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In an ideal world, us women would only have to carry one bag.  It would contain all of our stuff for work, play, and survival.  Somehow it would magically weight NOTHING and it would never be too big and bulky.  It would be gorgeous and it wouldn't hurt your shoulders.

Too bad this ain't an ideal world.  And as much as I love handbags I really don't think it would be possible for me to be able to haul all of my personal things AND all of my work things. And most of you can probably relate.   But did you ever notice how annoyed and grumpy we seem when we are hauling all of our stuff?  It shouldn't be like that!! And that's why I always tell people to invest in a work bag that you love!

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EASY Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe (+ Keystone Meats GIVEAWAY)

This post was sponsored by Keystone Meats. Read my Disclosure Policy.

Some days I don't feel like eating a super heavy lunch or dinner.  Sometimes it's because I'm not feeling well and other times it's because I don't want to go through all of the cooking efforts.  I try to cut things out where I can by using canned or frozen veggies and ingredients, and buying jarred herbs and spices rather than trying to grow my own. 

If you are a lover of all things chicken, especially chicken salad, then this recipe is a MUST HAVE! It's super easy, not very messy (really you use 1 bowl and 1 cutting board), and delicious for dinner OR lunch.  

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What's All the Rage About CBD Hemp Oil? + A Giveaway

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If you haven't heard of CBD (Cannabidiol) Hemp Oil lately, then you must be living under a rock.  Everyone seems to be talking about using it and how beneficial it is.  So today's post is going to explain a lot of things you may be wondering.

What is CBD Hemp Oil?
CBD Hemp Oil is made from high-CBD, low-THC hemp.  Hemp only contains trace amounts of THC which means hemp oil products are non-psychoactive.



Is it legal?
Yes, because it contains no psychoactive ingredients.   

How is CBD Hemp Oil different from THC Oil?
CBD is found in the cannabis plant and it interacts with our naturally occurring systems without being psychotropic.  This means it doesn't cause a high.  So it's technically safer and less controversial than it's counterpart but it still offers significant health benefits.   

How does it help the body?
CBD interacts with your body's endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) which regulars your body's general state of balance.   That means it impacts stuff like your mood, sleep, appetite, hormones, and pain/immune response.  This system is designed to correct your body's levels when they become imbalanced.  Your amazing body makes it's own cannabinoids! Unfortunately this day and age we as humans are doing little to support the health of this system because most of us don't have cannabinoids in our everyday diet. 

In what forms can you take CBD Hemp Oil?
It comes in so many different forms like capsules, gels, oils, and rubs. My favorite way to use it is topically in the form of Real Time Pain Relief HEMP Oil Plus.  

HEMP Oil Plus is an on the spot relief from pain and stiffness.  It's got a light feel and an invigorating smell and it's made with 4 new key ingredients - Turmeric Extract, Peppermint Oil, Wasabi Extract, and Hemp Oil.  Hemp Oil delivers antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals to skin while Turmeric Extract has a positive affect on collagen and skin tissue.  Peppermint oil soothes and promotes blood flow leaving a nice little tingle while Wasabi Extract warms up stiff muscles and leaves an invigorating sensation on your skin. 

I love using this lotion every time I have super sore and tense muscles in my shoulders and neck from sleeping in a bad position.  It helps SO MUCH and gives me quick relief.  I also am very impressed at how much it helps my sore muscles after a really intense workout. It's got a much more pleasant scent than any other pain relief product I've tried. 





So today I have an exciting giveaway for you! You can see the benefits of Hemp Oil for yourself by entering to win a tube from Real Time Pain Relief! Good luck!




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5 Ways to Spruce Up the Front of Your Home & A GIVEAWAY!

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I love when I take walks through my neighborhood and I can look at each house and see the style and personality of the people that live inside. Each and every home is unique and different and that's what makes it so enjoyable. You can do several things to spruce up the look of your home on the outside whether you live in a townhome or a single family home.  Here are a few ways you can spruce up the front of your home and get compliments from your guests!  

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FabFitFun Winter Box + Forever 21 Giveaway

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Another season, another box! I'm really excited to share my FabFitFun Winter box with you guys!

 Each box comes with a little newspaper full of fashion tips and advice and an explanation of what's in your box!

