Pucker Up with the NIVEA Kiss of the Year Contest! {Romantic Kiss Prep Kit Giveaway}

During those times that my mind wanders and I ponder the strange, unanswerable questions that float through my head (What if the sky really was Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs? or Is there really a need for my pinky toe?) I've wondered about how many of our common traditions came to be.

Who were the first people to decide to shake hands upon meeting? And when did someone realize that a hug provides reassurance and feels good? Even further, who thought it would be a good idea to actually kiss someone? Why would you press your lips onto someone else's just for the heck of it?

Whatever the reason, someone did. And here we are, centuries later, and a kiss can represent something special in relationships of all kinds. So why not celebrate the evening where a kiss can be more than just a kiss?

This year NIVEA is gearing up to do just that and make New Year's Eve the best yet with their ever-popular "Kiss of the Year" Contest!

If you've turned on the television at midnight on December 31st, you've seen kiss after kiss take place as the ball drops in Times Square in New York. But NIVEA has taken things further and is giving one lucky couple the chance to turn their New Year's Eve kiss into an experience of a lifetime in their "Kiss of the Year" Contest.

To enter, simply visit NIVEA on Facebook and tell them why you and your special someone deserve the perfect start to what could be your best year ever. The lucky winning couple will be whisked away to New York City with the full VIP treatment to kick off 2013 and have their kiss take place on the Times Square stage with celebrity hosts Mario Lopez and Courtney Mazza!

The entry period for the "Kiss of the Year" Contest runs through November 7, so be sure to head over and submit your story today!

Not only might you end up with an unforgettable experience, but the winning couple's midnight kiss will be featured in US Weekly Magazine, so who knows? Maybe the image will end up being captured and remembered for years to come! You and your loved one might end up rivaling Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh from Gone with the Wind...

...or Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray in Dirty Dancing...

...or Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst in Spiderman...

...or heck, the sweet kisses in just about all of the animated Disney movies!

While my husband and I have shared kisses in romantic locations across the world, I always find the image of us in a near-kiss during our first dance at our wedding reception to be one of my very favorite.

Maybe we'll have the chance to recreate this scene in Times Square in just a few months!

If you want to kick off 2013 with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, be sure to enter NIVEA's "Kiss of the Year" Contest today! And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be prepared to pucker up with soft, kissable lips, because...

One lucky person will win a "Romantic Kiss" Prep Kit* from NIVEA!

*Kit includes (5) Lip Care sticks: A Kiss of Shimmer, A Kiss of Berry Swirl, A Kiss of Olive Oil & Lemon, A Kiss of Recovery and For Men Replenishing; (1) Happy Sensation Lotion; and (1) Touch of Water Lily Shower Gel

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

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A big thank you to NIVEA for providing a "Romantic Kiss" Prep Kit and compensation for me as well as a "Romantic Kiss" Prep Kit for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.    

Tips for Making a Relationship Last for the Stars of Married to Jonas {Pampering In-Law Survival Kit Giveaway}

When it comes to love and relationships, I think we've all made our fair share of stumbles, blunders and what was I thinking? situations along the way.

However, hopefully when we've met The One, we recognize and grab hold of them while we have the chance, right? While some people might believe that can only happen after a certain age, others believe that young love can be just as true as that of more seasoned couples.

But is married life more difficult when you're younger? And what if your husband is going to be heading back to the studio to record new music with his brothers and your private life is going to be broadcast to the world? Well, then you must be megastar Kevin Jonas and his young wife Danielle as they star in E! Network's hot show, Married to Jonas.

Airing Sundays at 10/9c, Married to Jonas gives viewers a glimpse into the honest and relatable reality of falling in love fast and marrying young. Not only are Kevin and Dani featured as they continue to settle into married life together, but their parents also become a focus of the show as they find it hard to cut the cord and let the couple navigate married life on their own.

And you thought you had difficult in-laws?

