Destiny is #Free on Amazon

Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.

There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.






Also make sure to check out the second book int he series, which is always free to read on Kindle Unlimited. 

Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Her coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.

Easter Gifts for Teens and Tweens from Goody

It's easy to find Easter gifts for the little kids. The older ones present a little more of a challenge. My teen daughter doesn't want candy or toys, but she does love beauty products and hair accessories. In this area, Goody has you covered.  They have a wide range of accessories that girls of all ages will love. Best of all, you can find them in stores nationwide like Kmart, Target, and CVS. So even if you waited until the last minute, you can still grab some of these awesome products.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Goody Clean Radiance Brush - This brush removes knots from hair like magic. It doesn't matter if your hair is curly or straight, thick or thin. This brush can handle anything, and the thick sturdy handle is going to last for years to come. The cooper bristles add extra shine to your  hair.

Elastics- You can never have too many of these! For my girls, they are great for the bottom on their braids because they hold even fine hair in place.

Comb & Lift - These cute little combs are perfect for teasing and styling your hair. On the other end is a pick to help add some thickness.

Simple Style Sets- My teen daughter was really thrilled with these. They enable you to create styles like the Bubble Pony Tail, Fishtails, and Vintage Twists in three simple steps. They come in colors that match your natural hair color so the pieces blend in. They are not only perfect for basket stuffers, they are also a great idea for the upcoming prom season.

Charmed Bobbies- These adorable bobby pins add a touch of glam to any ensemble. They also offer cute bobby pin slides with pearls.

Hair Tie Bracelets- These are such great idea! I always worry about my girls putting hair ties on their arms and cutting off their circulation. With these trendy bracelets, they can have a hair tie with them at all times, right on a pretty bangle bracelet.

Scrunchies- These never go out of style and every girl can always use a few  more. The pretty spring collection is perfect for Easter baskets.


These are only a few examples of the adorable products you can use to make Easter fun for your teens. To learn more about these products and all the trendy styles available at Goody, be sure to visit their website or follow them on social media. 

Always® #LikeAGirl – Keep Playing Program Keeps Girls in Sports

Always® is teaming up with organizations around the world to contribute to the goal of keeping girls in sports with the Always® #LikeAGirl – Keep Playing program. Just in time for the Olympics, they are encouraging girls to give it their all in their favorite sports. Always® has teamed up with UN Women to help girls build and maintain their confidence through sports.  Here in the U.S., Always® will support Girls on the Run programs and work with retailers in an effort to help keep girls in sports.  

The goal of this program isn't just for girls to get dirty of the field, but to help build their confidence. Puberty can be a difficult time for girls. Their bodies are changing, and they sometimes feel awkward. Always has always helped girls have the confidence to play sports without worrying about leaks when it was that time of the month. Now, they are also driving awareness to the important role that girls play in a variety of different sports. 

The partnership with UN Women  kicked off this Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, Always® committed its support to the UN Women & International Olympic Committee (IOC) initiative “One Win Leads to Another.” This partnership  will  allow 2,500 local Brazilian girls between the ages of 10-18 years to have access to sports and a confidence-building curriculum.  The goal is to invest in girls’ skills and training to support a generation of stronger, more confident and empowered women.

As part of the Keep Playing #LikeAGirl program, Always is working with retailers like Walmart to get the word out. Always® and Walmart® are working together to provide much-needed assistance to keep girls in sports across the US. Together, they will provide one girls team in each of the fifty states with resources like new equipment, uniforms or a facility upgrade.  The “50 Teams, 50 States” program started with a junior high girls’ basketball team in Hulbert, Oklahoma.

Always®  will also be supporting the Girls on the Run across the U.S. and expanding on the Always® Global Confidence Teaching Curriculum. This program benefits millions of girls around the world. These educational materials will contain sports-specific guidance for coaches and parents.  This is such a great program, and an amazing way to encourage girls to get involved in sports. For more information about the #LikeAGirl movement, visit www.always.com.

