Saturday, May 26, 2012

Julep Maven Box Review, get it for a PENNY!




I recently shared that I came across a code to try Julep's Maven box for just PENNY and I decided to give it a try. Our box arrived this week and Willow was super excited to try out her new nail products. I'm a nail biter, but she has long beautiful nails that she loves to "make pretty" so this box was right up her alley. When you set up your subscription there's a survey to fill out where you select various purses, celebrities, shoes etc that you'd like to dress like or own, and it decides which colors you would best fit you. Willow and I received a Boho Chic box.


Our box contained 2 full size nail polishes, 2oz of foot cream, and 2 nail dividers (not pictured, the babies stole them). Willow loves these nail polishes! The grey is a nice fun and trendy color with a slight slimmer to it and the red is great for a night out on the town. The red has a great shimmer to it, and is darker then the usual red that you see. Both colors are fun but completly office acceptable.

My favorite thing about the Maven boxes is that Julep will send you a preview of each box before they charge it. You can decide if you want to purchase, skip, or even ship your box to a friend as a gift! No automatic renewed or junk that you won't use. If you won't use it, skip it!

Want to get your box for just a penny? Enter the code PENNY during checkout to get your subscription started! You can sign up for Julep Maven HERE.



Friday, May 25, 2012

Bring on Summer Plasma Car Giveaway




Once you have entered our fantastic giveaway,  please take a look at all the other giveaways listed at the bottom of the post


Here on Life Unexpected we're giving away a Plasma Car from PlaSmart!

Summer Fun with Plasma Car!

It's summer! Which means the kids are home, and bouncing off the walls.The Plasma Car by PlaSmart takes advantage of the one thing you always have around - your kids' energy! There are no gears, batteries, petals, etc, your Plasma Car is powered by pure kid power. All you do is turn the wheel and off you go at speeds of up to 6mph!The Plasma Car can hold up to 220lbs so it's fun for the whole family.

When our car arrived I was out working on an event and zach tried to put it together without reading the directions so our car kept falling apart. Once I came home and took over it took about 2 minutes to put together. (I actually found YouTube videos demonstrating that you can put it together in under a minute) So even though it requires assembly your kids will be off and riding in no time.

Willow has had a great time riding her Plasma Car around in the garage, and down our street. We recently had family over for Mother's Day and some of the more adventurous "big kids" ( like my 23 year old sister in law) took turns seeing how fast they could get the Plasma Car going. My soon to be mother in law has even been caught riding around in front of our house when she's playing outside with Willow outside.


Our Opinion

We love our Plasma Car! I really like that it's completely kid operated and doesn't require any charging or batteries to work. There's nothing worse the your kid wanting to play and finding that the batteries in their toys are dead. It also means that there's nothing to break or replace. The Plasma Car uses your kids energy to propel itself, and my kids have a ton of energy! The Plasma Car is a great way for your kids to get out some of that pent up energy and get in some exercise in the lazy summer days. Since your Plasma Car can hold up to 220 lbs, why not get one for each member of the family? Plasma Car races would be lots of fun!

How to Purchase
You can use the Store Locator on the Plasma Car website to find a store that carries them closest to you, or on Amazon.com

How to Win
PlaSmart has generously offered to give one lucky Life Unexpected reader a Plasma Car of their own to keep their keeps entertained this summer! Look for your chance to win in the Bring On Summer giveaway taking place May 26- June 9th!

I received one or more of the above mentioned products in exchange for an honest review. My opinion was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own, please see our disclosure policy for more information.



Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Father's DayGift Guide with Blog It Forward

We've done it again! We're teaming up with Blog it Forward to bring you the Father's Day Gift Guide, featuring over $1210 in great prizes for dad! Be sure to check back June 1st for your chance to win!


Welcome to the 2012 Father's Day Gift Guide hosted by Blog It Forward! If you are looking for great gift ideas for dad then you came to the right place! Men are so hard to buy for aren't they?! We want to help. We have gift ideas for all of the special men in your life! From hammocks to bathrobes to digital filing systems, we have ideas that will make your shopping easier!

