Life Can Be Crushing

Trying to always be strong can be completely crushing. I have spent the past almost two years trying to be strong. Strong for me, strong for my kids, strong for life.

Faith in God's plan can only do so much. Sometimes you have to allow yourself to fall. You have to allow yourself the feeling of pain, grief and the unbearable fear of the unknown.

One cannot heal if you continue to pretend that there is nothing going on or you suppress those emotions. It will eventually come out and you would have gotten nowhere because you failed to deal with it head on. 

Tears are not a sign of weakness. They aren't. Many can't cry. They don't allow themselves that gift of cleansing. They fear it. They fear once they open the damn it will not stop. They fear the feeling of vulnerability. Allow yourself to purge all that you need. Allow yourself to fall into the ugly cry if you need. Allow it! Purge all your pain through your tears. BUT eventually you do have to stop crying. You do have to move, breath and live. You have to! 

You can do it!
I know you can, I am!

Yes, life is crushing and at times feels unbearable, painful and unfair. How much pain does one person need to have in their life? This is a question I often find myself wondering. 

Experience your pain, you are allowed. 
Move through your pain, you are allowed.
You will have hard days but some will make your forget for a moment, you are allowed
It is your journey!  Only Yours! No one else is feeling what you are feeling, experiencing what you are dealing with. Allow yourself to feel and live. Take a deep breath now move! One foot in front of the other. You can do it!

If on the outside; know that you cannot fathom the pain of another. You cannot help them. You can be there for them. You can listen. You can just be. Sometimes that is all we have. So, just be!

Good thoughts to all who read this.

Perfect Body, Mind and More Essential Oil Aid #RadhaFrankincense

From The Company:
One of the oldest medicines know to man used in sacred aromatherapy practices for, massage, relaxation uplifting mood and heightening your awareness. Great disinfectant that alleviates aches and pains and contains anti-aging properties.

From Maria's Space:
I love the blue bottle! It is a thick, glass bottle with a vibrant blue color. It came bubble wrapped with a dropper that can be used to close the bottle when you remove the cap.

The bottle is impressively large at 4 oz. 

Frankincense comes from a shrub and is collected by small incisions in the flower of the plant and starts out as a milky white residue before being refined into essential oil.

Besides being used in religious ceremonies Frankincense has many uses.

It can be used as:

• Astringent
• Sedative
• Antiseptic 

You can use Frankincense on skin for burns, rashes, cuts besides being fabulous for aging skin.

Simply combine Frankincense with your base of choice. I  have been using argon oil since it is what I have and I have been using it as a massage oil for my husband's sore back but you can also add it to your shampoo, conditioner, soap, body scrub, your bath water or just on a washcloth, use as you would any other essential oil.

Frankincense has many purposes. It also makes a great facial steam, add to water and sit over a hot pot of water. 

Can aid concentration, simply use some on your neck or on your palm and breath deeply. 

As an anti-inflammatory. Mix with another base and use directly on skin to calm, soothe and relax.   My husband's sore muscles love this stuff! 

Sustainable Baby Steps has 40+ uses for Frankincense on their website that I never even heard of. Check them out. 

To Order for Yourself:


 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Decorate Your Laptop With Works Of Art By #Vati

I love personalizing my laptop, phone and Kindle and was thrilled to get a laptop sticker from Vati.
This is just one of the many amazing decals they have and all are cool in my opinion.

This is the World's Famous Buildings decal. As you can see it comes in a non bendable cardboard with a see through insert. 

These decals are created for Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, HP, ASUS, Chromebook, Toshiba, Dell, Acer And Other Laptops and come in three sizes 13, 15, and 17 inch depending on the size you need. This one would be really cool with an Apple laptop because the earth would have that awesome blue light on it. 

The decal is easily transferred from the decal paper to your laptop, chrome book or wherever you decide to place it.  

Here is a photo of the paper it comes on. Nice and sturdy. This is some thick vinyl. Definitely quality!

The directions simply state to dust your computer and affix your decal by placing down and removing the transfer paper.   It was as easy as playing a sticker except this is a great grownup sticker that has many recognizable buildings such as the Easter Island, Big Ben, The Statue of Liberty, The Colosseum in Rome, The Taj Mahal and more. 
 
