'Karma Effect' Upcycled Carafe and Glasses, a NOVICA review

I have a thing for recycled glass water carafes—I always have. The funkier and more original, the better. Which brings me to the one you see featured here today. When I shared my thoughts and past experience shopping at the online global retailer NOVICA in November, I mentioned that I'd be back with a review of another of their beautiful handcrafted products. After much browsing and saving of items, I decided that this fun Recycled glass carafe and glasses set titled 'Karma Effect' was what I needed in my life right now.

The carafe and drinking glasses are crafted by upcycling sparkling water bottles that would otherwise pollute Bali. The artist/shop that it comes from within NOVICA is Peduli Bali, or Bali Recycling, founded by Olivier Pouillon (born and raised in Washington D.C.) and his Indonesian business partners. As a firm believer in karma, the names etched into the set and fact that contributing to the preservation of the environment were a big factor in my choice.

15 "Would Be" Blog Posts of 2015

While many people are looking back and sharing their favorite or most popular posts from the past year, I like to look back and scoop some of the things up from the cutting room floor instead. Sometimes they wound up on the cutting room floor because the recipe didn't work out like I wanted it too and I need to revisit it later. Sometimes I just got too busy to share it with you. Other times I just thought the photos weren't good enough.

I dusted off 15 ideas from the past 12 months that I thought would be worth looking back at. I hope you enjoy a little peek at these outtakes!

The Ultimate Beginner's Photography Bundle Giveaway!

I'm so excited to bring you this amazing giveaway today! Have you had an interest in getting into Photography? Or maybe you want to up your photography game to help your blog or small business grow.  Whichever way you look at it, this beginner photography giveaway is just the ticket for you!

Today I have teamed up with some awesome ladies to be able to offer it to you - this package has roughly a value of  $550 (or more, since we found some killer steals on what is included). You definitely do not want to miss it.

Erin Condren Life Planner #Giveaway!

Today I've teamed up with Simply Ashley Nicole, some of her sponsors, and other bloggers to bring you a fantastic giveaway! I don't know about you, but I'd be lost without my planner, and now is the perfect time to get yours for 2016. We are giving away one Erin Condren Life Planner that the winner can customize from all of the cool options and accessories offered (up to a value of $102).

Travel Safer this Holiday Season: BubbleBum and $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Can you believe that the holiday season is already upon us? It seems like just yesterday that the kids were splashing around in the pool while I soaked up some sun on the raft. But alas, it's the time of year when families are hitting the highways to visit family and friends to celebrate the season.

I grew up hopping into the car on Thanksgiving and Christmas to drive to my grandparent's houses. Some years we'd take turns visiting one side of the family, other years we'd make it to both in the same year. Let's just say that I've been roadtripping since a very young age. While this might sway some the other way, I actually love a good roadtrip. There's something satisfying about packing crates with food and arranging them in the trunk before tucking the gifts between them, the blankets, the jumper cables, and the jack.

I know a lot of you are gearing up to do the same, making sure that not only do you have everything you're bringing, but that the kids are snuggled safely into the back seat—with entertainment and snacks.

Save on a new ECOCENTRIC MOM Box Subscription!

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41 Chicken Wing Recipes to wrap-up Wing Week!

Well, it's here, and it came fast—today is officially the final day of #wingweek 2015. The fact that today also happens to be Super Bowl XLIX is no accident. Since I start craving wings come football play-off time, I figured other people might be doing the same. What better way to gear up for a day of food and football than with a virtual buffet of chicken wings recipes coming your way for a whole week? Plus, it gave me a chance to try out some new recipes and techniques, and have a few friends drop by with their contributions, as well!

I kicked things off last Sunday with a simple tutorial on how to break down whole chicken wings and how to cook them. If you're armed with the basics, you can use them to adapt any other recipe or flavor profile to suit your needs. I had such an awesome week, and believe it or not, I'm still looking forward to eating more wings during the game tonight. But after that, I'll probably be good for at least a short while.

In case you missed any of the chicken wing recipes I shared this week, here is a recap:

Monday - Slow Cooker Sweet 'n Tangy Wings
Tuesday - Crisped Ginger Soy Chicken Wings (guest post by Camilla)
Wednesday - Bloody Mary Chicken Wings
Thursday - Slow Cooker Sticky Wings (guest post by Karen)
Friday - Popcorn-crusted Chicken Wings
Saturday - Crispy Oven Baked Hot Wings (guest post by Bernadette)

A luchador dreams of... JARRITOS!

What do you think my luchador dreams of?  Pile drivers and clotheslines, and knee drops, and six-one-nine's?  Flying through the air, staying off the ropes, and three-counts?  The roar of the crowd chanting his signature move?  Yes, I suppose it could be any one of those things or even a combination.  But personally, I think it's something a bit more crazy like a magical match amidst colorful towers of Jarritos!

On his days away from the ring, he travels around undercover (ie...without his mask...name unknown...) giving public service announcements...

He bravely demonstrates ways to open Jarritos should you be dying of thirst and stranded without a bottle opener...

And sometimes, just sometimes, he puts on his mask and goes out in search of Jarritos banditos!

Is your Jarritos safe?

*Although I've mentioned before how much we like Jarritos, I still wanted to disclose the fact that Jarritos sent me a sample pack of flavors to have fun with again.  And I did.  We did.  These are my 100% my own opinions.