The Traveling Sisterhood: January 2016

Terax Handcrafted Hair Care: Love it!

My Terax conditioner, and coloring locking leave-in conditioner could not have had a more timely arrival!  At my doorstep just the day before I colored my hair for the first time in years, the timing was ideal.  I love the shampoo (perfect amount of suds and scent), love the conditioner (perfectly thick for my curly hair--it's gotta be thick or it won't do the job for me!), and love the leave-in conditioner.  It's got that color-retaining scent that's familiar and it seems to be doing the job after 3 weeks of use. 


I love the Terax "shine" leave-in conditioner!  I spritz it on on the mornings I don't wash my hair, besides every time I get out of the shower. It includes keratin which gives it instant shine that really does last all day.


Terax is a family company and really does create amazing products!  Something I can easily support!

 Their "crema" conditioner is very moisturizing and creamy and makes my hair very soft to get the brush (or my fingers) right through without any tangles.  It's perfect!

So what does "handcrafted hair care" mean?  I loved their witty definition of it so I'm going to steal it and put it here since I couldn't have said it better in my own words. ;)
"Does it mean that we carve each and every bottle, tube and cap with a pocketknife, while sitting in a rocking chair sipping some sweet tea? Of course not.  ​Does it mean that we blend our ingredients by taking turns dancing on them like an old world winemaker? You can't be serious. ​Does it mean that we all jump into the mixing tank, hold hands and run around in a circle as fast as we can until everything is dissolved? Not in a million years, although that does sound like fun.  (I agree, it does sound fun!) 

​To us, HANDCRAFTED HAIRCARE means having complete control of each and every product that comes out of our facility. ​It means that we: ​1 - Develop our own formulas from scratch, based on input from our customers, not simply a rehash of something from another brand. 2 - Test these formulas on ourselves and with our partner salons, friends and family before they make it to retail shelves.  Trust us, this is not the most glamorous part of the job. 3 - Mix and fill everything in our own production facility, with someone from our family personally handling each and every product before it goes into the box. 4 - Ship everything from one location to our distribution and retail partners.  And sometimes . . . even right to your door. 

We aren't simply a marketing company recycling tired old formulas.  We don't work with a giant contract filler in another part of the country to make our products.  We don't ship to a giant warehouse, loaded with several other beauty brands, where products sit for months on end.  We take pride in handling every part of this complex process, it's part of our history - part of our family way."

You Can Find Terax On
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Special thanks to the wonderful people at Terax for providing me with their products to review!

Winners Announced & Giveaways Ending Soon



Lego Friends Set and DVD
Linda T.


BoCandy Subscription Box
Angela T.


Look Who's Happy Dog Treats
Deanna



The Following Giveaways End Soon So Enter Now:

Well-Kept Life Planner, 2 Winners!







Fire the Merry Maids and Throw Out Your Chore Charts! Zone Cleaning for Kids is What Every Family Needs!



Update: You can get the DVD, erasable flip chart (my kids love this), laundry chart, dry erase marker, and labels for $14.99 if you sign up for Educent's e-mails via the instant $10 off coupon. If you're already subscribed, it's still a great deal at an extra 15% off and free shipping with the code GIVEJOY thru 12/2! Works for the downloadable version, too!

The other day we decided to take a week off school and teach the kids how to properly clean. Not that our house is exactly a mess or anything... but as a homeschooling mom, cleaning does get pushed to the side more often than I'd like to admit.  Around the same time, I noticed the Zone Cleaning Program on Educents.  When I also noticed it's made by the same people who make Times Tales, I was definitely sold! 



After Zone Cleaning came in the mail, I chose a day for our Cleaning Extravaganza.  It could not have gone more perfectly!  My kids have had chores since they could talk, pretty much, but Zone Cleaning has taught them how to be more thorough, to actually clean in a way that doesn't need to be re-cleaned by me, and it is just a godsend! 

