Thursday, January 31, 2013

Olivia Accessories {Review}

You know that quote in "10 Things I Hate About You" where she says "I like my Sketchers, but I love my Prada backpack." And her friend says "But I love my Sketchers" and she responds, "Well that's because you don't have a Prada backpack" and her friend says "Oh". 

Well, that's how you're going to feel about this bracelet. It's SO cute!

Olivia Accessories is a unique jewelry and accessory store in the UK. I found them on Twitter and headed to their website to check out their products. 

I'll be honest, I was a little skeptical about this bracelet because I needed to see it on a person before I knew how it would look on me. I'm SO glad I settled on this one because it's perfect for casual wear or a fancy night out. 

Their prices are super affordable too; this bracelet was 7 pounds, which is about $11 in US currency. Of course shipping is going to be a little more as an international client but I believe it was only $9 or something. For a bracelet this quality, it's totally worth it.  







 It's become one of my new favorite staple items. It goes with everything and I especially love how I don't have the hassle of a clasp. It slips right on and I'm ready to go! 

Check out their website or say hi on Twitter..I promise there's something for everyone :) 

I was given this product as a gift to review. I received no other compensation and all opinions expressed are my own.

Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

30 Second Thursdays


Welcome to 30 Second Thursdays!
Vlogs can be intimidating, or just downright embarrassing.
But don't lie, you can't stop watching them.
You wanna know what your favorite bloggers sound like, how they talk, see who they are...
Well this is a weekly link up that gives you just that.
30 seconds to answer the random question of the week.
These aren't your typical, "What inspires you to blog" questions...
These are off the wall, crazy questions...
Don't be scared, 30 seconds is a breeze.

So come link up with your hosts!

Kaitlyn // Wifessionals
Samantha // Hooah And Hiccups
Hallie // Life Oceanside

Rules

1// Follow your hosts via GFC
2// Link up your 30 second vlog answering that week's question. Vlog's have a 30 second (min) - 90 second (max) limit and must pertain to that week's topic or your link will be removed.
3// Have fun!! Visit other links and laugh at all the other vlogs.

Grab A Button!


30 Second Thursdays

This week's question:

What is the most hideous item of clothing you own? (you must wear it in the video!)


And here I am!









And so you can start filming your 30 second stint for next week -

Next week's question:

If you could have one song play every time you entered a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?
***You must enter into the room at the start of your video, to your song, & then tell why you chose that song...



Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

As a Mom, I... {link-up}

This post is called As a mom, I...  because I am a mom. I know... WHAT?! It applies to dads too!!!

Hey lovelies!

As moms, a lot of us are introduced to new, awesome (and sometimes, not so awesome) experiences.

We experience mishap and wonder and embarrassing mommy moments. 

Us moms and dads? We've got some mad skills too. Talent, if you will.

Hence the NEW weekly link-up. Time to brag, ladies and gents! My co-host, Melissa (from After We Tied The Knott) and I would like to present...


A weekly post on Wednesdays to share those goofy, awkward, interesting Mommy Moments!

This week, I had to share my attempt and fail with lipstick. I saw all of these cute photos on Pinterest with the lips all over naked babies and thought it was super cute.

Well what they don't tell you is that:

...it doesn't come off for days...

...it smears when they touch it...

...a one year old does not sit still long enough to get a shot before they spread it... everywhere...

But what I can tell you is:

...a naked baby with kisses on them is still cuter than ever...

...he's blowing me a kiss; I love that it's the only way I could keep his attention...

...he's going to laugh at this when he's older, and that's okay...

...Happy early Valentine's Day :)...







Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Are you a Julep Maven?

My nails look like the nails for a 12 year old boy. They're short, stumpy, and I bite them 'till no tomorrow. 


I very rarely have nail polish on them for this very reason. It always ends up on my skin and I seriously would be better off having a 4 year old paint them. 

So for me, nail polish was never a priority. 

So when I heard about becoming a Julep Maven for a PENNY, I thought hey, why not!?

If you haven't heard of being a Julep Maven, they basically pick nail colors and other beauty products out for you each month based on a profile you fill out. My type is the "American Beauty." 

Normally the box is $19.95 a month but ask me how much I've paid since my initial ones a couple months back? A PENNY!

I'm being serious, it's legit people.

Here's what I received this month, for FREE! If you would like to sign up and receive your first box for a penny, click here and enter the code JULEPVIP at checkout.

You can earn points for referrals and cancel your membership at any time. Sign-up, start referring friends, and see for yourself :)









Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

DIY Valentine's Day Wreath

Since I change out the wreath on my front door quite frequently, I don't like to spend too much money on each one. Being that this is the first year I've been at my own house for the whole year, I've had to make all new decorations for the holidays!

For Valentine's Day (even though I don't really celebrate the holiday), I took a trip to the Dollar Store to see what I could find. 

