Make An Influence on Products and Services with Influenster

This post contains a referral link.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Influenster is a free -to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influenster creates links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products. Active members of Influenster get exclusive access to deals, promotions, and swag from brands that thrive off the input (the good, the bad, and the ugly -- they just want to know what's up).

As a contributing member of Influenster, you get the chance to share your knowledge and know-how with other like-minded people. You also get exclusive discounts on products and services based on the Expert Badges you unlock. You’ll have access to content and sales based on your influence and area of expertise. As an active influencer, you’ll have the chance to get invites to Influenster programs so you can try the latest and coolest products catered towards your lifestyle before anyone else. Members who participate actively on Influenster and engage in programs increase their opportunities to receive rewards.

I'm been a member of Influenster for some time now and have received merchandise for free to test and try out. It's a legit company that lets you share what you do and don't like about products. Go ahead, check it out.  And, if you want to test products and give your opinion, join me in Influenster.

Energy Gummies I recently received to review from Influenster

Keep Little Ones Busy With the Latest Peppa Pig Products - Giveaway

I received no product or compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

If your little one is a fan of the hit preschool series, Peppa Pig, then they’re going to “oink” with excitement about these irresistible products from TCG Toys!  The Peppa Pig Jumbo Mega Play Mat and Magnetic Wood Dress Up Puzzle have made their way into retail stores nationwide, including Toys R Us and Kmart, and are perfect for keeping little ones busy during the summer season – especially during rainy days (when you’re through jumping in muddy puddles, of course)!

Peppa Pig Jumbo Mega Play Mat
Kids can laugh and snort with Peppa Pig and her little brother George as they ride around the neighborhood! Printed on over 5 feet of Eva foam, this full color Playmat lets users have a picnic in the park, make sandcastles on the beach or join Peppa's friends in the bouncy castle – they can do it all! SRP $29.99

Peppa Pig Magnetic Wood Dress Up Box Set
Kids can dress up their favorite TV star with the Peppa Pig Magnetic Wood Dress Up Box Set! The set includes 8 tops, 13 bottoms and 4 icons, plus lots of cool features, including chunky, easy to grip magnetic wood pieces and a wooden box for easy storage. SRP $12.99

Win It!

One person will win:
Peppa Pig Jumbo Mega Play Mat
Peppa Pig Magnetic Wood Dress Up Box Set.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's National Save Your Hearing Day

I've been through my fair share of problems with my ears.  The problems started when I was little and haven't left me yet.  Ear tubes are as much part of my body as any of my limbs.  My ears are severely scarred from having so many surgeries on them.  I may be able to hear just fine one day and look straight at you without hearing a word the next day.  My most recent surgery was in late 2015.  The right ear got an ear tube and the left eardrum was patched with fat from the back of my earlobe.

Although it's not always the case, much of hearing loss is preventable.  There's only so many decibels a person can take before their ears finally cry "Uncle".  Don't be too cool for school --- Wear ear protection if you're going be around loud noises.  If your ears are prone to infections from water, it's totally okay to wear ear plugs.  I can swim like a fish but rarely put my head under water because I don't want to suffer the consequences that come from Swimmer's Ear.  That's my PSA for the day, but if you want to learn more, check out the variety of resources and information at the Better Hearing Institute.

Do you suffer from hearing loss?  What measures do you take to help prevent hearing loss?

ShedRain Compact Umbrella - Review and Giveaway

I received product for review from ShedRain.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

You don't really realize how important an umbrella is until you don't have one.  One way to make me feel ucky is if I'm drenched from rain or snow.  Clothes stick to me and my hair turns into a hot mess.  And, this weather lately has seen its fair share of rain.  Luckily, I have ShedRain umbrellas on hand to keep the rain at bay.

Consumers can count on ShedRain to keep them covered.  As the oldest and most honored umbrella manufacturer in the country, the third-generation, family-owned company, ShedRain, offers a quality collection of umbrellas for the whole family.  ShedRain has everyone covered with the strongest, most stylish umbrellas.  The company backs up their products with a lifetime warranty on all umbrellas.