I cannot imagine a more well spent $20! I am not even kidding--my house looks stellar and my kids have that feeling of accomplishment, knowing they've worked hard and done an amazing job.  I've tried chore charts and reward systems but this is by far the easiest and the most all-encompassing.


 The booklet includes a simple visual representation of each step to a clean room. I like that they can check off what needs to be done as it is done - it keeps them from forgetting anything and gives them a sense of accomplishment each time they check something off.  (I'm not kidding--even my older kids count off those checks and brag about them!)


The rooms included are bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room. There are spaces for you to write additional items which is helpful for me, as well. I like that it assigns a day each week to extra jobs like dusting or wiping chairs and cabinets. That way nothing gets out of control, one chore at a time.
As a busy mom, this is just what I needed!  Cleaning is less of a burden now, and it's a blessing to be able to look around at a clean home and to relax without feeling like something more needs to be done.  A wonderful way to start a new year!



 Who's it for?
Any parents who want their kids to do their chores with a happy heart.... the right way!  My kiddos are 8-11, ages I think are ideal for this program, but it could definitely be used with kids as young as 6 through the teen years. 

How Much is it and What Do You Get?
 The cost is $19.95 and you get:
  • A fully-laminated flip chart, allowing for all sections to be checked with a dry-erase marker and/or customized by Mom or Dad with a wet-erase marker.
  • Instructional DVD that walks children through the process, demonstrating the correct way to complete each task. The DVD also gives parents tips on how to best utilize the program.
  • Dry-erase marker.
  • Basket labels used for cleaning the bedroom.
  • Kid-friendly Cleaning Solutions E-Book filled with frugal, non-toxic cleansers you can make yourself.
 

"This fun and unique chore system is designed to help children visually and systematically work through cleaning the kitchen, living room/entry, bathroom and bedrooms independently and with ease." 
♥Love it!



Special thanks to the wonderful people at Educents for providing me with this product to review!

Finding Joy in a Well-kept Life: The Time Keeper Planner #Giveaway

A planner is a must in my life and as soon as I began to flip through my new Time Keeper, I fell in love! I instantly realized a busy mom must have created it, as it includes so many great extras only a mom would come up with!  It turns out it was designed by a busy mom of four. The Time Keeper is a beautiful way to organize and manage my busy days all in one place.
Like every other planner, the Time Keeper has a monthly overview section.  Perfect for skimming over the month and writing small notes.  In addition, it has a section for "Project Lists" for that month which is perfect!
I also love, love, love the weekly section!  I like to use my planner as a type of journal, writing down a couple sentences for that day so that I can look back later and reminisce the year.  This section also has a weekly menu planner section--awesome!!  Plus a to-do list.  I'm telling you, as I went through the planner the first time, I was getting so inspired and was feeling so blessed--I need more organization in my life and the Time Keeper was about to make it a zillion times easier!
Every other page has an inspirational quote or scripture.  This is one of my favorites.
At the back of the Time Keeper, there are pages upon pages of perf0rated shopping lists!  How cool is that?!  See, I told you, this lady came up with everything when she designed this!  On sale for $9.99, the planner is an incredible deal.  I've seen planners at Wal-Mart for more than that that were not nearly as perfect!  I've used so many different planners and this is by far the most inclusive and most Celena-ish I have ever found.  It will definitely be a yearly purchase for me!
In addition to all the features above, the Time Keeper also includes a Planning ahead for 2017 section, a page to jot down gift ideas for family and friends, several pages for your own ideas and notes,  2 Organizer pockets.  It's spiral bound and is the perfect size at 8.5" x 5.75".

GIVEAWAY
Two of my readers will receive a Time Keeper!  Enter below by Feb. 4 at 11 pm anyone's time.  And if you need a gift, remember these are on sale for $9.99--they'd make a wonderful late Christmas gift or present for a friend whose birthday is in January or February!  

Special thanks to the wonderful people at Well-kept Life for providing me with this product for review and giveaway.  All opinions are honest and my own. 

