PITS! Natural Deodorant by Taylor's + Giveaway

Disclaimer: Product was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

It's been a while since I've stopped using store-bought deodorant and I'm not going back. All thanks to my favorite natural deodorant from Taylor's - PITS! It does sound a bit comical but this product is the real deal. Even the natural deodorants you buy at the store don't compare.

What's in It?

The list of organic ingredients used include:

• Shea butter
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Deodorizing herbal blend (calendula, rosemary, chamomile, lemon balm, and comfrey root)
• Hawaiian macadamia and coconut oil
• Baking soda (aluminum-free)
• Arrow root

The essential oils used to give the deodorant their fantastic scent depends on which variety you get. The one I currently use is Rose Vanilla which is made with pure vanilla bean extract and rose geranium essential oil.

Picture from Taylor's Pure and Natural website

The deodorant gives up to 18 hours of protection and absorbs quickly. Plus, you won't get that gunky residue that mass-made deodorants leave behind. No need to scrub your underarms off to get rid of it.

What Else Makes It Special?

-Not tested on animals

-Vegan

-Made in Hawaii

-No harsh chemicals or additives

-Plastic-free

-Made with Love ❤

It can also be used to keep stinky feet not-so-stinky. It might even help soften them!

Check out the other amazing products Taylor's Pure and Natural shop carries, including BALM! Baby. 
There is currently a holiday sale in which you can get 10% off the entire shop. :)

Enter below to win a jar in the scent of your choice!

Open to US only

Giveaway ends 12/29

Entry-Form

One Lucky Veteran Will Win a 7-Eleven Franchise

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 7-Eleven Franchising. All opinions are 100% mine.

Can you imagine one day getting a call stating that you've won a 7-Eleven Franchise? It may sound crazy but one military veteran will be that lucky recipient! 

A deserving U.S. Military veteran will have the chance to own a 7-Eleven franchise by submitting an application at OPERATION: TAKE COMMAND. The contest will then be narrowed down to 10 contestants who will create videos promoting why they should win the store. Once these ten contestants are chosen, America will vote for their favorite video. The voting will be held on Facebook.

Over 50,000 vets have found employment in the franchise industry in the past year. It's no wonder why winning a 7-Eleven store is the perfect way to fulfill a veteran's dream.

Voted Best for Veterans Franchise

7-Eleven has a history of supporting veterans and creating jobs for them. In fact, the President and CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc, Joe DePinto, is a military veteran himself!
Did you know that 5,608 U.S. veterans have become franchise owners? In the past four years 203,890 new vets and military spouses have started franchising careers.

But Wait!

7-Eleven is not just going to hand over a store and call it a day. Not at all! Here are some helpful facts regarding 7-Eleven franchising:

• You get extensive training support from franchise professionals
• It's turnkey - store, land, and equipment will be provided
• A gross profit split means 7-Eleven is invested in your success
• Start-up is fast (3-6 months) and 7-Eleven will be there every step of the way

Contest Details

Veterans can follow these simple steps to enter the contest:

1. Enter by filling out the form at OPERATION: TAKE COMMAND
2. Be sure to apply by January 25, 2015
3. Finalists will be announced in March 2015
4. Create an impressive video explaining why you should be the winner

Remember - don't be shy when making your videos. Get creative and let 7-Eleven know how you'd make the best business owner and how much you have done to protect our nation.

Finalist videos will be posted on the 7-Eleven Franchise Facebook page. Once America votes, the top 3 contestants will be flown to Dallas for a final interview. The fortunate winner will be announced on April 13, 2015!

Every veteran has a chance to win. Don't pass up this opportunity!

Good luck to everyone who enters the contest. I cannot wait to see your videos.

Thank you for serving our country.

Trees for Troops Christmas Tree Program + a Giveaway

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of FedEx. Gift baskets have been provided in exchange for a review and for a giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.

FedEx has teamed up with the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation once again to deliver real Christmas trees to service members stationed across the United States and overseas, free of charge.

This year marks the 10th year that the program has been running. In the next few weeks, FedEx will be delivering 17,000 Christmas trees to over 60 military bases located in the U.S. and overseas. That's a lot of trees!

