Categories
make-up

A new trend in taking off make-up @face.halo #facehalo #sponsored

So many times I look down at my white towels after I wash my face and see stains from my make-up AND even then not all my make-up comes off! I tried liquid eye make-up remover, pads soaked in eye-make-up remover and even q-tip like make-up removers and nothing fully worked. I am so glad Face Halo send me their non-toxic fiber make-up remover pad to test out.

It is super easy to use – you add warm or cold water and you don’t need to scrub just simply wipe off your make-up. Now of course your make-up is on the Face Halo- that is good but you just put your Face Halo in the wash with white/light colors and it is ready to use again and can be washed around 200 times. Just don’t use fabric softener as it leaves a coating that will reduce the effectiveness. Also air drying them is best too. I do feel like my skin is super clean and as I like to use natural products on my skin I no longer have to worry about which eye make-up remover and cleanser is the safest as with the Face Halo it takes off ALL the make-up. It is very compact so if you travel a lot it fits in any make-up case.

So glad I have one!

Disclosure: The company sent me a Face Halo to test out. As always all opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Holidays

Happy Easter! #EASTER Tips for fun items to include in #easterbaskets

I cannot believe it is Easter weekend! I hope that the weather warms up soon as it will be April. As the kids get older I have to figure out what to put in their Easter Baskets. Yes, I still love to gather items for Easter baskets even though they are teens. I used to overthink it about the actual items to include when they were little and everything had to be exactly the same and of equal amount. Of course chocolate is on the list but if you have a hard time figuring out what to put in your kids baskets here are a few suggestions.

If your kids are little – any card game, small board game, writing pads, slime, jewelry, fun hair accessories, little stuffed animals

If your kids are older – money (lol) maybe a gift card, lip balms, nail polish kits, fun jewelry storage dishes, cute signs for their room decor, make-up, sports tickets, any tech accessory

Of course candy and especially a nice chocolate bunny still tops the list around here.

Happy Easter and enjoy the weekend!

 

A felt Easter Basket is ready for goodies!

 

 

 

 

Categories
Holidays Valentine's Day

It’s almost Valentine’s Day – celebrate, have fun and here are some cute, sweet gift ideas from @harborsweets @violetandbrooksjewelry @thepillover

Each year for my girls I put together a cute ceramic bowl with earrings, chocolate and a nice card. I love to celebrate the day and maybe make cute heart shaped muffins or a sweet treat. We all know that chocolate and sweets go a long way for your significant other and here are a few, fun finds that that make a perfect gift for your mom, girlfriend or tween.

A nice red bag – I have way too many bags in my closet. But I am always looking at TJ Maxx and Marshalls for designer finds. My 13 year old saw this at Marshalls and said, “mom you have to buy this!” I looked at it like a perfect Valentine’s Day gift to myself. Any red or pink purse would make a great gift. Stuff it with a few goodies like candy and homemade cards from the kids and your wife will love it.

Jewelry – I discovered this cute online retailer Violet & Brooks after seeing them in the Oprah magazine. Tweens and girls love fashion earring and so do moms! The company sent me the adorable grace earring gift set and the madeline stacking ring Quint. They both came in a cute pink padded storage holder. It makes a nice gift for mom or your tween. It is also good for storage and to take traveling too!

Pillover – this adorable super soft pink baby blanket like cover actually fits on your pillow case and it is like a warm cozy wrap. The Pillover slides over your existing pillow and pillowcase. We loved the baby blanket one but there are several ones to choose from depending on your mood. Two thumbs up from my tween. You can also use these for decorative purposes too to brighten up your bedroom.

Of course I love chocolate! A heart shaped candy box is so classic and who doesn’t love chocolate?? This one from Harbor Sweets includes milk and dark chocolates embellished with an elegant rose ribbon. I have tested these homemade chocolates out before and they are handmade and taste heavenly!  The company is based in Salem, Mass and according to the web site, “still employs its original chocolate making techniques using copper kettles and wooden paddles, combined with the finest local ingredients of fresh butter, cream and wildflower honey.” DELISH! Now let me go finish off the rest of these goodies!

Disclosure: The above companies sent me the products to test out. All opinions in this post are my own.

