Wednesday, May 22, 2013

No more Brace-Face with Invisalign {warning embarrassing photos of me ahead} #ad #INVStraightTalk


Several weeks ago I had the absolutely honor to attend a SITS Girls Mini Blog Conference in Chicago sponsored by Invisalign!  As part of the conference, I had the opportunity to learn more about Invisalign  clear aligners as an alternative to braces and I was so amazed to learn how cool Invisalign aligners are!  So I was thrilled to be asked to share more about Invisalign with you today.

*Warning…this post contains embarrassing pictures of me wearing braces, during those awkward early teenage years.  Please still be my friend after this post!*

I am a bit…uhm…older…and when my teeth needed to be fixed many…many…years ago the only viable option was traditional metal braces.  So I spent a year and a half wearing braces in my early teens. 

braces #ad #INVStraightTalk

And while I did find solace in the fact that I could match my rubber bands to the next upcoming holiday (yup I was super cool) braces had a lot of downsides too!  If you wore braces you know what I mean.  Braces can be difficult to clean, you have to restrict what you eat (raise your hand if you disobeyed that rule at least once) and let’s not even talk about being constantly worried that you had a piece of food stuck in your braces: so embarrassing.

Invisalign is a new alternative to braces and is available for adults, teens and pre-teens!  Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are a series of clear removable plastic aligners that sit smoothly on your teeth and gradually straighten your teeth.  Long gone are the days of chunky braces and metal wires poking your mouth!

braces vs invisalign aligners #ad #invstraighttalk

And with their break-through 3D technology, the orthodontist is able to map out your entire treatment plan so that you will know the final outcome of treatment prior to beginning!  Your custom made aligners are designed to take you from where you are at, to straight teeth!  

Invisalign aligners can fix a wide range of problems and while every case is different, the average time most people use Invisalign aligners is about 1 year.  To see if you (or your teen) might qualify for Invisalign treatment, take their quick Smile Assessment

Invisalign aligners can be removed to eat, brush and floss so your dental hygiene upkeep is as easy as without braces!  And because they are clear, they are very inconspicuous which is a benefit to both adults and teens.
Invisalign - an alternative to braces - #ad #INVStraightTalk
Invisalign aligners cost about the same as traditional braces cost and are covered by most insurance companies that cover braces. 

And the best part is because of this new technology you actually have fewer office visits with Invisalign as compared with traditional braces; typically only once every 6 weeks!

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile - Invisalign - an alternative to braces - #ad #INVStraightTalk
I don’t have teens yet, my oldest is only 6 but I am sure she will need braces one day!  And when she does I will definitely look into Invisalign Teen as an option for her!  There are two great features of the Teen line that makes it a great option.  One is that there are compliance indicators on the aligners which means that you will know if your child is wearing the aligners or not!  And the second great thing is that Invisalign Teen offers up to 6 free replacement aligners just in case one gets lost.
Clear Aligners (instead of braces) Invisalign Teen #ad #INVStraightTalk
(the blue dot is the compliance indicator and it fades as they are worn)

I mean seriously….who wants to put their children through traditional braces?!  Doesn't this just look painful?

getting braces taken off #ad #INVStraightTalk

PS – thanks mom for snapping that awkward photo of me getting my braces taken off hahaha J

And like many adults, I will admit that I have had a little shifting in my teeth since I had my braces.  I may or may not know where my retainer even is at this point.  I would love to get Invisalign to help align just a few teeth in my mouth that have shifted!  It is amazing to think that I could do this without having to get braces again!   

From very simple to complex, Invisalign can offer teeth straightening solutions for a wide variety of issues.  A few examples are: underbite, overbite, crooked teeth, gapped teeth etc.  Visit the Invisalign website to learn about all of the dental issues Invisalign can correct.  

Here are a few examples from the almost 2 million patients Invisalign has helped: 


 

As with all medical decisions, it is often wise to get a second opinion and to remember that not all dentists / orthodontists are trained in Invisalign usage.  Look for a certified provider using Invisalign's Doctor Locator.

