Category: Sponsored

Discover The Possibilities Life Has to Offer

All views are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Discover Products Inc. and its affiliates

So, we’ve been in our apartment for over a year now. In the beginning we signed a six month lease, which then turned into another  6 month lease.  This process of buying a home has been completely crazy!

Needless to say, I’m happy no matter where we are because we have a roof over our heads and don’t have to worry.  We are debt free, our cars are paid for, our credit is great, and we are saving diligently towards retirement & this kiddo’s future.

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It took us a while to get to this point in life and it doesn’t always happen over night.  I remember when Terence and I first got married we were young and didn’t have much of a credit history.  Our very first loan was for a home computer.  We went to the bank and asked for a personal loan so we could purchase a new computer.  We needed it for school and other various reasons, but we just couldn’t afford one at that point in life.

That personal loan was a first step at building good credit for our future.  Even though we were just starting out in life, it meant a lot that someone was willing to loan us money for something we needed.

Situations like this will pop up throughout your life.  You never know where you’ll end up or what you may be facing in the future.  I’ve worked in the Finance industry for over a decade and have seen how a personal loan can benefit many lives.  Discover Personal Loans can be an ideal solution for individuals with good credit and a strong financial history. With no origination fees you’ll receive 100% of your approved  loan amount. You get competitive, fixed rates with flexible repayment options to help you reach your goals in life.  Whether it be for a wedding, car, or a trip somewhere…. like Scotland for your 15 year wedding anniversary…. *hint* *hint*

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Discover Personal Loans can help with debt consolidation and credit card refinancing (these are actually the number one reasons why people take out a personal loan). Discover has 100% U.S. based loan specialists who can help you decide which loan term works best and how quickly you want to pay it off.

Discover Personal Loans offers fixed rates starting at 6.99% up to 24.99% with flexible repayment terms. You can lock in a lower, fixed rate debt consolidation loan that can help you eliminate hundreds or even thousands of dollars in future interest payments.  Plus, the fixed interest rate on a Personal Loan is generally lower than the higher, variable rates associated with many revolving debts.

Sometimes you need a little help getting where you want to go in life, so why not let someone give you a hand AND save money in the process?  Learn more about Discover Personal Loans here.

Find out how a personal loan can benefit you & how you can erase higher-interest credit card debt.

Follow along for more information on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

How would you use a Discover Personal Loan?

Be sure to visit the Discover brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

Nexxus Salon Care: Results You Can See

“This post is sponsored by Nexxus New York Salon Care, a product of Unilever, as a part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.” #TBD #IC

A couple of months ago I got my hair cut really short for the summer.  I mean…short!  I told myself at the end of last year I wasn’t going to cut it at all because I wanted to grow it out super long and be able to do a beloved top knot.  Well, like most women my hair can drive me bonkers.  My hair is naturally curly and most days it’s a battle with my hair just to make myself look presentable.

I’ve had every hairstyle imaginable.  You name it I’ve tried it.  Short, long, blonde, brown, red, or even black…I’ve done it all!

Hair Flashback:

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I’m really picky about hair products and I want to take good care of my hair because I do so much to it.  I dry and straighten it several times a week & this can do a number on my hair!  I recently tried some fabulous products from Nexxus New York Salon Care.

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The Nexxus New York Salon Care Therappe & Humectress Collection smells a-m- a-z- i-n-g!  It left my normally curly, frizzy hair feeling smooth and refined. I have been using all the products above for the last couple of weeks.  I absolutely love the way the Therappe Shampoo and Humectress Conditioner leave my hair.

I’d also like to tell you about some of my other favorites.

The Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist…I mean really ladies how did we ever survive without dry shampoo?  Now I can got an extra day or two between washing & drying my hair.  This causes less damage to my mane and that helps my hair to grow longer and stronger.

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After I get out of the shower I’ve been applying the Nexxus Encapsulate Caviar Serum on wet hair before blow drying.  Again, it smells delicious and is enriched with 100% pure Elastin Protein which leaves my hair soft and smooth.

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If my hair gets really dry (like the 110 degree heat we had yesterday in TX) then I apply the Nexxus Caviar Complex Replenishing Masque.  This is a super deep conditioning treatment.  If you spend a lot of time in the pool this summer, don’t forget about deep conditioning those locks….chlorine can do a number on your hair.

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The Nexxus Maxximum Finishing mist held like a charm.  Also, one of my biggest pet peeves with hairspray is a clogged nozzle.  This one has yet to clog, goes on super even, and smells so yummy!

Other fab products are the Nexxus Lightweight Conditioning Mist and the Nexxus Volumizing Mousse.  I use these products when I want to give my hair a break from straightening and let it go curly.