Treats for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day!
Categories
Hotels Travel

January 2018 #HappyNewYear #happytravels #travel #travelgoals #visionandgoals

Happy 2018!  January is well underway and it is a new year! I hate to say the word resolutions….I like New Year’s Goals better! What are your goals for the new year? How do you achieve them? I do like to write them down in a travel journal. I also loved the last time I was at lululemon they posted the employees vision and goals worksheet. It is just one of the many sheets that to help you visualize and plan out your goals. Last year my goal was to travel more and this year my goal is to travel monthly. I don’t mean get on a plane each month, but I do mean travel – day trips, new experiences, spending time with family and friends. Whether it’s that girls’ weekend you have been planning or a birthday celebration…just do it! We love our trips into Boston, the beach, skiing, visits with friends, the beach, the beach….Did I mention the beach? Anytime my toes are in the sand, the waves are crashing and my kids are taking selfies (lol) or just spending time together traveling is worth it. Happy 2018 and here’s to a year of good travel and health and happiness!

 

Beach, beach, beach.....my happy place
Beach, beach, beach…..my happy place
toes in the sand...
toes in the sand…
Categories
Hotels Travel Trends

Bahamas Trip! @atlantisbahamas #traveltips Holiday Travel #HolidayTravel

Christmas is almost here!  Are you ready? Any travel plans in the near future?  Whether you are traveling near or far to visit family or spend time with friends on a vacation it can be stressful traveling during the holiday season. We just got back from the Bahamas as we were lucky enough to head there for my daughter’s gymnastics meet. There were lots of kids from all over the world and a great opportunity for all the girls at our gym. It was such a fun experience. I like how it was the week before Christmas although we did need to take the girls out of school for a few days but it was a great opportunity! Sun and warmth when it was in the teens and 2os for temperatures in Boston was a welcome relief. We got to enjoy beach activities, all the slides at Atlantis and quality family time. It was THE BEST trip. Next time we go to Atlantis I will plan ahead a bit more and bring snacks for sure as the food can be a bit pricy. Speaking of planning if you are traveling before or during the holidays here are a few tips!

1. Plan ahead – I did all my holiday shopping and wrapped the presents before I left. So right now I am relaxing and watching holiday movies! If you are headed someplace for the holiday think about sending your packages ahead of time.

2. Use the plane or car ride for lists, planning and any last minute work – My girls had to do some school work and homework and I suggested they do it on the plane so they could enjoy the time on the beach. I got some work done as well – use the transition time to your destination wisely.

3.  Limit technology if you can – It was nice to do activities without being glued to our phones. That and the Wi-Fi was spotty in places so it was forced family fun lol – no, but seriously I tried to take some photos, relax, and check the phone at night before bed. The kids were really good at taking breaks with their phones. Plus the slides at Atlantis are just crazy fun so no phones allowed! See video below.

 

Here are some photos from our Atlantis get-a-way.

A fun Atlantis Bahamas trip the week before Christmas!
A fun Atlantis Bahamas trip the week before Christmas!
My gymnast at Atlantis Bahama. s at the Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational
My gymnast at Atlantis Bahamas – at the Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational
So glad last year we got a Go Pro. It is amazing to take action photos!
So glad last year we got a Go Pro. It is amazing to take action photos!
Go Pro action photo while parasailing at Atlantis Bahamas
Go Pro action photo while parasailing at Atlantis Bahamas

 

 

 

Categories
Christmas holiday photo cards

Customized #HolidayCards wrapping paper and more @zazzle #sponsored #zazzle

Sometimes it can be stressful during the holiday season with shopping, wrapping and sending out the holiday photo cards!  It’s all about choosing the design, deciding on which photos to use, cropping, editing  – ARGH!  Not to worry as we tested out and are highly recommending zazzle.com for your holiday card needs (or invitations and other stationary needs). Zazzle allows you to customize your cards in a flash. Not only do they have the finest cards but many customizable items such as t-shirts, pillows, electronics, bags, office products and a baby boutique! They even have craft supplies and gift wrap.  You can even customize the wrapping paper with A PHOTO! How neat is that for the holidays? Zazzle really is the custom products marketplace.

The Christmas cards I ordered came out just as expected – super cute with a very thick paper stock (you have several to choose from). You can pick a template and customize it with words and shrink or enlarge your photos in a snap. Remember my last post about the gold holiday gift guide #goldgiftguide? Well I went with that theme and ordered ones with gold wording and a polka dot background. Check out all their offerings at zazzle.com
Disclosure: I worked with zazzle on a Christmas card photo order. As always all opinions are my own in this post.

 

Customizable Holiday photo cards from @zazzle
Customizable Holiday photo cards from @zazzle
Great cardstock and design from customizable cards from @zazzle
Great cardstock and design from customizable cards from @zazzle
Categories
Christmas holiday photo cards

Customized #HolidayCards wrapping paper and more @zazzle #sponsored #zazzle

Sometimes it can be stressful during the holiday season with shopping, wrapping and sending out the holiday photo cards!  It’s all about choosing the design, deciding on which photos to use, cropping, editing  – ARGH!  Not to worry as we tested out and are highly recommending zazzle.com for your holiday card needs (or invitations and other stationary needs). Zazzle allows you to customize your cards in a flash. Not only do they have the finest cards but many customizable items such as t-shirts, pillows, electronics, bags, office products and a baby boutique! They even have craft supplies and gift wrap.  You can even customize the wrapping paper with A PHOTO! How neat is that for the holidays? Zazzle really is the custom products marketplace.

