Holiday Card || 2017

I'm ahead of the game this year and ordered my holiday card yesterday! Every year I search around for a great deal and every year I come back to SimplyToImpress because they have a HUGE selection of cards to choose from, and their prices and discounts are always better than any other website (I got 40% off  and free shipping when I ordered yesterday).

This is NOT a sponsored post, I'm just letting you know where I got my cards (that I've paid for in full, with my own money) because I know everyone likes a good deal! They adjusted two photos that weren't where I wanted them within the window pane, and gave me a digital proof within 2 hours of me submitting my order before I approved it. Easy peasy!

As I predicted last year, our card has a slightly different focus this year than in years' past (and I couldn't be more excited about it!)

Don't mind the watermark--I dont want anyone stealing my precious girl's face and using it for their own creepy devices

For those of you getting our card in the mail...pretend like you haven't seen this already (it will also be Watermark-free haha)! :)

Now, I just need to get these and get all of the envelopes printed and mailed, but at least the first step is done!

On another note, Ella is 7 months old today. Where oh where is time going??? Don't mind me, I'll be off in the corner sobbing quietly....:)

What's Hap-"pinning" Wednesday {#49}: Health and Beauty Product I'm Loving

It's been a while since I shared some of the product with you that I've been using and loving lately, so I thought I'd put 'em all together in a post for you since I know I get some good use out of you guys' recommendations! Here's what's hap-"pinning" with my love of products:

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap

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This cleanser has been gentle on my skin, but also seems to have helped it feel cleaner and clearer. Breakouts, although few and far between, haven't occurred when I've been using this cleanser. Will definitely be re-purchasing.

Foreo Facial Cleanser

Amazon, $20

This little device, at a fraction of the cost of the Foreo ($20 versus $190), has really helped with getting my face feeling clean. I've noticed my pores look a bit smaller and clearer than they did before I started using this little machine. And the charge has lasted since I got it without needing a charge yet!

Rodan+Fields Sunless Tanner

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You guys already know I love this one, but it bears mentioning again. I won this sunless tanner during a giveaway and was super excited to get it, but also a little nervous because you never know what you're gonna get with a self tanner.

Guys, let me tell you that I LOVE this stuff. I've been using it since I haven't gotten out into the sun much lately (not a bad thing) and it has made me look so much more alive than my Winter-white skin was looking. 

I've used it all over my body INCLUDING my face, without any breakouts or side effects from the product. This is one R+F item I will definitely be getting again.

Hands down: LOVE!

PiperWai Natural Deodorant

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You've probably seen this around blogland before. Amanda was the one who piqued my interest in this and I eventually got around to ordering it. I was a person who used clinical strength deodorant all the time. And I also know that these deodorants contain aluminum which is a big contributor to cancer. No thank you. I also know that a lot of natural deodorants don't work well and I wasn't about that stinky life either. So when I heard that this actually worked I figured I'd give it a whirl. It's not as easy to put on as regular deodorant, but I don't care if it doesn't increase my risk of getting cancer. It took my body a couple of days to adjust to it, and now I can put on a bit in the morning and it has lasted me through some of the hottest, sweatiest days in sleeveless tops and dresses without stink!

It's $11.99 for the jar, plus shipping which seems like a lot, but I guarantee you cancer treatments are more expensive. #thinkaboutit

There you have it--some of my favorite products lately!

Now it's your turn to link up with Jessi and I and share what's hap-"pinning" with you!

A Sunny Giveaway

I've got an awesome giveaway for you today!

I'm teaming up with Traci, who is a Rodan+Fields consultant, and we're offering you one of my most favorite products from this season:

The Rodan+Fields Sunless Tanner!

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You've heard me talk about my love of this tanner since I tried it (after winning it myself in another giveaway), and I've used it ever since! This stuff is SO easy to put on, gives a natural color and doesn't stink. A triple win!

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I've gotten multiple compliments on my tan, and to be honest, I haven't been out in the sun much at all this season, so that tells you all you need to know!

