Darby Smart- #DIY Critter Ring Holder {#Review} {#Giveaway} #GiftGuide2014

by Bre, 11:32 PM
I always find adorable items on Pinterest and occasionally in my Facebook Feed. I saw an ad recently called Darby Smart. It looked pretty interesting so I had to click. After browsing their website and learning more about them, I couldn't help but to notice it was all about "doing it yourself!".  Check it out about them:
From jewelry to purses and home goods to décor, Darby Smart features a range of DIY kits that  foster the creative side in everyone. Darby Smart Designers dream up the latest DIY projects   inspired by current fashion, design and home trends. Projects are then deconstructed into kits   that include a complete set of pre-tested materials in the right quantities, so you can create   the project at home. With a click of a button, Darby Smart delivers the curated supplies and   simple instructions directly to the customer. Darby Smart rotates a selection of more than 50   kits at a time, and new kits are unveiled every three days. Kits start around $20 (including Fast   & Free shipping) and are available up to 60 days or until supplies last.
Now, I don't know about you, but I like reaching out of the box and trying something different. I reached out to them and they were happy to work with me on featuring one of their items. I was stoked to receive my box because I didn't know what I was going to receive. I received their Critter Ring Dish Project. I would call it a ring holder, but you get the idea. Everything that I needed to make this project came in my box. Enough items to make two of them! One for myself and one for my daughter, Lydia. 
It came with the following- (1) Sakura Gold Paint Pen, (1) Aleene's Super Gel Adhesive, (2) Porcelain Dishes & (1) Aleene's Spray Sealant. Making my critter dishes was super easy and they included a card with a code to unlock to see instructions on their website!
 Firs thing first was I had to take the gold pen and paint any designs that I wanted on the dishes.
After getting my designs done, I set them aside to dry and painted my critters that I chose for these projects. 
After coloring the critters completely with the pen, I sat them aside to dry for about 40 minutes. I then took the sealant and sprayed them. ONLY spray the critters, not the dish. It took about another hour to dry after that.
Please spray in a ventilated area because this spray has a very strong odor. After allowing the critters to dry, I glued them to my dishes!
 I let the glue dry, and my masterpieces were done!
Overall, I think that these are completely adorable and will make a unique and awesome gift for Christmas. There isn't anything more special than a gift made with love! This project is available for purchase from Darby Smart for only $19! You can also choose your animal or choose to be surprised! If you want to gift the kit, or gift the item after you make it from the kit- it will make a great gift! I recommend Darby Smart for my 2014 Holiday Gift Guide! Did you know that you can submit a design of your own  to get voted on? Anyone can apply to become a   featured Darby Smart designer by submitting DIY designs, which are voted on by the Darby   Smart community. Selected designs are turned into DIY kits, and chosen designers receive a   percent of sales for their kits. Visit them via one of the links here in this post or visit them on their social media below!
Like this post? Feel free to hover over photo and Pin to Pinterest or share via one of the buttons below! Thanks for reading! 
WIN IT: I am giving away one project of choice UP TO $20! Giveaway ends 10/20/14 at 11:59 PM CST. Giveaway is open to USA. No purchase necessary to enter. Enter with the giveaway tools below. Goodluck! 

*The Small Things received a project to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own* 
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My #ActiviaChallenge was a complete success!

by Bre, 6:25 PM
“Disclosure: I have partnered with Dannon to help promote Activia. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review Activia. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.” 
Have you been following my Activia Journey? I hope you have! I am glad to share with you that it has been a success! You can see week 1 and week 3 here for a refresher! No one likes to feel uncomfortable, bloated, gassy, or rumbling, including me. That’s why I took the Activia Challenge! I am so happy that I feel normal now! I am no longer uncomfortable! Eating Activia twice a day for four weeks, as part of a balance diet and healthy lifestyle, may help reduce the frequency of minor digestive issues like bloating, gas, discomfort and rumbling. I am proof of that! 
Just because the challenge is over doesn’t mean you should stop enjoying Activia’s variety of products! I know I will definitely keep Activia Greek Yogurt Vanilla in my fridge for a quick, healthy snack because I feel better when I eat Activia! Don’t worry if you didn’t try the challenge this past month – there is still time, the Challenge promotion officially ends 11/30/2014. Be sure to head to your local grocery store and pick up some Activia products and give it a try – if it doesn’t work, it’s free so you have nothing to lose! It only takes eating two a day! Be creative and make it a snack or eat with breakfast! I am a mother and a wife. Feeling my best is a need! Not just a want! Thank you Activia for changing my life! After keeping up with my journey, have you considered starting one yourself? Visit Activia on their social media below to stay up to date with the latest!
As part of this challenge- I was given the chance to do two giveaways! The last giveaway winner was Robert B! After those two giveaways were over, I chose my two winners and emailed them. I chose two winners from each form at random and put them in random.org so they can win the following prize pack:
  • $75 gift card
  • 10 full value product coupons
  • Insulated lunch bag so they can bring Activia with them on the go
The winner is: DAVID! He has been emailed and he's already claimed his prize!! Congrats!!!!!!

