A Sensible, "Scentsable" Gift Basket for Him

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MySignatureMove #CollectiveBias

All men deserve to be spoiled on occasion, right? My hubby is a super helpful and understanding guy and while he tends to drive me crazy he definitely deserves to be spoiled! After running into the new line of awesome products from Irish Spring I knew exactly how I could spoil him with practical and sensible gifts, while including some items that were also "scentsable"!

I grabbed all four new items from The Irish Spring Signature for Men line, which includes two different rich and luxurious Body Washes in a fabulous 3-in-1 formula and Hydrating formula. I also grabbed a 3-pack bar of soap in both the Hydrating formula and the super useful Exfoliating Scrub! These products are luxurious, yet manly - the perfect way to spoil your significant other.

After finding his new signature products, a new green pouf to match them was definitely in order! I also grabbed some new deodorant, a stain remover, a small bottle of mouthwash, a few backache relief pads, nail clippers, and eye drops - basically an entire men's grooming kit!

I stuffed this all into a new beverage carrier for the kayak, something he mentioned he wanted. I also grabbed him a new hair trimmer (not pictured, because he got his hands on it before I could take photos). I guess you could say, I stocked him up on practically everything he needs in just one quick walk through Walmart!

While he gave me "the eye" for going on a small shopping spree for him, I can report hubby is pretty happy with the loot he received! So fresh and so clean, just the way I like him. :)

While you should definitely spoil your man with Irish Spring in his gift basket, another super cool reason to purchase any one (or more) of the new Irish Spring Signature products is movies!

Wait... What? Here's some awesome news: You'll receive $5 off your next VUDU purchase! Claim your $5 credit simply by taking a picture of your receipt and then visiting http://cbi.as/3boj to upload your receipt. The last step: enjoy watching!


Now that I've shared how I spoiled my hubby with a sensible, "scentsable" gift basket sure to spoil even the studliest man rotten I'd love to know how you spoil your spouse? What kind of things would you love to receive/give in a gift basket?

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean

So, spring cleaning is something we've all been working on over the last few weeks...right? While I'm doing my best to keep our house tidy, it's just not happening lately. I've been trying to tidy up in between class and having to work on upcoming projects and tons of homework but right now the house is uhm, a little less than clean.

The good news is I know what it takes to make my house "clean" in a hurry. I'm not just saying you should start stuffing laundry into your closet, which I've done (even as an adult); Don't judge me! But I am sharing how I tidy up my home in a hurry when I have unexpected guests phone that they are on their way.

Whether you are a professional "quick cleaner" or you like to keep an organized and tidy house all the time, today I am going to help you out by sharing a few ways you can make your house look, feel, and smell clean without much effort.

Looks Clean after you tidy up the three T's. Clean off your table tops, scrub your toilets, and sweep (or vacuum) the areas of your flooring that have high traffic.

We're all guilty of stacking magazines, mail, or sometimes just junk around the house - clean that stuff off of your table tops and you'll notice a huge difference!

Scrubbing your toilets is super important. When a guest uses your restroom, you definitely don't want them to get grossed out. This simple step only takes a few seconds but can completely change the way your restroom looks to your guest.

Sweeping or Vacuuming your entry way, kitchen, and living room only takes a few minutes for most people and it makes a huge difference (especially for those with kiddies or pets)! While vacuuming your whole house should definitely be on your to-do list.

As we all know, a house isn't really clean until it #SmellsClean. While your home (hopefully) has a clean scent already, I like to use some amazing products that help to make my house smell ridiculously good!

I've been burning my Peach Daiquiri candle from 719 Walnut religiously lately. Especially because I'm so busy that I haven't been able to indulge in a whole lot of beach days or daiquiris; while this candle isn't the exact same experience, it helps me feel a little closer to my favorite place in the world! I can only imagine what the Tahitian Escape or Tiki Colada scents smell like, but those are definitely on my list to buy next!

Placing candles in your office is the answer to a cleaner smelling home in general: Whether you decide to inspire creativity with a new candle in your office (like Glade's new perfectly colored and scented Poppy Grove candle), or comfort yourself in your bedroom with a candle offering a soothing scent to help relax you before drifting off to dreamland, or even if you decide to mask smelly scents in your kitchen with something delicious and deceiving, candles are an awesome way to make sure your house smells clean without much effort at all!


While I've always been an avid candle burner and hold true to my candle burning ways, this spring I've also started using plug-ins around the house and I highly recommend you do the same! I'm totally obsessed with the scents I've been using!

