Tips On Making A Mother's Day Gift Basket + Le Petit Marseillais - Say Bonjour To France's #1 Body Wash - Now In The U.S.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SoFreshSoFrench #CollectiveBias

One of France’s biggest beauty secrets is out – say “Bonjour” to Le Petit Marseillais™, France’s #1 body wash brand that is finally here in America. This carefully-curated Walmart collection is available beginning in March and features 17 products, located in the specialty bath & body aisle, where loofahs are sold. I had the opportunity to test out some of these incredibly wonderful products, and I am so excited to share them with you! You will find these products at a very reasonable price point too. I am considering grabbing myself a few of the scents, and am also looking forward to being able to gift these in a Mother's Day Gift basket soon. The full collection can be found in Walmart and also online! I am also sharing some early Mother's Day Gift Ideas, all of which you can customize to your mom's favorite scents and taste preferences. Also, get a quick and easy DIY idea to add into your gift basket. Enjoy!

Shop online for the whole line of products at walmart.com.

Learn all about the brand on their website, here.

Follow the brand on Instagram here.

And, connect with them on Facebook, here.

Le Petit Marseillais™ was originally created in the sunny harbor of Marseille, a city on France's southern coast. It was an important trading center in the region, where the founder, Bernard Lengelle, fell in love with the region's fragrant artisan soap made with local olive oil. Utilizing ingredients deeply rooted in sunny Province, a French region known for its Earthly riches, simple values, and joie de vivre - joy of life, these products are well-loved among those who live in and those who travel to France. Upon reading lots of positive reviews of the brand, I learned that customers are extremely excited that this line is finally available in the US!

I was fortunate enough to receive a shipment of the following items to feature in my post. I have since seen the whole line of products at various Walmart locations, and I am excited to try the entire line - at this price point, I can definitely afford to test a few of them out! Read on to see what I thought of each product. The entire collection includes an assortment of eight body/hand moisturizers, two liquid hand soaps, six body washes and a bar soap with prices ranging from $3.99 - $7.97.

  1. Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Shower Crème Body Wash
  2. Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Hand Soap
  3. Le Petit Marseillais™ Shea Butter, Sweet Almond & Argan Oil Nourishing Body Milk Lotion

If you're looking for a beautiful and easy way to add a bit of a personal touch to your gift basket, here is an idea! Simply use fabric glue, hand stitch, or use a sewing machine to attach ribbon to some wash cloths or hand towels. I used a tropical printed ribbon because I love the fresh and sunny appeal of this line of products. I originally wanted to use some ribbon in an orange hue to match the packaging, but nothing looked quite right in the orange ribbon section. This retro-tropical pineapple ribbon from a fabric store jumped right out at me, and it looked amazing on these white towels. Alternately, feel free to use towels and ribbon (or any trim will do) in whatever colors would go with the recipient's bathroom.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR GIFT BASKET

Lotions, Soaps, Body Washes - Treat Mom (or grandmas, step moms, aunts, friends, really anyone special) to something that will nourish their skin and smell delicious.

Something Tasty and Sweet - I opted to include a delicious chocolate bar that was dark chocolate infused with oranges, because I thought that would pair perfectly with the scent of these body products.

Something Hand Made Or Personalized - like I mentioned, I embellished these cute cloths and think they really added a very personal touch to this gift basket.

Fresh Flowers - I opted for local wildflowers from our property, but feel free to purchase a bouquet that coordinates in color or scent with the other gifts items.

And For The Basket - Feel free to use a basket or container that the recipient can use again and again, and will always think of you when she uses it. This wooden crate was perfect to reiterate the Earthy and adorable look of the gifts inside. I also used colorful tissue paper in the bottom of the basket to secure items inside, and also help raise the bottles up to different heights for visual interest.

As soon as I received these goodies, I tested them out. I wanted to make sure I was gifting my Mom good products, of course. First, I tried the Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Hand Soap. Gentle it was! I definitely do not use a lot of scented products, but this line contains such light, refreshing scents that I was instantly intrigued. I am also pretty particular about hand soap, because I love when my hands feel extra clean, and grease free, and this worked super well. It left just a light scent of orange blossom, and I loved it.

Next. I tried out the Le Petit Marseillais™ Shea Butter, Sweet Almond & Argan Oil Nourishing Body Milk Lotion. I have also had less than appealing results with Milk Lotions in the past, because they can sometimes feel a bit "watery", but this one is definitely different than anything I've tried in the past. I am currently in Arizona, so my skin has been extra dry from the arid climate. Well, this lotion is my new best friend! It also has that light, fresh orange blossom scent (a very realistic floral aroma), and moisturizes extremely well. I did not have to reapply until the next day! And, the pump style bottle is very easy to use. So happy with this lotion.

