Friday, July 5, 2013

Influenster's SunKissed VoxBox Final Product Reviews

Remember last week when I posted my exciting news?  I had received my very first VoxBox from Influenster!  My box contained four exciting new-to-me products and I started using them almost immediately.  Well, it has been a few days and I have some information to report.

#SunVoxBox

 

PRODUCT REVIEWS:

 

$10.99
Recently, I was involved in a car accident which resulted in a back injury.  Because of this, I passed this specific product along to my mother-in-law who has a favorite pair of heels she purchased from Nordstrom, but recently have been hurting her feet.  I have seen her wear these sandals and within 20 minutes she takes them off under the table.  No joke.  She wore them for quite a few hours with the inserts and said her feet felt great the entire time!  Score for Dr. Scholl's!!


$3.99 - $4.99
These hair ties are awesome!  I have slept in them, worn them in the pool and even used them on my 6 year old niece.  They stretch well, don't pull your hair and look cute, too!  For thicker hairstyles, use your fingers to stretch it out a couple of times before placing in your hair.  I always buy Goody hair bands and these Ribbon Elastics live up to Goody's good name.  (See what I did there?)  Go get some!!


$12.99
Excerp from Olay's site:  Finish your daily beauty regimen with the all-in-one solution with 6 skin perfecting benefits:

• Refreshes skin instantly
• Brightens for a radiant glow
• Evens tone with a splash of sheer color
• Hydrates for 24 hours
• Smoothes for softer feeling skin
• Protects against UV damage with SPF 15 




The things I do for this blog...
Out of all of the products, this was my least favorite.  It seemed to work OK, however, I didn't notice that much of a difference in the way my skin looked.  Sure, it did help (somewhat) to even out the overall texture and color, but the scent was a bit much for me.  Fair to note, I am super sensitive to any and all types of fragrance.  Also, it made my skin feel a bit on the oily side - and that is never a good thing.  This product can be purchased through Olay and Amazon.


So many colors to choose from!!

I love me some nail polish and at $2.99 each, what's not to love about this polish?!  I have to say, the color went on smoothly, dried well and was super shiny!
Color: Mardi Gras

It started to chip within 48 hours, but that is the norm for me.  I was cleaning our pool and doing dishes - so kind of my own fault.  The most important thing was that it removed easily with gentle polish remover.  That is not always the case with some of my other polishes.  These 32 shades are available for a limited time, so I will be purchasing more of these from Walgreens ASAP.  What are you waiting for??  Get your Summer mani and pedi on!


In conclusion, I really enjoyed receiving and trying out all of these fun and exciting products.  So, what do you think?  Will you be purchasing any of these products for yourself this Summer season?



Disclaimer: I received all products complimentary from Influenster.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Black Ops II: Vengeance Maps with Detailed Call-outs

Here they are...the third installment of maps for Call of Duty Black Ops II.
Vengeance Map Pack with detailed call-outs.  You can thank me later.  :)

Black Ops II Cove Map with Call-outs
Black Ops II Detour Map with Call-outs
Black Ops II Rush Map with Call-outs
Black Ops II Uplink Map with Call-outs

I don't mind if you would like to share, post to your site or use in any manner, but please link back to this original post.

Disclaimer:  All of the map images were obtained through the Call of Duty Elite website.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Julep Maven "Classic with a Twist Starter Box"

Guess what was delivered to my house today?  Yep, my very first Julep Maven box!  This is something I have been wanting to be part of for about the past year...and finally, one day last week I went for it.  I couldn't be happier.  Julep has this neat little tool on their site that helps you find out what your "Maven Style" is.  My style is "Classic with a Twist", which surprisingly really IS my style.

Isn't the packaging pretty?


Some of the reasons I decided to order from Julep are because their colors and products are toxin-free, the website is very user-friendly and I love the idea of having new polishes and products shipped directly to me each month without even having to think about it.  However, if I I do think about it - I have options.  I can skip or change an order with no questions asked.  Mama likes that.

