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!}