Julep's Maven Beauty Box!

Julep's Maven Beauty Box - Fully Customizable & Packed with Value
(*This post contains affiliate links)



Did you know that Julep's very popular monthly beauty box just got even better? Yes! Maven subscriptions can be customized to fit your style, your likes and your favorites even more now. Each month, Julep Mavens get:

• A fully customized monthly delivery of over $40 in nail polish and beauty products for $24.99 a month, or just $19.99 a month if you choose for the 3 month option
• Flexibility to try one of five beauty styles each month or upgrade to get them all
• 20% off and free shipping on other products at Julep.com
• Exclusive access to the Secret Store each month
• Early notification about special promotions like Mystery Boxes, Gift with Purchase sets and more

Not sure you want to be a Maven yet or know what style you are? Take the Maven Style Quiz and then use the code FREEBOX to get your first box free. You will be charged $2.99 for shipping and you are signing up for the monthly subscription service, however you can cancel at any time by simply contacting Julep Customer Service.
Become a Maven today!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Please do not copy, print, crop or alter this image in any way without contacting me first. Thanks!

Our Peach Blossoms Review and Giveaway!

Our Peach Blossoms Review and Giveaway!

Our Peach Blossoms Review is a sweet shop with tons of adorable hair bows! From Superheros, to My Little Pony, to Minnie Mouse,  Our Peach Blossoms has what any little girl would love to have in her hair! So many styles to choose from, plus they also custom make just what you are looking for!



We received a beautiful pink princess bow with a sweet little jewel butterfly. 

It was perfectly packaged!I love it when a company takes the time to make sure that it looks perfect right out of the box!! Makes me appreciate the time and care they took with my item!

How absolutely gorgeous is this bow??!!

This is a perfect non-slip clip!! I love this!


I love these bows.  First of all, they are so cute! And, as a mom that knows that a bow is going to have to hold up, I am thrilled at how well made this is.  It certainly will be worn a lot and treasured for a long time!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - CONGRATS DAWN!

Now for the giveaway that Our Peach Blossoms is giving away! Our Peach Blossoms is giving away a beautiful bow(choice sent by Our Peach Blossoms) to one lucky winner!! So be sure to get your entries in and check them out for your little ones's hair needs!

So, to enter, just follow the instructions below!

1(mandatory entry)Visit  Our Peach Blossoms and let me know what you love! 

2 (mandatory entry) "Heart" Our Peach Blossoms  on Etsy! (all other entries are optional, but give you more chances to win!)
*These two entries are mandatory*

3 RePin this on Pinterest(use the button below!)

4  Follow Mountain Laurel by GFC

5  Follow me on Twitter (link up above in right hand side of blog)
6  Follow me on Pinterest (link up above in right hand side of blog)
7 "TWEET" about this giveaway (use the button below!)

This giveaway begins July 29th and will end on August 19th (12:00pm EST)! Open to US only. Giveaway prize will be mailed by Our Peach Blossoms. Mountain Laurel not responsible for prize receipt. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator. Please make sure a valid email address is attached to your entries so I know who to message in case you are the winner!
Our Peach Blossoms generously provided the giveaway prize. Thank you to Our Peach Blossoms for providing me with a product to review; review was my opinion only.

Henry and Taylor Review and Giveaway!

Henry and Taylor (Sight Word Cards) Review and Giveaway!

As Homeschoolers, we are always looking for products that can make learning easier and more fun.  This is certainly one of those products!

Reading is one of those things we like to really focus on. And these cards certainly are super great to work on words!

Check out the word lists... all color coded and easy to use

These cards are amazing!  So bright and colorful!

These are on the back of the cards...love that everything is listed so nothing gets mixed up!

Ok, so my take on these cards? I LOVE THEM! They are laminated so nicely; so durable!!!  And they are the perfect size for little hands.  I also love how colorful they are...perfect for keeping the attention of the kids. Also, I really like how the "lists" are coded; so convenient for busy moms and teachers!