We have an Acer and I as I went to put it on my daughter's laptop she insisted it go on her window.  She said she would see it more often since her computer is always open. She is probably right!

This is the third location she has placed it so far. I believe this would even look great on my truck! 

Pros:
Easy to place
Easy to remove
Quality paper
Looks amazing
Great price

Cons:
I can't think of any!

To Purchase:

 

Disclaimer: I received a product at a discounted rate for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received.

Stay Safe While Running On Roadways With These Reflective Bands #getreflective

These reflective bands from Blaze Bands are great. Not only are they great for runners, hikers, campers, but they are also great for boaters, bikers, skateboarders and even just walkers.

I am far from a runner but I love walking. I will walk anywhere, a night here there are no street lights so most of us travel with a flashlight but in the dark of night sometimes that isn't enough. I love the idea of wearing these to walk or even walk the dog.

The bands come one to a pack and are secured with Velcro. They are comfortable and can be adjusted to fit many sizes from me to my 10 year old daughter.

There are so many reasons to have a pair of these. You can even keep a pair in your glove compartment or medical bag in case your car breaks down and you have to walk.

I am going to get a pair for my kids for when we go to see the local beach concerts this Summer. I will be able to spot them in the crowd and so will the cars when we walk back to our vehicle.

Safety first!

Get a pair and give them to someone you love. While you are at it, get a pair for yourself

To Purchase:


Disclaimer: I received a pair for my honest opinion through a Tomoson campaign. No monetary compensation was offered or received.

Everyone Needs A Selfie Stick!

I love selfies and believe you can learn a lot about someone from their selfie. For some of us selfies means finally a photo of us! As the person who always has the camera there are very few photos of the photographer. I can look at folders and folders of photos on my computer from the past few years before my smart phone and see very few photos of me unless I put my tripod up and managed to take a photo or two. If I did manage the tripod into the day it meant about 10-20 photos because it would be a long time between another chance. Sometimes it looks like I wasn't even at a party, event or location because there are NONE of me. 

As a mom and a daughter who lost her mom at a young age I know how important those photos are. I don't have very many photos of my mom but the ones I do have were all set up. No candids, no selfies, no personality shots. Usually a posed photo or two. 

Then the smart phone come; I finally got one and selfies were important to me but most of them were up in my face, nothing else around. Maybe that is due to my small arms? I have no idea but I have not mastered the selfie. 

Here is a prior selfies. Very close, usually washed out or too dark, I am only a head and my teeth look amazing. Oh wait, back to the selfie.

We are still learning it but the other day a Huuman ZaZa Selfie Stick arrived and we have been playing with it ever since. 

It was a quick set up. Turn it on, go to my phone settings, hit Bluetooth and find the selfie stick. Connect and you are ready. 

The stick has an adjustable clip on the mount where you can lift it to fit your phone. I used it with my iPhone 4 and my girlfriend used it with her Samsung Galaxy. You can also use it with your GoPro.

The ZaZa stick can be purchased in 4 different colors, black, green, blue and pink. It comes with a carrying bag and a mini USB cable for charging. 

 
Charging takes only an hour.  

You can extend the arm to a full 38 inches. 

Once your phone is inside the clip, you can extend, swivel, point or whatever you need to do to take the best selfies ever. There is ZERO slippage. It holds the phone firmly. 

Here are some of our selfies using the ZaZa

  
To take a selfie, you just press the button near the base of your selfie stick. It is where your hands are holding the stick. 

We have been having a blast!

  

Who Knew That Moroccan Black Soap Would Give Me The Smoothest Legs Of My Life + Discount Code

This is my second product review from Zakias Morocco Beauty Products and I am blown away. The first one, a mud face, body and hair mask was wonderful, this one is even better and here is why.

The Moroccan Black Soap with Argan Oil and Kessa is good for your hair and skin too but I have not yet used it as anything more than a soap AND a shaving lubricant and MY legs have never ever never been smoother! Did I say my legs are smooth? I can shave and never feel like I get a clean, baby smooth leg and if I do, it only lasts that day. The next day, I have a 5 o'clock stubble that no one else can see or so they say but I can feel.  Honestly I didn't even realize how good this stuff was until today I was at the lake at 8:00 AM just me and a cup of coffee looking at the sun come over the mountain when I stood up. I had flip flops on and without even thinking must have slipped one off and rubbed my foot over my calf. I don't know maybe I had an itch. WELL! The next thing you know, my eyes opened wide and I was hyper aware of how smooth my legs were. As if not believing my foot I reached down and touched my leg. THEY ARE NOW, 8 hours later and over 18 hours after shaving S-M-O-O-T-H. This has never happened to me! 

