Thursday Thoughts

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate/referral links*

I am linking up again this week with Jen over at Ramblings of a Suburban Mom!

I am dying to go on some type of vacation. This summer weather has me in the beach mood! I think we may try out Kitty Hawk, NC this month, maybe? We have never been there and it looks beautiful. They have a really nice pier for fishing too, D and J would love that! 

Photo Credits: Oceanfronthotels.com

J learned to somewhat swim yesterday! He had only been getting in the water if we were holding on SUPER tight to him. Yesterday he was ready, we let go once (with his safety suit on) and then tried it one more time and he was golden. He actually REFUSED to let us hold him! Now, we can really enjoy swimming! I HIGHLY recommend this life vest, Stearn's Kids Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket, to anyone with a small child. It has been our saving grace. J feel safe in it and is swimming after only what, 2-3 weeks?! That is crazy! I had worried he would never swim! BEST MONEY EVER SPENT. I would buy it all over again!

D has made it into the next phase of his potential job!! Now just a few more steps left, fingers crossed!!!!

I was reading Jen's post and found out that you can use your Bergdorf Goodman giftcode from Glossybox at Neiman Marcus too! Now I have two places to shop!!! Make sure to go through Ebates and get 4.0% back from each store! If have not created an Ebates account, you can click here, they offer cash back for thousands of stores when you online shop. I always check when ordering, just in case! 

We FINALLY got around to doing the Pear Canvas Painting set (this one is a little different, but even cuter I think!), from the Skip Hop Elephant Plate & Bowl Citrus Lane Mystery Box. Sign up for Citrus Lane here. I wanted to do something other than the actual hand print. So, I picked out the colors in J's room (blues, red, greens) and put them on a plate. I then took painting tape and went straight across the blank canvas. After that I let J go to town painting everywhere. I let it dry over night and pulled the tape off. I think it looks pretty cool and he was amazed at what he had created!!! 

Tape is on and J is painting away.

The final results!

Finally, in the next 1-2 weeks some shows will start coming back on! Yes, I know I watch a ton of crazy shows haha!

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo will start back up on June 19th. When this show first started I thought it was a bunch of junk, but when I actually watched it I liked it! Anna is getting married to Michael this season and the pictures are beautiful!

Photo Credits: mhsmustangnews.com

Switched at Birth will be back on June 16th. Two girls are switched at the hospital at birth, 16 years later they find out and find each other. I am very excited to see how the show plays out this season!

Photo Credits: redandblack.com

The Fosters will also have their new season premeir on June 16th. This show is produced by Jennifer Lopez. The show reflected the "modern American day family" and the struggles they face. This family has two moms, one biological/step child and 4 adopted children and plenty of love to go around. I love this show, possibly my favorite. 

Photo Credits: imdb.com

How is your week going? Any fun plans with this warm weather finally coming in?

Cate & Chloe May

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate/referral links*

I received my 2nd package for the month of May yesterday! I always love opening my stuff from Cate & Chloe!

Cate & Chloe, VIP Membership,  is a jewelry membership. For $39.99 a month you receive at least $200 worth of jewelry. It ships 2 times a month. I love receiving packages every 15 days versus every 30.

The package ships in a plain old white padded envelope, it keeps the pretty inner package in shape!

I love the time Cate & Chloe take to make sure their package is beautiful. Taking the time to tie this bow really lets me know they care about this subscription!

The information card gives details of the name, price, and description of the item. This month I received April "Open Up" Pearl Necklace. I was very excited to open this! I love pearls on a neckalace. The retail value of this item was $109.00. I also like how the products that are sent are available on their website as well, they are not old items they did not sell.

The box is pretty standard. But, cute still.

I LOVE THIS NECKLACE. Seriously, it is beautiful. I will wear it a ton. I am going to pop it on another chain because I prefer a tid bit longer length. I went online to find this product, but it is not called April "Open Up" Pearl Pendant Necklace it seems I received the wrong item. The item I should have received looks like this. I think the piece I winded up getting is called the Kimberly "Bright" Pearl Pendant Necklace. 

That one is a more elegant piece, I still like the one I received. I would be happy with either!

Here is an up close image. I love the cream/tan colored pearl. It is so unique. 

These are the contents of the second package I received for the month. The addition of the cute tissue paper really makes a difference. It shows the company cares.

The information card I received stated I received the Linda "Pretty" Rose Gold Bracelet. The retail value is $125.00. I like bracelets but I am a bit picky. I do really like rose gold, and have my fingers crossed for a great hit.

I am in different about this. At first I really liked it, but the white accent in the front is not my favorite. The more I look at it the less I like it. When I put the bracelet on, it fit a little funny. It was hurting my wrist bones. Cate & Chloe offers a 100% guarantee, if you are not happy you can exchange it! I emailed them and am waiting to hear back.

I can see other people loving this piece, I really wish I did too!

The value I received this month was $234.00 ($359 including my welcome gift) . I only paid $39.99 for this! 

The Cate & Chloe VIP Membership is $39.99 a month, and you received a value of WAY more than that! The first month you sign up, you will receive a special welcome gift valued at $100+. If you are interested in signing up, click here. 