And the kids take? They are SO COOL!

So there you have it!  An excellent addition to any school or homeschool classroom!

Now for the giveaway that Henry and Taylor is giving away!

Henry and Taylor is generously giving away a set to one lucky reader ~ so get your entries in!

Giveaway closed - Congrats to Rebecca!

So, to enter, just follow the instructions below!

1(mandatory entry)Visit Henry and Taylor and let me know what you love! 

2 (mandatory entry) "Heart" Henry and Taylor on Etsy! (all other entries are optional, but give you more chances to win!)
*These two entries are mandatory*

3 RePin this on Pinterest(use the button below!)

4  Follow Mountain Laurel by GFC

5  Follow me on Twitter (link up above in right hand side of blog)
6  Follow me on Pinterest (link up above in right hand side of blog)

7 "TWEET" about this giveaway (use the button below!)

This giveaway begins July 28th and will end on August 18th(12:00pm EST)! Open to US only. Giveaway prize will be mailed by Henry and Taylor . Mountain Laurel not responsible for prize receipt. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator. Winner must respond within 48 hours of winning notification email. Please make sure a valid email address is attached to your entries so I know who to message in case you are the winner!
Henry and Taylor generously provided the giveaway prize. Thank you to Henry and Taylor  for providing me with products to review; review was my opinion only.

Jaxon Learns to Ski (The Adventures of Jaxon Book 1) Book Review

Jaxon Learns to Ski (The Adventures of Jaxon Book 1)by Barbara League

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Photo Credit Author  Barbara League

Jaxon is a young boy who learns that before play sometimes comes responsibilities.  Jaxon learns about being patient and reaping the rewards to learning how to enjoy every achievement leading up to the moment of learning to ski.  Jaxon knows that his parents are not only teaching him, but are supporting him every step of the way.

This book instills great values. My kids enjoyed many different details of this 

book... right down to the hot chocolate! I love the art as well, every page is just adorable.  Super 

great read for any home library. I cannot wait for new books in the series!

 You can find Jaxon Learns to Ski on Amazon

Also, today (7/26/14) You can get it for free (for the Kindle Edition) on Amazon !

  Review was my opinion only.I was not financially compensated for this post. Thank you to
Barbara League for supplying the photo!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Please do not copy, print, crop or alter this image in any way without contacting me first. Thanks!

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut Butter Pie

I love a creamy peanut butter pie in the hot summer! They are incredibly easy to make and super delicious.

Here is one that I had from a family recipe that my grandmother used.  It seems most peanut butter pie recipes are pretty much the same, but I love how simple this one is. It doesn't take many ingredients which makes is doubly easy.

So here goes!

You'll need a graham cracker crust (personally, store bought works just fine, but you can make your own if you wish).

A cup of peanut butter

A cup and a half of powdered sugar

A cup of milk

1 package of cream cream(softened)

I like to use my kitchen aid mixer to mix this really well. You want it very smooth.

Next, add one container (softened as well) of whipped topping

I mix this gently with my other ingredients in my kitchen aid(do not over mix). It makes for a smooth consistency that is super creamy.

Next, just pop in it the freezer... overnight is best.  You will want to use a warm knife to make cutting easier through the frozen pie.

Yum!

Please do not copy, print, crop or alter this image in any way without contacting me first. Thanks! . Enjoy

Izzy's Crossing children's book review

Izzy's Crossing

 Photo Credit Author Donna Zappala

Izzy's Crossing is the the story about an adorable Diamondback Terrapin Turtle. This is the sequel to WHAT KIND OF TURTLE AM I?, which is the introduction of Izzy.  In Izzy's Crossing, Izzy is about to lay her eggs, but does not know how to get there. This  wonderful story follows this cute sea creature through her adventure. Izzy meets many different animals along the way and sees many places.  Izzy uses creativity and turtle heart to find her way. 