Overall, this wreath cost me $9:

1$ Wreath
1$ Heart picks
7$ ribbon


That's it! No glue, tape, pins, nothing!

I started by cutting all of the ribbon into long strips. I tested a piece while it was still whole on the roll and then cut all the other pieces to match the length. 

I doubled knotted each piece to ensure it stayed in place. 

I stuck with a pattern so that the colors would be evenly distributed. 

When I was finished tying all of the ribbon, I cut the ends off the heart picks so they were shorter and then stuck them randomly into the wooden wreath. 

That's it! Super easy, affordable, and adorable!


Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Monday, January 28, 2013

January Cara Box Reveal



Cara Box



I've loved Cara Box since the beginning; it's been such a great way to get to know other women and make new friends. 

And this month, I absolutely fell in love with the girls I was paired with! 

I sent my box to Ashlee over at Laugh with Ash, so if you want to see what I sent her, go check it out! She's a fellow military wife so we had a TON in common :)

And I received my box from Kristyn at Carolina Fireflies

I don't know if she could have been any more on point. It's like she channeled into my girly brain and knew exactly what I would like!

This month's theme was "Resolutions" and since I didn't really make any, she sent me the cutest Birthday box EVER! 


Seriously, how cute did she wrap it?! She sent me a birthday crown, birthday badge, spa kit to spoil myself, cocktail napkins and journal. Mint colored things are my new obsession and I couldn't be more excited to start jotting things down in this baby!


She even sent Bubba a belated birthday gift! How sweet is that?! He clearly loved it :)





Of course my favorite part was her sweet letter. She put so much thought into my box and this letter and it was truly such an honor to be paired with her this month. 

Make sure you check out these ladies and if you aren't signed up for Cara Box, join in the fun!

Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

So you want a Keurig or Verismo? {Giveaway}

I absolutely love celebrating birthdays; I love getting all dolled up and celebrating the day loved ones, family, and friends made their way into the world. 

Well ladies, at the end of the week, yours truly will be 26! I know what you're thinking,   I'm one year closer to 30. But to me, it's only going up hill from here! I've been so blessed and these past few years have truly reminded me of that. 

So to celebrate my birthday, I've teamed up with 28 other amazing girls to bring you one of my favorite things.
 photo birthdaycollage_zps3570f226.jpg


If there's one thing I CAN'T live without, it's my Keurig. Ask my husband, if I don't have my coffee in the morning, it's not pretty. So now one of YOU will be winning one! 

I haven't tried the new Starbucks Verismo but if you would like to choose that instead, your wish is my command.

Not only can you drink coffee with these babies, but you can drink tea, hot chocolate, etc. So even if you're not a coffee junkie, there's something for everyone!

Still not interested? How about winning the CASH instead? Excited now?!

Just enter the rafflecopter below and cross your fingers! Contest will remain open until Friday, February 1st at 12:00 a.m. EST and the winner will be announced once all entries are verified. 

Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Palmolive VoxBox from Influenster

You might laugh when I tell you this, but my husband likes to do the dishes. Either that, or hates how I do them. 

{Source}


He says he has a "system" and actually enjoys doing them. Trust me, I will not fight him on this one. I hate doing dishes and would rather do any other chore (besides garbage, that's his too). 

So when I was selected for Influenster's Palmolive VoxBox, I knew I would definitely need his dish washing "expertise" to review them. 

When I first opened the box, I thought the Palmolive Fresh Infusions looked a lot prettier than a regular dish soap bottle. I know, typical girl describing something as "pretty" but it's true. They had a sleek design and I loved the picture of the flower, etc on the bottle. 

When I tried it, the first thing I noticed was that it was a lot thinner than the Original Palmolive. It wasn't watery, however, but just a thinner consistency. 

{source}


It was nice to have input from Z on this new product as well. He said a little went a long way and that they smelled awesome. I personally liked the "Ginger White Tea" and he preferred the "Lime Basil". We currently have the Original Palmolive and he said compared to that, he thought his hands also felt a lot smoother afterwards. 

He's a pro, I know. 

I went to walmart.com to check out the price difference, and these babies work out to about 18.5 cents per fluid ounce ($2.96 for 16 fl oz). The other Palmolive dish soap we normally use works out to about 10.3 cents per fluid oz ($3.94 for 38 fl oz). So yes, there is a slight difference but it's pretty minuscule and Z said he would still buy these Fresh Infusions instead. 

Thank you Influenster, we have a new favorite household product! 

Have you tried them? What do you think?





Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Friday, January 25, 2013

H54F, MTM Mixer, and More!

Happy Friday! This week has FLOWN by, and as I'm starting to realize, they all do. Friday is extra special today; I participated in a brand new link-up called "Letters to my Former Single Self" that you should totally go check out, and of course since it's Friday, I'll be linking up for H54F!



