Hosted by: Tales From A Southern Mom
Pure Spoons Purees Giveaway
Thanks to Tales from a Southern Mom for hosting this giveaway. We are always happy to help promote such a wonderful giveaway.
Drinks are on me.
One of my favorite things about warmer weather, is sitting outside in the evening with a good book, or some good company, and a delicious cocktail. I'm not a fan of very many beers, or wines. I'm a liquor girl, so I need a good sippin' drink in order to keep from getting snoggered before the end of chapter 1. If I'm by myself reading, I stick to simple drinks. My go to is a whiskey sour. If I've got some company though, I like to serve something with a little more pizzaz, something that looks pretty and tastes delicious. Who doesn't like to impress their guests with their bartending skills?
Zsa Zsa Slipper Giveaway
You can win these gorgeous slippers in this newest giveaway hosted by Andrea's World. Nothing like having an elegant slipper to put on your feet!
Spring is here and all of the long,busy days that come with it. Whether is it playing at the park with the kids or doing some spring cleaning, there is always a lot to do, and a lot of being on my feet. In the spirit of starting spring off on the right foot (pun intended), I decided to indulge in a stunning pair of slippers from Zsa Zsa Slipper.
Spring is here and all of the long,busy days that come with it. Whether is it playing at the park with the kids or doing some spring cleaning, there is always a lot to do, and a lot of being on my feet. In the spirit of starting spring off on the right foot (pun intended), I decided to indulge in a stunning pair of slippers from Zsa Zsa Slipper.
Win Art from One Must Dash
The wonderful Air Prints from One Must Dash are perfect to make any room look more exciting.
They have lots of fun designs, many of which are even customizable. I decided to go with the one that jumped out to me immediately, which was the "A Day In May" print. Even the name sounds like springtime. The print itself is a little bit "darker". It has a hazy feel, that I just love.
Slim Fast Giveaway
Thanks to Andrea's World for hosting this giveaway for Slim Fast.
SlimFast is so much more than just shakes now. SlimFast has 100 calorie snacks, individually packaged to enjoy anywhere. Lots of mouth-watering varieties like Sour Cream & Onion or Mesquite BBQ Baked Crisps (chips), Cinnamon Bun Swirl or S'Mores Drizzled Crisps, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Bites. SlimFast also has the meal replacement products that they built their name on, but they come in the for of delicious bars like Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Caramel Almond Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew. There is also meal replacement smoothies (that come as a powdered mix.) There are still shakes too. They come in re-closable plastic bottles now.
SlimFast is so much more than just shakes now. SlimFast has 100 calorie snacks, individually packaged to enjoy anywhere. Lots of mouth-watering varieties like Sour Cream & Onion or Mesquite BBQ Baked Crisps (chips), Cinnamon Bun Swirl or S'Mores Drizzled Crisps, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Bites. SlimFast also has the meal replacement products that they built their name on, but they come in the for of delicious bars like Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Caramel Almond Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew. There is also meal replacement smoothies (that come as a powdered mix.) There are still shakes too. They come in re-closable plastic bottles now.
Kerrygold Cheese Easter Giveaway
Thanks to Andrea's World for having this great giveaway for Kerrygold Cheese AND BUTTER!!
Kerrygold is an Irish company that still makes their dairy the old fashioned way, with free roaming, grass fed cows. I always wondered if that really made a difference, and after trying the amazing butters and cheeses from Kerrygold, I can say it absolutely makes all the difference.
Kerrygold is an Irish company that still makes their dairy the old fashioned way, with free roaming, grass fed cows. I always wondered if that really made a difference, and after trying the amazing butters and cheeses from Kerrygold, I can say it absolutely makes all the difference.
Moisturize me!
When I turned 35 my skin suddenly decided to betray me. I started seeing these little lines around my eyes and mouth that were not there before, and the texture of my skin started changing. I suddenly had these dull, dry places that were no that all amusing. I've always had issues with my pores, and luckily that didn't get any worse, but it also didn't get and better. I don't care much for chemical laden store bought skin care items, so I've always done a natural routine of oils and apple cider vinegar. I came to realize with my new skin issues that I needed to step up my game and try something with a little more "oomph".
Lavash Pinwheels Recipe
Now that warmer weather is upon us, a lot of us will be starting to spend our weekends outdoors. My family loves to be outside doing things. We spend many weekends visiting state parks, and camping.
Because of our fondness for camping and all things outdoors, we love food that can be made ahead, stores well, and travels easily. Most people would say, "SANDWICH!", but not us. Oh no. We require much more delicious than your standard run of the mill PB&J or ham and cheese.
Enter: Lavash Pinwheels.
Because of our fondness for camping and all things outdoors, we love food that can be made ahead, stores well, and travels easily. Most people would say, "SANDWICH!", but not us. Oh no. We require much more delicious than your standard run of the mill PB&J or ham and cheese.
Enter: Lavash Pinwheels.
Nickelodeon 2-DVD Gift Set Giveaway
Great videos for the kids. You can win these awesome movies from Nickelodeon. Thanks to Kathy's Savings for the giveaway!
