisturizers along with coconut water and that amazing mango scent. I took a shower in the morning the first time I used it and I smelled amazing all day long. I can't wait to find this great scent in the store. I felt like I was on vacation in Hawaii.

I started using Dial® Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash this week and I am really seeing a difference.  My skin is so much softer and feels so much more healthier. I even convinced my hubby to give it a try and he agreed that his skin felt great. I think it is going to be a staple for us with that wonderful scent!

Dial generously shared coupons with me and I am hosting a giveaway for my readers.  Enter my Rafflecopter giveaway below to win your own coupon to purchase a bottle!a Rafflecopter giveaway