1// Bubba had his haircut all fresh; such a good boy
2// This kid. 
3// MY CARA BOX! Check back for the reveal soon :)
4// He thinks he's a GQ model 
5// New hat. Love my little boy (hence the 4 pictures of him this week)



And in other exciting news, I'm co-hosting the More Than Mommies Mixer and I'm the Life of the Party Co-host! How cool is that? So link-up below and join us :)






 Link up your Facebook pages: Link up your Twitter Handles: Link up your Pinterest Boards: Link up your Instagram Feed: Add your Pinterest Boards:


Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Letters to my former single self {link-up}





Dear Samantha,

I have very mixed emotions about writing this letter to you. Part of me hopes that you'll read it and take it to heart, but part of me wants you to figure things out on your own. Who am I kidding, you're completely stubborn, always have been and always will be, and will go about doing your own thing anyways.

However, here goes.

Right now, you're probably thinking everything that happens to you is "the worst thing that has ever happened to you." That guy you thought you were going to marry? Or the one that broke your heart? Or the one who chose another girl over you. Jerks. Yes, that part you have right.

But what if I told you that one day, all of that was going to make sense. That the hurt and the pain you felt when your previous relationships ended was actually a blessing in disguise.

You've thrown the L bomb around a few times, and maybe you thought or think that you really do love someone right now. Well, you know how you hate being told you're wrong? You are. You don't love those guys. You're infatuated with them. You love the idea of love and as one of your favorite movies, Sleepless in Seattle, will tell you "You don't want to be in love, you want to be in love in a movie." And we all know movies aren't real.

But love is. And the feeling that "the one" will eventually give you is indescribable. One day, when you least expect it, you'll meet him. And it will turn your whole world upside down and show you life in a whole different perspective. He'll enhance it; make you a better person and make your life complete.

I can't tell you his name, or how you'll meet, but trust me on this. The guys you date in high school and college are just a waste of your time. I hate to say that because I know that they are an experience, and that you have to experience different relationships to know what you do and don't want in the end.

But I promise you, you deserve way better than they have and will ever treat you. Hold out for "the one", and you'll know who it is when you meet him.

I don't want you to wish this time away. You're young, you're single, and you're learning. You have a lot of growing up to do and a lot of life to experience.

If I could do anything for you, I would take away the pain of your first real heartbreak. You will have two really bad break-ups but don't worry, time will pass and you will move on. Lean on the shoulders of the family and friends who will be there for you.

If you won't listen to me, at least keep these in mind for now:

Respect yourself. These guys aren't going to respect you if you don't even respect yourself.

Be honest. Don't force feelings because you're afraid of being alone.

Don't ditch your friends for a guy. They will still be there in a few years when these losers are just a picture and bad memory in your scrapbook.

If it doesn't work once, it's not going to work again. Don't take him back.

Be true to yourself. Be true to your morals and the way you were raised. Be you. If they don't like it, tell them to hit the road.

I know, I know, you aren't going to listen. But I wish I could show you how much better off you will be without them. Invest your time in your studies, friends, and the memories you're making. You won't those years back.

I don't want to give away too many secrets, but when you meet "the one", you will feel a feeling like you've never felt before. He will sweep you off your feet and you will live happily ever after. Trust me on this, it will happen.

Until next time,

Samantha

*Now go link up at Northern Belle Diaries!



Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Friday Chaos Blog Hop


BericeBaby
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.ohsoamelia.com" title="ohsoamelia"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FiSWMD72nXU/UOR-3L6jZDI/AAAAAAAAHHo/SQ7EHqVjxcQ/s1600/FRIDAY+CHAOS.png" alt="Ohsoamelia" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Why?

Life is trial and error. Whether or not you have a plan, or think you know what you're doing, you don't. 

As a 26 year old woman who is still figuring out who she is at times, I do know one thing that's for sure; I do not go out of my way to purposely hurt others.

Everyone's different. We were raised in different homes, with different morals, and different beliefs. Some of us, apparently, were not taught with the same politeness, kindness, and class as others. 

Just because we may act differently than others, or say something regarding our styles of parenting, marriage, or other personal decisions does not make us wrong. Just different. 

If one thing gets under my skin, it's people that throw religion into it. Saying you are a Christian and then proceeding to bash someone is being a total and utter hypocrite. Want to be a Christian? Act like one. Be kind, spread love, and pray for those that need it. 

There have been times in my past where I have let someone have it; I've lost control of my emotions and let them define me as a person. I've been angry, I've been hurt, I've been rash, and I've been out of control. 

But over time, I've learned this is not the answer. I've learned that people that act wrongly will get what's coming to them. Whether you believe in Karma, God, or both, there is no need for us to play the role of a higher power. 

We all make mistakes and in my opinion, this is the only way to learn about life. No one is perfect and no one has the answers to anything, let alone everything. 

