Caring Heart: Reaping the Rewards of Giving Back

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It is important for everyone to give back to their community. The support will surely be appreciated by those who are less fortunate. While some people donate money, there are others who contribute their time and effort. Here are some of the key benefits of giving back to the community.

Increased self-esteem

Several research studies have concluded that being charitable boosts self-esteem. After helping a person in need, many individuals are overcome with inspiration. They begin to realize that the world needs generous people who care about others. By contributing to a good cause, a bad day can easily turn into a great day.

Build a bond with other people

From sick children to disabled adults, everyone needs a friend to lean on in tough situations. While donating money can definitely help to change the world, volunteering is just as important. While they are out helping the community, volunteers are able to meet other interesting people. In fact, it is not uncommon for lifelong friendships to develop.

Sets an example for the younger generation

Believe it or not, anyone has the potential to be a positive role model. Unsurprisingly, a lot of children tend to follow in the footsteps of their parents. After watching their mother or father perform an act of kindness, a child is more likely to follow suit. For example, a youngster can donate their clothes to The Salvation Army.

Makes the world a better place

There is no overlooking the fact that the world is not a perfect place. However, it takes a team effort in order to change things. Although five dollars may not seem like much, it has the potential to a smile on someone’s face. Organizations such as Palmco and ACCO are working hard to stop childhood cancer.

Develop a new outlook on life

Some people tend to take life for granted. They often fail to see the other side of the coin. Although their life may be satisfying, there are others who are struggling just to survive. After investing in a charitable cause, many people gain a whole new perspective on life.

Everyone should strive to develop a caring mindset. Giving back to the community is a great way to bring about change. A little love can go a long way.

Product Review: Soufeel Charm Bracelet

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I've been meaning to get myself a bracelet with Pandora beads as a gift for myself, but I never really had a chance to buy. Then, recently I was invited to review the charms and bracelet from Soufeel. I checked their website and the charms are really pretty.

The Deets:

The charms are from SOUFEEL which are 925 sterling silver and can fit Pandora, Chamilia bracelet with the lower price. You can recommend Soufeel as best gift selection and we have unique, memorable charms for the special person in your life.

My Thoughts

As I have mentioned earlier, all the charms I saw on the Soufeel website are gorgeous. I have to admit that I did have a tough time choosing what I really want. But I did pick a starter sterling silver bracelet and three pretty charms: the Wishing Angel Charm 925 Sterling Silver, the Best Love For You Dangle Charm 925 Sterling Silver and the Handbag With Purple Bow Charm 925 Sterling Silver.

Ordering the bracelet was a breeze. They provide a chart where you can choose the size of your bracelet. The sizes are in inches and centimeters, so it will be easier for you to determine. I would suggest, though, that you give an allowance of a few centimeters from your exact size. The charms may take up some space and you do want your bracelet a little loose.

The charms and the bracelet are well made. You can see from the photos that they were delicately crafted. Everything looks smooth and the quality of the stones in the charms is superb.

Three charms aren't enough. I want more of these and I'm definitely going back to purchase more. If you are looking for an awesome gift idea or you simply want a jewelry for yourself, you should visit Soufeel and check what they have to offer.

Where to buy?

These lovely charms and bracelets can be purchased through the Soufeel website. You can use the coupon code Liza5 to get a discount. The site offers a wide array of birthstone charms, beads, nature, good luck charms and more!

Disclosure: Product/s mentioned above were sent to me by Soufeel for evaluation purposes. No monetary compensation was received to write the review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own. However, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Get Real Cash When You Shop at ShopBack

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I never really imagined that there will come a time that I will be shopping online. Not that I'm against it, but being a SAHM, I had all the time in the world to go out and shop for our needs. Add to that the fact that I live in a place where everything is near; shopping centers, groceries, bookstores and markets. Notice how all of them are in plural form? We're pretty surrounded with all these establishments, and all I need to do is walk a few minutes and I can get everything I need.

That's until I became a WAHM.

When I started with my blogging career and eventually became a VA (virtual assistant), I had to learn to schedule everything. I have to set a certain time to do the laundry, prepare the food, ironing, shopping, going to markets and grocery shopping. So, it was really helpful when I discovered online shopping because on the days that I can't go out, I can simply order online and my items will arrive within a couple of days. How convenient is that?

Of course, my family and I still visit the malls and shopping centers on weekends. That, watching a movie, grocery shopping and eating out are just some of our favorite things to do.

Now, let me get to the real reason why I am writing this article.

ShopBack.

If you love to shop online like I do, ShopBack will interest you. Why, it's the only online shop that lets you earn cash while you shop. Forget about those rewards programs where you earn points that you can use to purchase items from the same shop. At ShopBack, the cash back that you will earn can be converted into real cash you can withdraw through your bank or PayPal.

