DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample from BzzAgent for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

I'm just a couple years away from turning the big 4-0. I've definitely noticed changes in my skin and have added more steps to my skincare routine to try and fight those signs of aging. Something that I haven't tried yet is a retinol treatment. Thanks to BzzAgent, I had the chance to try Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample from BzzAgent. All opinions are my own.

As I'm getting closer to that big 4-0 (just in two years!), I'm definitely seeing more changes in my skin. It's not as bright and smooth as it used to be. The skin tone has gotten uneven, I'm seeing my pores more, and I'm seeing lines where even just a few years ago, there weren't any! I've been paying more attention to my skincare routine and being more selective about what products I use.

About a month ago, I had the chance to try Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid. It's a liquid exfoliant that rapidly unclogs pores, reduces the look of wrinkles and improves skin tone. It works on all skin types and non-abrasive. It

• Stimulates collagen production for smoother, firmer skin
• Is clinically proven to hydrate, brighten and reduce fine lines
• Reduces redness and irritation thanks to green tea extract
• Rapidly exfoliates the skin’s surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining, unclogging pores and improving skin cell turnover rate
• Is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free, with no added dyes or irritants
• Is never tested on animals
• NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).

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

Orange juice is a definite staple in our refrigerator. If you looked in our refrigerator at any time, you would almost always see at least one container of orange juice. I usually drink a glass of each at least once a day.

Tropicana is one of our favorite brands of orange juice to buy. It tastes great and I love that it's 100% orange juice. There's no added sugar, water or preservatives! Tropicana juice is available in several different varieties and flavors. I recently had the chance one of their newest offerings: Tropicana Essentials Vitamin C + Zinc.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free sample from BzzAgent. All opinions are my own.

I don't use mouthwash as often as I should. Even though my dental hygienist has recommended using an oral rinse when I brush, I haven't been able to make it part of my oral care routine. A big reason is because a lot of mouthwashes burn! Sometimes they burn so much, that I can't rinse for the full minute that they require.

Recently, I was given the chance to try Crest Pro-Health Advanced with Extra Deep Clean Mouthwash. It's alcohol free! So, it provides all the great benefits of mouthwash, but without the burn!

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

I have a family of six. Two adults + four kids = a lot of trash. We probably take the trash out at least five times a week. We go through a lot of trash bags. We've tried numerous brands, but often stick with store brands because they're less expensive and work just as well.

I recently had the opportunity to try Glad OdorShield with Gain.  I've used regular Glad OdorShield with Febreze and haven't had any issues with them before, so I assumed the OdorShield with Gain would work just as well and probably even smelled better!

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free box of Vidal Sassoon Salonist from BzzAgent to try and review. All opinions are my own.

For the past few years, I've been getting my hair colored regularly at the salon. The grays were getting to be too much and I'm really bad at dyeing my own hair. I had found a stylist that I trusted to cut and style my hair. She had rescued my hair after a bad dye job by a different stylist. I had been going to her ever since. But, over six months ago, she had changed salons! This was the fourth time now that she had changed salons. I was tired of chasing after her.

So, several months later, my grays were out of control again.  Look how long the strands of gray are! And believe me, there are a lot more grays than what you see in the picture.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free product from BzzAgent to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I actually reviewed Secret Outlast Clear Gel Deodorant about a year and a half ago.  I had no problems with it and gave it a positive review.  But, once my sample ran out, I never bought it again.  I had other samples of different brands to use and hadn't needed to buy any until recently.  So, I was pretty happy to get the chance to try Secret Outlast Clear Gel Deodorant again.  Especially, since I was down to my last thing of  deodorant.

I'm usually not very brand loyal when it comes to deodorant.    Often, I'll use one brand of deodorant and it would fine for a few weeks.  But, then all of a sudden, it would just stop working.  I'd start getting odor again, even though I wasn't changing anything about how I was using it.  So, I'd have to switch to a different brand.  That would work for a little while and then again I'd have to switch.

When I buy deodorant, I normally choose an invisible solid.  I like that they go on smoothly and don't usually leave any white marks on my clothes.  In the past, I've usually steered away from gel deodorants.  They usually don't go on very evenly and the majority of the ones I had tried in the past didn't go on clear.  They would dry clear, but you'd have to wait for it to dry.  Plus, it took a little while for the deodorant to dry.  So, I'd have to wait to get dressed while it dried.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free product from BzzAgent to facilitate this review.  My opinions are my own.

I have sensitive skin.  My legs are prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps, so I tend to use razors with only three blades.  When I was offered the chance to try the Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive Care razor, I wasn't aware that it had five blades!  So, when it arrived, I was very hesitant to even use it and regretted even accepting the campaign from BzzAgent.  I've tried razors with four and even five blades in the past and have always had problems with them.  My legs would end up irritated and I'd have to not shave for several days to calm them down.

