Rafiki Mwema #lettersformyrafiki

Play Kenya is a UK based charity, registered to help children in Kenya, deal with trauma and loss they experience in their lives. This charity has a few projects they've been running, but one in particular I want to cover: Rafiki Mwema.

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Rafiki Mwema, meaning "loyal friend",
started as a therapeutic safe house, made to support the needs of young girls who have been sexually abused. There are many girls under the age of 12, that have experienced terribly awful things, with no special care or support in recovering. Since Rafiki Mwema started, these girls can now have a place to go, to receive any medical treatment they might need, and get the support they need to go through the court system, and when possible,
work towards their safe return home.

It currently cost $5,000 American US Dollars per month, to run Rafiki Mwema, with the capacity to hold 25 girls with 4 sponsors each. Each sponsor donates $50 AUD monthly, so a total of $200 goes to each girl. Or one sponsor can choose to provide everything for one girl, at $200 a month. This is more expensive then you usually see for a monthly charity, but Rafiki Mwema does not receive any money from the government or other large organizations so they rely solely on individual donations. And since they have no overhead or administration costs, the sponsorship goes 100% to the child's needs. 

This includes:
"-The first and of utmost importance to these girls is a loving home environment with caring staff that provide a high standard of therapeutic care.
Including individual key workers for each child.
-Participation in attachment play programs to assist with overcoming their emotional trauma
-Attendance at School with therapeutically trained teachers
-Specialized education around sexual abuse
-Integration back to their families and communities
-Education for staff in the schools about supporting sexually abused girls
-Legal and emotional support through court processes
-Regular and ongoing monitoring when in the community to ensure safety
-Three nourishing meals a day
-Clothing and essential necessities
-Specialised and ongoing health care
-Excursions into the local community to ensure the girls are integrated back into their own culture"

(If you would like to be a sponsor, please click here)

I know some charities, we tend to be hesitant about because people can greedy and take the money for themselves, but Rafiki Mwema commits to being transparent in where their funds go,  with Castle Design covering all their administration costs, and all the board members working for free.

This is a great charity to share with. I know money can be tight, and $50 a month isn't for everybody. So if you would like to help, please spread the word! 
Also, Chantelle from Fat Mum Slim had a great idea to start sending these lil girls 'Letters for my Rafiki', meaning letters for my friend... The girls would love to receive letters, cards, pictures, stickers, ect. (It must be general -flat- mail) to brighten their day! Anyone can do this! 
(and tag your photo with #lettersformyrafiki if you do!)

Address the letters to:

Rafiki Mwema
P.O. Box 4298
Nakuru, Kenya
East Africa

My son made a little book for the girls, about being happy :) 
And we sent some stickers for them to share as well.
Everyday he asks, "do you think they got it yet??" We can just imagine the smiles on their face...
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For more information, visit rafikimwema.com
you can also find them on Facebook.
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Free Shipping At Gymboree Today!

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Gymboree.com is having free standard shipping on any item
no minimum purchase today!
They have a lot of items 20-70% off too! 
Might be a great time to start school shopping, get great clothes at a great price!

For an extra 10% off, you can text GYMBOREE to the number 38109.
When you text, they will reply within seconds, asking you to text Y for offer & Gymboree text. To get your coupon code, you reply Y, then they send the code right away. If you do not want to continue receiving Gymboree texts, make sure you then reply STOP.

You can get items like: 2 pair of babies socks for as low as $1.79, or child's pajama set for as low as $6.29, Girls Butterfly Romper for $5.39... so many more items to choose from! But don't wait because the free shipping is only for today, and items are going fast!!

