Companies I Love Archives - Small Things Are Big Things

November 23, 2016 by: Kara Noel Lawson

Bambu Earth Black Friday Discount Code

I have been using Bambu Earth consistently for 2 years and I couldn’t be more pleased! I started with Bambu because I wanted to do Spa Days with Cora Jane but didn’t want to put dangerous chemicals on her perfect little girl skin. (Read post here.) With the Bambu Earth Black Friday Sale right around the corner, it’s time to buy! Especially since the introduction of their AMAZING new products.
(You can get 20% off your WHOLE ORDER with the coupon code KARANOEL)

I was asked to be a Bambu Earth Ambassador and I’m thrilled to represent a product that works so well, is safe for my skin, AND is ethically sourced! My first job as an ambassador was to try the new products. OK, twist my arm. See my snap story below. (Though I have to say I’m starting to use Instagram stories more and more.)

Have you ever wondered what order to do your skincare regime? Me too! This picture on Bambu Earth’s Instagram helped me a lot! {Follow them for all sorts of tips and inspiration.}
Remove Make-up/Cleanse/Mask/Toner/Serum/Moisturizer

By far, my most favorite new product is the Make-up/Dirt Cleansing Oil.

It’s a make-up remover AND cleanser in one. It feels delightful on my face. The stuff is no joke! We used it to remove the hard-core Ben Nye Theater Make-up and the thick plaster make-up basically slid off their faces. LEGIT!

My second most favorite product is the Facial Serum. This stuff is the real deal. It’s the safe way to prevent wrinkles! 1-2 drops a day to keep you looking the a 24-year-old. {In my humble opinion.}

Excuse me while I detox my face before spending tomorrow eating my way through the Maple Bacon Baked Brie. Can I detox my hips too?

Don’t forget Bambu Earth Black Friday Sale starts Friday!
{AND you can get 20% off site wide with the coupon code KARANOEL}

November 16, 2016 by: Kara Noel Lawson

Beauty Land at CosmetiCare is Tomorrow and I’ll be There!

It’s that time of year again! Time to take some time for a little self-care and get (re)educated about some of the great medspa treatments at CosmetiCare‘s Beauty Land event.

I’ve now had the opportunity to try the Hydrafacial, Juvederm, Truesculpt (first treatment and post second treatment post) and of course my favorite, Botox.

If you have been wanting to try botox, but aren’t sure what to expect, I thought I would share about my second treatment today. (Read about my first botox treatment here!) AND locals can learn all about it tomorrow night at Beautyland. See the invite below!

My second Botox treatment. I still love it.

Here I am at CosmetiCare in the chair waiting for my treatment. I always get a little nervous. I also feel so frivolous and vain before.

Here is what the tools of the trade look like. I would keep them covered if the sight of needles makes you faint. But they are SUPER tiny.

During the treatment you close your eyes, chat, and follow directions from your medspa expert. It feels like acupuncture. I felt a little woozy after this treatment but a small icepack quickly solved that problem.

After my first treatment my forehead was a little red. After this one I had a few bumps on my forehead.
(You can see them on the right side of my head in the picture below.) Not enough to keep you from going out in public, but don’t plan a family photoshoot for the next day, just in case!

I put the icepack on my forehead for about 5 minutes after I got in the car and here is the progress…

All in all, I still love it and I can’t wait to go again!

I hope to see YOU at Beauty Land CosmetiCare tomorrow night!

And for those of you who aren’t local, how could I leave you empty handed? You get two free printables from me! Download the 5×7 PDF here and print for the women in your life with true beauty.

August 12, 2016 by: Kara Noel Lawson

Healthy Snack Ideas for Back-to-School

Oh hey, school starts next week.
What the what!?!?
If you are like me, the lunch packing game starts on point, and by the end of the year your child’s lunch pail solely consists of one unopened sleeve of crackers. (That has really happened at our house.)

I need healthy snack ideas.

My issue is putting something in their lunch that is filling AND will last all day long. i.e. chips get smushed and apples loose their crisp.
Or if my precious little one forgets to empty his/her lunch pail on Friday it won’t go bad by Monday morning repacking. (Cy left a banana in his bag before summer break… let me just tell you… it wasn’t pretty.)

Brad and I popped into Sam’s Club during a date night, because what says romance more than stocking up on toilet paper and impulse buying ice chests? Not much in my book! We picked up Lärabar Bites in the chocolate macaroon flavor and their Fruits, Nuts, and Spices box.

Visit the Lärabar website to learn more about their dairy free, kosher, vegan products. And share your simple foods to Instagram using #Lärabar for a chance to be featured. I hope they feature one of my photos! I mean how could they not repost this boomerang?

The Lärabar bites are a guilt free snack to indulge in while your kids are at Pirate Day for VBS. Not that I would know or anything.

