Before I get all personal with you guys, as I often do, I wanted to explain to all of you what #PRINCEofPEACE was all about. Beginning March 31st and through out the duration of Holy Week, you can learn all about the 8 Core Principles of PEACE by visiting the #PRINCEofPEACE website.
As a parent, I know that the reason for Easter can get lost in transition. With the need for eggs to color and dye, fun spring activities and baskets filled with treats, Easter can take on the role of any other holiday. While it is absolutely fun and the kids love it, I always grew up knowing that the commercial side of Easter was just that – fun, flowers and sweets. But, my parents instilled in us as kids that the most important part of Easter is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the number one reason we celebrate this day each year and because of this – while I do share in the fun of color and spring with my sons, we make sure that Jesus Christ is always in our hearts.
This year I’ve had the awesome opportunity once again to work with Mormon.org and spread the word about the campaign #PRINCEofPEACE to celebrate this Easter. The video “Prince of Peace” will be available on the site to watch and is just over 2 minutes long. It illustrates the role of Jesus Christ as the “Prince of Peace” and invites others to do the same. The video will be available in 33 languages, and the website is in 29 languages for many to enjoy.
Learn the principals of peace from the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Share ways to find peace through our Savior and invite all to come unto Christ and spread the word.
As a child, I was brought up knowing that Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Almighty. I was instilled with Faith and Prayer to get me through my deepest and darkest hours and times. My mom and grandmother made sure that we knew how to say our prayers and that we took the time to say them each and every night. This, I have taught to my sons and continue to do so with them to share God’s Word with them, teach them forgiveness, compassion and gratitude. While this post may be different from the norm that you see here, I felt it was important to share this with all of you today. Sometimes we get so busy with day to day life, that we forget the importance of faith in our lives.
“History is full of conquerors, but only one of them defeated sin and death forever. Where many have tried, only Christ won lasting peace for His followers. This Easter, find that peace in your life.” – Mormon.org
While Easter is so much more than what the stores and commercials aim it to be, I think that the Principles of Peace will help you to focus on Easter and the reasons we celebrate it. This is a great opportunity for all to stop and reflect upon our own lives.
I hope you will join us in sharing the Principles of Peace and don’t forget to watch the video when it’s live.
** All images and graphics were provided to me by mormon.org. As many know, I am a believer of many faiths as they instill the word of Christ in our minds and hearts. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. This post was sponsored by Mormon.org.
I have said it time and time again… but I truly am a morning person. I love getting up early, starting the day with the crow of our rooster and getting things done. It’s been a habit of mine since I can remember and my mom says that I’ve been that way since I could walk. With the new year in full swing, I have been so excited to get going and chugging away on life. You ever have those days where you are totally on the groove to just get things done? Well, that’s kind of been me lately and I’m enjoying it. My morning routine is simple but productive and it helps me get started on my busy day. To keep up the pace with a busy schedule, I changed up my routine just a little this year, to help things run a little more smoothly and keep me on course.
Here are a few of my essential musts for my productive morning:
1. A comfy and cute outfit
One important “must-have” for me when keeping on task is an outfit that I can take from morning to evening (since I’m often running around that much) and that is comfortable. If you recall about a post I did last month, my goal is to dress a little more girly this year… so I’m trying my hand in doing so. I’ve been really loving pairing comfy and loose fitting tops with a pair of trousers or skinny jeans and of course, a cute heel that’s comfy for all day use. When it comes to clothes, simplicity is key for me because I need something that is cute but definitely functional and that will allow me to look good but still be able to chase after the twins if I need.
2. My planner and To Do List
Ah, this was an absolute given, don’t you think? My entire schedule is kept on track with a to do list and my planner. While I love a great digital planner (I also plan via my phone apps), there is just something about writing things down that seems to help me accomplish my task lists more efficiently. I have a plethora of planners, and they each all serve it’s purpose in my daily life. Without them, I would lose track of everything I’m doing and with a very long…. laundry list of things to accomplish – losing track of my schedule would not be a good thing.