Lastly, I used the Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Shower Crème Body Wash during my shower the following morning, and this has the best lather and foaming qualities of any body wash I've ever used! Again, it contained that light, fresh scent that I love, and cleansed very well. It was definitely gentle, as the name implies, and I felt extremely clean and also moisturized after the shower. There appear to be no harsh ingredients in these products, making me so happy that I found out about them. 

Overall, I am extremely happy with this line of products, and I know you and whoever you choose to gift them to, will also adore the whole line of simple, breezy, and uncomplicated products by Le Petit Marseillais™. 

I am so fortunate to be spending some time in Arizona, and was able to source some orange blossoms in the neighborhood. Everything here in the desert is kissed by sunshine pretty much every day, so I understand the attraction to and importance of such ingredients. These orange blossoms smell better than I could even describe in words, and these Le Petit Marseillais™ products capture the essence in a very perfect way. 

What are your favorite items to include in gift baskets and gift for Mother's Day?

Best Of Pinterest: Top 6 Most Adorable Spring Treat Recipes and DIY Ideas

1.) What an adorable little vignette! Crate Paper's post shows us how to decorate for Spring in a shabby chic style, with lots of DIY ideas. So, get out your floral scrapbooking papers, and some sheet music, and get ready to make your space ready for the Easter Bunny to arrive!

Find It On Pinterest, Here.

2.) Next, why not celebrate with friends and family by decorating some good old fashioned Easter Egg decorating? Stick to soft, pastel colors and provide lots of coordinating candy fir guests. Sugar And Charm shares all the details, so check out their post for more details.

Find It On Pinterest, Here.

3.) Have you ever herd of Spiked Peeps? Well, Sugar & Charm shows you how to make them from scratch! The colors they used are marvelous, and why not add a bit of booze to this fun day? 

Find It On Pinterest, Here.

4.) Tell Love & Party provides this adorable and festive bunting DIY with unexpected mixes of colors, prints, and patterns. The addition of the Easter Eggs is also quite cute. And, even a bit of fringe! Who doesn't love mint fringe? 

Find It On Pinterest, Here.

5.) Looking for a wearable and fun DIY project for Easter? This one from Bespoke Bride is perfect! Boho Bunny, if you will. Starting with a traditional headband, add some wired, lace ears and a floral crown, and you have a beautiful accessory for just about any age. 

Find It On Pinterest, Here.

6.) Love the looks of specked eggs? Then, these beautiful Speckled Cupcakes by Urban Bakes are just what you need to make. The colors are perfect, and you can learn how to make the little speckled detail on her blog. 

Find It On Pinterest, Here

PIN IT FOR LATER

Change Your Home, Change Your Life with Color: What's Your Color Story? (Moll Anderson Book Launch) And Sea Glass Drink Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LiveColor #WhatsYourcolorStory #RevivingTurquoise #CollectiveBias

What's your favorite color?

What's Your Favorite color? I had the chance to explore my favorite color family, turquoise, in this post, inspired by an amazing new book, that will be available at Target soon called, Change Change Your Home, Change Your Life with Color: What's Your Color Story? by Moll Anderson. Get Your Copy On March 14th!

Have you ever heard that, whatever color you tend to gravitate towards, and love to surround yourself with can positively impact not just our surroundings, but our mood, behavior, and emotions?

The book will be available to the public on March 14, 2017. Moll Anderson is an insightful author, designer, and philanthropist (among many other things), and as I read through her book, I was taken back to my days in college as an art and design major. Color Theory was one of my very favorite topics, and I am so fortunate to be able to use my keen eye for color and design in my daily work as a blogger, curator, and photographer. I am so excited to share the news that I will be posting a Before and After style post of my room on March 16th. It needed a pop of color, and it looks absolutely incredible. Can't wait to show you the end result soon.

For now, I wanted to give you a little sneak peek at her book, and share a cocktail recipe!

"Our feelings about color are deeply rooted and emotionally based on our personal lives, and the powerful effect of color is most evident in our homes, where it impacts our moods, behaviors, and emotions. Understanding why you love and dislike certain colors is key to exploring your own personal color story, opening you up to embracing the colors that will renew, revamp, and revitalize your home and life". - an excerpt from Anderson's book.

I also became incredibly inspired by the color coordinated photo collages throughout the book, so I made my own! Being near the turquoise ocean and seafoam everything in the Florida Keys recently, which inspired my color choices for this post as well. Here are some of the images I shot while there.

Above, you see one page from her book, which will show you what you can expect from each color section. I had so much fun browsing the book, and its sections are in rainbow order - even better! 

