While I usually use candles to fill my home with clean soothing scents, after receiving a P.F. Candle Co. package filled with different products including incense, body wash and linen spray, I was excited to find more ways to add "scent".

Note: I received product samples for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

I've used a P.F. Candle before and enjoyed the scent, so I knew I wanted to start freshening up my living room with one of the candles. I chose the Amber and Moss for the relaxing vibe I felt when I took a sniff. It was perfect!

After that I was ready to dive more into my P.F. Candle Co for the other products, which included:

• Wild Herb Tonic Candle - Aromatic, camphorous, earthy. Lemon balm, crushed thyme, orange rind, and fir.
• Ojai Lavender Candle - Aromatic, herbal, citrus. Pixie tangerine, blue lavender, coyote mint.
• Amber & Moss Candle - Sage, moss, and lavender
• Amber & Moss Hand and Body Wash
• Wild Herb Tonic Incense Sticks
• Sweet Grapefruit Room and Linen Spray - Grapefruit, yuzu, and lemon

Next room was the bathrom where I used Amber & Moss Hand and Body Wash. I chose to first use as a handwash to see how the scent lasts. Plus clean hands should smell nice.

Again another great fit. Easy to pump, use and experince a relaxing nice scent. It lathers nicely and wash off clean and fresh.

I decided to use the Wild Herb Tonic Incense Sticks in my teens son's room to add scent, without worrying if he was going to knock the candle down. Plus the slim design meant I could easily leave in a corner of his room.

The incense smelt wonderful and brighted up the "scent" of his room without being too strong.

Overall I was really pleased with the different ways I can use P.F. Candle Co products to scent my home. Can't wait to try some of the other different scents!

P.F. Candle Co Products

Candles - made with 100% domestically-grown soy wax, fine fragrance oils, and cotton-core wicks. The fragrances use are paraben-free, phthalate-free, and are never (ever) tested on animals.

Incense - charcoal-based and hand-dipped in-house using fine fragrance oils.

Room & Linen Sprays - Each amber glass bottle contains a 7.75 fl oz blend of body-safe fine fragrance oils and water.

Hand & Body Wash - made with Castile-based soap and fine fragrance oils to leave the skin lightly fragranced. Formulated first for the hands but suitable for the entire body, this collection is vegan and cruelty-free, contains no sulfates, parabens, or phthalates, and is packaged in recyclable glass bottles to fit right in with any home decor.

Learn more, visit - www.pfcandleco.com

During SimpliSafe's event to highlight their home security devices and monitoring systems, I learned how various products can help keep you safe, whether you rent an apartment or own a home.

Note: I was invited as media for review purpose. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.

SimpliSafe is constantly innovating products and services to provide customers with next-level protection.

From HD cameras and advanced sensors to intruder intervention and SimpliSafe® Active Guard Outdoor Protection features, they’re transforming home security from a reactive to a proactive service, stopping intruders in their tracks and enhancing customers’ safety.

A few products great for apartment and home security  included:

Video Doorbell Pro

Watch and record activity at your entryway with ease, even if someone isn’t ringing the bell — whether that means ensuring packages arrive safely, guests are greeted or unwanted visitors are caught on camera.

• 162° viewing angle
• 2-way audio lets you hear and speak with whoever rings your bell
• Day and night modes adjust motion sensitivity based on light levels
• Activity zones allow you to choose where the camera checks for motion

Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera

Advanced indoor camera that can trigger an alarm and deter intruders with a built-in siren and live, 2-way agent audio (*For customers who subscribe to monitoring). On top of that, AI-powered motion detection distinguishes between humans and pets, so you can be more confident that an alarm is real.

• Automated privacy shutter
• 125° diagonal field of view
• Night vision
• Customizable activity zones

2-in-1 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Engineered to sense the difference between dangerous smoke and burning food, the Detector can tell when there's an actual emergency.

Plus, with SimpliSafe’s award-winning security system and 24/7 professional monitoring, emergency assistance will be quickly sent to your front door any time there’s trouble.(*For customers who subscribe to monitoring).