You can find out more about these aligners on the Invisalign website, Twitter and Facebook.

So I want to know, are you more likely to get Invisalign or braces for yourself or your teen?

Thank you so much to Invisalign for sponsoring the fabulous mini-blog conference and for sponsoring this post!  All opinions (and super embarrassing photos of me) are mine.

And thank you mom for always having a camera ready...because who would have guessed I would ask you for pictures of me in braces so many years later :)  Love you mom!

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Havertys Picture Perfect Contest ~ win $2,500 gift card ~ #pictureperfect #hash #ad


As an interior designer and decorator, I love looking at furniture!  And if I had the budget, there are several pieces of furniture I would love to purchase or replace for my home.  So I was very excited to learn about Havertys Picture Perfect Contest and be asked to tell you all about it!

The Havertys Picture Perfect Contest is the opportunity for YOU to win a $2,500 gift card to their store!  And the best part is that it is super simple to enter to win!


I took a trip to my local Havertys the other day to check out their furniture and was impressed by their wide selection of furniture types and styles.  There were several items that immediately caught my eye.

My son had fun checking out some of the furniture too.


I thought these bunk beds were so cute, but he only took a couple steps up before he told me it was too scary.  Haha, ok, no bunk beds for my son yet; probably for the best. :)

But I absolutely fell in love with this dining room table!


It is a gorgeous dark wood dining room table!  It is very rustic, nicely distressed and oh-so-beautiful!  This dining room table is right up my alley!  And with the two leaves in it, it is HUGE!  I could definitely entertain a crowd with a table like this!

I now dream about owning this table.  It is that pretty.

I asked one of the salesmen to take a photo of me with this table for the contest and he was so kind to do so.

Isn’t this table just so pretty!?  I’m pretty sure it brings out my eyes :)

I am certainly hoping to replace my current table with one like this!

If you are hoping for new furniture too, then this is definitely a contest you will want to enter!

You simply need to visit your local Havertys store between now and July 31, 2013, take a picture with your favorite item and share it via Havertys FB contest app, Twitter or email!  (You can find all the details HERE).  And then YOU could be the lucky WINNER of a $2,5000 gift card!!

You can also visit Havertys on their website, blog, FB, Pinterest and Twitter.

Make your home picture perfect with Havertys. Click here to learn more about the Havertys Picture Perfect Contest where you could win a $2,500 gift card!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Havertys. The opinions and text are all mine.
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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Patriotic Felt Wreath #wreathhoa


Thanks so much for stopping by!  Today I created a really fun Patriotic Wreath using felt and a Styrofoam Brand wreath form!

Patriotic Felt Wreath - #redwhiteblue #patriotic #memorialday #4thofJuly

A few years ago I loved making wreaths and made one for almost every season.  Then I stopped.  Not sure why but I did.  This year I have made a couple and am really enjoying them!

If you missed my Hangout On Air, you can watch it below to see how to create your own Patriotic Wreath!


Check out these other wreaths I've made too:


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Fresh Fruit Pizza


Today I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite treats!  I love chocolate, don't get me wrong, but I also love fresh fruit!  And this Fresh Fruit Pizza is divine!  (I originally shared this recipe at Embracing Change)

Fresh Fruit Pizza #recipe #fruit #dessert

Every time I make it I get at least one request for the recipe!

It is not made with your typical sugar cookie bottom, so it is a little less sweet but the flavors balance each other out perfectly!

And this tasty treat is covered with lots of yummy fresh fruit!  This is perfect to eat for dessert, take to someone's house, eat at a BBQ or even at a Summer Wedding.  So here is my simple recipe for my Fresh Fruit Pizza!