SEA GLASS COCKTAIL RECIPE

To make this delicious cocktail, mix pineapple juice, blue curacao, white rum, a bit of simple syrup, and pour over ice. Garnish with a few pineapple leaves and a splash of fresh lime. I thought this tasted incredible. Moll Anderson provides a cocktail in EVERY COLOR in her new book (even a Black Martini that features bleu cheese! And, a gorgeous hibiscus cocktail that looks out of this world good).

In addition to creating a number of delicious cocktails, here are just a few of Moll's achievements:

"Moll Anderson is an accomplished author, television and radio host, inspirational interior designer, life stylist, and advocate for women and children globally. 

Moll’s career has been filled with many professional achievements, including winning an Emmy for her work as an entertainment reporter; being chosen as one of Donna Karan’s Women Who Inspire; and as a three-time recipient of the Gracie Awards, twice (2013, 2014) for Outstanding Host Lifestyle program for The Moll Anderson Show and (2015) for Outstanding On-Air Talent: Lifestyle/Health Program, as a contributor on The Doctors – Stage 29 Productions. The Gracies™ recognize outstanding programing created by women and about women, as well as individuals who make exemplary contributions to the industry".

I am so honored to have been chosen to share this fun post about Moll's new book! What color will you decide to incorporate into your home and lifestyle next? Let me know in the comments below.

Shake up your night with 7UP® from Hy-Vee® and enter a Pinterest contest! (With Two Recipes)

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of 7UP ®. The opinions and text are all mine. #7UPGRADE #Contest

Remember that sherbet punch you had at ever party of your childhood? It's so tasty, so I was inspired to make an adult version, inspired by good times and 7UP®, available at Hy-Vee®! Three simple ingredients and a little bit of adorable garnish make these drinks adorable and perfect for a special occasion, a get together, social night with friends, or even Valentine's Day and Galentine's Day Festivities! What is your favorite festive drink for the holiday? 

I took these goblets (plastic or glass works great), and dipped them in melted white chocolate. Before that cools and hardens, dip them in red sprinkles. I mixed colored sugar with other red, ball-shaped sprinkles for a neat mixed texture. This added SO much to my pretty drinks!

After you have your glasses looking pretty, simply scoop a few spoonfulls spoonful of raspberry or rainbow sherbet into each glass. Simply add in some 7UP and optional vodka, and you have yourself a delicious, fun drink recipe! This tasted SO GOOD that I almost finished both glasses, haha! Garnishing them with flowers made them so cute!

o   You must be 21 years of age or older to enter

o   Runs from 2/12/17 - 3/11/17 (bloggers are eligible for entry as well!)

o   Open to residents of IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, NE, SD, WI

o   Create a Pin Board titled, "#MY7UPUPGRADE"

o   Pin at least 10 inspirational images or articles that you'd like to use for your next social night. At least 5 of those pins must include 7UP in the image or article.

o   All pins must include #MY7UPUPGRADE #Contest in the text

o   Register your board at www.7UP.com/Hy-Vee

o   You'll be entered to win a $1,000 Hy-Vee gift card to host your next social night!

o   All qualified entrants will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on creativity and best aligning with the 7UP brand.

Click Here for additional inspiration, Pinterest contest details and Hy-Vee coupon savings.

Coupon details: (Buy any TWO 6-pack 7.5 oz. cans or 8-pack 12 oz. bottles and get the third FREE (offer valid 2/12/17-3/11/17)

HERE IS THE SECOND RECIPE:

All you need is a few simple ingredients for these tasty Adult Snow Cones!

1-2 Cans each of 7UP and Cherry 7UP

Boiling Water

1 Large Box Each of 2 Colors of flavored gelatin (we used strawberry and lime)

1 Bottle Vanilla Vodka

{That's it!}

1.) Boil 2 Cups water

2.) In 2 separate containers (1 for each color), add 1 C. boiling water to one container, and 1 C. boiling water to the other. 

3.) Add 2 Cups original 7UP to one container, and 2 C. Cherry 7 UP to the other.

4.) Mix in 3oz. Lime flavored gelatin to the container with the original flavor 7UP, and add 3 oz Strawberry flavored gelatin to the container with the Cherry 7UP. 

5.) Add 1 C. Vanilla Vodka to each container, and stir each color until fully combined and not "gritty" anymore.

5.) Freeze overnight (or for at least 4 hours). Once frozen, scoop into cute glasses with a large spoon, and top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for added garnish. Enjoy!

After you are sure they're frozen, top with whipped cream, and serve in a cute glass. Enjoy!

St. Patrick's Day Snack Mix Recipe

Looking for something sweet, salty, and crunchy to make for St. Patrick's Day?

Here's a tasty idea, that incorporates yummy green shamrock marshmallows, pretzels, cereal, all covered in white chocolate and green sprinkles!