One of the plug-ins is a Febreeze NOTICEables Warmer and it offers a sense-exciting double scent of  Strawberry and Fig and makes my half-bath in the lower level of our townhouse smell beyond amazing.

The other plug-in is AirWick's Sunshine Cotton and literally makes my entryway smell like a mixture of heaven and freshly laundered clothes!

While both of these options are awesome, my last tip may be the easiest of them all. You literally only need to flick a switch and place a cube into the tray to make your house smell clean with these Glade Poppy Grove Wax Melts!

While I'm not suggesting you skip spring cleaning in general, I hope these tips to spruce your place up in a hurry help you out! I had friends share what they thought of our house, they all agree it smells clean... so don't forget to head over to the air care aisle to grab everything you'll need for a nice, deceivingly clean home!

Did you notice the adorable printables in my post? Be sure to grab those for FREE in an 8x10 size, just click on the image below:

Smells Clean Printable


Last Night I Dreamed...

Now that I've shared my tips to a tidier house in a hurry and these super cute printables, I'd love to hear what your last minute cleaning routine looks like?

Essentials for THAT Time of The Month: #SaveTheUndies With This Gift Basket

Today's Discussion is sponsored by U by Kotex, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.

Let's be frank, we all know during that time of the month most women tend to be a little moody and many are experiencing quiet a bit of pain. While there's really not much you can do about mother nature, being spoiled with a gift basket full of useful and comforting items is the perfect way to help ease the pain or at least distract from it a little.

Aunt Flo is such a pain, this gift basket with U by Kotex is just what the doctor ordered. Head on over to the store, grab everything on this list and relax. Whether you're the boyfriend trying to help cheer up your girlfriend (brownie points!!) or you just feel like treating yourself to these goodies, I guarantee you'll love everything about being spoiled with these little delights!

1. Protect From Leaks - Grab a pack of U by Kotex - Security Ultra Thin featuring 3D Capture Core and never worry about leaks again. These super thin pads quickly draw in and lock away wetness, leaving for a clean feeling with super-soft sides for your comfort! All the U by Kotex products are awesome, you should really try them and lucky for you, they are giving out FREE samples! Score an awesome #SaveTheUndies free sample today!

2. Go Herbal!- I swear by herbal therapy. Packs filled with a special stress-relieving aroma-therapeutic blend of herbal essences, these little babies are designed to calm and comfort both the body and the mind.

3. Eat All The Chocolate - Sweet treats like candy bars, cupcakes, etc will satisfy cravings and make for a happier girl! Especially if you grab dark chocolate - it's actual good for you!

4. Stay Watered - Grab something hydrating with vitamins. I personally love Propel or Vitamin Water. Each girl has her own drink. Remaining hydrated is important, no matter what time of the month it is!

5. Get Polished - Painted nails don't really seem like something significant, but having a nice mani-pedi is the perfect way to add a polished touch to the yoga pants & t-shirt wearing look.

6. Comfort is Key - Buying new comfy clothing is an essential part of feeling comfortable during this time of the month. The softest sleep dress you can find and cozy undies are the perfect apparel while cramping and just hanging out around the house.

7. Catch a Flick - Grab a rom-com, a cheesy girly movie, or a feminine classic and spend the evening relaxing with all the new goodies while watching the movie and cuddling!

While this basket may not relieve the pain entirely, little surprises like this are always appreciated and may help distract from the aches a bit. I actually love giving baskets like this to my friends that just gave birth as well, it's such a creative way to give a new mommy something special made just for her. No matter who you plan on giving a basket like this, be sure to add some U by Kotex! What other goodies would you like to receive in a gift basket?

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Creative Types + {a Giveaway}

Today's discussion is sponsored by Onite.

Everyone deserves to be spoiled on Valentine's Day, whether it's your best friend, your child, your co-worker, or your beau - it's nice to give those you love a little something to remind them they are important to you. Today I'm sharing a collection of items that would be perfect to give to the creative types in your life. If you love an artist, a photographer, a blogger, a kid with a knack for arts & crafts - these gifts will be the perfect way to treat them to something special without breaking the bank.

1. Gimme Mini, ANYTHING - It may sound silly but all creatives love little versions of things, it's just something inside of us. I obsess over miniature versions of most anything but these baby clothes pins take the cake, plus they are useful in craft projects or as a paper clip.