Results:

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You can see in these photos that in just a couple of months my hair has grown a pretty good amount.  I’ll definitely continue to use all the Nexxus products, I can tell they’ve really helped nourish my hair the past couple of weeks.

My hair isn’t exactly where I want it to be yet…but by taking great care of my hair with the help of Nexxus maybe I will have a topknot by Christmas 🙂

We shall see!

Follow along for the latest and greatest from Nexxus on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter.

Keep Calm & Carry On…

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Uricalm® for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey lady friends!  This post is for you and a subject some of us might be a little shy about, but at the same time we talk about ya know…..STUFF!  So, I’m just going to tell you how it is and that’s that!

Have you ever had a UTI?  If not consider yourself lucky.  It’s something that happens to so many people and it can be extremely uncomfortable and painful.  I get them occasionally….and let’s just say it ain’t fun.  All I want to do is lay in bed and not get up because that’s the best place to be when a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) strikes. DSC_1051 I’m always looking for a solution before I get on heavy antibiotics.  Did you know that half of all women will experience a painful urinary tract infection in their lifetime? 20% will experience recurring UTIs, getting as many as 3 per year!  That’s craziness!  I know when I get one it effects my entire day and sometimes my entire week 🙁

Thankfully I’ve found Uricalm® MAX urinary pain medicine that promptly stops urinary pain, burning, increased frequency and sensation of urgency. It contains 99.5 mg of clinically proven Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride per tablet and 199 mg per dose — the most UTI pain medicine of this type you can buy over the counter.

URICALM® Cranberry: A daily cranberry supplement that helps support your urinary tract health*. Uricalm Cranberry combines the power of cranberries and D-mannose – both shown in studies to help support a healthy urinary tract* — into a delicious, berry-flavored chewable tablet.

URICALM® Max: Uricalm Max is powerful medicine that works fast to stop the excruciating pain, burning, and sensation of urgency that comes with a UTI. Uricalm® Cranberry

The Uricalm Cranberry works best for me because I can take it beforehand for preventative care so I hopefully won’t get a UTI in the first place.  It’s easy to take with my breakfast in the morning and tastes good.

Uricalm Cranberry & Uricalm MAX are available nationwide at most major retailers.
Don’t keep suffering, if you are like so many women out there try Uricalm & don’t let a UTI take over your life! Like with everything in your medicine cabinet, please read and follow all directions before using.

 You can get a $3.00 coupon HERE

Also, share your tips on urinary tract health and how you deal with UTIs to win a care package (1 Uricalm Max + 1 Uricalm Cranberry + coupons)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Visit Sponsors Site

Summertime Shades :) + Win a Pair of Your OWN!

I was provided a sample of Aces Sunglasses for my post.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Summer time of officially here and y’all it’s HOT outside!  We’ve been visiting the pool several times during the week.  This summer Babiators is on a mission to protect kids’ eyes while they’re out vacationing and doing fun activities.

Here are just a few reasons the Aces line for kids ages 7-14 stands out from the crowd:

  • Accessorized: Each pair comes with an awesome sunglasses silhouette bag and a lens cloth.
  • Safe: UV400 lenses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they’re safe for your child.
  • Durable: Flexible rubber frames, and impact and shatter-resistant lenses won’t break when you bend or twist them. Trust us, we’ve tried!
  • Awesome: Mirrored lenses amp up the cool factor on the classic aviator frame and new navigator frame to help kids express their rad personal styles.
  • Guaranteed: The best part? Aces are backed by the Lost & Found Guarantee™ – if you lose or break your shades in the first year, Babiators will replace them for free. All you pay is shipping.

When I first showed Connor his new sunglasses he said “Wow those make me look so cool Mom!”  Not only was he excited, but I was too!  Did you know kids receive 3X more annual UV exposure than adults, yet parents are almost 2X more likely to wear sunglasses than their children!  I know this is true….because I do it!

TIP:  When choosing sunglasses for your kids, always look for:

  • 100% UVA/UVB protection
  • high-quality, durable frames
  • A comfortable fit and a great style your kids will love

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Doesn’t Connor look SUPER COOL in his new sunglasses??? 🙂

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WIN (1) PAIR OF BLACK ACES SUNGLASSES! 

RETAIL VALUE: $30.00  Ends: June 27, 2016

Leave a comment below on what your favorite thing to do is this summer?

What’s For Dinner with #DoorDashDFW

This post is sponsored my DoorDash.  All opinions are my own.

If there is one thing I hate doing every single day it’s trying to figure out “What’s for dinner?”

