The Must-Have Gift for the Minecraft Obsessed - Gameband!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GameOnTheGo #CollectiveBias

You guys, if you have a kiddo in your life that's obsessed with Minecraft, this post is for you.  What if I told you that there was a way your Minecraft-obsessed kiddo could take their Minecraft worlds and play them on any computer?  Enter Gameband.

Let me back up for a sec, so you can realize how monumental this is.  As you know, I have two kids, my 9 year old son and my 13 year old daughter.  They both loooove playing Minecraft, and seriously have so many different worlds due to having different devices.  You see, I share custody with their dad, so half of the time they're at my house playing on my computer, and the other half of the time they're at their dad's house playing on his computer.  They'd get so frustrated having all these different worlds they wanted to play but of course, would be at the opposite house.

Gameband is a wearable, well, game band that the kids can plug into the computer's USB port and access their Minecraft worlds on ANY computer!  The Gameband is strong, durable, and customizable!  The digital display works as a watch, but you can customize graphics and add your own images and animations!

Here's an even more awesome part.  If you lose your Gameband, simply contact Now Computing and you can order a replacement band with all your data intact.  How?  Simple.  Gameband not only saves your worlds but also backs them up to their secure, cloud based servers.  Please note that Gameband belongs to Now Computing and is affiliated with Minecraft. (If anyone has any feedback regarding Gameband they should reach out to Now Computing).

If you're thinking about getting this for that special kiddo, I'd advise you to go out and get it now as these are flying off the shelves.  It's touted as one of the hottest gifts this holiday season, and it's easy to see why!

I found our Gameband at Target, near the video games, but in the mobile gaming section.

Do you have a Minecraft lover?  This is truly the best gift you could give them, holiday time or year round!

xo

Lia

My Morning Beauty Routine With AmLactin

Hi lovelies! With winter knocking on our door, we all have to adjust our beauty routines to combat the dreaded dry skin that accompanies this time of year. Living in Denver, it's a year-round issue due to the dry climate we have so I'm always looking for amazing creams that work. When the opportunity to partner with AmLactin to talk about my beauty routines presented itself I jumped at the chance. And after trying its lotions, let me say that I am hooked. I've integrated them into my daily routines. While each lotion is amazing on its own, let me show you how to use them in different ways to really maximize the benefits for your skin!



First up is AmLactin's Moisturizing Body Lotion. With 12% lactic acid it balances skin's pH levels and gently exfoliates to encourage natural skin renewal. This is my go-to to keep my skin hydrated all day long! As soon as I step out of the shower, I pat dry and then apply this all over. Always apply lotion right out of the shower to really seal in the hydration! It does sting a bit on my legs after I shave, but this is completely normal and nothing to be afraid of.



AmLactin Ultra Hydrating Body Cream is amazing for my elbows, knees, and feet - basically any part of my body that is more susceptible to severe dryness. I apply this in addition to the regular body lotion, focusing on the really dry areas.



AmLactin Cerapeutic Restoring Body Lotion is the holy grail; it's super intense hydration turns the driest skin into soft, supple skin nearly immediately. It's absolutely magical and amazing. I use this if my skin is really dry to nix it right away. I also use it on the backs of my arms when I get that 'chicken skin' - those little bumps that appear from time to time. I've found that this is the best cure for that too!



After my skin is nice and soft, I follow up with sunscreen on any exposed skin and then do my facial routine of serums, lotions, and then makeup. My skin is so much softer since I started using AmLactin's products and they've earned a permanent spot in my daily routine.

Check out what other bloggers are saying about AmLactin moisturizers!

Want to win a bottle of AmLactin Cerapeutic aka the holy grail of skin moisturizers? Head over to its Facebook page, give them a 'like' and enter to win your own bottle!

xo
Lia

People everywhere are talking about AmLactin alpha-hydroxy skin care. And for good reason – it does what it’s supposed to do. No overpromises or puffery. Their formulas with clinically proven alpha-hydroxy acids gently exfoliate and intensely hydrate dry skin to help it return to a healthy, natural state. For long-lasting moisture and serious relief. Get serious care for softer skin.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of AmLactin. The opinions and text are all mine.

