Monday, March 25, 2013

Craftsy

So I have been making these quilts.

Some of you may have been asking yourself what is up with that?

Well, here's the back ground.

My Grandma Soup (Soubliere) made quilts.  I had seen some and asked about them.  She had some tops that were not finished.  She said I could have them.  :)

When She passed away in 1999 I got a box of quilt squares that were completed.  One set made by her ( little girl) and one made by her mother (Dresden).



I wanted to do my own quilt and mess that up before I touched these blocks.

Anyway, one day I got a link to Craftsy.com.

What is a Craftsy online class?

Craftsy offers online classes about all of your favorite crafty topics – taught by amazing instructors. Craftsy classes are online, so they are available to you anytime you want for as long as you want – they have no scheduled class times, so you can enjoy them entirely on your own schedule. Each class is taught by an acclaimed instructor and consists of several hours of HD-quality video content… but Craftsy classes are much more than just video! While taking a Craftsy class, you can:
  • Ask your instructor questions, upload photos, and get personalized responses
  • Participate in discussions with your classmates
  • Access supporting class materials – including patterns and helpful tips & tricks
  • Bookmark your favorite moments in the video so that you can easily re-watch them and take notes that you can refer back to anytime


They have online Craft Classes where they have short video lessons 30 to 45 minutes and all the lessons combined into a class.  This makes things so easy. They explain everything and show you how to do it.  And they have a discussion board to type questions.  The other participants and the instructors will answer all questions you may have.

I LOVED that I could look at the videos ANYTIME I wanted.  I can watch on my computer, phone or tablet.  They show you each step and you can rewind again and again until you can get it.


I found on there a class for Quilting.  It was a Block of the Month class where every month they showed you how to make 2 blocks then how to piece the quilt together, baste, quilt and Bind.

The best part of this?   This class was FREE!  I could try it out and decide if I liked it.  I fell in love.

Well after buying fabric (the hardest thing in the project) and after buying a new machine (Hubby got tired of hearing me cuss out the crappy one I had) I finally completed a quilt of my own.

As well as the BOM for 2012 I have signed up for BOM 2013.  I have also bought classes to learn how to do free motion quilting and how to a make a mystery quilt.

The mystery is onoe where they give you "clues".  You make small parts of the quilt in each leason then combine all the pieces at the end for one great looking quilt.  Can't wait to start this one.

Here are the blocks for BOM 2012



The Free Motion Quilting on the BOM Quilt






Mystery Quilt Fabrics - all I  got so far

BOM 2013 - Only January done so far

My one and only Finished quilt.  Made for FIL while in the hospital after foot amputation.  This had all the Grandkids and pictures of all the kids.  Also added "dad' and "Grandpa" quotes.


I have also downloaded a buch of patterns from the site for quilts and for my other love Crocheting.  Waiting to see if they get some more interesting stuff on paper crafts too. 

They also have classes on crocheting, kniting, sewing, cake decorating ....

Head on over and check them out Craftsy
Another Big thumbs up!!

*** all the opinions in this blog are my own.  Don't doubt me or I Kill you.   HEHE  little Jeff Dunham hummor.  ***


Cravebox

So I have been getting these boxes lately.

They are not a free service like other programs I belong to but for the $10 Shipping and Handling fee you get LOTS of fun products.

 
 
Well here is how they describe thmeselves:
 
Cravebox™ is the ultimate product discovery service. Cravebox™ delivers themed, curated boxes full of fun finds. Cool stuff that’s relevant to your interests, needs, activities and occasions. Packaged beautifully and delivered to your door.

How it works.

 Each Cravebox™ is a unique offering, with a set number of boxes. Members are notified when each new box is available, and have several days to enter a drawing for a slot.
If your entry is selected, you’ll be notified immediately, charged, and will receive your shipment in about two weeks.

 It’s hard to put a price on the fun of discovering new favorites. But it’s easy to afford. Each Cravebox™ costs just $10-$15 per box, including shipping!

