I have two little ones at home ages nearly five and two and half years old. My kids are learning all about reusing, reducing, and recycling. This makes my glad my children are being more aware about waste and reuse. They know all about sorting and that we use shopping totes when we go out to the store and handy re-usable zip up snack bags for all their goodies.

The company lil’ Alice recently gave me the opportunity to review a snack bag for each of my children as well as a cloth shopping bag for myself. The snack bags we were sent, my kids were fans of right away! The patterns were super cute and we’ve decided that as far as reusable snack bags go, we opt for the zipper closure 100%. First, the zipper keeps whatever inside contained and the zipper doesn’t collect gunk like velcro closures often do. Each bag is is lined with PUL, waterproof, and completely food safe. Clean up is a cinch too, Wipe out , rinse out or toss in the dryer!

The market tote bag I was sent features a super cute design of a variety of trees, perfect for any nature lover! The material the bag is made out of is called utility fabric which is know to be best for standing up to the rigors of heat, outdoor exposure or just the trials of everyday use. The bag material is 100% polyester and its’ recommended to wipe it clean with a damp cloth or machine wash on cold on the delicate cycle. I am not sure about throwing it in the dryer since I’ve just let mine air dry. The bag itself I’ve used many times and it’s strong, no show of wear and a great way to reduce the need of using plastic or paper bags at the grocery store.

a quick glimpse at the history of lil’ alice

*Bought a sewing machine in 2000 for $127.
*Didn’t know if I would use it or not!
*Made my kids their odd and end bags and pillowcases and other wishes.
*Bought my first pattern in 2010 for $2.99
*It was an apron.
*Made a huge tote bag out of fat quarters for my sons classmate/neighbor.
*Placed it on FB and people were wanting to buy them.
*So I downsized the bag and made them with canvas.
*Needed tags & a name to sew on my items.
*Grandma’s name was Alice and she loved to sew, cook and shop. My top favorite things to do too.
*I was called lil’ alice by my parents etc.
*And so lil’ alice was birthed!

My family highly recommends the Lil’ Alice products we were sent to review! I recommend checking out the other products such as the Keyring Wristlets, fold over clutches, and the totally cute aprons! Prices are affordable and if you don’t see what you are looking for, I’m sure they will be more than happy to do something custom for you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Simple Luxuries is a company that specializes in offering quality skin care products with nothing but the best all natural ingredients. Whether you are looking for handmade soaps, shampoo bars, lip balms, tinted lip shines, lotions bars, or soy wax candles, they’ve got you covered. Our skin as well as our senses can be ever so sensitive to our conditions so it’s good to pamper the best we can.

How thrilled I was to be able to review Simple Luxuries lotions bars. There are quite a few scents available now for personal preference to whomever may be looking for a favorite. I was sent the very vanilla scent and the unscented. The unscented was specifically sent along for me to use on my son. My two year old little boy has eczema that can go from normal to severe so I’m avoiding using anything with fragrant oils. Sometimes fragrant oils can cause irritation to those with very sensitive skin.

The Lotion bars are made from Grapeseed Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, and Vitamin E. These specific ingredients ensure long lasting moisturizing to your skin. Having never used a lotion bar before, I must say I’m pretty impressed. The bars come in a roll up container, just like you’d have for a deodorant. You simply roll up to what you want to use, rub it on, and recap for future use.

One of my biggest loves are that these applicators are just the right size for a pocket or purse. You can easily take the lotion bar along with you without fear of a mess! And they would make the perfect gift being able to choose from the following scents: Very Vanilla, Lavender Patchouli, Pink Sugar, Forbidden Fruit, Irish Tweed, and Pure (unscented).

I recommend checking out Simple Luxuries and with their wide variety products and simple yet attractive labeling, these products would be perfect as is or made up into a wonderful little gift basket for someone you know or you can always just grab something for yourself too. Prices are affordable as well, in my opinion.

