I did it! I actually did it. (Well, I attempted to do it.) I woke up this morning at 4:30, but unlike other mornings when my brain won’t shut down, all the things I need to do around the house didn’t start playing through my mind, urging me to start my day early. Nope! This morning all I could think about was going for a run. A run! With the move and all the travel, I haven’t run in two years. And I’ve never run first thing in the morning. Don’t even ask if I’ve ever set my alarm for any type of work out. Not even in my best days of exercising did I set my alarm to do it. I’m not a masochist!

So you can imagine my disbelief this morning. It wasn’t even daylight yet! After trying to remember where I left my taser (because safety first), I gave in and crawled out of bed. I quietly pulled out some workout clothing and slipped into the bathroom (careful not to wake the hubby), Looking down at my phone, I rolled my eyes, remembering my son ran my battery down to six percent before bed.

I was excited for the first time in my life to go for a run. Then I heard a subtle noise and went to the window. Peeking through the blinds, I frowned.

Rain! Really? I got up for that? With a scowl, I went back to bed. And, I actually fell asleep. Doesn’t matter that I own a treadmill. That’s not the point. I was in the mood to actually leave my house early in the morning to go on a run. That’s huge! (Since I’ve been slack on exercising lately, it probably would have been more like a walk/jog. But, hey, I’ll take it!)

Looking out my big office window, I see there’s a break in the rain. I could actually go for a run right now. But, it’s just not the same. I just finished sipping my hot tea, and I’m nice and comfy at my desk. Do I really want to leave it right now for a run? I mean, my little miniature schnauzer is enjoying my lap at the moment. *Sigh I feel like I need a morning nap.

I did it. I finally did it. After a year of ignoring the videos and pictures constantly showing up while online, I finally took the plunge and decided to try FabFitFun. I’m not one for the latest fads, and I usually don’t consider anything Hollywood stars promote. That’s pretty much why I ignored FabFitFun for so long. However, when I started researching subscription boxes, I couldn’t ignore the reviews or facts. I believe all the reviews I’ve read are positive, and it’s a fact that the box includes over $300 worth of full-sized products.

But will I really use the products? Is it really worth it? My answer is yes. Yes! I definitely love and will personally use most of what came in my first box. The other items will make perfect gifts, which I would have had to buy anyway. And if you continue reading, you’ll learn other ways I can save with this subscription. It’s not just about the quarterly box. There’s more to FabFitFun I never knew about.

I got to choose between the Vince Camuto Luck Tote in “Black” or “Red Desert” ($128), or a Crown Brush 6 Piece Makeup Brush Set in two various colors ($75). I chose the Red Desert Tote.

I also got to choose between an Alfred Teapot ($26) or an Alfred French Press ($22). Well, if you know me, you know I LOVE hot tea. That was an easy decision. I could always use another teapot–or anything else tea related. It’s an addiction!

And I got to choose between a Catherine Malandrino Umbrella in “Red Floral” or “Black/White” Floral ($39.99), or Cylo Cobra Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds in “Black” or “White” ($40). I went for the umbrella, because who doesn’t need an extra umbrella?

Every FabFitFun box contained: a beauty blender ($20), Simply Whimsical Tea Towels ($14.99), Skin&Co Roma Blue in Capri shower gel ($22), GlamGlow Bubblesheet Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Masks – 2 pack ($18), and a Luna Rica Bar.

FabFitFun selected the last two skincare and makeup products, and of course, they took into consideration the form I filled out when I subscribed. They know my skin preferences, but if I become an annual subscriber, I can choose the last two products for myself. In this box, I got: Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant ($67) and Cuccio Somatology Yogahhh! Detox Bath ($39.95).

The box I received was valued at $375.97, and I only paid around $40 for it. I also got an addon. For around seven dollars more, it included a Bentgo lunch box. Believe it or not, the day I got the email about the addons, I had spent the morning looking at lunch supplies online.

Now, for all the extras. How is this box different from the others? Well, it’s not just a subscription box. It’s a membership. And with that membership, you get access to their online community (which is very active), access to their videos (workout, cooking, makeup, etc.), access to many discounts through their site, access to various giveaways (which are big), and their magazine. There could be more extras. That’s just what I found by glancing at their site.

With all the savings on their site, it’s a great place for online shopping. They have discounts and coupons for many online shops and items. Christmas is coming, so the winter box is the perfect time to try FabFitFun. You get $10 off your first box, so it’s only $39.99 instead of $49.99. Don’t let the price scare you. It’s only four times a year, and they’re worth over $300. It’s not a makeup box, either. It could include exercise, home, clothing, or other random items. This is a very popular box, and they didn’t get that way by throwing in bad stuff. I thought I’d just try it out, but now I’m hooked.

If interested, I hope you’ll subscribe through here. Not only will you get $10 off, but I’ll get a referral incentive. That’s why you see so much FabFitFun online. Everyone’s trying to refer their friends.

Oh, and if you have a teenage daughter, this box delivers a fun girls’ night.

Coming December 4, 2018

The Songs That Brought Me Back by Mylissa Demeyere

Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end.

Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves.

Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past.

Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew.

They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together.

Always together.

Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.