AND Lärabar Chocolate Macaroon Bites pair perfectly with iced coffee (also from Sam’s Club), and binge watching Once Upon a Time while your kids are at said VBS…

I’m hoping you got some healthy snack ideas for back-to-school. For both the kiddo’s lunches, AND for mommy’s kid-free time! I made this little printable for when you need a little reminder to keep life simple. Hang it on your fridge, or in your office, or gift your child’s new teacher or, you get the idea…

Print this simple quote as a reminder to make things less complicated like a Lärabar –
“Food made from food.”
Simple.

July 26, 2016 by: Kara Noel Lawson

Opening your home with Wente Wine #LoveOfTheJourney

MSG for 21+… well the wine part is… the rest is for anyone… ha!

Opening our home has been quite a journey and Wente Wine helps make it happen!
Every Monday we invite people over for dinner.
Yep, every Monday!
We have kept this tradition going for over two years.
(The way the whole thing started is a story in itself, and deserves it’s own blog post.)
Anyhoo, because of our Monday dinners, acquaintance become friends.
And friends become people you start doing life with.
It’s quite nice, really.

Opening you home can look like hosting neighborhood dinner or having a birthday party or… well… anytime you have people who don’t sleep in your house, in your house!
What opening your home SHOULDN’T look like, is the pressure to have the perfect entree or best home decor or tidy linen closet or… you get the idea.

I think that’s what I love most about our Monday dinners… the “yep, my kids spilled Cheez-Its in the hall and I haven’t had a chance to sweep yet,” type of atmosphere. And I think that’s why our guests have so much fun at our house, AND why we can cultivate genuine friendships. What you see is what you get… Cheez-It crumbs and all.

It’s refreshing for guests. And it’s freedom for us… to be us.
Then when you go to your new friends’ house (bottle of Wente wine in hand) you don’t feel bad putting the kids in front of another episode of Ninjago while you enjoy a game of uno, and laughing for two hours straight.

We tried the Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon and it was AMAZING.
And I’m in love with the Wente Family story: C.H. Wente came to America in 1883 to create a better life. Five generations later Wente Vineyards is the oldest family-run winery in the country. Their wine is 100% estate grown, and sustainably farmed in the Livermore Valley… doesn’t that give you all the warm fuzzies!?! (Almost as many smiles as the picture below.) You can read the whole history here… warning if you love supporting family owned, you’ll be even more hooked!

Wente Vineyards is encouraging everyone to share their journey with the hashtag: #LoveOfTheJourney
Because isn’t life about more than just the destination?
Life is about the small moments in our journey.
At least that’s what I think!

Connect with Wente Wine all over the inter webs:
Find Wente on Facebook, Twitter, and read about their journey on their history page.
Visit a tasting room if you are in the bay area. We hope to on our next road trip!

May 24, 2016 by: Kara Noel Lawson

My truSculpt Second Treatment – Three Ways to Flush Fat Today

Does truSculpt work?
I set out to discover the answer, and now it was time for the moment of truth! I had my first treatment (read all about it here), but it takes a few treatments to get the best results. Now, I can say with confidence: TruSulpt Works! (And I’m sharing three ways to flush fat today at the end of this post!)

I lost an inch around my waist. Woo hoo!

Let me back up a little… Do you know about truSculpt? (I didn’t until I became a Mombassador for CosmetiCare.)

Long version: TruSculpt is a nonsurgical energy-based procedure that delivers therapeutic heat to the deep subcutaneous tissue layer.

Cliff’s Notes: TruSculpt is a med-spa procedure that kills fat cells with heat.

I’ll take it!!!

Since this was my second time, it only took about 45 minute… which may sound like a long time but you’ll get to chat with my favorite technician, Lisa. The time goes fast!

Wear loose fitting clothes and prepare to be grounded.
Really.
You’ll get hooked up with some grounding patches. Painless.
Then chat for a bit and 12 weeks later you’re down an inch!

You can read my mind during a truSculpt treatment by reading my tweets in my first post. After a treatment you HAVE to drink lots of water to flush out all this dead fat cells.

Three ways to flush fat today or after truSculpt:

Try this Beauty Shot from my favorite organic skin care line, Bambu Earth. I love starting my day with this “shot.” In fact, just typing this makes my body crave it! (Print the shot here.)
Drink 3 liters of water a day. 12 cups… which for me is 6 full Ball jars. It’s harder than you think! Read all about it here.
Afternoon Pick-me-up tonic: Combine 3 cups of coconut water, 1/2 cup fresh ginger slices, juice from one lime, 1 T ground turmeric, 3 T honey and 1/4-1/2 t of cayenne pepper.

April 1, 2016 by: Kara Noel Lawson

Does truSculpt work? – My First Treatment

Does truSculpt work? That’s what I set out to discover!
The weather is heating up and it’s time to pull those bikinis out from the bottom of our drawers and assess our assets. (Or in my case, tankini!)