Be sure to come back on June 1 because we will be giving away *every*single*gift* on the Father's Day Gift Guide!

  1. NeatDesk :: For the digital dad. This year give him a sleek tech-tool that will help him manage and digitize important files at home, in the office, and on the road.
  2. 3D Photo Crystal :: For the sentimental dad. 3D Laser Gifts can create etched crystals that show your love and appreciation for dad in a creative way.
  3. Kentfield Men's Hiking Shoe :: For the active dad. The Kentfield by Ahnu is designed for the dad who wants the performance of a cross-trainer with the breathability and comfort of a water-sandal.
  4. Xperience Days :: For the adventurous dad. With thousands of unique gift experiences nationwide, there is a perfect opportunity for dad in your area.
  5. Organic Bamboo Bathrobe :: For the "green" dad. Any dad would love to receive such a luxurious and eco-friendly gift from The Ultimate Green Store!
  6. EatSmart Precision GetFit Body Scale :: For the health conscious dad. This scale from EatSmart is perfect for dads who are serious about taking control of their health!
  7. Hammock Bliss :: For the outdoor dad. Any dad who loves to spend time outdoors will love a new hammock from Hammock Bliss!
  8. Galileo Weather Station :: For the weather buff dad. Dad will love to study the weather on the Galileo Weather Station from Wind & Weather!
  9. King Louie Microfiber Windshirt :: For the All American dad. All USA Clothing offers many gift options that dad will love, all Made in the USA!
  10. Journal 10 :: For the record keeper dad. Give dad his own personal time machine as he records precious memories and builds a memoir to treasure.
  11. Sogno Coffee ::  For the coffee loving dad. Dad will enjoy premium Sogno Coffee made with only the finest Arabica beans.
Please visit the links above which will take you to a full review of our fabulous sponsors. You will also find special offers and discounts. We hope you found some gift giving inspiration for you dad!

Don't forget to come back to this blog on June 1. We are giving away over $1210 in prizes! 

Monday, May 21, 2012

Ybf Beauty Bundle Giveaway


Welcome to the ybf Beauty Bundle Giveaway!  I have teamed up with Charisma Media Network, Beauty Brite and a great group of bloggers to bring our readers this awesome giveaway!  This giveaway is for the following: ybf Beauty Collectible Pewtertone Lipstick Case, ybf Complexion Perfection Loose Finishing Powder, ybf Luxury Lip Liners Set of 2, ybf Regal & Royal Crown Compact.  (Total RV: $106.25).

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter to win your ybf beauty bundle!  This giveaway is open to US Residents Only!  Giveaway starts May 21st at 12:01am and ends June 6th at 12:01am.

Good Luck, and I hope a Life Unexpected reader wins! 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Try Julep Maven for only a PENNY!


While searching for monthly subscription boxes with good reviews, I came across Julep Maven a subscription box for nail products! Now, I bite my nails as a nervous habit so I don't paint my nails too often, but Willow loves having her nails painted. I was a bit hesitant to try it since it's something I may not get a whole lot of use out of, but then I realized that you can treat your first month for just a PENNY! That's right, you can get your first month for just one penny SHIPPED! Of course I jumped on the deal, maybe it'll stop me from biting my nails if they're pretty. The best thing about Julep Maven is that they show you your box contents before they ship and you have the option to purchase or not, so if you try the first month and aren't thrilled with it, you don't have to renew! What do you have to loose, it's just a penny! Hurry and get yours now before the deal is over, just enter the code PENNY at checkout. You can sign up here.

Cruising for Giveaways 5/20

Welcome to Cruising for Giveaways Hop! This hop is brought to you by Charisma Media Network!

Cruising for Giveaways

Friday, May 18, 2012

$200 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway from CookieCoo Dancing Star

The CookieCoo Dancing Star app lets kids play along with their favorite traditional children’s songs, like “Hokey Pokey,” while watching a whimsical 3D cookie character dance and sing with the music. CookieCoo Dancing Star is a perfect combination of fun and learning—it’s a game parents can feel good about letting their kids play, because they’ll be learning and practicing important concepts while they enjoy themselves.

