Me and My Two-Year-Old's FAVORITE THINGS | January 2015

I tried to make a YouTube video with our Jan favs on my Sublime Jen YT Channel.. and videos are such a headache for me to make :(  I love love looking back on them, but my camera quality sucks, I think it's filming then and find out when I go to edit it wasn't, or the sound is horrible... or Cannon is making SUPER loud background noise.

So I just don't think it's do-able for me. I take a bazillion pictures (and video) but sitting down to do face-to-camera YT videos -- I suck at it.

I do still like documenting what we're loving each month, so I'm gonna share via blog instead.

Here are a few still shots for the video-that-will-never-be  to prove I did in fact try.

I LOVE LOVE looking back on the monthly lists of our favorite things. I'm finding filming & editing to be something I can't find the time for (or don't want to find the time for I guess)  Taking pictures and typing at my leisure takes MUCH LESS time, and it don't do YouTube for the views (although I LOVE getting comments & feedback) so I may not get any "views" on the blog either, but I'll have this documented for me.

I still take tons of video, because those are amazing to watch, but when they'll get put together & put on YT (if ever), I don't know. They'll be on my family video channel.


MY JANUARY FAVORITES

Young Living Oils!

- This is big.  I took the leap in joing YL, and honestly using EO for the first time EVER in January.  January 1 to be exact.  I JUST wanted the difuser and want Lavender and wanted to replace my candles with something more natural & healthy for my family to breathe.

I've enjoyed the scent benefits SO MUCH. But have been amazed all the other things I've been using oils for! I've learned so MUCH from my "team" and the FB group I've joined.

Oils amaze me more & more each day.

Read my First Month With Young Living post to learn more!

Glass drinkware

I've been wanting a LifeFactory water bottle for a long time (still do) but they're so expensive!!

I found one similar at Gordmans and scooped it up. This is perfect for water all day, I don't have to worry about plastic chemicals leaching (except for the cap is plastic, and I'm not sure if it's BPA free :/)  For now until I can bring myself to purchase LF this will do.  I love drinking water with Lemon Oil in it & because of the acidity that can not be put in plastic. This is perfect.

Also another glass found at Gordmans -

A glass tumbler (came with a plastic cap & straw, I replaced with a stainless steel straw I had).  This is so cute! I LOVE the pink ombre color {hello, look at my hair!} and it was only $2.99!  I think I need to go get more!

LifeFactory 9oz bottles

Now, I can't bring my self to buy a 22oz for $25 for myself, I DID purchase 3 9oz bottles through the Citrus Lane shop for my kids.  CL had an awesome sale for subscribers - $20 off a $60 purchase.  I also had a $20 credit, so I got three bottles ($14.95 each), a pack of sippy cup lids and a book (see later, one of C's favs) all for like $22. THAT I could justify.

These bottles have been PERFECT for my older kids' lunches.

3 Ring Binder-style 12x12 Scrapbooks!

Have these always been around? Why have I been using POST BOUND books for so long, they're a pain in the butt, hard to arrange pages and do not hold near the amout these 3 Ring albums do!

I got my first one as Christmas gift.  I got the We R Memory Keeper in "Tangerine"  but I found a couple similar at Hobby Lobby (when they're 50% off they're only $10!)

Love Love!! I still have so many finished pages that need albums - can't wait to pick up more!

I love the little tag on the side to mark the contents.

The Honest Co. Stain remover

I heard great things about this Honest Co. spray from Carla The BubbleLush {in one of her videos}

I needed something more than Shout! Which wasn't cutting it anymore for us.

I purchased this when they had a free shipping promotion, and also got a All-Purpose Spray & Chest Rub as well. 

Which are both also great, but the STAIN REMOVER is super great! It's gotten all the stains out I've tried it on so far & I love the Lavender Scent & the great ingredients! - I'm still thinking about doing their subscription.

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MY TWO YEAR OLD'S FAVORITES

#1 fave since Christmas morning has to be.....
TRAINS, more specifically wooden trains (&train tracks) and even more specifically Chuggington trains!

He got these three Chuggers in his Christmas stocking, and honestly he would of been happy to stop there..he was so so happy with them!

 - And in Jan I found this little train table on clearance at Gordmans (man, I've been shopping there a lot!) and it's perfect for all this stuff.