The Christmas cards I ordered came out just as expected – super cute with a very thick paper stock (you have several to choose from). You can pick a template and customize it with words and shrink or enlarge your photos in a snap. Remember my last post about the gold holiday gift guide #goldgiftguide? Well I went with that theme and ordered ones with gold wording and a polka dot background. Check out all their offerings at zazzle.com
Disclosure: I worked with zazzle on a Christmas card photo order. As always all opinions are my own in this post.

 

Customizable Holiday photo cards from @zazzle
Customizable Holiday photo cards from @zazzle
Great cardstock and design from customizable cards from @zazzle
Great cardstock and design from customizable cards from @zazzle
Categories
Christmas holiday photo cards

Customized #HolidayCards wrapping paper and more @zazzle #sponsored #zazzle

Sometimes it can be stressful during the holiday season with shopping, wrapping and sending out the holiday photo cards!  It’s all about choosing the design, deciding on which photos to use, cropping, editing  – ARGH!  Not to worry as we tested out and are highly recommending zazzle.com for your holiday card needs (or invitations and other stationary needs). Zazzle allows you to customize your cards in a flash. Not only do they have the finest cards but many customizable items such as t-shirts, pillows, electronics, bags, office products and a baby boutique! They even have craft supplies and gift wrap.  You can even customize the wrapping paper with A PHOTO! How neat is that for the holidays? Zazzle really is the custom products marketplace.

The Christmas cards I ordered came out just as expected – super cute with a very thick paper stock (you have several to choose from). You can pick a template and customize it with words and shrink or enlarge your photos in a snap. Remember my last post about the gold holiday gift guide #goldgiftguide? Well I went with that theme and ordered ones with gold wording and a polka dot background. Check out all their offerings at zazzle.com
Disclosure: I worked with zazzle on a Christmas card photo order. As always all opinions are my own in this post.

 

Customizable Holiday photo cards from @zazzle
Customizable Holiday photo cards from @zazzle
Great cardstock and design from customizable cards from @zazzle
Great cardstock and design from customizable cards from @zazzle
Categories
Christmas Holidays Uncategorized

The Holidays are here! #giftguide #goldgiftguide #holidays #sponsored

Happy Holidays. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We love products and we love to test out products that come across our desk. The holiday time is busy and we know you don’t have a lot of time to get things done. We have gathered a few items at trendymommies.com that you may be interested in for the holidays. Gold is the theme! I know Rose Gold is pretty popular but I still love GOLD!  It is still a color trend that you will see everywhere!  Here are a few suggestions from this year’s trendymommies.com 2017 holiday gift guide!

For the tech lover – there are plenty of smart phone cases out there but there really is only one that is very protective and also that looks good – The Otter box 

Yes I do love these cases and they start at $44.95! Go ahead drop your phone and see how protective they are! (just kidding…don’t drop your phone but do go buy an Otter box – we love the rose gold and gold ones especially!)

For the teen/tween and mom – all make-up is not created equal. I look for natural lines that really perform. Jane Iredale is that line. This clean, mineral make-up and skin care has something for everyone. They have fun holiday kits and a great gold compact that is perfect for your bronzer. I love the contour kit as it is sleek and gold and the luminizer kit works great.  Their eye shadows are amazing. This must have kit comes in a sleek, slim gold case. These two items are the ones you will take with you everywhere along with the golden gloss! I loved their PureGloss lip gloss. The Crabapple is very moisturizing and lasts – no stickiness. It is made with lemon peel, tangerine peel and pomegranate extracts. Their bronzer is the best I have tried! The make-up is formulated with pure micronized minerals and pigments and is cruelty-free. They also have a holiday gift guide right on their site. 

For the hard to buy person in your life РGift cards Рyou know you need them. For one stop shopping our favorite retailer is CVS Pharmacy. You can buy all your gift cards right there. In addition they have holiday d̩cor Рsee this adorable gold pillow below. They also have so much make-up and kits to chose from. Their beauty accessories, packaged beauty gifts, tech accessories AND toys for the kids really makes it easy to shop. I like when you are in line and see all the beauty buys and the last minute tech gifts such as headphones, chargers and cases. I buy all my stocking suffer gifts here every year.