Sweet Turtle Socks Two-PackTaco Night Shortie Two-Piece Gymmies®Butterfly Romper

Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls + Recipe

If you're wanting an easy way to making Cinnamon Rolls, 
check out Betty Crocker's Bisquick Cinnamon Roll recipe! It's super easy to make. 
You will need the following ingredients:


2 tablespoons granulated sugar 
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon  
2/3 cup milk
2 1/2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix 
2 tablespoons granulated sugar 
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened 
 1/4 cup raisins (Optional-I didn't use)

Ingredients for the glaze:
1 1/3 cups powdered sugar 
2 tablespoons milk 

To make: Heat oven to 375°F. Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan. 
In small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon; set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, 2/3 cup milk, and 2 tablespoons sugar until dough forms. 
If dough is too sticky, gradually mix in enough Bisquick mix (up to 1/4 cup) to make dough easy to handle. Turn dough onto surface well dusted with Bisquick mix; 
gently roll dough in Bisquick mix to coat. Shape into ball; knead 10 times.
Roll dough into 15x9-inch rectangle; spread with butter. Sprinkle evenly with sugar mixture and raisins. Roll up tightly, beginning at 15-inch side. Seal well by pinching edge of dough into roll. Cut into 1 1/4-inch slices; place cut sides down in pan.
Bake 23 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
For the Glaze:
 Mix the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, in a medium bowl, until smooth. 
Spread glaze over warm rolls, and enjoy!


National Fudge Day!

Today is June 16th! Do you know what that means?
National Fudge Day!

I'm not a big fan of fudge...but occasionally it can be tasty...especially chocolate fudge with walnuts! That's probably the best flavor in my opinion. What's your favorite fudge flavor?

Awhile back, I picked up this fun book from the library for my lil man: Bunnicula: Hot Fudge
A Great book for today! I also printed out a little bunny picture for him to write a fudge poem about. 
This is what he came up with:

"Hot Fudge on my teeth.
Carrot fudge on my daddy.
Cat Fudge on my mama.
Dog fudge on my dog.
Vanilla fudge on my bunny."

Such a silly little poem, from a silly little boy. 
And of course, we had to make Fudge!

I got this Easy Creamy Vanilla Fudge recipe from diyfood.com
 
Ingredients Needed:
3 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
6 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

       Grease a 9x5 inch pan. Set aside. 
In a 3-quart saucepan, over very low heat, mix together confectioners sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and salt until mixture is creamy. Pour quickly into greased 9x5 inch pan. Refrigerate until firm, 
then cut into squares and endulge!  

Enjoy your Fudgy Day!

A Broken Kind of Beautiful - Book Review

http://www.randomhouse.com/images/dyn/cover/?source=9781601425904&width=125A Broken Kind of Beautiful, a Fiction Novel written by Katie Ganshert, is about a 24 year old model named Ivy Clark, who has been been in the business for 10 years, and has recently started seeing the truth about modeling. No one caring about her broken past, all they want to see is how beautiful she can look in the camera. Ivy begins feeling like her life is unraveling as her career in modeling seems to dim, she finds herself willing to do almost anything to hold on to all she's worked for. With that, she ends up moving to the last place she wants to be, her home town, Greenbrier, South Carolina, where she becomes the new face for her step-mothers Bridal Wear Line. The future of Ivy's modeling career is left in the hands of her new photographer, Davis Knight, a man who can see through Ivy, challenging everything she has come to believe about beauty and self worth. 
A Broken Kind of Beautiful quote1 (2)

While reading A Broken Kind of Beautiful...I just didn't want it to end! I loved everything about it! Seeing Ivy's true beauty unwind, and following as her relationships grew with the people around her, it felt like I was right there in the story. The emotion in this story really brings the characters to life! I loved the inspirational cues throughout, leaving pieces of encouragement and reminders that God is there for us, setting us free. This novel is full of hope, healing, and romance...a book that leaves you wanting more!


For more information on Katie Ganshert, the author of A Broken Kind of Beautiful, be sure to visit her  
You can also read an excerpt of the book here.
A Broken Kind of Beautiful quote2 (2) 
This review is made possible by the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group via Blogging for Books,  by providing me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own. 

Father's Day is Sunday!

I can't believe how quick Father's Day jumped up on us. It's this Sunday, June 15th! Isn't it usually in July? Or am I just crazy? Anyway, I came across a ton of ideas for that special man in your life... crafts to have your kids do... or things for their papa...you can check out my Pinterest board here!

Below are some of the things I really enjoyed seeing this year for Father's Day.

