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?

Flavor or Fizz: Which Do You Prefer?

 This post is in partnership with Dasani and Target. While they sponsored today's post,
all opinions expressed below and the love for water are all my own.

Getting enough water in every single day can be a difficult task, weather you are busy running errands or working from home we all get too busy to do the simplest tasks to keep our bodies healthy.

The last few weeks I've been so busy with school and blog stuff that I've been sleeping less, drinking less water, eating less healthy foods, and really just neglecting healthy habits so that I can get everything on my check list done. Sadly, there's never enough time in the day and I seem to slack off.

While my calendar won't be clearing up any time soon, I have a whole bunch of homework waiting on me, and an exam in just a few days, I've finally found a way to convince myself to make enough "me time". I've been implementing a daily yoga routine & some time for meditation and I found a few new ways to make water fun and tasty, allowing me to really enjoy my H2O while I'm rushing around town or working on an article.

I found two new products from Dasani: their Infusion Drops in Strawberry Basil & Lime and Black Cherry Sparkling Water (I may be guilty of sipping on a sparkling water from Target currently)!

The Flavor Infusion Drops are so diverse. Not just since they have two really off the wall, delicious flavors. They can provide a slight flavor change with just a few drops or a whole flavor explosion with several drops, the strawberry basil flavor being super refreshing and the lime flavor being the perfect compliment for an ice cold glass of aqua!

The Black Cherry Sparkling water was a surprise in my book. I drink flavored water occasionally (as you can see from this beautiful, sparkling brunch I hosted recently), but this sparkling water is SO carbonated and tastes almost just like a soda!

While I enjoyed both products, I think I've decided that I'm totally more of a flavor girl. No surprise there though, I don't much care for carbonation. So, tell me, are you a flavor or fizz type of person?
Don't know?  Target has a pretty rockin' coupon on cartwheel for both the Dasani Drops Infusion and Dasani Sparkling Black Cherry so you can give both products a try!

Be Safe, Be Healthy, Be Protected with FootprintID

This is a sponsored program with Mums the Word Network and Footprint ID. All opinions are my own.

While this may be tough for you, I need you to imagine the worst thing possible has happened. Your loved one was in an accident of some sort and it's not looking good. They are being rushed to the hospital and while they normally can tell a doctor they have an allergy to this or can't be around that - sadly, they were knocked unconscious. Without you sitting right there next to your loved one (whether it's your child, your spouse, or even a parent), no one knows these important details.

I recently found a service that can be there when you can't, a service that will tell medical professionals the details they need so that they can save your loved one! You want to be safe, healthy, and prepared, right? That's where FootPrintID comes into the picture, they offer 24/7 access to your health information. So when little Sally ends up hurt while she's at the babysitter, you can provide her medical information with just a few clicks of a button!

This electronic health record is revolutionary, you can provide access to everything including lab reports, EKG's, Catscans, and more - all with just a simple mobile health app anyone can use!

Interested in finding out more about you can protect our family from a bad situation? I suggest you check out how FootprintID can work for you.

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

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


Today's your lucky day, I'm sharing a delicious Elvis inspired Hors d'Oeuvres recipe and I'm also sharing how you can enter for a chance to win one of forty $100 Walmart e-Gift Cards (10/week) by uploading an Instagram photo of your RITZ®-topped creation with #putitonaritzcontest. Although, the purchase of RITZ® is not required.

Ritz Snackify Challenge Instagram Contest
I'm a snack-er, as I've shared in the past. I love trying new foods and I actually consider myself a foodie of sorts so instead of making bland ol' recipes, I'm typically one to get creative with foods.

As you can imagine, when I discovered "The Elvis" Sandwich (Banana, Bacon, & PB), I was all over it like white on rice. Then, when I was snacking on peanut butter and RITZ® crackers last week I had the brilliant idea of merging The Elvis and RITZ® crackers. I put it on a RITZ®, making the ultimate Hors d'Oeuvres to serve anytime! This little recipe is so easy to make and it's the perfect snack for on the go - with protein and just the right amount of sweetness to curve your cravings! The King really knew what he was talkin' about when it comes to food!

These little delights involve minimal prep and maximum taste, which makes them a new favorite in my book!

Everything you need should be in your kitchen already if you've visited Wal-Mart recently, so need to run to the store either - BONUS!

You will need:

Peanut Butter
RITZ® Crackers
All-Natural, Uncured Bacon
Banana

Now, this is all really self-explanatory, I think, but just in case. Bake the bacon in the oven for 10 minutes or so at 375 degrees, allowing it to get crispy-ish just the way The King liked it!

While your bacon is baking, add peanut butter to your RITZ® crackers and go ahead and slice up a banana.

Remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool some. Once cool, break it up into small pieces with your fingers and sprinkle over your peanut butter topped RITZ® crackers.

Lastly, top each cracker off with a finely chopped slice of banana.

Now it's time to snack on this savory, yet sweet treat... and get creative with your own RITZ® cracker recipe! Click HERE to enter the Snackify Challenge with your own RITZ®-topped creation for a chance to win a $100 Gift Card!

Now that I've shared my most recent snack-ified RITZ® creation, I'd love to know what you recipe do you have in mind to make with your RITZ®?

8 Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias and its Advertiser. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and should not be construed as medical advice. #24HourEsterC #CollectiveBias

This year I'm determined to do everything I can to keep my body feeling strong and my immune system in tip-top shape and I know so many people in my life are looking for the exact same thing. We all want simple ways to help us look and feel better. I have come to the realization that it all begins with strengthening your body, inside and out - today I want to share how I keep my body strong.

