BuddhiBox: A Subscription for Yoga Enthusiasts!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

BuddhiBox sends subscribers a curated box of items to enhance your yoga practice and lifestyle.

Each month we review Buddhi Box, I am always super impressed.  This box is very well-thought out and includes so many high quality healthy living products!  One of my favorite subscription box services for sure!

The May box didn't disappoint.  It was filled with fantastic products!

I love the yoga towel and Saucha Spray from Sweathouse Brands.  The lightweight towel is 100% cotton which means it's soft AND absorbent...two super important qualities of any great yoga towel.  The Saucha Spray is great for killing odor causing bacteria on your mat and clothing and smells great!  ARV $15

I really love the set of 3 headbands from Poppy & Elle!  They are so pretty and are great for keeping my hair out of my face no matter what I'm doing. ARV $6  Our box also included a fresh essential oil blend from Frisky Fish.  This lovely blend of lemon and lavender essential oils is amazing!  Great for clearing and awakening the mind:)  ARV $14

Another couple of great beauty products in this month's box...Lasting Smiles Lip Balm (ARV $5) and Below the Oak Solid Perfume (ARV $20).  The lip balm is organic and cruelty-free and the peppermint flavor is so refreshing!  I am in love with the woodsy scent of the solid perfume.  This all-natural fragrance is the perfect size to carry in your purse so you can add a touch of scent anytime. 

Go Macro added a sample sized bar and what a treat!  The Fly Buddha sticker was cute too:)

As always, an assortment of fun cards were in our box. Among them an illustrated yoga pose car, a recipe card, the card listing all of the featured products and a lovely Audrey Hepburn quote, and a GoMacro coupon.  The final card included Four AM Meditation Downloads (ARV $10).  These are online guided meditations with author and speaker Gael Chiarella Alba.

BuddhiBox practices Saucha or pure living which means they only partner with companies who follow ethical and conscious standards of production.  Many of the items they feature are organic, cruelty-free and vegetarian and the proceeds of the boxes are donated to a different charity each month.  The featured charity this month is The Fly Buddha, a non-profit that assists women with gynecological cancer in the preservation of their fertility. Through financial assistance and community resources, they hope to create the possibility for a woman to have her own biological child.

Monthly boxes include 4-6 full size products, come in month-to-month, 6 month and 12 month plans and start at just $25.95/month.  BuddhiBox also offers a monthly sample box and a jewelry subscription box service.

BuddhiBox is an amazing subscription box service for those who practice yoga and those looking for natural, healthy living products for every day life!

Our box was valued at over $70, which makes it a really great deal!  

Get your BuddhiBox today! 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tomboxes.com "Time-of-the-Month" Subscription Service

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Tomboxes.com is a TOM (time-of-the-month) subscription service that helps you stay prepared and pampered every month. 

This TOM box arrives every 28 days and is packed with essentials for that time of the month plus gifts to give you something to look forward to.

In each box you'll get your choice of brand name tampons or pads, a piece of fashionable jewelry customized to your tastes and name brand makeup. These boxes start as low as $16/month and are only $5 the first month to try.

You can also double your jewelry and makeup for just $11 for the first month and $22/month after that.  The standard box is valued at $40-$60 and the double box is valued at $60-$90.

Tomboxes.com also offer a noflow box which is everything in the regular box minus the pads or tampons which is $10 a month or $16 a month if you double the makeup and jewelry.
Personalize your subscription and get something to look forward to each month at Tomboxes.com!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Improve Your Posture with the SitSmart From BackJoy!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

There is no better time than May, National Correct Posture Month, to remember the importance of one of mom’s old lessons —“Sit up Straight!” Experts have found that sitting and standing with proper posture may be key to alleviating back pain, which is experienced by 80% of Americans. 

Here to help is BackJoy's SitSmart!
The BackJoy SitSmart corrects sitting posture to reduce pressure and strain on the lower back by shifting the user’s center of gravity forward, tilting the hips upright and comfortably “floating” the spine over the seat. It can be used on both hard and soft seating.