Though no daddy around here smokes...these chocolate covered Pretzel "cigars" 
are super cute from Miss Candiquik
Cigar Pretzels - blog.candiquik.com 
Personalized Shoe Deodorizers from Pink And Green Mama are a great idea 
for those daddy's with stinky feet! 
 And making a Father's Day Booklet, filled with all the great things about daddy!! You can get a free printout from The Measured Mom so your lil one can make daddy a book too!
make a book about dad 590x737 Homemade Fathers Day gift from kids: A book about Dad (with free printable)

My son will be making the above book...in fact he's working on it right now as I write this! ;)
What are your plans for Father's Day?

*Disappointed: SOI Co. Soy Candle

Disclosure: I never got this product as part of an advertorial :(  
 
*Because of a mix up somewhere, I never received my SOI candle to review, and after contacting the company, they told me they do not resend samples. 
This was a huge bummer because I really was looking forward 
to trying this, and holding a giveaway for you guys.

SOI Co. Candles are hand-poured candles created from 100% FDA approved natural soy oil, that are soot free and do not emit any harmful toxins. The soy oil burns coolly, at 106 degrees, melting in to a reflective, that is warm to touch, and can also be used as a skin moisturizer! You can massage the melted oils into dry or irritated areas on your skin, and it can also be used as a soothing remedy to sunburns, eczema, psoriasis, and poison oak.

These candles are triple-fragranced in a variety of aromas, though never overpowering, and are made to compliment your decor and emphasize the ambiance in your home.

SOI candles are available in a variety of scents, anywhere from Romantic, Tropical, Fruity, and more. And they are come in several sizes or containers including votives, jars, and tins.

You can find more information on SOI candles and the SOI Company by visiting thesoico.com

** Due to Tomoson guidelines, and the company not removing my name, a review was still needed. So now you know about SOI Candles, and if you have the chance to review one, or find yourself purchasing in the future, 
I hope you indeed receive your package, and most of all, enjoy!


I never received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. And I cannot recommend this company. :(

Vitamin Shoppe's Next Step Fit N' Full Protein Shakes


 The Vitamin Shoppe's Next Step 20oz JAXX Shaker Cup is BPA Free and made of FDA food grade plastics. It is great for protein shakes, sports drinks, nutritional drinks, and more, by having a cute little "jaxx" inside, that helps the powder mix with the liquid.
I received three packets of Vitamin Shoppe's Next Step Fit N' Full Protein Shakes to review,
in the flavors Swiss Chocolate, French Vanilla, and Fresh Berries.

The first shake I tried was Swiss Chocolate. It was easy enough to make, but no matter how much I shook it, some of the powder wouldn't dissolve so I had powder balls in it lol. The taste is rich, strong of powdered milk. Kind of chalky and has a strange plastic/chemical taste. It gave me a stomach ache like I drank milk (lactose intolerant).. 
 French Vanilla was just as it sounds, a sweet, french vanilla flavor that tasted better then the Swiss Chocolate. This time I tried mixing it without the jack inside, and it seemed to mix better, but I still had a few powder balls throughout. It seems like the powder would dissolve better in warm water, but flavor-wise, that just sounds gross.
The Fresh Berries shake was my least favorite of the three. This one really didn't want to mix up so it left me with several clumps. The first initial taste was ok, a nice berry sweetness, but the aftertaste was horrible. It left me with the taste of throw up. Not the greatest.

Each of these shakes are made to support reduction of body fat and reduce hunger and cravings. They do not contain any yeast, citrus, fish, animal derivatives, or artificial colors. When I drank a shake for each morning, I never felt like it was a full meal. I got hungry about an hour later after each one, so that was a bummer, seeing these are considered a quick and healthy meal. Though the shakes contain some good things, I can't recommend this product since I didn't care for it.