Get Connected with Simple Luxuries: Like them on Facebook | Read their Blog | Follow them on Twitter

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product from Simple Luxuries but no other compensation has been received. All thoughts about the product are my own.

I simply adore coming across unique and beautiful items of all kinds, especially when browsing Etsy. Being and artisan myself, I appreciate all the careful planning, hard work, and thoughtful touches that typically are portrayed when something is handmade. And speaking of my previous appreciation of the art and artist, I’d like to spotlight Quiet Mischief and Company. This artisan meets and exceeds all my likes and loves when it comes to uniquely beautiful handcrafted wares.

Quiet Mischief and Company recently was kind enough to provide a Mother and Daughter matching set of Japanese styled kumihimo bracelets for us to enjoy and share our thoughts upon. I thought it was pretty fun to get a set in this style because my Grandma is full blooded Japanese and that makes me about quarter but I still love everything Japanese!

I must declare that this set of bracelets is truly one of a kind. Never have my daughter and I owned a matching set and we are thrilled to say this is our first! The colors are so beautiful and dare I say it these almost seem to shimmer in the light! Each bracelet is very strong and there’s been no fear of wear and breaking. We both think they are amazing and wouldn’t hesitate to get more in this style from Quiet Mischief! In fact my daughter whom is turning five years old in about week is quite the little fashionista and is already telling my color combinations that would work with her wardrobe! I would gladly not mind ordering because I know these bracelets will last.

About Quiet Mischief…

Quiet Mischief was born and continues to grow due to opportunities disguised as misfortunes. In late 2009 while on an internship in Florida Michele came down with the H1N1 virus and was put in respiratory isolation. By the time she was allowed to leave her room, she had made so manybracelets that she started an Etsy shop to get rid of some of them. She continued to spend much of her time on the shop after her internship was over as her increasing struggles with depression and anxiety made her wary to get a job. As a result (and with her sister joining her with duct tape crafts in early 2010), her shop gained in popularity, and she was soon bringing in enough to pay the bills. In late summer 2012 trouble struck again; her bracelets became so popular that Michele was at risk for carpel tunnel and had to take a six-week break from knotting. However, since she couldn’t keep herself from crafting, she taught herself the Japanese braiding technique known as kumihimo, which was much easier on her wrists and allowed her to use some new luxury materials. Now Michele makes both kumihimo and regular friendship bracelets, always focusing on great color combinations, beautiful patterns (many of which she designs herself), and additions such as charms that make her bracelets unique.

Overall thoughts…

I like that Quiet Mischief offers a wide variety of unique fashion accessories. And the fact they’ve taken something as simple as duct tape and made such wonders is truly impressive! The products they specialize in our friendship bracelets of all kinds, duct tape accessories, rings, and necklaces. The color availability is candy to the eyes, especially the rainbow selection! I’m a huge lover of color so this store is totally one of my favorites! I found the prices to be quite affordable and they also are willing to take custom orders too!

Show Support!

Quiet Mischief recently launched a Kick Starter that I urge you to check out and support! They are trying to earn funds to launch ” Not Your Usual Duct Tape Crafts – The Christmas Book”. Even if crafting with duct isn’t your thing, perhaps this would make a wonderful gift for someone else you know. And maybe you’ll even discover that you can easily make such wonders yourself! I know I plan on backing and supporting this book myself. And remember even if you only give just a dollar, every bit counts!

Get Connected with Quiet Mischief

Like them on Facebook | Follow on Pintrest | Heart them on Etsy

Giveaway

Quiet Mischief is offering a set of matching bracelets for a mother and daughter! Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product from Quiet Mischief but no other compensation has been received. All thoughts about the product are my own.

There’s just something about Country designed furniture and decor that reminds me of living in south. I’m originally from Georgia even though my life path has found me currently in Oregon with my own family. You can take a girl out of the south but you can’t take the South out of a girl. My favorite fruit will always be peaches, sounds I could listen to for hours are of crickets chirping on those hot summer nights, and the decor I’ve been finding myself drawn too often has all the country appeal of not just the old but the new too!

