Give Dad These Wonderful Gifts from Hallmark for Father’s Day #LoveHallmark #Review #Giveaway

June 12, 2016 By Marijean

Father’s Day is coming up fast on June 19th. Sometimes it is hard for me to think of what my kids should get my husband for his special day. They love to make him crafts and things like that, but a gift of meaning is always special as well. I love Hallmark. I usually always give Hallmark gifts to my husband on Father’s Day.

I was chosen to review four Father’s Day gifts from the Ken Sheldon collection and Life is Good collection. These are wonderful gifts to give Dad. If you want to give him something unique and meaningful, check out these below gifts.

Here are the gifts I received:

Life is Good® Coffee Mug – How cute is this mug?! I love how big it is, perfect for my husband who likes to have a lot of coffee at one time! It holds 17 ounces and is dishwasher and microwave safe. Click here for more info on this cute mug for Dad!

Life is Good® Loved, Plain and Simple Multi-opening Picture Frame- I love the look of this wood and glass picture frame. It would go great with any decor. We have a picture frame obsession here in our home, so this will fit in perfectly. Put 3 pictures in this of Dad with his children and it would make a perfect Father’s Day gift. Click here for more info on this picture frame!

Love Shows the Way Decorative Tile- This reminds me so much of my husband and son when they walk together. I know my husband will love having this in his office at work. This is ceramic and includes an easel to display. Click here for more info on this Decorative Tile!

Raised On Love 6×8 Framed Art- I absolutely love this. I remember my husband helping my son with his first steps, this framed art takes me back to those memories. This is such a meaningful gift to give the special Dad in your life. Click here for more info on this framed art!

GIVEAWAY

Would the special Dad in your life love to receive these gifts? One lucky winner will receive all of them! U.S. Only, ends 6/22.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***I was given these products in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the products. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Protect Your Family This Summer With Thermacell Mosquito Repeller Bristol Lantern @usfg @ThermaCELL

June 12, 2016 By Marijean

Mosquitoes. Ugh I can’t stand them! I really think they see my children and I as yummy treats because we are always bit up like crazy! I have tried the sprays (they stink and are greasy), I have tried the repellant bracelets (either don’t work or fall off and get lost) and I have tried the clip ons (they aren’t terrible but for me still didn’t work great). What else is there to try I am always thinking? FINALLY, I heard about Thermacell and their mosquito protection products. I was excited to review one of their Lanterns for my back lanai and I was hoping (more like praying) that it would work for my family.

The Thermacell Mosquito Repeller Bristol Lantern effectively repels mosquitoes, black flies, and other biting insects by creating a 15 x 15-foot zone of protection for bug-free comfort. Its ambient light and decorative design perfectly adorn your deck or patio. Ideal for use while you are gardening, observing outdoor sporting events, and hanging around the backyard, Thermacell Lanterns have been evaluated by the EPA for safety and effectiveness.

Works with all Thermacell repellent mats and refills
Includes: Thermacell Bristol Lantern, 3 Original repeller mats, 1 butane cartridge
Requires 3 AAA-batteries (not included)

Thermacell products are effective in warding off biting insects. The repellent creates a 15 x 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes, black flies and other flying insects. Thermacell products have been recognized by leading entomologists and outdoor writers as the solution to making outdoor activities enjoyable.

What I especially like about the Patio Shield Lantern is that it doesn’t have a flame. I don’t have to worry about the kids touching the flame, or it knocking over and causing a fire. It has no odor either which is great, to me the on going smell of citronella just makes me nauseous sometimes! I have a 7×15 Lanai and I had the lantern on when I was sitting outside and didn’t get bit at all by any mosquitoes. It lights up nice and bright for a small lantern.

This is definitely a great lantern to have handy when you are outside with your family. It has really worked for us, we have been outside every night with it for a week now and haven’t had any bites at all. I highly recommend this!

Connect with Thermacell: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

My readers get to save! 20% off Thermacell Products! – Use code “FamilyGuide2016” at checkout on Thermacell.com for 20% off your order of $40 or more!

**I was given a product in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the product. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Experience Delicious Coffee with the iCoffee Opus Single Serve Brewer @iCoffee

June 10, 2016 By Marijean

Coffee is a must in my house. I drink at least 2-3 cups a day and my husband drinks much more since he works an off shift. We need a good home coffee maker that makes exceptionally tasty coffee. I have had a Keurig brewer in the past and loved it at the time, but we prefer the just brewed taste so we sold it and went back to a traditional coffee maker. I have missed the 1 cup machine though, I always loved the convenience of just popping a K-cup in and that is it.

