Foodie Pen Pals

I decided to do something a little different this month by signing up to participate in Foodie Pen Pals.  Foodie Pen Pals is a program where you email your partner within 72 hours to discuss dietary needs, allergies, and food preferences.  Of course, you make sure that you meet the dietary needs of your penpal, and mail your package to your partner by the 15th of the month.

My partner was Linz at Itz Linz and boy did she come through with my package:)  Here are the goodies that I received in my food box:

Trader Joe's:  Inner Peas, Soft & Juicy Mango, Banana Chips, Hot & Sweet Mustard, Fat Free Spicy Black Bean Dip, Extra Dark Chocolate, Coach's Oats 100% Whole Grain Oatmeal, Justin's Chocolate ALMOND BUTTER, Maple ALMOND BUTTER, and Burt's Bee Replenishing LIP BALM.

Thanks, Linz for my package!  I sent my package to Erica, however she doesn't have a blog, but I hope she enjoyed her package:)  So, if you want to participate in next month's Foodie Pen Pals click here for more details.

Dot to Dot

Old Navy Shirt (similar), Old Navy Sweater (similar), Old Navy Jeans (here), Nine West Boots (on sale here), Louis Vuitton Handbag, Michael Kors Watch (similar), Bracelets:  c/o ILY COUTURE, and Stella & Dot (similar).



The weather here in Indiana has been so weird lately, for the last couple of days the temperature was in the 60's, sunny, and really nice.  However, today the temperature dropped to the mid 40's, cold, windy and raining.  I'm just ready for winter to be over, so spring and summer can begin:)  
For my outfit today, I wanted to wear an Old Navy sweater of mine that I really liked wearing again.  However, this time I decided to pair my sweater with a polka dot shirt underneath, skinny jeans, a Louis Vuitton handbag and gold accessories.   

CampusBookRentals

I have a special treat today for all the college students and/or those attending college, it's CampusBookRentals.com.   Renting textbooks with CampusBookRentals saves you money plain and simple and gets the same result in your classes as buying your books.  Rent your textbooks without running the risk of your books becoming worthless at the end of your semester.  Also, you're able to rent the textbooks from the comfort of your home or office.  So, don't lose any more money at your school's bookstore.

So join the movement.  CampusBookRentals also offer new or gently used textbooks for typically half the price you'll pay at your school's bookstore.  So start searching for the college books you need and save money today!

Why choose CampusBookRentals?  They have a great support staff, they've been around since the beginning, so they know what their doing.  You'll save money, and if you decide to keep your book instead of renting it, just pay them the difference and the book is yours.  Also, they offer an 30 day risk free guarantee.  Also, there are tons of perks available, for instance free shipping both ways, your able to highlight in your textbooks, there great flexible renting periods available, monthly giveaways, textbook scholarships, and membership is free and you don't have to be a member to win.  Here is a short video on CampusBookRentals:



In addition to the renting books, CampusBookRentals also has a new program called Rentback.com.  This program is a new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own to other students, which is great because it makes them 2-4x more money then they'd make is they sold their books back to the bookstore at the end of the semester.  Sounds great doesn't?  Here is a short video on the Rentback Program:

CampusBookRentals have a partnership with Operation Smile. Their an awesome organization that performs life changing cleft and lip surgeries on children whose families could not otherwise afford it.  The long-term effort on these children who have received these surgeries is incomprehensible. Also, CampusBookRentals donates to Operation Smile with each textbook rented.  So, if you're in need of textbooks and don't want to spend big bucks on your books, please check out CampusBookRentals.com. 


Disclaimer...This post was sponsored by CampusBookRentals, but written by me.

Mani Monday

Today is Mani Monday, so I decided I would link up with Heather from Glitter & Gloss.  I'm wearing on my nails today an OPI GelColor called Big Apple Red.  I'm a huge fan of the color red, so this shade is probably one of my favorites.  I've already linked up and I hope you do as well:)  Here is a photo of my manicure:

My January Birchbox

I received my January Birchbox in the mail and I wanted to share with you the products that I received for the month of January.  For those of who aren't familiar with Birchbox, it's the best way to discover new beauty, grooming and lifestyle products.  Sample top products from high-end brands, get expert advice, buy new favorites and earn points with every purchase.  To join, click here.