• Get instant phone alerts about dangerous smoke or CO levels, even when you’re not home
• Built-in internal 85dB siren and triggers the siren in the Base Station
• Automatic daily system check-ins
• Up to 2 years of battery life (depending on usage)

Water Sensors

Water Sensors send an alert whenever they come into contact with water as low as the width of a credit card, helping to prevent costly damage from leaks and floods.

• Water-resistant casing
• Triggers alarm upon contact with water — two metal contacts (of 6 total) must touch water to trigger an alarm
• For indoor use only

Keypad

The Keypad is used to arm and disarm your system, as well as customize your system settings. It also comes equipped with a panic button, so that you can manually trigger the alarm during times of crisis.

• Entry delay countdown signal
• Panic Button can be customized to send out an intruder alarm, fire alarm or medical alarm signal to our 24/7 monitoring center*
• Backlighting allows you to use the Keypad with ease in the dark

Base Station

The Base Station is the brain of the system. It communicates with all of your SimpliSafe devices and relays alarm signals to our 24/7 monitoring center (*For customers who subscribe to monitoring).

• Built-in 95dB speaker for audible sirens, door chimes and voice prompts
• Status light darkens during alarm to hide Base Station from intruders
• Can connect to WiFi and cellular simultaneously
• Battery backup (up to 24 hours) in the event of main power failure

Monitoring Plans

Core ($31.99/month)

With Core, customers get their alarms and indoor cameras monitored 24/7 by expert monitoring agents, who dispatch emergency personnel, including police, firefighters and emergency medical services, as needed depending on the alarm event.

Additionally, Core gives customers expanded control, including third-party integrations with smart home devices (such as Amazon, Alexa, Apple Watch and August Smart Lock) and unlimited recording storage for up to 10 cameras.

Pro ($49.99/month)

The Pro monitoring plan gives customers access to all of the Core features plus Overnight SimpliSafe® Active Guard Outdoor Protection (8 p.m. – 6 a.m. local time).

Outdoor Protection with Pro gives customers a double layer of overnight protection designed to proactively prevent crime before it happens.

Advanced AI detects threats and live security agents intervene to stop intruders. Using the Outdoor Camera Series 2, agents can see the threat and deter the person by speaking to them directly, sounding the camera’s siren and shining the camera’s spotlight.

Pro Plus ($79.99/month)

A Pro Plus monitoring plan also gives customers access to all the Core features plus 24/7 SimpliSafe® Active Guard Outdoor Protection.

Outdoor Protection with Pro Plus gives customers a double layer of outdoor protection designed to proactively prevent crime before it happens — day and night.

Advanced AI detects threats and live security agents intervene to stop intruders. Using the Outdoor Camera Series 2, agents can see the threat and deter the person by speaking to them directly, sounding the camera’s siren, and shining the camera’s spotlight.

Learn more, visit - www.SimpliSafe.com

When I first learned about My Magic Carpet washable rugs, I thought it was such a great product to add some style to floors, but without the stressful upkeep.

Note: I received product samples for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

So when I needed a rug for my kitchen, I partnered with My Magic Carpet to find the right fit. And I literally meant the right fit, since my kitchen area is very narrow.

But My Magic Carpet actually has rugs available in different sizes to fit any room in your home. So I was able to find a rug easily to fit inside my narrow kitchen.

My rug arrived neatly folded and at first I wasn't sure, since I expected a big box. But once I unfolded it, I was pleasantly surprised how large it actually was. It was taller then me!

But more importantly it fit perfect inside my kitchen! The material itself is soft to the touch and very comfy for my feet.

It also has a nonslip webbed back so it stays in place. Which is great since I spend a lot time in my kitchen between cooking and cleaning.

But the biggest perk of my rug is that it's Machine Washable! That's right. Any stain, any dust buildup, I can drop it in my washing machine and clean it up.

No dragging it outside. No hiring carpet cleaners. No sending it out to be cleaned. In my washing machine!

