Tag Archives: Review

Cat Lady Box Monthly Subscription Review: March/Spring 2016

Cat Lady Box Monthly Subscription Review and Giveaway – March/Spring 2016

Cat Lady Box March-Spring 2016I recently made a discovery – Murfee HATES thunder. We are in the middle of a El Nino style rain here in California and with severe rain also comes thunder and lightning. One night Jason and I were sitting on our couch and we began hearing the tell-tale signs of thunder.

When we least expected it, the thunder clapped and all of a sudden Murfee’s eyes got large and he looked scared. Jason took it upon himself to try and comfort our little man, and out him in his lap. After discovering that this was little help, Jason grabbed a shirt with our scent on it and covered Murf. All of sudden the thunder clapped, and Murfee did not react – he felt secure under a shirt on Jason’s lap.

Cats are unique, and I think that part of our job as humans is to learn to read the signs our animals give us. Jason and I are complete cat people and we always want to learn to be better cat guardians where ever possible – every situation is a learning expierence. I, in particular, am a cat lady and I love to display my pride and love of all things feline.

Each month look forward to receiving a Cat Lady Box as it is the perfect addition to my cat filled life. To say that each box is “pawsome” is an understatement. Each month is better than the last, (see previous reviews here). The box exterior is printed with the logo and is almost a proud announcement of your Cat Lady status. Once the box is open, you are greeted with a black tissue with a sticker enclosing everything in the box. The box is packaged well, and there is space enough that items do not get smooshed and smashed together.

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Auromere Incense Review

Auromere: Flowers & Spice Incense Review and Giveaway

Auromere Incense Sampler packWhen I was a teenager many of my friends burned incense. I on the other hand did not know what these smelly sticks were, so I erred on the side of caution. As I got older, and presumably wiser, I realized that these sticks were simply a simple way to make your environment smell better. Now that I am firmly in my 4th decade of life I realize that these sticks can have some mental and physical benefits.

When I was recently at the Natural Products Expo and as I was walking around and I came upon Auromere’s booth and was halted by the wonderful smelling products that included not only personal care items such as shampoo’s, toothpaste’s as well as the incense I received after the show for review.

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Cat Lady Box Monthly Subscription Review: January 2016

Cat Lady Box Monthly Subscription Review and Giveaway – January 2016

January 2016 Box ContentsJason and I love our cats, there is no denying this. If you were to pick up either of our phones there are more cat photos than human photos.

Our cats are these big personalities packed in little bodies. Murfee has a personality that mirrors my personality and Maggee mirrors Jason. Jason can roll with the punches, and is always calm and that describes our Maggee perfectly. Murfee is always on alert and jumps when he hears a loud noise – just like his human momma.

We have a lot of fun around here dissecting their personalities and comparing them to each of us and wondering what we are accurate about and what is just dreaming. We think they know their names, but really they know their tones, but I swear when they come up to us, they are conveying pure love. I am proud to be a cat mom to these two awesome little creatures, and tell them so each day.

This months Cat Lady Box was an ode to the “cat lady”. Each month the box is wonderfully put together and is “absolutely pawsome”. I say it every month and each month I mean it, each month it is just as good as the previous month, (see previous reviews here). The box exterior continues with the new box design and looked different then the previous printed and stamped versions. I loved being greeted by the black tissue paper and sticker, as I unfurled my package I was filled with excitement!

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My Paper Pumpkin January 2016 Kit Review

My Paper Pumpkin January 2016 Kit Review and Giveaway

Cute Conversations KitI feel as though we are barely out of the holidays, and now we are approaching Valentines Day. I have mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day, and I will explain why. When I was in my early 20’s I worked for my local card shop, which happen to be known for a crown. I would watch as it crept closer and closer to February 14th, the amount of people looking for the perfect sentiment to share the things they were unable to verbally say.

I always wondered why it was only one day in which my loved one could declare my love to me. I a big believer in that love should be shown each and every day. I believe that love should be nurtured, and we always should appreciate the qualities in our loved ones.

As we embark on this day of love, this months My Paper Pumpkin kit is full of hearts and a way to communicate your love. Each month Stampin Up projects are date and time appropriate and  January was no different with the name of “Cute Conversation”.