Paw Patrol
He went through a faze in Jan where all he wanted to do was watch Paw Patrol, He turned 2 on Jan 8 and he was sick with an ear infection ON his birthday :/  And pretty much only wanted to sit and watch Paw Patrol, he also has two small PP toys (they're so hard to find!) that he loves to play with.

TRAINS GO book
This is the book I ordered from the Citrus Lane Shop, they have it on clearance.
It's a big board book, with simple words and Cannon LOVES it. We read it every night & all through the day sometimes.

Oogaa Silicone bowls
These are awesome. They're so durable, won't break when dropped. I love the most the fact that they're not plastic, there is no harmful chemicals that can leach into your childs food if you put hot food in them to cool!

We have two bowls and need more!

Chobani Greek Yogurt sticks
He's only tried the strawberry, but he LOVES these!

Sesame Street Fizzy Tub Colors

Little bath bombs that turn the bath water colors.

Everynight we have to use these. He always wants at least two. Mixing the colors is fun (two per bath, mix them all and you'll get grey water :p)

What are some of your toddlers favorite things?

My First Month of Young Living Oils!!!

My Young Living journey has just started, I decided to take the leap and join on to become a wholesale member January 1, 2015.  It was honestly kind of an impulse decision, not something I had been dreaming of doing forever, but when the urg hit it all came together.

Just in December I went to a Bath And Body works candle sale and picked up 5 of their 3-wick candles.  They smell so good. I was so excited.  Then a week or later I go to Whole Foods and smelled a diffuser with lavender oil and fell in LOVE.  I decided to go back home and research oils more and found lots and lots of info out there.  I started reading about all the holistic benefits of oils, so many testimonials.

I also learned some more facts about candles (not all) & air fragrance products but a lot of the ingredients can me carcinogenic and hormorne disruptors and can cause reproductive problems.
Oils are just plant derivative oils!  Candles smell great, but harm our bodies, Oils smell great & help our bodies!

I looked into the two leading big guns in the industry and decided to join Young Living.  They've been around for a long time, I really liked all the videos I saw Gary Young in (founder of YL) and I watched all about their  Seed To Seal process that pretty much sold me on NOT buying oils from Whole Foods or any other store that sells them, I wanted to get the BEST.

I initially wanted to use oils to diffuse but was really interested in learing more about using them topically or ingesting them.  I feel 100% confident that these oils are safe.

I've only been using them for a month but I've had positive experiences with getting the winter sickness out of my house, getting my rowdy toddler to bed earlier & to sleep more soundly, treating headaches, getting rid of a planters wart and feeling more energized in the morning.  - ALL FROM the initial oils I got in my starter kit.

Follow me on Instagram to see my journey with using essential oils in my everyday life!

My Instagram:  Sublimejen you can also search the hashtag #sublimejenYoungLiving



SEE EVERYTHING THAT WAS IN MY STARTER KIT HERE

I chose their Premium Starter Kit and it came with an AMAZING diffuser, 11 oils, a couple samples of their NingXia Red juice {yummy, totally plan on ordering more, I felt a definite pick-me-up in my energy when I drank them}, and a few sample packs of oils to share as well as an informative product guide.

I really liked the fact that I could join YL as a "Wholesale Member" and immediatly save 25% off retail on ALL items and could order at me leasure and not have any obligation to buy each month or ever again, or to have to "sell" anything to anymore.  I didn't want to join on to sell to others.  And I still don't have that desire..I'm only a month in, but I DO LOVE sharing whats working for us and how much I love these oils so far and would love to help my friends and family with their needs in such a natural way!

I couldn't be happier so far.  I even joined their Essential Rewards program.  I wasn't going to at first, but I quickly realized I was GOING to want to try more oils & blends and they have a whole line of skincare, home care, supplements -- all with OILS!  If I was going to be buying more I might as well earn points to get more free things!

So I see myself getting hooked, and I'm pretty excited to try new things each month.

My first ER (Essential Rewards) order is on its way and I'm ordering more Lemon oil.  This is probably the most used oil in my kit ( along with Lavender) I drink a couple drops in my water each morning and have noticed a significant boost in my mood/energy (and decrease in my coffee consumption!) and it tastes great!   I'm also ordering Orange oil, Theives toothpaste (OMG THEIVES - I can't even get into right now, what an amazing product THEIVES is -- learn more here.), I'm also ordering a couple of their oil bends (Valor, Envision, White Angelica (supposed to be another great one for relaxing at bedtime)) and Lavender Lip Balm.  SO SO EXCITED to get more goodies. I'll post about them when ! get them!