Welcome to the Nickelodeon 2-DVD Gift Set Giveaway
Sponsored by Nickelodeon
Hosted by Kathy's Savings
This giveaway is for a 2-disc movie with Paw Patrol and Bubble Guppies. The giveaway is open to the U.S. only. It will run from 3/23-4/6. You can enter below for your chance to win. Good luck to all.
1byone Bluetooth 4.1 Wireless In-Ear Headphones Giveaway
Thanks to Daily Deals of a Nerd Mom for hosting this giveaway. Reviewz & Newz is happy to bring you the GREATEST giveaways! 1byone has teamed up with us to sponsor this awesome giveaway!
One (1) lucky reader will win their own pair of 1byone Bluetooth 4.1 Wireless In-Ear Headphones (ARV: $59.99)!
Giveaway Time!
One (1) lucky reader will win their own pair of 1byone Bluetooth 4.1 Wireless In-Ear Headphones (ARV: $59.99)!
US Only
Ends 4/3/16
Entering is simple using the widget below. Good luck! 
Rules: This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media. The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted by email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. US only. Daily Deals From a Nerd Mom and all bloggers involved are not responsible for prize shipment. 1byone is in charge of shipping.
Easter Brunch with Jennie-O
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| Image courtesy of Jennie-O
If you are searching for some great Easter recipes and menu ideas, I have quite a few for you, thanks to Jennie-O, I was looking for some inspiration beyond the traditional Easter dinner, I found this incredible picture with ALL RECIPES on Jennie-O for an Easter brunch! Can you say candied bacon? Check out all the menu ideas HERE and let me know your favorites in the comments!
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A Love Letter to Jelly Beans.
The Jelly Bean. A staple ingredient to the Easter basket for decades, but often over looked and easily forgotten. Usually overly sweet and practically flavorless, it's easy to see how these shiny little candy jewels are often left to float down to the bottom of the basket until all the "good candy" is gone, only to make their way to the surface to be gobbled up indiscriminately or thrown away without a second thought. Recent years have brought us new and exciting jelly beans in the flavors of popular candies, and we have also seen the rise of the gourmet jelly bean.
If you are unfamiliar, gourmet jelly beans are basically the same as their average counterparts in both size and shape, but where they differ is in the flavors. These aren't your standard six flavor six color beans, there are a wide variety of colors and flavors. There are a few different companies that have their hand in the gourmet jelly bean jar, but in my eyes none can compare to Gimbal's.
There are 41 flavors of Gimbal's Gourmet Jelly Beans. 41 rich, vibrant flavors that explode in your mouth. Tangerine, key lime, perfectly pear and pomegranate are just a few of the fruity flavors. Then you have tiramisu, roasted marshmallow, java, and ice cream cake as a few of the more "adventurous" flavors. Those are just scratching the surface! What sets Gimbal's jelly beans apart from the other gourmet beans out there, is the fact that they use real fruit juice to make their beans. So you aren't tasting chemicals that some scientist in a lab decided tastes like a red delicious apple, you are tasting actual red delicious apple. That perfectly pear, came from a perfect pear.
I honestly and truly love jelly beans. I eat them all year, though Easter time brings the candy flavors so my bean eating picks up quite a bit, I always return to Gimbal's as my constant jelly bean supplier. My kids would think they were cheated if the didn't have Gimbal's in their Easter baskets. Mostly because mommy doesn't share her beans very well, and it's their only chance to have some.
That last line, was not a joke. I will hide in a closet so that I don't have to share.
If you are unfamiliar, gourmet jelly beans are basically the same as their average counterparts in both size and shape, but where they differ is in the flavors. These aren't your standard six flavor six color beans, there are a wide variety of colors and flavors. There are a few different companies that have their hand in the gourmet jelly bean jar, but in my eyes none can compare to Gimbal's.
There are 41 flavors of Gimbal's Gourmet Jelly Beans. 41 rich, vibrant flavors that explode in your mouth. Tangerine, key lime, perfectly pear and pomegranate are just a few of the fruity flavors. Then you have tiramisu, roasted marshmallow, java, and ice cream cake as a few of the more "adventurous" flavors. Those are just scratching the surface! What sets Gimbal's jelly beans apart from the other gourmet beans out there, is the fact that they use real fruit juice to make their beans. So you aren't tasting chemicals that some scientist in a lab decided tastes like a red delicious apple, you are tasting actual red delicious apple. That perfectly pear, came from a perfect pear.
I honestly and truly love jelly beans. I eat them all year, though Easter time brings the candy flavors so my bean eating picks up quite a bit, I always return to Gimbal's as my constant jelly bean supplier. My kids would think they were cheated if the didn't have Gimbal's in their Easter baskets. Mostly because mommy doesn't share her beans very well, and it's their only chance to have some.
That last line, was not a joke. I will hide in a closet so that I don't have to share.