Some of the boxes I have gotten.

The Zatteran Madi Gras pack.

OMG  this one they doubled EVERYTHING

Their amazing Jambalya, Spicy mustard, Red beans and rice, Creole spice, The True Lemon Tea is now my fav.   MMMmmmmm  MMMMmmmmm box is what I called it.

2 Different Axe boxes so Bill could expeience them for himself.

 
This one was full of full size products.  All the new hair products.  This picture sown 2 boxes.
 
 
Coooking Light


Look at all the yummy stuff in here.  Those that know me know that I hate coffee, but my taste tester - Beth - assured me the Tully's Dark roast was awesome and is looking to buy more.  The seasonings are great.  Kids gobbled up the fruit cups and these boxes with food do not last long.

Book and Pampering box

This one cam this weekend.  Yes that is a full size, hard cover book.  It is a Historical Romance.  I have been hooked on this type for a while, my kindle gets a workout.  They gave you a choice of 4 types of books.  The also included conditioner and lotion.  and a coupon and invitation to an online arbornne party.


They were many other boxes that I have gotten, Back to school snacks, they have a cooking light one every couple of months ...
So what do I think.  Well the fact that I keep getting them is a testement how much I like them. 

They have even sent me to search for some of these broducts so I can get more.   The Belvita Breakfast crackers are yummy and a great source of protien and fiber in the morning.  And I am already deep into my new book.

So if I have you DYING to try one of these boxes got over to Cravebox now and sign up for one of these Fab boxes and tell me what you think!

 
This one gets a BIG thumbs up.
 
***** THese are promotion boxes that I get at a slight cost.  However, this does not influence the review.  All opinions are my own,****





Monday, January 28, 2013

Salad Additions



Lean Cuisine Salad Additions
 
Dress up your lettuce with warm grilled chicken and veggies, cool dressings and ooh-la-la crunchy toppings! New, in the frozen aisle.

LEAN CUISINE® Salad Additions

Available in four delicious varieties:
  • Asian-style Chicken
  • Grilled white meat chicken, edamame, pineapple, broccoli, yellow & orange carrots
  • Sesame ginger vinaigrette
  • Crispy noodles
  • 260 calories
  • Bistro Chicken
  • Grilled white meat chicken, asparagus, yellow carrots and red peppers
  • Sweet & tangy vinaigrette with bacon
  • Crispy onion straws
  • 240 calories
  • Cranberry & Chicken
  • Grilled white meat chicken, dried cranberries, broccoli, red onions, yellow carrots and a blend of whole grains
  • Raspberry cabernet vinaigrette
  • Crunchy sesame sticks
  • 280 calories
  • Southwest-style Chicken
  • Grilled white meat chicken, black beans, sweet corn, roasted red peppers and poblano peppers
  • Chipotle ranch dressing
  • Crispy tortilla strips
  • 260 calories
Suggested Retail Price: $3.29

They were on sale at Kroger for $2 and with the Coupon  I paid $1.25.  Not bad, add some lettuce and lunch for under $2

I tried the Cranberry and Chicken first ...

Opened the box ...

There was a bag of dressing, bag of seaseme chips and a bag of Grilled white meat chicken, dried cranberries, broccoli, red onions, yellow carrots and a blend of whole grains
 
The chicken bag went into the microwave for 2 minutes then dumped it all on the lettuce 

 
Does mine look like the picture??
 

So What do I think?

Hmmm... would have just warmed up the chicken - the rest would have been better cold.  But that is me.  I am also a cold salad person.  perfer it cold opposed to warm.  With that said it was tasty.  The picture abbove is half of what was in the bag, divided it into 2 serving...ate both.  Was pretty filling.   Usually Lean cuisine meals do not fill me up but in this case I could add as much lettuce as I wanted.

Would definately purchase again.  Have another on waiting in the fridge - Southwest.