Holiday Shopping at Barnes & Noble's Discovery Weekend!

Hi lovelies!  The other night I was fortunate to attend a preview of Barnes & Noble's Discovery Weekend - happening Friday, November 21 - Sunday, November 23.  I got to meet up with a great group of local Denver area bloggers, hosted by my friend Emily, from ColoradoMoms.com.

We sampled new holiday pastries available in Barnes & Noble Cafe, including the to-die-for cookie dough cheesecake,  (Seriously, all I want for Christmas is cookie dough cheesecake.)

We were sent home with these enormous s'mores cookies (they're like 6" in diameter!) which will be on special this weekend during select times for only $1.  I'll be taking the kiddos there this weekend for more of these!

These cookies will only be available in the cafe for one hour during these select times:

• Friday, November 21 7:30 pm
• Saturday, November 22 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, 7:30 pm
• Sunday, November 23 2:30 pm

Not only is Barnes & Noble having these delicious treats, but they have some amazing gifts for everyone on your list.  The new Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook will be on sale - the 7" screen for $50 off and the 10.1" screen for $100 off! And if you're a Barnes & Noble member you'll save an additional 10%!  Make sure to visit the Nook counter, and enter for a chance to win a shopping spree with Nick Jonas!

These Pop! figurines are so adorable, my faves of course were The Walking Dead ones, but they had characters from so many different movies/shows too!

These books are perfect for young boys!  My son is 9 and finding new books for him to enjoy can be difficult, but any of these are sure to be a hit! (Especially the Zombie Goldfish!)

These would be perfect gifts for your bestie!  I've got all three on my list :)

Tons of choices for young adult readers! 

 

Would you believe you can seriously get all the kiddo's gifts at Barnes & Noble?  I was so impressed with all the fun toy and game choices available!

There's tons of in-store action happening this weekend at Barnes & Noble's Discovery Weekend!  Events taking place at Barnes & Noble’s more than 650 locations across the country include:

Friday, November 21:

• 7 p.m.: Linkee® Trivia Tournament: 

Saturday, November 22:

• 10 a.m.: Create With ArtFolds
• 11 a.m.: Learn to Draw Like Mo Willems – Storytime & Activity
• 1 p.m.: Puppet Making & Holiday Sing-Along
• 7 p.m.: Holiday Fluxx® Game Night: 

Sunday, November 23:

• 1 p.m.: Snowmen at Night – Storytime, Crafts & Activities

Make sure to call your local store to ensure its participation in Discovery Weekend.  Hope you all have fun getting a jump start on your holiday shopping this weekend at Barnes & Noble!

xo

Lia

Disclosure: I received compensation for attending the event and posting about it on my blog.  As always, all opinions are mine alone.  Thanks for supporting the brands that make SnS possible!

Birchbox vs. Glossybox vs. Ipsy Glam Bag ~ October 2014 Edition

Hi lovelies!  It's that time again, to see how the three big beauty subscription boxes stack up to each other.  Which one was the best value?  Which box had the best products for me?   Without further ado, I bring you October's edition of Birchbox vs.Glossybox vs. Ipsy Glam Bag! {Click to see how they stack up!}

DIY ~ Chain Fringe Earrings

Hi lovelies!  These earrings are a new favorite of mine (I cannot stop wearing them!) and once you see how easy they are to make, you'll certainly be wearing yours nonstop too.  Inspired by these Sultry Chain Hoop Earrings I pinned from Urban Outfitters a while back (no longer available), I made these using a bunch of random chain pieces from my stash.  {Click for the how-to!}

My October Glossybox ~ Unwrapped

Hi lovelies!  Today I'm sharing my October Glossybox - and it was a wicked good one!  If you're still not familiar, sign up for GlossyBox here, and get some amazing goodies delivered to your door for only $21 every month too! They promise 5-6 luxury deluxe sized samples, with a total box value of at least twice of its cost! {Click to see what I got!}

My October Ipsy Glam Bag ~ Unwrapped

Hi lovelies!  This month's Ipsy Glam Bag is here and it's a fun one.  If you haven't heard of Ipsy, it's similar to the other beauty subscription boxes, it costs only $10 a month, and you get a makeup bag too! {Click to see what was inside!}

Using Technology to #ShareAwesome ~ and Win Big Too!