Always® #LikeAGirl – Keep Playing Program Keeps Girls in Sports

Always® is teaming up with organizations around the world to contribute to the goal of keeping girls in sports with the Always® #LikeAGirl – Keep Playing program. Just in time for the Olympics, they are encouraging girls to give it their all in their favorite sports. Always® has teamed up with UN Women to help girls build and maintain their confidence through sports.  Here in the U.S., Always® will support Girls on the Run programs and work with retailers in an effort to help keep girls in sports.  

The goal of this program isn't just for girls to get dirty of the field, but to help build their confidence. Puberty can be a difficult time for girls. Their bodies are changing, and they sometimes feel awkward. Always has always helped girls have the confidence to play sports without worrying about leaks when it was that time of the month. Now, they are also driving awareness to the important role that girls play in a variety of different sports. 

The partnership with UN Women  kicked off this Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, Always® committed its support to the UN Women & International Olympic Committee (IOC) initiative “One Win Leads to Another.” This partnership  will  allow 2,500 local Brazilian girls between the ages of 10-18 years to have access to sports and a confidence-building curriculum.  The goal is to invest in girls’ skills and training to support a generation of stronger, more confident and empowered women.

As part of the Keep Playing #LikeAGirl program, Always is working with retailers like Walmart to get the word out. Always® and Walmart® are working together to provide much-needed assistance to keep girls in sports across the US. Together, they will provide one girls team in each of the fifty states with resources like new equipment, uniforms or a facility upgrade.  The “50 Teams, 50 States” program started with a junior high girls’ basketball team in Hulbert, Oklahoma.

Always®  will also be supporting the Girls on the Run across the U.S. and expanding on the Always® Global Confidence Teaching Curriculum. This program benefits millions of girls around the world. These educational materials will contain sports-specific guidance for coaches and parents.  This is such a great program, and an amazing way to encourage girls to get involved in sports. For more information about the #LikeAGirl movement, visit www.always.com.

DVD Review : Teen Beach 2

Dive in and rock out with the hottest surf sequel under the sun! Now that summer ‘s over and school has begun, Brady (Ross Lynch) and Mack’s (Maia Mitchell) relationship seems headed for a wipe-out – until Lela, Tanner and the “Wet Side Story” kids show up! Dazzled by the novelty and variety of the modern world, Lela wants to stay, but the real world and the “reel” world just don’t mix. Can Mack and Brady find the magic to get the kids home and get their own romance back on track before it’s too late? Packed with electrifying song & dance numbers and hilarious fish-out-of-water wackiness, Teen Beach 2 is “wow-abunga” fun for everyone.



My Thoughts

My kids loved the first Teen Beach, so they were super excited to see the sequel was coming out. If you missed the first film, Brady and Mack were unwittingly pulled into a old sixties musical during a freak storm. In the sequel, the characters from the movie wind up in our world. 

 The new school year has put a strain on the main character's relationship because Mack is focused on her grades and Brady has a big secret.  In Wet Side Story, things aren't going so well either. Lela wants more than just a summer romance, and when she swims out into the water with her boyfriend following,  they wind up in our world. 

Lela is entranced with the real world, but when she and her boyfriend are constantly bursting into song, things start to get awkward for everyone.  So Mack and Brady have to try to figure out how to get them back into the film before the movie disappears completely.

This movie is tons of fun with lots of great songs and dance numbers.  The acting is a little over the top at times, but it fits the plot. I loved most of the movie, but the ending fell a little short for me. I don't want to give too much away, but the relationship between Mack & Brady took a turn I wasn't expecting and it was sort of disappointing. However, it's still a fun movie and a great choice for family movie night.

Boys & Girls Club of America Cyber Safe Futures #cybersafe #Sponsored #MC #CyberTribe

 I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for BGCA. I received a promotional item to faciliate my review.

