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Valentine’s Day is February 14th- Gifts Ideas for the Special Ones on Your List

The Valentine’s Day Countdown is on! If you need a little help in the gift department, you can never go wrong with a signature piece of jewelry. Jewelry is not only a classic choice for Valentine’s Day — with a little bit of guidance — it CAN be affordable too. Here are three V-day picks from Jewelry.com that cost less than $100. Plus, 2/1-2/4 you can save an extra 25% off sitewide and get free shipping at Jewelry.com with code CYCLE25.

Spinner Heart Pendant with Diamonds, $37

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Feel the love from miles away! Within the largest, round-cut diamond-accented sterling silver heart sit two smaller hearts, the smallest of which is crafted in 14K rose gold.

2 ct Diamond Wave Tennis Bracelet, $97

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An impressive, 2 ct diamond tennis bracelet is now an attainable luxury. Round-cut diamonds totaling 2 ct line a waved setting in rhodium-plated brass.

Heart Climber Button Earrings, $37

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Show that love is always in the air with these playful earrings. Four heart-shaped stations in alternating 14K yellow and white gold create these pieces that cascade playfully along the side of the ear.

 

This Valentine’s Day should be all about lavishing your loved ones with little luxuries. L’Occitane has you covered in this department! With Valentine’s gift ideas for him and for her, you really can’t go wrong with anything you chose.

Men’s gift ideas include fragrances, skincare and grooming products, such is this Eau des Baux Eau de Toilette or this Almond Daily Ritual Duo.

For ladies, L’Occitane carries a range of fine fragrances, luxury bath and body products, home fragrances, candles and gifts sets — all of which are superb gift ideas for women. We suggest the Divine Cream or the Roses et Reines Eau de Toilette.

New to the L’Occitane brand and not sure where to start? Now through 2/14, you can get this 8-Piece Shea Set for only only $20 with any $45 purchase. Use promo code COZY at checkout. The set includes 8 Shea Butter essentials, including Light Face Cream, Hand & Foot Cream, Extra-Gentle Soap, Shower Cream, Ultra-Rich Body Cream and a Sample of Comforting Face Oil.

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Hedgehogs in Love

This quirky card features an oversized mushroom and two Hedgehogs in a serenading scene complete with a tiny lute. The adorable details make this card a hit for any occasion.

Bun in the Oven

This Mother’s Day card doubles as a fun way to share BIG news with friends and family. The adorable card features a pop-up oven that opens to show a bun inside. Seal the envelope and see how long it takes your loved ones to figure out the surprise.

Gondola Love Scene

If you can’t send your love to Italy this year, gift them the Gondola Love Scene instead. The 5” by 7” card features a couple in a pop-up gondola gliding along Venetian waterways. It’s a classic romance scene with a 2017 twist — the couple is taking a selfie inside the gondola. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or your next anniversary.

Pirate Ship

Whether they’re 8 or 38, your adventure-loving friend needs Lovepop’s Pirate Ship card. Include treasure in the form of cash or send your favorite pirate on a treasure hunt to find his or her next gift.

Big Deals for the Big Day!

Come in store, pick up your savings and say “I do” to discounts on dresses, jewelry, men’s suites, shirts and ties, furniture, mattresses and rugs, luggage, bedding and bath essentials, women’s shoes, evening bags and more! Create your Macy’s wedding and gift registry today.

Pamper yourself — or someone else — this Valentine’s Day with a gift from Murad Skin Care. Murad is a global leader in skincare science with a wide range of health and beauty products for even the most discerning skin. Now, you can save 15% site wide and get free shipping on all orders at Murad.com. Use promo code BRANDCYCLE15 at checkout. This offer is valid through 2/4.

Shop Murad’s top sellers.

Essential-C Day Moisture

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This is a powerful, antioxidant-rich daily moisturizer that shields and revitalizes environmentally stressed skin. It’s made to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays and free-radical damage, while improving skin’s radiance, firmness and elasticity.