Given, this does not compete with Tan Mom (but ew, who wants to look like that anyway), but it's not bad for no time in the sun right? These are after one coat (you can do more than one coat if you want it darker), and comes out very natural looking.
I've used this on my arms, legs, chest, stomach, and even my face and neck! I haven't had any breakouts or reactions from it being on my face, either. It dries in seconds, and it doesn't rub off on your clothes or sheets.

In order to enter, you need to visit Traci's page, take a look at the products, and then comment with which one you're most interested in (details below).

Traci's also offering free sunless tanner or body moisturizer with the purchase of a regimen and waived enrollment fee for all new PCs (free shipping and 10% discount) to anyone interested, so even if you don't win this giveaway, you can still get a chance to try out the R+F products at a discount!

So link up below, and get your tan on--without sun or tanning beds required!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let's Get Nakd!

Did that catch your attention???

The lovely people over at the Natural Balance Foods contacted me to review their mixed box of Nakd bars, which are healthy cereal bars.

The bars came in this cute packaging and even had a couple of other goodies with them:

There were so many different flavors to try, and luckily we got the box right before the blizzard hit, so I knew we had some snack material if we needed it!

I haven't tried all of the bars yet, but my favorite was definitely the Cocoa Crisp, and MG really liked the Ginger Bread bar, too. He even asked if he could take a few to work (I definitely let him have the banana flavored one since Jenn and bananas dont mix!) #husbandwin

They are gluten free, wheat free, and dairy free, so it's a perfect go-to for anyone with those dietary restrictions. These are NOT nut free.

I like the fact that these are all natural, made out of good stuff, and hold good values for proteins. I had one of them before I went out to shovel and had a good amount of energy to get through it, so I think the bar definitely helped give me the extra boost I needed.

Do these taste like candy bars? No. 

Do they taste bad? No. But I don't think you can go into eating them thinking they're gonna taste like a regular old chocolate bar. Because they wont. They take on more of a fruit taste, which makes sense since they're usually made with dates as part of the base.

I think they're a good snack option to have if you're looking for something that's healthy and has natural ingredients in it. I'm looking forward to finishing up my box and trying out the rest of the flavors!

*I was given a box of these bars to try for free. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own*

Rocksbox {#6}-Best One Yet!

I feel so behind on stuff lately! I know the last time I showed you guys what I got in my Rocksbox, I said the next one that I got was by far the best one and that I'd share it soon. Cut to at least a month later...oops!

But at least I'm sharing it today and BOY was it a great box! If I had all the money in the world (and hadn't been spending mondo money on things like the Nordstrom sale), I would have kept each of these pieces. As it was, I only kept one.

Moon and Lola Marseilles Necklace: $38

Kendra Scott Elle Earrings in Slate: $44- KEPT ($34 with my monthly spend)

Jules Smith Cage Arrow Bracelet in Gold: $30

I got SO much use out of this whole set! The necklace was super dainty and perfect to wear with almost every outfit.

The bracelet also went with any outfit, and added just a touch of bling!

And the earrings were the perfect statement piece for dressing up! 

Here are just some of the outfits that I wore them with:

Everyday/Casual Friday:

 Double Date Night Out:

 Work day (obviously when it wasn't Fall)

 Baby Shower:

These all worked so well in different combinations with each other! I seriously should have just bought all of them!

I did feel like $38 was a bit pricey for how dainty the little necklace was (after all, it was just a curled wire), but it was still so simple and cute that it went with just about everything!

I wore the bracelet almost every day that I had this set because it was so wearable with every outfit that I had!

And the earrings, I've worn a touch less, because they 're more of a statement piece and not as much for everyday, but I love them just the same, and have gotten tons of compliments when I've worn them.

Hands down, this was my favorite Rocksbox to date!

Have you tried Rocksbox? If not and you want to, use my code JENNBFF69 for a free first month!

5 Things You Need in Your Life

This is a hodge podge list of 5 things I think that you need in your life, mainly because they've made my life a little better and easier!

