Bulu Box Monthly Subscription Review and Giveaway

     It isn't easy to decide on a health or fitness program anymore since there are so many choices available, all promising you the world of health and weight-loss.  I am afraid every time I decide to start up a diet to try something new since everything is soooo expensive and 90% of it either doesn't work or it makes you feel like you are on crack.  As I have frequently been reviewing these, it seems as though the "new thing" is joining a monthly mailing club where you get a whole buffet of items to try out, test, and enjoy before you have to spend the full amount only to find out you dislike a product or the way it works.  The most recent company I stumbled across is Bulu Box.  

Education Outdoors Mysterious Creatures Review and Giveaway

      We are usually quite the game playing family.  We spend at least once a month having a friendly get together with several other families.  The kids go crazy tearing apart our house while the adults enjoy a few drinks and some games.  Sometimes the older children join in or play their own games but it is always a fun evening for everyone.  We also used to have family game night at least once a week (before Declan started getting into everything)!  Recently, my youngest sister has been stuck inside due to a surgery so we have even been moving game night over there once a week to enjoy some family time.

Warrior Dash Run/Obstacle Course

Just accomplished one of the biggest things I've ever done in my life.  Will tell more later.  Check out the Warrior Dash if you want to see what I did at 8 this morning :)

Is There Really a Cure for Hiccups?? Hicural Review and Giveaway

     Are you one of those people who believes in the old wives tales?  Do you try the preganancy gender tests or the old remedies?  If you are, you might like this next product.  When I was first asked to review Hicural, I was like "Yeah sure this will be one of those reviews that I have to email the company back to tell them it didn't work".  This by the way has only happened once that everyone here doesn't know about since I report the truth regardless.  I don't mind sharing the embarrassing stories with any of you but some of the products we reviewers get asked to check out you just have to say no sometimes.

DIY Natural Beauty Products (above the neck)

     

*I had to use this pic as I just thought it was beautiful!

     Ever wondered what women did before makeup was invented?  At one point we used all the natural resources that were given to us instead of paying $50 for some miracle treatment thats been tested on animals and is loaded with chemicals you didn't know existed!  Beauty truly was a natural thing back in the day and boy do I wish I lived then.  Here are some creative ways to not only save you money, but to be naturally beautiful (and healthier)!

Jack Daniels Pecan Pie with Caramel Drizzle

2 grade A large eggs (slightly beaten)
1/4 cup dark Karo syrup
3/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons corn starch
8 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup Jack Daniels bourbon
6 oz. white chocolate
1 bag pecan halves

Caramel sauce
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. canned milk

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix eggs and Karo.
Combine sugar and corn starch, add to egg mixture.
Melt chocolate and butter, cool. Add bourbon and combine with egg mixture. Beat together in mixer on slow speed.
Pour into a 9 inch unbaked pie shell. Sprinkle evenly with pecan halves.
Bake on cookie sheet for one hour. Pie should be firm and will "set-up" while cooling.
Drizzle Caramel Sauce over pie
To make an impressive looking pie, lay the pecan halves on top in a circle around the edge and keep making circles until the pie top is covered rather then sprinkling them on top

Fairhaven Health Tea-For-Two Review and Giveaway

     With my last pregnancy, I was turned onto pregnancy and uterine health tea mid-third trimester.  Did it work?  Maybe.  I semi liked the taste.  But I got Chase out in two pushes.  Guess I had a strong uterus.  I tried looking up the old stuff that I used to drink, but they company had discontinued the prenatal tea.  Upon searching online, I came across Fairhaven Health and their all-natural teas.  The website boasts everything from fertility supplements, and ovulation predictors, but a plethora of pregnancy and nursing products as well.  They offer prenatal and postnatal vitamins, stretch mark and nipple creams, as well as the fertility, pregnancy and the nursing teas.

shUVee™ Ultraviolet Shoe Deodorizer Review and Giveaway

    So if you've ever traveled via airplane, you will know what I am talking about when I say there is a magazine that I hate to love on every airline.  Sky Mall Magazine is this really great magazine with all the neat gadgets you could ever think of.  Only reason I hate the magazine is because half the products are ridiculously expensive.  On my most recent travels to the Lucky Leaf Orchards, I spent my time in the air checking out all of the gadgets in Sky Mall that I thought would come in handy for the average person especially those that would be considered green friendly.  shUVee™ just so happened to be one of these!