I love how this story travels along with Izzy and teaches the kids about what happens when a turtle lays her eggs. The children can certainly relate through the adventure that the author paints through words. And I need to mention the pictures!  The illustrator paints a soft and wonderful picture to follow the story. Absolutely adorable! A definite must to any home library.

 You can find Izzy's Crossing on Facebook!
 and
You can find Izzy's Crossing on Amazon!



*Thank you to the author for sending me an e-copy to review. Thank you also to Donna Zappala for photo.
Review is my opinion only.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Please do not copy, print, crop or alter this image in any way without contacting me first. Thanks!

Bliss Soap Review and Giveaway!

Bliss Soap

I love scents. It's something that can so simply rejuvenate your senses. So I adore Bliss Soap!

I received the lilac soap and as soon as I opened the box it was shipped in it made me happy.  The smell washed over me and I knew this product would be awesome.

I love lilacs, but they just don't grow in Florida. However, the smell is unlike any other flower. It is so unique.  I don't know how, but Bliss Soap contained the scent!!!  It is wonderful.  It's not overpowering but it fills the air (and your skin!!) with a divine smell. I love the way this "suds" on my hands and gives it a wonderful clean feeling.

Also, check out this hard lotion!!

I honestly have never tried a hard lotion before. But I get terrible dry skin from working in my garden and in the winter when the air is more dry and I know for sure this will make a difference. I have never felt anything like it.  It is certainly unique.  Again, the scent is amazing. But what I really like about this vs. regular lotions is how it stays on my skin and smooths it out so quickly.  I love these products for myself and my family, however these products make amazing gifts!  I can't wait to share these with my friends!  I can just imagine making up gift baskets of these products as gifts!  How special would someone feel getting something that will rejuvenate them?!

Check out some of the other products that Bliss Soap offers!

Wouldn't this T K O soap be amazing for the man in your life?! It sounds wonderful!!

What about a lovely Sea Salt Scrub for yourself?! I can just imagine how wonderful this smells!!

I am so in love with this Coconut Cream scent! It sounds delicious!!


Giveaway Closed! Congrats Chrissy!

Now for the giveaway that Bliss Soap is giving away! Win one soap bar of choice and one hard lotion bar of choice from Bliss Soap!!

So, to enter, just follow the instructions below!

1(mandatory entry)Visit  Bliss Soap and let me know what you love! 

2 (mandatory entry) "Heart" Bliss Soap  on Etsy! (all other entries are optional, but give you more chances to win!)
*These two entries are mandatory*

3 RePin this on Pinterest(use the button below!)

4  Follow Mountain Laurel by GFC

5  Follow me on Twitter (link up above in right hand side of blog)
6  Follow me on Pinterest (link up above in right hand side of blog)

7 "Like" Bliss Soaps on Facebook

This giveaway begins July 14th and will end on August 4th(12:00pm EST)! Open to US only. Giveaway prize will be mailed by Bliss Soap. Mountain Laurel not responsible for prize receipt. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator. Please make sure a valid email address is attached to your entries so I know who to message in case you are the winner!
Bliss Soap generously provided the giveaway prize. Thank you to Bliss Soap for providing me with products to review; review was my opinion only.

Pumpkin Waffles

Pumpkin Waffles

We love waffles...  slathered in butter and syrup; maybe sometimes with some fruit on top.

These pumpkin waffles are one of our favorites that we make together. They are so easy and extraordinarily delicious.

So here's what we put together on a weekend breakfast!

2 cups of flour

 2 tb of brown sugar

 1tb of baking powder

 1 t salt

1 tb cinnamon

 1/2 t vanilla

 1/4 t ginger

 1/4 t nutmeg

 2 eggs

 1 1/2 cups of milk

 1 cup of pumpkin

 2 tb coconut oil

Mix together & cook on your waffle iron until done.

Yummy!

Please do not copy, print, crop or alter this image in any way without contacting me first. Thanks! We came up with this recipe one rainy afternoon. Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Please do not copy, print, crop or alter this image in any way without contacting me first. Thanks!

