Review | Guardian Repellent

Disclosure: This product was sent to me to review. I did not purchase this with my own money, but all opinions are 100% mine. I did not get paid to review this, nor did I get paid to praise it. 

First off, I want to thank Influenster for sending me this product to try out. Until I was sent Guardian, I had never heard of it. I stuck to the Off! brand and usually didn't stray away from that. Where I live bug spray is an essential during Spring and Summer. With out it I constantly get bit by mosquitos and have tons of bugs around me when I spend any time outside. I currently live off a lake, which means I have a breeding ground for mosquitos in my backyard. 

Since I had used Off! all of the time, I didn't notice the smell or the feel of the product on my skin until I tried Guardian. The plus to the Guardian repellent is it is 100% DEET free! 

I was very unaware of what DEET really was and what the real dangers were. So here is a little information about DEET for those who are not truly aware.  

• DEET was originally developed by the ARMY for US Soldiers for protection while in insect infested areas. 
• It is a colorless liquid that has a faint odor and does not dissolve in water easily.
• Can enter your blood stream via your skin, breathing it in, or ingesting it. 
• Once entered your blood stream it can take up to 24 hours to leave your system. 
• The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has constituted DEET as "not classifiable as a human carcinogen". Which means that there is not enough evidence to say whether or not it can cause cancer. 
• Studies shown pregnant women using a product with 20% DEET in their second and third trimesters. This study showed DEET had crossed the placenta and was found in 8% of the cord. 
• DEET is extremely toxic to water life. DEET does not dissolve or mix well with water.

With the little research I did, I found that DEET isn't just harmful to bugs, it can be harmful to your pets and the environment around you. After I got a little more understanding behind DEET and why Guardian is so big on not using it, I appreciated the product a lot more. Finding a bug repellent that doesn't use DEET is not as easy as finding one that does. I would say about 80% of the products in common stores use DEET. 

After using this for the first time, I was taken back by the smell. The smell wasn't horrible, it was actually quite pleasant. I could tell right off the bat, this product was very natural. It had a very plant based scent, with a hint of lemon to it. I liked it in comparison to the chemically scent that other bug repellents have. 

The texture was about the same as other bug repellents, nothing stood out at first application. After going about my business, I noticed after about 10 minutes, the product seemed to settle on my skin. If I compare it to other bug repellents I had used in the past, I would be left with a layer of the product on my skin and hairs. With Guardian I wasn't left with the sticky feeling others would have. I can say that it did leave a layer of product but it was much more comfortable on my skin.

I used Guardian on two occasions to get a real feeling for it in different scenarios. 

• The first time I used it when the sun was going down (which is peak time for mosquitos) while I was taking a jog/walk with my husband. In this scenario sweat was involved and it was peak time for bugs.
• Results: The repellent didn't budge. It lasted throughout the whole workout and didn't lost its strength. I didn't have any bug bites and I didn't notice it at all on my skin. 
• The second time I used it was during the day in my backyard. It was blazing hot outside and I was running around playing with my dog. 
• The Results: Again, the repellent lasted throughout the whole process. Not one bug bite, the product didn't rinse off with my sweat, and my dog didn't mind the smell it left on my skin. 

I can say over all, this product worked very well for me. I wasn't left with any bug bites and I thought Guardian bug repellent felt a lot better on my skin. I love the all naturalness of it as well. If I can stay away from chemicals, I will take it in a heart beat. 

For more information on Guardian products, click here. 

Have any of you tried Guardian? If so, what is your opinion? If not, would you try it out? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear what you all think. :) 

Random Blog Hop | Whats on My Fridge

Recently I was invited to co-host a new blog hop called The Random Blog Hop. It's been titled Random Blog Hop for numerous reasons, one being its meant to be about random posts based on the random topic of the week. I thought this was so awesome because some people don't stick to one genre and I love to blog about random things every so often. I also love link up/blog hops because it is a great way to build a community among other bloggers. Also you can find some awesome blogs out there, you otherwise wouldn't. So on too the blog hop! 

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Welcome to the new Random Blog Hop. I have not thrown a blog hop in the longest time and I decided I wanted to make this one fun. Each week I will chose a RANDOM thing to take a picture of, post and link up. 

As you can tell this week is WHATS ON YOUR FRIDGE? 

Just a couple of rules before you start posting. 

1. Follow your Host and Co-Host. 

2. Post photo of whats on your fridge and link up your blog post. (You can use the blog hop photo)

3. Let's get creative. Have fun and make new blog friends.

4.Comment on your new blogger friends blog hop post.

HOST:  Erica

CO-HOST: Avie, Caroline and Lissa

And here is my fridge...