Oh, you think there's a catch because it's too good to be true? Well, there is no catch, really. Check out the website and you'll see that when you shop from your favorite stores like Zalora, Lazada, DHGate, Shoe Metro and other popular stores, a cash back will be awarded to you after the purchase. Of course, you can still shop using this cash back, but you can actually turn it into real cash if you want.

You may not earn big money here, but depending on the item, cash backs may reach as much as 45%. And as you shop, your earnings add up. Before you know it, you have accumulated some money that's ready to be cashed out.

Check out the website and you'll see that when you shop from your favorite stores like Zalora, Lazada, DHGate, Shoe Metro and other popular stores, a cash back will be awarded to you after the purchase.

Shop at MissDressShop for the Perfect Prom Dress

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If you are in high school, then I'm sure you are most excited about your Prom night. Who wouldn't? This is one event in your high school life wherein you get to dress in formal dresses or gowns. You can even dress like a princess if you like. The prom night is usually the most memorable event in one's high school life. It is the guys who arrange for a rental limousine, the flowers and where you should go after the party. And months away from the prom, the girls are already hunting for the perfect Long Prom Dresses.

Now, if you still haven't found the perfect dress to wear for that special night, don't panic. There are many online shops out there that offer beautiful prom gowns and dresses. You might not believe it, but you can even find your perfect dress from a Wedding Dresses UK store.

The key is knowing what you really want as there are tons of styles and designs that you will see when you begin your search. While I'm sure you already have something in mind, it is important to know your body type first. That way, you can narrow down your search and you don't have to spend a long time looking for a dress. Study your figure; are you petite, tall, big, pear shaped, hourglass shaped, oval shaped or is your body straight?

Once you know the shape of your body, you can begin searching for a dress. Try to be unique in your own way. Look for a dress style that you feel not many, if not none of your friends will wear. That way, you will stand out from the rest of them on the night of the prom.

Don't know where to start? Miss Dress Shop is my go to place when I need to wear something formal. This is also where we got my daughter's prom dress. They offer a wide variety of styles and designs and surely, you will find something that will suit your taste. Good luck and happy shopping!

Product Review: White Time Sawyer Brown Band Watch

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Ever since I switched to using a smartphone, I stopped wearing a watch. I'm a WAHM and rarely go out, so I really didn't feel the need to wear a watch all the time. Besides, it will only get when I'm doing most of the chores. But when I saw the Arvo wristwatch at Tomoson, I changed my mind. I want to wear a wristwatch again, even if I'm home, so I applied and was approved. You can just imagine my excitement when the watch arrived.

Product Description

• Genuine leather band
• Water resistant 3 ATM
• Stainless steel case back
• Gold Plated Casing
• Unisex
• Case Diameter: 4 cm
• Case thickness: 6 mm
• Total weight: 32 grams
• Miyota Japan quartz Movement
• 3 year battery life

My Thoughts

What really made the watch really attractive is its simplicity. I love the white face and brown bracelet combination. The watch has three different colors, but it's the White Time Sawyer that I like.

The leather band is made of high quality leather and the watch is water resistant. I love that it's unisex, so my husband can use this, too. He prefers the sporty one though, which is a good thing, so I can have the watch all to myself.

I like a watch with a clear face because it makes it easier for me to read the time. My eyes aren't that good anymore and I don't want to wear my glasses just to read the time. The Arvo watch has no numbers, but you can easily tell the time.

Overall, I love this watch because it's simple, elegant and easy to read. Whether I'm wearing casual or formal clothes, this watch would look great. If you are looking for a nice watch that you can use everyday, I recommend that you look more into this one.

Where to buy?

You can purchase the White Time Sawyer watch through the Arvo website. It is retailed at $54.99

My friends at Arvo love my readers, too, that we have worked together to give away a wristwatch to one lucky reader.

Prize: 1 Arvo Wristwatch

Dates: 10 June - 25 June 2015 

Open to: US Residents 18+ 

Enter to win using the giveaway widget below. 

Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received a sample of this product free of charge for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own and was in no way influenced by anyone or the brand.

Kids, Candy and Costumes: A Parent's Mini-Guide for Surviving Halloween

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Like all celebrated holidays, Halloween is an opportunity for excitement and shared memories. However, to ensure the happiness and safety of all, parents should keep a few things in mind related to kids, candy, and costumes.

Trick or Treating

Going around and collecting candy from neighbors and friends is a Halloween tradition, yet you may live in a large neighborhood, and as a parent, feel a bit hesitant. If you’re not available as a chaperone, hire a babysitter, older sibling, or responsible party to usher your child around. Since kids enjoy going around in groups, plan with other parents and share the responsibility throughout the late day and evening.