I plan on having great summer skin!
 

So, if you take nothing else away from this review. KNOW that this stuff is great for shaving.

The oil is made of pure olive oil, aragan oil, water, sodium and potassium hydroxyde
 
There are no PETs, No mineral oils, No parabens 

You simply take a pinch of the black soap, yeah it weird at first because it feel like you are taking some crude oil and cleaning yourself with it but you get used to it by the second time. 

Apply it directly to your skin, Loofah or use a washcloth and use like any other soap. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes and rinse it off. Next use the Kessa which is a great little glove that literally helps you get a nice glow to your skin. It exfoliates nicely and is comfortable to wear.  LOVED it and felt totally spoiled and special afterward.

To purchase this for yourself head over to http://www.zakiasmorocco.com/ use ZMBLG-106 for a 20% discount now.

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post. No monetary compensation was offered or received. I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Whipped Body Cream

Goddess and I have used about a half of the container already because we can't get enough.  It smells like Chocolate and Strawberry. How did they do it!?

It is a lovely, light pink, that goes on smoothly with a non-greasy feel with a sent that lasts a long time! The biggest problem will be not craving chocolate and strawberries after you apply it. 

The first day I got it I applied it to my arms, elbows, shoulders and legs.  My husband usually comes home after bed time and is exhausted from work.  The man works two jobs and as he was hugging me goodnight, hours later, said, "You smell good! What is that?"  I told him chocolate and strawberry cream and he said, "It really smells delicious!"  

Good Earth would love to introduce you to their many awesome products and give one of my readers the chance to win a jar of their Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Whipped Body Cream.
Enter before July 9th for your chance.

Majestic Destinations in Utah and Idaho

Brigham Young's map for the predecessor to Utah included parts of southern Idaho. Many parts of Idaho and Utah are so close to each other culturally and historically (as well as geographically), that it makes sense to include both states when sightseeing in this part of the northwest. These states offer numerous attractions and activities for visitors. Here are a few of the magnificent places to see when you visit Utah and Idaho:

Bryce Canyon National Park

This park is located in southwestern Utah roughly 4.5 miles south of the Highway 12 and Highway 63 intersection. It contains some of the most breathtaking views due to its geological structures. The spectacular geology on show here includes its rock pillars (called “hoodoos”) that are the result of frost weathering and erosion over time. Bryce Canyon National Park also offers multiple hiking trails, which are categorized according to their level of difficulty. You can choose from easy, moderate or hard.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

The strange landscape at this national monument and preserve consists of a large lava field. At Craters of the Moon, you will be able to see a wide range of volcanic features; those features include rifts, lava tube caves and cinder cones. You will also be able to see the various plants and wildlife that have adapted to this environment. In the summer, the activities that are available when you visit Craters of the Moon include guided cave walks; in the winter, it is possible to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Craters of the Moon is located in central Idaho, southwest of Arco.

Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area

The canyon here is the deepest North American river gorge. Along with that geological wonder, you will also be able to enjoy magnificent vistas that include mountain peaks and vast wilderness that is perfect for hiking or horseback riding. Of course, there is also the Snake River that runs through Hell's Canyon. The entire recreation area spans 652,488 acres. Parts of the recreation area lie in Idaho and other parts in Oregon. Note that while campgrounds and cabins are available, the amenities here tend to be on the rustic side. The wildlife around the recreation area includes bighorn sheep, elk and bobcats.

Massacre Rocks State Park

The park gets its name from an attack in 1862 that was led by Shoshone chief Pocatello who attacked some small wagon trains. The battle and the chase that followed it resulted in 18 deaths. The area includes Register Rock where settlers carved their names. The park also offers a small creek that flows to the Snake River. The Massacre Rocks State Park covers 1,000 acres and is open year-round. It offers hiking trails as well as a visitor center and a 40-unit campground.