Sunday Staples

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Our week has been a more laid back week (which I am NOT complaining about). We have been hanging out and falling in love with new products. 

I ordered D the Ninja Ultima Kitchen System this past week. The expected delivery date was for 3 weeks..... I can't keep a surprise that long! Well, I received a tracking code and it will be here TOMORROW!!! Woo hoo!! We have used the older versions of the Ninja and love it. Normally we just make our smoothies in a cheap $8 Black Friday bullet type blender we bought 3 years ago. I have watched a bunch of Youtube videos and this thing is a machine! I will do a review on it once we have used it for a bit. 

I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of The Honest Life by Jessica Alba in my Honest Company Mother's Day Gift Box. I like her as an actress but never thought anymore of it. After reading this book, I love her. Seriously, what she does for her family to keep them as healthy and organic as possible is amazing. For anyone who wants to try going organic or just wants to get more information about it, read this book, honestly. She really breaks it down and tells you what chemicals are bad for you and why. Also, she goes into what foods/products to buy organic or local or it really doesn't matter. I am buying another copy of this to keep in my purse for my go to guide. Our family tries to buy about 90% of everything organic or locally grown with no pesticides or herbicides. This book has helped me to understand what things won't hurt to bend on.

J of course is still into baseball, all the time. We recently picked him up a Tee, it is super tiring throwing a baseball ALL DAY LONG. I really like this thing, it is one that would be used on a T-ball team and is getting J adjusted to it. I highly recommed buying this tee here, if your kids are into T-ball, it was a really good purchase for us!!

How was your week? Any new products you're in love with?!

Glossybox May Bergdorf Goodman

My Glossybox FINALLY came Friday. Seriously, everyone had theres a long time ago, so glad to get mine! This month they were doing a collaboration with Bergdorf Goodman. I ordered 3 additional boxes as well.

Glossybox is $21.00 a month. The box sends 5 or more luxury beauty items. This month there were 6. This month there were 15 different products available that Glossybox would choose 6 of to send in the boxes. I ordered a total of 4 boxes in hopes of gettting many different products!

I received all of the boxes and every single box was exactly the same. I was really hoping to get different options! Oh well, there were still great products in the boxes I received.

Super cute outside of the box! A little beat up, but glad it is just the outter box.

The inner box was a beautiful light purple and not dented at all!

Definitly saving this box for a birthday present or something. Super cute box!

The $25.00 gift code was on the top, so happy! The box was only $21.00 ($15.00 for each gift box) and the gift code was worth $25.00 so you got the box for free plus $4.00!!! They can be combined also since they are like a gift card. 

The information was great. It showed what products should be included and the prices of the full sized product.

I liked what I saw when I opened the box. It was a fair bit of product and they were pretty big sizes! 

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer ($13.50): I am very excited about this item! I use primers and I think this one will be wonderful. It looks amazing, and I will probably buy more!

 Iluminage Skin Prep Gentle Cleanser ($2.50): This is pretty nice. I will use it when traveling but I don't think I will buy a large one.

Alterna CAVIAR CC Cream ($8.33):  I have never used a CC cream, but I love leave in hair cream and I bet this will work great. I will likely buy more!

ReVive Intensite Volumizing Eye Serum ($70.00): Holy Smoke! That is some expensive stuff!! I can't wait to use it and hope it really works! It is a little too expensive to buy more of though!

Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue ($20.00): I REALLY like this. I normally stay far away from floral scents. But, this isn't too strong. I thought it was so-so in the bottle. When I put it on, it reacted with my skin very well. It smells amazing on! I will be getting more of this!

 Lancer Eye Contour Lifting Cream ($31.67): I am already using something for my eyes. So I will pass this onto someone else. I am thinking it is a great product though? Smells nice.

I forgot to take a picture of mine individually!

My total value for my May Glossybox is $171.00. Seriously, AMAZING! These products were great sizes that I can use them for a while and have gift codes to use to buy more with! I am really happy I grabbed these boxes and would do it again! I wish I received different products in each box, but that's okay. I really enjoyed this collaboration!

If you are interested in signing up for Glossybox (I highly recommend!!!), click through my link here. They are $21.00 a month and have amazing values. Enter code "HAIR" at check out to receive a free Nioxin Hair Thickener ($50 value). 

Thursday Thoughts

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate/referral links*

I am linking with with Jen at Ramblings of a Suburban Mom today!

First, I want to start off with something that has been bugging me ALL week. I use Blogger to write my blog on, obviously. Well, it won't keep my links in my posts blue so everyone knows to click on it. I have tried everything. Highlighting and re-selecting the color, nothing. But, it is not all of my links, just about half. Which really drives me bonkers. Does anyone know how to fix this? I have searched high and low on the web for solutions. P.S. I use Safari vs. IE.

We spent more time in the pool this week. J has come a long way in being so scared. Now, he will get in the water and lay inside of an inner tube or float. I am hoping just being in the water and around it will help him get adjusted and be comfortable in the water. Does anyone have any ideas to help?!