I don't have much on my fridge, just a couple of magnets and photos. A copy of the weekly soup menu at Newks. We love Newks in our house, so we needed the menu to avoid going when there isn't a soup we like. haha :) What's on your fridge? Share with us! 

An InLinkz Link-up

The Mind of Avie | Quotography Monday #3

Another weekend has ended and another Monday has arrived. Although this past weekend was a great one, I wanted to start this week off on another great note. The only way to do that is, positivity. I do apologize for the delay of this post. My week has been thrown off by the holiday. With Monday being Labor Day (in the US, at least) a lot of folks were off. What another great way to start the week, a holiday! :) 

This weekend, or should I say past week, was the start of college football. I have been waiting for this season to start for what felt like a million years. My husband and I are planning to attend all the home games for Mississippi State. We drove to the college to get our student tickets for the season and while we were on our way home, my hubby pointed out this amazing cloud in front of the sun. I just couldn't look at it, I had to snap a pic. The light from behind the cloud just screaming to shine was just amazing. I felt like the photo didn't capture the beauty of it entirely, but just having a photo to remember it was good enough for me.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and continued to have a wonderful week. I have been enjoying these Quotography Mondays. I find it as a great way to showcase photos I've taken throughout the week, that I otherwise wouldn't share. 

If you haven't already, join an awesome link up that I am so very honored to be a guest host on, Social Media Mixer #14. Once there you will see so many bloggers to check out and some awesome featured posts! 

Come join the fun of Quotography Monday! We would love for you all to join and share your photos with everyone! 

Stay tuned for more posts, I have a couple of reviews coming up. The long awaited moisturizer review is almost finished and monthly favorites for August is coming as well. :) 

The Mind of Avie | Quotography Monday #2

Monday has arrived, again! If you are like me, and the majority of people I know, Mondays are not the most welcomed day of the week. I have a great way to start your monday and one I have enjoyed, Quotography Monday. It gives me another reason (not that I needed more than I have already) to look at all my photos I have taken in the past week or so and add a quote the is meaningful to the photo in some way. What a special way for me to showcase some of the photos I had taken while on vacation earlier this month! 

The photo above was taken just two weeks ago when my hubby, little younger sister (I feel like I can't say little sister anymore. One, she is taller than me now. Two, she isn't little anymore. Three, she is 23 going on 24 years old), and I went on vacation to visit some family in Washington State. In the photo is my husband, father, and myself. The bridge above is the infamous Deception Pass bridge. It is the only way to drive onto Whidbey Island by vehicle, other than taking the ferry. Deception Pass Bridge is 180-ft above the ocean depending on the tide levels. Tourists are able to walk across the whole bridge, which by the way no matter how many times I've walked across, I am still terrified when I cross the bridge! 

I love everything about Washington, well maybe not the weather all year round, but I most definitely love the scenery! 

If you have photos you could match quotes with, this link party is for you! Join us for Quotography Mondays and link up at the same time.

The end of the month is coming soon, which only means one thing... Monthly Favorites time! Stay tuned for my August Favorites, I picked up a few new items that have been a hit in my book! Can't wait to share them with you all. Also stay tuned for my review I keep promising you all on a certain moisturizer! Forgive me on the lateness on the review, but it is coming soon! Thank you all for hanging in there! 

The Mind of Avie | Quotography Monday

Recently I joined this amazing link up party. It incorporated photography, quotes, and a link up party. How awesome is that!? Well I was so excited when April from My Captivating Life contacted me and asked me to join. She has been hosting this link up party for a few weeks now and I finally got a photo worth the post!

 

In this photo my husband and I were on vacation visiting some family in Washington State. My parents have an amazing trail head right down the road that leads to all these different sites off of waterfalls. On this specific one my husband and I were able to stand on a boulder that was right next to the waterfall. My sister took the photo from a bridge that was overlooking the waterfull and the creek it created. The boulder and waterfall were so huge you can barely see us standing there in the top left corner! The scenery was so amazing and all the photos will never do it justice!

 

Now for the Rules:

1. Choose your favorite photo of the week.
2. Find a quote that represents the photo.
3. It is preferred that the photo is taken within the past week.
4. Comment on at least 5 other entries, this must be completed in 48 hours.
5. Please link back by putting the button in your post.

 

 

 

 

 

If you haven't already, check out April's blog at My Captivating Life.  She blogs about photography, home schooling, and her life in general! It is a must to check her out!

