June 8, 2014

Delicious & Simple Ocean Blue {Spiked} Lemonade Recipe


I recently served this cocktail at a party I hosted and I was asked repeatedly for the recipe,
it's super simple to mix together, fairly inexpensive, and the color is BEAUTIFUL.
I call the beverage an Ocean Blue Spiked Lemonade, but you can call it what you wish.

To make this simple recipe you will mix together 
1.5 parts Simply Lemonade with 1 part Whipped Vodka (any brand) and 1 part Blue Curacao 
- Shake or Stir - 
then garnish with a lemon slice or wedge! 
 
 Ta-Da!  Time to start sippin'!



If you want to win a $25 Pier 1 Imports Gift Card 
or if you're interested in the party details,  

The Ultimate Pier 1 Bohemian Outdoor Oasis Party and a GIVEAWAY! {ends 6/15}

I may have received a product, sample, and/or compensation to facilitate this review, regardless all opinions expressed above are completely my own.


I've always been a huge fan of Pier 1, they offer such unique items and ummm hello - home decor is a favorite amongst almost all women, especially bloggers! I was so excited when they approached me to host an outdoor oasis party on their behalf, think happy-cry and a little bouncing up and down in my living room. I really love Pier 1!!

I wanted my shin-dig to have an offbeat, unconventional feel - I decided on a bohemian theme and I'm so pleased with the results. Florida is full of exotic beauty and sharing my version of an outdoor oasis was pretty easy to accomplish! My idea of an eclectic, free-spirited bohemian party turned out perfectly thanks to all the summer lines Pier 1 carries - I mainly stuck with the summer brights collection but you can see some of their coastal views collection mixed in as well!

To get the party set in motion,
I immediately sent out virtual invites to all of my guests, made by yours truly, that really set the vibe:


Since I live super close to the coast in Florida the beach is pretty much my backyard, I decided to host my party at one of my favorite beach inlets so that I could showcase my favorite part of Florida's outdoors. The view from the table was phenomenal, the weather was perfect - warm but not muggy, a slight breeze - a bit heavenly, if you ask me! Plus what could be a better form of entertainment than the beach and the ocean? I can't think of any!


I served a delicious Ocean Blue Spiked Lemonade, Vegetable Sushi Rolls, and Super Rich + Moist Chocolate cupcakes with a Creamy Coconut frosting! (Look for the recipes over the next few days!) Quiet the eclectic selection of food but it matched the theme of the party perfectly!

My decor was full of fun items from Pier 1, stuff that I already had around the house, and a few items were purchased from the thrift store just to give it that extra artsy, bohemian vibe! I mixed and matched with multiple rich colors and a few subtle patterns - adding little accents to complete the boho feel.


I wore a bohemian, hippy-esque lace shirt I've had forever and some bright green shorts with my black bikini underneath. I accessorized with a handcrafted no sew bohemian headband (be on the lookout for a tutorial on that later this month) as well as a some clearance section bracelets and sunglasses - a girl has to look good on a budget, right?!


The lantern stand was absolutely stunning on the table and really added an extra touch - I had no idea I had such a strong liking for lanterns until I visited Pier 1 recently. They had TONS of lantern options to choose from and I fell head-over-heels in love with every single lantern.






 The serving platters are another Pier 1 find and they are so beautiful - not to mention, super easy to clean since they are dishwasher safe! The colorful detail in the plates really made my tablescape pop, ask my guests -- they all wanted to get their hands on a serving platter set of their own!



The pillows are also a Pier 1 find and they served their purpose perfectly on the beach  - although I didn't snap a picture (I blame the spiked lemonade). We took our blankets and pillows (and lemonade) out to the beach once the party started wrapping up a little and had quiet the beach set up. It was SO incredibly comfortable and since the pillows are indoor/outdoor and totally made to be weather resistant, I wasn't worried about them being on the beach at all! Pier 1 has a HUGE selection of pillows but the bright cobalt blue and lime green from their summer line just spoke to me - they were so basic yet so beautiful and had to be included in the party decor!

The pitcher and margarita glasses were a huge hit as well! The cobalt blue rim matched the pillows perfectly. The set added to the aesthetic appeal of the whole tablescape, Blue Spiked Lemonade in a blue accented pitcher and glasses is a stunning combination.


I loved sharing my bohemian Pier 1 party with all of my friends, the event was a total hit! It's safe to say that Pier 1 Imports’ summer collection is full of personality, so you’re sure to find the perfect decor for your own home or the most fitting present for anyone on your list. Plus, all of the products I mentioned today are available at your local Pier 1 Imports.
Now I'm super excited to announce that I have the chance to host a giveaway for one lucky reader to win a $25 Pier1 Imports gift card! What is your favorite item from their summer collection? Check out Pier1.com and let me know!


Here's your chance to win some gorgeousness from Pier1 Imports,
enter with the giveaway form below:






Disclaimer: I may have received a product, sample, and/or compensation to facilitate this review, regardless all opinions expressed above are completely my own.
This contest will run through June 15th at 4:59 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 other than Pier1 Imports mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Facebook, 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. Also, You can only win gift card from Pier 1 during this campaign.

June 7, 2014

VitaFusion MultiVites PLUS - They make nutrition taste good!

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Vitafusion. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and promotional item to thank me for participating.

I've always been a bit of an under-achiever when it comes to living a consistently fit & healthy lifestyle, but this year I've really been trying to stick to a lifestyle change. I want to get Fit in 2014, hence the series on the blog. I'll be honest, even with my determination this year to change, sometimes it's hard to force myself to work out, eat healthy, or even remember my vitamins.

I've also really just hated taking vitamins in the past because they leave a weird "lump" like feeling in my throat, plus normal multivitamins have a horrible taste. I've always been told they were important so I would bare with it and take them anyways but I never really was fond of taking my vitamins... Until now!