If you're interested in learning more about Vitamin Shoppe's Next Step Fit N' full Protein shakes, visit vitaminshoppe.com

 #NextStep Shake
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. 
@Influenster #GoVoxBox

Majestic Bombay Blemish Remover & Acne Pimple Extractor

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Majestic Bombay's Blackhead Blemish Remover and Acne Pimple Extractor is a special tool made to get those pesky black and white heads from your skin, without aggravating and damaging the skin, with minimal to no bruising. The tool has a no slip grip design, for ultimate hand control, and features a thin angled loop on one end, so you can easily roll out the white heads, with a flat side on the other end, to press out blackheads. The tool is made of solid stainless steel
and is guaranteed against manufacture defects.
To use, you begin by sterilizing the tool with a clean cotton ball and rubbing alcohol. Make sure your hands are clean and washed thoroughly. Press either the angle loop side onto a whitehead, or the flat side onto a blackhead, and gently press and slide til head is removed.
*Works best after a steamy shower so your pores are all opened up.
Before I received this extractor to review,  I did a little bit of research on how to use it and how well it actually works...and I came across quite a few videos, that were...pretty disgusting to be honest lol...but showed how well these extractors are when put to use! So I was sold before I even got it!
But once I received it, and cleaned it as said, I began using it after a hot shower, and the smell of it was horrendous! The metallic rust scent was really strong and hard to get past. I also found that it didn't work as well for me, as it does for the people in videos. The heads that were pushed out were pretty cool to see, but for the most part, it was really difficult to get them pressed without it hurting. It's especially hard to use on the nose, which is the place most people feel they need it most.
But it works great for popping zits without having to use your fingers.
Just make sure to cleanse it before and after use.

This extractor is heavy duty tool, and feels really durable, if you're not sensitive to the metal smells, it's a great price for the product, at $6.99 with free shipping on Amazon
#MBBlackheadRemover

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

WooBamboo Kid's Eco Toothbrushes

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

"Dentist approved, Mother Nature recommended!”

The WooBamboo Kid's Eco "Sprout" Toothbrush is a child's eco-friendly toothbrush, with the handle made of organically grown, sustainable, biodegradable, and antimicrobial bamboo, coated in natural wax for durability and comfort, with bristles of Dupont Tynex, said to be the best, most trusted bristle around. They say, that once you are finished with the toothbrush, you can literally pull out the bristles, recycle them, and throw your toothbrush handle
into your compost and it will gently biodegrade.

WooBamboo also makes natural bamboo toothbrushes for adults! They come in two different styles, Standard Handle and Slim Handle, with the choice of a Soft, Medium or Super Soft bristle. They also come packaged in recycled and recyclable material, with the option to brand and label the toothbrushes. WooBamboo's bristles are soft and great for those delicate children's teeth, or adults sensitive teeth. The texture of the wood is nice to hold in your hand and the fact that these brushes are eco-friendly makes you feel that much better about using them! You're getting your teeth clean, all while caring for the world, in one! If you would like to try WooBamboo toothbrushes, you can find more information at woobamboo.com as well as a locator for purchasing your own WooBamboo toothbrush. You can also enter for a chance to win a pack of WooBamboo's Kids toothbrushes like the ones I received! 
Enter through Rafflecopter below.
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Now for the Giveaway: One reader will win a WooBamboo Kid's Eco "Sprout" Toothbrush!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

ProFoot Pedi-Rock

ProFoot Pedi-Rock is the first soft foot file that is ergonomically designed to the shape of your foot, giving you the ultimate foot file experience. It is made up of silicon carbide crystals, made to remove the toughest calluses, giving you those soft and smooth feet. What's even cooler, is this pedi-rock can be used wet or dry, so you can bring it with you in the shower! 
Although, if you don't have perfect balance or a shower chair...be careful! ;) 
After use, just rinse off the pedi-rock and let it air dry for the next use!

(front and back photo of Pedi-Rock)

The first time I used the ProFoot Pedi-Rock, I took it with me in the shower. That is when I realized I don't have the balance I use to! lol. But I scrubbed the crunchy parts of my feet as best as I could, expecting super soft feet when I got out. They actually felt rougher then usual. Until I applied lotion and waited for a few minutes. Some of the rough calluses were smoother, but not as good as I felt it should have done. So a few days later, I used the Pedi-Rock on dry feet. This worked so much better! Though holding the rock is a bit of an odd feeling, it scrubbed my feet much better using it dry, and made my feet nice and soft! I don't absolutely love this product, as I feel using other foot scrapers work better, but the squishyness and the idea of this product is fun!


