#VSSportBra Review

I received a beautiful pink striped box in the mail with complimentary products to review from Influenster and the Victoria's Secret Sport line.  The #VSSportBra Vox Box contained the Incredible Sport Bra, Knockout Crop work out pants, and coupons to share with friends. #VSSportTester

I love Victoria's Secret bras and was very excited to try out their new sport bra.  I have one of their sport bras already, but this one was appealing to me because it had a lot more padding and support.

I am finally starting to get back into working out after having my baby (8 months later), lol.  Before I was pregnant, I started a running plan (even though I really had never ran in my life), but dropped it right after I found out I was pregnant.  So...now I'm starting it back again!  I ran pushing Eli in my jogging stroller in one hand and the leash of my dog in the other.  It is possible!  And of course, I wore my new VS Sport Bra out to test!  Here's what I thought...

The Incredible by Victoria's Secret Sport Bra fit me pretty well.  I may have gotten the band size a little larger, but it is pretty true to size.  Like a lot of sport bras, it was a little difficult to get over my head.  I think I would LOVE the new Incredible Front-Close Sport Bra because it has a front zipper to secure the bra.  No more trying to pull a tight bra over your head.  Great idea.

I didn't love the color I received.  I would have much preferred a solid color for matching purposes, but some people may like the flowers.

I thought the Incredible Sport Bra was very comfortable while running.  It gave me great support and didn't show my sweat.  Overall, I really liked the #VSSportBra.

I got the Victoria's Secret Knockout Crop Pants in size small.  I would definitely purchase a size bigger; they seem to run small.  Sports pants are supposed to be tight, but I think these were just a little too tight.  This may be because they come up to mid stomach and that is where all the leftover baby weight is currently residing.  When I ran it pushed on my stomach and was a little uncomfortable.

Besides getting the wrong size, I think the pants are great.  I love the crop style.  They were easy to run in and the body-wick feature kept them cool and dry even though it was hot and I was definitely sweating.  I actually really liked the gray color and the texture of the fabric (very smooth).

Overall, I really enjoyed both products from Victoria's Secret Sport line.  If I had the right size and could pick out my colors then I would be a happy fitness mama.  Thanks Influenster!!

"This is a sponsored blog post. Influenster provided me with complimentary Victoria's Secret products to test and review as part of a contest." If you would like to join Influenster to test new products and share your opinions, then add your e-mail address in the comments and I'll send you an invite!

Dolphin Tale 2 Promo & Giveaway

Dolphin Tale 2 is coming to theaters this Friday, September 12th!  It looks like it is going to be a great film that the whole family will enjoy.  Check out the trailer below (and scroll further down for a GIVEAWAY)!

September 12th is not only the opening of Dolphin Tale 2, but also Homeschool Day!  While Little E is too young for schooling, we are considering homeschooling in the future (so it's great to see what is out there).  Homeschool Movie Club has a free Dolphin Tale 2 Curriculum available HERE!

I checked the curriculum out and think it is a great resource for kids, whether homeschooling or not.  It has five different lessons that feature dolphins and the ocean; relating them to the movie along the way.  It contains videos, facts, activities, and experiments for both elementary and middle/high school students.  I know when I was younger, I loved dolphins and many of my friends wanted to be marine biologists when they grew up.  I think Dolphin Tale 2 will get your kids excited to learn more about dolphins and this is the perfect resource to expand their knowledge.

My absolute favorite part of the curriculum is the Classical Conversations PDF that is included.  You start with a topic (in this case dolphins) and then come up with questions that relate to categories such as geography, math, and even bible.  My friend's nephew goes to a Classical Conversations meeting locally with other kids and my friend says they learn so much.  After seeing this curriculum, I can understand why.  It is jam packed with a TON of great information...your kids will learn so much about dolphins!!!

Now on to the GIVEAWAY!  You can enter to WIN a Dolphin Tale 2 T-Shirt and Sunglasses!  Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter widget below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification."

Skintimate Mandarin Burst Shave Gel

I received a free full size can of Skintimate Mandarin Burst shave gel to review from Crowdtap.  I actually already use Skintimate daily for shaving, but was excited to test out the new scent.  #SamplingSkintimate

The Mandarin Burst shave gel has hints of mandarin orange, lemon, and lime.  I usually go for flowery smells, but I absolutely love this scent.  It is refreshing, light, and tropical.  It reminds me of summer...something I would love to take with me through fall and beyond.

 I have tried other shaving creams (cheaper) in the past and they just aren't as good.  My old shaving cream came out as a foam and did not spread well.  It kind of disappeared when I put it on my legs.  This Skintimate product comes out as a gel and foams up as you spread it around your legs.  The coverage is really good...I don't have to use very much of the product to fully cover my legs for shaving.

I think this is a great product for keeping legs moisturized and protected during shaving.  I would definitely recommend it.    

My #SkintimateHappyLegs after using Skintimate Mandarin Burst

Check out Crowdtap.com to review products and have your opinions heard!