BabyGanics’ Cover-Up Baby Face 'n' Body Sunscreen Spray Review and Giveaway

     Now, if you know me at all my skin tone is only one of three colors throughout the year - white, whiter than Edward (from Twilight), and flaming red.  Never in my life have I been tan even when I was most active as child/preteen.  Wearing sunscreen or dealing with severe sunburns come as second nature to me.  But when I married Kevin, who is just as pale as me and tans a shade lighter pink, little did I realize I would have to worry about what kind of skin the kids we produced had.  I started to pay more attention to the times of day we were out and how much sunscreen was needed once we had kids.  Thankfully, I was asked to review BabyGanics’ new Cover-Up Baby Face 'n' Body Sunscreen Spray this summer!

The Company Kids Store Pillowcase Friends Review and Giveaway

     While browsing around The Company Store searching for housewares, I was given an unexpected opportunity to review a product from their sister store - Company Kids.  Little did I know at the time that there was more for our family at Company Kids.  We were asked to review their Frog and Monkey Pillowcase Friends.

$10 Restaurant Gift Certificates for ONLY $1.60

Check out this deal at Restaurant.com and enter promo code LUNCH at check out!  I love using my certificates for date nights especially!

Laundry Tarts Review and Giveaway

     I've already told you all of my allergy to Tide detergent and originally when I first started reviewing products, I was quite hesitant in trying out all these so called "green friendly" laundry soaps.  I wasn't quite sure how my skin would react and whether or not they would be a cost effective option.  So before blogging and over the course of the last couple years I have tried to transition my family into a much greener world and one of those ways meant making my own cleaners at home (laundry detergent most specifically).  I know first hand how harmful some of the every day chemicals we use in our homes can be.  This has actually become a great eye opener as to what other options are out there.  I love trying new ecofriendly household products even when I make my own.  Several have replaced my own and I am confident using them around my family.

A Lucky Ladybug's Super Hero

     So I wanted to share one of those proud moments of my life.  My son almost brought tears to my eyes last night and not from being sad or happy but from laughing so hard.  My husband may not think this is quite as funny as I do but...oh well!  My sister always buys me little ladybug things whenever she comes across them.  The most recent one you will see below is a glow in the dark ladybug mask (which you probably won't catch me in).

I need to introduce Dane "A Lucky Ladybug Super Hero"

He fights crime every where he goes, keeps people being nice, and always remembers to recycle

Need a green friendly tip...just ask him, he's got the answers!  He also speaks baby in case you have a toddler/infant you can't understand.

NEVER FEAR A LUCKY LADYBUG IS HERE!!!!!

(I love him so much!!!)

Made From Earth Products Review and Giveaway

      I probably shouldn't have agreed to do this next review, not because of the quality but because I have a hard time believing in certain types of products like those that claim to be age defying or wrinkle preventing.  When I was younger, my mother used to claim that if I spread my lotion from the bottom of my face to the top instead of downwards, I could prevent aging and wrinkles.  Whether or not this is true, I believe that if you take care of your body naturally, all will fall into place.  Your body, face, skin, etc. will all age the way it is meant to.  We weren't meant to be young forever or to add silicone and other disgusting chemicals to make us appear to be.

     Because I stongly feel this way, I wanted to give Made From Earth products a try.  "Our line of organic skin care essentials contain the highest possible levels of organic ingredients and fruits. We have searched the entire USA for ingredients that meet our earth-friendly requirements and are hand-selected to provide you with exceptional skin care. Our ingredients / plants are from organic farms. There are no toxic ingredients in our products. There is no diluting or watering down of our potent organic plant ingredients. There is no synthetic coloring agents or fragrances, or paraffin and other petroleum products are permitted. Preservatives from synthetic sources are not permitted, such as Parabens (propyl, methyl and ethyl). We are 100% farmed and sourced in the USA."

     I was able to try  Made From Earth's Holistic Honey Lotion and Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum.  The Holistic Honey Lotion is best used for sensitive skin and of course is made from organic only honey.  The weird thing about this lotion is that it doesn't appear to be lotion at all but more of a body oil?!  The smell was a nice subtle sweet one and it spread in evenly without leaving a greasy look like most oils do.  I definitely recommend shaking before each use though.  My skin felt very soft after using it especially if it was used immediately after the shower.

     Now while even after a month of using the Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum its hard to say whether it will have a long term affect on my "wrinkle situation".  I will say this is felt very refreshing and clean smelling when rubbed all over my face (upwards of course).  I didn't feel like I needed to add any additional moisturizer like was recommended to go along with the serum.  I really think it helped with my puffy eyes after several days use too.