Color Garden Egg Coloring Kit Giveaway
Hooray for the Color Garden Egg Coloring Kit FLASH Giveaway! Just in time for Easter!
Color Garden has an amazing selection of natural dyes that can be used in things like frosting, drinks, foods and just in time for Easter, an egg coloring kit!
Color Gardens all-natural dyes so they DONT' STAIN your hands or clothing!
March Coach Giveaway
Here is this month's monthly Coach bag giveaway. It is springtime, so it's time for a new bag! Which would you choose?
Welcome to the Monthly Coach Handbag Fan Appreciation Giveaway!
Jenns Blah Blah Blog and all her amazing blogging buddies have come together to give you a chance to win a Coach Handbag! Before we get started I wanted to be sure and say thank you to the following bloggers, they are amazing and we love each and every one of them! This giveaway is hosted and sponsored by us (Jenns Blah Blah Blog), and cohosted by Just Free Stuff, Adventures of country divas, Pink Ninja Media, Pink Ninja Blogger, Everything Mommyhood, Barefoot in Bluejeans, Mama’s Mission, Thrifty 4NSIC Gal, Bay Area Mommy, Budget Earth, Powered By Mom and all the other amazing bloggers who are helping promote this giveaway! Every single month we team up for this awesome giveaway for our readers! We want to say thank you for everything you do for us, every single day! We wouldn't be able to have these great blogs if we didn't have our amazing readership, the heart of it all. NOW, WHO'S READY FOR THE GIVEAWAY! Since Jenns Blah Blah Blog started doing her monthly handbag giveaway she has started a nice collection of handbags. Rather than choosing the bag for you, we want you to choose the one that fits you and your style! WINNER PICKS from Jenns Blah Blah Blogs collection of Coach handbags. Once winner has been confirmed Jenn will email them images of all the handbag she has on hand. All Coach handbags are brand new still in packaging some are in the included images, but there are also several others to choose from! YEPIE...
One very lucky person will win their choice of handbag from Jenns Blah Blah Blog's collection which is changing all the time. The giveaway will run until 4/20/2016 at 11:59pm EST, is open worldwide, must be 18 + to enter, and use the Giveaway Tools widget below. Good Luck!
Disclosure: I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open Worldwide, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s), Jenns Blah Blah Blog will be responsible for prize fulfillment. My blog is not responsible for prize fulfillment. The sponsor of this event will be responsible for fulfillment of prize (Jenns Blah Blah Blog). This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google,Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions, comments, or to have your brand featured on Jenns Blah Blah Blog feel free to email us at jenn@jennsblahblahblog.com.
Chocolate Brownie Trifle
Trifles are so easy to make and look elegant on your table. This decadent dessert is always a hit at my family gatherings.
1 box Fudge Brownie Mix
1 (5-ounce) box Chocolate Pudding & Pie Filling
3 cups Cool Whip
6 Heath Candy Bars
Bake brownies according to package directions, let cool completely and crumble, set aside. Make chocolate pudding according to package directions, then place in fridge to firm up. Combine pudding with 1 cup cool whip, stir together and set aside. Crush heath bars into small pieces, reserve 1 tablespoon of bars and set aside. Spread ½ of crumbled brownies in the bottom of a trifle. Layer with ½ of chocolate mixture. Layer with ½ of heath bar. Layer with 1 cup cool whip. Repeat process. Top with remaining 1 tablespoon heath bar. Place in fridge to chill.
Germs? No thanks, I'm busy.
We're in the single digit final countdown to the official start of Spring, and most of us are already seeing Spring temperatures and sunny days. In the next few weeks people are going to start rolling out of their winter hiding spots to enjoy recreation in the great outdoors. Soon, basketball courts, playgrounds, ball fields, and picnic areas everywhere will be filling up with people out to enjoy the sunshine after being cooped up indoors all winter. Doctors offices, urgent care centers, and emergency room waiting rooms will also be filling, because all those people are bringing illness causing germs out to play with them. Those germs spread fast in their new people rich environments. Colds, stomach bugs and respiratory viruses will soon be plaguing homes everywhere.
I'm sure you've heard the old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Health experts have reported that better that 80% of illness is spread by the hands. Hand hygiene reduces your risk of illness significantly. Unfortunately, not every situation provides access to soap and water. In those instances, an hand sanitizer is your friend. Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs that cause illness. It's so effective, that it's the most trusted brand by hospitals than any other brand.
Purell offers several products to help keep your hands clean and germ free. Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes remove dirt and grime while sanitizing and can be used on hands, and face. They come in a 40 count canister t this great for use in the home, office, or classroom, and a convenient 15 count packet that slips easily into your daily bag, backpack, or car console.
The Purell Advanced 8 oz. Pump is great for high traffic areas like the kitchen and living room in the home, and just about anywhere in schools and in the work place.