 Giveaway Terms
August 25, 2014 – September 28, 2014. Administrator: Mom It Forward; Sponsor: Legend PR. The Dannon Company, Inc. is included in rights granted hereunder. No purchase necessary to enter. No more than one entry per person via each of the methods listed in the Giveaway details.  The odds of winning a Giveaway depend on the number of eligible entries.  Winners will be selected randomly by Mom It Forward using http://random.org as a selection tool. All decisions of Mom It Forward are final.  Employees of Mom It Forward and the Giveaway sponsor are not eligible to participate. All entries received after the Giveaway closing date and time will not be considered. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. Winners will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to confirm receipt of the e-mail. If the winner does not reply within 24 hours, another winner will be selected. Open to participants in the US (excluding the following states: NJ, CA, TN, NV, ND and LA)  and Canada who are 18 years and older. Void where prohibited. Taxes on Giveaways are solely the responsibility of the winner.  Winner agrees to permit Mom It Forward and the Giveaway Sponsor to use her or his name, voice, photo, or likeness for reasonable promotional and marketing purposes for up to 90 days after the end of the Giveaway.  Mom It Forward and Sponsor are not liable for late or misdirected entries, entry errors, or transmission problems. Mom It Forward reserves the right to terminate the Giveaway in the event of technical problems, or to correct typographical or technical errors, or to amend these rules. All participants should review the Mom It Forward disclosure and privacy policies. By entering, participants agree to release and hold harmless Mom It Forward, Sponsor, The Dannon Company, Inc., and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents from any and all liability or any injuries, loss, or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with a Giveaway. Mom It Forward will provide the name of the winner for any Giveaway, upon request via email to Mom It Forward, for 90 days after that Giveaway’s entry period ends. Unless otherwise provided by the Sponsor, no substitution, transfer, or assignment of prizes is permitted.  Non-winning entries from one Giveaway are not carried forward to future Giveaways.
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ProFlowers #TheBestOfMe Bouquet {#Review} {#Giveaway}

by Bre, 9:01 PM
I am sure by now, you have seen The Best Of Me promoted around and on TV. The trailer is beautiful. I can't wait to see this movie myself! Based on the bestselling novel by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks, The Best of Me tells the story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. 
Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances. The Best of Me stars James Marsden, Michelle Monaghan, Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato. Check it out below if you haven't! The trailer features Lady Antebellum introducing  "I Did With You" - featured on The Best of Me soundtrack.
It looks like I am going to be dragging my husband to watch this awesome movie! I haven't read the book, but thanks to ProFlowers, I am going to! 
The Best of Me has partnered with ProFlowers to bring you "The Best of Me" bouquet, inspired by the film and brought to you by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks. "The Best of Me" bouquet draws from the film's picturesque garden scene, where the two main characters unite to give their love a second chance. Reaffirm your own love, just like the characters in the movie, and shop "The Best of Me" bouquet.
This vibrant combination of burgundy gerbera daisies, lavender spray stock and red roses is sure to make their day unlike any other. The bouquet features:
  • 8 red roses
  • 5 burgundy gerrondo gerber daisies
  • 5 lavender spray stock
  • 5 ruscus
This limited edition bouquet will be available to purchase until October 31. I received one myself and I am just in love with it! It is so beautiful!Check it out below!
Like The Best of Me on Facebook & Follow / Subscribe Instagram | Tumblr | Twitter | Pinterest to stay up to date with the latest! 
 WIN IT:
Courtesy of Relativity Media and ProFlowers, one of my readers are going to WIN:
ProFlowers gift code to purchase “The Best of Me” bouquet ($80) & A  Copy of The Best Of Me (paperback, movie tie-in edition) Prizing valued at $90 & Open to US Mailing addresses only! This giveaway will end on 10/19/14 at 11:59 PM CST. No purchase necessary to enter. Enter with the giveaway tools below. Goodluck!