The Idea Box Kids - - Giveaway Time!

The Idea Box Kids - - Giveaway Time!

Have you read my review on The Idea Box Kids???  You can check it out HERE!

I love this shop & their super cool idea & experiment boxes!

Check out this cool Adventure Box

Inside the box, you will find 30, double-sided wooden “coins.” Each coin has different places to find and explore!  

Or how about the Summertime box???  No bored kids! Only happy, having fun little ones!

And I love, love, love this! It's a set of mini boxes!  How AMAZING would this be for birthday party favors or even for favors for kids at a wedding?!?! Not to mention they work great in the classroom!

Now for the terrific giveaway The Idea Box Kids is generously giving away!

Win your very own Idea Box!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS JoBeth!

So, to enter, just follow the instructions below!

1(mandatory entry) Explore The Idea Box Kids  and let me know what you love!   
2 (mandatory entry)  "Like"The Idea Box Kids on Facebook! (say thank you for the giveaway on Mountain Laurel if you like! I would love the shout out!)

(These 2 are mandatory... all other entries are optional, but give you more chances to win!)

3 "Heart" The Idea Box Kids  on Etsy!
4  Follow Mountain Laurel by GFC
  5  Follow me on Twitter (link up above in right hand side of blog)
6  "Share" this giveaway on Facebook (use the button below!)

7 Follow The Idea Box Kids on Twitter

 This giveaway begins July 7th and will end on July 28th(12:00pm EST)! Open to US only. Giveaway prize will be mailed by The Idea Box Kids. Mountain Laurel not responsible for prize receipt. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator. Please make sure a valid email address is attached to your entries so I know who to message in case you are the winner!
The Idea Box Kids generously provided the giveaway prize. Review was my opinion only.I was not financially compensated for this post, but did receive a science box for the original review.

Blueberry Pie

 Blueberry Pie

This is an easy (seriously) delicious pie recipe that you can throw together in a pinch.

Just grab a store bought pie crust (hey, even my great grandmother would have said that is just fine

  because there are other things you can be doing!) 

 About 3 1/2 cups of blueberries, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of sugar (granulated), an egg, a teaspoon of vanilla and about a tablespoon of flour.

Mix it all together gently but thoroughly.  Put your first crust down and then fill it with your filling!

Cut out a little lattice top for your pie, place it atop your filling then brush it with some melted butter and sprinkle a little layer of sugar (granulated).

Pop it in the over, 375 degrees for about 45 minutes (now, this will depend on your over - they are all different!)

It should come out looking delicious & tasting even better!

Please do not copy, print, crop or alter this image in any way without contacting me first. Thanks! This recipe came from trial and error making pies. Hope you Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Please do not copy, print, crop or alter this image in any way without contacting me first. Thanks!

The Idea Box Kids Review

The Idea Box Kids

As a homeschooling mom I am always on the lookout for fun and education activities. So when I found this amazing shop I was so excited! The Idea Box Kids shop has many different boxes of experiments to spark imagination and exploration.

Take a look at our Science Box

How cute is it packaged??!!

I love the excitement of my kids getting into this box!  They love to to anything related to science and fun! These boxes are filled with coins that have an idea or experiment on each side! What a great idea!

So here is the first coin that was pulled out of the box... now comes the fun!

 Looked at what they came up with ! This sparked so much conversation and creativity. They simply had a blast and learned a great deal. 

I love how the kids are able to pull out an idea from the box & we don't need any extra expensive tools to be able to learn new things and experiment! With so many boxes to choose from, and the ability to use them over again, there certainly won't be any shortage of looking for something to do!

 This a great tool to use for any type of learning!  I know we are loving using this as an addition to our curriculum but it would be amazing to use in any type of classroom setting and even birthday parties as favors!  I can't wait to try more of the boxes The Idea Box Kids has to offer!

*The Idea Box Kids generously provided me with a box for review. Review is my opinion only.