While I don't consider myself anywhere near an expert on love, my husband and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary next year. Combine that with the five years that we dated before we were married, and it actually won't be long before I can say that I've been with this man for half of my life.

Holy smokes, that's a long time.

Of course we've had our ups and downs, but here we are happy and healthy with two beautiful children. And even though it sounds cliché to say it, there truly is no one else in this world that I would rather have by my side. He's an amazing husband and father and there aren't too many days that go by that I don't consider myself extremely lucky that we found each other.

So, if I had to send Kevin and Dani (or Kenielle, as they're known to their fans) my list of the top 10 most important pieces of advice for making a relationship last, I'd ponder what I've learned over the years and tell them this:

1. Communicate. Seems obvious, doesn't it? But no matter how well you know your partner, they're not a mind reader. Don't bottle things up, that will just lead to bigger problems later on - tell them!


2. Trust. If a relationship is going to last, you have to trust your partner and they have to be able to trust you, simple as that.


3. Be kind to each other. Of course the tangible tokens are nice, but the importance of general kindness is not to be overlooked. This is your best friend, right? Compliment them, encourage them to follow their dreams, be happy for their successes (and be there to support them during their failures). I don't see how a marriage can work if you don't like each other, so don't take your partner for granted. Be kind to them!


4. Say you're sorry. I admit that I'm a stubborn fool sometimes (okay, often), so this is one that I continually have to work on. But when you're at fault, you have to let your heart be bigger than your ego and own up to your mistake. And, if your partner is the one who has made the mistake and is apologizing, accept it and move on.


5. Love your partner for who they really are. Are there aspects of my husband that I'd change? Sure. I'm sure there are plenty that he'd change about me as well. No one is ever going to be perfect, so don't waste time trying to change something that might be considered a quirk or flaw. Instead, focus on the million reasons that you fell in love with them in the first place!


6. You can never say 'I love you' too many times. As well as saying it in person, here we are nearly 15 years later, and my husband and I end every single phone call by saying 'I love you.' It doesn't matter if he is across the country traveling for work or five minutes away at the grocery store and just called to ask if we need peanut butter, we say it often.


7. Be partners. After all, a relationship is two people as equals, not one person making all the rules or always taking control. Listen to what your significant other has to say and work together to build your life. Together.


8. Laugh. I'm a firm believer in the importance of humor and laughter in any sort of relationship, but I also think that it can help keep the love alive in a marriage.
   
   Whether my husband laughs at my jokes because he really finds me funny or he's just being nice, finding shared things to laugh about is a great way for two people to feel close. Besides, laughter has been proven to actually be good for your health, so you might as well lower your stress levels and boost your immune system with a good belly laugh! 


9. Find the balance. It's no secret that life is busy. Between work, kids, family, friends, obligations... it can be hard to find the time for each other, so it's important to find the right balance between being together too often (and feeling smothered) and not spending enough time with each other (and feeling neglected).
   
   Whether you end up being a couple that has a weekly date night out or one that sets the alarm 15 minutes earlier in the morning so that you can sit and have coffee together, be sure that there is always time to foster your connection.


10. Work things out. Everyone knows that relationships aren't always going to be smooth sailing. Through all of the laughter and the tears, you have to be ready to put in the effort and hard work to not lose the connection that the two of you have with each other. If you want your relationship to last, you have to take on any issues or problems that arise and work them out!

What do you think, Kenielle? Am I ready to become a marriage counselor?

Lasting marriages all come down to two individuals that don't take each other for granted and are willing to put in the hard work and determination to build a lifetime together and focus on each other. Address issues, work to fairly resolve them, and take on the world as a team. 

And why not curl up on the couch together and tune in to see Married to Jonas every Sunday night on E! at 10/9c? The show is quickly building up a large fan base, so don't miss this young couple attempt to find their own happily ever after, no matter different their lives are from you or me.

Thanks to the show's generosity, one person will be even more prepared to relax and bond with their significant other, because...