*This is a sponsored post on the behalf of Relativity Media and ProFlowers. All opinions are my own. The Small Things is not responsible for prize shipment*
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Frozen: The Songs on CD {#Review} {#Giveaway} #GiftGuide2014

by Bre, 6:32 PM

If you have a little girl, chances are that you know what movie Frozen is! I know that I do! In fact, I catch my daughter, Lydia singing it all the time! On September 30th, Walt Disney Records is set to release Frozen: The Songs featuring all 10 songs from the Oscar ®-winning film, a vinyl edition and a Spanish language version Frozen Canciones de Una Aventura Congelada, plus the digital score album from composer Christophe Beck. The specially priced Songs CD also includes a fold-out poster and stickers.

The Frozen soundtrack is the top-selling album of 2014 and spent 33 consecutive weeks in the top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, including 13 consecutive weeks at No. 1. It is certified triple Platinum, selling more than 3.2 million units and over 8.4 million tracks. The “Let It Go” film clip from “Frozen” has been viewed over 300 million times on YouTube.
I can't believe that it is that popular! Well, actually I can. The movie that I remember being popular when I was little was The Little Mermaid! HA! That has been quite sometime ago! This CD is perfect for carpools, car rides or just going around town. I am sure that parents, aunt, uncles and friends will go bonkers by time the CD is over, but it is always worth it for our little ones! Lydia's favorite song is "Let It Go". She has such a beautiful voice when it comes to singing! 
Did you know that the soundtrack peaked at No. 1 on the iTunes Overall Chart (and in 31 countries), plus Amazon’s Overall Music Category, Pop, and Overall MP3 charts?  At Spotify, the soundtrack was No. 1 in the U.S. for 14 consecutive weeks, with over one quarter billion streams worldwide. Both versions of “Let It Go” (Idina Menzel and Demi Lovato) have a combined 87 million streams. I am so happy that Walt Disney Records/Disney Music Group Publicity has given my family the chance to have this album as our own!
Check out the list of songs on the soundtrack below! 
1. Frozen Heart
Performed by Cast
2. Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Performed by Kristen Bell, Agatha Lee Monnand and Katie Lopez
3. For the First Time in Forever
Performed by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel
4. Love Is an Open Door
Performed by Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana
5. Let It Go
Performed by Idina Menzel
6. Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People
Performed by Jonathan Groff
7. In Summer
Performed by Josh Gad
8. For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)
Performed by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel
9. Fixer Upper
Performed by Maia Wilson and Cast
10. Let It Go (Demi Lovato Version) Performed by Demi Lovato
Buy it: You can pre-order on Amazon NOW! Frozen: The Songs on CD is only $9.99 and Frozen: The Songs Vinyl is $17.99. Please note that prices will vary daily on Amazon. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases visit them on their social media below! 
Like this post? Feel free to hover over one of the photos and Pin to Pinterest or share via one of the buttons below! Thanks for reading!
WIN IT: TWO readers are going to win their own Frozen Songs CD! Giveaway ends 10/3/14 at 11:59 PM CST. I will need readers to claim their prizes ASAP as they need to be turned in 10/5! Enter with the giveaway tools below! Goodluck!
*The Small Things received a complementary CD to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own*
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Spin Master Air Hogs Vectron Wave {#Review} #VectronInSpace #DDD #Sponsored #GiftGuide2014

by Bre, 11:03 PM
This post was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Spinmaster Airhogs. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.
Kids now days have the coolest toys. Recently I was able to participate in a campaign that involved a new toy on the market! I have a feeling that this will be a hit this Christmas! I received the Spin Master Air Hogs Vectron Wave!  Spin Master’s legendary Air Hogs brand celebrated its 15th anniversary by pushing the boundaries of R/C innovation and fun by sending one of its most iconic toys, the Vectron Wave, into the stratosphere at an altitude of 100,259ft/30,559m. To celebrate its first successful trip to space, Spin Master is sharing extraordinary video footage of the Vectron’s unique journey online and launching an “out-of-this-world” contest where a family of four can win a four-day trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. This toy is pretty amazing if you ask me! It can be controlled with your hand! This toy is marketed toward boys, but in this household, I believe that male or female- you can play with everything! My daughter ( a somewhat tom boy) agrees too!
Our product came in this awesome case! It looks pretty cool and opens and closes easily! 
 Check it out: More about the launch! The Vectron Wave reached an altitude of 100,259 ft / 30,559 m! How cool is that? The project relied on 3D printed parts to build camera mounts and fixtures to capture footage! A number of GPS technologies were used and were crucial to locating the Vectron Wave upon landing. I love the space feel, seeing as it totally looks like a UFO when turned on!
The Vectron Wave comes with a remote of sorts. You can push the button to make it stop! The controller also has the charger built inside of it. Just pull it out, plug into the Vectron Wave, and turn on the on button! The Air Hogs Vectron Wave is the UFO that you control. Wave Control™ altitude-sensing technology allows it to rise up and hover over any hard surface without using a remote control! See it in action by my daughter below! 