Make sure you check out the Coupon

 
****I received a free coupon from Lean Cuisine and BzzAgent in exchange for word of mouth advertising.  However, all opinions expressed in this blog are purely my own!!!****

 

Monday, December 3, 2012

Burt's Bees® Intense Hydration Face Care

One of my BzzKits

A message from our friends at Burt's Bees®:

Very simply put, we believe everything we do should be good for you, good for us, and good for all. And it's how we make tough choices every day. And we call it The Greater Good.
Good for you — Natural products that nourish your skin, body and well-being
Good for us — Company practices that create a thriving, sustainable business
Good for all — Being pioneers of sensible practices that benefit the world and being good neighbors too
To some that's a business model, but for the folks at Burt's Bees, it's a life's work, impacting everything they do. Here are some examples:
  • Natural Ingredients – Burt's Bees uses the best natural ingredients on earth and processes them in the simplest way possible. Every package clearly states the percentage of natural ingredients so you know what you're putting on your skin and lips.
  • Zero Waste to Landfill – All three of the Burt's Bees North Carolina facilities achieved zero waste to landfill in 2010 by reducing the volume of waste and finding new recycling and composting outlets. Check out the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report to read more – www.burtsbees.com/CSR.
  • Responsible Sourcing – Burt's Bees products are carefully crafted using Mother Nature's own beautiful ingredients, so you can feel good about yourself and the world around you. Learn more at www.burtsbees.com/ingredients.
  • Wild for Bees – Bees aren't just in the company name. They're part of Burt's Bees history, culture and future, too. And guess what? Bees are in trouble. Learn what Burt's Bees is doing to help and how you can do your part at www.wildforbees.com.
  • No Animal Testing – Burt's Bees isn't just worried about protecting bees. They believe in preserving the rights of all animals, which is why they don't test on them.
  • Innovative Packaging – Burt's Bees is always working to use less or more efficient packaging, innovating to find more sustainable materials and ensuring packaging has an environmentally sensitive end-of-life...and even a second life.

Now that you're ready to love your skin like never before, it's probably time to meet the entire Intense Hydration Face Care line. Check out this helpful section outlining the new skin care regimen:

The Burt's Bees® Intense Hydration Face Care line:
  • Clinically proven to intensely hydrate dry skin
  • Helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles
  • Is dermatologist-tested and noncomedogenic
  • Is 99% natural
  • Enhanced with probiotic technology
  • Can be found in mass retailers (like Target or Wal-Mart), drug stores, grocery stores and natural health food stores nationwide
Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser
  • Provides intense hydration and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles*
  • Leaves skin feeling soft, supple and revitalized
  • Removes dirt, oil and makeup
  • Rinses easily without leaving a residue
  • Costs $9.99
Intense Hydration Day Lotion
  • Provides intense hydration for a revitalized appearance
  • Leaves your dry skin feeling soft and supple
  • Absorbs quickly thanks to a non-greasy formula
  • Costs $17.99
Intense Hydration Eye Cream
  • Helps increase skin's ability to retain moisture and reduce fine lines and wrinkles for a revitalized look*
  • Leaves the delicate skin around your eyes feeling soft and supple
  • Absorbs quickly thanks to a non-greasy formula
  • Costs $17.99
Intense Hydration Night Cream
  • Replenishes moisture while you sleep — wake to skin that feels soft, supple and revitalized
  • Provides intense hydration and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Absorbs quickly thanks to a rich, non-greasy formula
  • Costs $17.99
Intense Hydration Treatment Mask
  • Clinically proven to provide immediate, intense hydration**
  • Leaves skin looking revitalized
  • Easy to apply — goes on wet and stays wet; wipe off with a tissue or washcloth
  • Costs $17.99
I received the Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser, Intense Hydration Night Cream, and Intense Hydration Treatment Mask.

I have been using these ever since.  I LOVE burt bees.  First of all they are all natural ingredients and are great for my skin.  I always thought they were high priced but after using the products they are worth every penny. 