Here are the beauty products that were included in my Birchbox:

alessandro |  Nail Polish in Blue Lagoon

Launching exclusively in the Birchbox Shop, this extra opaque polish has a satiny formula and wide brush for easy application.  Full-size, $12

Harvey Prince |  Skinny Chic 

Get a glass-half full description with this optimistic blend of juicy Meyer lemon, white grapefruit and pink plumeria.  Full-size, $21-55

Ojon | damage reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum

Repair stressed strands with this aromatic hair treatment -exotic ojon and macadamia oils work together to smooth and hydrate hair.  Full-size, $25

theBalm cosmetics |  Put a Lid On It Eyelid Primer

Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer, which also prevents smudges and smears.  Full-size, $18

Fresh |  Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

With antioxidant-rich lotus flower extracts, this lush moisturizer protects skin from free radicals and hydrates for a full 24 hours.  Full-size, $42




Disclaimer...My Birchbox post wasn't sponsored, nor did I receive any beauty products complimentary.  I have a monthly subscription to Birchbox, which I pay for myself:)

Currently Blog Hop

The Currently Journaling Challenge takes five minutes out of your week to document your story.

8 Questions. 52 Weeks. Embracing Right Now. 

Currently is a weekly journaling challenge created by Kristin from rukristin papercrafts. Currently fits in perfectly with Project Life and can easily be tailored to whatever your needs are. Every Friday, Kristin shares her Currently list journaling card on her blog, as well as on various social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Join the Currently community, use the hashtag #CurrentlyList to share your list and find great inspiration from others.

I'm using my Currently List as a gauge to see if my answers change weekly or if they change at all without this year.  Also, I really want to get myself prepared for Project Life next year. 
Ways to play along:

• Start by downloading the Currently journaling cards, Color Edition Journaling Cards, or write out the list on your own
• Share your list on Instagram/Twitter using the hashtag #currentlylist
• Share your link in the link widget below
• Grab a Currently button/badge for your blog

Enter for a chance to with the Currently Journaling Cards: Color Edition. Each blog on the hop is giving away one set of journaling cards to a lucky reader!  These journaling cards come in both an easy to print .pdf file and individual high res .jpg images for use in digital scrapping. Leave a comment below for your chance to win a set, or purchase the cards here for $1. 

Look for new sets of Currently Journaling cards each month; each set will retail for only $1 and will be available in the rukristin papercrafts shop. 

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out the Currently Journaling Challenge blog hop. Make sure to hop along to all the other participants for more inspiration and more chances to win a Currently Journaling card set. 

Next up is: Trisha Grace Galang:  http://www.trisha-grace.blogspot.com


In case you get lost, here's a link back to rukristin papercrafts and the entire list of blogs participating in today's blog hop. 

Followers to Friends Blog Party

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Bows, Bows, and more Bows

c/o eShakti Top (similar), JC Penney Jeans (similar), Nine West Booties (on sale here), H&M Handbag (similar), Michael Kors Watch (similar), Bracelets: Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Bracelet, and Derng Chunky Pave Stretch Bracelet.


This morning I woke up to snow on the ground and frigid temperatures outside.  Of course, we didn't have any warning from the Weather Team either.  Luckily, the snow that fell wasn't much only an inch or so.  However, because of the snow, frigid temperatures, and the extended weekend many school districts here in Indiana are on a two hour delay.  So don't forget to bundle up in the morning.

For my outfit today, I was given this lovely top by c/o eShakti top and I couldn't wait to style it.  So, I decided to pair my top with wide-leg jeans, a pair of booties, a handbag, and gold accessories.  Also, for my lovely readers sign up with eShakti and get $25 off your first order!  So hurry and sign up, I want to see want you bought:)  Also, don't forget to check out eShakti on FaceBook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012

For those of you who are not familiar with Influenster is a free-to join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences.  Influenster creates the links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products.  I received my Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012 and I wanted to share with you what was included in my box.

My Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012

Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal + 

Simply the best oatmeal ever - you can enjoy it on the go!  Whole grains, rye, barley and wheat are mixed with large chunks of real fruit & nuts in a convenient single-serve cup.  Just add hot water or microwave and you can have a delicious breakfast anytime, anywhere.

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine:

Keep your lips as ever with the NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine.  It's pure pigment ingredients create a 3-D gloss effect while Vitamin E provides shine and moisture.  The non-sticky formula creates the ultimate creamy and soft textured feel.  Available in 10 on-trend shades from neutral nudes, to berries & fuchsias.

Kiss Nail Dress:

Ultimate nail fashion for tips and toes!  Just peep, apply, and shape for a manicure that lasts up to a week.  On in minutes, off in seconds without remover.  Nail Dress is available in 21 different styles, many of them featuring 3-dimensional jeweled designs.  Skip topcoat, Nail Dress has it built in.

EBOOST:  

EBOOST will boost your mood, focus, and immunity with natural ingredients and no crash.  As a shot or an easy-to-mix powder and in four flavors, you'll feel great whether you choose Orange, Pink Lemonade, Acai Pomegranate, or Super Berry.  And with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you'll certainly need a boost!