One of my favorites from ShedRain is their compact umbrella.  First of all, it works for its intended use. And that is to keep me dry. To open and close the umbrella, all you have to do is push a round button. There's no fighting with it. The umbrella provides enough coverage for one person.  The steel shaft and ribs make it both strong and reliable against even the soggiest weather.  A matching print carry case adds convenience for storing it in a large purse or your car. There's also a wrist wrap for carrying the umbrella. It's both pretty and beneficial to staying dry.  I have the multi-striped design and the colors are very vibrant.  With umbrellas from ShedRain, I have no reason or excuse to go out in the weather and get wet.

Win It!

One person will win a ShedRain Compact Umbrella (design will be chosen by sponsor).

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Final Winners for May

A few of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn.

The winner of the Rock Dog Blu-ray giveaway is #59, saturdaynightfever.

The winner of the Go Organically Fruit Snacks giveaway is #67, Wendy ArtsyChaos.

The winner of the Beauty and the Beast CD giveaway is #28, Kayla Klontz.

The winner of the NeoCell Ceramides Skin Hydrator giveaway is #50, Melissa.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered.  Be sure to check out and enter the current active giveaways.  They're always listed at the top left hand side of my blog, and there's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

Wordful Wednesday - Mother/Daughter Tats

My tat right after it was finished.

It's no longer glossy or red.

After a few years of talking the talk, Shelby and I finally walked the walk.

My Mother's Day gift from her this year was matching Mother/Daughter tats.  We went in last Friday and had them done.  Shelby found the ying yang cats design online and it was also her idea to have our writing on each other's tats.  Mine is in her writing, and vice versa.  Above my tat are the words "My Moommy" and hers states "My Elby".  It's the nicknames we've called each other for years.

The tat placement wasn't the same.  Mine is on the right arm.  Shelby's is at the center of her back.  She has a higher pain tolerance in that regards.  This makes her ninth tattoo and my second.

Shelby laying there like it's nothing.

My first tattoo was almost ten years ago of a red guitar as a memorial for my father.  I've always been firm that I won't get a tat unless it has an absolute special meaning.  And that's why I was okay with this one.

Did it hurt?  Yeah.  Was it intolerable?  No.  It took a tad under an hour and that's enough for me.  Any bigger or longer, and I'd go crazy.

What's your plans for the day?

Oh, you know, paying for pain and permanent ink.

Shelby can't deny me now.  Same for me.  We're forever inked together.

Do you have any tattoos?  If so, how many and what are they?

The brown "dirt" look is the smudge that happens right after a tattoo.  It washed away.

Is Amazon Prints good for photos? YES it is! Plus $1000 of Amazon Gift Cards to be Won! - #Sponsored #AmazonPrints

I'm a person who loves taking pictures.  I want to capture memories and remember special events.  Printing pictures and creating photo books gives me the opportunity to do just that.  

Amazon has launched a photo printing service, Amazon Prints, that allows all customers to print their memories.  Prime members can upload images to their Prime Photos account, print the product of their choice, and receive free delivery. If you’re not a Prime member, you’ll receive 5 GB of storage free on Prime Photos and be able to print your favorite photos.  Prints start as low as $0.09.  Some of their merchandise includes calendars, photo canvases, and cards.

Check out and enter the giveaway for a 1st prize of a $500 Amazon gift card, or one of five $100 Amazon gift card second prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Amazon for sponsoring this post and providing prizes for the giveaway.  
Amazon, Fire and the Amazon Fire TV logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Premium Portions Turkey Breast - #JennieO #SwitchCircle Review

I received products for review from JENNIE-O Turkey.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

JENNIE-O Turkey has been a recognized leader in the turkey industry for many years.  From the main course to your favorite snacks, find all your favorite JENNIE-O® Turkey products at the deli counter or in the grab-and-go sections. 

You’ll be surprised how versatile JENNIE-O® deli turkey and chicken can be.  I received three of the Jennie-O Premium Portions - Oven Roasted, Hickory Smoked Sun Dried Tomato & Hickory Smoked Cajun Style Turkey Breast- and found several ways to use them in my recipes in the future.  The turkey can be used either as a main dish or as part of an appetizer or entree.

We recently served the three varieties of turkey to guests over Memorial Day weekend.  The turkeys were used as a main meat.  Each turkey breast was placed in a shallow pan with water, then cooked in the oven.  Once finished, I cut up the turkey into slices and served them with vegetables.  They were so moist and tender, and the flavors complemented the other food.

Which of the three varieties would you most like to try - Oven Roasted, Hickory Smoked Sun Dried Tomato, or Hickory Smoked Cajun Style turkey breast?

