Fall is just around the corner and I can smell it in the air!  Fall is one of my favorite seasons.  I love the crisp air, the way the landscape slowly paints itself in bright reds, oranges, and yellows.  I love taking a road trip in New England to see the changing foliage.  It’s time for jumping into piles of leaves, putting on sweatshirts and warm jackets and celebrating my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving!

As I sit here dreaming of pumpkin pie, turkey and stuffing, warm gingerbread lattes and apple pie with cinnamon, I realize that different aromas can add so much to our lives. As much as I love aromatherapy and lovely scents, I also love to eliminate unpleasant odors and freshen my home with a light, clean scent. Whether it’s pet or bathroom smells, smoke or last night’s fish dinner, I really appreciate that Febreze helps eliminate odors rather than just covering them up.

Febreze was kind enough to send this lovely barn-shaped “Scentspiration” box filled with  Fall activities, recipes, home décor ideas, and limited edition scents!

 

 

The Febreze Fall Home Harvest Collection is specially designed for WalMart shoppers and is available now for a limited time, so make sure to check them out!

I received a Febreze NOTICEable Warmer along with Autumn Harvest Scented Oil. The Autumn Harvest has the soothing aroma of sandalwood, vanilla cream and lemon verbena. I love the woodsy notes with the sweet vanilla and touch of lemon. It’s very soothing. They also sent Vanilla Latte scented oil refills. This is perfect for the Vanilla purists and smells a bit like sugar cookies.

For my car, I received an easy to use vent clip in Toasted Almond. While driving it calls to mind buttery almond croissants and amaretto.

 

 

This collection also includes sugared cranberry and spiced pear! Inventive and delightful.

Febreze also sent  decorating ideas I will be trying out for the holidays including making a leaf wreath and an acorn centerpiece along with some wonderful recipes I can’t wait to make including Sugared Cranberries and Roasted Pears!

The Febreze Fall Home Harvest Collection can really put you in the fall spirit!

What are your favorite fall scents? 

Giveaway

In the spirit of fall, enter to win a $15 Walmart gift card to freshen up your home!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Febreze and SheSpeaks, however all opinions are strictly my own.

 

 

Rewind to You

That one last summer before college on beautiful Tybee Island is supposed to help Sienna forget. But how can she? This is where her family had spent every summer before everything changed, before the world as she knew it was ripped away.

But the past isn’t that easily left behind. Especially when Sienna keeps having episodes that take her back to the night she wants to forget. Even when she meets the mysterious Austin Dobbs with the intense blue eyes, athlete’s body, and weakness for pralines who grabbed her out of trouble when she blacked out on River Street.

When she’s with Austin, Sienna feels a whole new world opening up to her. Austin has secrets, and she has history. But caught between the past and the future, Sienna can still choose what happens now…

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Author Laura Johnston

Laura Johnston lives in Utah with her husband and two children. Growing up with five siblings, a few horses, peach trees, beehives and gardens, she developed an active imagination and always loved a good story. She fell in love with the young adult genre both through her experience in high school as well as her job later as a high school teacher. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, sewing, traveling, writing, and above all, spending time with her husband and kids. REWIND TO YOU is her debut novel.

 

 

BookBlast Giveaway

$75 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/5/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an iTunes Gift Code or River Street Sweets Gift Card. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Jubilee’s Journey by Bette Lee Crosby

 

JUBILEE’S JOURNEY…FPA PRESIDENT’S BOOK AWARD GOLD MEDAL WINNER

 

Tragedy strikes a West Virginia coal mining family and two children start out on a trek that they hope will lead them to a new life. But, before a day passes, the children are separated and the boy is caught up in a robbery not of his making. If his sister can find him, she may be able to save him. The problem is she’s only seven years old, and one other matter; who is going to believe a kid?

Purchase Your Copy

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo

Author Bette Lee Crosby
Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby brings the wit and wisdom of her Southern Mama to works of fiction—the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away.

“Storytelling is in my blood,” Crosby admits, “My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write.”

Crosby’s work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. Since then, she has gone on to win another fifteen literary awards, including the Royal Palm Literary Award, The Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal.

 

BookBlast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/3/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

So many of us use Gmail these days. I’ve been using it for years. When I read that 5 million Gmail addresses and passwords were leaked and appeared on a Russian Bitcoin forum Wednesday, September 10th, I was definitely concerned.

One thing to do is to change your password immediately, make it better, stronger and use two-step authentication.