What we thought:
B really loves using the SitSmart.  He says it is super comfy and he likes it so much he even took it to work to use in his office chair.  While at work, he's walking about 90% of the time, but he looks forward to those moments when he can sit down at his desk to catch up on paperwork now that he has the SitSmart to add to his comfort:)  The SitSmart works with pretty much any chair and is portable and lightweight enough to move from room to room for comfortable seating all over your home or office.  If you are experiencing back pain due to poor posture, check out the SitSmart from BackJoy!

SRP: $39.99 at BackJoy.com, Amazon, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, CVS and more.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

#MakeitLast With the Nair Moroccan Argan Oil Collection Just in Time For Summer!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Nair is excited to announce the extension of the Moroccan Argan Oil line with three new products – Nair Glides Away™ Moroccan Argan Oil, Nair Ultimate Roll-On Wax for Face Moroccan Argan Oil and Nair Precision Kit for Face & Upper Lip Moroccan Argan Oil.

Moroccan Argan Oil has been used for centuries and is known to help moisturize skin through its replenishing nutrient-rich and restorative qualities, which also help support the health and beauty of skin. The extension of the Nair Moroccan Argan Oil line includes:

·         Nair Glides Away™ Moroccan Argan Oil provides a no-touch application in a convenient delivery system for use on bikini, arms and under arms, effective even on coarse hair.

·         Nair Ultimate Roll-On Wax for Face Moroccan Argan Oil offers salon strength results to remove very short hair and is formulated to be water rinseable. The specially-formulated resin wax heats with boiled water for precise application on facial hair through its contour tip. Lasts up to 8 weeks.

·         Nair Precision Kit for Face & Upper Lip Moroccan Argan Oil is a depilatory offering an easy and precise application with its contour applicator tip. The unique two-step process offers long lasting results and the moisturizer rebalances and soothes skin.

I always use Nair products to remove unwanted hair and have had only good experiences with their products.  I absolutely love the Moroccan Argan Oil line!  It leaves my normally dry skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized.  Every Nair product I've used provides longer lasting results than traditional shaving.  I have super sensitive skin that is very susceptible to razor burn and Nair products allow me to be ready for all skin-bearing summer activities with smooth, clear, painless results every time!

Find Nair's newest additions to the Moroccan Argan Oil lineup at grocers and mass merchandisers nationwide!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Aurorae Aqua: Microfiber Towels to Keep the Whole Family Dry This Summer!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Aurorae is known for their exceptional yoga products, but just in time for summer, they have expanded into a new division called Aurorae Aqua. They are now selling ultra absorbent, 32" x 68", microfiber beach /swim towels. These are available in vibrant and inspiring colors -- perfect for the whole family!  

These microfiber towels are lightweight and compact...perfect for the beach, the pool or the boat!  They come in some really great vibrant colors to keep you stylish all summer long.  Aurorae Aqua over-sized towels are super soft and plush.  They do a wonderful job absorbing water and are super cozy.

Find out more and order your towels today at Aurorae Aqua!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Adora Calcium Supplement: A Full Day's Calcium and Vitamin D From Chocolate? Yes, Please!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Did you know that approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, putting them at increased risk for osteoporosis? And that osteoporosis is responsible for over 2 million broken bones each year, a number that’s likely to increase to 3 million by 2025? In honor of May being National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, Adora Calcium Supplements wants you to think about your bone health. Whether you’re 25, 40 or 70 years old, your bones need protecting to ensure they stay healthy and strong.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation has simple, but often neglected, recommendations for maintaining proper bone health:

·         Get enough calcium and vitamin D and eat a well-balanced diet.

·         Engage in regular exercise.

·         Eat foods that are good for bone health, such as fruits and vegetables.

·         Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day.

Adora combines your calcium and vitamin D needs for a 1, 2 punch for bone health. Just two servings of Adora’s decadent chocolate calcium supplements provide 100% of your daily calcium recommendation! Plus, Adora now has double the amount of vitamin D3 for enhanced calcium absorption.

Adora isn’t a chalky pill or chewy tablet. You’ll actually crave your calcium as Adora is made with only organic dark and milk chocolate, has no GMOs and only 30 calories in each serving. 

