LANTERN FEST

What is the Lantern Fest? It is a an opportunity for thousands of cool people to join together to create an unforgettable display of light.

 Each attendee gets a kit with all the fixings for s'mores, tools to decorate your lantern, and an opportunity for great memories.

You can arrive early for an afternoon of live music, dancing, food trucks, kid's fun,

 and s'mores.

After the sun sets and the time is just right,

it is time to light the sky with lanterns.

The lanterns are supposed to represent our highest hopes, deepest regrets, and fondest dreams.

You are welcome to write on or decorate your lantern to represent those things.

Then after you light the lantern, 

you let it go and let it float away to the sky.

It is really a sight to behold.

 I have never experienced an event like this before, but I am sure this won't be the last time.

Find out more about a Lantern Fest near you HERE.

#lanternfest

BACK TO SCHOOL ITEMS

I won't admit how many years it has been since I went to school (ahem), but I will give some tips on things I think are necessary for those of ya'll who are going off to school or have a little one who it off to college. This might not be the usual list of paper, pencils, and trapper keepers other people might post about, but just a few times that I remember really using at that fun time in my life.

1. Colander

If you are a parent, you hope your university student will remember all the times you cooked for them and hope they studied every thing you did. You will want them to grow a garden and wash their vegetables. Most likely, they will be making a lot of mac & cheese (or shells and cheddar in my case). So get them a quality stainless steel colander that will last for several semesters to come instead of cheap plastic that melts the first time they use the dishwasher.  #pckt

2. Sleeping Bag

You never know when a spontaneous road trip might lead to a sleep over. This mummy sleeping bag is super necessary. It is light, easy to carry, simple to pack up, and will keep you both warm and comfortable. #egoz

3. Headlamp

I went hiking, caving, and late night exploring with my roommates and friends all of the time. There were so many times we wished we had a flashlight or way to see if we stayed out after dark. My solution to this is have a handy headlamp in your bag at all times. This one from LuxoLite is fabulous because it has batteries included, adjustable strap to let you go hands free, and different light settings for whatever situation you may be in at the time. #Luxolite

4.  Charcoal Powder

Since I already told you they won't be eating their best, you might want to invest in a Coconut activated charcoal powder by Sagano. You just have to mix it with water (or ice cream and smoothies) to help aid in digestion. This powder can also be used when you brush to whiten teeth, help with burns, and exfoliate your skin. It might look scary, but I promise it is magical stuff.  #saganofresh

5. Wall Art

Don't be the boring person who looks like they just moved in because there are no decorations or wall art. Add some character to your new casa with something like this cool minimalist bear silhouette 11x14 poster. It can be framed or just place against a wall and add simple flair. It is simple and doesn't cost as much as an original Picasso, but it is simply stunning and easy to frame and hang. #InkPrintArt

6. Swissvita Micrite 3D All Use Eye Cream

We all know that students are notorious for pulling all-night study sessions. What is the best solution?   Swissvita eye cream. This serum is additive-free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free so you can feel safe using it. It comes in an aluminum sealed package for your protection. You can say goodbye to dark circles and puffiness around your eyes and hello to awesome grades! #SwissVita

I was given the opportunity to purchase these items at a discounted price in return for my honest opinion.

I LOVE YOU...Just Because Book #giveaway

If I meet you, then I love you. It's true. I feel life is too short NOT to tell people you love them. 

That's why I really want to share this cute book I found called I Love You Just Because. It is a 20 page board book for parents to give their children that let's kids know that their family and God love them just for who they are and that that love doesn't have to be earned.

It made for readers ages 4 - 8 years.

It is written by Donna Keith, an English teacher who began writing stories for her grandchildren. She has a few others that you can check out also that are just as adorable.

Find out more about the book on social media her: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest.

Want to win a copy for a little one in your life who needs a little reminder that they are loved?

Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

TODD & MICHELLE'S NH WEDDING

My cousin Todd married his cute, little lady friend last weekend at Flag Hill Winery. I love my family and couldn't pass up an opportunity to celebrate with them in New Hampshire.

The views at the winery were fabulous

 and the weather was perfect.

The venue did a great job setting things up and having them run smoothly.

 Cake pops were on point.

 Some of my cousins from California were there too.

The ceremony was short and sweet  

 and even had their dog included in the walk down the aisle.

 Congratulations, Todd and Michelle!

APPLE WATCH #trwatchband

Life is a gift. A new Apple watch and band are also a great gifts. 

I like the band my watch came with, but it is also nice to have a more classy look for dressier outfits or events. It is made of stainless steel and is very durable.

The Touch Range milanese loop band for the Apple Watch is so amazing that I bought two - one in black and rose gold. 

 The price for this one is MUCH better than purchasing a similar one at the Apple store.

It is adjustable and stays in place with the magnetic closure.

It is super comfortable, looks fabulously fabulous, and most importantly, it doesn't pull on arm hair or get caught on clothing. I love this addition to my #charmedarms.

Happy Birthday to me!

I received this product at a discounted price in return for my honest opinion.

SUMMER CAMPING HAMMOCK

What is a girl to do when she has a new camping hammock, dude with great hair, and a friend with a camera at her disposal? PHOTOSHOOT!!

So I am obsessed with this new camping hammock. It is great because it comes with everything needed to set it up and hang in it 

(2 steel carabiners, 2 hanging ropes, and an attached storage bag). 

Two people can lay in the hammock (up to 450 lbs).

This hammock is made of strong parachute nylon material.
It measures 107" X 55" (or 270 cm x 140 cm).

It is lightweight and perfect for taking on a hike or anywhere you might want to enjoy an adventure.

#hikingsolutions

I was able to purchase this item at a discounted price in return for my honest opinion.