 

Also stay tuned for a review on a recent product I picked up on a whim. Find out if I loved it or hated it in my next post. Here's a hint; its a moisturizer. ;)

The Mind of Avie | Sunday Thanks

While I was catching up on blog posts (writing and reading others), I came across a fellow blogger (Caroline - East Coast Chic) who took a moment and listed 3-5 things she is thankful for the past week. Along with her list of things she was thankful, she turned it into a linky party where we can all see who joined in on the Sunday Thanks and see what we all were thankful for! I thought this was such a great idea and I just had to join!

 

Lets get this list started:

 

1.  Just yesterday, my hubby and I had some family come visit. I love having family come around and I can't wait until they visit again.
   
   

   

   
   
2. I'm very very very thankful that we are able to take vacation in two days and on top of that get to see family on my side we haven't seen in over 5 years!
3. Just like Caroline I am overly excited for FOOTBALL! More excited for college football, but nonetheless, I can not wait!
4. I am also super excited and thankful over all the wonderful love I have been getting for my blog on all of my social media sites. It feels so awesome!

I encourage all of you guys to join in on this great idea! I really enjoyed sitting here thinking about everything I am thankful for.

Can I also mention how fast July went by. I have no idea where it went, but I seriously felt like I just post my monthly favorites and it is that time of the month again. (Granted I posted late, haha) Stay tuned for that, I have some favorites that stayed the same and I have added some new goodies! :D

See you all in the next post lovelies!

 

The Mind of Avie | Where Have I Been?

First off, I want to start this post off with an apology for the lack of posts recently. If you are new, I recently did the blog everyday in May challenge, also known as BEDM, and since then I haven't been posting as frequent. I've actually only posted once week and I try to get that one post out on a Wednesday at the very least. This week I wasn't successful on that one, but nonetheless, the post went up. Again, sorry for the lack of posts since May.

Anyway, on to where have I been. Life basically caught up with me fully loaded with busy-ness. During BEDM I was in between college semesters, so I had a ton of free time, I otherwise wouldn't have. Since BEDM ended (thankfully, just in time) I started summer courses and they have been super time consuming. If you are not familiar with summer courses in college, they are super condensed compared to a regular semester's class. Basically, I have to learn and take the same amount of tests in pretty much half the time of a regular semester. So I have been really busy with that. 

I Made It!! | #BEDM Day 31

Yay everyone, I have offically made it!! Made it through what some of you are wondering, I made it through BEDM (Blog Everyday in May Challenge)!

Let me start by saying this, the word challenge is an understatement! haha :P Yes, it was truly a challenge. At first, I was off to a great start, getting my posts out at a reasonable time and nothing really going wrong. Then bam, I got hit with the stress train! Not only did I have tons and tons of things to do for work, I was trying to complete quality posts at a reasonable time. One goal I had for myself (other than finish this challenge) was to get the posts out before 10 am. I am late bird, because I work a mid-afternoon to late night job. So I am up late and have tons of time before work to get posts done. Okay, maybe that wasn't a good idea if I was going to complete the post the day before. I quickly realize that wasn't quite reasonable. So at that moment, maybe midway through the challenge, I found myself questioning whether I should call it quits. I am not one to quit anything and this challenge was no exception. Once I started feeling overwhelmed, I really wanted to just say its okay, I can  try it again next time. No, I told myself, that is not going to happen.

Viola! I didn't quit! Thankful I didn't and thankful I found some advice that really started working for me. I quickly turned the my blogging communities and asked some wonderful ladies (that are much much more experienced than I am) for some well needed advice. Most of these women are mommies, work jobs, and blog regularly. So the advice these lovely ladies gave me were taken very seriously.

The number one advice I got was scheduling. OMG, I thought to myself, I have done the scheduling before but for a post I knew I wasn't going to be home at the time I wanted it go out. So why didn't I think of that, I'm not sure. Let me tell any of you struggling with staying on a regular posting schedule, scheduling is key! Also, working on posts little by little when I have time and not focusing on one for hours and hours for one night was another important piece of advice I recieved. These two combined had released all my worries and stress.

I found them to work the best for me because of my schedule. Some times I have tons of time and would be able to complete a post in one night. Other times I have hardly any time at all and is possible to be that way for days. I started to take advantage of the times I had plenty of down time and knocking posts out and scheduling them for days I needed them to go out. The other times when I had hardly any spare time, I just worked on posts little at a time. Boy oh boy this worked wonders. I was able to keep my posts going and had them coming out at the same time every morning. It was completely wonderful and felt so great. And did I mention it was a total relief and weight off my shoulders. I no longer worried about having to quitting. =D

After trying out my first challenge and really getting a real taste of how it can be, I realized how much harder blogging can really be. I give props to all the bloggers out there that work, are mommies, go to school, and blog! I am grateful this challenge ends right before my classes start, because I would probably start stressing again. Lol ;)

I hope you all enjoyed my Blog Everyday in May posts! If there is any topic you thought was amazing and would love to read more on, let me know in the comments below. Any feedback is very much welcomed!