*This is NOT an affiliate or sponsored post! These are all things that I have myself, and recommend. I am NOT being compensated for this post*

Baking Mats

Amazon $16.95 for the set

I got these as part of a bridal shower gift and have used them to make a variety of things from meatballs to cookies (like I showed you earlier in the week). You don't have to scrub your baking sheets anymore with these, and everything cooks on it, without the need for grease or oiling. If you haven't gotten a set yet, go get one--you won't regret it.

The ones I have here are identical to the Sur La Table Silpat ones, but these are $10 cheaper!

Fabric Shaver

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You know how your sweaters, shirts, and leggings sometimes get those little fabric "pills" or nubs on them, especially after you wash them? It makes clothes look older and kind of ratty. Well, this will solve your problem! You can find this at Target for $6 (I found it in the laundry detergent section). All you do is run it over your clothes, in the areas that have the pills, and they instantly disappear!

We even used this on our fabric ottoman that had some pills, and it looks brand new!
Here are some others on Amazon.

Immersion Blender

If you like making soups, especially thicker ones, then you probably want an immersion blender. Have you ever had a recipe that told you to take portions of the soup out, blend it in a blender and then put it back in? Ain't nobody got time for that! Get an immersion blender. They blend things up, work fast, and are small enough that you can store them pretty easily. I've used this a bunch when making soups and things in my crock pot. 
You can get one on Amazon for $33 here. Or, keep an eye out on Groupon--that's where I got mine two or so years ago for I think $15 (yes, it's called "Big Boss" which makes me laugh). It's worked like a charm!

Phone Screen Protector: 
anti-glare, anti-fingerprint

{via Amazon} $5.99 for 3-pack

But not just any screen protector, the anti-glare, anti-fingerprint screen protectors are the best. I've dropped my phone several handfuls of times and I have a regular case (not a lifeproof one), but I DO have this awesome screen protector, and I've never shattered my screen. (*insert me knocking on wood right now*)
I love these protectors because they don't have all of the fingerprint smudges that you get with some of the other kinds. And the anti-glare makes it easy to see in direct sunlight. Amazon has some great options for pretty cheap!
You can find them for $6-12, which is much less expensive than getting a screen replaced!

A good pair of texting gloves

It's getting colder, which means it's almost glove weather (if it's not already where you are). The last thing you want to be doing in the cold is pulling your hands out of any warm gloves or mittens you have in order to text. I found a great pair for $12 at Costco that have an awesome grip, and the texting part actually works (I can't tell you how many I've found that work like total crap once you put them on). These have been worn in the mornings on my cold drive to work. Not only do I have good texting abilities in these (without many errors from super bulky fingertips), I have an awesome grip on my coffee cup, too. Win!

Do you have any of these items? Any others on your list of must-haves?

My Customized iPhone Case {Product Review+discount}

The friendly people over at Caseapp reached out to me to review an iPhone or laptop skin. 

The awesome thing about Caseapp is that you can totally customize the case that you choose, or you can use one of their pre-designed cases, too.

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You can add text, stamps, and different color options to your case as well

The process was really easy--the most difficult part for me was figuring out what picture I wanted on the back of my case. 

I narrowed it down to one of my favorite pictures from our wedding, made sure the photo lined up, and pressed Order!

Within a few days, the box from Caseapp arrived, and I snapped it onto my iPhone. I love how the photo wraps around the edges of the phone, so the photo isn't only on the back of the case, but I have the pretty flowers/photo edge on the front, too.

I also love how thin the case is. The phone case that I had on previously, which wraps around on all sides, was still slim, but this feels even more slim, and true to the actual iPhone's size when I hold it in my hands.

The only downside about the case is that it doesn't cover all sides of the case (top and bottom). So when I had a clumsy moment in Loft the other day, and I dropped my phone on the floor, the bottom of my phone got scuffed a bit. 

I still have the case on my phone, I'm just more careful about being a clutz than I was before.

The people at caseapp are letting me offer you all a discount code for 20% off to order your own personalized case for your iPhone or a skin for your laptop!