Arches National Park

This park is located five miles north of Moab in Utah. When you visit Arches National park, you will find more than 2,000 natural stone arches along with hundreds of pinnacles and balanced rocks. The landscape at Arches National Park offers vibrant color contrasts along with its breathtaking rock formations. If you want to hike, there are trails for that here and the sunsets are amazing.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

One of the most photographed places on the planet, this valley includes rock formations that tower as high as 1,000 feet. The sand, mesas and buttes that help to provide the valley’s striking colors surround these formations. When you visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, you have the option to take the Valley Drive. This allows you to drive 17 miles through the dramatic scenery. The route provides you with numerous views of the many unique geological structures. The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located on the border between Utah and Arizona.

Canyonlands National Park

This park offers more of Utah's unusual landscape in the form of rock formations like buttes and canyons. The Colorado River and its tributaries shaped these grand formations. Along with the spectacular scenery, the park is divided into different districts. Each district offers its own set of features. Note that there are no bridges or roads to connect the districts to each other. This means that you will have numerous opportunities to hike and to go four-wheeling.

Bio -

This guest post was contributed by KJ’s Superstore with Idaho car washes located in Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and a Pocatello car wash as well as a Logan Utah car wash. KJ’s offers many services and items that travelers and tourists need.

Stunning Functional, Portable Yoga Mat #yoga #bikram

I love stretching, I love yoga and I hate using a slippery towel or my son's rubbery yoga mat!

Last month I received the a Sole Yoga Mat which is a completely non-slip, super absorbent microfiber towel fused to a natural tree rubber base!  Yes, that is exactly what it is. The best yoga mat I have ever used, even better then the ones they use at the many yoga studios I have joined over the past 20 years.

Pluses:

• It is a beautiful, serene mat. The watercolors truly relax the mind
• The mat is a nice large size
• It rolls up easily!
• The carrying strap.  What I love about the strap for this is how it doesn't matter how small you roll the mat, the strap opens easily to accommodate and then you pull it so the yoga mat is snug and won't slip out!   

Negatives:

• The price could deter some from purchasing it but it is a superior mat! It is truly worth the extra and if you are looking for a long term mat, this is the one.
It is one of the most comfortable mats I have ever used and I am not sure if it is because of the color, the size, or the comfort of it but when I am not using it my kids take turns using it. They watch TV sitting on it, read on it and play with their toys on it.

NOW...that I talked about how awesome I think it is time to share some photos.




Look how beautiful it is!



Here is the mat hanging on my chair, you can see how easily portable it is. Just toss it on your back and go!

Anaiti Creams For Celebrity Skin & Dark Spots! #SkinCare

As I've gotten older I notice more and more marks appearing on my face. They have literally changed everything about my face and are the reason I am diligent about applying sunblock to my kids. When they complain I ask, "Do you want all these marks on your face like mommy?" It is always a no! They don't and I can't blame them which is why I am so excited about the Anaiti Luminous Cream which is a Dark Spot Corrector and contains Vitamin C which boosts Collagen and reduces Pigmentation. It also brightens your skin and evens out skin tone with matrixyl, renovage.

You can use this under your make-up as a primer!  I have only used it for a week. I use it daily and while I cannot say I am noticing a huge difference in dark spots, I do feel better when I put it on and think by applying it daily will see a bigger difference. The dark marks under my eyes which unless you get really close you won't see them have definitely changed. They are not only a little lighter but even under my 10X magnification mirror look better to me.

These spots have altered the feelings I have about my face close up and I am happy to be using something that will bring me better, clearer, brighter skin and reduce the appearance of those small dark marks that make me regret every time I look in the 10X magnification make-up mirror.

The Anaiti Luminous Cream is non-greasy, goes on smoothly, is nice and light and in just a week has changed the appearance of my dark spots.

 

To see my post about Anaiti The Advanced Neck and Decollete Cream go here

To Order:

Disclaimer: I received a com,complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received.

Anaiti Creams For Celebrity Skin #Anaitiskincare

Over the past week I started using Anaiti Creams on my face and neck and do notice some positive results.

 Anti-Aging Dermatologist Skin Care Product For Wrinkles, Fine Lines And Sagging Skin 

ANAITI'S ADVANCED NECK AND DÉCOLLETÉ CREAM IS NOT JUST FOR CELEBRITIES!