Do you know what truSculpt is? (I didn’t either until I became a Mombassador for CosmetiCare.)

TruSculpt is a nonsurgical energy-based procedure that delivers therapeutic heat to the deep subcutaneous tissue layer.

In real people talk: TruSculpt is a med-spa procedure that kills fat cells with heat.

KILL fat cells. Sign me up!!!

The treatment took about an hour, but that includes taking before pictures, and receiving a thorough explanation of the process. The next one will only take about 45 minutes.

The machine heats up a little rectangle box to 46 degrees celsius (that’s about 114 degrees fahrenheit).
It’s hot!
But the technician will gradually heat it up and it doesn’t really hurt till the last 25 seconds. And, really, what is 25 seconds if it actually works to get rid of my fat cells!?!?!

The Medical Esthetician systematically moved the little heated box across my belly. Three rectangles on the bottom and three rectangles on the top. The heated box stays on in each spot for 5 minutes.

After the fat cells are murdered, my lymphatic system will flush them out. But I won’t see any results for about 12 weeks! (I’ll be updating my progress after my second treatment. Stay tuned!)

Below is my belly right after the treatment. Crazy, right. It felt slightly sensitive to the touch but not like a sunburn. And the redness was gone after about 2 hours. I didn’t even think about it because there was no pain at all!

Now I have to drink lots of water and eat lots of veggies to flush this fat out of my system!

I tweeted through my treatment!
Check out my tweets for some great truSculpt FAQs:

November 17, 2015 by: Kara Noel Lawson

Christmas is in 39 Days! Panic. Then hit the Outlets {$500 Giveaway}

This is a sponsored post! I was given a tour of the Outlets at San Clemente (which you can get too!) and compensation for writing about their fun upcoming events. But all the opinions are my own. I have never recommended any product or place my family doesn’t use or go to. Ever!

39 days people!

Gift giving stresses me out a bit. I love and prefer the whole homemade thing but 39 days!?!? I should have started making things 2 months ago! For the gifts I can’t “hand-make with love” I’m going to get a steal on at Outlets of San Clemente!

I got to visit the #OutletsSC last week and they are beautiful! They feel homey and the views of the ocean are beautiful. AND because they are outlets, prices are 30%-70% off regular prices.

Yes please.

{Don’t miss the $500 giveaway at the end of this post!}

outlets at san clemente

The Outlets at San Clemente also have some great family-friendly events throughout the holiday season.

We were super bummed to miss the tree lighting on November 14th. (Concert with American Authors, Nick Fradiani & John Lindahl. Plus a fresh-cut Christmas tree from Mt. Shasta decorated with 3,000 twinkling lights and SANTA!)

The next big community event is Moonlight Madness on Thanksgiving. It runs from 8pm November 26th till 10pm on November 27th!

I love the idea of shopping with friends and family right after my Thanksgiving meal rather than sleeping for a few hours then getting up at 3 am in the cold to fight the crowds. The Outlets at San Clemente will host family friendly entertainment will be in the outdoor courtyard.

The Outlets will have nearly 70 stores! I’m most looking forward to H&M, Tilly’s, Nike, Converse and Levi’s! And to keep up the energy I’ll be popping over to Starbucks or to Ruby’s for one of their yummy shakes! New stores will be opening through 2016.

(I have no clue what is happening in this picture! Cora Jane has a bag of cheeze-its and Tess is in all her socks-with-ballet-flats-red-lipstick-sunglasses glory!)

Their Charity Christmas event is the ‘Shopping Extravaganza’ on December 5th.
The $35 ticket includes private catered lunch, wine and craft beer tasting, entertainment and a $25 donation to your choice of one of 18 deserving non-profit organizations. (See flyer for details and buy tickets here.)

This is right up my alley but we have my husband’s company Christmas party that night. Boo.
I might try to figure out something and go that morning!

Keep updated with the Outlets at San Clemente on twitter (@outletsSC), Facebook (OutletsAtSanClemente) and Instagram (@OutletsSC). When you post or visit, remember to use the hashtag: #OutletsSC
a Rafflecopter giveaway

October 22, 2015 by: Kara Noel Lawson

#CosmetiCareMoms VIP Event – You’re invited!

It’s no secret, I got botox… and loved it! If you have been wanting to learn more about the medspa treatments I got (or just want to hang out with champagne and her d’oeuvres) join me at the #CosmetiCareMoms VIP Event.