One lucky person will win an In-Law Survival Kit* ($112 value) in honor of Married to Jonas!

*Survival Kit includes: (1) $15 iTunes Gift Card, (1) EarPollution Plugz Headphones, (1) Stress Relief - Eucalyptus Spearmint Sugar Scrub, (1) Bliss Fabulous Skin-Reviving Rubberizing masks, (1) Soothing Herbal Tea, and (1) Aromatherapy Spa Stress Relief - Shea Butter & Cedarwood Reed Diffuser

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

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A big thank you to Married to Jonas for providing an In-Law Survival Kit for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

The Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, WI {Review}

Sometimes you just need to get away.

Whether it's with your significant other, your entire family, just your girlfriends or simply by yourself, we all need to take a little time off from daily life so that we don't go crazy, right? I sure do.

Around here in the Midwest I've never really been aware of too many options other than a trip to a spa, a night in a traditional hotel or... hopping on a plane and heading somewhere cool.

Until now; now that I have been introduced to the one place that does it all: The Abbey Resort on beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

My picture on the left, covered with snow. The Abbey Resort's photo on the right of how beautiful it is there in warm weather.

Walking inside The Abbey Resort, it took all but one look around to see that this was a place that would be perfect as a romantic destination or as a family vacation, as it had something for everyone to enjoy.

We were immediately greeted by welcoming staff and each person I talked to had the answers to my questions - something I appreciated. The overall casual and comfortable feel of The Abbey made me start to relax as we walked towards our room and the visit was just beginning!

Located on 90 acres of manicured grounds, The Abbey Resort is right on the shores of Lake Geneva and the view out of our window (even though it was covered in snow) was still beautiful. The room itself was cozy and immaculately clean, right down to every inch of the shower door (yes, I notice these things).

I was ready to lie down and take a nap right there on the comfortable bed, but my husband suggested we give ourselves a tour of the resort, which was also a good idea. After all, as we had come to visit sans-children, there was plenty of time for soaking up the peaceful silence that awaited us.

Our first stop as we strolled through the hotel was the entrance to Fontana Grill, one of The Abbey's two restaurants. With a menu boasting everything from seafood to steaks to chops and a Saturday Prime Rib Buffet and Harborside Sunday Brunch, there is something for all tastes - even children's selections. Yum!

Right upstairs from Fontana Grill, we were surprised to find a quaint and uniquely-decorated seating area that would be perfect for a gathering, dinner meeting or rehearsal dinner. From the iron gates to the intricate mural work to the large fireplace and huge windows on either side, I loved the idea of using this space for a nice meal in a private setting.

The Abbey Resort actually offers a ton of options for holding gorgeous weddings on their grounds, both inside and out. I can only imagine how beautiful it is to use their gazebo and have it surrounded by trees and settled right on the lake... I love simple, classic ceremonies like that.

Or, for a wonderful indoor option, The Abbey Resort has plenty of indoor ballroom space to accommodate from the rehearsal to the ceremony to the reception. We happened to come across one room that was in the set up stages for an upcoming wedding in a winter wonderland theme and it was very chic and pretty!

Again, my photo on the left and The Abbey Resort's on the right. Now I need someone I know to get married outdoors there - how stunning!

After marveling at all of the wedding decorations, my husband and I continued walking through The Abbey and found the areas that I knew my kids would have loved: the pool and game rooms.

The main indoor pool is large and very family-friendly, with plenty of lounge chairs and pool toys for resting or playing. I especially liked the big foam floating toys that were perfect for kids to sit in and get to feel as though they were on their own boating adventure on the sea (sorry, no pictures because there were kids enjoying these toys and I didn't think their parents would appreciate a stranger taking photos of their children).

But if a traditional pool wasn't enough, I was picturing the sheer amount of time that my 2-year-old would have spent in the smaller, children's pool right next to it. With that cute little slide and fun continual waterfall in the shallow water, kids could play forever in there (or at least I know mine would)!