Fresh Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups Bisquick mix
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1 (8 oz) package Cream Cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 2 Tbs Agave Syrup
  • 1 container Strawberries
  • 1 container Blueberries

Directions:

  1. Mix Bisquick and milk together.  
  2. Spread batter on pizza stone or greased cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 450 degrees F for 7-9 minutes.  Let cool completely.
  4. With electric hand beaters, mix cream cheese, cool whip and sugar together.  
  5. Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust.
  6. Chop or slice up desired fruit.  (I love strawberries and blueberries but you can use any type of fruit!)
  7. Place cut fruit into a bowl.
  8. Mix fruit with agave syrup and then drain any excess liquid.
  9. Place fruit on top of cream cheese mixture.

Fresh Fruit Pizza #recipe #fruit #dessert

Enjoy!
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Monday, May 20, 2013

Featuring You! {10}

Thanks so much to all who stopped by on Friday to link up at our new and improved, joint link party with Redfly Creations !  You ladies are just oozing with creativity!  Both Melissa and I loved looking at your links this weekend!

Here are a few of Melissa's favorites from this week!

*Please pin from the original source*






I just love this necklace created by Whistle and Ivy.  Bethany made all of these beads herself!  I can't wait to make a cute necklace like this with my daughter.




Summer is the perfect time for lazing around and reading a good book.  Needing some ideas?   One She Two She has compiled this amazing list of books she thinks would be great for your older children.



One look at this delicious cake by Taste of Lizzy T. and we are all swooning.  This is definitely going on to my "to bake someday" list.



What a great little outdoor space.  I never would have guessed that is was a remodeled barn!!   Way to go Pudel Design!




Thanks to Posed Perfection, metal carts are going to be selling like crazy!  This is such a fun up-cycle!



Do you love chocolate and peanut butter?  Then you have to check out Little Kitchen Big Bites's recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Brownie Bars.


Have you been featured?  Feel free to grab our button!


simplycreate



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Appliances Worth Splurging On


Purchasing new appliances can be fun and overwhelming...and expensive!  And sometimes it is best and necessary to purchase the cheapest one you can find.  But occasionally it IS worth it to completely splurge on a home appliance!

Come check out my article over at SheKnows.com to find out Which Appliance are WORTH the Splurge!

Which Appliances are WORTH the Splurge #appliances #home
(source)
click HERE to read more

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Father's Day: RootBeer and BBQ Kit @worldmarket #ad


This post brought to you by World Market. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am so incredibly lucky to have a wonderful Dad and also to have married an amazing Husband!  I am so thankful to be surrounded by great men in my life and I love celebrating Father's Day because it is a wonderful day to celebrate the Fathers, Husbands and men in your life!

But if you are anything like me, Father's Day is one of the hardest holidays to shop for!  Seriously people...these great men are hard to shop for!  So I was really excited when I was asked to participate in the Cost Plus World Market Dad's Day Sweepstakes celebration!  I was given the opportunity to shop at Cost Plus World Market for the perfect Father’s Day Gifts!

BBQ and Rootbeer Gift Basket - Father's Day #fathersday #ad @worldmarket

Every year my sweet husband cooks me a wonderful Mother's Day dinner, and every year when I ask what he wants for Father's Day dinner he replies "I want to GRILL!"

Uhm.  Yes, my husband wants to cook his own dinner on Father's Day!  And...since it IS his special day...I kindly oblige :)

So when I saw a variety of BBQ sauces and other yummy BBQ foods available at World Market, I knew my husband would LOVE a gift basket centered around this theme because he loves BBQ & Grilling!

So I created a Rootbeer and BBQ Gift Basket for my husband!  (It's kind of like a manly picnic basket!)

Shopping at World Market for Father's Day - #fathersday #gift #ad @worldmarket

My husband also LOVES Rootbeer.  And World Market has an amazing variety of yummy rootbeers and other sodas!  It was so hard to choose!

So in the end, I came home with about 18 different bottles of soda, a Chili Con Queso Dip (he LOVES cheese dip), a couple varieties of delicious looking chips, an amazing looking BBQ sauce...and one other special surprise for my hubby!