 I was given the opportunity to try out VitaFusion MultiVites this month and there is no way I'm going to forget to take my vitamins anymore, these yummy gummy vitamins are perfection. They are stacked full of goodness and the taste is phenomenal, truly unlike any other. 


I became a huge fan of the Vitafusion MultiVites PLUS Hair, Skin, & Nails support, they are berry flavored and absolutely delicious - seriously the healthiest way to "cheat". The explosive flavor of berries is comparable to eating fresh fruit and the texture is just like that of fruit snacks - perfection! Plus, they are an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, & D - as well as biotin and lutein. 

Vitafusion MultiVites PLUS Digestive support are equally as delicious with a variety of fruit flavors in every bottle! Their flavors seem to include grape & orange as well as a few others I can't quite put my finger on.  They offer 3g of dietary fiber as well as plenty of vitamin A, B, C, and D!

 What's unbelievable is the fact that they offer so many different variations of vitamins in gummy form - everything from heart support to basic immune support  to just calcium tablets, they even offer prenatal vitamins! I know I'll be sticking with Vitafusion MultiVites gummy vitamins for good - they just get what I need in a vitamin, plus they are the perfect healthy answer to my "sweet tooth" craving with natural delicious flavors!

If you are searching for the perfect way to start your journey to leading a healthier lifestyle, I highly suggest starting with a daily dose of Vitafusion MultiVites!


June 4, 2014

Dove & Summer Adventures - "#Wordless Wednesday"

{I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central for Dove. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.}



So far in June I've done a lot of yoga, exploring, + beaching...
which is pretty much my version of heaven.
I'm in love with where I live but it does get awfully hot at times,
Dove Advanced Care deodorant luckily keeps me dry 
and smelling oh-so- good while I'm out and about.
Not only does it keep me dry, 
it leaves my underarms feeling smooth because of the rich moisturizers!
With 48 hours of odor and wetness protection and several fragrances to choose from, 
no matter what adventure I'm getting into over the summer I know
 I'll be wearing Dove Advanced Care and a bikini every day this summer!



 
{the best sushi in town- YUM!}

“Quiet At the Back” — Tips for Planning Family Movie Night


A lot of parents worry that their kids spend too much time watching TV and while this is a valid concern, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a weekly/monthly family movie night and make it special with a little planning and effort. By making just a few considerations beforehand you can take an average movie watching experience and turn it into genuinely fun and memorable family bonding time.

The Big Picture

First things first, you’re going to need a movie to watch. Peruse your own collection of DVDs, head to the nearest rental shop or, for the technologically savvy families that have a home entertainment guru, stream one to your smart TV.

Recently released animated movies like Frozen and Despicable Me are extremely popular but don’t ignore the classics either like Pinocchio and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. You also can’t go wrong with The Wizard of Oz, The Goonies, Mary Poppins, WALL-E and The Parent Trap (both the original and the Lindsay Lohan version).

If your family has a standing movie night — every Friday, for instance — why not mix it up and let the kids pick the film one week and then the parents the next? Use it as an opportunity to let everyone feel involved and excited to share their movie tastes with the rest of the family.


The Accompanying Grub
What’s a good movie night without some snacks to help create that home movie theater experience? Have a few savory and sweet options, such as popcorn, Rice Krispie treats and ice cream. Remember that while it’s good to treat the kids (and yourselves!), you can always have some healthier options and still make them fun. How about celebrating the summer season with fresh berries and juice popsicles? 

For kids, half the fun is in the anticipation of and preparation for an event. So, get them involved in the kitchen. They’ll gladly help make pizzas and popcorn and who doesn’t love to sneak a little extra whipped cream onto their ice cream sundae?


Final Flourish
Finally, tap into your creative side and use your imagination when planning the movie night. Choose a theme that goes along with the movie and apply that theme to your living room’s décor, the menu and interactive activities that you can do while having a homemade ‘intermission’.

For example, if you’re watching the film Singin' in the Rain, serve juice with cocktail parasols and dance along to the songs. Or, if Toy Story is on the box, get all your kids’ stuffed animals out of their room and have them watch it with you. You and the kids can use your imagination and create an adventure for the stuffed animals just like in the movie.

So, with a little attention to detail, you can make family movie night the highlight of everyone’s week. Enjoy!

May 30, 2014

The Top 10 Gifts for Dad for under $50 from Best Buy - #GreatestDad

Disclaimer: I have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

It's almost time to celebrate your dad on his special day,
Father's Day is coming up quickly!
Don't fret about a gift though,



Does your dad always want to take his tech to the next level with the latest and greatest? Does he have no fear of adventure and always want to embark on another adventure? What about the dad who constantly is trying to preserve memories by taking pictures of the family non-stop? Is hubby craving the ultimate man cave? Best Buy has a gift for every type of dad out there! Since there are only a few weeks left until we celebrate our dad's, I've compiled the top 10 Gifts for Pops for under $50 - 
saving money and getting a great gift, what could be better?


Which gift do you think your dad would like the most?

Head on over to best buy for a gift for every type of dad from the goofy entertainer to  the tech savvy gizmo gurus to the bodybuiling fitness fanatics or even the paparazzi-esque memory makers,
Best Buy offers something just perfect for everyone! 


Plus, don't forget Best Buy offers: Free shipping on orders $35+ , a commitment to providing you with the best price by offering a low-price guarantee.







Guess what?  
Best Buy is hosting two Father's Day Twitter Parties on
Thursday June 5th at 7:00pm CST and Wednesday June 11th at 11:00am CST.
Feel free to join one or both of these parties for a chance to receive Best Buy gift cards and other great products. Tweet #GreatestDad with your favorite Father's Day Gift ideas from Best Buy.