If you want to see if there is a chance your account may be affected, type it in this Security Alert checker.

Keep yourself and your info safe.

By the way, it did say my info may have been compromised.

One thing that really bugs me are split ends! Straggly, dry and uneven, they can really turn a good hair day into a fashion disaster.

I have tried DIY remedies involving egg yolks, olive oil and honey – very messy! I’ve tried trimming them. Let’s just say haircutting is not my forté.

Hair dryers, curling irons, chlorine pools and hair coloring can all damage your hair. While I’m between cuts, I like to use a shampoo and conditioner that really pamper those poor frazzled ends.

It shouldn’t have to cost you a fortune either because right now Suave Split End Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner are currently on Rollback at Wamart for just $2.50. Talk about a bargain!

 

 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Global Influence, however all opinions are strictly my own.

 

It’s very important to me to live life without regrets. So many times the only thing standing between us and our dreams is our mind.

 

 

Imagine our lives without barriers. Imagine taking on adventures that push our limits and show us the power of the human spirit.

So often, getting out there and taking the first step is all you need. Sitting at home making excuses will never get you anywhere except on the couch.

I remember so many wonderful adventures from hiking in Kauai and traveling alone across the world that would have never happened if I had given in to the reasons why I couldn’t do them.

So often in life, what is on the other side of fear is excitement. You just have to push through and take that first step.

I can remember when I was in New Mexico at a healing retreat. One of the final events was firewalking. At first, it seemed daunting and something that I would not be attempting. We had a group meeting before and it was very motivational and encouraging. Still, as we went out into the night and I saw the long bed of red-hot coals over 1000 degrees, I was content to stand back and watch.

 

 

But, something strange happened. As I watched the people I’d grown close to over this retreat – people I had shared laughter, tears and stories with, people who were going through extreme hardship – all of a sudden a feeling that I can only describe as “Yes” went through my entire being. Without a moment’s hesitation, I walked straight across the hot coals without burning my feet at all. In fact, I don’t even remember walking across. It seemed like in a flash I was on the other side.

Just to confirm to myself that it wasn’t a fluke, I did it again and had the same feeling. As the joy rose within me, my friends and I hugged one another.

What would it be like to live life without barriers, without regrets? What would it be like to expand your universe and not believe the stories we have been told or tell ourselves that we are not good enough, strong enough, brave enough?

Nature Valley has partnered up with Erik Weihenmayer to encourage people to shed a barrier and get out there! Erik is the only blind adventurer to climb to the seven highest summits in the world. Totally amazing!

His latest expedition? To kayak the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River starting tomorrow, September 7th!

He and fellow blind adventurer, Lonnie Bedwell, will be the very first blind adventurers to attempt this enormous feat. This expedition serves to inspire us to not limit ourselves, to eliminate barriers in our lives and live life to its fullest.

Nature Valley is joining Erik in inviting people to pledge to get out there and live a No Barriers Life.

 

 

Feel the energy of Nature with Erik:

 

 

 

•      The “No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition” is a 21-day, 277 mile journey through some of the world’s most challenging whitewater terrain in the Colorado River.
•      Erik Weihenmayer will be supported by an experienced paddling team, and joined by accomplished kayaker and Navy veteran Lonnie Bedwell.  Together, Erik and Lonnie will demonstrate the power of harnessing inner strength to overcome challenging barriers.
•      Preparation for the Expedition has been extensive, with both Weihenmayer and Bedwell spending the last several years training and developing innovative systems for kayaking rapids with support from high-tech radios and verbal commands from river guides.
•      The trip will begin on September 7 at Lees Ferry, nine miles south of the Arizona-Utah border. Erik and his team expect to complete the expedition on or around September 28 at Pearce Ferry, which marks the boundary between Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon.

Follow along with Erik on Nature Valley’s Tumblr

 

 Take the No Barriers Pledge

As a founding member of No Barriers USA, Weihenmayer advocates for the organization’s mission to empower people with the message, “what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way”.

You can join Nature Valley and Weihenmayer in the goal of encouraging one million people to live a No Barriers Life.

Take the pledge.

Live life without barriers!

Disclosure: This is a partnered post with Nature Valley however all opinions are strictly my own.

I’m not sure how it happened, but summer with its beach parties and barbeques, its swim classes and summer dresses went by in a flash and it’s back-to-school time!