Recently I was given the opportunity to review a beautifully handcrafted Dry Sink from the company American-Country. The sink comes in a number of colors and I chose to have it in Cranberry. The door on my dry sink, I’ll have to state would have a hard time opening and closing when I first received it but a week after it settled in my home, I’ve had no problems. It opens and closes just fine. The shelf comes assembled but you’ll have to add the the knob and the latch for the door yourself, which literally only take a minute or two.  

The Dry Sink is currently the most versatile piece in my home. It features two inner shelves perfect for storing just about anything you can think of! Measurements are 36″ h, 24″w, 12″ deep, 9″ between inside shelves. I can honestly put it in area of my home and it wouldn’t stand out of place in the least. I’m totally happy with this product, it’s made extremely well, appears very durable, and am sure it will last me a lifetime!

A Little Bit about American-Country Came to Be (from the company founders)…

It all began back in 1991 when we needed a little extra $. Since then we have made over 500 benches and numerous shelves and cabinets. We first sold our products at craft fairs and stores. Then we went online in 2004 when we launched www.american-country.com. Soon after in 2005 we began advertising in Country Sampler Magazine, we have been featured on their cover three times! And now we have our shop on ETSY!

My hubby and I have a passion for creating things for the home. While he does all the woodworking in his shop, I do all the painting and finishing in my shop. We enjoy working together (well, most of the time!) We make each piece as it’s ordered, YOU choose the color, size, and finish you want and we do the rest. Our pieces are made of solid pine and painted in a variety of colors and finishes. They are built to be used and enjoyed for years to come. We would be thrilled to make something for your home. Just let us know what you’d like and we’ll get right on it.

Overall Thoughts…

My family has very impressed with the Dry Sink we were able to review and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any product by American-Country. We love that they offer a wide variety of products such as benches, cabinets, shelving, and darling family signs! Their products are made upon order and you can choose the size, color, and finish of many of their products. I love the husband and wife dynamic too! And if you plan on making an order, note that they ship to the 48 Continental US states and Canada. I’ve currently got my eye on the Boot Bench that they offer! Who couldn’t use a nice place to store your shoes by the door?

 You can find their products as well as connect with them at:
www.american-country.com| Etsy | Pintrest |  Facebook

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product from American-Country  but no other compensation has been received. All thoughts about the product are my own.

I’ve installed wipers a few times, and these were about the same as any … I fidget around for 5 minutes until I get it right and it slides on in 1.2 seconds. Someday I’ll get it right on the first try, but that’s no fault of the blade, I think. It also includes a doodad to make the blade fit on different types of fixtures. I did not need it. 

Where the blade doesn’t do well is it streaks. My best guess is it does not apply enough pressure on the right side against the windshield. I have a 2002 Cavalier. Perhaps on a different windshield with a different contour it would work better. Also to note, I couldn’t get it to rain, so I tested it with a hose. Take that into consideration as well.

I do like the look of the blade, and there are less areas for twigs and other doodles to get stuck in, which is a big plus around here under all the trees. Rubber coats the whole thing except where you connect it to the fixture.

I want to love this wiper blade, and I’ll use it until it passes as the streaks aren’t right in the middle of my view.

Check other reviews and see if someone has a car similar to yours if you don’t have a Cavalier to help make a better decision.

This is a sponsored post and promotion.

Boogie Wipes has launched a new promotion for the month of  May, and if your kids “Pledge to Save the Sleeve” your family could win one of 1,000 Save the Sleeve Kits. Each kit is packed with Boogie Wipes temporary tattoos, a backpack button, Boogie Wipes samples, and coupons.
Be sure to take advantage of the free shipping code below if you plan on making any Boogie Wipe purchases during the month of May!

Join Adventures in Odyssey this summer to discover how fun it can be to serve others!

