New Spring Body Washes from Softsoap

This post was written by me on behalf of SoftSoap. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's springtime. In case you've missed it, in most of the areas of the US we can see spring finally. The trees are getting their leaves back, the grass is greening up (and needs mowed again), the tulips are in full bloom, and I can smell my lovely lilacs too. There is so much about spring that makes it special. Scents are such a strong reason that we know the changing seasons. Each has it's own. That's why these new Softsoap scents are perfect right now to get us in the mood for spring.

The product: New from Softsoap are their two limited edition spring scented body wash- Forever Springtime and Lemonade Berry Splash. Both of these body washes are infused with fresh scents and moisture rich formulas to provide the body and mind with a much needed spring awakening.

What I thought: The new fragrances of Softsoap are great. They are both refreshing spring-like scents. It puts me in a good mood and ready for great weather and warmer outdoor activities when I use them. The Lemonade Berry Splash body wash is lemony and fresh. And the Forever Springtime body wash has a nice floral scent. I enjoyed both of these, and I think you'll really like them too.

Where to buy: These scents of the Softsoap Body Washes are available only at Walmart until the end of May. Be sure to grab yours now.

NEW Fantastic Mother's Day Gift from Bath & Body Works!

This post was written by me on behalf of Bath & Body Works. All opinions are 100% mine.

Mother's Day is this Sunday. If you haven't found the perfect gift for Mom yet, you will want to check out this great deal from Bath & Body Works. Make Mom happy and leave her smelling good too.

The product:
You know your mom is a VIP, but it never hurts to remind her. Show her how important she really is with the Bath & Body Works Mother's Day VIP Tote, available at your local Bath & Body Works store this May. Packed with summer's most covetable products, the tote is a Bath & Body Works splurge in a bag. The tote features selections from the new Italian-inspired fragrance collection, as well as a luxe bonus: a Body Cream in Bath & Body Works' prestige fragrance, Forever Red.

The tote is an incredible insider value – just $20 for over $100 worth of product--with a $40 purchase. Stock up on summer treats for yourself, then give mom the quintessential Bath & Body Works experience with the ultimate VIP selection. Included in Bath & BodyWorks' exclusive shimmer linen tote are the following “Very Impressive Products”:

Rome Honeysuckle Amore Body Lotion, Shower Gel and Fine Fragrance Mist

Venice Dolce Berry Body Lotion

Capri Seaside Citrus Body Lotion

Sicilian Orange Concentrated Room Spray- a VIP bag exclusive!

Forever Red Body Cream

Crinkle Mesh Sponge

What I thought: I received a few of these products to try for myself. I have tried the Rome Honeysuckle Amore Fine Fragrance Mist, Capri Seaside Citrus Body Lotion, and Rome Honeysuckle Amore Shower Gel. I can sometimes be picky about fragrances, so I was curious to see what these ones were like since I wasn't choosing them. They are both wonderful! The Rome Honeysuckle has a subtle, light, floral scent. The mist is something that I can easily put on when I'm leaving the house. It provides a nice scent without being overpowering. I'm wearing it on my shirt now, and I can smell it but it's not too much. Lovely fragrance. I also really like the look of the bottle for the mist.

The Capri Seaside Citrus is another great scent. It does smell citrusy, but not in a harsh way that some citrus fragrances do. It's a very pleasant spring/summer scent that will be great this season. Either of these scents would be a great choice for Mom this Mother's Day. And I think the tote with products is a great deal for everything that comes in it. It has a good variety of lotions, gels and sprays that any mom would enjoy.

Where to buy: You can find this Mother's Day special and other great items from your local Bath & Body Works store.

Journal 10+ Mother's Day #Giveaway

This post was written by me on behalf of Journal 10+. All opinions are 100% my own.

The product: Journal 10+ isn't just a plain journal. This is a compact entry 10 year journal. It's designed to give you space to jot down little thoughts, memories, or keep track of things each day. It makes journaling easy. You can collect your daily entries for 10 years in this one bound book. So handy to write what you want and have a place to put it daily.

The Journal 10+ is a unique 10 year journal and a firm favorite for parents looking to keep a family journal without feeling the pressure to fill a blank page with insight and meaning, and is an ideal Mother's Day gift. 

Just scribble down a few sentences each day and, before you know it, you have a decade of memories and observations at your fingertips! Each 'daily page' of the Journal 10+ offers room to write about one day - September 16th, say - every time it comes around from 2013 to 2023. What fun to compare what was happening in your life on any given day as the years go by.  