Speaking of stocking stuffer gift ideas I discovered this lip balm at CVS called Moroccan Magic Organic Lip Balm which says it is the smoothest lip balm ever and it is! So many flavors to choose from. They even have a rose one as well! You can order online here or pick up at your local CVS. These make a perfect stocking stuffer gift.

For the foodie or really anyone that loves a nice tea. David’s Tea has so many accessories and teas to choose from. We love the tea in a pouch called the Jolly Teas Sachet Travel Pouch as it has the holiday tea bags in it!  David’s Tea even has adorable gifts like this white cranberry bark tea infused beauty duo. 

This includes the best smelling hand cream and soothing lip butter. Buy a set for each of your friends. But the best gift of all from David’s tea is the 24 days of tea. This is the one thing you buy yourself NOW so you can enjoy a tea a day as you countdown the days until Christmas!

Disclosure: The above companies sent items to review and test out. As always all opinions are my own in this blog post.

Goodies from @cvspharmacy  They have gifts for everyone on your list
Goodies from @cvspharmacy They have gifts for everyone on your list
@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect  stocking stuffers idea!
@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect stocking stuffers idea!
Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox
Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox
24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA
24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA
Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy
Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy

 

Categories
Christmas Holidays Uncategorized

The Holidays are here! #giftguide #goldgiftguide #holidays #sponsored

Happy Holidays. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We love products and we love to test out products that come across our desk. The holiday time is busy and we know you don’t have a lot of time to get things done. We have gathered a few items at trendymommies.com that you may be interested in for the holidays. Gold is the theme! I know Rose Gold is pretty popular but I still love GOLD!  It is still a color trend that you will see everywhere!  Here are a few suggestions from this year’s trendymommies.com 2017 holiday gift guide!

For the tech lover – there are plenty of smart phone cases out there but there really is only one that is very protective and also that looks good – The Otter box 

Yes I do love these cases and they start at $44.95! Go ahead drop your phone and see how protective they are! (just kidding…don’t drop your phone but do go buy an Otter box – we love the rose gold and gold ones especially!)

For the teen/tween and mom – all make-up is not created equal. I look for natural lines that really perform. Jane Iredale is that line. This clean, mineral make-up and skin care has something for everyone. They have fun holiday kits and a great gold compact that is perfect for your bronzer. I love the contour kit as it is sleek and gold and the luminizer kit works great.  Their eye shadows are amazing. This must have kit comes in a sleek, slim gold case. These two items are the ones you will take with you everywhere along with the golden gloss! I loved their PureGloss lip gloss. The Crabapple is very moisturizing and lasts – no stickiness. It is made with lemon peel, tangerine peel and pomegranate extracts. Their bronzer is the best I have tried! The make-up is formulated with pure micronized minerals and pigments and is cruelty-free. They also have a holiday gift guide right on their site. 

For the hard to buy person in your life РGift cards Рyou know you need them. For one stop shopping our favorite retailer is CVS Pharmacy. You can buy all your gift cards right there. In addition they have holiday d̩cor Рsee this adorable gold pillow below. They also have so much make-up and kits to chose from. Their beauty accessories, packaged beauty gifts, tech accessories AND toys for the kids really makes it easy to shop. I like when you are in line and see all the beauty buys and the last minute tech gifts such as headphones, chargers and cases. I buy all my stocking suffer gifts here every year.

Speaking of stocking stuffer gift ideas I discovered this lip balm at CVS called Moroccan Magic Organic Lip Balm which says it is the smoothest lip balm ever and it is! So many flavors to choose from. They even have a rose one as well! You can order online here or pick up at your local CVS. These make a perfect stocking stuffer gift.

For the foodie or really anyone that loves a nice tea. David’s Tea has so many accessories and teas to choose from. We love the tea in a pouch called the Jolly Teas Sachet Travel Pouch as it has the holiday tea bags in it!  David’s Tea even has adorable gifts like this white cranberry bark tea infused beauty duo. 

This includes the best smelling hand cream and soothing lip butter. Buy a set for each of your friends. But the best gift of all from David’s tea is the 24 days of tea. This is the one thing you buy yourself NOW so you can enjoy a tea a day as you countdown the days until Christmas!

Disclosure: The above companies sent items to review and test out. As always all opinions are my own in this blog post.

Goodies from @cvspharmacy  They have gifts for everyone on your list
Goodies from @cvspharmacy They have gifts for everyone on your list
@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect  stocking stuffers idea!
@MoroccanMagic best lip balm ever! Perfect stocking stuffers idea!
Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox
Gold Goodies from @JaneIredale @DAVIDsTea @cvspharmacy @OtterBox
24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA
24 Days of Tea from @DAVIDsTEA
Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy
Holiday accessories and décor from @CVSpharmacy