Homemade by Ayesha Curry Ceramic Mug// I love my mug! It's oversized which is perfect for the biggest setting on my Keurig machine and they all have super cute saying on them.  Mine says I'd Rather Be In Bed which is very true these days.  And these are perfect for tea and hot cocoa! It's valued at $16.

Pointe Studio Aloe Infused Cozy Socks// EEEEEP! These are so cool. They are super fuzzy and super comfy and if you wash them in cold water and tumble them dry they can last up to 30 washes!! They are great after a long day on your feet!  Perfect for winter, they have a valued of $19.

BB Dakota Poncho// Oh my gosh I was so hype when I saw I got a full size poncho from BB Dakota in my box.  It's perfect for staying warm in the office, it is reversible, and perfect for layering.  I am so glad I got the grey one because it will go with so much! It's valued at $70!  

AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream// This hand cream is formulated with Dead Sea minerals!  It's perfect for winter when my skin gets super dry and itchy.  I love the scent too!  I now carry it in my purse because I use it so often.  It's valued at $33.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment// With papaya, pumpkin, and pineapple enzymes this 2 minute polish works wonders to improve the appearance of my skin's texture and pores.  It's supposed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so it's definitely a new part of my nightly skin routine.  Valued at $75.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray// I love this spray! It's got an amazing mixture of lavender, vetivert, and chamomile and when sprayed on my ty and improve sleep quality. So far so good!!   Valued at $29.

 8 Other Reasons Nine Lives Choker in Silver// This is a really cool layered choker that's elegant and dainty but still makes a nice statement piece.  It's perfect over a simple top or even a low cut dress! I love this style necklace! Valued at $58.

DOUCCE Freematic Eyeshadow Pro Palette in Nude// WOW! Eight matter and shimmer shadows along with a highlighter? Yes please! Smudge-free  and goes on smooth means you can't go wrong.  I needed a new palette so this was great timing! Valued at $70!!

Grace & Stella Anti-Wrinkly + Energizing Eye Masks// These are so fun!!! With gold ingredients, they help perk up your eyes and are super fun to use.  It's a great excuse to relax and pamper yourself for 20-30 minutes a week. Valued at $16. 

You can sign up for the Spring FabFitFun box here using my link! I appreciate it so much!

And now for the giveaway.....

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $150 Forever 21 Gift Card

Co-hosts: Endless Bliss // Sunny Sweet Days // Burning Moon's Inside Advice // Homeschool Insights // Craftyourself // Behind the Plates // Beautiful Touches //  Crayons & Cravings // Coupons and Freebies Mom // Kate Style Petite // The Mommyhood Mentor® // Mama's Mission // Surviving Mommy // Crayons & Cravings // Jenns Blah Blah Blog // Capri's Coupons // Lipgloss and Crayons // Mom and More // Inspiring Words from the Heart // Peanut Butter and Whine // Sparkles and Shoes // Getting Fit Fab // Misadventures with Andi // Beautiful Touches // Java John Z's // The Frugal Free Gal // SWEETHAUTE // Ottawa Mommy Club // Made In A Pinch // Musings of a Museum Fanatic // Homeschool Insights // A Labour of Life // Bill Hiatt's Education Site // Ms. Cat's Honest World // Sunshine and Sippy Cups // Mommies with Cents // English Tea Lady // Deliciously Savvy // Foxy's Domestic Side // Babushka's baile // Ask Away        

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 1/26 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

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Things to Remember This Week & Target Instagram Giveaway ($150)

Before we officially jump into the holidays I figured I'd remind everyone of some things to keep in mind as we enter the chaos the next week or so will bring.


One cheat week won't hurt// Seriously live it up and eat all the food! People go to great lengths to make delicious food for you to enjoy so live it up!


You don't have to LIKE your family// So your racist uncle is going to be sitting near you at the dinner table this year....take a deep breath and remember that just because they're your family doesn't mean you have to like and agree with them.


Teach children to be grateful// Between sessions of intense present opening, make sure you remind your little ones to be grateful and to thank anyone and everyone who got them a gift.  Also try to have them watch as other people open gifts, so they understand that it's not just about THEM THEM THEM.


Be kind and slow down// Take a few extra moments to take it all in and enjoy it.  It'll be over before you know it.

And now.....

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $150 Target Gift Card

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 1/10 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

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Coloring & Fashion (+ A Giveaway!)