Treasury of Bible Stories Review & Giveaway

 

I received Treasury of Bible Stories by Kelly Pulley free to review.  I am really excited to tell ya'll about this book because we thoroughly enjoyed it..and have another one to giveaway! :)



This book is a collection of illustrated rhyming bible stories for young readers.  It contains twenty stories, beginning with "Tricked by a Snake: The Slippery Story of Adam and Eve" and ending with "He Has Risen: The Magnificent Story of the Resurrection".

I promise he does look at the book when we read it to him....it's just when the camera is out he has to smile for it!  Lol.

My Review:  As a new mom, I'm always on the look out for books that will cultivate a love of God and reading.  This is the perfect one!  The artwork in this book is amazing.  So colorful and engaging, the pictures will draw your child right in.

I was surprised at how well thought out and executed the rhymes were...they are fun and tell the stories perfectly.  This is a great way to share biblical lessons with the whole family!  My husband, who most of the time could care less about the different reviews I have going on, said, "Make sure you give this book a great review!"  We both have really enjoyed reading this book to Little E.  I know it will be a favorite for years to come.

The best part is that we have been provided the opportunity to give one away!!!  Just enter below using the easy Rafflecopter widget!  :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Get to Know JESUS by Nancy I. Sanders : A Book Review

The "Get to Know" series of books by Nancy I. Sanders are a collection of Bible Hero (Jesus, Mary, King David, & Apostle Paul) biographies for kids.  They explore the life and character of these biblical figures through scriptures, timelines, and pictures.

I was sent the Get to Know JESUS book free to review.  This is the perfect book report material for a child.  Right away I was drawn in by the colorful illustrations, photographs, and text bubbles.  It starts with the history before Jesus was born and his birth, then goes through his life, death, resurrection, and the future.  A neat feature are the color coded icons throughout the book that relay important facts and information.  There is a word bank that explains the definition of vocabulary words used throughout the book and Eyewitness Accounts from people who saw what happened and then told about it.  I also love that it gives scriptures for the children to look up to connect it with what was already shared.

I would highly recommend this book to any elementary or middle school child.  The life of Jesus is displayed in a really fun, engaging way that will draw any child or adult in.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”      

Eli - 6 Month Update!

I'm 6 Months Old!

 

Here is Eli's update from 5-6 months.

Stats:

Eli was 16 pounds 6 ounces at his 6 month well baby visit.

Height: 26.5 inches

He wears 6-9 month clothing and Size 3 diapers.

Eating/Sleeping:

Eli is still breastfeeding.  He also eats about 2 ounces of pureed food a day.  At this point he has had squash, rice cereal, zucchini, green peas, avocado, sweet potato, banana, and apples.

I love how excited he gets when it is time to eat.  He waves his arms in the air and pants. It's so fun to watch.

  

Eli has gone back to sleeping through the night.  I guess he just needed to get his weight back up.  I'm so glad he is feeling better and sleeping well.

Since we don't have bumpers in his crib, he gets his feet and arms stuck through the bars all the time.  Sometimes I think he just does it on purpose, so I will come in and fix them.  Haha.  Here's some pictures of Eli caught in the act!

Special Memories:

Eli's beautiful personality is showing more and more everyday.  He is generally very happy, but also knows how to throw a little fit here or there.  He loves to eat, play with toys, and listen to music.  We are still working on sitting up.

His favorite game to play is Peek-A-Boo.  He pulls his burp cloth over his face and pulls it down real quick waiting for the Peek-A-Boo to come.  He's smart and oh-so-lovable!

Eli celebrated his first 4th of July with friends and family in Jacksonville.

  He is also sat in his high chair for the first time.

Here's a few more pictures from the month!

Green Eyed Mommy, Blue Eyed Baby

Having fun in our jumperoo

Petting my sister while she sits on me

I love to eat my toes!

Shopping with momma in my Ergo

Handsome, Happy Boy!

Until next time!  :)

Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash Review & Giveaway

Dial has been a huge brand in the skin care industry since the 1940s (65 years!).  Growing up, we used Dial bar soap in our home.  I always thought it smelled great, cleaned well, and left my skin hydrated.

Dial has evolved over the years by coming out with different products, but their core values are the same.  Their motto is, "Healthier Skin. Healthier You".

Dial has created a line of products that contain Coconut Water.  Their newest addition to the Dial Coconut Water family is Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash.  I was sent a full size body wash to review.  I was so excited to rip open the box and see what was inside when I found the package on my doorstep.  This has nothing to do with the actual product, but I loved the way the packaging displayed the body wash and held the other contents.

I was not disappointed by the product either.  There are three main factors I look for when choosing a body wash.  What it smells like, if it lathers well, and how well it cleans.  This body wash rates high in all three categories.

The tropical mango scent is clean and refreshing, without being overpowering.  I found that the body wash had a rich lather when applied to my pouf bath sponge or loofah.  Not much was needed to create a lot of suds.  Finally, I felt that this hydrating body wash cleaned well and left my body feeling moisturized and nourished.

The best part is that I was sent free coupons, so three lucky readers can try out the Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash too!  All you have to do is enter below using the Rafflecopter widget!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

"The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango body wash in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own."