BBQ Sauce and Rootbeer from World Market for Fathers Day - #fathersday @worldmarket #ad

We set out quite the spread and I let my husband get a sneak peak at his gift basket!  He was thrilled!

We decided to BBQ what are probably the world's best burgers!  We made up an amazing Hawaiian BBQ Bacon Burger that is to die for!  (Don't worry, I will post all about it soon!)

The Rufus Teague Whiskey Maple BBQ sauce is amazing on burgers!

Hawaiian BBQ Bacon Burger Creation #fathersday #bbq #burgers #grilling #ad @worldmarket

And the Chili Con Queso dip disappeared pretty quickly with World Market's yummy blue tortilla chips!

Hawaiian BBQ Bacon Burger #bacon #burger #pineapple #bbq #grilling #ad @worldmarket

My children, my husband and I had a wonderful time celebrating their dad with an amazing BBQ!!  (And isn't that burger drool-worthy!?  It tasted amazing too!)

My husband is truly the greatest dad!  He works so hard at his job and comes home and spends wonderful quality time with our children!  He also always manages to squeeze in time to help me with house projects, garden, take care of our yard and many other jobs he does around the house.  And then he offers to cook his own Father's Day dinner.  He is a keeper for sure!

He is a wonderful dad and an amazing husband!  Our children and I are so lucky to have him!!


Even though my husband loves to cook his own Father's Day dinner, I did manage to have one surprise for him!

While at World Market, I picked up (2) small cast iron skillets with a delicious plan in mind!

My husband's favorite cookie is a chocolate chip cookie, so I decided to make big cookies in the cast iron pans!  I topped the cookies with ice cream and we all enjoyed a delicious, amazing treat and celebrated how much we loved my husband!

Pizookie copy-cat Recipe - #recipe #cookie #chocolate #icecream

Doesn't that just look incredible!?!?!?!  Yum!  (Don't worry I will share my recipe with you on my blog later too!)


Cost Plus World Market is Celebrating Father's this year with their Dad's Day Sweeps!

Facebook Fans can enter to win one of 4 Weekly Grand Prize Packages: $1,000 World Market gift card for you and $1,000 World Market gift card for dad!

Father's Day Gift Basket Idea - Rootbeer and BBQ #rootbeer #bbq #fathersday #ad @worldmarket

You can also earn bonus entries by liking Cost Plus World Market on FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Tumblr.


 photo b0299210-c7a3-4ac2-b4be-1ef5af0fa67d_zpsef91cabb.jpg

I love our dad and husband and we can't wait to make Father's Day a special day for them!

Visit Sponsor's Site

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Homemade Bath Bomb Recipe {Apricot}


After creating Pear Bath Bombs the other day and being so amazed with how well they worked and how tasty they smelled, I decided that I wanted to experiment with another scent of Homemade Bath Bombs!

In case you missed my DIY Pear Bath Bombs post, I created these because bath fizzies are so easy and inexpensive to make!  They also make amazing gifts!  And the customization possibilities are endless!

Today, I am going to show you how to make Apricot Bath Bombs.

DIY Bath Bombs (aka fizzy bath bombs) - #diybeauty #diyspa #bathbombs #craft #homemade #recipe


Bath Bomb Recipe

Ingredients:
Directions:
  1. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and mix
  2. Add fragrance or essential oil until desired scent is achieved and mix
  3. Add several drops of food coloring
  4. Spray mixture with water and stir until barely moist (*be careful not to add too much water as it will take all the fizz out of the bomb, so use barely as much as you need so that you can pretty these together)
  5. Press firmly into a soap mold
  6. Let dry several hours or overnight
Apricot DIY Bath Bombs (aka fizzy bath bombs) - #diybeauty #diyspa #bathbombs #craft #homemade #recipe

Enjoy!

If you love DIY Beauty Ideas, you're going to love this post too:

You can purchase all your ingredients by clicking the products below:






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