I love that she can use her hand to control it! This bad boy goes SO high too! Be careful to not stick your fingers in the blades. All though they are plastic- it still HURTS when they are smacked. That is why they have the controller! Lydia also received SPACE ICE CREAM! How neat is that to go with this theme? Now, when you purchase this product in store, please do not expect to receive this. This was included in my review package to go with the space theme. 
Anywho- Lydia received freeze dried chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips. I was a bit skiddish to try it at first. She gave me a piece and we tried it at the same time. Holy COW. This is delicious! 
 Smiley faces! So excited!
 The look on her face tells you that she enjoyed the first bite!
 Looks so weird! But I promise it is oh so good!
Overall, we are thrilled with the Air Hogs Vectron Wave that we received for a review. I am so thrilled that I am recommending this for my 2014 Holiday Gift Guide! How much is this going to cost you? Well, it is the low price of only $24.99! You can find this in most retailers such as Target and Walmart too! Completely affordable for hours of fun! Visit Air Hogs on their website via one of the links in this post! You can also find them on their social media below! 
Like this post? Feel free to hover over a photo and Pin to Pinterest. You can also share via one of the buttons below! Thanks for reading! 
WIN IT: One reader is going to win their own Spin Master Air Hogs Vectron Wave & their own space ice cream sandwich!! I received an additional item and was told that I can give this away here on my blog! This giveaway ends on 10/14/14 at 11:59 PM CST! This giveaway is open to the Continental USA (Due to Shipping). All entries are verified! No purchase necessary. Enter with the giveaway tools below! Goodluck!
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Easy {#DIY} Ghost Family On Canvas

by Bre, 6:16 PM
Hi Everyone! One of my blogger friends Rachelle had the cutest idea! I wanted to give it a shot and do this for my family too! My maltipoo even did his print! (Well, kinda!) Our feet wouldn't cooperate. I tried smoothing the paint out with the brush. It is still cute!
Check out step by step photos on how to make one of these HERE. Grab a canvas from the hobby store, paint it, wait for it to dry and put paint on everyone feet! Place on the canvas, wait to dry and add the eyes and details! Hang and enjoy! How cute is this? Be sure to visit the link above to give her some love! It was her idea and I just LOVE IT! 
Like this post? Feel free to hover over one of the photos and Pin to Pinterest or share via one of the buttons below! Thanks for reading!
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Hicustom.net- Create your custom shirt today! {#Review}

by Bre, 11:38 AM
If you haven't heard of HiCustom.net, they are a website that allows you to customize apparel, mugs and accessories. They also have pre-made designs! Recently, I had the chance to work with them on a review. I chose to make my own design in my editing software! My daughter and I sat and gathered images and made it all! She love Littlest Petshop, so this was something that she was looking forward too!
Making your apparel is easy, simply click the design lab tab and choose a product! Here is what you will see, I chose a children's tshirt. I was also able to choose the color and her size. 
After choosing the product, I hit upload photo to add my picture on the shirt. I positioned it where I wanted it and I was done! I hit add to cart and here is what I received:
 Isn't this adorable?
 My little girl was so happy to receive her shirt! She even wore it to school today!
The shirt is pre-shrunk too! If you are wondering, she is 8 years old and a Medium Youth fits perfectly. Visit HiCustom.net to learn more and see what other products they have to offer! 
Like this post? Feel free to hover over one of the photos to Pin or share via one of the buttons below! Thanks for reading!
*The Small Things received a complementary shirt to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own*
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Managing Light Bladder Leakage with Poise #Sponsored #ad

by Bre, 10:13 PM

 *Disclosure Thank you to Poise for sponsoring this post and keeping me confident!*
Shh, I have a secret! Well, it isn't much of a secret anymore. A topic that most of us women don't talk about, but we know that we are all experiencing it! Light Bladder Leakage. Yes, I said it. I am 25 years old and I have light bladder leakage. I am a mother of 5 children. By time I had my 3rd child, my son Aiden- I was doomed to pee on myself every time I sneeze. Every time I cough and every time I laugh. 
One in three women experience Light Bladder Leakage, (LBL) which can be triggered by everyday occurrences like coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise. Many women rely on feminine care products or nothing at all to manage their little leaks because they don’t know there are solutions designed specifically for LBL or they don’t think incontinence products are for them. As the leader in the light incontinence category, Poise brand offers a variety of pads and liners to make it easy to find protection for every woman’s needs.
I have had the opportunity to try these for myself and I have to say that I am amazed! They are SO thin! They also allow me to feel more confident and worry free when it comes to sneezing. It can be embarrassing at times! There was several times that I had gone to Lydia's softball game and sneezed. Imaging crossing your legs and holding yourself to prevent a leak everywhere. Not too pretty! Thanks to Poise- I don't have to worry about that anymore!
Are you with me? Have you experienced this yourself? If you have, click on one of the links in this post or click free sample to score a freebie and try these Poise Microliners for yourself! You won't regret it! Be sure to come back here and tell me what you think!
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Cost Plus World Market's #BookOfLife Sweepstake & Party Planning!