Trees for Troops is part of FedEx Special Delivery, a nationwide program that supports local organizations by donating transportation services and other assistance to help them fulfill their missions. Since the Trees for Troops program launched in 2005, FedEx has shipped more than 139,000 real Christmas trees to service members and their families.
I've never had a real Christmas tree before so I think next year we'd love to participate in this program. Thank you Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and FedEx!
How You Can Get Involved You can support Trees for Troops through your tax-deductible donation or by becoming a sponsor. The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Your tax-deductible charitable contribution will help those in service to their country and their families receive a Real Christmas Tree and keep the spirit of a traditional Christmas celebration alive.
For updates and event photos, check out the Trees for Troops Facebook page.

FedEx has generously offered to give away a gift basket filled with popular holiday gifts. I don't know what these gifts are - it's a mystery! All I know is that the gift basket is valued at $100. ;)

Giveaway is open to US residents only and ends 12/16.

Entry-Form

Natural Baby Giveaway! (US 12/18)

Pamper your baby with this Natural Baby Giveaway hosted by Green Scene Mom! Featuring Eco-friendly and natural products designed to make life easier and be kind to the earth. Each of these brands meet practical needs with their innovative products and many were designed by Mom Entrepreneurs who were problem solving for their own families. Enter to win this great prize pack!

Giveaway Prizes

Buti-Pods 6 pack - $36
Buti-Pods were designed by a mom who was tired of needing wipes just to have nothing better than a dry napkin to help! They are the affordable way to buy wipes in bulk instead of repeatedly buying expensive disposable travel packs. The slim zippered design keeps air circulation to a minimum, thus allowing your wipes to stay moist for when you need them most! Featuring a super-thin, soft, feather-light material, Buti-Pods are easy to carry in any bag or pocket, or even in your car's glovebox, for when you really need those wipes to be wet! Shop @ butibag.com.


Bundle Organics juices 6 pack - $36
Bundle Organics juices are designed especially for expecting and new moms. The juices are made with USDA organic fruits and veggies, and fortified with OBGYN-recommended nutrients that complement daily prenatal vitamins. Shop @ bundleorganics.com.



PunkinLinks/PunkinSnaps - $19
PunkinLinks are 'C' shaped allowing you to link several together and connect toys to carseat, stroller, playmate, or any other baby gear! PunkinSnaps are an oval shaped with a clasp. These are great to use alone or in conjunction with PunkinLinks, they offer an added security to keep things attached. Shop @ punkinsolutions.com.



1 bar of Honey Oatmeal Soap - $6
Mindful Soap makes 100% natural, handcrafted soaps and body creams. This honey oatmeal bar is made with gluten free oats and raw, unfiltered honey. It's especially good for sensitive and problem skin and has been known to help clear up skin rashes and eczema. Scented with therapeutic-grade essential oils of clove, cinnamon, and orange, this soap is safe for the entire family. Shop @ mindfulsoap.com.

Yummi Pouch Reusable Food Pouches set of 6 - $15
Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches combine style and convenience in an Eco-friendly container you can fill with homemade smoothies and blended snacks! Yummi Pouches are easy to fill and clean through the top zipper opening and are great for taking healthy snacks on the go. Shop @ yummipouch.com.

Enter to win this Amazing Prize Set!

This giveaway is open to United States entries who have a US mailing address.

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Vanilla Lavender Body Scrub + a Giveaway

Disclaimer: The product reviewed in this post was provided free from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. The honest review and opinions are my own.

The folks at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas believe that, when it comes to holiday gifting, it truly is the thought that counts, and what could be more thoughtful than a handmade gift?
DIY holiday gifts are as fun to make as they are to give. Plus, there are lots of ways to customize them!
______
Here are some unique packaging tips Neilsen-Massey Vanillas shared with me to give handmade gifts an extra-special touch:

• Package homemade biscotti, cookies, or even body products in vintage tins or jars. A beautiful container is an additional gift that the recipient can keep long after the handmade gift is gone.

• Instead of using traditional wrapping paper or gift bags, wrap boxes in craft paper and decorate with pens and markers. Wrap jars and bottles in fabric, burlap, or a pretty kitchen towel and secure it with colorful striped baker’s twine. 

• Attach a Christmas ornament to the outside of the package in lieu of a traditional gift tag. Ornaments can be treasured for years to come.

• Include a hand-written note or card with the recipe for your gift – it is the gift that keeps on giving!