What we thought:

These tasty little chocolates remind me of those little gold chocolate coins (which IMO, makes them even more fun to enjoy:)  I usually have a hard time remembering to take vitamins and supplements, but it's not very often I pass up the chance to nibble some chocolate.  Adora's delicious chocolate treats are a great way to get in those important Vitamin D and Calcium nutrients without the chalkiness of other supplements.  It's pretty easy to remember to eat a few pieces of chocolate a day, so I believe Adora is a win-win!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Loved + Blessed: An Encouraging Christian Faith-Based Subscription Box

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

We recently had the chance to review another month of an awesome subscription box service, Loved + Blessed:

Loved + Blessed is a Christian faith-based subscription box service that delivers a box of encouragement right to your door each month.

Each box revolves around a central theme and comes with a mini poster, a sticker, a purse-sized scripture card and a gift.

The theme for the May box was Strength.  I love the mini poster which states, "Broken Crayons Still Color."

The special gift in the May box was a red leather wrap bracelet with a decorative gold anchor "clasp."
  

The May box was simply lovely and the message rang true.  What a great reminder that you will be given strength just when you need it:)

I've reviewed quite a few subscription services, but I've never come across one that filled this niche.  I definitely think there is room for Loved + Blessed in the subscription box market and I love that their mission is to deliver encouraging products that support a fantastic message!  

If that wasn't enough, Loved + Blessed gives a portion of the proceeds of each box sold to Union Rescue Mission, a charity that offers hope and healing to the homeless.  What an amazing cause!

At just $10 per month you can get your Loved + Blessed box or gift someone else with this monthly dose of encouragement today!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Celebrate Spring with a Crisp Golden Door Artisan Marmalade

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Golden Door harvests food that is clean and flavorful.  They combine hearty, satisfying flavors and all-natural ingredients containing no chemical preservatives or artificial sweeteners, are non-GMO, all natural, organic, vegan and gluten- and soy-free.  Their goal is to provide a culinary experience that nurtures the body, mind and spirit.

We sampled two marmalades from Golden Door, Meyer Lemon and Blood Orange.  Both were tart and fresh-tasting without a super sugary finish.  Typically, we expect more sweetness in our jams and marmalades, but these offered a crisp, refreshing contrast to the others in our arsenal:)

Golden Door Artisan Food is available at goldendoor.com and on Amazon.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Celsius Flo Fusion Helps Sustain an Active, Healthy Lifestyle!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  Information was provided by the sponsor.  All opinions are ours and ours alone.**

Celsius®, the world's first Negative Calorie beverage, teamed up with International Platinum Recording Artist, Flo Rida, to create the Flo Fusion™ Transformation Accelerator On-the-Go Powder
Celsius® Flo Fusion™ is Backed by 6 Published University Studies, and is Clinically Proven to:

Burn 100 Calories and More Per Serving
Burn Up to 93% More Body Fat Per Serving
Increase Metabolism
Provide Healthy Energy

Healthy Features of Celsius® Flo Fusion™:
·         No Sugar
·         No High Fructose Corn Syrup
·         No Aspartame
·         Very Low Sodium
·         No Preservatives
·         No Artificial Colors or Flavors
·         Vitamin Enriched
·         Tastes Great!


Celsius® Flo Fusion™ is a great tasting drink for your active, healthy lifestyle. Studies show that drinking Flo Fusion™ before moderate exercise helps you burn up to 100 calories and more per serving, boosts metabolism, burns up to 93% more body fat, increases endurance and provides lasting energy to accelerate your transformation no matter what diet or training routine you are on. The great tasting Flo Fusion™ Transformation Accelerator Powder has the same benefits as the “ready to drink” Celsius and is available in Berry or Orange flavor.