Hi lovelies!  Today I want to talk to you about something that we didn't have to worry about as kids, but our kids nowadays have to.  It's technology, and more specifically, social media.  It's so easy to get drawn into all the negative out there. But more important than that, it can be a very dangerous place for kids.  My kids use technology at school and at home, for researching things for school, checking their grades, submitting their assignments, etc.  But they also use it for gaming, socializing, and sharing everyday moments.

Now don't get me wrong, I think it's awesome.  And a huge part of me wishes that I had that growing up!  But what's important to think about is talking to your kids about what they post and portray online.  Thankfully,  the national PTA has partnered with LifeLock to share awesome ways families can create an open, evolving conversation about positive, safe decisions when using digital tools. It’s all part of having a happy, healthy lifestyle.

I encourage my 13 year old especially to share the things that make her happy, the moments that make her smile.  Whether it's a pic of our cat, or a fun pic from soccer practice or her orchestra performance.  

The #ShareAwesome campaign seeks to build an understanding among parents and students that no matter the device, the app or the networking site – the skills we need to be safe and positive online are similar to what you need offline.  The #ShareAwesome contest invites social media users to share a smart and safe decision, uplifting accomplishment, or positive action for the good of others using hashtag #ShareAwesome on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Students who enter a photo between September 15 – November 30, 2014 will be eligible to win fantastic prizes, including tablets and a $2,500 scholarship! Visit ShareAwesomeNow.org to learn more.

Snap a photo of an awesome moment in your day and share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the #ShareAwesome hashtag!  Students who enter the #ShareAwesome contest between September 15 – November 30, 2014 will have a chance to win fantastic prizes, including tablets and a $2,500 scholarship!

xo ~ Lia

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Unfold the Fun with Hallmark Poster Cards for Kids

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #shop #cbias #KidsCards

Hi lovelies!  Are you a card-giver?  I know I am.  But it's difficult when it comes to giving cards to kids.  They seem less than thrilled when you force them to not open the present and instead first open the card.  They really couldn't care less about it, and seem to do it just to appease us parents.  (Did you even read the card?  Well what did it say?) It then just gets tossed to the side and is not even an afterthought anymore, tossed into the pile of wrapping paper and tissue paper and other, well trash.  It's such a pet peeve of mine!  Well Hallmark has recently introduced these amazing poster cards for kids.  They are the same size (when folded) as any regular card, but when you open it allll the way up, it's now an awesome poster they can hang up in their room!  And what kid isn't obsessed with posters anyway?  Icing on the cake?  It can still be mailed in its envelope!

My son recently had to go to a birthday party for his best friend, so when we went to pick out the card, I suggested this awesome Avengers poster card (it even glows in the dark!).  My son was so enthralled with it that he wound up keeping it and I had to buy another one for his best bud!  Kid approved!

When you first open it, it looks just like a regular card, with plenty of room to write a special message!

Unfold the next fold, and it becomes a mini poster!  My dude thought this was the poster and he was way stoked with it just like this, until...

Open it all the way and behold the glory!  You can see the shiny Avengers logo over the characters.  This is what glows in the dark!  So cool, right?

Before you hang it up, fold each fold in the opposite direction so that it will lay flat and not have the folds raised!

I picked up the cards at Walmart, in the kids cards area.  Look for the cards that say Poster Inside! 

Now before you head to the store, click this link to join (for FREE!) Hallmark's rewards program where you'll earn a reward for every 5 Hallmark cards you buy at Walmart!

Be sure to check out Connections from Hallmark to sign up for Hallmark Rewards, and to see great content from other bloggers. Join in the #kidscards conversation on Twitter!  

xo

Lia

My October Birchbox ~ Unwrapped

Hi lovelies!  Today I've gotta share my October Birchbox with you - it's a good one!  If you're (still) not familiar, subscribe to Birchbox for only $10 a month and get handpicked beauty and lifestyle samples delivered to your door free! {Click to see what I got!}

DIY ~ Open Metal Tassel Collar Necklace

 Hi lovelies!  I've got such a fun DIY today.  I saw this amazing necklace at the Free People store and *needed* to recreate it.  It's surprisingly simple to make, involves reusing some old, never worn pieces and some items from your stash.  {Keep reading for the how-to!}

DIY ~ Delicate Ball Chain Midi Rings

Hi lovelies!  This is *such* a simple DIY, but it looks so chic and fun.  You can whip these up in no time and for such a low price too!  {Click for the how-to!}

My October Beauty Box 5 ~ Unwrapped + A Fun Mani!