What is a Maven, you ask?  The following information can be found on the Julep website, but I decided to make life easy for you:

"Becoming a Julep Maven gives you exclusive access to COLOR. Each month we hand-pick trendsetting new nail colors, cult faves and cutting-edge beauty products that are just right for you. Commitment shy? No problem. YOU decide how often to receive your Julep Maven box, and you can cancel at any time.

We'll send an email previewing your upcoming Julep Maven Box on the 20th of each month. Love what we've chosen for you? Do nothing and your box is on its way. Want to try a new style, send your box to a friend or skip the month (and the bill)? Just log into your account between the 20th and the 24th to submit your request.

Earn on! Earn Julep Jules for referring friends who become Mavens.
Enjoy 20% off all products plus free shipping.
Send your monthly box to a girlfriend! Maven Boxes make perfect gifts.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you're ever unhappy with your Julep Maven box, email maven@julep.com or call 1-877-651-3292, and we will personally take care of you!"

After you take their Style quiz, they will send you an email with your style and a special offer code to try out Julep at a discounted rate.  I got my first month for FREE.  Yep, for FREE!  Do you see why I am so excited to try Julep out?  Upon checkout they have all these mini-offers you can take advantage of (if you desire to do so).  You are allowed to choose up to four of their "mini-deals" and I chose two.  I ordered their Pedi Prep Set which includes a roll-on callus remover and a Julep Foot File.  The callus remover uses Alpha Hydroxy Acids along with chamomile extract to "soften and prepare calluses for foot filing".  It was something I had my eye on anyway and at the discounted price I had to try it out.  I also ordered their Freedom Polymer Top Coat, a product that has gotten rave reviews and is supposed to extend the life of your manicure, make your nails ultra-shiny, dry quickly and is removable with any regular polish remover (including non-acetone formulas).

The picture below is everything I received in my first Julep package.  My cost was less than $15.00 for everything you see.  They even included a free sample of their hand cream.  Say whaatt?!

To be clear, my "Classic with a Twist Starter Box" shipment included:
This is representative of the type of things that come in the monthly Maven boxes.  According to the Julep website, "Each box will feature over $40 worth of never-before-released polishes, cutting edge treatments and cult favorites".  The other products shown (Pedi Prep Set & Top Coat), I purchased separately.

My first Maven Box and a few other products I ordered.

I have to say, I am an Essie Girl at heart.  Other than the occasional Sephora by Opi, Essie is all I use.  I also do 99% of my own manicures and pedicures at home, so I was super curious to try the Juelp brand and see if I even liked it.

The applicator brush on the Julep polish is different, however I was pleasantly surprised at how fast I got used to it (by my fourth toenail) and at how well the application process went overall.  I applied two coats, but could have gotten away with only one if I was in a hurry.  I used my trusted Essie base and topcoat and then applied the Julep Top Coat I purchased.  I really like the color and the way my pedi turned out.  Also, I liked the "Pedi Prep Set", but I want to use it a few times before I write a formal review on it.  I am curious to see if the Top Coat really extends the life of my pedicure - only time will tell and then I will tell you...

My at-home pedi using Julep color in "Niecy"

Mani using Julep color in "Kennedy"
As you can see, Niecy is a bright, pretty pink and Kennedy stays true to its name - meaning it totally looks like the color of khaki safari pants!  The cuticle oil takes a bit of maneuvering to get it out of the bottle at first (it has one of the roller ball applicators), but once you get it going, it works well.  Also, the cuticle oil has more of a medicinal smell than a fragrance, which I actually prefer.  Overall, I am very happy with my first Julep order.

Would you like to find out what your Julep Maven Style is?  Use this link to access Julep's style quiz and a special offer just for you!  You're welcome.  :)

What colors are you rocking this Summer season?  Please, feel free to comment and tell me below.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunkissed VoxBox

Guess what I woke up to today?!  My very own Sunkissed VoxBox!!  Say whaaat?  I sure did!  I am beyond excited about this specific VoxBox because, well it is Summer and I absolutely love all of the products that were included in it.