Battle Blaster Power-Pump Water Gun - Review and Giveaway

I received product for review from Prime Time Toys.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

I have two teenage boys who, although nearly grown, are still kids at heart from time to time.  For instance, the Battle Blaster from Prime Time Toys has gotten plenty of play time since I received it for review.  Other than having to warn the boys not to aim the blaster at each other, it's turned out pretty well.

The Battle Blaster Power-Pump Water Gun performs with great precision aided by a detachable scope.  With a water blast range of up to 35', you'll be sure to catch your target in the crosshairs.  Trust me, I know; I've been in those crosshairs!

The water gun is packaged in a cardboard box and secured with zip ties, so scissors are necessary to cut the gun loose.

We did have a hard time, at first, finding the cap opening for the water.  There wasn't any indication on the box.  After feeling around for a while, we were able to locate it.  The gun holds a good amount of water and it's easy to operate.  You just have to pump the bottom half of the barrel and pull the trigger to squirt.  The water comes out in a long, thin stream.  If you prefer not to have the scope on top of the gun, you can detach it by sliding it off.  The Battle Blaster Power-Pump Water Gun has gotten plenty of use and has proven to be a fun outdoor activity.

Prime Time Toys launched the new collection of water blasters, including the Battle Blaster, in January of this year.  They are available exclusively at Wal-Mart and walmart.com.  The Adventure Force™ line of water blasters will bring a splash of fun to the backyard this Spring and Summer. 

Win It!

One person will win a Battle Blaster Power-Pump Water Gun.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Random Tuesday Thoughts - Memorial Day and Wrecks

Stacy Uncorked is doing another edition of Random Tuesday Thoughts.  Get on over there and link your posts with all the randomness you've got.
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#NotASnapchatFilter

#WoreThisCrownForReal

#ThatsHowIRoll

How was your Memorial Day weekend?  Did you celebrate in any way?  I went to a friend's house Sunday night and ate way too much food.  Then we pretended we could sing with karaoke and played Charades.  We stayed up past 4 am so I'd say it was good times.

This is one of the many reasons Felicia is my friend.

#AdultingDoesntHaveToBeHard

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All three of my kids worked their arses off for Pepsi over Memorial Day weekend.  It paid off.  The boss called to let them know that all three Waid kids did a fantastic job and they will be the only three employees getting fat bonuses on their paycheck.
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Adam starts a new full-time job next week.  He'll still work for Pepsi a couple days a month but his new job will be at a steel manufacturing facility.  It's a local business with only a handful of employees.  The pay and benefits will be good, but it will be hotter than Hades once the full heat of summer gets here.  It's one of those places that takes a special kind of people that don't mind sweating like a stuck pig.  I'm not one of those people.  #ImAnAirBaby
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I caught Helen sleeping all sorts of cockeyed on my couch the other day.  She has no qualms about making herself at home.  Misty, the cat, has laid claim to our recliner.  I swear she believes it's hers, and no one else has any right whatsoever to it.  The struggle to sit there is real.
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During church service Thursday evening Jason received a text that no parent wants to get.  His oldest daughter was in a wreck.  After lots of tests at the ER, it was confirmed that Allyson is okay.  The wreck was her fault and her car is totaled but she is okay and that's what counts.  She's very sore from the air bag deployment and the seat belt.  It's something that time will have to heal.
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What's your randomness for the week?
Do your pets run your household?

Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 74

(photo source: Unsplash)

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 74. If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

Wordful Wednesday - First 2017 Six Flags Visit

Me and Adam were Six Flags Gold Level Season Pass holders last year and chose to do the same for this season.  We made our first visit last Saturday.  I prefer to go during off-peak dates because it's not hotter than the seventh level of Hell and ride waits aren't as long.

The Looney Tunes characters were out in full force.  We also watched a show from Miss Kitty's Saloon, The Red Garter Revue.

We ate funnel cakes from the 1904 World's Fair.  I went with light powdered sugar.  Adam chose the sugar coma and went with a funnel cake doused in powdered sugar, whipped cream, Oreo cookies, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate syrup.

American Thunder

I am a ride enthusiast and haven't found a ride I didn't like.  Until...I rode the Fireball.  Never, ever again!  It opened up last year but I didn't ride.  Wish I hadn't done it this year.  It takes you upside down and gives you the feeling of being out of your seat.  I couldn't get off of it soon enough.