Homemade skincare products are a hit when it comes to gift-giving. I don't know anyone who doesn't like sugar scrubs.

This recipe for Vanilla Body Scrub from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, included below, is the perfect gift for friends, sisters, daughters, or anyone who deserves a bit of pampering this holiday season. Fragrant Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar gently exfoliates while olive oil moisturizes, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and rejuvenated.

Vanilla Body Scrub

• 1 cup Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar 
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 or 2 drops of an essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, ect.)
• Decorative, waterproof container

Directions:

Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Spoon into a decorative, waterproof container. Wrap in decorative paper.

Instructions for use: Apply a small amount to damp skin while in shower or bath. Gently scrub skin with a soft washcloth. Rinse thoroughly.

Making this body scrub was extremely easy and fun! I used a few drops of lavender essential oil and even added lavender buds to the mix. It smells delicious. I tested it out on my hands and they were really soft afterward. It is very exfoliating so I had to be gentle or else I would have scrubbed my skin off.

Note: The Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla sugar is Kosher, Gluten-Free Certified, All-Natural, Allergen-Free and GMO-Free.

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Want to create your own scrub for the holidays?

Enter to win a 8.5 oz bottle of Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar! (ARV $17.95)

Open to US only. Giveaway ends 12/10.

Entry-Form

Nuby No-Spill Printed Flip-it Cup and Fun Feeding Bowl Review + a Giveaway!

Disclaimer: The products reviewed in this post were provided free from Nuby. The honest reviews and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

My 2-year old was so excited when he saw some Nuby products on the counter. He immediately wanted me to pour him a drink in his new No-Spill Nickelodeon Printed Flip-it Cup and put some snacks in his new bowl. I didn't know he'd get so happy over a cup and a bowl but he was elated!
No-Spill Flip-It Cup The 10oz cup features a leak-proof straw which you can take apart for easy cleaning. The cap can be flipped closed to allow children to "hide" the straw which helps to keep dirt and germs away.

• BPA-free
• Perfect for taking on-the-go
• Nickelodeon characters printed on cups
• Soft and flexible silicon straw

Easy open & close

No-Spill

Fun Feeding Bowl The Nuby Fun Feeding bowl is available in a variety of bright colors. It's just the right size and can be used for any snack or meal - warm or cold. The bowl is also lightweight and BPA-free.

These Nuby products are available at the following retailers: Amazon - Cup | Bowl BuyBabyDirect Meijer Kmart

Nuby products make fun stocking stuffers! Enter below to win a No-Spill Flip-It Cup or Fun Feeding Bowl.

There will be two winners (one winner for each item) *Giveaway ends 11/27* *Open to US residents only*

Entry-Form

InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask & Age-Defying Moisturizer

Does your mane need help looking and feeling healthier? I'd say try InstaNatural's Argan Oil Hair Mask and see how it works for your tresses. It deep conditions, restores, and strengthens. I have been using it for about a month now and am very happy with the results. Silky smooth hair!

The super hydrating and nourishing ingredients include Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Japanese Green Tea, Amino Acid Complex, and Vitamin B5.
You can use it as a daily conditioner or use it once a week.
Directions:

Apply hair mask to clean towel-dried damp hair. Use your hands and fingers to evenly distribute a generous amount beginning at the scalp and working towards the ends. Leave treatment in for 5 to 15 minutes and then rinse. Use once or twice a week.

The hair mask has a pleasant scent. I couldn't really describe what it reminded me of until I asked my husband who says it smelled similar to root beer.

Hair Selfies:

Age-Defying Moisturizer

InstaNatural's Age-Defying Moisturizer is 98% natural and is like the Argan Hair Mask for your face and body. It contains many nourishing ingredients and improves the skin.

• Contains no parabens, sulfates, or alcohol
• Helps improve damaged skin by moisturizing
• Anti-aging - minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Hydrates, tones, and improves skin texture

This moisturizer can also be used on your hands and body and is safe for all skin types.

Since I have oily skin, I use it sparingly. You can still use it daily if you have oily skin but I choose not to. I might be using it more during the colder months to keep my skin hydrated.

I love that it has a pump (less mess).

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Note: Both links are my affiliate links

Argan Oil Hair Mask

Age Defying Moisturizer

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.