If you are interested in learning more please email me at sublimejen@gmail.com

Signing up as a wholesale member is easy...

1. You go here: https://beta.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/start

2. You choose WholeSale Member, you add my #2386086 

3. You choose what starter kit you want.  You can sign up for ER now or skip & and do that later {or never!}.

THE ULTIMATE STARTER KIT is what I got and by far the best deal.  And you're in!
If you want to be on my team, you can email me with ANY QUESTIONS ANYTIME and I'll find the answers for you.

4. Once you order with my number (email at sublimejen@gmail.com and let me know) then I can add you to our groups private FB page that you can ask any and all your oil questions and learn so so much!! I love it, all the ladies & men are so HELPFUL there!!

Doodle Crate | A great craft subscription box!

We just got our second subscription box from Doodle Crate & I'm really impressed!

Doodle Crate is a monthly subscription that sends you a box full of supplies to do a surprise craft, this box is geared toward 'tween/teen girls.  But in all honestly, I'm finding these crafts fun for mom too! :D

We got our first box $10 off by following a referral link {here is mine if you'd like to do the same} but their monthly price is only $19.95/shipped and you get ALL the supplies you'll need to make an awesome craft!

I was looking for a great subscription I could get my daughter, who is 10 and this is perfect!

She loves crafts and these two boxes have just been great!  I got her first box in Dec and gave it to her for Christmas.

I joined in the month-by-month plan so I can get a feel for how the boxes are before I committed to a longer subscription where I could save some $$.  If you buy 6 months at a time you can pay $18.50/box and if you buy 12 you only have to pay $16.50/box.

I'm giving it a few more months, I like to get a feel for the customer service & fast shipping is which are important to me.

I must say not impressed with the shipping so far.  I'm so not a fan of FED EX POST, they're so slow. But my box DID get to me within the month {albeit, the last day of the month}, but I have hope that this improves. It did with Citrus Lane, and it just seems to be getting better & better over time (the longer you're a member, the higher up on the shipping list you go maybe?) I don't know, but I DO KNOW we LOVE THIS BOX!


The box we got in December was a Paint-Your-Own pouches craft, It came with paint, yarn, two size bags {one great for makeup and one great for pencils!}, and tape to tape off shapes if you wanted to design your bag that way. Kendall chose to freehand hers.

And just today {Jan 31} we received our January box which was Stamp Making!

This one was fun for both of us! There was enough supplies for me to join & it was very fun!

The instructions couldn't be easier to follow & they had a video we could watch.

doodlecrate.com/stamps

K made a few designs off the template they sent

I did a freehand, and LOVE it!

Can't wait to see what fun is in store for us in February!!

Join using my line and you'll get $10 off your first month!

A whole year of Citrus Lane!

What does a whole year of Citrus Lane look like?

Kinda like this:

only, that isn't all... this isn't including the awesome bath products, mealtime utensils & dishes, snacks, mom samples & coupons!

We've been going strong since January 2013 and still LOVE Citrus Lane so much!  Some months blow me away more than others, but the pure fun on receiving a box full of surprises each month for me and my little makes it all worth it -- p.s. & yes I save all those boxes.. because they're great for storing my older kids old school papers in & other stuffs...

I feel like each month CL got it "right" for with things that are age appropriate {I have him listed as his true bday, you can change it if you feel that would work best for your child} and I have choosed to get the "boy" themed box, but you can also get "girl" or "gender neutral"

Some of our MOST favorite things have been the wooden toys, and Green Toys brand stuff, oh and all the books, and the silicon dishware, and the organic snacks, and the puzzles..... yea, Citrus Lane is good stuff!!


I post pictures each month of what we got on Instagram @sublimejen and also tagged with #sublimejenCitrusLane check it out!!

I can't see us canceling anytime soon so join us & getting a fun surprise each month!!

Follow my referral link and get 50% your first month and I'll get store credit.

Oh!! Speaking of the STORE, CL also has an exclusive store where you can shop the brands they love & they're also sending you lots of coupons & even a free gift code every month or two worth $5, $10, or $15... I've gotten $15 multiple times & have gotten some really nice things on top of the monthly box, they also let you add things from their shop each month  "add to the box" style and they'll ship it with your box at no extra shipping!!!  