I had the chance to review the iCoffee Opus Single Serve Brewer. I heard that the coffee brewed from this machine is a lot better tasting than coffee brewed from the new Keurig 2.0, so I was excited to give it a try!

The SpinBrew™ Technology in every iCoffee^® single serve brewer spins, steams and stirs right inside any K-compatible cup to brew coffee that always tastes Impossibly Smooth™.

All iCoffee^® single serve brewers are compatible with every K-Cup®, OneCup™, RealCup™ capsule, and all private label cups**.

Exclusive SafetyLock™ locks the single-serve brew head during the brewing process, protecting consumers.

FEATURES

SpinBrew™ Technology
- – Spins, steams & stirs inside the cup
Dial-a-Brew™
- – From 4 to 12 ounces in ½ ounce increments
Large 75 ounce water reservoir
Energy Saver mode and automatic shut-off
Removable drip tray allows for larger mugs, including most travel mugs

BREWER SIZE & WEIGHT

Size: 13 1/8″ (H) x 10″ (W) x 13 1/8″ (D)
Weight: 10.75 lbs

This brewer comes with a 6 pack of Fulton St. brand K-cups in flavors Breakfast Blend, Colombian and Dark Roast (Breakfast Blend is my favorite, such great taste!). It also comes with a reusable iCup which will work with any of your favorite ground coffee. I was excited for this because I love Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks ground coffee.

I must say that this brewer is sharp looking. I love the blue lights that come on when I turn on the machine, gives it a very techy look. When I start the machine it doesn’t take long for the water to heat up. Something I love about this machine versus the Keurig I had is that this machine has very little noise when it is brewing. The Keurig always seemed so loud, so this is a nice change. It only take under a minute to brew which is awesome!

The Dial-A-Brew function takes the select-a-size feature to a new level, allowing users to choose their size from 4-12 ounces in 1/2-ounce increments. While other machines allowed a small-medium-large assortment of choices, the iCoffee Opus is a little more precise, allowing for easy filling of a regular coffee mug cup or a tall travel sized cup. My husband is a big fan of this function!! It also includes a magnetic removable drip tray to allow space for taller travel mugs. I like this because majority of the time I drink iced coffee, so I need the taller mug option.

I really wanted to test the iCoffee Opus Single Serve Brewer out against Keurig’s latest brewer, the 2.0. Luckily, a friend of mine has one so I was able to do a taste test comparison. I brewed the Colombian K-cup in the iCoffee and another in the Keurig 2.0. Hands down the iCoffee won. The flavor was so much better and much smoother.

All in all I do believe the iCoffee Opus Single Serve Brewer is much better than the Keurig machines. I can absolutely tell a difference in the taste of the coffee. I believe this is due to the SpinBrew Technology it has. My kids are even excited to now have Hot Chocolate K-cups and have hot chocolate whenever they please (even if it is 90 degrees out here in Florida).

Bed Bath and Beyond has the iCoffee Opus for $139.99 right now, and if you order online you will receive free shipping.

Give the iCoffee Opus brewer a try, you won’t regret it!!

Connect with iCoffee: Twitter | Facebook | Website

*I received a complimentary brewer in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the product. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Check out these new clips from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows #TMNT2

June 8, 2016 By Marijean

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES:

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Watch the Turtles in action in these new clips from the film!

“Halloween” Clip

https://youtu.be/QuK0VH2ltiw

“Manhole Covers & Nunchucks” Clip

https://youtu.be/dFvvllISw2c

“Melo” Clip

https://youtu.be/Ce4IFrWagnw

“Take Out the Trash” Clip

https://youtu.be/7nXviuCACDo

“Airplane Jump” Clip

https://youtu.be/nG91gbH8cM0

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS is in-theaters today!

Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, and Raphael return to theaters this summer to battle bigger, badder villains, alongside April O’Neil (Megan Fox), Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett), and a newcomer: the hockey-masked vigilante Casey Jones (Stephen Amell). After supervillain Shredder (Brian Tee) escapes custody, he joins forces with mad scientist Baxter Stockman (Tyler Perry) and two dimwitted henchmen, Bebop (Gary Anthony Williams) and Rocksteady (WWE Superstar Stephen “Sheamus” Farrelly), to unleash a diabolical plan to take over the world. As the Turtles prepare to take on Shredder and his new crew, they find themselves facing an even greater evil with similar intentions: the notorious Krang.