The Purell portable 1 oz. Jelly Wrap Carriers are perfect for on the go. The strap quickly and easily attaches to straps on bags, key rings, or belt loops. The whole packaging is small unobtrusive, and convenient. It even comes in four great new scents for Spring and Summer! Ocean Kiss, which is a light and airy clean scent; Blushing Pink Orchid, which has a pleasant floral scent but isn't harsh and annoying; Coconut Beach Siesta, has a scent like toasted coconut that screams summertime; Mandarin Medley, has a delicious citrus scent.
In 2016, Purell introduced the new Purell Naturals, which has the same germ killing effectiveness of 99.99% and is formulated with naturally derived ingredients. This is an EcoLogo and USDA Biobased certified product and is made from plant based alcohol and is naturally scented with essential oils. The scent is very light, and smells like fresh lemons and limes.
As a mother of three, I deal with a lot of viral infections. It seemed like every time you turned around one of these kids had picked up germs somewhere, then we had to spend a week of downtime as it made it's way through the family. I started carrying Purell products and being almost militant about them being used. I have a packet of wipes in my purse and the car, an 8 oz. pump in the car, and a 1 oz. Jelly Wrap on my bag. We go to a lot of children's museums which are hands on, so I'm not risking it. We spend a lot less time in bed sick, and a lot more time out having fun ever since I upped my sanitizer game.
I'm sure you've heard the old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Health experts have reported that better that 80% of illness is spread by the hands. Hand hygiene reduces your risk of illness significantly. Unfortunately, not every situation provides access to soap and water. In those instances, an hand sanitizer is your friend. Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs that cause illness. It's so effective, that it's the most trusted brand by hospitals than any other brand.
Purell offers several products to help keep your hands clean and germ free. Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes remove dirt and grime while sanitizing and can be used on hands, and face. They come in a 40 count canister t this great for use in the home, office, or classroom, and a convenient 15 count packet that slips easily into your daily bag, backpack, or car console.
The Purell portable 1 oz. Jelly Wrap Carriers are perfect for on the go. The strap quickly and easily attaches to straps on bags, key rings, or belt loops. The whole packaging is small unobtrusive, and convenient. It even comes in four great new scents for Spring and Summer! Ocean Kiss, which is a light and airy clean scent; Blushing Pink Orchid, which has a pleasant floral scent but isn't harsh and annoying; Coconut Beach Siesta, has a scent like toasted coconut that screams summertime; Mandarin Medley, has a delicious citrus scent.
In 2016, Purell introduced the new Purell Naturals, which has the same germ killing effectiveness of 99.99% and is formulated with naturally derived ingredients. This is an EcoLogo and USDA Biobased certified product and is made from plant based alcohol and is naturally scented with essential oils. The scent is very light, and smells like fresh lemons and limes.
As a mother of three, I deal with a lot of viral infections. It seemed like every time you turned around one of these kids had picked up germs somewhere, then we had to spend a week of downtime as it made it's way through the family. I started carrying Purell products and being almost militant about them being used. I have a packet of wipes in my purse and the car, an 8 oz. pump in the car, and a 1 oz. Jelly Wrap on my bag. We go to a lot of children's museums which are hands on, so I'm not risking it. We spend a lot less time in bed sick, and a lot more time out having fun ever since I upped my sanitizer game.
Amelia Bedelia and Ovation Brands Reading Prize Package
Disclaimer, I was provided with products in exchange for my honest opinions. Your views may differ from mine!
Ovation Brands, which includes Old Country Buffet, Ryan's and other well loved buffets across America is hosting fun family nights all through spring, featuring Amelia Bedelia! This is one of my favorite book series ever! I am delighted to see Ovation Brands promote reading to children.
From March 17th through May 12th, children are invited to participate in educational, fun group activities that celebrate everything from words and science to cooking, the seasons, and more, with emphasis on education through play!
Upcoming events include:
Ovation Brands, which includes Old Country Buffet, Ryan's and other well loved buffets across America is hosting fun family nights all through spring, featuring Amelia Bedelia! This is one of my favorite book series ever! I am delighted to see Ovation Brands promote reading to children.
From March 17th through May 12th, children are invited to participate in educational, fun group activities that celebrate everything from words and science to cooking, the seasons, and more, with emphasis on education through play!
Upcoming events include:
- March 17 “St. Patrick’s Day” brings kids along on a magical four-leaf clover hunt with prizes, candies, and free dinner coupons for those that collect the most clovers. Extra clovers will be given to kids who show up wearing green.
- March 24 “Let’s Run for Office!” teaches kids the basics about election time and how to campaign by making slogans, buttons, and campaign promises before holding their own mini election.
- March 31 “Spring Selfie” is a great social media photo-booth-style experience the whole family can take part in. Frames, decorations, and more!
Check out Ovation Brands for a full listing!
These events are wildly popular and we have attended quite a few with the children recently and look forward to trying a new location for the Amelia Bedelia series and widening our nets!
These Amelia Bedelia books I received today are so much fun and my daughter adores them as they are stories she can relate to and have fun with and explore.
Enter to Win!!
Ovation Brands would like to give one of our readers a head start with spring reading with an Amelia prize pack all of your own!
To be in with a chance of winning just enter the rafflecopter, below! Giveaway ends on March 23rd, good luck!