2. Magical Markers - Having an array of colored markers makes for a fun time, anytime for the creative type. Be sure to get a wide variety of colors and the bolder, the better.

3. Funk-ify Their Case - We all love to express ourselves, help the creative in your life express herself (or himself) with an adorable case that suits their personality. Check Etsy for some truly unique ideas.

4. Pens with a Spin - Well, not exactly a spin but pens that are unique that your loved one will cherish. I found these beauties in the $1 section at Target, they don't need to be expensive - just unique or something your sweetie will like. I'm gold obsessed so these funky gold accented pens are totally the perfect gift.

5. Flash 'em This - This Onite Flash Drive is the perfect gift for the photographers and instagram addicts in your life. They can transfer pictures from your cell phone to your PC in seconds with this flash drive. It's tough too, I accidentally dropped mine in water and it still works perfectly.

6. Office Accessories with Style - I'm still working on this one but my purple stapler is doing the job for now. I suggest a kit with rhinestones or studs, whatever your sweetie prefers.

7. Chalkboard and Chalk Pastels - Chalkboards aren't just trendy, they can make for some pretty awesome creative inspiration as well. I love these chalk pastels because they show up SO bright and beautiful and mini chalkboards are where it's at!

The good news - I'm giving away a 32GB Flash Drive to one lucky winner! Enter to win this awesome gadget with the giveaway tools form below:

Entry-Form

Do you have any creative gift ideas for your sweetie that you want to share? What's your favorite Valentine's Day gift you've ever received? I'd love to hear about it below!


Disclaimer: I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Best Buy Holiday Gift Guide - Something for Everyone on Your List!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free, regardless all opinions are my own.

Best Buy is the place to shop for everyone this year... from the music junkie to the video game nerd to the gypsy child with a bad case of wanderlust - they have something for everyone at Best Buy! I'm sharing a little mini-gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

What should you get the video game nerd in your life?

What about an Xbox One?

Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles like Halo or Sunset Overdrive, the biggest blockbusters like Call of Duty, the hottest sports franchises like Madden 15, or FIFA 15, and top family titles like Fantasia: Music Evolved the Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level! In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox one connects consumers unlike any other device.  Xbox One enables access to the latest TV shows and movies through your favorite apps.  With Xbox One all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

What should you get the music junkie in your life?

What about a JBL mobile speaker or a nice set of headphones?

The JBL Charge 2 is a super modern stereo speaker, a bit like having a miniature boom box based on it's twin passive radiators creating deep, powerful bass and the massive 6000mAh battery keeps it running for days! The best feature though - the speaker has a Bluetooth Social Mode, allowing up to three different devices to take turns using just the single speaker!

The JBL Flip 2 is another awesome portable stereo speaker. This little baby offers SoundClear technology preventing echos and providing noise cancellation! The microphone is so precise in fact, you can answer calls via the speaker! I love the crystal clear quality JBL offers and so will the music junkie in your life!

The JBL Reflect Earbuds are the most epic sport headphones, ever! With a sweat proof, ergonomic design and a 5 hour rechargable battery - these little babies are on my wish list and I can't wait to rock them at the gym without a worry in the world about sweat or time! I love that the buds don't have loose cables and they stay in place using built in magnets!

What should you get the gypsy child in your life?

What about a GPS? How about a Garmin or a TomTom?

With bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, traffic and weather updates - what could be better for someone who is always traveling? An up to date GPS with lane assist, lifetime traffic and map updates - these GPS options are the perfect gift for your friend that just can't seem to stay in one place! I know with a bad case of wanderlust myself, a new GPS would be an awesome gift to receive! I love that these models also offer Voice Recognition Technology - so incredibly convenient compared to my ancient GPS model! I suggest you check out the Garmin 52LM, the Garmin 2597, or the TomTom GO 50s - all of these wonderful models are offering the features your traveling loving friend will need!

The Garmin 52LM and the Garmin 2597 both offer a 5.0" display, Maps of 49 U.S. states (plus lifetime updates), lane assist with junction view, speed limit tracking and accurate arrival time based on such, and spoken turn by turn instructions while they easily find addresses and millions of points of interest as well.


The TomTom GO5s also offers most of the same features as well as live traffic updates for the lifetime of the device! Plus an amazing feature is 3D maps, showing buildings and landmards - making it easier to navigate and it just looks amazing!

So tell me, what's on your (and your family's) Best Buy wish list this holiday season?