3. Beauty Products that I trust to keep me on task
As a mom who’s always on the go, I have found that over the last several months, a more simplistic beauty routine has been ideal for me. With mascara and a lip balm or long lasting lip color – I know I can be out the door and ready in a matter of minutes. But, makeup is just a small piece of those beauty products that keep me on track. The Dove Advanced Care Deodorant has been a must-have in my beauty routine for quite a while and I recently tried a new scent – Caring Coconut, which I’m loving.
Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant offers me 48 hours of odor and wetness protection plus the added skincare benefits of Dove’s 1/4 moisturizers and NutriumMoisture to provide my sensitive skin with softer, smoother underarms. When you’re running around like crazy each day – a great deodorant is an absolute must-have and Dove’s Advanced Care Deodorant has been my favorite for a few years now. This deodorant is one I know and love and I am such a fan of it’s light and feminine scent. As a busy mom, I know that I need a beauty product like this one because it will keep working as long as I am.
4. Water
An important part of my day and morning routine is water. I’ve been dealing with health issues and trying to get my health on track again, so having water on me all the time keeps me hydrated and helps with my weight management as well. I make sure to drink the minimum amount of water intake each day – starting with first thing in the morning, so this is one important must-have in my daily routine.
5. A little Me Time
This may not seem like an essential part of anyone’s day, but it really should be. I find myself losing focus through out the day if I don’t take at least 10 minutes to myself each morning before I begin work, exercise or running errands. Now, let me be realistic here when I say that it’s not always ideal, but taking a few minutes of time for yourself is necessary. Whether it be to read an inspirational quote (which I make a priority to do each day), or put on your favorite “groove and move” music, it’s definitely a necessity. Gearing up for a busy day is more than just putting on your shoes, you have to get your game face on and feel inspired to keep you going.
So – while each of us have an agenda all our own each day, what kinds of things do you do or have in your morning routine to get your going? Are you a last minute type person or like to plan? Are you someone who just loves mornings as I do? Comment below and share with me.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
“This post was sponsored by Folgers as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines concerning the use of endorsement and testimonials in advertising. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.”
“the best part of wakin up…”
Haha, I know what you are thinking right now… or most of you are thinking anyway… come on… let’s sing it together…
“the best part of wakin up, is Folgers in your cup!”
As a kid, my grandmother drank Folgers coffee – every day at least once a day and it’s a song that resonates through my memories. This iconic Folgers jingle has become a piece of pop culture and generations have heard the jingle and sing along with the words. This jingle has a rich tradition in American music and brings back the happy memories from my childhood. Te Folgers song is one of those that you will certainly remember. As an adult, I am reminded of how much this song would excite me as a kid – dancing around the living room singing in my fake hair brush microphone to the words. Today, I’m excited to share with you the Folgers Jingle Contest as Folgers is inviting aspiring musicians to embrace their well-known tune and make it all their own.
Folgers has a long-standing tradition of inspiring musicians to follow their dreams and I’m excited to share with you that this year, they’ve teamed up with country music singer-songwriter Chris Young, to encourage aspiring musicians to create their own version of the Best Part of Wakin’ Up Jingle.
So how does the Jingle Contest work?
Submit a video of your best version of the jingle on the website from January 30th through February 27th. Your version of the jingle must include the complete melody and complete lyrics of “The Best Part of Wakin’ Up is Folgers in Your Cup.”
From February 27th to March 19th, Folgers will choose 5 semi-finalists from the entries and each one will have a mentor session with Chris Young before the online vote begins.
From March 27th to April 24th, fans around the country will get a chance to vote daily for their favorite jingle. Every vote will automatically enter you to win prizes up to $10,000. Finally, in May, one winner will be selected to win the grand prize of $25,000. In addition, two first place winners will receive $2,500 and two second place winners will receive $500.
While I can play a bunch of instruments, I can’t hold a tune to save my life, so I won’t be taking part in this contest – but I’ll definitely be voting daily in hopes of winning some of the prizes mentioned. I definitely suggest you checking it out and vote for your favorite too. If you are a singer, check out the contest and enter. Good luck!