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Recently I started coloring.  Yes, that's right. Adult coloring books are all the rage the last few years and I think it's a great way to relax and unwind plus it keeps me occupied and I don't mindlessly stuff my face anymore in front of the TV.  Sometimes I use markers and sometimes I choose colored pencils.  Sometimes I even mix both.  That's the beauty of coloring - you can do whatever you want.    And who would have thought that you could combine a love of fashion AND coloring until now!   I recently got Color in Fashion from Alecia Blake Studios. It's available on Amazon and man does it have some beautiful pictures to color!

Alecia Blake is an amazing illustrator whose work includes fashion art, children's books, and whimsical and humorous cartoons.  I love her style!! What a genius idea to offer a coloring book! Here's some of my work.  I used Crayola markers for now since I don't have the money to get anything fancies. Still, I'm pretty satisfied with how it all turned out. 

I love coloring people when I'm really in the mood to get creative.  And getting to color an outfit is even better. This is my favorite page in the whole book and I love how it turned out!

This is a work in progress but I love the details in the blouse on this person!

This one isn't colored yet but I wanted you to see what some of the options are throughout Alecia's book.  I love all the detail and if you feel overwhelmed you can leave some of it unfinished or even leave some of it white so that there's less for you to have to color.

The mix of style and patterns is just so impressive.   And the illustrations are very creative and fun!

This was another favorite.  I love the adorable bathing suit but also love the mixture of animals and seashells!  See how I left the ocean white AND blue? That way I don't have to color in a large area but you still see what it is.

I loved this page because I love Fall and the fashion during this time of year so it was perfect for me to color. It's actually the first one I did. 

Seriously this is my favorite type of coloring book because I feel like a fashion designed selecting colors for my clothing line.   I love being creative with that type of stuff and it actually gives me inspiration for my own wardrobe and what to pair with a certain style or color.   This is one of my favorite coloring books ever and I'm so excited to show off more colored pages with you guys!


And today, I've teamed up with Alecia to host a giveaway for one of you to win the Color in Fashion coloring book! Good luck!


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Tips for Throwing a Casual Gathering + A Giveaway!

I received free product in exchange for my honest review. links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

It's that time of year where everyone is throwing parties or attending sit down meals.  But in between there are plenty of opportunities for casual gatherings with friends and family.  

Ever since I became a homeowner I LOVE having people over.  I get sad when they leave and I look forward to the next time people will be a guest in my home.  We tend to think of getting together with friends as a big ordeal that requires hosting a big shindig with fancy foods, lots of drinks, and some sort of theme.  That doesn't always have to be the case.  Sometimes a gathering can be as impromptu and informal as walking over to your neighbors houses and asking if they have any plans that afternoon.  

Getting together with those closest to you doesn't have to be a major project of deep cleaning every crevice of the house or preparing a 4 course dinner.  Instead, just gather.  After all, isn't that what a gathering is? Getting together with people and enjoying some food and laughter is surely a great stress relief in the midst of the holiday chaos.  So here are some of my best tips for throwing a casual gathering.


[Invite the Right Crowd]
Nothing is more discouraging then inviting a few people and only 2 can show up.  Know your friends and know your crowd. If you want to throw a successful impromptu get together, make sure you invite enough people that even if several can't make it, plenty will still show up.  Also make sure you know who generally would be able to attend.  If your friend just gave birth to twins, it's probably not the best idea to invite her as she is probably busy and may not want to leave her babies just yet. 

That being said, if there's anyone that gets too rowdy don't feel bad if you pass them over.  Casual gatherings are meant to be fun but also stress free. If there's someone that always take the party too far, drinks in excess, or gets too loud maybe pass on them at this time.

[Pick an Appropriate Date and Time]
No matter how impromptu your get together is, you still need to plan it for an acceptable date and time.  Weekends are obviously best and late afternoon/early evening is perfect if you don't want to cook an actual meal.  This allows you to provide light refreshments and snacks which we'll get to later.

[Have an Activity]
While getting together is fun, sitting around talking can be boring to some.  It's always a great idea to have party games and cards around.  Or if there's a sports game on TV that's an even better reason to gather everyone together so you can all watch and cheer together.