Homegrown Collective Subscription Box Review: Our Favorite Subscription Box of 2015!


New Update: Homegrown Collective is offering my readers Free Shipping on their first box with the code GREENSHIP!
The kiddos and I had so much fun making our own soap with Homegrown Collective's "Let Us Make Soap" subscription box!



As you can see, the box was packed full of high-quality ingredients and tools: 3 different melt and pour soap bases, 3 different essential oils (peppermint, lemon grass, and cedar wood), an all natural loofa, a dropper, 3 soap molds, wood stirs, charcoal, a Ball canning jar, organic cacao powder, spearmint, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks.

For my first soap, I decided to use the clear soap base and add cocoa & shea butter, and delicious natural honey (I ate a spoonful and added another to the soap).  I also melted the white soap base and poured it on top.

First step: melt the soap base at 10 second intervals (mine took 30 seconds).  Melt the cocoa and shea, also, and stir about a tablespoon into the soap base. I also added a tablespoon of honey from Holly's Little Farm.
I made a rosemary and spearmint soap, too.  All of them turned out so pretty and smell amazing.  I can't wait to use them!  Especially the honey/shea soaps as I included the luffa with them.  Luffa soaps are incredible!
For the kiddos soap, we used the goat's milk and added a bit of lemon grass essential oil.  We poured the melted soap into various candy molds we had in the junk drawer.  The smaller soaps took about an hour to dry; the bigger ones about 2.

Aren't they awesome?! And they smell amazing!  The kids were thrilled. We loved our soap making experience.  One of my very favorite subscription boxes ever and we have tried so many!

Sign Up and Get a Discount
Every month, Homegrown Collective sends a different themed Green box.  You can get free shipping on your first box with the code GREENSHIP



LEGO FRIENDS Girlz 4 Life Lego Set & DVD Giveaway!

 **Warner Bros. Home Video provided me with some of the materials I used in this Blog Post/Giveaway. The opinions I share are my own.**

My kids are the hugest Lego fans! My daughters love Lego Friends so I am super excited to bring you guys our first toy giveaway of 2016--one of you will get a copy of LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE on Blu-ray and DVD plus the LEGO® Friends Pop Star Dressing Room Building Kit! 

Livi has to get ready for the concert. Have Emma help her pick out her on-stage outfit, do her makeup and play with their dog, Cookie the Dalmatian, before the show. Once the performance is done, have Livi and Emma open fan mail and admire flowers that were sent to the pop star. Fold open the dressing room for various combinations of fun. This 279-piece LEGO set encourages creative scenarios for Livi, Emma and Cookie.
Join Olivia, Stephanie, Emma, Mia and Andrea, as they learn about friendship, fame and pop star fun in Heartlake City.  The girls’ friendships are tested when mega pop star Livi comes to Heartlake City. When our friends’ hit song “Girlz” is stolen by Livi’s manager, it’s time for a cunning plan.  As the girls try to tell Livi the truth about her latest hit single, they all learn that fame isn’t everything and sometimes friendship is the most precious thing in the world.


GIVEAWAY!
This one is a little different but SUPER FUN with lots of ways to win!  You don't need to put your e-mail address in the comments! Just fill out the form once below. 
Ends 1/20 at 11 pm PST
Do 1 or all of the things below and comment with your answer or leave your twitter or FB link. 
  • LEGO® FRIENDS: GIRLZ 4 LIFE is all about the value of friendship! Who was your best friend growing up? 
  • What is your favorite memory of your best friend?
  • Download the “Girlz 4 Life” Activity Pack from the app above and comment with which activity you enjoyed doing at home with their daughters the most.
  • Leave a comment on another recent blog post.
Get social with it!
  • Tweet using the #Girlz4Life hashtag and mention the giveaway on Twitter.
  • Share your post on Facebook so all your friends can enjoy the blog app and it’s activities with their daughters.
Note: Each household is only eligible to win LEGO FRIENDS: Girlz 4 Life Blu-ray & LEGO FRIENDS: Pop Star Dressing Room Kit via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Look Who's Happy! A Dog Treats #Giveaway