by Bre, 12:06 AM
I love shopping at Cost Plus World Market for various items. The one thing that I love about that place is that they always have something new! They have new items for every holiday! Everything that you can think of is in that store. They have gourmet foods and party planning items too! Recently I went to Cost Plus World Market and noticed that they are partnering with  FOX and the film release of The Book of Life! The last time that I went to the movies- I had the chance to see this trailer and it looks completely adorable! My daughter can't wait to see it! 
This movie is based on the cultural celebration of “Dia de los Muertos” (a day of remembering the memories of lost loved ones). What is the movie all about?An animated movie of a Romeo and Juliet-inspired love story set during a Day of the Dead celebration: Manolo (Diego) is a young matador who wants to shed the expectations of his family to follow his dreams of being a musician and his best friend, Joaquin (Channing), is the successful pride of the town. They compete for the heart of Maria (Zoe). In order to win Maria’s heart and save her life, Manolo must face his greatest fears and follow his heart to rewrite his destiny. Cute right? Visit http://www.bookoflifemovie.com  to learn more! Another thing that I love about Cost Plus World Market is their sweepstakes opportunities! Check out this newest one! It is pretty great!
 You can enter this sweepstakes from now until Friday, October 24, 2014. What is in it for you? The chance to win:
  • You could win a trip to the Riviera Maya & FREE Movies for a Year! 
  • Grand Prize Package: o 5 Days/6Nights at Grand Velas Riviera Maya (hotel & accommodations) 
  • Free Movies for a year 
  • $1,000 World Market gift card 
  • Book of Life Merchandise 
  • Plus, three (3) first prizes: $500 World Market gift card
Visit worldmarketsweepstakes.com to enter and be sure to see it in theaters October 17, 2014!When I walked into Cost Plus World Market to purchase items for Lydia's party this past weekend, I noticed immediately that they had the cutest Book Of Life Collection!
Lydia was sure to let me know that she wanted everything there! I purchased her some of that colorful slime stuff you see beside the ducks in the photo! Another thing that I seen was the amount of Halloween Decorations that they had to offer! Check out my photos below to see! These photos are from another trip after her party. I was  disappointing they did not have everything out to purchase more when I had her party on 9/20 (Insert sad face). I don't know if they were in the middle of stocking but there is more now than there was on the first trip that I had made. 
I did manage to get a few things for her party. Check out how I decorated below! I had previously purchased items from other stores to fill in what they did not have out at Cost Plus World Market on my first trip there. 
I loved the glitter snake that you see above in the picture! I thought it was cute.
 I had also found the pumpkin garland and skeleton garland that you see in the background!
 I thought this dinosaur skeleton was a great touch to add on everything.
So was this fly that you see! I plan to hang this in my apartment when it gets closer to Halloween. My favorite decoration and appetizer for the party was the skull that I had found for only $12.99!

I found the skull and the shaped tortilla chips and had to have them! Adding a jar of salsa was the perfect idea for her party! It fit the theme completely! They also have the chargers you see. I bought 8 of them to add party food onto! They are only $2.99 a piece! 
I found an assortment of sprinkle and used them to make dipped pretzel sticks! You can see that recipe here on my blog.  Cost Plus World Market also has a ton of Halloween Candy! I bought several items to add for "treat bags" for the kiddos!
I found scary gummi's and chocolates along with candy corn to add in them! The containers were purchased from another store. Cost Plus World Market also has the cutest cookie kits! I found a Zombie one awhile back that I loved! Here is a few of the cookies we made with that! 

Overall, all though I was disappointing they did not have everything out in time for her party, I made the best of it and purchased what I could! Head on over to World Market and score awesome Halloween and Book Of Life items for yourself!! Visit them via one of the links below while you are here! Thanks for reading! 

Like this post? Please click share below or hover over a photo to Pin! Be sure to follow Cost Plus World Market on their social media to stay up to date with the latest too! 
*Disclaimer: The Small Things was provided with gift cards to make this post possible.*
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