Note: Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment, thank you!
The Greek Gods Yogurt Giveaway
Who wants to win some yummy yogurt? Thanks to our friends at Kathy's Savings for this fantastic giveaway!
Welcome to The Greek Gods Yogurt Giveaway
Sponsored by The Greek Gods Yogurt
Hosted by Kathy's Savings
This giveaway is for a case of The Greek Gods Yogurt. They are also going to send along a few other goodies. Some of those may include things like Frisbees...totes..ect. The giveaway is open to the U.S. only. It will run from 3/23-4/6. You can enter below for your chance to win. Good luck to everyone.
Nintendo DS Yo-Kai Watch Game Giveaway
Hey NINTENDO DS fans! We have a giveaway for you! Thanks to our friends ovet at Daily Deals of a Nerd Mom, one lucky winner will this this cool game.
Nintendo DS Yo-Kai Watch Game Giveaway
Sponsored by: Nintendo
Hosted by: Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom
One lucky reader will win their own copy of the Yo-Kai Watch game for Nintendo DS! (RV $39.99)
You can read what Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom had to say about their experience with the game here. Entering is simple using the widget below.
Good Luck! :)
Rules: This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media. The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted by email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. US only. Daily Deals From a Nerd Mom and all bloggers involved are not responsible for prize shipment. Nintendo is in charge of shipping.
Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as a part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central and must reside in the United States.
March 2016 ipsy GlamBag Review
I've been curious about subscription box services for a while now. It's an interesting concept. You pay a small monthly fee, anywhere from $10 to $30 and you get a package once a month that contains items that are valued above what you pay for the subscription. You aren't locked into a commitment, and you can cancel at any time. Some subscriptions are seasonal, and you get a box once every three months. There are TONS of these boxes out there. They cover every lifestyle, and interest. There are boxes for kids, boxes for men, snack boxes... The list goes on and on. My favorite, and where my curiosity is the most peaked, is Beauty Boxes.
I spent quite a few months researching, and reading reviews and talking to people who already subscribe to beauty boxes. I settled on ipsy Glambag for my first subscription. The price is good, at $10 a month, and they give you more room to personalize your subscription with a questionnaire about what types of products you like and would be interested in receiving. I did the one year up front for $110, which is basically like getting one month free. ipsy comes in a makeup bag every month, instead of in a box. Who doesn't like a cute little makeup bag?
I will be reviewing my ipsy bag monthly for the next year, March is the first month I received my bag, so this is where we are starting. First off, let's take a minute to admire the packaging it came in:
Is that not adorable? Bright pink bubble mailer! Come on now, how do you not smile when you find that in your mailbox? I was excited from the first glance. After I got settled in and got my photo taking device at the ready, I opened that pretty mailer up to find:
A seriously cute makeup bag! I love the colors. Kind of a robin's egg blue with reddish orange roses. My pictures are kind of crappy, I had to take them from my tablet. My computer decided to take a dirt nap so can't use my camera right now. I took a macro shot with flash to give a better idea of the color:
After admiring the bag I moved on to the contents. *Remember, these bags are customized to each user. If you were to join, your bag would be different than mine. They have about 40 different items each month that they use to fill the bags, five items per bag. The items change every month.*
The first item, is Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer, in Hydrating. I really like how this made my foundation look. It made it look smoother. I have a couple dry areas on my face that tend to look flakey when I have foundation on. This primer did help my foundation lay a little better in those areas, better than some other primers I've tried, but I still looked flakey and cakey. This is an issue with my skin though, not the product. The rest of my face looked smoother and more even. I like it a lot.
The second item, is Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco 3 Day Smooth Perfect, Perfect Blow Dry Smoothing Cream. Say that five times fast. I was a bit surprised to find this in my bag, because I specifically noted on the questionnaire that I don't want hair products. I'm very picky about what I put on my hair. I rarely use any kind of product, and I don't heat style. If it weren't for the fact that smoothing cream is the only product I ever use on my hair, even though that is rarely, I would be kind of irritated that this was included in my bag. Since I don't heat style I used it on my hair while it was damp and allowed my hair to air dry. My hair doesn't look greasy, which is a concern with smoothing creams as they almost always contain some kind of oil. This has argan oil and shea butter, but it is super light, and while I do notice an extra sheen to my hair it does not look greasy. Even though I air dried instead of blow drying, it still smoothed out my waves quite a bit more than I expected. My little frizzy flyaways are quite well smoothed down as well. I think I'm going to dust off my blow dryer and give it a try as a blow out cream, just to see how long I can get a smooth style out of it.
The third item, is Vera Mona Lotus Eyeshadow, in the color Clover. I had never heard of Vera Mona before, and I'm quite impressed with this eyeshadow. It has a satin finish, that is very lovely. The shadow itself has a beautiful silky feel and is highly pigmented, it also blends very nicely. The color... I'm in love. It's a gorgeous peachy color. I can definitely see this becoming a regular color in my current rotation. I'm quite fond of orange colors right now, I think the play quite nicely with my grey eyes. Vera Mona has definitely made my list of brands to look into a little more.