If your city does not have a curfew, put a time limit on the amount of time your kids may trick or treat. Though it is a special night, explain that it is still necessary to get to bed at the usual time to prepare for the next day. Of course, kids want to consume the candy they’ve gathered, but their eyes are bigger than their stomachs. Explain they may eat a few of their favorite items on Halloween night and reserve a few bits for each day to avoid sickness and stomach aches.

Costumes

Marketers and advertisers make money off the holiday, offering popular costumes at extreme prices. Since your child will be using the costume for a few hours, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to splurge on an expensive store-bought costume. Alternatively, plan time to make a costume with your child, reserving a few days before the holiday to construct something at home. It’s a great opportunity to spend time together and do something constructive. If you have the spare time, make costumes for other children whose parents do not have the money for store-bought items. Most times, you can make something of better quality that is more unique than what is offered in Halloween stores. Alternatively, search online for costumes at sites like Spirithalloween.com to enjoy savings and a larger variety.

Candy

Some parents reserve special diets for their children or prefer kids abstain from eating loads of candy in a short amount of time. As mentioned, explain the candy is to be eaten in small amounts. Actually, it is a good time to teach a lesson about money or allowance. Explain consuming all the candy at once, much like spending all of one’s allowance or paycheck directly after receiving it, is a bad idea and does not allow for an even amount of enjoyment.

Alternatively, suggest your child cash-in their candy for a prize such as a toy or money. Trick or treating is most popular because the other kids are doing it versus an opportunity to accrue loads of candy. Modify your child’s behavior by presenting an alternative. Also, suggest your child share the candy with a younger sibling who did not go out or a neighbor who acquired a smaller amount. Teach fairness and the sentiment of charity and sharing.

Robert J. Mehta is a father of three pre-teens that love Halloween. He enjoys sharing his Halloween and parenting experiences online and his articles mainly appear in family lifestyle blogs.

Product Review: Diamond Solitaire Studded Band Bridal Set by Anjolee

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A diamond is the hardest mineral on earth and it is considered an ultimate gem because it only has a few weaknesses and an abundant supply of strength. No wonder it's popularly used in jewelries and they are considered a girl's best friend. I love diamonds and I was very excited when I was invited to review a beautiful bridal set from Anjolee.

My Thoughts

I chose the Diamond Solitaire Studded Band Bridal Set and I received the set of Silver and Cubic Zirconia via UPS. It comes in a simple, beautiful burgundy box and as you can see in the lower photo, the set of two rings is sitting prettily inside.

The stones are cut without flaws and they are shiny like real diamonds. The silver bands are also flawless. I asked for a size 7 and that's exactly what I got.

The style is very simple, yet it is elegant. I can wear them everyday without looking too flashy.

Recommendation

If you are looking to buy a ring, I would suggest you get a bridal set. This ensures you get a perfect fit for both rings. Anjolee offers a lot of styles and designs and you can opt for real diamonds or other gemstones; you can also choose the type of metal you want. What I love about the website is you can get a bridal set depending on your budget. Oh, but they don't only offer bridal jewelry sets. If you make a click stop there, you will see that they also have gorgeous diamond necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Where to buy?

You can purchase the Diamond Solitaire Studded Band Bridal Set through the Anjolee website. Shipping and gift packaging is FREE on all orders, and they have a 30-day return policy.

Disclosure: I received a sample of this product free of charge for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own and was in no way influenced by anyone or the brand.

Tips for Setting Up a New Coffee Shop

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An owner who is in the process of setting up a new coffee shop has a never-ending list of things to do. One of the most important things is to plan the look of the shop. The goal is to establish a comfortable setting that encourages customers to sit down and relax with their coffee. If they do this, there is a good chance they will purchase other items. There are a lot of elements that go into establishing an inviting tone in a coffee shop. Take a look at what owners should consider as they set up their coffee shop.

The Color Scheme

Many owners choose neutral or soft colors for their shop. Customers who walk in are greeted by soothing colors that make them relax though they may not consciously be aware of it. The seat cushions, furniture, counters and even the menu should all contribute to this pleasant atmosphere. Plus, a coffee shop owner should take care in choosing the colors worn by employees. These colors should flow with the color scheme of the coffee shop. Owners who have a particular look in mind for their cups, saucers, bowls and more may want to shop a quality store that offers coffee shop supplies.

The Music

Most coffee shops have some type of music for their customers. Some choose to play calming guitar music over the speakers while other shops may choose a soft rock station. It’s a good idea to have music playing at a low level so it sets the mood of the establishment in a subtle way.

The Arrangement of Tables

Depending on the preferences of an owner, a coffee shop may have several round tables, a few booths and an outdoor sitting area. An owner should create an arrangement that allows a customer plenty of room to move around. The tables should be arranged so people can easily move between them. Also, the seats in a booth should be big enough for guests to relax and put their items beside them as they enjoy coffee with a friend.