What we thought:
B was the main reviewer for Celsius Flo Fusion and he had nothing but rave reviews for this product!  He LOVES it and has been drinking it every day.  He even takes the convenient little packets when he goes out of town on business.  The perfectly pre-measured on-the-go powder is easy to mix up in a glass or bottle of water and tastes pretty good.  I preferred the Orange flavor over the Berry, but both are pretty tasty.  The biggest result we've noticed after drinking Flo Fusion is the healthy energy boost which makes it great for a pre-workout drink or as a replacement to those sugary energy drinks that are full of preservatives and artificial ingredients.  I love any product that can safely boost my metabolism and allow me to burn more calories and fat and tastes great to boot:)  Another great product from Celsius!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tips For Staying Balanced This Summer from Balance Bar and Gabby Reece! + Giveaway

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone.  I received product as part of a sponsored collaboration with Balance Bar.**

According to a recent survey by Balance Bar, 43% of Americans feel most balanced during the summer! As we’re approaching June 21st, it’s the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the beautiful weather and start feeling more balanced. To help you feel good inside and out this summer, Balance Bar is sharing Gabby Reece’s tips for staying active and smart eating.  

Check out Gabby's helpful tips:

• Make it your own: There is not one right way to get it done. There is the right way that works for you. When it comes to eating healthy, find the foods you like and implement those into your daily diet. The same goes for exercise. If you hate the gym then find something outside that is manageable for you. This is not about torture; this is about creating a lifestyle that you can do week after week.

• Watch the calendar: Use summer for motivation to shape up but don’t wait for June 21st. If you wait until summer actually starts, you’ll feel rushed and end up crash dieting or doing a crazy workout schedule. I personally like to keep a calendar in my kitchen and cross off the days as I countdown to bikini weather. The visual reminder – right where you eat – is helpful in keeping you on track.

• Sign up a friend: We tend to be more successful at accomplishing some type of exercise if we have an accountability partner. Solicit a friend and maybe use this as your time to connect. You can train for a 5k together or join an outdoor boot camp; there are a lot more options now that the weather is improving. 

• Plan to snack: Take snacks (like fruit, nuts or a Balance Bar®) wherever you go to prevent mindless eating. If I have an afternoon or early evening workout planned, I make sure to have one of these handy an hour or so before so that I have plenty of energy to get in a good workout. 

• Variety is key: Make as many meals as you can at home so you can control your nutrition. These are some of my favorite recipes,– fresh and full of veggies for springtime! To keep things interesting and fresh at my house, I try to rotate foods. One night I may go for something heavier with veggies and grains, and then the next night focus on proteins. I really try to change up the food and create a great deal of variety.

• Each day is a new chance and it's never too late: If you fall out of your summer shape up routine one day, don’t sweat it. Forgive yourself and move on – and just keep moving! 

To see some of Gabby’s favorite fitness moves, go to http://bit.ly/1HL3eO8 and for more of Gabby’s tips for balancing fitness and a busy schedule go to http://bit.ly/1Qj0pYC.

To help get you started, enter to win a Balance Bar prize pack of bare bars and a Balance Bar headband.

Celebrate Thursday Family Nights at Ryan’s with Garfield!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

From May 1-June 30th, Thursday Family Nights at Ryan’s, HomeTown Buffet, and Old Country Buffet will be welcoming America’s favorite fat cat, Garfield, to the dinner table. Kids dining at participating restaurants will receive one of three different Garfield & Friends Finger Puppet Perf & Play Activities for free when dining with their families any Thursday evening from 5-8pm, while supplies last. The fun includes Garfield “Perf & Play” finger puppet show activities featuring mazes, games and coloring fun!

Garfield & Friends – Perf & Play Finger Puppet Show Family Fun

There will be three differently themed Garfield & Friends Finger Puppet Perf & Play Activities available throughout May and June – Make a Splash, Jammin Out, and Fiesta Fun. “We’re proud to have many repeat guests, which is why we wanted to offer a new, fun Garfield & Friends experience each time families return,” explains Crews. The Garfield play activities are free to all children.

Within each Finger Puppet Perf & Play Activity, families will also find a 20% off Coupon Code that can be used toward the purchase of Garfield & Friends t-shirts, mugs, and other merchandise at the Café Press Garfield Store. Some exclusions may apply.

Also on Thursday nights, kids 11 years and younger may eat for just $1.99. The buffet restaurants serve up a variety of home-style meals made fresh for you.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Adoption #Giveaway #Spon

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

A reissue of Chicken Soup for the Adopted Soul, this updated collection has even more heartwarming and encouraging stories—your favorites from the original, plus new bonus stories—all about the joy of adoption.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Adoption will encourage and uplift you with its touching, personal stories about forever families and meant-to-be kids, with insight into what adoption is all about and what it’s really like to be adopted. You’ll be inspired by this special compilation that celebrates the bonds between parents and children.