The kit this month is an complete kit to make a garland with pockets, which is versatile for a party of two or a party of 20.

Contents of January 2016Each month I look forward to the 10 by 6.5 red box. The kit comes complete with the items you need to create the project for the month. Included in this months box was the following:

Included with each box is not only written instructions with full-color photos but there is an instructional video available (Online Instructions) to help you complete the project each month.

January 2016 Stamp SetThis months stamp choice is love themed and appropriate for any loved one from friend to lover. The flexibility and versatility with these 10 polymer stamps that are included makes this kit versatile birthday cards, scrapbooks or a simple love note.

Included was a stamp pad in Watermelon– this a red color that coordinates well with the paper included and is sharp and bright for the words to stand out. Included in the box was also paper in an assortment of stripe patterns. Also included is thread and sequin which adds a cute accent to each heart on the garland.

Heart StampedThe Cute Conversations theme of this month is a perfect way to show your loved one, you love them. This was a simple and easy project to put together and makes the perfect decoration fr the upcoming love day.

Good Morning SurpriseMy Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up boxes are available for $19.95/month, $59.85/3 months, $113.70/6 months and $215.40/12 months and the shipping is included in the cost. The 6-month is a total savings of about $6, about a $1 a month savings and the 12-month is total savings of about $24, about a $2 a month savings thus ends up totaling the amount of receiving one kit free.

Thank you from MPPClick here to purchase past kits!

For more information about My Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up, click here

You can also find My Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up on Facebook and Pinterest

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of My Paper Pumpkin/Stamping Up, but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY: My Paper Pumpkin/Stampin’ Up is offering a box to my readers! (1) reader will receive the January My Paper Pumpkin kit! Open to residents in the US only. I will be randomly choosing 1 person on March 9th (3/9/2016) to receive one My Paper Pumpkin monthly kit!!  To enter complete the entries below! Winner will be notified by DealsAmongUs by email and prize will be fulfilled by Stamp’n Up! Remember you have 48 hours to claim prize, or I will choose another winner. GOOD LUCK!!!

Win a January My Paper Pumpkin Kit!

Can Holding In A Fart Kill You? Review

Can Holding in a Fart Kill You? Over 150 Curious Questions & Intriguing Answers Review and Giveaway

Can Holding in a Fart Kill You

When I was young I would spend my Saturdays with my father. The normal routine was that we would wake-up, go to breakfast and then run errands together. Not only did I love spending the time with my father, I got to learn to question things.

As my father and I would drive throughout San Diego, I had a book that had questions and answers in it. I would always bring a book with me, and I would query my father if he knew “Why a chicken lays eggs?” or “What makes electric electrical?”. I loved this time with my father and those simple days put a sense of questioning in me that I still have to this day.

To this day, when ever I see a curious question and answer book I am compelled to purchase it. It goes without saying that when I received for review and giveaway a copy of Can Holding in a Fart Kill You? Over 150 Curious Questions and Intriguing Answers by Andrew Thompson I remembered those days with my father.

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Outside The Lines, Too Coloring Book Review

Outside The Lines, Too: An Inspired and Inventive Coloring Book Review and Giveaway
Outside The Lines One and TwoOne of my favorite things in the world is a brand new box of writing and coloring implements. There is something almost magical when you crack open a new box of crayons and open a whole new world of imagination. Recently I went and purchased a new set of pencils, crayons and pens to make my journey of coloring a little easier while providing me millions of color options.

I recently received the 2nd book curated by Souris Hong titled “Outside The Lines, Too: An Inspired and Inventive Coloring Book by Creative Masterminds” curated by Souris Hong for review. This 2nd coloring book has over 126 pages (256 pages total) of coloring pages each by a different artist. I also had the opportunity to review the 1st book in this series entitled “Outside The Lines: An Artists’ Coloring Book for Giant Imaginations” curated by Souris Hong at the same time for review. Continue reading →

Every Little Thing Review

Every Little Thing: A Flat Vernacular Coloring Book Review and Giveaway

Every Little ThingWhen I was in school there was a requirement to “wrap” our books. What this exercise entailed was gathering paper bags and cutting them to the size of the textbook, and with a couple strategic folds and little tape the book would be covered. What resulted was a black space, and a spine to create whatever I chose to think appropriate and thematic for that book.