8 Tips & Tricks to
Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out

1. Start Taking Supplements - Ester-C® 1,000 MG supplement is the go to product for someone as busy as me. It provides my immune system with the support I need, 24 hours a day.

2. Workout Routines - Implementing a regular work out routine is key to keeping your body strong! I've picked up boxing lately and been practicing yoga at home since the gym has been crazy with New Years & Spring Break crowds.3. Proper Workout Attire - Whether your’re at the gym or at home, you need support in your work out gear too! Be sure to buy hair ties that actually stay in your hair as well as supportive under garments, shoes, etc.

4. Heart Rate Monitor - Keep track of your progress on every work out and be sure you are in a good "zone" while doing cardio. I'm obsessed with my HRM.

5. Stay Hydrated - Be sure to drink plenty of water, it's important to keep plenty of H20 in your body to keep it functioning.

6. Get Organized - Write down when you take your Ester-C®, when you have plans to work out with your trainer, and keep track of calories if you are on a diet - all in a planner!

7. Stand Up Straight - Heard of a waist trimmer before? These are new to me, but they help with posture and are absolutely amazing. I suffer from horrible posture so this thing has been a life saver and is helping build strength in my back.

8. Keep Your Hands Clean - Lastly, pocket sized hand sanitizer... just in case. You never know what situation you'll end up in and it's always good to have on hand, no matter where you are.

Now that I've shared how I keep my immune system supported and strong, I'd love to hear what you do to keep your body in tip-top shape? If you want to snag some Ester-C® for yourself, head to WalMart and grab a bottle at "roll-back" prices.

Stay Connected with Ester-C®: 
Facebook |  Twitter

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. The serious love for lemonade is all mine, as well as opinions expressed below. #PourMoreFun #CollectiveBias

Who else is excited about spring?

I know, I know... I've been going on and on about the season change and how much I love spring time, but I'm a huge fan of warm weather... and there's a slight possibility I'm counting down the days until summer break! I can't wait to sit back on the patio with a glass of lemonade and a good book while absorbing some vitamin D, without the worry of school!

Another thing I look forward to this summer is having little parties on my patio. While I'm longing for the hot, fun summer nights, I'm glad I had the chance to organize a small brunch time get-together this weekend and we were able to celebrate the holiday weekend in style.

I was lucky enough to be at Wal-Mart while they were hosting a demo for Country Time Lemonade Starters and I just fell in love with the way the pink lemonade tasted! I knew it had to be included in my brunch menu the second the first sip hit my lips!

I also knew I had to jazz up the lemonade with my own touch, I just wasn't sure how... then I saw flavored water on an end cap just a few aisles away from the free lemonade sample. Then that's when it happened, I decided to make a Sparkling Lemonade Bar.

Instead of opting for the standard mimosa bar, this weekend we chose to offer something a little more family friendly during brunch and served up a Sparkling Lemonade bar! Boy, the concoctions we put together  are not only delicious but absolutely beautiful... I mean what's not to love about a "sparkling" drink?

Need more reasons to love this spring (and summer) time favorite? You'll be glad to know it's super easy to make (just add water), flavored with real lemon juice, and contains 50% less sugar than leading regular sodas! What more could a girl ask for?

This tasty treat comes in three flavors you'll definitely want to stock up on: Classic Lemonade, Berry Lemonade, and lastly Half Lemonade & Half Iced Tea.

As I mentioned, I combined my lemonade with flavored water to create a beautiful sparkling lemonade, this pairing of two of my favorites is mind-blowingly good and the perfect beverage to enjoy on a warm, spring day.

I'm going to simply break down each drink, so that you'll know exactly how I mixed each beverage together.

Just a little side note: You should probably ask yours guests to gather around and help you prepare the bottles, since it looks SO beautiful being poured! I took pictures while hubby poured and I oooohhhhh'd and ahhhhhhh'd as I watched the Berry lemonade pour into the pineapple coconut water, such a sight to see... Sparkling lemonade is some pretty neat stuff, isn't it?

The Sparkling Lemonade Bar Drink Selections:

Cactus-Lime Lemonade
(Country Time Classic Lemonade Starter + Cactus-Lime Water + Lemon Slices)

Berry Tropical Lemonade
(Country Time Berry Lemonade Starter + Pineapple Coconut Water)

Strawberry Lemonade
(Country Time Classic Lemonade Starter  + Strawberry Water + Fresh Strawberries)

Raspberry Palmers 
(Country Time 1/2 Lemonade  & 1/2 Iced Tea Starter  + Raspberry Water + Lemon Slices)

I decorated my Sparkling Lemonade Bar with a few other fun items including "sparkling straws", an adorable sparkling lemonade themed printable (you can download it for free here), shimmering white tulips, and sprinkle dusted cupcakes with butterfly gummy accents! I also used ribbon, clothespins, and paint swatches to make a bunting banner that matches my set up perfectly. That's all you need for the perfect brunch set up!

You know what they say: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade that sparkles... or something like that! So while I'm in the midst of a million projects for the blog, planning holiday festivities, preparing and prepping our meal plans, applying for school next semester, organizing taxes, getting ready for our trip to the midwest next month, and working on homework, it was nice to drop everything for a little bit and enjoy a glass (or two - okay, maybe three) of sparkling lemonade.

While this little brunch lemonade shindig was a blast, I can't wait to sip on this lemonade all through out the summer on my patio with friends and family enjoying our time together. I'll definitely be making the Raspberry Palmers again as well, they were a HIT!

I'd love to know, What spring (and summer) activities are you excited about? I think your activities should include a delicious glass of sparkling lemonade or two, you won't regret it!

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?