I have always started a new year with positive thoughts and goals and this year is definitely no different. I shared with all of you my 2017 Goals last week and wanted to take the time to really elaborate a bit on a personal level while sharing with you my thoughts and direction for Honeygirl’s World. You know, when I started this blog 10 years ago, I started it as my creative outlet, sharing a piece of me while documenting my life as a busy mom maneuvering my way through the Corporate America world and now, 10 years later, I have made so many changes to my personal and professional life, that the outlook of this site has changed gears over the years as well.
Here’s the deal – Honeygirl’s World is going back to what I love… documenting my life’s journey. I love reviewing products whether purchased with my own hard-earned money from my own pocket or sent from PR companies for consideration, but I miss what this site used to be. Does that mean that I’ll be providing a lot less reviews in the future? Well, I’m not sure… but my goal is to develop the range of posts you see here and incorporate more of what this site originally was aimed towards – My Life! Whether you are a company reading this post to decide if I am the right fit for your product or brand or someone who stumbled upon my site looking for a mother’s or wife’s perspective… let me break it down for you and share with you what you can expect here.
Let’s talk product reviews… I love love doing them. Over the last 10 years I have been given the opportunity to try a plethora of products I probably wouldn’t have tried to begin with. My family – husband, sons and fur baby – have also been given great opportunity to try products for themselves. I don’t think I’ll be eliminating those types of posts here, but I do have a strong opinion on those types of write-ups and want to be honest here so you know what to expect. Whether the post is sponsored or the products are sent for consideration know that my view point will never change here. I am 100% unbiased and truthful in my thoughts for any product you read about here… if I don’t like it, you’ll know about that, if I do – well, you’ll know about that too. No sponsored post will be biased in anyway – that has been my thought process for this site since the beginning and it will continue to be. If I do not like a product and cannot say so in my post – I will not take on the task of writing about it. Yes, my blog pays my bills or forks out spending money for me… but that will NEVER change my opinion and I will never obscure my integrity, my word and reputation for a product that I feel is not up to my personal standard. This can be a downfall in who I may work with, but that will never change who I am. I grew up being taught that your word is golden in life and I teach my children the same thing so I would never go against that for a quick monetary pay. Know that when you read a review here, it is truly my own word and that will not change. Not all products will receive a 100% pass from me and some may work for me while not for others.
I just turned 37 a few days ago and I’m reminded with each waking moment that blogging and YouTube are so much more different than when I started posting videos and write-ups 10 years ago. When I started YouTube, many of us filmed in a closet or at our desks, using a webcam or rickety point and shoot camera and just going with the flow. You know, while I do have my favorites that I still watch – I find myself back to basics, watching and enjoying YouTubers that offer simplistic videos. Call me cheesy, but I find myself watching YouTubers that provide videos like I do… chit chat and talk story type diaries that are laid back and personable. YouTube has turned into a cookie cutter type of platform and I’ve lost interest in so many I’ve watched over the years. Same with blogging… at 37 years old I find that I do not fit in the stereotypical blogger, that 18 – 25 year old range. Hey, nothing wrong with that, right; but because of this, I find that the beauty industry I have loved for so long is no longer where I want to be and I want out. Don’t get me wrong… I LOVE beauty, makeup, nails, skin care… but I’m not going to sacrifice my own identity to please those around me. I realized in 2016 that I miss the type of videos and posts I used to do when I was in my late 20s and I want to go back to that place again.
Ugh… I’m so tired of the stigma of “Oh – she does YouTube videos and does it for free shit” or “Oh, she’s a blogger so she can get free stuff.” Um, no and no! I never started my blog or YouTube channel that way – but it’s been so nice that these companies have been so gracious to share their products with me and my family. It’s wonderful to be able to be paid for something I enjoy doing too. But rest assured, all of that – the free stuff and money, it has NEVER changed me… so you can continue to expect the same type of content whether organic or evergreen or whatever term you would like to use, all while I share a little piece of me. Honeygirl’s World is my indeed – my World, wrapped up into all the pieces that I am proud of.