[Take Simple Steps to Prepare]
Again, this doesn't have to be a HUGE production.  Make sure your floors are swept and wipe down the counters in the kitchen.  Of course make sure your bathroom is presentable but don't go out of your way and take hours and hours to deep clean your house.  No one is going to be milling about swiping a finger on your mantel to see how much dust there is.  If you have a fun activity planned, people will surely be more focused on that. 

[Provide Easy & Appetizing Snacks]
My go to snack for a casual gathering are HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays.  These  are an easy appetizer that are ready-made so you can save the time and energy of having to prepare a meat and cheese tray yourself.  There are two different types of trays - Honey Ham & Turkey and Hard Salami & Pepperoni.  In each tray you get cubed cheese, meats, and crackers.  This is a low-mess choice that will be very easy on yourself as the hostess.  Plus, if you ever get invited to a party and need to bring something - HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays are an ideal option!


Sometimes I keep the food in the tray but other times I get fancy and throw it on a wooden cutting board.  Either way, your guests will love to snack on meat and cheese while they play cards, laugh, or watch the big game!

[Plan for Easy Cleanup]
Disposable plates and cups are a great idea for a bigger crowd so that you don't have to do many dishes.  And choose the right party snack like HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays make for VERY easy cleanup. 

Now to help you master the art of throwing a casual gathering, I'm giving away a coupon voucher for a free HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Tray!  Good luck!

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The Importance of Feminine Hygiene + A Giveaway

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It's nothing to be ashamed of because we ALL have to deal with it at some point in our lives.  You know what I'm talking about too.  Maybe it's itching or maybe it's abnormal discharge but there are some common signs that come about and leave you freaking out because you know a yeast infection is popping up!

One time, I actually had a job interview the next day when a yeast infection came about. I was freaking out.  Like how was I supposed to sit there and not itch? How was I supposed to get sleep the night before?  How was I to survive?   It was my own fault too because that day I had been swimming with friends and stayed in my wet bikini bottoms for a couple of hours since we were in and out of the pool.  I had to run out late at night to get treatment and I was frazzled the next morning before my interview.  It was the most difficult 60 minute interview of my entire life.  I seriously felt like I was sweating the whole time.  After that horrible experience it was the last straw and I knew I had to be more prepared with the proper treatment and the ideal ways to at least try and prevent another one from coming.

So here are some tips to try to prevent yeast infections through proper hygiene.

Unscented Soap
When washing "down there" make sure you use a gentle, unscented soap.  Your wonderful body creates all sorts of bacteria to keep itself clean so trying to use harsh products to strip away the bacteria will actually do more harm than good. 

Breathable Undies
There are so many adorable styles of underwear but nothing is more stylish than THE PROPER underwear.  A breathable cotton panty that isn't too tight is perfect to keep yeast infections away.   I mean think about it, don't you want air getting down there? Duh!

Avoid Moisture
So remember how I said I got a yeast infection once from a wet bathing suit? Yeah, it's true.  It can also happen from sweaty gym clothes.  Take my advice - as soon as you're done swimming, change into something dry.  And as soon as you're done getting sweaty at the gym, change into fresh clean underwear or shower immediately.  Seriously, you can thank me later.

Eating Right
Honestly, a proper diet will help your body get the bacteria it needs to keep everything clean down there.  So always be mindful of what you put in your mouth and make sure you're eating wholesome foods. 

Still, no matter how hard you try, sometimes a yeast infection still arises.  Luckily for you, MONISTAT®  has a line of products to help cure this awkward yet all too common issue.  They have products in different dosage strengths for treatment like 1 day, 3 days, or even 7 days and their treatment forms range from creams to suppositories. 

MONISTAT® is my go to product. It relieves symptoms up to four times faster and works on more strains of yeast than the leading prescription treatment.  There are also less drug interactions than the leading prescription pill.  I ALWAYS have MONISTAT® on hand because it's important to be prepared.    MONISTAT® is actually the #1 doctor recommended OTC brand with a long-term record of success.  It's been used to treat yeast infections for over 40 years! That's a pretty good track record.   And of course always remember to read and keep the carton so you can read all the warnings and dosing information.  And always use MONISTAT® products as directed.   You can find MONISTAT® in drugstores nationwide!

Today, I'm going to help you be a little more prepared because I'm offering a $25 VISA gift card from MONISTAT® so you ladies can stock up for emergencies!


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