There’s lots to look forward to as the new school year begins – new teachers, new friendships and new school clothes. It’s always great when you can re-energize your routine so you don’t feel like you’re stuck in a rut. I know we’ll be going to bed earlier and I’ll be buying lots of healthy snacks for lunches and after school.

This time of year, there are lots of products to stock up on and use during the school year and you can get great deals on Johnson&Johnson Healthy Essentials to help re-energize your routine.

You can save more than $40 by visiting the Healthy Essentials website and signing up for program coupons and offers.

One of my favorite products which will help revitalize you and keep your skin blemish-free is Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash in Pink Grapefruit. I’m in love with the citrusy scent and it helps wake me up in the morning!

I’m totally into exfoliating lately and also really like the Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub. Its gentle exfoliating is really the key to revealing bright, clear skin.

While you’re visiting the Healthy Essentials site, check out some of these great savings:

• Save $1.00 on JOHNSON’S® Baby NO MORE TANGLES® or Extra Conditioning hair care product

• Save $2.00 on any (2) AVEENO® products

• Save $2.00 on any (1) RoC® Anti-Aging product

• Save $1.00 on any (1) NEUTROGENA® Cleansing, Moisture, or Acne product

• Save $1.00 on any (1) SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener Product

• Save $1.50 on any (1) VISINE® product

• Save $1.00 on any (1) LISTERINE® Antiseptic Mouthwash, or (1) LISTERINE®NATURALS

Antiseptic, or (1) LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® Antiseptic, or (1) LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE,

or (1) LISTERINE® ZERO®, or (1) LISTERINE® FLUORIDE DEFENSE® Anticavity Mouthwash product

 

Rev Up Your Routine and Enjoy the school year!

 

Disclosure:  This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence Central for Dove Advanced Care Deodorant. I received a promotional item to facilitate my review.

 

 

We’re having a heat wave! At the end of the summer, there’s so much to do to prepare for the school year, and we’re still embracing the warm weather, getting in those summer parties and weekend trips to the beach.

This means lots of skin showing as we try to stay cool and fashionable in tanks, capris and summer dresses. One thing that is neither cool nor fashionable is sweat or sweat stains.

Dove Deodorant is on a mission to help women embrace going sleeveless rather than it being “the pits”. Underarms are sometimes hidden or ignored, but summer is the time to try on some confidence first.

A few weeks ago, I got the chance to try Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with Nutrium Moisture. I had heard that it not only helps you stay dry and odor-free for 48 hours, but, that it also reduces irritation from shaving and gives you softer, smoother skin in just 3 days.

I was sent samples for myself and friends. I sent one to one of my best friends, Tami, who is dealing with the sweltering Texas heat and another to my good friend Mary who lives close by to give to her daughter to try.

My experience was a great one! I have always loved Dove products because of their fresh natural scents and gentleness while still working so effectively. I feel good knowing that Dove is the #1 recommended skin care brand by dermatologists.

During our current heat wave, I made sure to give Dove some good challenges with 90+ temps and I can honestly say that it did not let me down. Whether I wore a bathing suit, a tank with shorts or a summer dress, I felt confident and my pits remained dry.

Here is a pic my friend Tami in Texas sent me. She said she felt more confident using Dove and going sleeveless and bold! She also loved that the clean scent gave her a natural freshness. Way to rock that tank girlfriend!

 

 

My friend Mary’s daughter Cas was next to try Dove. When you’re a teenager going back to school, everything matters, especially smelling good and looking your best. Cas said she is definitely buy8ing more Dove!

 

 

Here are some tips from top fashion stylist, Erin Walsh, who has teamed up with Dove to help women go sleeveless proudly!

• I’m not sure there are any dos and don’ts to wearing sleeveless. You can’t dictate style to someone. It’s really more about how the individual wears an item. Every fabric hangs differently and every silhouette fits differently. When youchoose a sleeveless style, it should project confidence in your body stature and posture.

• It can be nice to wear your hair up when you are wearing sleeveless – to show off your shoulders and arms. Whether you have your hair up or down though, it goes back to personal style and how you feel most comfortable. They key is to project confidence.

 

Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant is available in 11 signature Dove scents and two different moisturizing formulations to address individual skincare needs. The full line of products can be purchased at mass, food and drug retailers nationwide.

 

Here are a few of my favorites:

Dove Advanced Care Anti-perspirant/Deodorant

Cool Essentials – A refreshing blend of cucumber and green tea

Rebalance – A scent of plum and sakura blossom

New Caring Coconut – A light coconut scent with jasmine floral notes

and Sensitive – An unscented, hypo-allergenic formula

Also try new Dove Advanced Care Clear Tone Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant.