What can you expect here? Well – more lifestyle posts, of course. Back in the day I used to write a series on my site called: Dear Diary or Sunday Letters, all of which were popular and fun and documented my life in a different aspect than what you see online. Documentation of my weight loss and “back to healthy” journey which will allow me to hold myself accountable for success. I want to share my Thirsty Thursday episodes and elaborate more on the subjects here on the blog then I do on YouTube and plan to have more Q&A and FAQ posts for those who are always asking me questions. Since I have an “Ask Honey” segment on my channel, I would like to definitely incorporate that here as well and my overall goal is to post more on my outfits (I’m not your typical fashion lover) and of course share my recipes, food choices and ideas here. There is so much more I have to list… but this post would be much longer than it should be.
Changing up my role in the blogging and YouTube community is never a bad thing. I think that while I’m making changes in my presence in the online world, I’m actually enhancing who I really am and what I’m about. Hey, let’s be real here for a second… does that mean I will no longer talk about Beauty here or on my channel??? Um, have you been listening? Of course I am, but it will not define what Honeygirl’s World is all about. If you are looking for product reviews, yes – you shall still see them here and find them here, but you will certainly see much more of who I truly am moving forward. Those that have followed my blogging and YouTube journey since the beginning – you will see a lot more of the “old Honey” that you were probably accustomed to. I’ll still continue to put the same amount of time and effort into any of my posts and I’ll still offer you the variety of content you have been seeing over the years – but now, it will include so much more. I plan to up my game with more lifestyle posts and share a little peek into my world. So – if you’re willing to stick around for this ride, then hang on tight and have some fun with me.
Wishing you all a wonderful 2017 and years beyond. It’s going to be a great year and I’m looking forward to sharing it with all of you!
Check out my 2017 Goals if you haven’t already read it.
I love Christmas shopping, especially for my children. When it comes to Christmas, my boys are so laid back and easy to shop for, that it makes surprising them each year that much easier. I think children should have a wide range of gifts from clothes and toys to books and games and I’m always excited to write up my list of treats for my boys each year. Shopping for kids can be a challenge, at any age… so I have compiled a list of presents that are reasonably priced for any child. No matter the age, I’m sure you will find something in my list that your children may enjoy. Let’s get started, shall we?
Trekz Titanium Mini Wireless Headphones ($129.95) – These headphones from AfterShokz are the ideal gift for my teenager. Kevin Ka’eo is at the age where he works on projects for school on his iPad and Tablet and needs a quality headphones that can take the beating that teens dish out. He also runs and jogs so I really want to ensure I have a product that will work for him and provide him with quality sound.
The Trekz Titanium Mini Wireless Headphones are lightweight and comfortable. The are stereo headphones which are the safest alternative to traditional sport headphones and earbuds. With bone conduction technology, an open ear design and a suite of convenient features, the Trekz headphones deliver premium music play and crystal clear calling without any compromise. This headphone is designed with athletes in mind and are sweatproof and secure – making them ideal for my son. They will allow you to hear your surroundings – no matter where life takes you.
4id Power Spurz Light Up Heels ($19.95) – If you have little ones or even teenagers (heck, I even use them), Power Spurz are a great gift. They keep you safe and visible through your outdoor training, walking, running or everything in between where you need to be lit up so you are visible. The lightweight heel spur has two available settings – pulse and continuous light. The piece slides conveniently on the back of your shoe and glows in a vibrant LED light. Since my family and I often do night time walking around our block, or are out and about at the local festivals, these work perfect for the boys and they were a hit at Halloween. They come in five different colors and I definitely suggest it. They fit on my shoes as well as the boys so you have many options to utilize these.
LUX – The Principled Block Lux Blox ($29.99 +) – All three of my sons LOVE Legos or anything that will allow them to build creations to their heart’s desire. I love encouraging their imagination and the fun without the screen, so Lux Blocks are definitely a fun toy for anyone to play with – kids and adults too.
Lux is Made in the USA and was created by artist/inventor Michael Acerra because he and his wife Healther wanted to give the world a block that could bring everything as nature does. These construction blocks allow you build and make structures that curve, bend and move. The come with a unique, patent-pending snap and lock hinge system that allows you to build a structure that flexes, twists and turns.
There are different sets available and like I mentioned before, it doesn’t matter your age or your child’s age – they will love Lux as much as we do. While we still LOVE Legos in our house, Lux has easily become a building block we enjoy and I have it on my list to purchase several sets for my nieces and nephews.