Memories | New York City | #BEDM Day 30

Continuation of our New Jersey Vacation...
(If you haven't checked out my New Jersey post, click here)

Another major point in our trip was our weekend in New York City, we both have never been before and were quite excited to make our own experiences. We got to experience the train, the subways, the crazy taxi drivers, New York only food, Christmas in NYC, and the extra long New York City blocks. We were only able to visit a small portion of NYC (due to our limited time), but what we did see was awesome! 

 

 

We rode the train from New Jersey to New York City, which let me tell you is its own experience. We arrived at the well known train station, Penn Station. We were able to tell when we were getting really close to NYC because the closer we got, the more "Santa Clauses" showed up! It wasn't until we were on our way to NYC that we found out the Santa Claus Convention was going on. Every where we walked Saturday, we saw them. It was quite interesting to see how many people dressed up, which seemed to be more than not.

 

Wishlist | #BEDM Day 29

I have to be honest when I read the subject for today's BEDM post I was stumped. There isn't much I wish for in this world. A lot of things I can get one way or another, sometimes easily and sometimes it takes a little more work. So I was completely at a loss for a post on this one. 

Then it hit me, it doesn't have to be a wish list for objects. It could be a wishlist for bigger things or simply for people around you. Once I looked at the bigger picture, I couldn't stop thinking of different things. 

So this post is going to be about my wishlist, but not an object wishlist, but my true personal within in my heart wishlist. Somethings are completely out of my control and others at some point in my life they can happen if I set my heart to it completely. 

Memorial Day | #BEDM Day 26

 

First and foremost, I would like to take a moment and remember all those who have served and are currently serving for our country. I would like to take a moment to remember those who have lost their lives for this country, in order for us to live in peace. I give my greatest gratitude to all of the armed forces. Thank you for all you have done and provided.

 

I grew up in a military town for the majority of my life. My father is retired navy and I have many close friends and families I grew up with who have served or currently serving. Memorial day to me is not about the three day weekend that most get, but more about remembering. They say you know you are getting older when people you know or know of are passing away more often. I can say that I experienced this at a younger age. I use this day to remember the ones I knew who have passed fighting for our country.

 

This day is so near and dear to me. I grew up with a family for a huge portion of my life, all of us kids played together and grew up together. We of course all went our seperate ways as we got older, but they will always remain a part of my life now and forever.

 

One of the young men joined the Marines and spent a lot of time overseas. He added to the amazing family he already had, & brought into the world a baby boy. Sadly, in 2007 in he had passed. He was KIA (killed in action) while overseas in Iraq.

 

I cannot imagine the pain they all went through and still share til this day. I can say this, the news of his death brougth tears to my eyes. We all may not be as close as we were all were in the past, but just knowing someone I grew up with and have fond memories of, passed away still shakens me. 

 

I wanted to take the time to give this wonderful family my thoughts. Rest in peace KV.

 

Happy Memorial Day everyone. Let's celebrate the freedom we have and thank all the ones who have served for us to have this freedom.

 



Childhood | #BEDM Day 25

So recently I wrote all about my favorite thing about being an adult (If you haven't read that post yet, click here). This post is going to be all about the best things about childhood. Lets jump right in! I have three major favorites when I thought about my childhood. The three are no bills, play time, and no worries. 

I would have to say one of my favorite things about childhood, is honestly having no bills! No matter how much my parents warned me to enjoy the freedom from bills, I just couldn't wait to be a grown up. The price we all pay to live that grown up life. haha :p 

Healthy Living | #BEDM Day 24

Do you drink green tea? If not, have you heard about all the health benefits green tea can offer? I mentioned in a previous post that I love green tea and drink it on a daily basis. If you haven't heard, green tea is one of the healthiest teas to drink and has many health benefits. In this post, I am going to tell you some of the benefits that green tea provides.

Date Night | #BEDM Day 23

Do you love going on dates with your significant other? Are you finding some dates way out of budget? Are you running out of ideas? Well this post is for you! I am going to share with you all 5 affordable date night ideas! So lets get started with the ideas!

Tag | What's on my Bed Side Table | #BEDM Day 22

A while back the lovely Varinder tagged me in her Tag, What's on my Bed Side Table. It's basically a tag sharing what you have on your night stand or bed side table. She started this tag and I was lucky enough to get tagged. Now I am FINALLY sharing what I have on my nightstand. (Sorry Varinder, it took me way too long to post this!) If you haven't already, visit the lovely Varinder's blog, by clicking here! You will not regret it! Thanks again darling for tagging me!