The fourth item, is a Beau Gâchis Paris Eyeshadow Brush. This is a nice brush. It's fluffy and soft but picks up product quite nicely. It also lays down product with very little fallout, which is always nice. This is another brand that I had never heard of before. A quick scan of their website shows that their prices are on low side of average for high end brushes. Considering the quality of the brush I received, they are worth a second look when I'm in the market for brushes. Since this is the only "full sized" item I received in my bag, it is the only item I can properly put a value on. This brush has a $12 price tag, which is more than I paid for the whole bag, so it makes the bag a good investment.
The fifth, and last, item is a Nudestix Lip + Cheek Pencil in the color Mystic. I love nude lipstick, and I love that this one pulls a double duty as a lipstick and a cheek color. It's super creamy and feels soft on the lips. The color payoff and coverage are excellent. For me this is going to have to serve as a cheek color, because it is the same color as my natural lips. You couldn't even tell I had anything on. I do like it a lot and I'm already shopping for another color.
In all I'm a bit underwhelmed by my first ipsy bag. I'm not letting it deter me though. I logged into the site and did reviews on the items, because that helps them get a feel for what you do and don't like and what kind of items you are interested in receiving in the future. I'm already excitedly looking forward to my next bag. I really love the experience of getting to try brands and items I've never tried. I live in a small town and don't have access to makeup stores to try things out. I think I might try out one of the more expensive seasonal subscriptions after trying this also, so look for that review in the future!
I spent quite a few months researching, and reading reviews and talking to people who already subscribe to beauty boxes. I settled on ipsy Glambag for my first subscription. The price is good, at $10 a month, and they give you more room to personalize your subscription with a questionnaire about what types of products you like and would be interested in receiving. I did the one year up front for $110, which is basically like getting one month free. ipsy comes in a makeup bag every month, instead of in a box. Who doesn't like a cute little makeup bag?
I will be reviewing my ipsy bag monthly for the next year, March is the first month I received my bag, so this is where we are starting. First off, let's take a minute to admire the packaging it came in:
Is that not adorable? Bright pink bubble mailer! Come on now, how do you not smile when you find that in your mailbox? I was excited from the first glance. After I got settled in and got my photo taking device at the ready, I opened that pretty mailer up to find:
A seriously cute makeup bag! I love the colors. Kind of a robin's egg blue with reddish orange roses. My pictures are kind of crappy, I had to take them from my tablet. My computer decided to take a dirt nap so can't use my camera right now. I took a macro shot with flash to give a better idea of the color:
After admiring the bag I moved on to the contents. *Remember, these bags are customized to each user. If you were to join, your bag would be different than mine. They have about 40 different items each month that they use to fill the bags, five items per bag. The items change every month.*
The first item, is Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer, in Hydrating. I really like how this made my foundation look. It made it look smoother. I have a couple dry areas on my face that tend to look flakey when I have foundation on. This primer did help my foundation lay a little better in those areas, better than some other primers I've tried, but I still looked flakey and cakey. This is an issue with my skin though, not the product. The rest of my face looked smoother and more even. I like it a lot.
The second item, is Marc Anthony Nourishing Argan Oil of Morocco 3 Day Smooth Perfect, Perfect Blow Dry Smoothing Cream. Say that five times fast. I was a bit surprised to find this in my bag, because I specifically noted on the questionnaire that I don't want hair products. I'm very picky about what I put on my hair. I rarely use any kind of product, and I don't heat style. If it weren't for the fact that smoothing cream is the only product I ever use on my hair, even though that is rarely, I would be kind of irritated that this was included in my bag. Since I don't heat style I used it on my hair while it was damp and allowed my hair to air dry. My hair doesn't look greasy, which is a concern with smoothing creams as they almost always contain some kind of oil. This has argan oil and shea butter, but it is super light, and while I do notice an extra sheen to my hair it does not look greasy. Even though I air dried instead of blow drying, it still smoothed out my waves quite a bit more than I expected. My little frizzy flyaways are quite well smoothed down as well. I think I'm going to dust off my blow dryer and give it a try as a blow out cream, just to see how long I can get a smooth style out of it.
The third item, is Vera Mona Lotus Eyeshadow, in the color Clover. I had never heard of Vera Mona before, and I'm quite impressed with this eyeshadow. It has a satin finish, that is very lovely. The shadow itself has a beautiful silky feel and is highly pigmented, it also blends very nicely. The color... I'm in love. It's a gorgeous peachy color. I can definitely see this becoming a regular color in my current rotation. I'm quite fond of orange colors right now, I think the play quite nicely with my grey eyes. Vera Mona has definitely made my list of brands to look into a little more.