Official Website

http://www.teenagemutantninjaturtlesmovie.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TMNT/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/tmntmovie

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tmntmovie/

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Experience the HydraFacial at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery @PVPSnews

June 7, 2016 By Marijean

I have never had the chance to experience a facial before. I have always wanted one, but never had the chance. When I went to tour Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery’s newest location in Nocatee, I was able to learn about all of the different Skin Care Services they do, and one of them is they HydraFacial.

I was recently asked to try a HydraFacial. It’s a moisturizing facial that’s perfect for all year round, so you can receive the facial at any time during the year. I received a complimentary treatment, and want to share my honest review of the HydraFacial with you. I made my appointment and met with licensed Aesthetician Alison Kuzoian at the Nocatee location here in Ponte Vedra. Since I have never experienced any type of facial or skin care treatment, she really answered all of my questions thoroughly, and put me at ease. If you are thinking of getting a skin care treatment from PVPS, a complimentary consultation is recommended.

My experience with the HydraFacial:

The HydraFacial is ideal for all skin types. If you have dry skin, oily skin or anything in-between, this treatment would work for you. It helps with hyperpigmentation, oily/congested pores, fine lines, wrinkles and acne. I have somewhat large pores on my nose and very dry skin, so I was looking forward to seeing what my results were going to be. I was concerned with my skin being red for a few days, but it is a non-invasive procedure with no downtime, perfect on a lunch break or before work. My skin wasn’t red at all after my facial.

HydroFacial Machine

After the Aesthetician explained everything to me, I laid down and had a super soft plush comforter put on top of me. I was nice and relaxed in low lighting and calming music playing in the background. She started off cleansing my skin of makeup or any lotions and sunscreen. After that she turned the machine on. The machine does have a bit of noise but in all honestly it wasn’t distracting. She explained every step to me of what she was about to do, and I really liked that. She told me the HydraFacial would feel like suction but I would have no pain or discomfort. She was right. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the whole 30 minutes of pampering. The 1st step is exfoliation. The serum used removes dead skin cells to reveal healthy skin. The 2nd step is a vortex peel which didn’t hurt at all, but the suction was a little more intense. I felt a lot of tingling but no pain. The 3rd step is the extractions. The suction cleans out pores and also my Aesthetician did a few manual extractions on me. The last step is a serum that nourishes your skin and protects it.

The whole process took 30 minutes, and Alison handed me a mirror right after so I could see my results. My skin looked hydrated , very moisturized and felt amazing. I also had a “glow” to my skin which I loved seeing. She then showed me the container of liquid with all of my “facial dirt” as I call it floating around. I was happy I was able to see that my skin was unclogged and healthier now.

I asked Alison how many times someone should return for a HydraFacial. She recommends every 6-12 weeks depending on how you take care of your skin. The HydraFacial is not damaging at all, and you can pretty much come back when you feel you will need another treatment.

It has been a week now since I received the HydraFacial. I have been using some sample Skin Care products that Alison had given me and recommended to me. My skin is still super soft and moisturized. It feels silky and looks great. I highly recommend treating yourself to a HydraFacial. This would also be great gift to give a friend/family member.

Here is a list of all of the Skin Care Services that PVPS offers:

Complimentary Consultation: Always advised for new patients. Our licensed Aesthetician will thoroughly examine your skin, discuss your skin care goals, and make precise recommendations for clinical treatment and maximal efficacy. All our products are medical grade in order to achieve optimal skin health and appearance.

Click here to see our licensed medical aestheticians

Facial Treatments: Any of our facial treatments may be fine-tuned by your Aesthetician, or combined with other treatments to meet your individual needs.