Cost: $22.99 Holistic Honey Lotion
     $29 Sale Price ($39 reg)  Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum
Recommendation:  Again a little pricey for me but remember I'm not quite the girlie girl when it comes to spending money on beauty products.  But this company speaks with its actions which obviously speak louder than words.  These are all natural good for your products that you can feel safe using and be confident in the lack of chemicals you have to be concerned about.
Facebook:  Made from Earth 
Twitter: @MadefromEarth
Giveaway:   Made From Earth is going to give one of A Lucky Ladybug's lucky readers a bottle of Holistic Honey Lotion of their own!

Zooper Twist Stroller giveaway Blogger Sign-ups open

I am participating in an amazing free Zooper Twist Stroller giveaway hosted by Mom Powered Media! One super lucky reader will win a Zooper Twist!

Cost: $5.00 or free with announcement post. See bloggers wanted post for more details.

Prize: Zooper Twist Stroller in either Mountain Flowers, Ocean Blue, Canyon Red, or Flax Brown fabric! Average retail value is 199.99.

Giveaway Open to: US and Canada.

The event dates: August 6th- August 27th.

Free Link Option: Facebook

Optional Paid Link Option: Twitter for $3.00.

Special thanks to Real Mom Reviews, Mom To Bed By 8 and Powered By Mom for coordinating this great giveaway event!

Blogger Notes: Bloggers worldwide are welcome to participate as long as you have a large amount of US and Canadian traffic to your website.

What is required to join?  Fill out this form with your information! Remember to let them know A LUCKY LADYBUG sent you!!

D and N Kids Peace, Love, and Giraffe Rolling Suitcase Review and Owl Lunch Bag Giveaway

     One thing we have always done is try to travel at least a couple times a year whether it is to visit family or just to relax away from home.  Because of our frequent family travel, I have noticed that it is extremely difficult to find decent luggage for the kids.  Each piece we've found just seems cheaply made or too small to make it worth even dragging around.  So once I discovered D and N Kids, I wanted to take my time picking out the perfect peice and reviewing it.

Sweet Pea Maternity Pink Buckle Maternity Top Review and Giveaway

     Now that I'm pregnant with number three, I've noticed that I'm blossoming way differently than with the other two boys. With Jordan, I was 15, and about 90 lbs soaking wet....It actually took me about 7 months to actually start showing.  With Chase, I was a blimp at 12 weeks!  Now, this one I'm somewhere in the middle.  I'm showing, for sure, but not too sure how much of it is baby, or my 'winter layer', being pushed up by the baby!  This puts me in a predicament for clothes, if it still 'fits' its not fitting very well for very much longer!  I had god awful ugly maternity clothes for Jordan which were hand me downs from my moms friends.  For Chase, I literally lived in yoga pants and racer back tanks.  This time, I want style!

R.J. Luna/My Song Boutique Review

     Okay, as much as I love being that go to person for product recommendations - I am not into shopping for clothes.  Yes, I think I have style but it is just very different shopping for myself.  I have such an awkward figure since I am so busty on top.  Last year while looking for dresses for my sisters bachelorette I discovered a very talented designer - Jackie Bertolette.  Her sense of fashion is absolutely refreshing with a unique taste but not crazy out there style like you see on the runways (and could never imagine wearing).  Her and her partner Rebecca MacMillan launched their company R.J. Luna in 2007 which offers one of a kind designs to fit the everyday woman.

Aerobie Squidgie Ball Review and Giveaway

     Sorry to put this so bluntly but never in my life did I imagine that I would be surrounded by so many balls in so many ways.  I am the oldest of three girls and the oldest of 15 female cousins.  I'm still new in to the world of men being that I am the first in four generations to have a boy and now I have two of them.  Secondly, my boys are obsessed with balls.  Big, little, sports balls or bouncy balls, they love them all.  We have ball pits, mini basketball nets, and tents full of balls for them to play with.

Growums Herb and Ratatouille Garden Review and Giveaway

     As you've probably seen I am always trying to find creative ways to plant seedlings to start edibles year long.  From my recycled wipe container herb garden to my egg shell seed starters.  I try to throw nothing away if it can be reused especially for gardening purposes.  I am obsessed with having as much fun gardening especially with my kids as possible.  I am always trying to turn each activity together into a teaching point.  We need to start young teaching our children how to be self sufficent and how to take care of this planet so it will be around for generations to come.

     In my one of my recent online explorations, looking for gardening ideas I came across a site/company called Growums.  Right away I was excited as there are vegetable characters greeting you from the home page.  You can purchase from six different gardening sets which each follow a theme such as a Taco Garden or Pizza Garden.  What got me excited to work with this company is that not only do they provide everything you need to start your own mini garden but your children can get online and enter your garden code which guides you along the way.  The vegetable characters talk to your kids giving them tips along the way to care for their plants.  Each moment is a teaching moment but also a game while teaching them how to watch their garden carefully.