FYI, here is a link to buy that adorable hat, Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Happy Giddy Hat ($7.14). I really like how it covers the back of his neck too. The glasses are here, Kidz Banz ($12.75). They have an adjustable fabric around them that make the comfortable, but also hold them in place! We usually have an issue with J taking regular glasses on and off all day. Finally, the life jacket, Stearn's Kids Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket, I HIGHLY recommend this. It is comfortable for kids and keeps them safe. The blow up water wings are cute but will not very safe. This holds J up and will not flip upside down and hold him under. It was so worth the money. 

We had some really scary weather last week. Tornados covering many counties around us. It was so bad it knocked over several large trees onto the neighbor's cars, pulled off people's shingles on their houses, quarter size hail, it was not fun. Anyways, we have an emergency pack all ready to go in case anything happens. I will try to do a review on what is in our pack soon. We have first aid, food, batteries, medicine, clothes, rope, radio, flashlights, you know all of the emergency stuff.

 I found this really cool radio awhile back. It is hand cranked and is a radio plus a phone charger PLUS a flash light (comes with a set of cords that fit most phones). I really like the options on this. The fact is is able to be powered through batteries, hand crank, or solar power is amazing. Another great feature is that it is not a dial radio, but digital so you do not have to fiddle with the knob trying to find a station. I need to get one for each car as well, just in case. Ambient Weather Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM/NOAA Digital Radio, Flashlight, Cell Phone Charger, this is a great item to add to any emergency pack or car for special circumstances. 

I saw these American Flag Tiny TOMS and immediately fell in love (also available in kids and adult size TOMS). They are so cute! They had been sold out of J's size, but I kept checking and they were in stock!!! Something about the red, white, and blue colors together and stars and stripes is just so fashionable to me. I can't wait for these babies to come in the mail!

 I really like how the TOMS company works, for each pair of shoes sold they donate a free pair of shoes to a child in need (now extended to One for One eyewear and each bag of coffee = week of fresh water). Free shipping on $25+ and if you use the coupon code "SUMMER15" you receive $5 off a $25+ purchase. If you go through Ebates.com and search for TOMS they tend to have the best/highest valued coupons available. Hopefully you already use Ebates! You get money back for spending money at many many online stores. I use their site all the time. 

I have not had really any boxes this week, maybe my mail lady is lost? I should have stuff coming right? Maybe I need to check my tracking.

We are in full swing of planning vacations this summer! Where are you planning on going?

Photo Credits: Beautyseaworl.blogspot.com

D should be hearing something about his potential job in the next 1-2 weeks, fingers crossed!!!

How are you enjoying this warm weather?

Citrus Lane June Pick Your Item

*Disclosure: This post contains referral links*

Citrus Lane is offering something new this month! You can pick one of the items you want in your box. I have never heard of them doing this and I am VERY excited about it!

In my box I have 4 options, they are 4 different styled wet bags. 

Option 1: Classic Mickey Wet Bag 

Option 2: Mickey Icon Wet Bag

Option 3: Monsters Wet Bag

Option 4: Winnie the Pooh Wet Bag

Or you can choose "surprise me", where Citrus Lane will randomly pick for you.

I really like this option and hope they continue it. We choose the third option of the monster bag. I really do not like cartoon characters on stuff and the monster bag was less "icony" I suppose. 

Our family really enjoys Citrus Lane. If you go through my link here, you can get your first box for 50% off. You could sign up for the monthly subscription to just give it a try. I HIGHLY recommend it. 

What option did you choose this month? Do you like the option of choosing your main item?

Citrus Lane Mystery Boxes Available

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Citrus Lane is offering mystery boxes again. I have ordered several of the mystery boxes the last few times. But, there were many items that were the same in each of boxes available. The past time they were almost all identical! I found that to be very frustrating. This time Citrus Lane has promised there will be NO overlaps in any of the mystery boxes! The items in the boxes will likely include items from previous subscription boxes. The mystery boxes are $29.00 each. They will include at least $60.00 of value per box.

Mystery Box- Mom Treat ($29.00): This box is all for mommy! It will include the Stella & Dot bracelet shown. All items will be something special for Mama. I ordered this and can't wait to get it!

Mystery Box- Baby Car ($29.00): The age range for this box is 0-12 months. It includes the Plan Toys Baby Car. I ordered this and will put away toys for later hopefully or gifts.
 

Mystery Box- Ivy & Bean Paper Dolls ($29.00): Geared for ages 2+ years old. This will include the paper dolls and other items for a toddler. I grabbed this box as well.

Mystery Box- Lace & Trace Farm ($29.00): Again aged for 2+ years old. I really liked this main item. I thought it as adorable and really work well with getting little hands to make tiny precise moves. I also purchased one of these boxes.

Mystery Box- Zebra Plate & Bowl ($29.00): I believe this will be the same box as the Skip Hops Mystery Boxes available a few weeks ago. I did not buy this because we received it in the previous mystery box order.

If you want to order these you can also enter the code "mommy20" for 20% off, you know I did!

Our family really enjoys Citrus Lane. If you go through my link here, you can get your first box for 50% off. You could sign up for the monthly subscription to just give it a try. I HIGHLY recommend it.