The Cream Cleanser is not too rough on my skin and has the right balance to keep my skin hydrated and not too oily to cause it to break out.

The night cream is also not greasy and leaves my skin smooth,

At first it is really weird lathering on the Treatment mask but it quickly soaks into the skin and hydrates with out being too oily.

 
 
Burts Bee Products have never disappointed and this is one of the great ones.

****I received these as samples to try in exchange for word of mouth advertising.  However, all opinions expressed are my own and in no way influenced by the free products. ******




Sunday, November 18, 2012

NYC New York Color Individual Eyes Color Compact

 
 
Another addition from my Beauty Vox Box

I received the one for Brown Eyes

NYC New York Color's all-in-one compact gives you everything you need for a complete eye look: primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing shadows. With four vibrant colors designed for your eye color, you can create a look as individual as you are!

Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style, and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!

SPOTTED: $4.99 at chain drugstores nationwide

The different colors:
 
What did I think?

Well.  I liked the primer and foudation that comes in the pack.  It allows the shadow to set and stay longer. Also removes those yucky bags. The color for me could have been more.  I got the brown eyes one and mostly gave a natural look.

 
Same picture as one for lashes had eye shadow on too.
 
I like more dramatic shadowm  I would have went with the one for smokey brown eyes.  Mine are hazel and have some green and gold in them and I like more purples in my shadow.  Personal preference.
 
I would definately use the product again and liked the looks.  The price can't be beat either!
 

****I received a compact in exchange for word of mouth advertising.  All opinions expressed are my own and the facts from the product site.   ****
 

 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Kiss® Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit

More fun stuff from my Beauty Vox Box
 
 
I have to admit when I saw these I laughed.  I waited till halloween to try them and was surprisingly impressed.
 
 
 
Made from highest quality human hair. Use with Kiss adhesive for optimal results. Latex free, odor free, waterproof, flexible formula for 24hr hold, easy applicator.
 
SPOTTED: $4.99 at Walgreens
 
Ever tried applying eyelashes but became frustrated when they didn’t position correctly? Only to remove them and start over? Kiss Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit provides everything you need for amazing lashes instantly! Each kit includes 1 pair of Eyelashes, 1 3g Adhesive,and 1 PRO Lash Applicator. The new PRO Lash Applicator allows for a flawless application every time! Kiss lashes come in a variety of styles that are perfect for everything from day wear to a formal evening event.

To Use: Simply apply glue to the lash band and let set for 30-60 seconds for adhesive to become slightly clear and tacky. Using the PRO Lash Applicator, apply lashes along the natural lash line. Hold, allowing adhesive to dry completely. Do the same to the second eyelash. Both lashes have a perfect fit!
 
Look at all the different thicknesses.
 
And wouldn't these be cool for a party?
 
 
 
I saw these and laughed and laughed.  Who wears fake lashes?
 
Well it was almost halloween so I thought that would be a good time to look like a fool.
 
I got dressed in black.  Put on my cat costume and the lashes. 
 
Putting them on were easier than I thought.  Put a little glue around edge.  Let sit to get  a little tacky then line up with edge of eye.  Now I will not lie this was tricky. One they stuck they stuck.  They did not look lopsided but may have been.  Be carefull puting them on.
 
I was surpised how good and natural they looked.
These pictures were taken after running around the neighborhood wit hte kiddos begging for candy, my makeup is coming off and the lighing is horid but to get the idea of the lashes I will post.
 
Both Lashes
 
 
 
One on and one off

 
 
 
 
These were really easy to peel off and you can use them again and again
 
Now would I use them again?  I can see me putting them on for going out.
 
Would I buy more?  Probably not. 
 
 
They were fun and they do look good but I am just not that into them.  Depends on the girl ;)
 
 
 
***the Kiss Pro Lash Starter Kits was sent to me as a product sample to try.  All opinions herein are truthfull and my own.  ****