Signature Facial : Pamper your skin. Procedure includes the following:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep facial skin cleanse and steam
neck/shoulder massage
pore extractions
exfoliating treatment
treatment mask
arm/hand massage
moisturizer and sunscreen

Clinical Facial Treatments: Procedure includes the following:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep cleanse
exfoliation with steam
pore extractions
treatment mask
moisturizer and sunscreen
(Want a neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage? Upgrade to the Signature Facial)

Hydrating Facial: Procedure includes the following:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep cleanse with steam
pore extractions
hydrating treatment mask
moisturizer and sunscreen

Acne Purifying Facial:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep cleanse
Exfoliation with Steam
pore extractions
purifying mask
moisturizer and sunscreen

Regenerating Facial:

Individual skin care analysis
All Environ products utilized during this antioxidant facial are very rich in pharmaceutical grade Vitamins A, C and E.
Deep cleanse
clay exfoliation with steam
pore extractions
alginate algae mask
moisturizer and sunscreen

Exfoliating Treatments:

Illuminize Peel: a very superficial treatment that produces little to no visible flaking. Addresses mild skin concerns and gently exfoliates at the microscopic level. The perfect pre-event treatment that produces a gorgeous glow. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Rejuvenize Peel: Deeper than the Vitalize Peel, this peel typically produces visible flaking for a few days. Addresses moderate to severe skin concerns. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Brilliance Peel: The next level in “deep superficial” peels that typically produces visible flaking for several days. Addresses moderate skin concerns. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Alpha Peel: a superficial peel comprised of glycolic acid or lactic acid. The strength used will be determined during the consultation by your Aesthetician.

Obagi Radiance Peel: a superficial alpha/beta peel that typically produces visible flaking for a few days. Addresses moderate skin concerns.

Epidermal Leveling: a mechanical exfoliation treatment specifically designed to remove dead cells on the surface of your skin, and as an additional benefit, removes the fine velous facial hair (this is temporary and will grow back). This treatment is performed using a specialized surgical steel blade. There is no pain associated with the procedure. This treatment produces an incredibly smooth skin surface texture.

Vitalize Peel: SkinMedica’s mid-strength peel. A superficial peel that typically produces visible flaking and improves moderate skin conditions. Our most popular peel. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Prestige Peel: A true medium depth peel that works in the dermis. A combination of several resurfacing agents deeply exfoliate the skin to produce marked complexion improvement. Produces heavy flaking and peeling. Our practice’s deepest peel, this treatment is predictable and safe.

Enzyme Peel: A very superficial treatment that utilizes fruit acids to gently dissolve surface dead skin. Appropriate for all skin types and ethnicities. Produces a beautiful glow and smooth feel.

Beta Peel: A superficial treatment that utilized salicylic acid to improve texture, acne, and help regulate sebum production. Typically produces some flaking. Strength to be determined by your Aesthetician. Not appropriate for patients with aspirin allergy.

Microdermabrasion: A superficial mechanical exfoliation consisting of suction and light abrasion to reduce surface dead skin. A smoother look and feel is produced after even one treatment. Not appropriate for rosacea skin.

Specialty Treatments:

SkinPen Microneedling Therapy: a minimally invasive, non-ablative clinical treatment. New collagen and elastin is produced over time by creating micro-channels within the skin. Appropriate for most skin types and all ethnicities. Addresses scarring, large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and laxity. Topical prescription numbing cream to be applied one hour prior to treatment.

DF Facial: A state-of the-art treatment that utilizes the technology of sound waves and micro current to deliver nutrients deep into the skin and tone facial muscles. This rejuvenating and relaxing facial treatment produces very hydrated, firm, glowing skin. A patient favorite!

CO2 “Blemish Blaster”: A quick treatment that utilizes the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of CO2 to improve existing acne lesions.

Waxing (face only): Temporary facial hair removal utilizing the traditional warm wax application/removal.

Brow and Lash Tinting: a cream solution is applied for a few minutes and then gently removed to enhance the appearance of brows or lashes. Available in shades ranging from dark blonde to black.

Makeup Application Lesson: Our Aestheticians are also talented makeup artists. They will teach you about our Colorescience Mineral Makeup while showing you application methods for a beautiful look.

Permanent Makeup: also referred to as micro-pigmentation. This specialized procedure gives a defined and lasting look to brows, eyeliner, lip liner, or the entire lip. Natural pigment is micro-inserted into the skin by our trained expert, Christine Weber. This is the perfect treatment for those who wish to look polished at all times.

The cost for a HydraFacial at the PVPS Nocatee location is $175. They have an AMAZING special going on right now for the summer! $25 off and you will receive a complimentary travel HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator (I use this and I really love it!) and also choice of Eyebrow Design or Lash Tint. This offer is good until August 31st. To make an appointment please call (904) 273-6200.