Magic Sketch Art Tablet For Kids ($29.95) – I love As Seen on TV finds and the Magic Sketch is definitely one of them. This fun and new way for k8ids to draw, play and learn is flexible with an LCD screen that is transparent. The Magic Sketch allows kids to trace with the provided stencils or from their own images and creating all kinds of amazing art is fun for all ages. Unlike most tablets, the Magic Sketch is super kid proof. Kids can drop it, toss it, even step on it and it won’t break. It’s completely water resistant, so if they have a spill, it will wipe off and they can keep going. It’s got advanced internal electronics so you can clear the screen with just a push of a button.
Each Magic Sketch retails for $29.95 and includes:
Magic Sketch
Protector Guard
1 Roller
3 Stamps
20 Learning Stencils
20 Games Stencils
20 Art Stencils
I especially love this as a gift because it’s perfect for travel, mess free and I don’t have to worry about replacing an expensive device if it breaks or gets lost or stolen. It’s an ideal gift for all ages and I can’t wait to doodle on it myself.
Books & E Readers Make Great Gifts ($10 +) – My sons all love to read, so a great book (or two or three) or an E Reader like the Amazon Fire Tablet make great gifts. These items make fabulous stocking stuffers or fun gifts for unwrapping. Each year, I select at least two books for each of my boys and wrap them up. This year – I’ll be purchasing an Amazon Fire Tablet for the three of them to download some of their favorite Kindle books (that way there is more room for my books on mine… lol) and with Amazon Prime and Amazon Underground – many books are free to read and download. A basic Amazon Fire Tablet will make a great gift because it provides a plethora of apps and internet capability at reasonable costs. You can easily get a Tablet for $50 now a days and it’s worth it.
A few books that the boys have been loving lately – The Adventures of Camp Nana Papa and The Spinfords are great classics that I think any child would like. My eldest is currently reading The Kingdom Oceana (not currently pictured) and highly suggests that one.
Stompeez Slippers ($19.99) – Slippers with Personality. These slippers are absolutely adorable and perfect for my twins. They are fun, soft and comfy. Walk, stomp or jump and Stompeez will pop to life.
I thought these would be the perfect gift for Luke & Isaiah because they love soft and cuddly things. They come in different sizes and a variety of different designs – 9 total. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Batman, Nemo, Dori, Shopkins, Happy Puppy, TRex Dinosaur and so much more.
Buddy Balls ($19.99) – Zip it, Flip it, Love it! The boys and I have talked about Buddy Balls here on the blog before and it was a rave for a product. We love Buddy Balls and definitely thought it would make a great Holiday Gift to include in our gift guide. Buddy Balls are soft, cuddly and so sweet. They are little bears that you can zip up and flip into a ball to play with. The boys love them and I love them so much, I’ve purchased several of these as gifts for the holiday.
You can read about Buddy Balls and our review on these sweeties here.
I realize that most of the gifts I listed in this post are really for boys, but hey – I grew up a tomboy and I loved to play with all the boy things when I was younger, so I guess many of these things really gravitate in my mind as fun gifts. The fact of the matter is – they are all unisex and the gifts like Stompeez and Buddy Balls are sweet presents for little girls as well as any of the items I’ve chosen here. Each of these were selected because we have tested them ourselves and the boys and I really went through and found the ones that we would love to get or enjoy. At the end of the day, gift giving is about love and the thought is always what counts in our house.
I do have something fun for all of you. The boys and I are working in collaboration with AfterShokz and giving away a Trekz Titanium Mini for someone this holiday season. Check out the Giveaway Widget below to enter.
Looking for more ideas for your holiday shopping? Be sure to check out the following links for my guides and inspiration: (this list will be updated periodically as new guides become available)
So, what about you? Are any of these items a part of your children’s wish list this holiday?
Disclosure: Some of the products featured in this post were sent for editorial consideration, while others were purchased by Honeygirlsworld.com. This post may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details and outline of my product review disclosures and policies, affiliate links, etc. please visit my Disclosures page.