City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturizer

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Detoxify and revitalize skin overnight. This breakthrough formula, with super-charged antioxidants from Marrubium Plant Stem Cells, neutralizes pollutants and strengthens skin’s barrier while you sleep.

Beautiful And Bright 4-Piece Set

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Polish away dry, dull skin; fade dark spots and age spots; plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and protect skin for a hydrated radiant glow.

BONUS: Get a Free Valentine’s Day Gift set ($45 value) with any $125+ purchase (Valid 1/16 – 2/14). Use Promo Code LOVE at checkout.

Single Mom Chronicles: Welcome February- “Love is in the Air”

love is in the air

 

Welcome, February!!!! This is the month where stores are adorned with so much related to Valentine’s Day.   Is Love in the air?

I am so honored to have a guest blogger, Latoi Storr of ToiTime give her perspective overview on celebrating Valentine’s Day if you are single, in a relationship or married.  Latoi is a married, full-time working mom of 3, and blogger.   When I connect with another CocoaMommy who can relate to the mommy challenge and keeps it 100!  This is a breath of fresh air!  Do check out Latoi over at ToiTime!

ToiTimeGuestBlogger

Bio in her Words:

LaToi McGinnis-Storr was born in Ohio and grew up predominately in Lancaster, PA. I am a wife and a mother to 3 beautiful kidlets as I call them.  I am a Pennsylvania State University 2003 graduate.  I can be described by my friends as the wild child and wildflower of the bunch. I like all things “weird” and by weird, I mean that gummy bears are on the food pyramid.  Look it up with a magnifying glass trust me it’s there. In my spare time, I like to practice my make-up tips as well an avid reader.  I value friendships and quiet moments.  As a busy mom on the go, I try to focus on being as prepared as possible and letting the rest just happen.  Follow me on Instagram – Toirenee3 or Twitter @Renee_toi

Single Mom Chronicles: What Does Love Mean to You?

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As a mom it goes without saying that I have unconditional love for my kids.   However in terms of the love described on this card, I feel a void!  I think my 45th birthday made me question if I have ever or will ever experience this type of love.    When I purchased my Alex and Ani bracelets, this card was in the box.   Wow, it made me think long and hard on the words.   Did I agree?  Is love a virtue?  According to Webster’s dictionary, a virtue is the following  1. morally good behavior or character 2. a good and moral quality 3.the good result that comes from something.     I do agree it is a good quality however I do not agree it is related to morality.    I say this only because MORALS AND VALUES are the core of CHARACTER.   For someone who lacks character I find they are emotionally detached which makes it difficult to express this powerful emotion.     I have learned LOVE should not be taken lightly and the words are no measure unless the actions are present.    The second line on the card said it is a force that ignites passion, generosity and affection.   I have to disagree because some RELATIONSHIPS can have these elements and there is the LOVE is not mutual.    Another lesson learned is if another individual has no capacity for understanding what another person needs  there is no level of generosity.   Affection comes in many forms not just in the physical sense.     For me LOVE is a physical, emotional and spiritual connection.     I do agree it illuminates the spirit and makes the days, nights, weeks and months easier to digest.   Life is short and yes we should not fight what our heart feels and share love openly with the right individuals.   I learned to my surprise that not all individuals are capable of giving or receiving love.   Yes, I learned the hearts of some are cold with no capacity for caring and respecting the emotions and/or feelings of another individual.   There is NO WELCOME MAT for this individual in my life.   Although there is disappointment and heartache associated with LOVE I am HOPEFUL!

Best Man Holiday

If you saw Best Man in 1999, then you will want to catch the sequel. I think what I loved the most about the first is the genuine friendship of college friends. From Quentin, Lance, Shelby, Harper, Mia, Robin, Julian, to Jordan we were introduced to their past, present and future of their lives after college. Harper’s new book is eye opening especially as the friends start to piece together the characters.

