A Hobby-- CRAFTING

Leather crafting is an expensive hobby, and some people still do it. My husband is one of those people. He made us matching cell-phone holders and he made me luggage tags just this summer. If cows were killed ONLY to get the hides for leather, I'd be one of the first people in line to oppose doing that.


However, the slaughter of cattle occurs basically for people to be able to eat their flesh, not tan their hides. Hides are sort of a by-product that are used in commercial manufacture of high-end shoes, belts, bags, and so on. While I don't eat the meat, I do wear leather shoes (when I'm not wearing Crocs). Otherwise, the hides would pose a disposal problem.

My No nonsense tights and leggings!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It seems that leggings and tights are becoming the fashionable things to wear these days; I constantly wear opaque tights in the winter with skirts. I love them! When it's really cold, I wear the thicker sweater tights. I just love my tights - I have about 13 pairs, mostly black and gray, then out of the blue I was given the chance to try out some No nonsense tights and leggings! I was super excited! I received a pair of No nonsense leggings in black and a pair of textured fashion tights in black.  

I really liked the opacity and thickness of the tights. I also really liked the fact that there were no bands at the waist line or top of the thighs, which most tights have and sometimes end up peeking out from the bottom of my shorts if the tights start slipping down. These black ones held up and stayed in place the entire time I wore them and were comfy and breathable.

What I loved the most about these leggings is the way they feel.  They are so comfortable and super smooth. The great thing about wearing leggings are they are a quick, easy and comfy way to get dressed and still look cute and pulled together by simply throwing on an oversized cardigan, sweater or shirt. Quick, easy and comfy are all needed for moms on the go and running errands on the weekend. And what was even better is I found they come in many different colors. This allowed me to change up might outfits to stay in style.

I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to try the No nonsense brand and I will definitely purchase from them in the future! All the No nonsense tights & leggings can be found easily at food and drugstores. Also they are so affordable which is awesome because tights & leggings are essential to all women's wardrobes.

You can check No nonsense on Facebook and on Twitter. They actually just signed on Jill Martin to be a brand ambassador, Jill Martin is the best-selling author of the New York Times guide: "I Have Nothing To Wear!”  (Where has this been? I say this all the time!!!)  She provides a relatable tutorial on how to wear these brightly colored tights, reminding us that, "leggings are really on trend" and a great way to update an outfit without, "breaking the bank".  Keep up with her on Twitter - she'll be spouting fashion tips!

Health advice? Ask Dr. Jim and Bob!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of © Blue Shield of California for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Today I'd like to share something that we can all relate to. And that is our health. How many times to you turn to the internet for questions to common ailments, or not so common? If you're like me, you do this often.

Ways to find relief from the common cold, how to get rid of athlete's foot, stop snoring, and cure insomnia or causes of hiccups. Oh, I've wondered on that one.

Have you heard of Blue Shield of California’s dynamic duo, Dr. Jim and his sidekick Bob?  They now have a page on Facebook called Dr. Jim and Bob's Fun & Helpful Health Advice where they address health care questions; however, they tackle these questions with a level of humor as well.  For instance one of their videos is called “causes of hiccups”

Check out the video. It is really funny!

In fact, I often have this hiccup and for sure you will agree with me that it is just awkward and very uncomfortable when you are around your friends. Thankfully, I found a remedy in Dr. Jim and Bob’s Fun and Health Advice by simply following this short video. All of their videos have a humor side to them, isn’t laughter usually the best remedy to any illness though?

Every day Dr. Jim and Bob scan the Internet, searching for people with questions about their health. When they spot a problem, they post a reply and a link back to their video advice on Facebook.

Blue Shield is a not for profit company who offers easy access to alternative care, like chiropractors and acupuncture. They also offer easy access to great doctors and a wide range of affordable health plans.

Revlon - Expression Experiment

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Revlon for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Today I have another routine refreshing idea to share with you! 

The Revlon Expression Experiment! I was very lucky to take part in the Revlon Expression Experiment where I got the amazing kit filled with nail polish, lipstick, makeup primer, and eye shadow.

I have been happily testing out these products lately and I am excited to share my experience with you! 

I used the Color Stay eye shadow palette in "Inspired" to create summery smokey eyes! Surprisingly, after applying said eye shadow, I did not feel like I just walked out of a 80s salon and it was really quite subtle. The best part is that you can also use it as an under eye concealer to brighten up the eyes.

Next is the Revlon Longwear Nail Enamel which is supposed to last you for 11 days. While I can't say it stayed on for that long, but it did have a gel-like sorbet shine. I usually apply nail paint so that I don't bit on them, but this almost made me think otherwise, purely due to the richness of the color. The longwear concept works best when used in conjunction with the base and top coats.

My favorite part of this was taking Revlon’s red lipstick Challenge. My kit included a lipstick color that I would never choose for myself – Revlon’s Color burst Lip Butter in Cherry Tart.  I fell in love with it the first time I put it on.  Never would I guess that red on my lips would brighten my whole face.  I received so many compliments the first day from co-workers.  Some commented on the color, while others just asked if I had done something different that day.  It made me feel really good about my new look.

Using this kit was so much fun.

 

I love the quality of the products and how well they stayed on my skin during the entire day.

 

Their makeup primer is a must use. I loved how light it felt on my skin.

 

What would you change up from your same old' beauty routine? Bold eyes? or maybe bright nail polish? Join the movement of self expression with the Revlon Expression Experiment Facebook application.

AstroBrights "Give a Brighter Year" sweepstakes

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Astrobrights Papers by Neenah Paper for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

A few days ago we made some homemade pinwheels and used the brightly colored papers in our project. We are thinking about making some homemade paper kites (for toddlers of course) and will probably use the AstroBrights papers to make those. I love crafting with my kids and would love some paper crafting project ideas from my readers.

AstroBrights papers come in 23 bright colors, so your bright ideas always get attention. And they’re perfect for projects at home, school or the office. Stand out from the crowd — choose a lively AstroBrights papers for your next brochure, invitation, flyer, announcement or craft project. AstroBrights Paper is about creativity and getting noticed.  AstroBrights has a bold color canvas that stands out from the crowd!

 

AstroBrights Paper is different; it's about creativity and getting noticed. It's eye-popping...

 

AstroBrights has a sweepstakes going on right now called "Give a Brighter Year" sweepstakes.  Entering gives you the chance to support your local elementary school!  There is a cash prize and school supplies valued at $30,000 to the school of your choice!  Check out Astrobrights on Facebook for more info!  This is open from now until September 10, 2012 and no purchase is neccesary to enter or win.

 

They are also running a family friendly activity, "Make Something AstroBright".  It challenges your creativity and you get a chance to win AstroBrights Paper and other prizes.  Fun for the whole family!  Turn a Family Night into Craft Night as a Family Project.  Share your craft projects with pictures and videos.  If you share anything on Twitter or Pinterest make sure to use the hashtag: #goastrobrights.