The fourth item, is a Beau Gâchis Paris Eyeshadow Brush. This is a nice brush. It's fluffy and soft but picks up product quite nicely. It also lays down product with very little fallout, which is always nice. This is another brand that I had never heard of before. A quick scan of their website shows that their prices are on low side of average for high end brushes. Considering the quality of the brush I received, they are worth a second look when I'm in the market for brushes. Since this is the only "full sized" item I received in my bag, it is the only item I can properly put a value on. This brush has a $12 price tag, which is more than I paid for the whole bag, so it makes the bag a good investment.
The fifth, and last, item is a Nudestix Lip + Cheek Pencil in the color Mystic. I love nude lipstick, and I love that this one pulls a double duty as a lipstick and a cheek color. It's super creamy and feels soft on the lips. The color payoff and coverage are excellent. For me this is going to have to serve as a cheek color, because it is the same color as my natural lips. You couldn't even tell I had anything on. I do like it a lot and I'm already shopping for another color.
In all I'm a bit underwhelmed by my first ipsy bag. I'm not letting it deter me though. I logged into the site and did reviews on the items, because that helps them get a feel for what you do and don't like and what kind of items you are interested in receiving in the future. I'm already excitedly looking forward to my next bag. I really love the experience of getting to try brands and items I've never tried. I live in a small town and don't have access to makeup stores to try things out. I think I might try out one of the more expensive seasonal subscriptions after trying this also, so look for that review in the future!
Pi Day with Project MC2
It's Pi Day! Put down your forks, it's not THAT kind of Pi. π is a mathematical constant, the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, commonly approximated as 3.14. So we celebrate Pi Day on 3/14. Pi day is a celebration of all things math.
This year, Project MC2 Is using Pi Day to let kids know that Nerds are Cool. Every year 1 in 4 children report being bullied at school. Often times it's the "smart" kids who are singled out to be bullied. This kind of bullying can deter a child from pursuing their interests in an effort to fit in. That's why the "Nerds are Cool" message is so important. The future is in science, technology, engineering, art and design, and math. It's important now, more than ever, to foster the love of learning and the interests of our children. Nerds are Cool, and they are our future.
Project MC2 has an awesome line of dolls and playsets that go along with their Netflix series, that help foster a child's interest in S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and design, and math) Some of the dolls come with "science projects" that are a ton of fun while opening a child's mind. The toys cover a wide range of interests and are a lot of fun.
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| Camryn Doll with Wind Up Pet Robot |
Tax Time Giveaway
This post contains affiliate links.
We can always use some extra cash and especially at tax time! Here is your change to win fifty bucks to help pay your taxes! Make sure and come back for the daily entries.
We can always use some extra cash and especially at tax time! Here is your change to win fifty bucks to help pay your taxes! Make sure and come back for the daily entries.
Welcome to the Tax Time Paypal Cash Giveaway!
Hosted by: Southern Mom Loves
Enter below for your chance to win $50 in Paypal Cash! Open Worldwide!
Giveaway begins on 3/14/16 at 1:00 am CST and ends on 4/14/16 at 11:59 pm CST. Must be 18 years or older, open Worldwide (void where prohibited.) Once winners are confirmed, they will be added to the Winner's List here.
Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per IP address. All entries will be verified. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be contacted by email; Please add southernmomloves@gmail.com to your whitelist. Southern Mom Loves will be responsible for prize delivery to the winner. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest, or any other social media platform.
Contact Holly at southernmomloves@gmail.com if you have any additional questions or comments, or would like Southern Mom Loves to organize your next giveaway.
I write about cheese.
Cheese. Who doesn't like cheese? Whether it's on a sandwich or a by itself, a nice rich cheese just has a way of making you happy. I prefer my cheese as an accompaniment to fruit, or on a charcuterie platter. I like to be able to taste the cheese in it's pure form, unobstructed by other flavors. Having lived in Germany for majority of my childhood, I developed a taste for cheeses made in the old world style. The cattle are grass fed and the cheeses are aged to absolute perfection. I have always had to pay out the nose to get that quality here in the United States.
Then I discovered Kerrygold Cheeses. Kerrygold is an Irish cheese maker who stays true to the old style of cheese making. The cattle are grass fed, which imparts a rich, unctuous flavor to their cheese. They also produce butter that is so creamy and delicious you will become addicted to toast. The best thing about Kerrygold is that the price won't leave you stuck with rubbery Swiss on your ham sandwich, you will be able to have a creamy, nutty Swiss from Ireland. Pair your wine with a nice Dubliner, with it's slightly hard texture and sharp, sweet flavors you will find it to be a delightful eating cheese. Blarney Castle has a softer texture and is creamy and mild, and goes wonderfully with fruit. Then there's cheddar... Ugh. I adore a good sharp cheddar, and Kerrygold does not disappoint. The reserve cheddar is rich, full bodied, sharp, and smooth. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
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| Photo courtesy of Kerrygold |
Then I discovered Kerrygold Cheeses. Kerrygold is an Irish cheese maker who stays true to the old style of cheese making. The cattle are grass fed, which imparts a rich, unctuous flavor to their cheese. They also produce butter that is so creamy and delicious you will become addicted to toast. The best thing about Kerrygold is that the price won't leave you stuck with rubbery Swiss on your ham sandwich, you will be able to have a creamy, nutty Swiss from Ireland. Pair your wine with a nice Dubliner, with it's slightly hard texture and sharp, sweet flavors you will find it to be a delightful eating cheese. Blarney Castle has a softer texture and is creamy and mild, and goes wonderfully with fruit. Then there's cheddar... Ugh. I adore a good sharp cheddar, and Kerrygold does not disappoint. The reserve cheddar is rich, full bodied, sharp, and smooth. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
SelfieMark
I have found this cool new app, SelfieMark. SelfieMark is a brilliant new way to share your selfies. We have lots of decisons to make. Which is my best selfie? What dress should I wear to a party? With SelfieMark, you can ask your friends to help you choose. You can instantly share your side by side photos and get the opinions of others when they comment or use the heart button.