As a mother of two teenagers, cyber bullying is a major concern for me. My thirteen year old daughter has already experienced bullying both on and off the internet. Seeing your child bullied is never fun. It hurts us as parents when our children are mistreated, and it's devastating to see their self esteem dwindle because of uncaring remarks. The Boy and Girls Club of America wants to work with parents to make a difference and stop the cyber bullies. For parents like me, who aren't nearly as internet savvy as my children, they offer me the ability to investigate the websites my kids are using and get expert advice on whether those sites are cyber safe.

There are lots of features on the Cyber Safe website to help you get started in making smarter choices for your family. You can start by taking the Are You a Cyber Smart Parent Quiz. This quiz walks you through eight questions to determine how cyber smart you really are. My results told me I was a "Cyber Survivor."  This means I'm doing pretty good at monitoring my kids, but there's always room for improvement. That's why I went on to try the "Ask the Cyber Tribe" feature.

The cyber tribe is a group of expert teens who really know their way around the internet. They can let you know what websites are safe for kids and which ones to avoid. They can also give you advice on how to prevent cyber bullying. And asking a question is more than just a way to grow your cyber knowledge. Every time you ask one of the experts a question, you will be entered to win a an iPad mini!

In addition to the features already mentioned, the Cyber Safety site also has a great resource  page.   Here you can learn about websites that are popular with teens and how to handle situations where people post inappropriate images.  If you're having trouble keeping up with all the new internet slang, there's even a "what's that word" feature that allows you to look up the meaning of commonly used slang.

I was really impressed with how much I was able to learn at Cyber Safe and I was especially impressed by the amazing teens who are helping to make a difference. Even if you think you're an expert and know everything your kids are doing online, check it out. The only way to be a Cyber Survivor is to constantly educate yourself and The Boys and Girls Club of America is here to help make that happen. 

Bo-Po - Brush On Peel Off Nail Polish

Worx Toys is bringing back the memories and the fun of Bo-Po peel off nail polish that was originally made popular in the 80s.

Now, the little girls who grew up with these toys are now parents and can create new memories with their kids of painting their nails, then peeling it off to start again with the new and improved Bo-Po nail polish.

Reformulated to meet today's stringent safest standards, Bo-Po nail plush brushes on and peels off in seconds to start fresh again and again.

Available in 10 vibrant colors to match every mood and style, the new Bo-Po features a sweet vanilla smell and a spill-proof bottle which is perfect for little hands playing beauty shop, pop star, or dressing up for a special outing.  And the best part of Bo-Po is that it is non-toxic without harsh smelling chemicals, and kids can simply peel off the polish without the need of any acetone which can damage nails.

My Thoughts

My girls already loved to paint heir nails, but Bo-Po Nail Polish makes it even more fun for them. Bo-Po offer a unique formula that dries super fast and can peel off. This eliminates  the need for chemical removers and also makes it easy to keep your nails fresh painted at all times.

I have two daughters. One is four and one is thirteen and they both loved this nail polish. It comes in fun colors like Razzmatazz and Cotton Candy. There are ten colors in all, and all have tween and teen appeal. It goes on smooth without any bumps and look great once it dries. Even though it peels easily, it will last for at least a day or two without chipping. Once they were ready to remove it, they loved how it peeled right off.

Bo-Po nail polish makes painting nails fun! It's great for girls at slumber parties and the colors appeal to kids of all ages. I remember using this polish myself back in the 80's, and it's great being able to share an old favorite with my children. It brings back memories for me and it's making new memories for my girls.

Back to School Beauty for Kids and Moms!

 ***Complimentary product received in exchange for an honest review***

Get ready to start the school year off right with help from Goody, Aubrey, and Bodycology!


  

Speed Up Your Morning Routine with Goody TangleFix and Quikstyle

For Kids: Detangle your daughter’s hair in a flash with Goody TangleFix (Target, $7.99). With 70 % more gentle detangling, the TangleFix brush assures easy, gentle styling—for ALL hair types! This cute colored handle-less, ergonomic design makes TangleFix the perfect brush for moms to quickly brush through daughter’s hair in the morning!