Get Connected:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChickenSoupfortheSoul

Twitter: @ChickenSoupSoul (https://twitter.com/chickensoupsoul)

Instagram: @chickensoupsoul (http://instagram.com/chickensoupsoul)

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/chickensoupsoul/

Win It:
Enter to win one of three copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Adoption.

Loved + Blessed: An Encouraging Christian Faith-Based Subscription Box

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

We recently had the chance to review an awesome subscription box service, Loved + Blessed:

Loved + Blessed is a Christian faith-based subscription box service that delivers a box of encouragement right to your door each month.

Each box revolves around a central theme and comes with a mini poster, a sticker, a purse-sized scripture card and a gift.

The theme for the April box was Forgiveness.  The sticker and poster were so pretty!  I loved the purple color scheme of this box:)

The special gifts for the April box were a leather bracelet to remind you of Jesus' loving sacrifice and an embroidered washcloth to remind you that all of your sins have been washed away.  Also included in this month's box was a slip of "forgiveness paper" to write down something you need to forgive yourself or someone else for. When you place the paper in water, it disappears just as the burden disappears when you forgive.

I've reviewed quite a few subscription services, but I've never come across one that filled this niche.  I definitely think there is room for Loved + Blessed in the subscription box market and I love that their mission is to deliver encouraging products that support a fantastic message!  

If that wasn't enough, Loved + Blessed gives a portion of the proceeds of each box sold to Union Rescue Mission, a charity that offers hope and healing to the homeless.  What an amazing cause!

At just $10 per month you can get your Loved + Blessed box or gift someone else with this monthly dose of encouragement today!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Pentel Gel Pens and Mechanical Pencils #ShopletReview

ABCD Diaries was provided with the products in this post by Shoplet.com as a member of the Shoplet Product Review Program. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

We were recently sent a fun selection of Pentel pens and pencils for review.  As homeschoolers, we love trying out new writing tools ans we are always very pleased with the smooth inks and comfortable grips offered by Pentel.  Here is some more info on the products we tried out:

Pentel EnerGel Alloy RT Retractable Liquid Gel Pen
* Pentel EnerGel Alloy RT Retractable Liquid Gel Pen
* Exquisitely designed with an aluminum alloy barrel for those who want to make a statement.
* High-performance ink technology combines the best qualities of liquid and gel ink for a super-smooth writing experience.
* Experience greater writing control with the distinctive, textured grip

Pentel Vicuna Retractable Ballpoint Pens
* Pentel Vicuna Retractable Ballpoint Pens
* Retractable ballpoint pen features oil-based ink that is extremely low in viscosity.
* You will feel ultra-smooth ink flow as you write, while the deep, vivid colors it produces lend beauty to your handwriting.

Pentel Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil
* Pentel Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil
* Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencils feature a sturdy, well-balanced barrel that makes it the most popular Twist-Erase Pencil.
* Protective tip design stabilizes lead to reduce lead breakage.
* Latex-free grip delivers maximum comfort and control.

We have been using all of these on a daily basis and they are fantastic!  We highly recommend Pentel products:)

Buy It:

Shoplet.com is your one-stop shop for office supplies, promotional products, promotional shirts, and office stationary. 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Treat Mom This Weekend With Free OREO Biscuit Bites from Church's Chicken!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Church’s Chicken® is offering a special deal to those one in four families who eat out on Mother’s Day weekend—a FREE 20-piece box of the brand’s signature OREO® Biscuit Bites™ with the purchase of any family meal. From May 8 to May 10, guests purchasing any family meal will receive a free family-sized box of the sweet treats, made from bite-sized scoops of Church’s® signature scratch-made biscuit dough combined with OREO® crumbles and drizzled with sweet white icing.

The retail value of the Mother’s Day weekend giveaway is $2.99 per 20-count box of the baked goodies.  Click HERE to find a Church’s near you!