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.

#Meagoes CAR CHARGER

I don't have 1,000 apps on my phone, but my cell phone battery seems to run out super fast. I don't go anywhere in my car if I don't have a charger with me (just in case).

I also seem to go through a lot of charging cords. This set from Meagoes has a short, flat charging cord that has lasted much longer for me. 

This charger has a blue light that shines so you don't have trouble plugging in the USB cords in the dark. It also has two slots to charge two different devices. This is fabulous for me because I can charge my phone and if I have a passenger, I have a space to offer them as well. Everybody wins.

Here are some specs for all of you tech peeps:

- Input: DC 12-24V; 

- Output(port1): DC 5V, 2.4A; 

- Output(port2): DC 5V, 2.4A; 

- Max Output: 30W, 4.8A; 

- Cable Length: 3.3ft(1M);

This kit is great for your apple products. If you use other Android devices, you can still use the USB charging device, but need another cord. #Meagoes

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

#readyforliftoff at THE LEONARDO - GIVEAWAY

Looking for something cool to do if you live in or are traveling through Utah?

Check out The Leonardo Museum's newest exhibit, Flight!

Flight isn't a traveling exhibit like you might have seen at Body Worlds, Mummies of the World, or Dead Sea Scrolls. Instead, it is a semi-permanent exhibit that will be on display for the next few years.

The museum is called The Leonardo and flight was one of Leonardo da Vinci’s biggest passions...so it is only fitting.

Part of the exhibit is a giant C-131 aircraft. The aircraft is so large that they had to take off part of the wall of the building to get it into the museum. It is a real plane the flew military dignitaries just after WWII.

Q:What is cooler than having a giant plane in the museum?

A: Actually being able to climb into the cockpit and push buttons. You can also slide out of the back of it on a giant slide!

You can also see a real-life rocket pack (just like they use in the movies), three hyper-realistic flight simulators provided by Rockwell Collins, and a few additional treats I can't tell you about because I don't want to spoil the surprise. 

HOW CAN YOU SEE THIS NEW EXHIBIT???

They are asking for donations for the museum HERE.

- $5 donation will get you a $13 ticket.

- $30 gets you 4 tickets to the exhibit, bomber hat and goggles, and a treat at the cafe.

- $50 or more gets you 4 tickets to their PRE-OPENING (invitation only) event on August 5, 2016 at 1pm, access to the exhibit before it opens for the general public, tickets to an exclusive paper airplane party (flying airplanes off the top of library square), and you can come watch a real live skywriter.

MORE COOL NEWS...

I have the opportunity to offer a Family Pass to my readers. Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Leonardo is located at 209 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Get #readyforliftoff.

THE LIFE WE NEVER EXPECTED - GIVEAWAY

It's summer time and what is better than reading a good book by the pool while you're on vacation?!

Life can be crazy. I've written about that a few times and we all know it because we experience it. What do we do about it? This is a story about Andrew and Rachel Wilson's life as two of their children were diagnosed with recessive autism. It tells about their brutally honest highs and lows with raising children with special needs. They share stories of encouragement and hope throughout the book and remind us that God is always there for us. This book is a touching read that will let you know that WE ALL have struggles. None of us are perfect. Situations in life might not be what we expected or go exactly as planned, but that doesn't mean it is bad. There is always hope and reading this will make you feel that comfort.

The Life We Never Expected by Andrew and Rachel Wilson is available in kindle and paperback versions. The paperback book is 160 pages and is light so you can carry it in your purse or computer bag without taking up too much space.

Want to win a copy of this book for yourself or someone you know?!

Enter on the rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#lifeweneverexpected #FlyBy

 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.”

4TH of JULY in Los Angeles

I'm in L.A. with my Czech family right now which means I get to be in America for the 4th of July which happens to be my second favorite holiday. (Insert happy dance).

The backyard of the house we are staying in has a great view of the Hollywood hills.

I made sure to buy American flag clothing for everyone to wear.

We spent a fun day at the pool

with red, white, and balloon fun.

William is the new grill master and cooked up a yummy BBQ feast.

We ate and listened to some patriotic music.

Then around 8:30PM, fireworks started going off like crazy all across the valley.

I wish you could see the fireworks in this picture better. It was amazing. I have never seen so many firework displays going off at one time all throughout L.A.

We had a great view on top of Mulholland Drive.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

#unashamed BOOK from #FlyBy GIVEAWAY

Life is good. It used to be really good. I remember saying I was "luckier than a rabbit's foot." Then I had a rough few weeks and things just didn't seem to get any better. I felt a lot of emotions including: anger, hurt, loneliness, and sadness. I found myself crying sometimes because I don't hate people, but I had a lot of hate in my heart and it was hard for me. But I know life is still good. One bad day (or a couple of bad years) doesn't make a bad life. 

I was given the opportunity to read the book Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame by Heather Davis Nelson. She is a writer, counselor, and speaker.

and speaker.

This book offers hope for those struggling under the burden of shame. It talks about the things that leave us feeling worthless and rejected and reminds us that God promises to forgive and help us through tough times. The book helped me remember that God loves us no matter what. Shame is everywhere and we will ALL experience it, but we can overcome it. 

You can purchase this book in kindle or paperback versions HERE. It is an easy read with 192 pages. Do you want to win a copy of this book for yourself or someone you know who might need a little extra hope? Enter on the form 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.