Our mailbox wasn't the only happy one the other day... what was inside was about to make our sweet Lucy super happy, too!  I dropped the mail on the couch, forgetting she was expecting anything. She knew there was something for her, though, running around in circles, jumping up onto my lap, and listening in confusion as I said, "No, Lucy, it's not for you." (My dog is worse than the kids now when it comes to the mail--she thinks the mailman comes especially for her!)
But I was wrong and she was right!  I opened a mysterious package to see a present wrapped especially for her!  My pooch is getting used to being a guest-dog blogger and waits patiently for me to take pictures.  She even smiles now when I tell her to "say cheese!"
"How do I open this, Mom?!" she asked in bewilderment.
 
After some help, she couldn't wait to try them!

Look Who's Happy!  Well, you can hardly look at Lucy in this picture.... she is enjoying one of each treat in the chair!  She loves them!  And truly I was tempted (almost) to try one.  They look like jerky and smell realllly good.  The Tempt'n Tenders flavor is Chicken with Pumpkin Recipe while the Fetch'n Fillets are Chicken Jerky.

Look Who's Happy! couldn't have a slogan that resonates more.  My pooch came into my life when I was going through a pretty sad time.  I love her so, and she has given me so many smiles!  Today, my daughter came up to me and said, "Mom, somehow Lucy got into the closet and she was trying to get her new treats out of the bag!"  Of course, we had to reward her with one of those treats for her ingenuity. ;)
 GIVEAWAY
One of my readers will win their choice of the treats Lucy recommends!  Would your pooch like the 
Tempt'n Tenders Chicken with Pumpkin Recipe or the Fetch'n Fillets Chicken Jerky?
Ends at 11 pm, 1/12/15


You Can Find Look Who's Happy! On
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Special thanks to the wonderful people at Look Who's Happy! for providing us with these treats to review.  All opinions are honest and our own.
 

Food with Substance for Pets with Character: #NaturalBalance Goodies for Lucy! #Ad

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network TM . I am being compensated to help spread the word the word about Natural Balance available at PetSmart, but The Traveling Sisterhood only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance and PetSmart are not responsible for the content of this article.

My sweet baby waiting so patiently for Mama to tell her she can get herself a cookie! 
"Okay.  You can pick one, honey."  Such a good dog, she took one cookie and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Natural Balance's LID Limited Ingredient Diet® treats are small and healthy so I let her get another.  She is such a good girl, I love that these little treats make it easy to reward her numerous times a day!

You can find coupons for the LID treats and food on Natural Balance's webpage. Sometimes, I even spread some organic peanut butter across the top which she really loves! These treats are so good for her overall well-being!  They make her happy, she enjoys them, and they're good for her, backed with a Buy with Confidence guarantee to ensure her health and safety and specially created for a dog's (or cat's!) true natureTheir natural pet food and treats address a wide variety of needs for all stages of our fur baby's lives: Limited Ingredient Diet for allergies, Wild Pursuit for high protein, unique proteins/flavor profiles for particular pets, specially made for small or large dogs... the list goes on!

My very favorite place to shop for goodies for my Lucy is at PetSmart®! It's such a fun store with a wide variety of the best foods.  Besides shopping in-store, they do sell the same products on-line and often have some great discounts at Petsmart.com.

For the last month, Lucy has been eating Natural Balance's Sweet Potato and Chicken Formula "Small Breed Bites" Dry Food. I had wanted her to try the Potato and Duck but that was sold out at the moment.  Natural Balance Dog Food is a true limited ingredient diet - single source animal protein and limited carbohydrate sources.  The food is balanced with Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids along with high quality protein to help support my Lucy's healthy skin & shiny coat. She's been using the food for about a month and her skin is definitely healthy, and her coat is soft and silky!

As I was coming down the stairs, she was begging me for more of her cookies.  Maybe later, sweetie!