Do you visit Six Flags?  What's your favorite thing to do there?

Colortime Crafts and Markers - Review and Giveaway

I received product for review from Colortime Crafts and Markers.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Keeping kids entertained now that school's out can be a daunting task.  If you're reaching for ideas, consider Colortime Crafts and Markers.  The company has easy craft ideas for kids, including t-shirts, pillowcases, backpacks, tote bags, and more that children will love to color and decorate.  They have keepsake craft products specific to boys and girls, as well as religious, holiday, and even dog wear items.  They're also a great company to consider if you're planning for a birthday, scouting, or other event.

I received the Love Backpack for review and, well, love it.  The drawstring backpack is decorated with a cute image that can be colored.  Colortime Crafts and Markers has their own line of permanent fabric markers that are non-toxic.  I got three markers - red, yellow, and blue - to color in the image of my backpack.

I was pleasantly surprised with how well the markers worked.  I had no trouble coloring in the "Love" design.  I've used some fabric markers before that weren't worth the materials they were made with.  These markers have a thick grip and the colors show up vibrantly.  I didn't have to press down hard or struggle to get the markers to fill in all the desired space.  There was no smearing or smudging when switching between the colors.  I took notice and liked that the yellow colored marker didn't blend in with the black fabric of the image design.  Yellow usually tends to do that and it looks like a smeared mess.

Jason wearing the partially colored backpack

The backpack itself is roomy and can fit a lot of contents.  It is made of good material and fits up to an average sized adult.  Although I haven't done it to mine yet, the backpacks are machine washable.
I would like to note that the fabric markers have to be purchased separately from the "color yourself" crafts.  They can be purchased individually or in sets.

Discount Code:  Receive 15% off online retail purchases at colortime.com when you use coupon code 15for30C. Offer not valid on sale items and may not be combined with other offers or discounts. Offer expires on July 18, 2017.

Free Shipping:  Receive free ground shipping on orders over $60 in the continental US when you use code FRSHW at checkout.  Only for retail, web-based orders, placed on the website. Not to be combined with any other offers and discounts.

Facebook Giveaway:  Colortime does a weekly fan giveaway on their Facebook page.
Each week Colortime Crafts and Markers will randomly draw one lucky fan who will receive a special craft package, which includes a Colortime print item of choice and three special permanent Colortime FABRIC MARKERS. All you have to do to be eligible is to "like" and become a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers on Facebook.  The winners' Facebook name will be posted each Monday on the Colortime Crafts and Markers Facebook page. A message will be sent on Facebook informing you that you won. Look for it, and if your name is a winner, you can also send us an email message to info@colortime.com with your full name and address and in either case we will ship your prize within 2 weeks.

Rules:
1) You must be a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers (www.facebook.com/colortimecrafts) Facebook page.
2) Once you win a prize, you are not eligible for additional prizes for this promotion for 12 months after the prize has been awarded.
3) Prizes not claimed within 2 weeks will be forfeited.

Free Coloring Pages:  Colortime Crafts and Markers offers free coloring pages available for download.

Birthday Club:  Sign up for the "Birthday Club," and as the birthday approaches, Colortime Crafts and Markers will send you a special coupon code and a free exclusive members-only "Birthday Club" backpack - with your order. To receive the free backpack, you must use the code you're provided with for 20% off your order (minimum of $20).

Win It!

One person will win a drawstring Backpack of choice and three fabric markers from Colortime Crafts and Markers.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's National Brother's Day

Donnie with his wife at Jason's MDI graduation

If you have a blood brother or a brother from another mother, take time today to let them know how much they mean to you.  Carve out some time to spend together, reminisce, or irritate.

When I was six years old, I had a half-brother that committed suicide.  I'd like to say I remember him, but I don't.  I have absolutely no recollection of Rick.  But, that's not to say I don't think about him from time to time.  It'd be nice to have had that relationship.

Donnie skating in a roller derby bout

My other half-brother, Donnie, and I grew up together.  My sisters were older and out of the house so it was just me and him.  Donnie irritated me to no end, and made sure to piss me off on a daily.  But, he had my back and was fiercely protective of me.  He was mom's favorite (he'll tell you the same) and he's definitely a bird of a different feather.  Donnie doesn't have a filter and will tell you like it is. He's unconventional and does what he wants when he wants.