So here's my advice:

Stop the bashing. 
Stop the lecturing. 
Stop the hurtful words.
Stop pretending you're someone you're not. 
Stop the gossip. 
Stop the whispering. 

Just stop. And worry about yourself. 

If these negative people put half as much energy into their own life, their children's life, their marriage, or charity work, they would be better people and I wouldn't have to pray for them on a daily basis. 

Why are we continuing to spread hate in a world that is so uncertain, a life that is so short, and time that is so precious. 

My advice? Walk away. People like that shouldn't have the honor of being apart of your life. 

I began blogging because I love to write and it was an outlet to deal with the stress, sadness, anger, and hurt I was feeling when my husband deployed to Afghanistan. It has grown into a way for me to meet other ladies, help companies get more exposure, and help women that are new to the military life or have a deployed spouse.

In the past, I probably would have reacted differently to some of the negative and hurtful things I've seen on other blogs, twitter, or facebook, but because I have experienced that it only fuels the fire, I have just learned to take the high road and walk away.

I'm not trying to be famous. I'm not trying to be "popular". I'm trying to be me, and create a place to look back on the time I have come to find moves faster than we think.

I blog for me. And I blog for those that accept me and relate to me.

I truly cherish the friends I've made and would never want to step on any toes, push people away or turn them off. If I have personally offended you and you'd like to discuss it with me, I'd be happy to talk to you. I've never meant to hurt anyone in the process and if I have, I'm sincerely sorry.

Let's help each other grow, learn and flourish. There's no need to spread negativity and bring others down.










Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

30 Second Thursdays


Welcome to 30 Second Thursdays!
Vlogs can be intimidating, or just downright embarrassing.
But don't lie, you can't stop watching them.
You wanna know what your favorite bloggers sound like, how they talk, see who they are...
Well this is a weekly link up that gives you just that.
30 seconds to answer the random question of the week.
These aren't your typical, "What inspires you to blog" questions...
These are off the wall, crazy questions...
Don't be scared, 30 seconds is a breeze.

So come link up with your hosts!

Kaitlyn // Wifessionals
Samantha // Hooah And Hiccups
Hallie // Life Oceanside

Rules

1// Follow your hosts via GFC
2// Link up your 30 second vlog answering that week's question. Vlog's have a 30 second (min) - 90 second (max) limit and must pertain to that week's topic or your link will be removed.
3// Have fun!! Visit other links and laugh at all the other vlogs.

Grab A Button!


30 Second Thursdays

This week's question:

What is the WORST present you have ever received?


And here I am!




And so you can start filming your 30 second stint for next week -


Next week's question:

What is the most hideous item of clothing you own? (You must wear it in the video)



Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Where's your pee pee?

I'm not exactly sure when Bubba picked up on the word "pee pee", but he did. We were giving him a bath one day a few months ago and I was going through the motions:


"Where's your belly? Where's your eye? Where's your ear? Where's your mouth? Where's your teeth? Where's your pee pee?"

To my surprise, he knew exactly where it was and decided to linger there for a minute. Lord help me, he's definitely a man...

So the other day, my husband was getting ready to jump into the shower and forgot a towel. He ran into the hallway in the buff, and Bubba noticed that daddy had this same pee pee contraption that he had!

I saw him staring at it so I asked him, "Where's daddy's pee pee?" just to see if he really knew what it was and where it was. 

Well he pointed at it, and proceeded to walk up to my husband and just stare. I told my husband that it was important for him to realize he was like daddy and that daddy and him shared the same parts. 

My husband was mortified. He was trying to run away from Bubba but he kept inching closer and closer, obviously trying to touch it. 

I was on the floor rolling with laughter; I literally had tears rolling down my face. 

I guess this goes to show that even though we might not realize it, kids pick up on everything we say and do. 

Guess I should start watching what I say now, huh?


Source: Google



Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Caroline Jewel Boutique {Giveaway}


What do you get that person that has everything? I'm always struggling to find the perfect gift and have seriously exhausted all ideas in the book. Well, now I've got the answer for all of you!

Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts and this month, they have been hanging out in my Captain ad-spot!

They have everything from personalized phone cases, to melamine plates, to coasters and more! 

Because they are oh so sweet, Caroline Jewel Boutique will be giving away a custom personalized melamine plate ($25 value) exclusively to Hooah and Hiccups readers!



Aren't they adorable?! These personalized plates are such a simple fix to making any meal more festive. They would make wonderful gifts or be a great way to dress up the table. They are especially great for children since they don't break :)


These melamine plates are dishwasher safe, non-toxic and made for everyday use.These are customized with your name or monogram and you can mix and match their designs and colors!







Now get to entering! Good luck! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Caroline Jewel Boutique specializes in fantastic personalized items and gifts! Check them out today :)
Pin It button on image hover