When: November 5, 2015
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. *Adult-only event.
Where: CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center and Medspa
1101 Bayside Drive, Suite 100
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
You need to RSVP: 949.273.2663 or email inquiry@cosmeticare.com
Why go? #CosmetiCareMoms VIP event is an opportunity for you to learn about the latest in preventative beauty care and non-invasive procedures. Beauty Begins With Knowledge!
Find out lots about the event here.
Many women have questions about aesthetic technology, lasers, body sculpting and other cosmetic
procedures and this event gives them a no-pressure and fun experience to get their questions answered so you can age gracefully and with confidence.

AND PRIZES!!! Attendees will receive loads of opportunity-drawing tickets to win…

Skin Medica TNS Essential Serum ($270.00 Value)
40 Units of Botox ($400.00 Value)
Melt the Fat 1 TruSculpt Treatment ($499.00)
Luscious Lips – 1 Syringe of Juvederm Ultra Plus ($595.00 Value)

I’m dying people!! Come and maybe you’ll win and we can hang out for the evening with other awesome moms and without kids!!

At the #CosmetiCareMoms VIP event you’ll get to visit CosmetiCare’s seven signature rooms, to learn more about noninvasive beauty treatments, like the ones I got…
(see above pic of my “after” face)

In the Skin Care and Glow Room, discover aesthetic technology with instant results and
zero downtime.
Marvel at TruSculpt, a 100 percent noninvasive body contouring option with no downtime, in the Fat Melting Room. (yes please!)
In the Laser Room (nothing to do with Star Wars), consider painless laser hair removal.
Freeze out frown lines with techniques presented in the Freeze & Fill Room, or head over to the Nip Tuck Room to consult with CosmetiCare’s founder Dr. Niccole and his partner physicians.
Curious about costs? Request no-interest financing in the Care Credit Room

But don’t wait till the VIP party!
Enter to win $250 of CosmetiCare Spa Services right now. Enter in the box below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Discover more about CosmetiCare on their site, Facebook, and Instagram.

(How awesome is it that their model has freckles?!?!!!)

October 20, 2015 by: Kara Noel Lawson

etnies Kids shoes on Amazon- #etniesStyle

We’ve been fans of etnies Kids shoes for a long time. (See!).
They have the most durable (and non-baby looking) toddler shoes with velcro closure.
(Can I get a “what-what” for not having to tie laces before getting out of the house?!?!)

etnies kids shoes on amazon now!!
Prime, people!!
(Please tell me you are on prime. If not, we need to have a hear
t to heart!)
We are loving the Scout, Marana and Jameson collections.

Many years ago we got to visit the etnies headquarters right here in Orange County and I learned they were founded in 1986 and are the first skateboarder-owned and operated global action sports footwear and apparel company. (That’s fancy for a skateboarder designed the shoes and clothing especially for his craft!) My kids say etnies are comfortable and I know they are of quality because they last forever (so durable)! I should know… Eli got hand-me-down etnies from a friend and he wore them for over a year, THEN Cyrus wore them for a year.
I mean really?!?!
That’s insane. (They don’t make the brown anymore… it has been 7 years… but these are similar)
Below is a picture of Eli on his first day of preschool… in his etnies, then one of him a few weeks ago. I’m going to go cry in a corner now because he’s basically a man child…

The latest collection of etnies Kids had skate style and is made to last, and you can save big-time if you get etnies on amazon with the checkout code SKATESHOES (code good till 11/5/15).
Hello Christmas gifts!!

Because I just can’t even… here is a pic of Cora Jane in her etnies when she was a toddler and her now. I LOVED those purple toddler etnies!! They don’t carry them anymore but these are pretty similar.

I think the thing I love most about etnies is their sense of responsibility for our planet.
It’s a big deal. (And they’ve always been like that!)
They say, “We skate, surf, snowboard and ride BMX all on our ONE planet. It’s all we have and we want to keep it healthy so we can continue doing what we love.”
Doesn’t that make so much sense.
It really is that simple.
When you buy a pair of etnies, they plant a tree with the Trees for The Future Foundation. Small things, like buying a pair of shoes can add up to something BIG: To date, etnies has planed well over a million trees!
LOVE IT!

Now I can’t talk up etnies without giving you a chance to win some etnies, can I?

Enter the contest below and one winner will get $500 worth of etnies stuff. (I wish I could win this for my boys so so so bad!!!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit amazon.com right now, use the code SKATESHOES (till November 5, 2015) for 20% off!

If you post about etnies be sure you use the hashtag #etniesStyle
Keep up with etnies on the etnies site, twitter, Facebook, pinterest and etnies on amazon!

Don’t forget Bambu Earth Black Friday Sale starts Friday! {AND you can get 20% off site wide with the coupon code KARANOEL}

My second Botox treatment. I still love it.

I hope to see YOU at Beauty Land CosmetiCare tomorrow night!

I need healthy snack ideas.

Three ways to flush fat today or after truSculpt:

Don’t forget Bambu Earth Black Friday Sale starts Friday!
{AND you can get 20% off site wide with the coupon code KARANOEL}