This video by Ali Fedotowsky explains how the Journal is used - Ali's Journal 10 video

Key features:

• As you make each entry you see what was happening on that day in previous years

• Re-reading triggers memories of people, place and events otherwise forgotten

• Captures personal and family development and milestones

• Takes just 5 minutes a day

• No pressure to fill a blank page

• Builds over time into a family memoir

What I thought: I really like the idea of a small journal entry each day. It's something that a busy mom can handle to store little memories from each day. I started doing this journal at the beginning of the year. However, I'm not much of a journaler (other than blogging), so I quickly fell out of habit. I would really like to get back to it now, because I see how nice it would be with my newborn. It would be easy to jot things down, that I'm already forgetting. It would be great to have something to look back on.

The Journal 10+ is laid out nicely. Each day has a little space for your entry and there are extra pages in the back for longer entries. There is also a place to mark the weather for that day and other little things like this.

Journal 10+ just had an upgrade too! It now is made with a genuine bounded leather cover. This will give it a nice look and last longer too. To celebrate one of you will win your own copy!

Where to buy: You can find Journal 10+ on their website and Amazon as well.

How to connect: Check out Journal 10+ on Facebook.

Prize: One reader will win their own Journal 10+.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 5/15/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day" by Garry R. Morgan

This post was written by me on behalf of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions are 100% mine.

The product: Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day by Garry R. Morgan is a user-friendly beginner's guide to world religions.

The world is becoming more integrated. What once seemed like the religions of exotic faraway lands are now practiced by families next door. These short, easily digestible readings give an overview of the beliefs, histories, and practices of dozens of religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and many more. Garry Morgan blends the knowledge of a college professor with real-world experience and an accessible style. Broken into forty brief chapters, this book can be used as a reference for those who need quick and clear answers or read straight through by curious readers.

What I thought: I've always been interested in knowing a little more about other religions. Sometimes the thought of a lot of research is overwhelming, though. If you're just looking for a quick, little overview to learn more about religions, this is the book for you. There are many people in our society from all different walks of life. This book provides just a little glimpse into the religious part of our lives. See the diversity and gain a little more understanding with this book.

Where to buy: You can find Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day by Garry R. Morgan in stores and online.

"When Hope Blossoms" by Kim Vogel Sawyer Book Review

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are 100% mine.

The product: When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a modern story about an old order mennonite community.

Amy Knackstedt moves with her children to Weaverly, Kansas, to escape the speculation surrounding her husband's untimely death.
She hopes the new location will provide a fresh start for them all. But her neighbor, Tim Roper, is not pleased to have a Mennonite
family living next to his apple orchard. When the children try to befriend him, he resists. Tim left the Mennonite faith years ago and doesn't want any reminders of his former life. Yet Amy and Tim find their paths colliding far more than either could have foreseen. Will this tentative relationship blossom into something more?

What I thought: This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I was instantly caught up in the life of this young, single mother and the trials in her life. It was interesting to see how a group of mennonite people set down roots in a new place. And sometimes when love is farthest from your mind, is when you need it the most. It was a fun story full of hope and love. I think that you will enjoy this fictional title, especially if you are a fan of amish fiction (very similar).

Where to buy: You can find When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer at book retailers everywhere.

Carmex Healing Cream and Hydrating Lotion

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carmex. All opinions are 100% mine.

Does your skin have periods of dryness? I know mine does. Winter is worst for me. Or times when I'm washing my hands a lot. I had severe problems with dry skin on my hands when I was working in a restaurant (constantly washing hands) and when I had a baby (which I do right now). But finding a good lotion makes all the difference. And now I have another great one to use regularly.

The product: Carmex Hydrating Lotion is made to rehydrate your skin and feel smooth on it too. And it won't leave you feeling greasy. This lotion contains vitamin E to moisturize and heal your skin. Carmex Healing Cream will stay on your skin and not come off over time. It will leave your skin soft and smooth.

What I thought: In the winter it's really important for me to use lotion daily (if not several times a day). My skin tends to dry out very easily, especially with my job at home of doing laundry and dishes by hand often. Add in the dry winter air and my hands are a mess quickly. And lately with the new baby in the house, I wash my hands more often. That dries them out as well. I'm always on the lookout for a great lotion that will hydrate my skin. But I also want something that won't be greasy and come right off. The Carmex lotions fit this bill so well. They are my favorite lotions. I keep a small bottle in my purse and the others handy around the house. I use them at least daily and my hands are so much smoother and perfectly moisturized  I can tell when I haven't used them in a while, and my hands will heal up as soon as I use them regularly again. These are my go-to lotions.

Where to buy: You can find the Carmex Hydrating Lotion and Carmex Healing Lotions in stores near you.