For Mom: Goody QUIKSTYLE Half-Round Styling Brush (Walmart and Targey, $11.99) allows you to dry hair while you simultaneously style it. It comes complete with microfiber bristles that work like a brush and towel in one- drying hair 30% quicker! Its half round design also adds volume to your blowout, and it’s lightweight so your arms don’t get tired during styling.

My Thoughts

These are some awesome brushes. The TangleFix is like a miracle worker. For the first time ever I can brush my three-year old's hair without a fighting match. It glides right through and takes out all the tangles, leaving hair smooth and knot-free. This is a must have for any parent with a little girl, but it works just as well on adult hair too. My hair is fine and always tangles easily. Half the time I would be ripping out hunks when I tried to comb it. Now with this brush. Knots just aren't a problem. And of course my daughter loves the sparkly design. 

 The Quickstyle is an interesting brush as well. It works just as well on tangles, leaving hair soft and subtle. As far as the microfiber, that works pretty well, just don't expect your hair to be bone dry after using it. For me, it definitely did suck up some moisture, but my hair was far from dry after using it. It did dry faster than it normally does, which is a great bonus for someone like me who refuses to use a hair dryer. It also offers a sturdy handle and bristles that can comb through even my teen daughter's very thick  hair, making it a good choice for all hair types.

Best face forward with Aubrey

For Kids: Protect little one’s skin with Aubrey Natural Sun SPF 30 Unscented Spray (health food stores nationwide or online at www.aubrey-organics.com., $15.95). This convenient spray bottle allows for moms to easily apply sunscreen to kids in the morning. It absorbs quickly and without the greasy residue of some drugstore brands. Plus, it’s water resistant so kids won’t sweat it all off during recess! 

For Mom: Improve the look and feel of dry skin with Aubrey Revitalizing Therapy Serum (health food stores nationwide or online at www.aubrey-organics.com., $13.63). This antioxidant serum contains pure, golden Rosa Mosqueta oil to help improve skin texture and replenish moisture. It also has a rich source of natural trans-retinoic acid and is high in linoleic, linoleic acids, and vitamin C.

 My Thoughts

Even though summer is over, it doesn't mean its time to put the sunblock away. My kids go outside every day at recess and soccer season is in full swing, so we are still using sunscreen on a daily basis. Aubrey Natural Sun is a great choice for several reasons. First of all, its organic and that is a big plus all on its own. The one I tried is 30 SPF and the strong formula lasts through the whole school day. Of course if you're involved in any water activities, you should reapply even though it is water resistant for up to 40 minutes. The spray bottle allows for quick and easy coverage, but the best part about this formula is that there is absolutely no scent. No chemical smell, no coconut oil fragrance. It goes on clean and even and does its job with no odor and no greasy residue. Its the perfect sunscreen for everyday use. 

  I also tried out the Aubrey Revitalizing Therapy Mask and it's definitely a treat for all skin types. Made with only all natural and organic ingredients, it didn't irritate my skin at all. The mask is a cool gel formula that tingles as it touches your skin. You can feel it tightening as you wait the allotted five minutes. After using it for a full week, my skin definitely feels softer and more nourished. I can't say I see any difference in firmness, but I am still happy with the results and plan to keep using it on a regular basis. 

Freshen Up Your Scent with Fall Fragrances from Bodycology

For Kids: Make yourself the sweetest smelling kid in school with Bodycology XOXO Fragrance Mist (Target, $3.99)! This sweet blend of raspberries, lemon sorbet, and musk will capture your heart (or your crush’s!) and flirt with your senses. Added bonus: This mist contains conditioning and hydrating aloe vera to repair summer skin damage!

For Mom: Try Bodycology Pure White Gardenia Nourishing Body Cream (Target, $3.99) to start each day with smooth, silky, fresh-smelling skin! With a combination of fresh gardenias, this rich, floral scent promotes love, peace and good spirits to start the school year off on a positive note! This delicious body cream contains beneficial ingredients including moisturizing aloe vera, shea butter, and nourishing vitamins E and C.