Download CookieCoo Dancing Star for FREE from May 18 - 31 here:

To celebrate, CookieCoo Dancing Star will be giving away a $200 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky reader! Giveaway is open worldwide and ends May 31st at 11:59 PM EST.

CookieCoo is also giving away an additional $100 on their Facebook Fanpage. Visit for more information!


a Rafflecopter giveaway




Thursday, May 17, 2012

Twisted Orchid Handbags Review and Giveaway


In an effort to bring you more chances to win great prizes, I'm going to occasionally be cohosting giveaways with other bloggers. Here's a great giveaway from Twisted Orchid Handbags that I'm excited to share with you!

Twisted Orchid Handbag {Review - Giveaway}

Twisted Orchid Handbag

Review & Giveaway


After stumbling upon Twisted Orchid's website, and falling in love with some of their handbags. I decided to reach out to them. They were quick to respond to my question, and to my delight a product review and giveaway was approved.

Twisted Orchid - The Company


Twisted Orchid is a premium shopping destination for stylishly chic purses and handbags. From the pages of People Style Watch to Lucky, Elle and Oprah, trendspotters and fashion provocateurs alike are buzzing about their incredible selection. Read more about them here and you can also find them on Facebook.

Handbag - Brown Cinch made by Mad Style


Twisted Orchid Handbag {Review - Giveaway}

I decided to review their Brown Cinch, when it arrived I was even more amazed, the image on their site didn't do it justice. This handbag is a true beauty and I've gotten many compliments on it.



Twisted Orchid Handbag {Review - Giveaway} - Back PocketTwisted Orchid Handbag {Review - Giveaway} - Front View Twisted Orchid Handbag {Review - Giveaway} - Lining inside



I love the color, I have many black handbags but didn't have any brown ones. I wanted a bag that would match a suit I had for interviews, this turned out to be perfect. It is roomy enough to carry all the beauty things us women carry around, my cell phone, journal, my kindle and for all those things that somehow find their way into them. (little gadgets and goodies our family hands to us while out).



The bag is made of faux leather exterior with a zipper entry, a little pocket with zipper on the back, a cell phone pocket, wall pocket and a center compartment on the interior, all with zipper closures. I love the interior fabric and design. This is an amazing handbag. Thank you Twisted Orchid for giving this opprotunity to review this classy, stylish handbag. I would like to award your product a

5stars product rating Twisted Orchid {Review & Giveaway}

As I mentioned earlier Twisted Orchid would also, like for one of our lucky readers to have their very own Twisted Orchid product with a retail value of $80.00. Please click on the Rafflecopter below and enter with as many chances as you like. Don't forget that you can come back daily and tweet the giveaway for extra entries. There is also a freebie that can be done daily, so stop back by each day and get two easy entries.


I'm super excited to be co hosting this giveaway with the following ladies, and really hope that a Life unexpected reader wins!

Debbie -Scattered Musings of A Creative Mind
Stephanie – Beauty Brite
Trista & Brittany –  SAHM & TW(2b)
Carolyn –  Conversations with Carolyn
Melissa -  Melissa Say What
Ana – Pregnancy Forum
Susan- My Cozie Corner




Visit Twisted Orchid today and receive %20 off your purchase. Just enter promo code "TWISTED" during checkout. Don't forget to stop by their Facebook page and tell'em Scattered Musings sent you!


**Disclosure Scattered Musings of A Creative Mind received the above mention product for review purposes only. She was not compensated in any other way. Regardless her views and opinions are her own.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

TeetheMe Review

Recently Plum District had a great deal for TeetheMe's subscription boxes for children ages newborn to 3. I was so excited to purchase a voucher because I've been dying to try their boxes. I love the idea of having a box just showing up on your front step, full of new fun products to try. I got an email today while we're were out saying that our box should be in our mailbox and I was so excited to find out what was in it that I braved a major Florida downpour to get it. Unfortunately when I retrieved our box I was very disappointed by the contents.