What Readers are Saying:

A heartfelt romance with a powerful message about the sanctity of human life. If you’ve ever simply needed a friend, The Songs That Brought Me Back will resonate–and leave you thankful for the people in your life. -Taylor Dean, author of I’m With You and Chasing Fireflies.

Another remarkable read by Mylissa Demeyere. Ethan and Ainsley had me laughing and crying as they face their own demons and fall in love while doing it. This book adds even more depth as it confronts suicide head on. Suicide has become an epidemic that some are afraid to address; Demeyere brings it to light from both the victims and the survivors giving us insight on the struggles of so many. It does not disappoint and I, again, am excited to see what comes next from this talented writer. – Amazon Reviewer

A beautiful sequel to The Songs of You and Me that cleverly illustrates that there are always two sides to every story and that it is never too late for love to overcome any challenge. – Amazon Reviewer

“This poignant redemption story about second chances and forgiveness yanked my emotions all over the place. I cried, I yearned, I hoped. A beautiful story about what true love is and does.” – Charissa Stastny, author of Between Hope and the Highway and The Ruled Out Romance Series

Author Mylissa Demeyere

Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast.

The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.

Website * BookBub * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter

Amazon * Goodreads * Pinterest

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash

Ends 10/9/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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I’m loving SnackNation! This is my second box, and at only a dollar (plus $3.99 shipping), it’s totally worth it. My family enjoys this box, because we get to try new snacks I would normally not buy. Most of them are completely new to us, so we taste them as a family. As a mom, this helps me get a better idea of what I can pack in my children’s lunches. I grind my own wheat and am big on baking, so most of our snacks revolve around homemade baked goods.

For a dollar and shipping, you get six healthy snacks each month. You have to fill out a short survey shortly after receiving the box, or you wind up paying the $9.99 regular price. It’s really quick and gives them feedback to give the companies. Not only do they try to be healthy and ethical, but they also donate to Feeding America for every box. It’s really a great company!

This month’s box contained some interesting finds. My daughter loves jerky, but she doesn’t seem to like the meat sticks. The white fish jerky looks intriguing. It’s from a new company still launching, and they’re all about sustainability. The bag is only sixty calories and ten grams of protein. I hope my daughter likes it. She’s in high school and skips a lot of meals. This is something I could get her to grab on her way out.

As a baker, I’m not into the minute mug cake mix, but they won my vote with the fair trade chocolate. If you’ve read my post on child slavery, you know I only buy fair trade chocolate. It’s that important! I know a lot of people who don’t make things from scratch, and although I usually cringe at packaged cake mixes, this one is organic and wheat. Nice!

Be sure to check out my first post on SnackNation. When I signed up for the dollar box, I paid extra and got a box of fifty snacks that month. I’m still loving this box and highly recommend it.

I’m on my second month of reviewing subscription boxes, and I’m still a fan of Ipsy. Their boxes are definitely worth more than the $10 I pay each month. Last month had a full-sized eyeliner pencil valued at $20, along with other goodies. I keep telling myself I get the Ipsy subscription to share with my two teenage daughters, but I seem to have trouble sharing. The last few years I’ve been buying the girls makeup and not really getting anything for myself, so it’s kind of nice updating my stash.

Small makeup bag (you get a different one every month)

Full-size BELLÁPIERRE COSMETICS Matte Mineral Lipstick in Incognito – $20

2.25 oz Hempz Pure Herbal Extracts Body Creme – $7.50 at Ulta

Nice-sized sample Douccc Cheek Blush in RSVP – $28 for full size

3 ml Kush Mascara – $24 for 10 ml

.25 oz Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion exfoliator – $46 to $79 for full size

As you can see, just the lipstick alone costs more than the $10 I paid for the box, and I love every one of the items. Sorry, children, Mommy won’t be sharing this month’s Ipsy. I LOVE the color of the lipstick, and the blush matches perfectly with it. Everyone around me knows I can’t go without hand lotion and always keep some nearby. The Hempz is a perfect size. I don’t use mascara on most days, so the Kush sample will do just fine. And then there’s the exfoliator. I have never used an exfoliator on my face until my last Ipsy box. I have sensitive skin, so I’m pretty much a minimalist when it comes to what goes on my face. However, while watching a video on how to use something in last month’s Ipsy bag, I learned exfoliating is highly important–especially at my age.

The good news about Ipsy is that every item is selected for my skin tone and type, and that’s why I’m having a hard time sharing. The lipstick and blush in this month’s box go perfectly together, and I would never have found them outside of Ipsy. The same goes for exfoliators. I don’t have time to research and stare at makeup all day, and I love that Ipsy picks items for me. Not only am I getting my makeup much cheaper than if I go shopping for it, but Ipsy knows what will work for me and has more knowledge when it comes to skincare and makeup. When I looked up the Dr. Brandt exfoliator, it specifically said it was for my skin type, and it has some great reviews.

Thanks, Ipsy! I’ve learned a lot in the last two months with what you’ve sent. As for my girls, I think I’ll give them the bags I get with each box. You know, teach them about sharing.

To sign up, just fill out the form on your skin preferences. I had to go on a waiting list, but it only lasted a month. This subscription box is very popular, and it’s a favorite among many. As a member, you can also shop on their site, where you can save quite a bit.