Sunkissed VoxBox

What was included, you ask?  Four exciting products!  Check out the details:


Needless to say, I can't wait to try all of these awesome products out ASAP!  I am going to try the hair ties and BB Cream right now and I plan on giving myself a spa manicure and pedicure tonight.  Oh, and for those who are wondering:  Yes, I will be using my awesome heated foot spa I blogged about earlier this month.  :)

Disclaimer: I received all products complimentary from Influenster.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Garden Fresh Zucchini Pasta with Garlic, Spinach and Basil

It is still hard for me to believe I have my own garden and have been able to grow fresh herbs, veggies and fruit successfully!  Who knew it could be this easy?   I was inspired to create this dish using things found in my own front yard.  Yep.  All from my garden I started a few months back.  (You can read all about that journey here).

I belong to many Facebook groups and earlier this morning someone posted a Zucchini Linguine recipe in one of them.  It looked so awesome and sounded so easy to make, I thought, "Shoot, I have most of these ingredients right outside in my garden!"

This was the recipe that inspired mine.  Granted, I made a few substitutions along the way and my pictures in no way look as good as this:

via Feasting at Home

My version still turned out super yummy.  Here is how I made it...

Garden Fresh

Store Bought Parmesan Cheese

 Ingredients:
  • 1 Large Zucchini
  • 3 Cloves of Garlic
  • 4 Tablespoons of Light Olive Oil
  • 5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 8 Fresh Spinach Leaves
  • 3/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 8 Turns of Fresh Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

I started by peeling my zucchini and cutting the smaller end off.  I wanted my "noodles" to be similar in size and shape in order to cook evenly.  (Next time I will leave the peeling on - I think it would make for a firmer "pasta").

Zucchini

I used the shorter piece I had cut off to "practice" my technique.  I think my mini noodles turned out pretty well.

Small Zucchini Noodles

Then, I sliced the larger piece into what resembled the approximate size of fettuccine noodles.  At this point, I realized I needed a way bigger knife, but it worked out in the end.

Larger Fettuccine-Like Noodles

Next, I diced 3 cloves of garlic.  My basil wasn't looking that great (blame it on the hot California weather), so I decided I would add some spinach.  I wasn't sure if the two pair well together, so I Googled and voila! there were plenty of recipes out there using both spinach and basil in the same recipe.

Zucchini, Garlic, Basil and Spinach

I copied the "ribbon" technique from the original recipe to cut both the basil and spinach leaves.  It was really easy.  Stack your leaves, roll them and then slice.  Do not slice lengthwise, start at the smaller end and keep slicing until it is all cut up.

Rolled Spinach Leaves

Basil & Spinach Ribbons

Next, I warmed about 4 tablespoons of olive oil and sauteed the diced garlic in the oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes.  Then I added the zucchini, salt and pepper.  I put the lid on and continued to cook the zucchini for about 9 minutes, stirring often.

Cooking Zucchini Pasta

There really is a ton of moisture when cooking zucchini this way and it steams up quite nicely.  Once the zucchini actually started to resemble cooked pasta, I added the basil and spinach and continued to cook for about a minute.  My kitchen smelled heavenly.

Basil & Spinach

Finally, I added the Parmesan cheese.  I used DiGiorno.  It saved me the step of grating my own.  I continued cooking over medium heat for about a minute or so - just until the cheese started to melt.

Parmesan Cheese

Since there was still quite a bit of moisture, I used a slotted spoon to plate the pasta.  I then added some additional Parmesan cheese and fresh ground black pepper.  This is the end result.


I know it does not look super pretty, but I promise it was so flavorful, even my mom, who really doesn't eat this type of stuff, liked it.

Next time I make this I will leave the peeling on the zucchini, cook in a nonstick pan and use half the amount of olive oil.  My thinking is doing all of these things will help eliminate some of the excess moisture.  I could be wrong.  Either way, this was simple and tasted great.  All in all, it took me about 30 minutes to make.  That includes picking the zucchini and herbs from the garden, all of the prep, cooking and taking pictures.  It made three servings the size you see in the picture above.  I could easily grill some chicken at the same time and really have a great meal even the hubs would love.  Please post a comment if you try this and let me know how yours turns out.  Until next time...

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

The Heated Aqua-Jet Foot Spa by Brookstone

Hey everyone.  I really need to start posting more.  I have told so many people about this product and every single time I say to myself, "I should write a blog on this...".  Okay, here it is!