Hi lovelies!  Today I'm sharing my October Beauty Box 5 with you.  Not familiar? Beauty Box 5 is a monthly subscription service that delivers 5 cosmetic samples to your door for only $12 a month. {Click to see what I got, plus check out a fun mani I did using the nail polish!}

DIY ~ Halloween Washi Tape Pencils

Hi lovelies!  I've got a fun, quick, and easy DIY for you today.  It's great to do with the kiddos, too!  This is an update of my original, DIY Washi Tape Pencils, just done with some really fun Halloween washi tape!  {Click to keep reading!}

DIY ~ Vintage Gem Cuff

Hi lovelies!  I'm in love with vintage jewelry and love creating beautiful pieces using vintage rhinestones, which thanks to etsy, I've amassed quite a collection of.  This DIY is so easy - the hardest part is deciding on a design and possibly even more than that, which stones to use.  Once that hard part is over though, you will have a vintage inspired bracelet that will have your friends asking what other heirloom pieces you have!  {Click for the how-to, as well as where to buy the perfect vintage stones!}

DIY ~ Jewelry Organizer

Hi lovelies!  If you're anything like me, you have a huge collection of jewelry you've amassed and it seems to reproduce itself overnight.  Which means you've long outgrown your jewelry box, jewelry armoire, and it's now overflowing off your dresser, similarly to an erupting volcano's lava flow.  And, much like a toddler believes, if you can't see it it's not there.  At least for me.  So I need things hanging in plain sight, where I can see them without even looking for them.

Enter this simple DIY.  It uses some common household items, and even involves a bit of upcycling too!  Best of all, it's easily customizable to match your decor du jour.  {Keep reading to see what I used to make this and to be inspired to make your own too!}

DIY ~ Pyramid Stud Wall Decor

Hi lovelies!  I feel as though my condo is in an ever-changing state of decorating.  I'm constantly reassessing what I've done and what I can still do to further incorporate my glam mountain resort condo theme I've chosen.  I have this empty space above my desk that is the backside of the kitchen (is it bad that I use my dining room as my crafting room rather than it's intended use?) which I've struggled with for years.  I hung some foam core board to use as my inspiration board, but the plain spot of wall between that and the ceiling has perplexed me.

I finally had a brainblast (Jimmy Neutron fans? Anyone?) and thought that I wish I could just put some huge pyramid studs up there.  So I hit my recycling bin, dug out some cardboard, and got to work. {Click to keep reading, and to see how I made these!}

DIY ~ Dirty / Clean Dishwasher Magnet

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone. #Sparkly Savings #Collective Bias

Hi lovelies!  Today I've got a fun yet super practical DIY for ya, in partnership with Finish Dishwasher Detergent!  I can't tell you how many times I've heard the excuse from my kids that they couldn't put their dishes in the dishwasher because they weren't sure if it was dirty or clean.  I'm sure everyone can relate to this, whether it's kids, roommates, or even yourself!  So I wanted to make a magnet so that way there'd never be any uncertainty again (unless one forgets to spin it or something!)

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty brand-loyal for dishwasher detergent.  I only use Finish products, because they friggen work better than any other I've tried.  I even use the Booster in conjunction with the tabs so my dishes are extra clean.

You just put it in the pre-wash dispenser, pop a tab in the main dispenser, and you're good!  It's so easy, my kids have to do it as part of their chores.  But that's after we can get them to rinse off their dishes in the sink and load them into the dishwasher.  I wished there were a way to let them know if the dishes were clean or dirty, and I figured a fun and easy DIY!  {Click for the how-to and for some awesome #SparklySavings on Finish Detergent!}