Adorable, Unique Jewelry Gifts for Christmas 2014 from Alice Hollywood #HolidayGiftGuide

You're going to fall in love with the necklaces over at AliceHollywood.com, they make the perfect gifts for yourself or for your friends and family. If you browse their collection, you'll notice their jewelry is unique and fun - a nice twist on the daily norm. Offering everything from adorable little fox necklaces to Hamsa necklaces; they offer a piece of jewelry for the 12 year old and the 42 year old on your shopping list this year with all of the variety in their collection!

I was sent the fox necklace and while it is petite, it is adorable. The perfect understated accessory. Something I love about this necklace is that it doesn't necessarily feature a "face" but the silhouette shape of a fox face.The necklace isn't a stand alone accessory either, Alice Hollywood has a matching ring on their best seller list as well as other adorable fox pieces that you are sure to love.

If you are looking for a gift that will surprise a lady in your life with eclectic taste, I highly recommend Alice Hollywood's collection. Head on over to the site and spoil yourself and your friends with your favorite pieces!

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.

Welcome to Your New Home: A Creative and Useful Housewarming Gift Idea with #PalmoliveWM #ad

This is a Lunchbox sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Useful housewarming gifts are the best way to say “Welcome to Your New Home" to a new neighbor! We recently noticed some new neighbors moving into the townhouse next to ours, we walked  and briefly introduced ourselves but didn't really get to chit-chat much because hubs and I were on our way to run some errands.

After our short interaction I just knew I had to get them a little something to welcome them, I would love to get to know them a little better than just the two second awkward waves and casual hellos... While I didn't want to go all Bree Van de Kamp on them, I did want to give them a little something to make them feel welcome; I also wanted it to be something they could get some use out of. After finding out their unit hasn't been updated since the stone ages and they are without a dishwasher I had the perfect housewarming gift idea - I decided to make them a "dish-washing" themed housewarming gift!

I put together this cute little basket for just $8 -such a bargain for a housewarming gift idea! When choosing I soap I went right for the Palmolive. Why? Because it actually works, it keeps your hands soft, and it's inexpensive - I only paid $1.00 per bottle! I also grabbed some rougher scrubbers ($1 for all 6), 2 packs of sponges ( $1 per pack= $2), and a dish towel ($1.50).


Then I added in something that I hope they really like, handmade by me -  a customized piece of sharpie art on a gorgeous piece of china... How much did that cost me? 50 cents at the thrift store and I already had the markers! And lastly, the basket it's all sitting in cost $1.
How much does that all add up to? ONLY $8!

I should start making these for every neighbor with how useful it all will be and at that price! The plate features a Julia Child quote, "People who LOVE to eat are always the best people"... and since they mentioned being foodies a few times in our brief conversation and she seems to have the same style as I do - I think they will like it! Now I'm just waiting on the neighbors to arrive back home so I can stop on over and formally say hello and welcome them! If I make another one I think a cute quote idea would be "You Wash, I'll Dry."
Does anyone have any other cute kitchen related quote ideas?

Are you wondering how I made the plate?

To make this project, simply just scribble on china with sharpies. Bake at 450 degrees in the oven AND don't use the plate for anything other than decoration.



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I also have some pretty exciting news to share with my readers, during the month of September you can click here to visit Walmart.com to find 25 creative ways To Use Palmolive ! Plus, you can easily enter to win amazing weekly prizes and the grand prize: a $2,000 Walmart gift card!

Grand Prize

$2,000 Walmart Gift Card

Weekly Prizes will include Palmolive Kitchen Essentials Baskets:
Enter for a chance to win a Palmolive Kitchen Essentials Basket filled with the items below!
Mainstays 10-Piece Cookware Set
Better Homes and Gardens Flatware Set
Better Homes and Gardens 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
Oster 7-Speed Blender
Oster 14-Piece Cutlery Set
Oster Digital Toaster Oven
Mainstays 3-Piece Cookie Sheet Set
Ultra Palmolive Original, 25 oz
Palmolive Antibacterial, 25 oz
Palmolive Soft Touch, Vitamin E, 25 oz

Don't forget to enter to win that sweeps here.

 Not only can you win big money from Walmart,
Palmolive so generously offered to give 5 lucky readers a $50 gift card!
Please use the form below to enter to win:

 25 Ways To Use Palmolive

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored giveaway by Palmolive and Mums the Word Network. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.This contest will run through September 30th at 11:59 pm EST. Must be 18 years or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Walmart and Palmolive and not to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life or Facebook.  Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.