Well if you enjoyed Part 1, you must check out Best Man Holiday. I will not offer any spoilers however it definitely gives a clear meaning to FRIENDSHIP and LOVE!

Quentin will always and forever hands down be my favorite character from both.

I downloaded the soundtrack today!

Do You Feel Empowered? Doing What I Love!

 

 

 

Empowered According to Websters,  empowered means to promote the self-actualization or influence of.   I have learned in the workplace after a workshop to spend time doing self-reflection.   Do we really spend time searching within ourselves?  As a blogger, I am definitely promoting not only myself but I also have the ability to influence others to either follow you, request you as a friend, or promote campaigns, reviews or network.  As a mom I think one of the biggest challenges is to find a great balance between work and family.    I feel most of my  time is spent during my 40 hour at work and time at home is on full speed ahead once I hit the door.    Is there a normal weeknight?  My weeknight is filled with homework, dinner, chatting, bedtime ritual and then mommy-time.    I try to spend the final hours of the night doing what I love.    I feel empowered when I am able to do what I love!

I think it is so important to seek a balance that provides the flexibility and encouragement to feel empowered.    As a mommy of two, I now know what it means to make sacrifices for my well-being.    It is so empowering to ask for what you need to make the balance fit between work and family.    I have learned that asking for what you want is the best way to achieve a sense of empowerment.  You may be genuinely surprised with the outcome.

Do you feel empowered?  Are you doing what you love?  If so, please share!

My Moment: Parent of a Tween- Can Love & Like Coexist?

 

 

For me giving birth was what I equate to a marathon runner finishing a race, it is the biggest release of physical and emotional energy filled with a loads of adrenaline…It is so true that the pain escapes your memory and even without an epidural on either delivery I cannot recall the pain not even the “ring of fire” stays with you!  

The process of giving birth was easy compared to the real job of parenting.  Parenting is a daily and constant hurdle.   There is no rule book, standard operating procedures,  or instruction manual.    It takes a lot of ingenuity and major tenacity!  Loving your children is truly unconditional; there is no denying this feeling.   In the past few weeks my thoughts have centered on this question; are we always suppose to “like” our children?   No matter how much you want for your children they may not share your hopes, dreams and desires.     I am finding that a number of circumstances affect the path our children choose and the struggles as a parent are beyond stressful.    The onset of puberty and the need to “belong” are battles that I may never win.    In discussions with other parents I hear this is just the beginning and I’m thinking wow, really?     I will admit it is easy to love unconditionally but to always “like”  who your child is transforming into in front of your eyes, is like trying to swallow multiple pre-natal vitamins at once!     What are your thoughts? 

Peace,
CocoaMommy

Love & Hip Hop

I never thought I would tune it to Love & Hip Hop but it held my attention…..  Can I start  by saying Chrissy, Chrissy, Chrissy!  I love how protective and loyal she is with her relationship.   She takes no crap from anyone but when it is all said and done her heart is filled with love for her man, friends and family.   My favorite episode was Chrissy’s long awaited proposal from her “Jimmy”….. This was by far my favorite episode…

Wordless Wednesday: Sibling Love

I can overlook the constant bickering because
what puts a smile on my face is when they greet each other with “hi brother” and “hi sister” even if a wrestling match begins hours(sometimes minutes) later–

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Parenting: How to Share the Love

For six years, I was use to managing a schedule for only one child. Now I am challenged with dividing my time, affection, support, nurturing and overall parenting times 2. I am finding that no matter the ages of your children they will always require your attention. When my little man is off from school I try to plan a mommy & son activity even it is simply going to lunch. I feel sometimes he thinks our little one gets more attention because she is younger. In her defense, I explain to him she does require more because she is not as independent. I’m not sure if this flies with him.

For me our daily homework time is the hardest because my attention and focus is on getting the homework assignments completed, dinner, and finding an activity for my little one. I wish there was a perfect formula for bringing all of this together.

Please feel free to share your formula, ideas or thoughts on handling the daily challenge of parenting two or more……