Just go to their website: http://caseapp.com/, design your case or skin, and enter this code at checkout: JAMIFFER20

*I was given a free case in exchange for an honest review of this product. All opinions are my own*

Rocksbox Review {#5}

I'm on my 6th Rocksbox right now--and completely loving it--, but I totally forgot that I never shared my 5th box with you guys! 

In my box, I got the following items:
Kendra Scott Parker Studs in Magenta Magneseite-$36

Gorjana Durango Bolo Necklace- $52

ECRU Metal Bow Ring in Gold-$44

The ring was the cheapest thing I have ever seen. The fact that they would charge anything more than $5 for that ring (let alone $44 on "discount") is laughable to me. It was made out of cheap metal that was faded. I did not wear it once.
Luckily the other items in the box were wayyyy better!

I really liked the pop of color from the KS earrings. They were small studs and went with a ton of outfits. I wore these a bunch when we were down at the beach, to add a fun pop of pink!

The Gorjana necklace was also a winner. My sister-in-law actually asked me where I got it because she wanted one for herself. If I hadn't already gotten a longer necklace in another Rocksbox (that I had kept) I would have kept this necklace.

(it's hard to see, but I'm wearing the pink earrings and the necklace here--pardon my no-make up and our squinty eyes from looking into the sun)

Overall, I really liked the two pieces I got from this Rocksbox. The one that I currently have is my absolute favorite, though! I'll be sharing that with you guys soon!

If you want to try Rocksbox, you can use my code (JENNBFF69) to get a free month!!

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Wouldn't you want to be best friends with these stunning pieces?

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Diamonds always win in the gift department--gorgeous, timeless, and sparkly!

I partnered with Anjolee to give you my top 10 pieces of jewelry for an anniversary gift (Guys, it's time to pay attention! ;)

1. Anniversary Band

Single Row Eternity Ring

I love my eternity wedding band, and I also have diamonds along the band on my engagement ring. I think an eternity ring for an anniversary gift would be so beautiful and add another layer of shine to my ring finger!

2. Studs

Trillium Diamond Studs

Studs don't have to be boring! These are beautiful and could be worn daily. These earrings also come in a group of 4. I would be happy to open up a jewelry box that had these beauties in it for an anniversary present!

3. Silver and Diamonds

Solitaire Teardrop Designer Diamond Earrings

These are a bit more affordable than some of the other pieces, but still add elegance to any outfit. You could very easily wear these to an anniversary dinner date night and get lots of compliments!

4. Circle Necklace

Double Drop Circle Diamond Necklace

I think this would be a beautiful anniversary gift--Two circles. Two people. The symbolism is perfect and the necklace is gorgeous. You could wear this every day or on special occasions.

5.  Gold Lover

Small Flat Oval Link Metal Bracelet

For the person who loves gold, this is a piece you could wear daily, and even layer with a chunky watch. 

6. Drop Earrings

Surrounded With Love Diamond Drop Earrings

I actually have a pair of earrings very similar to these, that I wore for my wedding day (also a great gift for that occasion as well!) and I love wearing them with a fancier outfit. Plus, when I put them on, it's a fun reminder of my wedding day.

7.  Red Carpet Bracelet

Red Carpet Bracelet

Now this beauty would obviously be for a VERY special occasion because the pricetag is kinda high--it's called the red carpet bracelet and I can see why. It's a stunner!

8. Diamond Studs

Cushion Cut Diamond Studs

I looooove these. I could see wearing them to work every single day to add a bit of sparkle to my work attire. And I kinda like that these are cushion cut, which is what my engagement ring is!

9. Journey Necklace

Perpetual Romance Journey Necklace

I think the name of this one says it all--love is a journey, and every anniversary you're celebrating another year of that journey together. I love the circle, signifying endless love and the diamonds around it.

10.  Interlocking Ring

Captivating Woven Band

If you didn't want another band for your ring finger, this would be a beautiful piece to wear on your other hand, and adds quite a statement! I love the criss-crossing details on this ring.