The kit from BzzAgent, though, was nice.  It included a full size razor with refills, coupons to hand out to friends and a coupon for a free can of Skintimate Shave Gel.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free Transformers Construct-Bots set from BzzAgent to try and review.

My six-year-old son likes Transformers.  He had a few Transformers before we received this set to try.  They weren't his favorite toy, but they were definitely in the rotation.

He was excited to try the Transformers Construct-Bots.  He likes building toys and he was really interested in being able to build his own Transformers. 

We received the Transformers Construct-Bots Ultimate Set.  This includes 135 pieces that you can use to build and customize Optimus Prime and Megatron.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free KRE-O Cityville Invasion Building Set from BzzAgent to try and review.

My kids love building toys.  We have a ton of wooden and LEGO blocks all around the house.  But, we had never used the KRE-O building sets before.  So, I jumped at the chance to give them a try!  My kids had never heard of KRE-O, but they were pretty excited to be getting a set.

I received a pretty nice BzzKit from BzzAgent.  It included:

• A KRE-O Cityville Invasion Marina Madness Building Set
• Five Cityville Invasion samples
• Coupons to pass along towards the purchase of a KRE-O Cityville Invasion building set

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free NERF Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow from NERF and BzzAgent to try and review.

My boys love playing with their NERF guns.  We have darts all over the house.  My 9 year old daughter will play with them from time to time, but doesn't like to admit that she likes to play with "boy toys."  She says she'd be embarrassed if anyone saw her or heard about her playing with them.  Luckily, NERF has come out with a line of crossbows and blasters -- just for girls!  NERF Rebelle!

I was sent a kit from BzzAgent to try and review the Heartbreaker Bow from the NERF Rebelle line.  The kit included:

• A NERF Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow
• A Dart Refill Pack
• A NERF Rebelle brochure
• Rebelle-Themed Temporary Tattoos
• Coupons to pass along

DISCLOSURE:  I received a coupon for a free MorningStar Farms product to try and review from BzzAgent.  All opinions are my own.

Even though, I am totally a meat eater, I think it's a good idea to eat vegetarian every now and then.  It's healthier for you.  But, sometimes, you might get tired of just eating vegetables and still want the taste of meat in your food.  That's where MorningStar Farms comes in!

MorningStar Farms makes a line of meatless products including veggie burgers, veggie chicken nuggets, veggie meatballs, entrees and meal starters.  It allows you go have some of that meat flavor but still be eating vegetarian.

DISCLOSURE:  I received three free COVERGIRL blastflipsticks to try and review as a member of BzzAgent.com.  All opinions are my own.

I'm always on the search for the perfect lipstick.  I want something that's long-lasting, moisturizing and comes in a lot of great colors that suit me.  When I was given the chance to try COVERGIRL's new blastflipsticks, I jumped at the opportunity.  I've tried other products in their blast line of makeup, including the mascara and eyeshadow.  I thought it would be fun to see if I liked the lipsticks.

BzzAgent sent a kit that included three shades of the blastflipsticks, a BzzGuide and coupons to share:


The COVERGIRL blastflipstick features 2 lipsticks in one.  One end has a creamy, bold shade and the other has a shimmery shade.  They can each be worn alone or blended together to make a new shade.  There are 13 shade duos and they feature a moisturizing formula that mix perfectly without feeling heavy or dry.

SHADE DUOS:

WHISPER - Taupe and pearl pink shades

PUCKER - Light berry and lilac shades

GLIMMER - Dark berry and soft pink shades

FLASHY - Dark berry and lilac shades

VIXEN - Burgundy and pearl pink shades

PERKY - Bright pink and light pink shades

TEASE  - Red and gold shades

CHEEKY - Bright pink and peach shades

STUNNER - Bright pink and gold shades

SNAP - Taupe and sand shades

SMOOCH - Copper and sand shades

MINX - Deep brown and gold shades

INTENSE - Deep berry and taupe shades

DISCLOSURE:  As a member of BzzAgent.com, I received samples of Green Mountain Coffee Wellness Collection to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I love coffee.  I can't get through my day without having at least a cup in the morning.  It helps me wake up in the morning.  When we got a Keurig, it was awesome!  I could brew myself a cup any time and wouldn't have to feel bad if I ended up only having one cup.  There wasn't a pot of coffee that would go to waste.  I've had a lot of fun trying out all the different coffees available for the Keurig.  Of all the coffees from Green Mountain Coffee that I've tried in the past, I've never been disappointed -- until now.