Heading out of the pool area, we walked through a hallway filled with tables of games of all kinds. Board games, strategy games, even a mini putting green - there were options for all ages and a varying number of a players just sitting out waiting to be played. What a great way to have a fun home-away-from home experience with their Board Game Bonanza!

But if arcade games are more your thing, the Abbey Arcade is filled with popular video games, air hockey, billiards, ping pong and more. Kids (and adults) of all ages can come hang out and spend an entertaining afternoon or evening trying their luck or perfecting their skills on the pool table.

Finishing up our tour of The Abbey Resort, my husband and I headed off to dinner at the second of the restaurants there, The Waterfront. Known for its food, drinks and live entertainment, we settled in to peruse the menu and check out the sports updates on the various television screens (making my husband especially happy).

And then there was the food.

Oh, the food.

I'm not exaggerating in saying that this was the best meal that I have had in a long time. We sampled the drinks, appetizers and entrées and were both blown away at how delicious everything was. My husband's plate of their Signature Baby Back Ribs was so large that it was hanging off on both ends... and, after sampling them, he agreed that they were some of the best he had ever eaten. I can say the same about my Grilled Vegetable Wrap with yummy Plank Cut Potatoes!

Even though we had had plenty of food already, who were we to complain when our friendly waitress set down one more plate? Especially when it looked like this:

Do I even need to tell you that the Colossal Chocolate Cake is amazing? I'm pretty sure the picture says enough, but boy, the combination of the fudge and the cake and the whipped cream and... best of all, it was far huge enough that we boxed some up and got to enjoy it for the next day or two as well.

Even though we had every intention of then checking out some of the many great activities going on at The Abbey Resort (how about s'mores and hot cider at the bonfire? Or ice skating on the outdoor rink lit by tiny twinkling lights maybe?) my husband and I opted to enjoy the kid-free silence of our room and fall asleep early while watching television. Ah, the excitement of being on vacation from being parents.

Besides, the next morning we were in for something that I wanted to be sure to be well-rested for:

The AVANI Spa is 35,000 square feet of pure tranquility and relaxation and from the moment I changed into my robe and sandals, I could feel my mind start to unwind. With a full menu of services and amenities including things such as massage, aromatherapy, facials, salon services, wraps and more, my husband and I headed in for a morning of lounging and enjoying a rest.

After being fortunate to enjoy an amazing massage by the most warm and friendly masseuse (I'm not sure how I was able to peel my body up off of the comfortable table at the end), I took a look at the whirlpool, sauna, steam room and more before finding my husband relaxing by the side of the gorgeous atrium pool.

As the AVANI Spa is only for ages 16 and older, this isn't the pool where you'll find floaty toys or shrieking and splashing. Instead, adults were leisurely swimming laps or sitting in the hot tub or having a tasty meal delivered poolside... and I could have sat there for hours people-watching or enjoying a good book.

The perfect place for a relaxing couples getaway, a weekend girls-only trip or a way to prepare for a wedding right at the resort, the AVANI was a wonderful way to finish up our weekend at The Abbey. As we checked out and drove away, I realized I haven't felt that relaxed and rested in quite some time!

With plenty to do for couples or the entire family, The Abbey Resort is a Wisconsin destination not to be missed. From the beautiful lake views to the delicious food to the exceptional spa, it is well worth the visit if you live or are visiting the area. Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend escape, a fun trip with the kids or a great way to celebrate a holiday (there are always fun package deals going on and more great info on Facebook and Twitter) make The Abbey Resort the first stop on your list - you definitely won't regret it!

(A huge thank you to The Abbey Resort for providing our stay, meal and spa trip, however, that did not affect my honest opinion of the resort and the amenities. My husband and I loved it!)

Keep The Romance Alive All Year Long With Eden Fantasys {Review & $50 Gift Card Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

*Disclaimer: Eden Fantasys, people. You know what this review is going to be alluding to, right? Please check to make sure your little one isn't reading over your shoulder before continuing.