My Magic Carpet Machine Washable Rugs Collection

Designed to provide a premium accent to your home or office decor, My Magic Carpet washable rugs are soft, sleek, and foldable, making them easy to maintain and store.

Each My Magic Carpet rug consists of non-allergenic, stain-resistant 100% microfiber polyester, including a waterproof inner liner and a nonslip, patent-pending, webbed back.

Plus, the revolutionary pet and family-friendly design makes the rugs easy to care for; simply throw them in any standard sized washer and dryer.

These affordable rugs are offered in oriental, floral, striped patterns and solid colors to match the style of various décors.

Learn more, visit - www.buymymagiccarpet.com

Dealing with bugs inside the home just got better. Wondercide’s new Flying Insect Trap, which is pet and people friendly, offers an effortless way to get rid of bugs with zero chemical insecticides.

Note: I received product samples for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

I wanted to try out Wondercide’s Flying Insect Trap, since I've been chasing around a few fruit flies, who snuck into my home somehow! When my box arrived, I quickly opened it and set things up.

Honestly there wasn't much to set up. A removal of paper and a click and it was ready. I didn't have to mix anything or spray anything, which meant less mess to clean up and no strange smells.

Once I plugged in the trap, the bug attracting Blu-V™ light came on and all I have to do is wait for bugs to fly over and get trapped and then trash.

So main features of the Wondercide’s Flying Insect Trap, that I liked is that it's easy to setup and use and it's mess free. Bye bye fruit flies!

Wondercide’s Flying Insect Trap

The innovation Flying Insect Trap protects any indoor space. It’s perfect for kitchens, bedrooms, closets, living rooms, and garages with a sleek, slim design that rotates up to 90° to fit any outlet.

With low energy consumption, plug one in every room where flying insects are present, then let the trap take care of the issue so you don’t have to.

Flying Insect Trap uses innovative Blu-V™ light technology that mimics the same light flying insects are instinctively drawn to in nature. The soft glow attracts the bugs and they get trapped on the sticky cartridge behind the cover.

The refillable trap is lab proven to kill mosquitoes, gnats, moths, and fruit flies. Just plug it in and let it work 24/7 while you enjoy the good times at home.

Learn more, visit - www.wondercide.com

Need stylish, comfy slides and slip-on shoes for get-togethers, running errands, or relaxing Sundays lounging around the house? Try Medical Scrubs Collection's Anywhere By Cherokee Footwear line.

Note: I received product sample for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are 100% my own.

Over the weekend I wore the ZONE "Electric Blooms" Anywear Unisex Lighweight Slip Resistant Injected Clog while doing all the "weekend" activities. These clogs kept my feet comfortable, while also looking so cute.

A few things that stood out for me include it really was slip resistant. Both the inside sole (so soft!) and outside sole kept me on my feet, while I was in the restaurant or outside in the backyard.

Speaking of being in the backyard, these clogs cleaned off easily with water so I can keep looking cute after my backyard adventures. LOL.

I also liked that I can use the strap for a full fit, or slide up so I can use the clogs as slip-ons.

So if you are looking for a unisex shoe line that's good for wearing both at work and home, then Cherokee Unisex Footwear is a great fit!

Cherokee Footwear

VIBE - Medical Scrubs Collection Anywear By Cherokee Unisex Footwear

In classic solids and fun prints, these slip-resistant sandals feature cushioning and arch support to give tired feet the relief they need. Available in an array of fun bright colors for $27.96

VERVE - Medical Scrubs Collection Anywear By Cherokee Unisex Footwear

Durable and flexible, the Anywear Unisex Verve Convertible Clog is a clog with arch support, slip-resistant soles, and shock absorption, so your feet are always supported. Made with a convertible strap that swivels forward and backward to suit your needs. Available for $59.96

STREAK - Medical Scrubs Collection Anywear By Cherokee Footwear Unisex Step In Shoe