ProFoot Pedi-Rock sells for a retail value of $8.99. 
For more information visit ProFoot on Facebook and Twitter.

#GoPROFOOT
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. 
@Influenster #GoVoxBox

Müller Greek Corner Yogurt

Müller Greek Corner is a silky and smooth lowfat Greek yogurt that comes with a "mix-in" option, being either a side of fruit or nuts. They have a variety or flavors to choose from including: 
Peach, Blueberry, Blackberry + Raspberry, Mango, Pineapple Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Honeyed Apricot, and Caramelized Almond, which is the flavor I chose.

My first thought of this yogurt is that is was gross. I'm not a fan of Greek yogurt to begin with,
but I thought I'd give this one a shot, as the caramelized almonds made it look really appetizing. I opened the lid to find that those almonds look nothing like they do on the lid. They still tasted delicious though and it wasn't half bad when put into the yogurt. the corner is a great idea to add mix-in's into your yogurt. I think it makes it so much more fun and enjoyable. 


Müller has Corner and fruitUp yogurt as well, which give you similar options. Corner is made with lowfat yogurt (not Greek) with tastier add in's like Chocolate! I wish I found these ones in the store! Then the fruitUp's have more of a unique twist to them. It's a cup of yogurt, with a fruit mousse that sits on the top! All healthy options for a snack or part of your daily breakfast. 

Müller Greek Corner yogurt is found in several grocery stores for a retail price of $1.29
Be sure to visit them on Facebook and Twitter to see all their options!

#mullerquaker
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. 
@Influenster #GoVoxBox 

Blue Diamond Blueberry Flavored Almonds

Blue Diamond Fruit Flavored Almonds are loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin E, making a healthy and delicious snack. They are available in three flavors: Strawberry, Blueberry, and Raspberry. 
I received the Blueberry Almonds. They are delicious! 


The almonds are oven roasted and coated in a blueberry powder, turning them a pretty purple color, with a blueberry and nutty flavor. The smell of them kind of reminds me of children's multivitamins though...but if you ignore that, these almonds are addicting! They are a good replacement to candy or cookies, giving you a good source of protein, with a nice crunch. 
A great snack for that tricky sweet tooth!

Blue Diamond Blueberry Flavored Almonds sell for a retail value of $3.19 for a 4oz bag and can be found in several grocery stores. For more fun and information, visit Blue Diamond on Facebook and Twitter.

#GetYourGoodGoing
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. 
@Influenster #GoVoxBox 

Aqua Spa Relax Bath Soak

Aqua Spa Relax Bath Soak is bath salts made to revitalize tired muscles and diminish the signs of aging with Marine Youth Complex, which is the power of sea minerals containing the following:
  • Antioxidant Zinc to stimulate cell renewal
  • Copper to enhance skin elasticity
  • Magnesium to help strengthen the skin
  • Iron to promote skin tone
  • Silicon to boost collagen
  • Polypeptides to bind the moisture to skin
This bath soak does not contain any Parabens of Formaldehyde Donors, it has never been tested on animals, and it is made in America. It contains an aromatic blend of Lavender and Chamomile, to give you a sense of calmness, as you soak in the tub.

When I first opened the container, the smell was so powerful, it could nearly be used as a room deodorizer! My son couldn't get enough of the scent lol, and my first thought was, this would be perfect for my mom. But first I had to give it a try :) I sprinkled some into my tub, didn't really know how much since the container didn't say, but I did about 2TBS. or so. Once the salts disintegrated in the water, I couldn't really smell it anymore. The bath itself was relaxing, but these bath salts didn't make much a difference, though the benefits sound really nice if they work!

Aqua Spa Relax Bath Soak sells for a retail price of $9.99 for a 10 fl oz container. They also have Aqua Spa Relax Body Creme to moisturize your skin after your bath! For more information and products, visit them on Facebook and Twitter.

#RelaxWithAquaSpa
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. 
@Influenster #GoVoxBox