Is there an age that I'll reach when I'll start actually feeling like an adult? In my early twenties I was still young and carefree and even when I was out of college, I didn't feel like I was really "grown up." After I got married I remember thinking "That man is my husband. My husband," every time I looked at him, but it didn't really change how I felt about myself.

Now that I have children of my own... well, there are still those moments when I wonder what these kids are doing in my house. I'm somebody's mother. Two somebodies, actually, and as much as I love them fully and completely, one of the few things that has changed about me since they arrived is how I feel when I look at myself in the mirror.


Let's face it, the way you feel about your body is almost as important as the way your significant other feels about you. With the exception of a small group of women, what do a whole lot of moms see when we look at ourselves? Our battle scars of giving birth: stretch marks or loose skin or c-section scars or the pooch that won't go away... all lovely reminders of what our bodies went through to bring our children into the world.

I'm not at all saying that it wasn't worth it, because of course it was. However, seeing it all sure doesn't make a mom feel very sexy, does it? So, whether it is Valentine's Day or any day throughout the year, when it comes time for romance, it's nice to have something to put on so that you can feel a little alluring and step away from being just Mom for a while.


But where do you go to fine lingerie that will have a wide selection of styles and sizes but you won't feel completely awkward walking in the door or making a purchase? Look no further than Eden Fantasys, where every variety and type of lingerie is clearly displayed and easy to browse and you won't ever have to make eye contact with a salesperson (and the box will arrive completely nondescript).

If you are going for a softer, sweeter look, check out the gowns, chemises or babydolls that Eden Fantasys offers in all colors and lengths. Maybe a little something more provocative? How about their sexy panties, corsets or bustiers? Or, if you're really looking to add a little fun in the bedroom, there are 105 different costumes that can have you dressed as a sexy maid, sheriff or Little Miss Muffet in no time at all.

When I removed Eden Fantasys' sexy satin corset and g-string (shown centered above) from the box, I was immediately impressed with all of the small details that go into making this a quality set. The fuchsia satin includes boning up the front to add support and shape and the lace highlights the vertical lines and your curves. The ruffled mesh trim and lace-up back (which allows it to be completely adjustable to your figure) give this corset a sassy edge to it... and there's nothing wrong with a little sass now and again.

Putting on this satin corset is easy with the busk closure (the studs on one side slide into a series of clasps on the other side) on the front and it automatically gives a feeling of lift and highlights your waist. Immediate self-confidence and poise by doing something as simple as slipping this on? Now that's sexy.

If lingerie isn't on your shopping list this Valentine's Day, Eden Fantasys has thousands of other options to choose from. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quiet, intimate evening or really spice things up with your partner, this is the website that will help you do just that.

Even though Valentine's Day will have passed when this giveaway ends, one person will get to have a fun shopping spree at Eden Fantasys to keep the romance alive all year long, because...

One lucky person will win a $50 gift certificate to Eden Fantasys!

To enter to win a $50 gift card from Eden Fantasys: Head over and check out the selection at Eden Fantasys and tell me something you would like to own. If you're not comfortable with that, tell me which Aromatherapy Candle sounds nice to you.

Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted. For example, if you subscribe, leave one comment saying "I subscribe #1" and a separate comment saying "I subscribe #2")

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Eden Fantasys on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook and/or subscribe to the RSS feed of Eden Cafe (Eden Fantasys' blog).
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

A $50 Eden Fantasys gift card means every day can be Valentine's Day! Win some romance @thxmailcarrier! http://bit.ly/c89mey #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. I've moved! Please update your button code! Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Eden Fantasys. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 4th at 11:59pm CST. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to residents of U.S. and Canada only.

A big thank you to Eden Fantasys for providing a sexy satin corset and g-string for me to review as well as a $50 gift card for one lucky giveaway winner. Bringing sexy back, baby! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.