The Anywear Unisex Streak Lightweight Clogs are oil and slip resistant and feature removeable insoles, vent holes on the sides, antimicrobial insoles that reduce odor causing bacteria, and a heel Height of 1 1/4". Available for $31.96

ZONE - Medical Scrubs Collection Anywear by Cherokee Lightweight Unisex Clog

An extremely lightweight and flexible clog made of a soft DBL compound with a slip-resistant rubber outsole. An anatomical footbed adds an extra layer of comfort and support. The heel strap swivels forward to wear as a traditional clog. Available for $31.96

JOURNEY - Medical Scrubs Collection Anywear By Cherokee Injected Footwear

The amazing ventilation details and roomy interior will keep you fresh and confident as you move through your day. They feature a classic clog silhouette, IMEVA lightweight upper, ventilated side panels, a removable EVA ventilated insole, antimicrobial interior, printed logo on insole lining, an oil & slip resistant rubber outsole, and heel height of 1¼" . Available for $25.57

Medical Scrubs Collection strives to offer customers items that suits their needs and taste, all while offering incredible savings.

Learn more, visit - www.medicalscrubscollection.com

Spider-Verse fans get ready! I was able to screen Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, before the film released in theaters, and it is truly a mental, visual and audio treat!

Note: I was invited as media to the movie screening. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Because I wanted to FULLY be engrossed in this second Spider-Verse film, I choose to see it in a Dolby Cinema. And it was the perfect choice!

While one of the benefits of being in a Dolby Cinema are the spacious recliner seats with clear sight lines.....because I need to be comfortable while watching Miles swing around in the Spider-Verse!

But there's so much more to enjoy!

Getting back into the Spider-Verse

Just like the first film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, we're taken into Miles world to see how he's living both as his neighborhood spider-man and a teen kid juggling school and his parents.

It was nice to get back into that world and catch up with Miles, even if that meant seeing him struggle with his family, missing his friends and facing a new villain and Spider-Verse challenges.

Meeting the other Spider-Verse "Spideys"

OMGosh! The Spideys! So many spider-people? animals? Spiders?! While part of the film is following Miles as he's introduced to Miguel O'Hara / Spider-Man 2099 and all the other Spideys and what that means....

The who film could have been just about that. There's SO much storytelling there! And what it means for Miles and his choice to be Spider-Man.

I LOVED seeing all the different Spideys and LOVE LOVE LOVE that one of them was a pregnant women, another a "black" female techie, and another a T-Rex. Because...of course!

Storylines within storylines within storylines

Listen! Across the Spider-Verse ended on a cliff hanger (spoiler!) BUT besides that, it could have went on and on and on. Cause there was SO much storytelling angles and it was ALL SO GOOD.

It's amazing they were able to keep different characters and their storylines just as interesting and Miles and hos storyline.

Your going to want to see Across the Spider-Verse again and again just to fit pieces together and try to figure out Easter eggs before the 3rd film releases in 2024.

Getting the Dolby Cinema Experience

Dolby Cinema is specially designed to elevate every type of movie experience – and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be no exception.

• A Multiverse Unleashed - With Dolby Vision, every scene in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse bursts with breathtaking colors and vivid detail, immersing you in jaw- dropping visuals like you’ve never seen before. Scenes of Miles and Gwen soaring through NYC’s streets are especially stunning in Dolby Vision, as gorgeous colors and imagery pop on screen.
• A Comic Book Come to Life - Dolby Vision elevates the varied art styles of the film, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the captivating worlds and characters on screen. From the striking comic book aesthetics to the amazing fusion of animation techniques, the film’s distinct art styles are made even more compelling with the vibrant colors and detail of Dolby Vision.
• Swing into the Action - With Dolby Atmos, you’ll feel like you’re right in the heart of New York City and other mesmerizing settings thanks to rich soundscapes that envelop you. Prepare to be blown away by high-stakes action sequences in Dolby Atmos, as you hear sounds of Spider-People flying through the air and webs whizzing past your ears.

Dolby Cinema is specially designed to elevate every type of movie experience - and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be no exception.