Donnie wasn't exactly a law-abiding citizen back in the day, but he's grown up to be a wonderful father to two children and a great husband.  He works hard for his family and is an amazing coach to the roller derby team.  He and I are two completely different people, but I'm beyond proud to call him my brother.

Donnie and my mom a few years ago.

He got a kick out of irritating her too.  And she always took it in stride.

Do you have any brothers?  What's your relationship like with him?

Free YouTube Digital Scavenger Hunt

I received no product or compensation for this post.  This post is in partnership with PR firm.  Please do your own research before purchasing product or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Award-winning author, Carew Papritz, has created the first ever YouTube scavenger hunt.  This free world-wide reading event combines literacy, technology, whimsy, supports charity and, unlike Pokemon-Go, you can actually win PRIZES.

Starting June 1, participants will compete in a 10-week “digital scavenger hunt” finding hidden books located in best-selling author, Carew Papritz’s YouTube videos.

The videos range from his “I love to read” series and his “first-ever” book events, such as signing books on the top of volcanoes and while on horseback, delivering books by drone, and his most recent signing in Havana, Cuba.

HOW IT WORKS:

Interested participants will go to the website www.wheresthebook.com to sign up and subscribe. Over the course of 10 weeks, bestselling author, Carew Papritz, will be releasing two videos per week on his YOUTUBE channel. He has hidden a specially-marked version of his award-winning inspirational book, The Legacy Letters, in 5 of his 20 fun videos

Supports Make-A-Wish Foundation

100% of the profits from every purchase of The Legacy Letters made during the 10 weeks of the First-Ever YouTube Scavenger Hunt will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Inspires Summer Reading

One of the main goals is to provide a new, interesting way to get kids inspired to read and to spark childhood fun & curiosity over the summer.

Win Prizes

There are 2 ways to win prizes-- There will be 5 main prize winners and 10 bonus winners over the course of the hunt.  The first five participants to find all five books will win the grand prizes.  Prizes range from Amazon gift cards to a new Kindle Fire!

Bonus searches and prizes will be released each week. In order to get clues and the info on each week's bonus search, participants will have to follow Papritz on social media.

Freeze 24-7 Radiance Brightening Face Mask- Review

I received product for review from Freeze 24-7.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

#FaceScareDontCare

No, I'm not trying out for the role of Ed Gein in a movie (Texas Chainsaw Massacre reference).  I'm actually wearing the Radiance Brightening Face Mask from Freeze 24-7.  Developed by top dermatologists, the face mask is formulated to help skin regain luminosity and restore vitality.  It's also made to brighten and even skin tone.  It is recommended to apply a face mask 2-3 times a week, and there are eight gel masks to each box.

To be honest, application is a little messy.   You are to remove a mask from the packaging and unfold.  Then you are to peel off the protective paper from one side of the mask, apply the mask to a clean and dry face, then remove the protective film from the outside of the mask.  Doing this, you will more than likely get gel on your fingers and who knows where else.  You'll want to make sure the mask is adhered to the curves around the eyes, nose, and mouth.  

Once the gel mask is in place on your face, you're to leave it on for 20-25 minutes.  I'm not gonna lie, I had a great time getting reactions out of my hubby and kids when they saw me with the mask on.  I was compared to some great horror legends.

Having the gel mask on for so long doesn't bother me.  I am still able to see and breathe.  Once in a while, I have to press down on the sides to get the mask to adhere to my face again.  After the recommended time is up, the mask can be taken off and discarded.  There's no need to rinse any excess serum.  You just have to pat your face until the remaining serum is fully absorbed, and apply excess serum to neck and chest.

As for how they work, I haven't turned into Pamela Anderson but I love how my skin feels after using a mask.  My face feels refreshed and even looks more alive.  It is smoother to the touch, and seems more vibrant.  So, I'll take looking like I do while wearing the mask to get the results it gives.

10% off with Zak! Designs Memorial Day Sale

This post contains an affiliate link.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Zak! Designs makes everyday meals a little more special by creating safe, innovative and fashionable products that add a touch of color and an element of fun to tables around the world.

In honor of Memorial Day, Zak! Designs is offering 10% off everything on zak.com.  The sale runs from 5/22/2017-5/30/2017.  There's no code to apply at checkout.  The 10% off is already applied to every item.

Memorial Day Sale! Enjoy 10% off everything at zak.com!