Ooh, yum, this is good! Read on to learn how fun and easy it was to make, and let me know, in the comments below, if you wind up creating something like this of your own. Enjoy :)

1 Bag of White Chocolate Chips

1 Part Lucky Shamrock Cereal 

1 Part Square Pretzels

1 Part Rice or Corn Check Cereal

Lime Green + Regular Green Sprinkles

This was SO easy to create, and it tastes SO good! What a fun and festive treat to make for St. Patty's Day or really any day :) I was originally looking for traditional "Lucky" Cereal, but was really excited to find the one with green shamrocks in it instead. Here's how you make it!

1.) In a medium bowl, add equal parts of shamrock cereal, check cereal, and pretzels. Mix to combine, then pour onto a baking sheet.

2.) Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave for around 45 seconds on high, stir, then melt again after stirring for another 15 or so seconds. That last little burst of heat really did the trick, and these morsels melted smoothly and were so easy to work with.

3.) Pour the white chocolate evenly over the cereal mixture, and stir with two large spoons - one spoon just made a mess :) 

4.) Cover with sprinkles, and since it cooled pretty quickly, I was able to disperse into small bowls right after mixing and adding my sprinkles! This would be so cute for a party or to have around the house this St. Patty's Day! 

PIN IT FOR LATER...

Making The Perfect Latte At Home With International Delight

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.

All opinions are mine alone. #LatteMadeEasy #CollectiveBias

Are you a latte lover? International Delight® has a cool new product hitting store shelves right now. We want you to show your readers how the International Delight® One-Touch Latte™ works in 3 easy steps after purchasing it at Walmart. One Touch Latte™ is a spray can that turns any cup of coffee into a latte in 3 easy steps!

You will be so pleased to know you can get coffee shop style drinks, right at home! You do not need any fancy equipment, which I absolutely LOVE!!! I have been wondering how in the world to make something like this at home for quite some time now, and when the opportunity came around for me to try out these new International Delight® One-Touch Latte™, I was eager to try it for myself - and from word of mouth, several of my friends and family members ran out to get some for themselves.

Simply use this new frothing coffee creamer from International Delight®, and you have a latte, in seconds. Wow, this tastes absolutely delightful! I cannot believe my tastebuds, I actually had to make myself a second cup! YUM!!!

You deserve something as tasty as this, you hard-working Wonder Woman, you!

I created a graphic to show you the three step process, and how cool it is. My eyes lit up when I made my first cup of coffee, then added the One Touch Latte™ to my glass. It’s super neat, and sprays out with a lot of force to create froth and tasty, creamy, yummy flavors of either Vanilla, Caramel, or Mocha. I had to get all three flavors, and Vanilla seems to be my favorite among my friends and I. Here is a video, to show you how fun and easy these are to use at home, making mornings and afternoons WAY more fun.

It sweetens, it creams, it flavors, ... IT FROTHS! FOR REAL. Just shake it, press, and—ta da!—it transforms your everyday coffee into a foam-topped latte! In 3 simple steps, you have a coffeehouse-style latte in seconds.

Just point and press to transform your home-brewed coffee. Now you can start every morning with a creamy, flavorful latte made by your favorite barista–you! Available in Vanilla, Caramel and Mocha.

STEPS INCLUDE:

Step 1: Fill cup 2/3 with coffee to leave room for froth.

Step 2: Shake the One Touch Latte™ can.

Step 3: Press and hold the can above coffee for 5-7 seconds and enjoy!

I found these products at Walmart in the refrigerated section of the store near where I normally find my other favorite coffee creamers from International Delight®.

Yay! I was so happy to find all three flavors at my local Walmart. Always fun when that happens.

It’s also fun to treat your guests to something this delicious! Why not share some unique coffee creations with your company while they visit, over a morning chat, or while catching up on the news of the day. The available flavors include: Vanilla, Caramel, and Mocha! They’re all absolutely wonderful :) You can get 7 uses out of one can, and are an amazing value for a delicious at-home latte.
I really hope you enjoy this amazing, new way to make lattes at home! International Delight never ceases to amaze me with their delicious coffee creamers and their wonderful flavors. Do you think you will be trying this fun, new frothing coffee creamer? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, below.

Nutrisystem - Tasty, Healthy Food!

Over the past month, I have been helping to promote the Nutrisystem Plan, and the food tastes great! Learn More Here.

Ready For Warmer Weather with my amazingly tasty foods from Nutrisystem! Throughout the past month, I’ve gotten to try SO many amazing foods (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and everything in between). I’ve learned a lot about portion size and had no trouble adjusting to eating better, because their foods taste so good. Weight loss made easy thanks to Nutrisystem - save NOW and lose up to 13 lbs and 7 inches in the first month. #ad

Learn More Here