Dolby Cinema offers guests the complete Dolby movie experience. Dolby Cinema unlocks the emotional impact of every film, allowing you to see the subtle details and ultra vivid colors of Dolby Vision, and hear the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos.

Outside of Dolby Cinema, Dolby is also continuing to transform how people experience their favorite forms of entertainment including TV, music, sports, podcasts, games, and more.

Get tickets to experience the film in Dolby Cinema - www.dolbylabs.co/SpiderVerse

SYNOPSIS

Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse.

After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence.

But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.

Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Karan Soni, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham and Oscar Isaac.

Directed by: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
Screenplay by: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller and David Callaham
Based on the MARVEL Comic Books.
Produced by: Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Christina Steinberg
Executive Producers: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Aditya Sood, Rebecca Karch, Brian Bendis

Learn more, visit - www.acrossthespiderverse.movie

During a preview for Parent’s Path Art Collection by Philips Avent, I meet women artists and have a first look at some of their artwork, which highlighted each artist reflections on their unique journey with motherhood.

Note: I was invited as media. However any personal views expressed are 100% my own.

Each artistic piece depicted self-expression, self-care and community support as essential parts of nurturing new parents through the journey. While all the women are mothers, Philips Avent understands and supports each parenthood personal experiences.

To hear how one artist uses art to highlight her parenting experience, I interviewed Lauren J. Turner, a mother, artist, and birth worker (lactation & doula) who uses her passion for maternal health to celebrate and support families.

Interviewed with Artist Lauren J. Turner

Importance of Portraying Breastfeeding

Lauren J. Turner: It is definitely important to have representation. Being able to see yourself is important and sometimes you don't get the opportunity. Art gives us the opportunity to go into spaces that we would not necessarily see.

When I was breastfeeding my son, even before that, I did not get an opportunity to like see nursing happen. I never saw anybody breastfeeding growing up.

Lauren J. Turner: And then when I did it with my son, I had a family member tell me to put my breast away. Like, you know, as if it was something wrong. But the art is to celebrate that moment.

Connecting with Philip Avent

Lauren J. Turner: I think we connected via email or social media. But I use the bottles with my son. But with my daughter, I decided to just nurse from my body, but with my son, I needed the opportunity to get, you know, get time alone for my mental health.

Working with the brand means a lot to me because, they have the same ideology that I have, which is to celebrate these moments and allow people to feel comfortable with doing it.

Sometimes bottle feeding is absolutely necessary. Sometimes it's an option and having an option is important.

Artist in Parent's Path Art Collection by Philips Avent

The Parent's Path Art Collection by Philips Avent begins with custom artwork developed by a group of mothers who share similar, yet totally unique experiences with parenthood.

Aimee Koran – A multi-disciplinary artist exploring the complex binaries of motherhood working in mediums of sculpture, photography and mixed-media installation, contributing works honoring the human experience and motherhood moments.

Alison Chen – Working in video, photography and performance, Alison's work centers on the complexities of intimate relationships, contributing a series of images to capture everyday moments and map the act of caregiving.

Lauren J. Turner – An experienced artist and doula working with paint imagery, contributing painted works highlighting the authentic and inclusive experiences of the parenting journey.

Liana Finck – Cartoonist and author documenting the details of the pregnancy journey, contributing a customized drawing deriving from her recent pregnancy and post-partum experiences.

Philips Avent will donate the custom-curated art from the Parent's Path Art Collection to select medical centers supporting women and families.

Philips Avent continues its efforts in providing resources and support for parents navigating ups and downs of their individual parenting journey, knowing this uniqueness is what bonds parents together.

Share Artwork for a Chance to Win $250 Worth of Philips Avent Products

To enter for a chance to win your choice of $250 worth of Philips Avent products, share your own artwork inspired by the joys, the challenges, or the unpredictability of your parenting journey.

Philips Avent wants to see your milestones, celebrations, and detours that make the first years of parenting feel like a rollercoaster – in whatever art medium you prefer.

Learn more, visit - www.usa.philips.com