The Heated Aqua-Jet Foot Spa 
Heated Aqua-Jet Foot SpaB
Heated Aqua-Jet Foot Spa
Heated Aqua-Jet Foot Spa

First, check it out in all its glory:

via Amazon

Looks awesome, right?  Well, it is.  As most of you know, I always do my research when splurging on an item.  This was no exception.  I read reviews, shopped around and waited to see a price drop.  Hoping the price would drop.  Alas, it didn't.  So I went for it.  I chose to order mine from Amazon for a couple of reasons.  First, I am a cardholder and not only is the ordering process as smooth as pie, but I earn reward points.  Also, the price was exactly the same as on the Brookstone website.  Besides, Brookstone has a store on Amazon, so I figured it was pretty much the same thing, right?

On to the details...

Pros:
  • Heats water and keeps it hot to 115 degrees
  • Jets (that rotate and have two speeds)
  • Deep basin
  • Accommodates larger feet (hello, size 11!)
  • An easy to use drain plug
Cons:
  • Price  at $129.99 this foot spa ain't for everyone.  (I do most of my own pedicures at home, so it was easy peasy to justify the cost)
  • The "Two rolling nodes" that are supposed to provide a "kneading massage to your arches" - they don't.  (At least not for me)
  •  The removable pumice stone - it really isn't that awesome.
  • It is heavy.  Loaded with water, it is even heavier.
Even with a few cons, (because let's be honest all products have cons), the stuff that does work is so awesome you won't think twice about those things.

A couple of additional points I would like to mention:  First, the customer care department at Brookstone is awesome.  One of my rolling nodes would not stay in its place and kept floating to the top of the basin when it was filled with water.  I went on Amazon and submitted a claim and within a couple of days not only did I receive a replacement in the mail, but they sent me two of them!  Second, based on reviews and the directions that come with it I am afraid to add any products to the water while the unit is operational.  People have posted comments stating adding salts or fizzies to the water has ruined their foot spa.  However, that has not stopped me from using some products while the unit is turned off.  I just make sure to rinse it really well when I am done.

Overall, this thing is super user friendly and looks really nice.  I set it on my kitchen counter,  use the kitchen faucet wand to fill it up and then dump the water in my bathtub when I am done.  I always wipe it down with a warm cloth, turn it upside down and leave it inside of the tub to ensure thorough draining and drying.  After it is dry, I place it in my hallway and I cover it with a clean, dry white towel so it won't get dusty and is ready to use the next time I need it.  I literally use this foot spa at least once a week.  Sometimes, to do complete pedicures and sometimes just to have a nice relaxing soak while watching The Real Housewives.  :)  Oh yeah, I said it.

So, what are you waiting for?  Summer is here and you need to get those feet into shape, sista'!  A long time fan of high(er)-end(ish) nail polish, one of my next blogs will be covering my newest subscription to Julep, a company that sends you nail polishes and other goodies on a monthly basis for less than $20 per shipment.  Other than the huge savings, the best part is you can cancel or defer a shipment at anytime.  I have referral codes with a nice discount if you are interested in trying them out.

Looking for some nail polish inspiration?  Look no further.  Mama has a Pinterest board dedicated to this very subject.  Hollaaaa!

via Pinterest

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Backyard Botanical Garden Series: Part 3

It's been almost two months since I started this project and I couldn't be happier.  I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves on this one...


Squash & Zucchini
I added a stand to help the cucumber vines stay off of the ground
Cucumber
Chili Peppers & Onion Patch
Chili Peppers
Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Squash

I am pleasantly surprised that my Bell Pepper finally started growing.  It was touch and go for a few weeks because of the aphids that were attacking the leaves.  An order of 1500 lady bugs seemed to do the trick. 

Bell Pepper

Corn

 As you can see, everything is thriving.  I have had one celery plant die (my fault) and a couple of corn plants met their demise due to animals.  Other than that, things are going well.  I have propagated a couple of plants, had my husband build 6 additional raised beds to house my tea garden, new berry patch, 3 rows of corn, my seedlings and an overall thinning out of some of the plants.  I plan on doing a post on growing plants from cuttings and seeds soon.

What are you growing this season?