 

 

Essential skin care, wetness and odor-protection; it’s all I could ask for. Confidence is beautiful!

 

After college, I got an editing job in Book Publishing. While it was a great job, I had always had a burning desire to go to Europe, Paris in particular. My Mom said to me, “How can you go. How can you leave your job, your apartment?” I said, truthfully, “How can I not?”

So, my boyfriend and I took some of our savings, bought Eurailpasses, and headed off to Paris with the intention of going wherever the adventure led us. We had an incredible time visiting France, Italy, the Greek Islands, and more.

I have always wanted to live my life without regrets and that has helped keep it fun and fresh.

If there’s some place you have always wanted to visit, whether it’s for a weekend or a month, try to see if you can make it happen. Focusing on the positive rather than finding all the reasons why you can’t is the key.

If you can’t physically visit, you can visit through movies or books! To keep life fresh, keep taking adventures, keep learning. Whether it is a cooking class, a yoga class, or going for a hot air balloon ride. Do you want to jump out of a plane? Do it. Have you always wanted to learn how to make the best Pad Thai or Chocolate Mousse? Now is the time.

 

 

Another idea to keep life interesting are T’ai Chi and Qigong classes. You just may find that the life energy you cultivate helps get you more motivated and excited about each day.

I recently did a 3-day juice fast. Changing your routine and giving your digestive system a break can help revitalize your mind, body and spirit. In the future, I may change to one-day juice fasts, however, that is one way to keep myself in balance.

 

 

Reading and exapnding our awareness can also help keep life fresh and new.

One of the most pivotal books in my life is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I remember picking up this book for the first time and feeling an almost imperceptible shift in consciousness. Of course, a lot of us have heard that living in the now is the key to happiness and enlightenment, but this book helped me not only understand this but experience it.

Oftentimes when I am working at home, I visit websites that are like mini-vacations. Here are two:

BuddhaBoard

Buddha Board is based on the Zen concept of living in the moment. Use your mouse or keypad to draw on the screen, then watch it disappear.

Buddha Board also has a free iPhone app which can be found here.

Another favorite of mine is Rainy Mood.

I have always loved listening to the sound of the rain. It’s so peaceful and calming. Often just visiting this site is like a mini-nap for me.

One more site I love which is both beautiful and brilliant is Bored Panda. I always find something fun and fascinating here.

 

So, whether you are exploring the world, the internet or a new style of cooking, there are many ways to keep life fresh and fun.

Try something new and open your heart and mind!

Another way to keep life fresh all day are Carefree Acti-fresh pantiliners. Superthin and flexible, they also offer great protection, leaving me care free to pursue life’s adventures.

Each day from August 12 – September 10, 2014 that you visit the Carefree Challenge site, you’re entered to win the Grand Prize – $5,000 for a fresh new wardrobe as well as daily prizes! Today’s prize is a $100 Gift Card to a major coffee retailer. Try something new!

 

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Carefree, however all ideas and opinions are expressly my own.

 

 

One of my earliest jobs was as a soda jerk. I was just a kid, but my Dad had one of those old-fashioned pharmacies, the ones with the soda fountains. When I wasn’t in school and on weekends, I’d often go to visit him there.

My Dad taught me to make ice cream sodas, milkshakes, and banana splits. The customers were people I recognized from the neighborhood who would sit on the shiny red stools and I loved talking to them and making their favorite treats. To this day, I can still make a mean Raspberry Lime Rickey.

I don’t know about you, but, we’re having hot summer days and nights here! It’s so satisfying to go to our local Walgreens and grab whatever we’re craving. This is ideal for the entire family, and it’s super convenient so we don’t have to look for a soda fountain, make a long and involved grocery store stop or wait around for the ice cream truck.

Walgreens carries Unilever ice cream brands such as Magnum, Breyers, Klondike, Fruttare, and Popsicle so you can get delicious ice cream treats and make sweet memories with your family!

Just this weekend, I picked up the new Magnum Infinity Chocolate.

These new bars are Dark Chocolate Ice Cream with a Chocolate Swirl Dipped in Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Bean Nibs. In short, they’re Nirvana for Chocoholics like me!

 

What is your favorite ice cream treat? Do you have any special ice cream memories?

 

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Walgreen’s and Global Influence, however, all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.