     The first garden we got was the Herb Garden (we actually got two over the last couple weeks since they were so much fun).  Each kit comes with a plastic tray which evenly waters your plants as they dry, seed packets, and dirt pellets.  My only disappointment was that because of the seed size two of my packets were completely empty upon arrival.  No worries though because once I emailed customer service, I was quickly sent over several replacement packs.

     After the seeds had been planted for a couple days, I added some of my compost dirt for some extra "love" nutrients for the plants to grow.  We watched the plants grow in front of our eyes as well as online, playing games and learning lots of exciting facts.  Because in Michigan we don't get much of a summer, these actually worked great indoors or out.  I usually start my seeds early in the year so they are ready to be transferred outside early spring so this is going to be perfect for next years early planting indoors.    Also available is a larger scale portable gardening box set where your seeds can be replanted in the box and transferred outside when ready in the patio box.

Cost:  $9.99
Available to purchase: Growums 
Recommendation:  I definately would recommend this to anyone who gardens in smallest amounts since they can be done all year round.  These make great projects for your little ones to learn about growing or even would make a very cute gift at a great price!
Facebook: Growums
Twitter:  @Growums
YouTube:  Growums
Giveaway:  Growums is going to give one of A Lucky Ladybug's lucky readers a Garden of their own!

100% Pure Products - Body Scrub and Facial Mask Review

     I am generally a very low maintenance chick (at least in my eyes, lol).  I very rarely have makeup on and usually throw my hair up in a ponytail.  So unfortunately, you won't find me reviewing too many beauty products.  I just don't think its fair to give an opinion on something you aren't very familiar with.  Most any of the personal care products that I do choose to review I ask for my daughter, sisters, or friends help/feedback.  I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to share this next company with you!  I actually only received products from them two days ago and I just had to share my experience right away!

     100% Pure products truly are 100% Pure.  They contain synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins.  They are also Vegan made from food grade ingredients and are never diluted with any type of fillers.  Most are also gluten free.

      100% Pure sent me their Coconut Body Scrub and the Purity Facial Cleaner+Mask.  The first and only words that I can use to describe these to you are WOW and Unforgetable!  First off I have tried the salt and sugar scrubs from places like Bath n Body Works and there is no competition!  Hands down  100% Pure's body scrub is amazing.  The smell was strong and refreshing and my skin felt beyond soft after my shower.  The best part is while most of these scrubs leave your skin feeling oily and greasy, this one only felt oily as I got out of the shower and quickly soaked into my skin making it even softer.  Then I tried the Purity Mask and again wow!  The minty smell immediately woke me up and made my eyes feel so much lighter (no puffy drowsy feeling).  Dane said I looked like I was playing in the mud but that made it more fun like I was pampering myself at a spa!  This mask cleaned my face without drying it out and I have already begun to notice a difference in my acne after only two days.

     I had to quote this from the website as I felt it was enlightening, "As much as 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream,” Says Dr. Nancy Lonsdorf, M.D. an lowa-based physician, “They should be consumed with the same prudence that we use to choose our breakfast cereal.” – April 2006 issue of Women's Health Magazine. There are many toxic chemicals in cosmetic products that have been clinically proven to cause cancer, tumors, irritation and many different skin disorders."

Cost: $25 Coconut Body Scrub
     $21 Purity Facial Cleaner+Mask
Recommendation:  As if you couldn't tell from the rest of my review but I highly recommend any of these products.  Even with them being a little pricy you are getting your money worth in quality!  Plus they donate to several charities.
Facebook:  100% Pure
Twitter: @100percentpure
Pinterest:  100% Pure 
Google+:  100% Pure

Happy 4th of July From A Lucky Ladybug

Happy 4th of July Everyone!!

Please remember to be safe...handle all fireworks carefully and no drinking and driving!!

Knouse Foods/Lucky Leaf Adventure 2012: Part 3 of 4

     The reason that such a smaller scale company such as Knouse has made such a large investment in their processes and quality is because they truly care about what they are doing and providing.  They knew what phrases such as "green" and "ecofriendly" were before they become popular or even a small concern.  These are the original farmers who WANT to recycle what they can back into the earth.  They DONT WANT to use anything harful on their plants because it can affect each years growth and supply.  They CARE if their product arn't the safest and most natural foods you are eating because their families are eating it too.