My night stand isn't normal at all. haha =P It actually opens up, so I can store things inside also. You can barely see the hinges in the pic. Anyway, on to what I have on top of my night stand. I try to keep only the items I use on a daily basis on top and the items I don't usually grab all the time, but like to have just in case.

My Workspace | #BEDM Day 21

Today's post is all about my work space. I find these type posts super interesting, because I like to see what others work life is about and things like that. 

The photo above is a panoramic view of my work desk. Please ignore all the random papers everywhere. I was sitting through mail and deciding what needed to be shredded and what needed to be kept when I snapped this photo [I may have a slight attention disorder ;) ]. Anyway, this is my desk. Nothing fancy. I don't have a big oak desk all to myself, but I do have my little space. 

Let's Be Adventurous | #BEDM Day 20

I love going on adventures & I have a list of things I would love to try one day or things I like to do in my spare time. There is also some things I probably would never try because I'm too scared! Haha :P Anyway, in this post I will show you two things I love doing and will do every year, then show you two things that seem like so much fun, but I will never do because they are a little too extreme for my liking. :) 

Adulthood | #BEDM Day 19

Today's topic for the blog everyday in May challenge is to tell everyone your favorite thing about adulthood. Interestingly enough, the first thing I thought of when I heard the words adulthood and favorite thing, I instantly thought of freedom. As an adult I find the freedom to be my favorite thing about it. I am not talking about freedom from lock-up, or freedom from strict parents, I am talking about freedom to do what you please, when you please, without the questions (well most of the time, that is). We all know freedom as an adult only goes so far, but there is a lot more freedom then when you were a child.

When I was going through the motions of what my favorite part of being an adult was, I constantly thought about the bills and how that sucks. Because if you had parents like mine, they tried to warn you, but you didn't believe them. Oh how I would go back to being a kid just so I didn't have to pay bills. :P

Then I thought about the bigger picture, and that is how I came up with freedom as my favorite part. I thought about the freedom I have to decorate my own house how I want it, without having to consult my mother. Or the freedom I have to walk around my house in my under garments with out having to watch out for others (I don't do it often, but the thought that I can, is awesome, hahah :p). Those little things, contribute to why freedom is my favorite part of being an adult.

Of course as an adult we can't run ramped and cause destruction because we are adults, but just the mere fact that we don't have to answer to anyone if we don't want to, is good enough. Of course you have to respect others and treat others how you want to be treated, but it all goes full circle to those little freedom things.

I can go on and on about being an adult and try not to think about all the warnings my parents gave me, but I won't. I will spare you the the long read and the none sense talk.

I am interested to see what you all find to be your favorite part of being an adult. Please share in the comments below. I would love to see what you all come up with!

Until Next Time,

Avie T.



Museum Day | #BEDM Day 18

 

I have gone to my fair share of museums in the past and I loved each and every one of them for their own reasons. I mainly like going to museums for the history. I love learning about history, but I don't like history class. Hahah ;P All seriousness thought, I really love learning about history when it is visual more so than reading.

 

The most recent museum visit I have been to was in New York City with my husband, brother-n-law, and BNL's girlfriend. It was called The National Museum of the American Indian. We stumbled upon this museum on accident and didn't now it was there. I am glad we did though, because it has so much to offer with all the collections available there.

 

In this post I am going to share with you all a few of the photos I took while at the museum. Keep in mind only a portion of the museum was open for photos, while a large portion of it you were not allowed to take any photos in. The reason for that is a lot of the collections the museum had were private collections, so you were not allowed to photograph them because they did not belong to the museum themselves. They were just on display there for the public to see.

 

The ceiling of the building the museum is in, is truly beautiful. It had paintings along the top and the top portion is glass. I could stare at it all day!

Favorite Decade | #BEDM Day 17

 

If you are anything like me and love to look back at fashion trends from different decades, this post is most definetly for you! We are going to take a look at the fashion going around in the 1920s, when the "Flapper girl" style was becoming really popular. I find this decade for fashion one of my favorites. It was the time when fashion for women broke out of the "concealed" statements and the majority of the clothing were super frilly and blingy.

 

 

 

I guess you can say that movie The Great Gatsby helped renew my love for 1920s. The movie made the "flapper girl" style and all the hit parties seem so appealing. Another thing I like about the 20s is the form fitting dresses. They are form fitting but not overly tight. They shape well to a women's curves, but aren't overly tight where it's unappealing.