The appearance of a coffee shop has a lot to do with whether a customer will pay a return visit to the store. An owner who takes care planning the store and choosing items for it will likely be pleased with the number of customers who visit each day.

The Strangest Things Ever Found in Storage Units

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My husband and I love to watch Storage Wars. We are always amazed with what the bidders find inside a storage container. There was a time when Darren (one of the bidders) found a painting worth $310,000.00. Plus, there we other stuff in that particular container, so you can just imagine how much money he made from that one.

Sometimes, they get a container for as low as $100 and sometimes, it goes way more than that, but it's what's inside that really matters. Most of the time they find troves of treasures inside the containers and they earn more than what they paid for, but there are times when some of them are not as lucky and found pieces of craps, dead animals, broken furniture and even preserved body parts. Check below and see what others found inside the storage containers.

Pick Your Perfect Hair Extension

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Having a short hair is not a problem anymore if you want to change your hairstyle. Hair extensions are huge these days and the good thing about this is you can easily do it yourself. Plus, there are so many styles you can choose from.

There are two options for hair extensions: the permanent method where the hair extension can be glued or weaved and the clip in hair extensions. The latter is more popular because it is easier to do and won't cause damage to your hair. You simply attach the extension to your hair with pressure sensitive clips and you can have long beautiful hair in an instant.

The best hair extensions are definitely cheaper than the permanent ones and they are low on maintenance, too. These can be perfectly matched with your own hair and they look so natural, no one would ever suspect that you are wearing hair extensions. Read below for some tips before you decide to buy hair extensions.

The right color. Take a good look at your hair and I suggest you do this in the daylight. The top layers (near the roots) of your hair is usually darker, so pay attention to the bottom inches of your hair. This is where you will match the color of the hair extension because this is where you will attach the hair extension.

The hair thickness. If you have thick hair, choose an extension that would match the volume of your hair. That way, your hair extension would look more natural.

The texture of your hair. Is it straight, wavy or curly? Most hair extensions you will find on the market are usually straight. If you have wavy or curly hair, you may have your hair straightened or have your your extensions wavy or curly as well.

The length. It is easier to blend clip in extensions with shoulder length hair. It is even better when your hair is longer. But of course, it's those who have shorter hair who want to have longer hair. You still can. The secret is to layer short hair and curl the hair extension to blend perfectly.

How to Find the Perfect Mother of the Bride Dress

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The wedding season is upon us and if you're having a wedding in the family, I'm sure you are too excited to find a beautiful and elegant dress that is not too expensive. Just because you are the mother of the bride means you won't give importance to your dress. Sure, it's the bride's most important day, but you are the MOB and you should be as equally beautiful on that special day.

A jewel-tone frock in a flattering cut is what seems to be in these days. Or if you prefer the demure look, you'll never go wrong floral dresses with A line silhouettes. These are classic looks and they never go out of style.

Now, if you're feeling so much pressure in finding the perfect dress and still can't decide on the style or design, here are some tips for a stress free shopping, so you can spend more time helping your daughter with her wedding.

While there are many wedding shops out there, it may take you a while and several trips to different stores to be able to locate the perfect mpther of the bride dress. Many women turn to shopping at online stores not only because it is fast and convenient, but because it is easier to browse through hundreds of thousands of fashion listings. Plus, they get to compare prices and get the best deals. One such store that offers a wide variety of styles and designs is WeddingShe. The sexy mother of the bride dresses of weddingshe are unique and very affordable. But before you head out there and start shopping, read on to make your shopping experience easier.

Get a Sense of the Wedding Theme. Every wedding has a theme and a tone. Whether it is a formal or informal wedding and whatever color tone the bride prefers, make sure you choose a dress that will fit to these criteria.

Don’t Forget Whose Day It Is. Albeit you want to be as equally stunning, keep in mind that it is your daughter who is saying I Do. Let her set the standards for choosing the theme, styles and designs.

Don’t Forget About the Mother of the Groom. Communicate with her and let her know about what style and design you are planning to purchase. It will be even better if you go shopping for your dresses together to ensure you both look your best without outshining each other.

Stick to Your Personal Style. Once you find out the color and tone of the wedding. Start looking for an esemble that suits your taste and at the same time will fit the theme of the wedding.

While the wedding has a theme, there is no reason why you shouldn't look for a dress style that will flatter you. You are the mother and you should also look your best on your daughter's special day. Go ahead and feel free to choose a dress that is both flattering and comfortable. And if you are also looking for Flower Girl dresses you can click on http://www.weddingshe.com/list/Flower-Girl-Dresses-10070/ for the most adorabe and affordable ensembles.