Our box contained samples of Earth Mama Angel Baby's Baby Bottom Balm, Dr. Robin's Sunscreen, Body Wash, and Daily Moisture Cream, 4 packets of powdered baby food from NurturMe, a votive candle from Bridgewater Candle Company, a sachet from Greenleaf, and teething jewelry from Dr. Bloom.


The samples were basically the same size that your child's pediatrician would hand out at an appointment, they're one time use packets. The votive, and scented satchet are something that could be picked up at the dollar store, and we don't use candles in our home because of the the fire risk. To top it off the teething jewelry is marketed as being a fashionable accessory for mom to wear... I can't recall the last time that I wore any neon pink gummy jewelry.

I'm not sure if TeethMe skimped on their boxes because they knew they were sold at a discounted rate, but they defiantly did not impress us with the quality of products that they offer. We will not be renewing our subscription for next month. Hopefully TeetheMe will either up the quality of their contents, or decrease their cost in the future, because the current contents certainly are not worth the regular subscription cost of $24 a month.

I did not receive any compensation or product in exchange for this review. I felt the need to share my experience with the TeetheMe box that I purchased with my readers. All opinions are my own.


Saturday, May 12, 2012

Louis Vuitton Giveaway now LIVE!

Photobucket
I'm so excited to help bring you this great event! One LUCKY winner will receive a Louis Vuitton bag! Be on the look out for flash giveaways throughout the month for even more great chances to win.

**Powered by Madame Deals and Slop Swap**
Along with our hosts:
Present this Louis Vuitton Giveaway Event!
Giveaway will run May 12 12:01 am EST thru June 12 11:59 pm EST
You have a lot of chances to WIN! Complete the mandatory entry and unlock the bonus entries.
Bonus entries are Facebook likes.
Wait for the Rafflecopter to load and enter below:

Friday, May 11, 2012

Pea Green with Envy Flash Giveaway!



Welcome to the first Flash Giveaway hosted by Sarah's Blog Of Fun and Linda's Angels.

This months theme is Pea Green With Envy!!!  We are giving away $30 and a bag of peas!!! 

Entries are really easy and quick!!

This giveaway is open until Sunday May 13th at Noon!!  

Good luck and thank you for stopping by!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway





Monday, May 7, 2012

National Train Day May 12th


"This Saturday, May 12, marks the fifth annual National Train Day event across the United States.   Created and sponsored by Amtrak, the day commemorates the 143rd anniversary of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. 

Over a century ago, on May 10, 1869, the completion of the transcontinental railroad opened the vast western territories and states to development and settlement in ways that had never before been possible.  Railways not only forged the national character and culture but they also touched the lives of every individual, going so far as to enter families’ living rooms in the form of model trains.

On May 12, 2012, train stations, museums, model train clubs and other venues across the country, from New York to Los Angeles, will host activities and exhibits that highlight the wonder of trains and rail travel.  These events will include all sorts of train displays, from equipment tours to live entertainment to model train layouts."

Willow and my nephew Keaton are absolutely obsessed with trains. Thomas, Chuggington. Dinosaur Train, wooden trains, Lionel train models, you name it, they want it. They'll spend hours playing together creating  their little cities and extensive train tracks and then racing their trains around the tracks. Occasionally Snow white and her 7 Dwarfs make an appearance for our train play. They love to ride the tracks and look for treasures to mine.  

We're fortunate enough to live near a train station (or unfortunate enough when they come through at 3am) and Willow loves to watch the trains go whizzing by with their passengers and cargo. I know they would love to go to national train day to see all of models, real trains, and entertainment that they'll have there for your families to enjoy. 


Unfortunately, this year there isn't a National Train Day event that is under 2 hours away from us. While we won't be able to make it out for National Train Day, you can still take your kids! There will be events in all of the major metro areas including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, as well as smaller cities across the US. You can check out this link to see what location is closest to you. If you do make it out to National Train Day make sure to stop back and share with us about your day, we'd love to see pictures! 