My Thoughts 

Bodycology loves to keep us smelling sweet and the Enchanted Forest Fragrance Mist definitely lives up to its name. The light scent is perfect for my daughter, who is in junior high, because it's not too overpowering or perfumey, but adults will enjoy the blend of raspberries, lemon sorbet, and musk just as much.  The spray bottles makes for even coverage and its cool and refreshing when you spritz it against your skin. Th best part though, is that it leaves behind a light dusting of sparkles. Both the shimmer and the fragrance are long lasting. Just a few squirts in the morning and you're good to go all day long. 

The Bodycology Pure White Gardenia Nourishing Body Cream is an affordable way to keep your skin soft and smelling sweet. This lotion goes on smooth and leaves behind no greasy residues. I'm usually not a big fan of flowery scents, but this one is not overpowering. It leaves behind just a hit of fragrance as you go about your day, but it keeps your skin hydrated from morning to night with only one application. The 8oz bottle should last for at least a few months. When so many skin care items cost a fortune, its nice to find one with a reasonable price tag of only $3.99.

 
***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***

 

Fall Fashion Essentials from Kohl's

***Complimentary product received in exchange for an honest review***

 Fall is sneaking up on us, but you won't hear any complaints from my family. Soon the tourists will be leaving and our business will be closed until the spring. Its time for festivals and Halloween  parties. Fall is also my favorite season for fashion. I love the warms colors and being able to switch from boots to sandals as the weather permits. When I start my fall shopping, one of the first places I go is Kohl's. Whether I can make the hour drive to the physical store or shop online, I always find exactly what I need for my whole family. If you enjoy a classic look without the high price tag, one of the brands I really love is LC Lauren Conrad. There are dozens of beautiful styles to choose from, but take a look at this fall friendly set we put together for my teen daughter.

Cute isn't it? Casual with a hint of country and just right for hay rides through the corn fields. Here's a little break down of each piece and our thoughts on them.

LC Lauren Conrad Lace Top

This beautiful lace top is available in both Amber Rose and black. We received the Amber Rose and its a color that looks great with my daughter's olive skin tone. The split-neck top keeps its cool and airy. The material is polyester but its made to feel so soft, it's like having silk against your skin. It's also machine washable which is a big plus for me. I'm not about to dry clean school clothes. The material is lightweight and breezy but also a little see through. A white cami underneath will ensure modesty for younger girls. This lovely top is normally $44, but right now you can get this look for the low sale price of $30.80.

LC Lauren Conrad Skinny Jeans

Next up we have some classic skinny jeans. These denims offer a fitted look without them feeling too tight around the waist. The stretchy material makes them complimentary to all waist lines. While the perfect addition to the beautiful lace top above, these jeans will look snazzy with just about any type of top. They are easy to dress up and dress down and the fitted style works well with both sandals and boots, so you're covered for the fall and well into the winter months. They have a zipper fly and sit nicely on the hips-- not so low down that panties are sticking out. You can get a pair for a steal at only $29.99.

LC Lauren Conrad Platform High Heels - Women

Last but not least, no fall wardrobe would be complete without shoes and these sandals are the height of style. I'll admit, the heels were just a little too much for my daughter to handle. But her loss was my gain because mom is loving these sexy pumps. The buckle around the ankle allows you to adjust them for the perfect fit.  I especially love the cork pattern on the soles. They really make them pop. The neutral color compliments almost any fall ensemble. The platforms style heels offer security despite the added height, They usually go for $69.99 but you can get them now for more then half off. Current price is $28.97.

While of course, the outfit looks great on the model, it looks just as nice on my teen daughter. Here are some shots of her wearing it. She's definitely wishing the temperature would drop a little so she could wear this one to school. 

At Kohl's, you can deck out the whole family from kindergarteners to adults in trendy fall fashions. From demin to handbags, they have it all under one roof and all for the best possible prices. To keep up with all the great products at Kohl's, be sure to check out their website or follow them on face book.



***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***