Truly! Why should they be the only ones allowed to have incredible skin?

Over the past three years I noticed my neck, this year I noticed my crows feet, forehead and cleavage area have definitely become more wrinkled and the skin above my eyes more saggy. It happens. We can't defy gravity forever but we can make a difference or hold it off with the right about of health and beauty care!

ANAITI'S ADVANCED NECK AND DÉCOLLETÉ CREAM:

* SESAFLASH - made naturally by refining molecules from sesame, it provides deep moisture and acts as an effective tightening agent. Several studies have shown it to smooth lines and reduce other signs of aging such as wrinkling, sagging and puffiness.

* MATRIXYL - stimulates the fibroblasts that produce collagen to keep your skin elastic, healthy and smooth. Shown to reduce wrinkle depth by 68%.

I believe it has definitely improved the appearance of my skin!

To Order:

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received.

Walk Down Memory Lane - My Aching Heart - 2008 #memories

Seeing my two like this always makes my heart hurt. Walking in on affection between the two of them without parent intervention makes me feel like I am doing something right.

A Beauty Blender In The Shape Of A Tear Drop #JGOB

I loving playing with my make-up and had moved away from it as a mom of babies, toddlers and even elementary school aged kids. Not that I ever stopped wearing any make-up that is not me but I did move away from just a quick swipe of eye liner, mascara and a lip gloss.

Last year after watching my beautiful niece on her You Tube channel doing make-up tutorials I remembered how much I used to love make-up. It was something I loved doing for myself and others.

Creating a different look everyday with make-up is fun and makes me feel great but I want to make sure I don't look like I am wearing make-up. The idea of wearing make-up is to look like you are totally natural.  This is wear my new little pink friend the Rosa Red Applicator Makeup Blender Sponge comes in.

This little foundation blender is amazing. It is small, pink, comes in it's own carrier, soft, and blends easily, smoothly and beautifully! 

I love how gentle it is on my face. It feel amazing and makes my foundation feel like it is butter. It definitely does and amazing job!

It is also nice and easy to clean, a little soap, squeeze and allow to dry.

To Purchase:


Disclaimer: I received this product at a deep discounted price for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

From Cradle To Grave No One Will Ever Know This Sheet Is Waterproof - BeSensible + Promo Code

Waterproof, breathable fitted sheets that can be kept a secret? Impossible you say? Nope they exist! No more plastic sheet, or noise when you lie down. These sheets by B-Sensible Kids are available in Crib size, Twin and Full and come in a variety of colors.  They also have B-Sensible in Queen and King so no one ever has to be embarrassed again!

I had a family member who was a bed wetter up until the age of 14. It was horribly embarrassed for him and never had a sleep over or went on a sleep over because he was afraid he would have the problem at night at a friends and having someone over where they would see or hear his sheet made him terribly nervous. This would have fixed all that. It looks just like any other sheet but on the bottom hidden from view is this awesome

AND..as we get older accidents can happen. Why be embarrassed, throw your sheets away or worry about your mattress after too many accidents when you can get yourself the most perfect fitted sheet for you!

These sheets are importated
Made of hypo allergenic material
Made of natural material, Tencel
Made of Breathable fabric
Dust mite proof
AND MORE

I have problems with sheets staying on my mattresses because we have pillow, memory foam mattresses which means they are very very thick. This sheets wraps entirely around the mattress and never come off the corners. Probably one of the best things about them in my eyes.

Here we are showing them off in Goddess' room. She ordered Lavender but you can see they are pretty blue.

 

They come in:

• Beige
• White
• Ivory
• Blue
• Pink
• Green
• Lavender

We love them and they are a nice quality too! I think this is important to mention because as someone who doesn't have bedwetting problems I would still buy these. The quality is amazing. They are soft, easy to wash and fold and don't get all wrinkly.

Goddess loves them!

Right now Amazon has a price deal:

Purchase 2 or more BSensible® 2 in 1 Waterproof Fitted Sheets for Baby or Kids from Amazon.com and receive 22% OFF a Queen or King size fitted sheet when you enter Promo Code:  KUBOSHDM at checkout. Offer ends June 30^th, 2015.

To Purchase:

   

Disclaimer: We received a complimentary product for our honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received.