Adventures in Odyssey, the beloved audio series from Focus on the Family, has encouraged kids toward
a stronger faith for 25 years. Whit, Connie, Eugene, and the other loveable characters from Odyssey
have shared countless adventures with kids across the world in the classic audio dramas, books, videos,
and devotionals, fulfilling the AIO promise to help kids discover, imagine, and grow.

This summer, Adventures in Odyssey is joining with Christian bookstores across the country, inviting
kids to participate in a Summer of Service. They’re promoting the biblical message, “When you serve,
everybody wins,” encouraging kids to serve their families, their communities, and their world. Whether
it’s baking cookies for an elderly neighbor or putting together a care package for missionaries overseas,
kids will discover that serving can be a blast!

How the A.C.T.S. (A Call to Service) challenge and contest works:

Kids who join A.C.T.S. can pick up a service log and collect fun character stickers for hours served at
participating bookstores throughout the summer, or download a serving log online at whitsend.org. At
the end of the summer, kids can record and upload a short video telling how they serve and why they’d
like to become an Adventures in Odyssey Ambassador.

A hundred winners will get the brand new AIO Album, and after online voting, two grand prize winners
(one boy and one girl) will get to travel on an exciting Good-Goers Mission Based Adventure trip to
another country with a parent! The out-of-country destination will be announced on a live podcast
May 22—hosted by AIO actors Katie Leigh (Connie) and Chris Anthony (Chris)—which you can watch at
whitsend.org/acts. You don’t want to miss it!

Why serve?

Our culture puts an extravagant amount of energy into raising kids who will grow up to feel good about
themselves. In schools, clubs, homes, and even at church, adults have made a decided effort to bolster
children’s “self-esteem” –not by actually encouraging kids do something that’s worthwhile, but by
simply telling them they are important and valuable.

At the turn of the century, researchers predicted that the next generation would respond to these
efforts of raising self-esteem by being filled with optimism and civic duty. Unfortunately, recent research
shows the opposite. Kids coming of age today are more self-centered, disrespectful of authority, and
depressed than ever before.

In a very real way, then, the best path toward building selfless, confident children is to help and
encourage them toward a growing and thriving faith in God. And that includes obedience to what God
teaches—not because it makes kids feel good, although it often does—but because they’re following
God’s instructions to love Him and serve others. That builds a faith they can count on and carry with
them into adulthood—which is the greatest gift any parent can bestow on their child.

Freebies!

The free downloadable mp3 file of the AIO Service episode, available here
http://www.tyndale.com/blog/index.php/acts-a-call-to-serve/
(note: downloads are only accessible through this link)

The free PDF download of summer service ideas for kids, also available here
http://www.tyndale.com/blog/index.php/acts-a-call-to-serve/

Disclaimer: I was provided the above  the above information to share from Adventures in Odyssey and Tyndale. I will be receiving a copy of the AIO “Our Favorites” album in participating in this blog tour.  No other compensation was received.

What’s it About?

Since arriving in Ponyville, Twilight has learned Princess Celestia’s most valuable lesson — the meaning of true friendship. But with every new adventure comes a new lesson and if anyone is up for more learning, it’s the studious Twilight Sparkle! Now, after completing an important challenge, Twilight has earned her princess wings and has all new adventures and responsibilities as a princess!

What Episodes are on the DVD?

The 5 episodes on My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Princess Twilight Sparkle which feature some of the best Twilight Sparkle episodes from various seasons.

* Games Ponies Play
* Magical Mystery Cure ( Princess Twilight Sparkle’s royal coronation & Melody’s favorite!)
* Mmmystery on the Friendship Express
* Magic Duel
* Lesson Zero

DVD runtime is approximately two hours long and there’s a few bonus features which include a sing-along & coloring sheet! For everyone who loves ponies and princesses, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Princess Twilight Sparkle is a tale not to be missed!

Interested in Purchasing? You can purchase My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic: Princess Twilight Sparkle for 10.49 as of this posting on Amazon.com.

Disclaimer: I was sent the above product mentioned for review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.