SelfieMark lets me share my photos with a large audience or I can share with only my friends.You can use SelfieMark to follow your friends and follow your favorite brands to stay up to date on what is going on. Use location tags to see what is trending in your area! The use of hashtags will help you build a following and get likes.
When you download SelfieMark, make sure to identify your interests (food, fashion, etc.) and then that is what you will see in your feed!
SelfieMark is available on IOS and Android! Bloggers and businesses alike can use this app as a tool to gain insight from followers.
The SelfieMark app is easy to download and easy to use. I have had lots of fun sharing my photos and seeing what my friends and liking or not liking, see what is trending. This helps me make decisions, whether it be a selfie or what shoes to wear! Download the app follow me on SelfieMark @reviewzandnewz and see what I am sharing. I value your opinions.
Here is my latest photo on SelfieMark. Go check it out and tell me what you think!
Thank you SelfieMark for sponsoring today's post and allowing me to review you app. However, any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.
Shamrock Green Playdough
This is a great DIY for you to make for your kids, They will enjoy this play dough for all your St. Patrick's Day fun!
Shamrock Green Playdough
Items needed:
3 cups All-Purpose Flour
3 cups Water
¾ cup Salt
¼ cup Vegetable Oil
6 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
50 drops Food Coloring
Wax Paper
Lay out a large sheet of wax paper, set aside. In a large heavy pot and over medium heat, combine flour, water, salt, vegetable oil and cream of tartar. Once everything is blended together, add food coloring. Stir constantly until dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a firm ball in the center. Remove from pan and place on wax paper. Knead to get the flour lumps out. Pick out the larger flour lumps with your fingers and continue to knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container.
Shamrock Rice Krispies
I love these cute Shamrock Rice Krispies treats. It is a festive way to celebrate St, Patrick's Day! Kids will love these in their lunchbox. Adults will devour them.
AfterShokz Bluez Headphones
Another great giveaway that we are helping to promote. I know we use a lot of headphones at my house and seeing the different styles and brands out there is just amazing.
Sponsored by: AfterShokz
Hosted by: Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom
One lucky reader will win their own pair of AfterShokz Bluez 2S Wireless Headphones! (RV: $99.95)
Features Include:
- Premium open ear audio experience PremiumPitch+™ is proprietary audio technology that assures the finest in bone conduction audio. PremiumPitch+™ delivers a balance of crisp detail and discernable bass, with two EQ presets to enhance music further.
- LeakSlayer™, an innovation that works to release sound generated by the transducers in order to cancel sound generated by the housing. Even at high volume, music and conversations are confined to the wearer.
- Increased sweat resistance – IP55 certified Bluez 2S are IP55 rated to ensure they’ll power through daily sweat sessions and wicked weather. An extra layer of protective housing was added to make sure sweat and moisture won’t damage electronics inside.
- Improved controls – Controlling music and call features right from the headset has been a fan favorite, as it allows devices to remain safely tucked away during activity. A raised power button and larger volume button delivers a friendlier user experience.
- Bone conduction transducers rest comfortably in front of the ears, transmitting sound through the cheekbones to the inner ears via mini vibrations, which bypasses the eardrums completely. With nothing ever in, on or covering the ears, users can expect maximum ambient sound awareness while listening to music, other audio or making/taking a call, and the lightweight and secure OpenFit™ ensures they wear as if they’re barely there—comfortable all day, every day.
Magformers
MAGFORMERS is the industry leader in magnetic building toys for children. We believe it is vital for children to develop through creativity and our patented, 'always attracting' magnetic technology delivers a unique constructional play experience. It is MAGFORMERS commitment to providing a high quality, reliable product that inspires the creators of the future
Create 3D structures from 2D nets with MAGFORMERS NEW 26Pc NEON Set. Containing Neon colored squares and triangles that are ideal for little fingers to hold, the 26Pc is the perfect toy for building the 'magic ball', houses, towers and much more! See what your imagination will create!
Each geometric shape contains magnets that never reject, so you'll always hear the MAGFORMERS click. When playtime is over, use the magnetic power to simply stack and store!
Love Magformers? Save 30% on your order from @magformers with Magformers30 @usfg
Stay Connected with Magformers
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