There's such a wide range of jewelry to choose from on Anjolee's website: rings, earrings, bracelets, diamond necklaces, and at a variety of price points.
Even better is the fact that you can customize the pieces! So if you want gemstones instead of diamonds, you can specify that as well.

If you (or your guy) is looking for a spot that has beautiful jewelry, keep Anjolee in mind, and check out some of the pieces I recommend for an anniversary gift! You can sneakily leave pictures or hints around the house for your loved one to find ;)

What's your favorite from my top 10?

Rocksbox {Product Review}

I promised you all the last time I reviewed my previous two sets, that I would review the next one I got, because it had some really great pieces in it--I'd say it was my best set yet!

In my set were these three pieces:

Kendra Scott Dee Earrings in Slate Cat's Eye $36

Perry Street Whitney Necklace: $60

Gorjana Teagan Ring: $64

I ended up buying the Kendra Scott earrings because they were so pretty and delicate. I've worn them with a bunch of outfits since getting my Rocksbox.

The necklace was an incredibly beautiful statement necklace for a few outfits that I wore.

The ring was one of the more solid rings that I've gotten from Rocksbox (a lot of their rings feel kind of cheap/flimsy to me).

Here are some of the ways that I incorporated these pieces into my outfits:

Necklace/Ring:

Earrings:

I did wear the ring a bunch, too, but it wasn't as easy to see in photographs. Overall, I really enjoyed this Rocksbox. I would have wanted to keep the necklace if it had been a little less expensive because it was a great, bright white statement piece.

If you could have picked any piece(s) which one(s) would you have chosen?

If you want to try Rocksbox, use my code: JENNBFF69 and get the first month of Rocksbox for free! Who doesn't love getting jewelry delivered to your door multiple times a month?

Friday Faves!

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Happy Friday!! Another week already gone...and somehow we're in mid-August! What the freak is happening with time??? Anyway, rather than dwell on that, I'll focus on my favorites:

Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // Oh Hey Friday// 5 on Friday

{1}-Favorite City: Chicago

After our 4 day vacay in Chicago, I've decided that it's my newest, favorite big city. There was so much to do (we still have a ton we would do if we went back), the city offered so much in one place (lake, river, beach, skyscrapers, small neighborhoods) and we met some really awesome people (I've texted with the girl in the couple we met and hung out with every day since!). Not to mention all of the amazing food, and the quality time with my husband (all the heart eyes!)

{2} Favorite Delivery

After some annoyances, my Nordstrom multi-color glitter earrings FINALLY arrived Wednesday (they were cancelled by Nordtroms, then re-ordered, then delayed...basically I figured the universe was telling me I shouldn't have them), but they are here and they are beautiful! If I only keep one pair, it will likely be these because they are gorgeous! (but I'm still having trouble deciding to let go of the pink ones haha)

{3} Favorite Purchase
This MIRA water bottle! I reviewed it yesterday (you can find it here). It's just like a Swell bottle but basically half the price. Love that it keeps my drinks cold all day long!

{4} The Weather
I know sometimes this is in my favorites, but when it's as nice out as it has been this week, it deserves mention. I sat out on our deck for 4 hours reading yesterday, and did not drip one tiny droplet of sweat the entire time because it was SO gorgeous out, and--my personal favorite--no humidity!! Cooper even came out and joined me for a little bit! The weather is supposed to be just as gorgeous today and I have some pool time on the docket. Give me all the pretty weather and sunshine, please and thank you!!!!

{5} Puppy cuteness

This week's funnies revolve around dogs--Cooper had his teeth cleaned and a couple of tooth extractions on Monday, which inspired my dog gifs.

What your dog must be thinking when he's still high on anesthesia:

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When life gives you sneaky little surprises

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When you're trying to figure out if someone is brain damaged, or just stupid

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When it's bath time with your best friend:

(from Ellen Degeneres show Facebook page)

Happy Friday, loves! Hope you have a great weekend in store!

Catch you on Monday!!