Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector and MoistureSmooth Color Sticks - REVIEW

Thursday, January 28, 2016


DISCLOSURE: I received free samples from Crowdtap to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

As I've gotten older, I've been seeing more changes in my skin. It's a little more dull. My face doesn't seem as full and my skin's texture has gotten more rough. So, I've been using more and more skincare products to help combat those signs of aging.


But, I also don't like having to use so many things! I'm always on the look out for products that multi-task. So, I was pretty excited when I got the chance to try out Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector.

Children's Double Crochet Cowl

Tuesday, January 26, 2016


As I've said in a previous post, I just started crocheting about a month and a half ago. I had been wanting to make a cowl for my two-year-old. She sees me and her older siblings putting on scarves and she wanted to wear a scarf, too. But, I didn't have anything sized for her.

I found this pattern for a Chunky Double Crochet Cowl from All About Ami. She uses a Super Bulky (Yarn Weight 6) yarn, but I didn't have any in the house. So, I used a Bulky (Yarn Weight 5) yarn, but still used the Size P (10 mm) crochet hook.


I used less than a skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease Chunky in Tinsel White. I love the little strands of tinsel in it! It just reminds me of winter and Christmas and snow.


I also knit my daughter a ribbed pom pom hat to go with the cowl, using the same yarn.


She loves her new scarf and I think it looks so cute on her!

Child's Double Crochet Cowl

Materials
Find the pattern here at All About Ami's site!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream - REVIEW #BehindTheGlow #NTGAdvocate

Monday, January 25, 2016


DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample from Crowdtap to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

In the colder months, my skin gets so dry. My arms, my legs and especially, my face. I often have to switch moisturizers because my regular moisturizer doesn't do enough to keep my skin hydrated.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to try out Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream. It's made for extra dry skin. It instantly hydrates skin, keeping it looking smooth, supple and hydrated day after day. It absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting intense, moisturizing power of a cream. It's oil-free, dye-free, fragrance-free, and contains purified hyaluronic acid.



My New Addiction - Crochet!

Friday, January 22, 2016


A few years ago, I had broken my ankle and needed something to do while I was stuck on the couch. So, I tried knitting. I picked up some books and watched a few YouTube tutorials. But, I never really got good at it. I made a few scarves and washcloths. I also attempted a baby blanket when I was pregnant with my fourth child, but I never got around to finishing it. It's still on the needles!

About a month and a half ago, I decided I'd try to crochet. I wanted to make hats and I wasn't ready to try knitting in the round and using double-pointed needles and it looked like it would be easier to crochet a hat. So, I searched YouTube for videos on the basic stitches and for step-by-step tutorials so I could make a hat.

I chose one tutorial that didn't look to be too hard. I was amazed at how quickly the hat worked up. And even though I somehow lost some stitches along the way and the hat meant for a child only fit my toddler, I was hooked! I set out to make more hats! By the time Christmas rolled around, I was able to make a couple hats and a few scarves for people.

I'm going to be highlighting some of the favorite crochet projects that I've done so far and include links to where I found the pattern. No plans on selling anything yet, but eventually, I would love to set up a shop on Etsy!

Do you crochet or knit? I'd love to see some of your projects!

L'il Critters Gummy Vites Complete Multivitamins - REVIEW

Thursday, January 21, 2016


DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample from Smiley360 to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

My kids are super picky about what they eat. Some are a little better than others, but they all can be kind of choosy on what they want to eat. So, I worry about whether or not they're getting the nutrients they need. To help ensure they're getting the proper vitamins and minerals, I give my kids multivitamins. Because they don't care for the texture of chewable vitamins and can't swallow pills, I usually buy them gummy vitamins.

PLAYSKOOL Friends My Little Pony Toy Review #PlayskoolCrew

Monday, January 18, 2016


DISCLOSURE: I received Playskool Friends My Little Pony toys for free from Crowdtap to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

It's funny. I remember watching My Little Pony cartoons and playing with My Little Pony dolls when I was little. And now, my daughter does, too! Granted, I think the newer My Little Pony characters are cooler than the ones I watched growing up.

A few weeks ago, I received some of the new Playskool Friends My Little Pony toys to try out. My daughter was so excited when the package came. She kept asking me to open her pony toys.


intelliGLASS Hardened Glass Screen Protector - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY #intelliGLASS

Sunday, January 17, 2016

DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample from intelliARMOR to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

My family has had its share of mishaps with electronic devices. Last summer, my one son dropped his tablet in the driveway and cracked the screen. It worked for a few months after that, but then the screen got too messed up to be able to use the tablet. And just today, my other son dropped his tablet and cracked the screen! If only I had put a good screen protector on their tablets, then maybe we could have saved some money (and tears!)

Recently, I had the chance to try the intelliGLASS Hardened Glass Screen Protector from intelliARMOR. IntellGLASS screen protectors are made from hardened glass, which offers better than steel scratch protection. It's combined with an oil and smudge resistant outer layer and an advanced silicone base layer that sticks to your phone and tablet without bubbles and doesn't leave behind any sticky residue.



Garnier SkinActive Party #ActiveIsBetter

Saturday, January 16, 2016


DISCLOSURE: I received free samples from Crowdtap to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

Recently, I had the chance to share some new products from Garnier Skincare with my friends and family, thanks to Crowdtap. I received the party package right before Christmas, so I thought it would be fun to bring it along to my sister's Christmas Eve party.

The party package included samples of Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water (regular and waterproof) and Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer.

Happy New Year!

Sunday, January 3, 2016


 Sorry, this post is a little late. I've been so busy with work and being sick the past couple days. But, anyway, Happy New Year!

I just reread my post from New Year's Day last year. I did horrible at keeping my resolutions!  I didn't accomplish any of them -- and I only made three!

Really, they could apply for this year, too. I still need to work on being more present. A few months ago, my two-year-old was playing with my phone and she took this picture of me.


This totally captures what the scene looks like on a weekday while my older kids are at school. I'm usually on my computer (though that laptop has since stopped working!) and my daughter is off playing somewhere in the house. I need to play more with her. I had written about how sad I was that she's my last baby and yet I'm not enjoying her toddler years. I'm wishing she's older, so she could go to school!

I also still need to get in shape. I spent so much time sitting this year. I need to get off my butt!

And I WILL change my blog this year.

What are your plans for this year?