The Green Mountain Coffee Wellness Collection was developed to help "brew a better you."  The coffees in the line were made to help make taking care of yourself as easy as the touch of a button.  All coffees in the line are Fair Trade Certified.  They currently have two brews in the line:

Green Mountain Coffee Focus Blend

The Focus Blend brew contains 50 mg of L-Theanine in every 8 fl. oz. serving.  L-Theanine has been studied for its potential ability to reduce mental and physical stress, improve cognition and to boost one's mood.  The Focus Blend aims to provide the same benefits that you would get from taking an oral L-Theanine supplement with a great-tasting cup of coffee.


Green Mountain Coffee Antioxidant Blend

The Antioxidant Blend contains 10% daily value of the antioxidant vitamins C and E, per 8 fl. oz serving.  Antioxidants have been found to be helpful in strengthening your body's ability to fight infection and disease.  The coffee combines a blend of light and dark roasts to provide a smooth, well-rounded flavor.



The kit I received from BzzAgent contained three boxes of Green Mountain Coffee Wellness Collection coffee samples, coupons and a BzzGuide.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a coupon for a free UNREAL candy product from BzzAgent.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

With Halloween just around the corner, candy is everywhere!  Why not give the kids something you can feel good about them eating?  Introducing UNREAL Candy.  It contains no artificial ingredients, no corn syrup, no hydrogenated oils and has less sugar than other candies out on the market.

It comes in five great varieties:

DISCLOSURE:  I received a kit containing a free bottle of Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation and Covergirl & Olay Pressed Powder from BzzAgent to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I have been a mineral foundation user for over five years now.  I've always hated the heavy feeling of liquid foundations and could never find the right color match.  Even when I've had color consultations done at the department store makeup counters, I didn't want to spend the money on the department store brands.

When I was offered the Covergirl & Olay campaign by BzzAgent, I was pretty excited!  As I've gotten older, my skin tone has become uneven and I've felt my mineral foundation hadn't been giving me enough coverage.  I had also started to notice the smile lines around my mouth and little lines on my forehead from squinting all the time.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free tumbler and samples of Brew Over Ice K cups from BzzAgent.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I love my Keurig.  I use it everyday.  Sometimes more than once a day.  I'll have a cup of coffee (or two) in the morning with breakfast and then sometimes later in the evening with my dessert.  But what about those times when you don't want something hot, but something nice and cold and refreshing?  Enter Brew Over Ice K Cups!  They're specially blended to brew directly over ice and give you a delicious cup of iced coffee, iced tea and their new iced fruit brews!

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free BIC Soleil Savvy Razor from BzzAgent to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

It's summer and it's HOT!  Today is supposed to be 99 degrees with a heat index of 105!  This is shorts, skirts and dresses weather.  But, to wear those I need smooth legs.  Shaving, though, can get expensive.  You've got the price of your razor, the shave gel, the refills -- all of that can add up, especially if you're shaving everyday!  I've resorted to using disposables, since they're cheaper and I don't have to buy refills.  But they don't last as long and I'm having to go out to buy razors more often.

DISCLOSURE: I received a Mozaik Service for 8 Kit and a set of Mozaik Appetizer Forks from BzzAgent to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I love to host parties.  I probably throw a party at least every couple months.  They can be stressful with trying to figure out the guest list, the menu, cleaning, timing when things need to go in the oven or the grill, etc.  After all that planning, the last thing you want to do is cheapen everything by breaking out the paper plates and disposable cutlery.  Yes, they're easy but they're not very stylish and often can be flimsy or thin.

Enter Mozaik's line of disposable partyware.  They offer a full line of products including plates, bowls, and platters in varying sizes, as well as cutlery and serving utensils. 

When I first opened the Service for 8 package, I was kind of surprised at the quality of the pieces included.  There were 8 10.25" round dinner plates, 8 7.5" round salad plates, 8 forks, 8 spoons and 8 knives.  The plates are made of a durable heavyweight plastic  They were white with a nice silver trim.  The cutlery is also made of heavyweight plastic, but they look like silver.

The little appetizer forks that came in my BzzKit were really cute.  They're 4 inches long and come in a pack of 48. 

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free set of Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles from BzzAgent to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I work part time as an optometrist.  The dress code is business casual to professional.  I usually end up wearing dress pants, a skirt or a dress paired with heels.  My days are spent walking patients back and forth from the waiting room to the exam room and then on to the optical.  Eight hours (or more) in heels are murder on my feet.  And for some reason, I usually like to wear at least a 3 if not a 4 inch heel.  I just feel it looks better and I don't do well walking in flats.

Last  October, though, I fell and broke my right ankle.  I had to wear a walking boot and undergo physical therapy for a few months.  That left my right ankle somewhat weaker than it used to be and wearing heels hasn't been as comfortable as it used to be.  I often feel more wobbly and unsturdy in my heels.