Photos courtesy of Lionel L.L.C. All rights reserved

MeMeMe Monday 5/7

Last week I was hopping round visiting different blogs and I came across Thoughts From Her and she had this great meme called MeMeMe Monday. So I thought it would be fun to give it a try over here on Life Unexpected. Each week I'll share a few fun facts about myself with you!

My favorite colors are yellow and pink. Coincidentally, Willow's favorite color is also yellow.

I'm 26 and I've never had a driver's license. I really have no desire to learn, but I guess I'll have to give in eventually. Someone has to drive the kids to dance class.

I believe in ghosts, and we actually think our house is haunted! Lights turn on and off on their own, and we here strange noises and bumps in the night.

I love baby strollers. I really think that the more you have the better it is! If I had my way we'd have 20 of them. Of course Zach is not of the same camp, and thinks there is no reason to have more then two. I'll convert him eventually.

I want a big family with  five children. I'd like to have at least one more biological child.

I'm okay with having all girls, I love having little princesses!

One day I hope to adopt a child through Reece's Rainbow. I can't wait to bring our little boy or girl home to America.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Yummy Yummy Banana Bread


I'm not much of a cook, but thanks to Pinterest I've been trying out some new things. Yesterday I attempted to make some banana bread using a combination of about 10 different recipes. I combined things and omitted things based on what we had in our cabinets. Of course it could have turned out horribly, but it was a huge hit!

What you'll need:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2-3 med. mashed ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup milk 
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or applesauce as a substitution) 
  • 1 egg 
  • 1 TBS vanilla
  • Any add ins - nuts, chocolate chips, sunflower seeds etc
  • Loaf Pan
  • cooking spray

Mix your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) together in a large mixing bowl. You can use a stand mixer for this recipe but it really isn't necessary.

In a separate bowl mash your bananas until they're nice and soft. Your bananas should be pretty close to the consistency of stage 3 baby food.

In your bowl of dry ingredients add your milk, vegetable oil, egg and vanilla, then add in your bowl of bananas. If you choose to add in nuts, chocolate chips etc you would do so now.

Mix until your dry ingredients are completely damp and then pour your mixture into your sprayed loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 60 minutes of until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Now you have some yummy banana bread! Our family loved it so much that I have our second batch in the oven right now. Let me know how this recipe works for you,, or if you have your own favorite recipe feel free to share it in the comments below.

A Little Pinsperation

It's been awhile since we've had had a Pinterest post, so I think it's about time we have A Little Pinsperation again! As always, you can follow me on Pinterest to see all the fun things I find during the week.

Follow Me on Pinterest



How cute are these party trays? They'd be great for a kids party or summer cookout. 3 trays + 2 candle stick holders = awesome cupcake display! Of course you could use different colors for different holidays. How about red and green for Christmas? Purple and green for Halloween? Red and blue for Independence Day? The possibilities are endless!

Sometimes the answer is just so simple that you overlook it. I mean things can't be that easy right?I've been looking for ways to cover the lids to the 9 million baby food jars that I have around the house. I plan on cleaning them out, covering the lids with cute paper and using them for crafting  & office supplies.


This is a really busy month for us with a wedding to attend, my youngest sister's high school graduation and the twins turning one all in the next 4 weeks! I love cute gift wrapping but sometimes I feel like I spend as much on wrapping a gift as the actual gift itself cost! This super easy tutorial shows you how to make your own big fluffy bow at home.

Sensory bottles were my favorite thing to make with my kids when I was teaching preschool. They're fun, easy, and will keep them entertained for hours. All you need is a plastic bottle, water, some small objects and hot glue. Fill your bottle up half way, add your fun stuff (glitter, pom poms, food coloring, ribbon, beads etc), fill the bottle the rest of the way and hot glue it shut. I think we'll be making a few of these this week!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - Para-Sailing in Mexico

Last month Zach and I went on our first kids free vacation, where I concurred my fear of heights by para-sailing in Cozumel, Mexico. Of course I asked every single person that I asked about the possibility of somehow being eaten by a shark in the process. I was told that sharks only live on the other side of the island (not sure how that's possible), so I did it!

Getting ready for lift off 


Up, Up, Up!