I avoid that question like the plague.  We’ve all had busy a busy day and of course my boys always want to know what we are having for dinner every night.  Well, girlfriend I got to take a night off and it was FABULOUS!

I ordered a French dinner from DoorDash.  You can use DoorDash by ordering from your computer, or downloading the DoorDash app on your phone.  It was super easy and in less than an hour I had dinner at my door from one of my favorite restaurants.

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I promptly got a confirmation on my phone that my dinner was on it’s way 🙂

 

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At DoorDash there is a selection of  80 restaurants in the DFW area. Simply choose a restaurant, choose the dishes you want and then sit back and relax – their system will route the order to the merchant and then select the most efficient driver to get you the food as quickly as possible.

With every purchase you can also collect DoorDash credits for your next meal. doordash1

Thank you DoorDash for making this Mama’s night and I was quite happy I didn’t have to worry about dinner and it was so EASY!

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I got a $2 reward towards my next purchase too 🙂 Holla!giftgrap

Use code: JAVAMAMA

for $5 off a $15 order, for first-time customers within the DFW delivery areas.

DoorDash Availability in Dallas-Fort Worth

  • Downtown Fort worth
  • Arlington Heights
  • Edgecliff Village
  • Everman & Kennedale
  • TCU Area
  • Western Hills / Ridglea
  • White Settlement
  • All of Arlington south of Hwy 30

DoorDash also serves Southlake and Colleyville, Flower Mound and Coppell, and Frisco and The Colony

TAZO® Chai Lattes at Home

This post was sponsored by Starbucks as part of an Influencer Activation. I received compensation and complimentary products to facilitate my review. #SweetMeetsSpicy #ChaiLatte #KCup #ad #IC

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You all know I love my coffee…like I live for it.  When I was asked to try the new TAZO® Chai Latte K-Cup® I didn’t bat an eye.  OBVIOUSLY!   The new Sweet Meets Spicy Collection makes brewing your very own Chai Latte a breeze with your Keurig®.

I love TAZO® teas, it’s been so rainy and crazy this summer.  Nothing sounds better on a rainy day than a TAZO® Chai Latte.  The warm spices and a good book are all I need to make my day brighter 🙂

To make your own TAZO® Chai Latte using K-Cup® pods there are two steps:

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Step One:  Add the Vanilla Caramel Latte packet.

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Step Two:  Place the TAZO® Chai Latte K-Cup® pod in your Keurig® and brew.

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I didn’t think it was possible to have a Chai Latte unless I visited the coffee shop.  Now I can enjoy the yummy taste of Chai in the comfort of my own home!  TAZO® Chai Latte K-Cup® pods are made with milk, tea leaves and spices – including a creamy blend of black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and vanilla flavor.

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Steeped in 5,000 years of Indian history, chai is a black tea blend that’s part sweet, part spicy, and totally unexpected.

TAZO® has partnered with New York Times Bestselling author and host Padma Lakshmi to celebrate the release of the new K-Cup® pods. Learn more at HERE.  Padma Lakshmi also developed recipes that pair with a cup of chai and you can find them by visiting HERE.

Find where to buy TAZO® Chai Latte K-Cup® pods HERE.

Follow the TAZO® journey on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

I’m super excited about this and I’m kinda obsessed with my new Chai y’all!  What is your favorite way to unwind on a rainy day?  I can’t wait to curl up with another book and enjoy a Chai Latte.

Road Trippin with #PeterandtheWolfApp

This post is sponsored by MomSelect.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Connor and I just got home from a long road trip (short but sweet) to Arkansas and back! I turned 35 yesterday and my twin sister and I always enjoy spending our birthday together 🙂

I had the opportunity to drive a new Mazda CX-5 for my trip and y’all I am so in love with that car.  All the security features and bells and whistles made it so fun to road trip this time!  Thank you Drive Shop sooooo very much!  10314769_10154090831865125_3760512328367706791_n

If there is one thing that keeps me sane during a road trip it’s the iPad.  I know…I know…but seriously y’all.  Connor has such a better trip when he’s entertained and has something to do!  We downloaded the new Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood app and it was super cute! Connor really enjoyed it.  It was easy to follow along and he was very entertained!  I’d much rather him be listening to a book than playing a video game.  He’s learning how to read right now and loved following along with this story. This new, immersive storybook is available for iPhone and iPad.

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Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood is a revival of the classic Peter and the Wolf tale brought to you by acclaimed production company, Giants Are Small. This version brings Peter to Hollywood to meet his hippie grandfather while bringing classical music elements to life. Peter, along with all of the characters in the movie book, are narrated and brought to life by Rock n’ Roll legend, Alice Cooper. 

You can download the app HERE. You can follow along on  Facebook and Twitter too!