Any questions?  I  feel like I'm a Citrus Lane expert now, let me know if you have an questions I can answer!


*This post is in NO WAY sponsored or paid for or asked for or compensated by Citrus Lane AT ALL.
I just love the company :)  I'm passionate about the things I like & want to share!!

What I thought of Rimmel's Scandaleyes Eyeliner | Influenster

Last month I recieved the Influenster Frosty VoxBox, filled with a bunch of random goodies.
Influenster is totally FREE to join and they send products for FREE to try out, never pay shipping or anything!

My most fav item has to be this product from Rimmel.

Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner.  I received it in BLACK.

I've used Rimmel before, not  this specific item, but I've always liked the brand.

I'm a big fan of black eyeliner. And was super excited to try this one.

I must say when my pencil arrived broken, I was a little bummed,

 but it was FREE and it is still totally usable so I got over it.

This pencil is the only one I've been using since and I must say I LOVE it.
It really is deep dark black {my fave} and it goes on so easily & smooth.

That is a BIG MUST for eyeliner for me, I need it to go on smooth, not dry or rough. This one was perfect.  It lasts all day for me {with some reapplying needed on the waterline} and it never smudged.

It also came off easily with the Rimmel Eye MakeUp Remover {that I also got in the VoxBox!}

So I will be repurchasing this. At $4.49 that is TOTALLY in my budget!
I even want to try all the bold colors! I love the way this pencil applies!

Here are a few pictures of how I like to wear my liner. Not too heavy, but I like it to stand out a bit.

Have you tried any Rimmel ScandalEyes products before? What is your favorite eyeliner?

Influenster's Frosty VoxBox | Free Goodies!

I was lucky enough to be picked for Influenster's Winter 2014 VoxBox.  The FROSTY VOX BOX!

To me this box doesn't have a "theme" but just full of random stuff to try out, which I actually don't mind.  Here is what was in the box!

Suprisingly, I haven't tried any of these products before so I'm excited to have been sent these for FREE to share my experience on.

I did a video unboxing, which you can find HERE on my YouTube Page.

 No7 Protect & Perfect face Serum  - I have used this, just to see what it felt like. It went on smooth & felt nice on my skin, left my skin soft.  I used it all in one time because I didn't feel like saving this packet. - This size sample for this kind of product is not sufficient to be able to really give a good review. It also didn't intrigue me enough {even with the $2 off coupon it came with} to go buy a full size for $22.99

NYC Expert Last Lip Color - Sugar Plum

Not a huge fan of the color on me, but not out of the realm of something I might wear eventually.

Goes on smooth, and shiny.

Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Green Tea
I don't drink tea very often, but this did sound good.  This came with 2 tea bags, and I did try one on Christmas Eve - after the kids went to bed and I was waiting for Santa.  It's actually really good.  Just the right amount of peppermint flavor.

EcoTools Sleek + Shine Finisher Brush  I've been using this on dry hair before I straighten and it's working just fine. I like that the bristles are far apart, it works well with my thick, wavy hair.  I love the design/look of this brush, especially the wooden handle.

McCormick Gourmet Dried Thyme
Always good to have on hand.  I've used McCormick brand before & thing their spices are great.
I've since used this in a Crock Pot Stew recipe for Beef Stew and it worked wonderfully.
I love their jar style & that it's made of glass.

Rimmel Eye Make Up Remover
Excited this was full size!  I never used this before.
I've since used it once & it seems to do the trick! And it is very gentle.

Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Eyeliner - Black
I LOVE this product, never used this one before but I've been using it since I received it and I like it alot, it's really dark, goes on really smooth and seems to last all day.  Bummed mine came broken, but I'm still using it & would love to try some of the other colors like Turquois, Silver & Purple!

RedVine's Fruit Vines - Cherry
I'm a super fan of Red Vines licorice so I was super excited to try these!
I've since ate the whole bag :)  They're soft & delicious and the perfect amount of cherry flavor. Yum! I'll be repurchasing these!

  All in all this was a fun surprise!!
I can't complain, really, these were all sent to me COMPLETELY free of charge with no strings attatched!!! I love Influenster, I've gotten to try out so many new things through this company.

It's totally free to sign up, so I'd recommend every do it!