The best part was the blank canvas and being able to create the cover of my dreams. This normally took longer than and usually detracted from the real purpose of the books. I always went for bright colors, and something inspiring and happy – think rainbows and butterflies.

There have been books throughout my life that I have thought could do well as an outline, and give the reader the ability to color. This long thought of mine has come to fruition with the release of Every Little Thing: A Flat Vernacular Coloring Book by Payton Cosell Turner. 

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Cooler Can Monthly Subscription Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of CoolerCanMonthly.com.

Cooler Can Monthly Subscription Review and Giveaway – July 2015

Cooler Can Monthly July 2015When I was a child my father had a collection of these wraps that kept his beer cool. I never knew why or even how this worked but loved the wraps. The collection included flying themed (he was a pilot before I was born), dirty jokes (which went right over my 8-year-old head) and locations that were unknown at the time to me (I was to young to go into many of the establishments that served alcohol).

As I have aged I have begun to see the genius behind these can wraps. These wraps go by a couple of names including koozies, beer coolers and can coolers. Inspired by these koozies, Cooler Can Monthly was created. Cooler Can Monthly features 2 subscription options including the Backyarder Foam package and the Happy Camper Neoprene Package.

Each month Cooler Can Monthly searches for unique businesses to contact and partner with. Once contact has been made a month is schedule in which the koozie will be featured. Once that partnership has had been secured and the cooler can is featured and it is retired forever. At this point it is not available anywhere else.

I received both the subscription options for this review as well as a couple of past koozies. What I found to be the most fun about these koozies was going online and researching the featured koozie’s original location.

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Hawaii Snack Box Subscription Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Hawaii Snack Box. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Hawaii Snack Box Subscription Review and Giveaway – July 2015
Hawaii Snack Box July 2015

I live in what many people consider paradise. I live only 1/4 mile from a popular beach that is frequented by surfers, celebrities and everyone else. Not only am I a 1/4 mile away but I am sandwiched between some of the best coastline anywhere in California.

There is one place that beats this paradise I have in favor of more expansive coast lines (750 miles to be exact). There is a place where the same smattering of surfers, celebrities and everyone else gather. The place I speak of was the site if of a horrific military action, but instead of sadness is filled with hope, history and love. If you have not figured out this picturesque place I speak of, it is Hawaii.

I have wanted to visit Hawaii for as long as I remember (I want to see Pearl Harbor) and have seen friends have multiple visits while I am wishing for my one. I may not be able to travel there physically but I can get the flavors of Hawaii delivered to me on my coastline each month. This is where Hawaii Snack Box comes in. Each month Hawaii Snack Box includes 5-7 snacks in their subscription boxes. I was sent the July 2015 box for review and included in the box was the following:

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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – A Recap of the Night!

 Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Feld Family Entertainment. This in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – A Recap of the Night!Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey CircusLast night was a first for me .. I went to the circus for the 1st time in my 40 years of life. I am happy to report that I finally got to see a Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Circus. The show we saw was “Circus Xtreme”, and the best way to describe the show is that it is a circus on steroids!Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus

I was not sure what to expect or really how I would feel about the animal performers, and overall it was a good experience. When we got to the Valley View Casino Center there was no charge for parking (which was a nice bonus to the evening) but there was a little bit of a walk to get to the entrance. We arrived about 50 minutes ahead of showtime, which gave us time to walk around the venue and take in the sights, sounds and overall atmosphere of the circus.

The atmosphere of the circus was everything I expected – the vendors selling cotton candy, stuffed clowns, the face painting and the caramel apples (which we took home for an after circus treat). The circus floor was a constant flurry of activity from the animals to performers before the show.

The show was called “Circus Xtreme” and that is the best description I could come up with for this show. Everything was a little more amplified from the trapeze artists, the clown and the RingMaster. This was a feast for the eyes and ears, and will fill you with a sense of wonder. If you have chance I would recommend you making the trek down to Valley View and catch the circus while it is in town. Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus

If you would like more information about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, click the links below!

 

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