Goody QuikStyle Brush (Paddle Styler):

Once again, Goody brings innovation to your hair routine!  Go from wet to beautifully styled hair faster than ever!  Super absorbent microfiber bristles removes up to 30% of water as you style.  It's like a towel and a brush in one.

Sole Society:

Sole Society allows you to discover the laster trends, share your personal style, recommend shoes to friends, and follow the curated collections of top fashion insiders.

Here are my product reviews...

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine  Is a great lipgloss for the price and the color that I received was a neutral color.  I would definitely purchase this product in the future.  So, check out the NYC New York Color, and here's Liquid Lipshine or you can go here.

Quaker Real Medley's Oatmeal+

I really enjoyed the flavor of my oatmeal, I received the Apple Walnut Oatmeal.  For such a small portion it was enough for me, that I felt full.  I definitely would go out and purchase this product in the future.  I'm also anxious to try the other flavors also.  So don't forget to check out Quaker Real Medley's Oatmeal+, your won't be disappointed.

Kiss Nail Dress  I enjoyed my nail dress and I was pleased at how my nails turned out.  Also, I was presently surprised at the length of time that they stayed on, a good product for the future.  Don't forget to check out Kiss and if you would like to read some of their reviews, you can go here or here.

EBOOST  I received the pink lemonade and the powder is easy to use just pour and shake.  I received the pink lemonade flavor that was ok.

Goody Quik-Style Brush  I was presently surprised with this brush because I have very thick and curly hair. However, it definitely cut my drying time drastically and my clothes stayed dry unlike they normally do.   
Sole Society  I enjoyed my $25 off my first purchase using the code INFLUENSTER25 because I was able to buy the Parker Leopard Wedge.   I've been looking for a pair of leopard print wedges for sometime and I was excited when I saw these on Sole Society's website.  Also, they arrived fairly quickly, so that was a plus also.   Disclaimer...The products that I received were complimentary for testing purposes by Influenster and all the reviews are mine.

Look What I Got: A Blue Furla

Green and Blue Sweater Merona via (Target), Blue Peplum Top (Zara), Bootcut Jeans CJ by Cookie Johnson via (Ideeli), Liz & Co Bailey Tall-Heel Leather Boots sold out, similar style here (JC Penney), Handbag Furla via (TJ Maxx),  Burberry Silver Cuff Bangle Shackle Watch via (Macy's) is no longer available, but can find it here (ebay), and Chain Pave Bracelet via (Derng).


I'm a handbag girl, so when I stumbled upon this blue Furla handbag at TJ Maxx for only a fraction of the retail value, I couldn't pass it up.  Plus, I didn't own a blue handbag so I really had to buy it then.  Although, I don't wear a whole lot of blue, a girl has got to own at least one blue handbag right?
Join me and link up your recent shopping deals you've gotten with Look What I Got.  Hope to see you there:)

Snowmobiling in Colorado

My family and I were able to travel again this past Christmas to Colorado for more skiing and snowboarding, my husband and I skied and my two boys continued to learn to snowboard.  However, this past Christmas was extra special for us because we got a chance to ski on real snow, not just the manmade snow, which we did last year.

Although, we skied for three days, we decided to take a break one day from skiing and snowboarding to go on a snowmobile tour.   While on our snowmobile tour we went up, down and the sides of mountains, we got a chance to drive our snowmobiles really fast at one point , and we saw an old abandoned cabin.  Since it was our first time snowmobiling, we really enjoyed our snowmobiling tour.

Here are some of the photos that were taken during one of our stops:

 My Husband and I 

My Boys...Aaron & Austin 

Escape & Unwind

I received my Julep Maven Box in the mail and I wanted to share with you the nail products I received in my Maven Box.  If your new to Julep, it was created as a tribute to girlfriends who tell it as it is, who encourage us to pull out our little black dress out of the back of the closet, insist that we have fun with our fashion and refuse to let us settle with the ordinary.  Also, at Julep it's a connection, not a competition, it's about the shared discovery of things shared and what makes us looks good.

To join Julep, there is a simply Maven style quiz that's quick, free and helps determine what colors to pick out for YOU.  If you choose to become a Julep Maven there is a monthly fee involved also.  Then check out your first Julep Maven Box with at least 2 pretty nail polishes and other beauty favorites especially for you.

Below are photos of my January Julep Maven Box:

 January Julep Maven "Bombshell" Box

 Colorful Ties

 Julep Nail and Cuticle Stick

Bombshell Collection Ava & Bette Nail Color

Disclaimer...This is not a sponsored post, I'm a monthly Julep Maven member and I purchase my Maven box monthly myself.  Also, any information I gathered was from Julep's website.