Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

Another part of my super awesome VoxBox from Influenster, was the Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure.  

I was super stoked because the same day I got my my shipment, was date night. Mind you, I'm the mom of two small babies and date night does not occur often.  I was thinking WAWHOO! Perfect timing.  The manicure I was sent was kind of a crazy design, but I figured what the heck?  It's DATE NIGHT!

First of all, the packaging they came in was really genius.  A "bottle" of nail polish with the nails inside. 

I immediately started to put them on and was ELATED at how easy they were to put on.   I was feeling super fab...for about two hours...until one fell off.  I figured I must have done something wrong, so I searched out another nail and replaced it.  A few minutes later, another nail fell off.  "It's DATE NIGHT!" I exclaimed and replaced that one as well.  A little while later...another one fell off.  It took 4 of them falling off before I threw in the towel and figured it was just not meant to be.  After all, it IS Date Night and I highly doubt my hubs will even be paying attention to my nails. 

I was impressed with the packaging and the overall idea of how easy they were to use, however, it was a major fail when it came to the durability of them.  Sad face. 

They did look cute...while they lasted.

Thanks anyway imPRESS Manicure and Influenster!  It was worth a shot! 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Introducing imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! And, imPRESS is so easy to remove, you can change it up to match your mood as often as you want. Check out all colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints. With imPRESS, your nails will always be your best accessory.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!

Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+

As a part of my Spring VoxBox from Influenster,  I received a complimentary sample of Schwarzkopf Osis+ Dust It.  At first, I was puzzled on how to use the product, but once I figured it out I was on my way.

The first time I used it, I believe I used way too much leaving my hair feeling sticky and overall icky.  However, I figured out to hold the product about 6 inches away from my hair and to just sprinkle a tiny amount on.  Holy volume batman!  I quickly learned to love it!  No hairspray present in these photos.  Just the right amount of Ooomph! 

I must learn to smile in these photos. 

Even after I got a hair cut, the product still gives me just the amount of vavoom I am looking for.  To show how Osis+ Dust It has taken my hair to all new heights.  I demonstrate below:

Thank you Schwarzkopf Professional and Influenster!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Check it out here:  Schwarzkopf Professional

Light Control Dust It mattifying powder 2 create + lightweight powder to texturize + soft matt effect + light control & separation + long lasting hold + natural feel. ;

Rebounding and Recharging

Thanks to Bed Head by TIGI and a wonderful Campaign from BzzAgent, I was given the opportunity to try out Bed Head products that included Elasticate and Recharge Shampoo and Conditioner and On The Rebound Curl Cream.

Over the years, I have been well aware of the quality and reputation of the TIGI Bed Head products thanks to family in the industry and had used several products here and there depending on my hairdo at the time.  Having never tried these specific products, I was super-stoked to be given the opportunity to test these out!

Since I cut off my hair pretty short a few months ago, I had been blow drying and straightening to create my 'do daily.  This takes a toll!  The Elasticate Shampoo and Conditioner really helped strengthen my frail locks while the ReCharge Shampoo and Conditioner really added the missing shine to my lackluster locks!  

Also since cutting my hair, I hadn't really worn it curly.  Testing out the On The Rebound Curl Cream afforded me a new option to avoid spending a load of time on creating my look.  Lord knows with two little ones in the house, any time saved is a super bonus!  On The Rebound gave me frizz-free, bouncy curls that were really cute and easily manageable.  Although I do not wear my hair curly every day, I love having this option! I even used a little in Molly's crazy half-curly locks to help her have more of 'do and they were really cute!

Check out those curly cues! 

Here is me on a normal day with straight hair (without makeup - yikes!)

Here's me after using the Recharge Shampoo and Conditioner.

This is what it looks like blown dry with nothing added. (Note my hideous robe that I still have from high school.) 

Here's my process with On The Rebound!  

Product applied.

Add a little diffusing:

VOILA - Look at those bouncy curls!

Apparently taking your selfie in the low-lit bathroom does not produce the highest quality images, but you get the idea!

Thanks again Bed Head by TIGI and BzzAgent!

FREE MONEY! Get your free Money!

Times have changed…oh boy have they!  I used to use this blog to document all of our amazing adventures and travels.  Remember our wedding trip to Ireland?  That was sure awesome and also almost five years ago now!  Then, I documented my pregnancy with Molly and then life got WAY busier and I stopped blogging. 

Now, another baby girl later, and struggling daily with working and being a mother and wife, I have decided to restart my blog.  What am I nuts?  Um. Yes.  I may not document as much of our personal life as I have in the past, unless you do want to read about me catching vomit in my hands like I did a couple of weeks ago (never thought that would happen!)  But moreso, especially as a mom I have come to realize so much more how opinions and reviews are so priceless.  From doctor referrals to the best baby wipes, to how to get free things and free money!  I want to use this platform to share those things and to also seek other's feedback.

I am a member of several websites and groups that offer freebies to review as well as cash which is the same as money ya'll!

The very first thing I need to share with you is if you do any online shopping whatsoever...you NEED to sign up for Ebates!  Click this Ebates link and you will be on your way!  To prove to you that this works...check out this BIG FAT CHECK I just received in the mail.  Just by me bouncing off of the Ebates site to go to other sites to do my normal shopping as I normally would, they just sent me this check for $286.80.  You guys - this is A LOT of money for nothing!  DO IT.  For reals.  Here's the link again.  Go.Sign.Up.Now.

Tastykake® Kandy Bar Kakes

Thanks to the cool peeps over at Influenster, I was given the opportunity to test and review Tastykake's Kandy Bar Kakes complimentary.

The sample I was given to try was the Peanut Butter Flavor.  I waited about 30 seconds after opening the package to take the first bite.  Hello Peanut Butter/Chocolate Heaven!  Anyone who knows me, knows that Peanut Butter and Chocolate are pretty much like air and water to me.

Of course I couldn't be selfish, so I gave the kid a try.  She couldn't get her bite in her mouth fast enough, before muttering "MORE!!"

My husband should appreciate that fact that I left him one bite even though that led to a complete meltdown by the kid.  I guess she must have inherited the Peanut Butter/Chocolate love gene from me.

Although they are marketed as Kandy Bar Kakes, it is definitely much more of snack cake, with a super yummy creme filling! Although I certainly am willing to indulge on occasion, the chocolate coating is super flaky and makes it complete a kid cleanup nightmare.  But hey...it's worth it.  

Go get your own at grocery and convenient stores nationwide.  Single Serve - $1.69, Family Pack (you're going to want one of these) $4.49

Thank you Influenster and Tasty Kake!  

Kandy Bar Kakes are the best of both worlds. Light and fluffy chocolate enrobed cakes come in a unique kandy bar shape with a delicious créme filling made with your favorite candy flavors. Available in S'mores, Peppermint, and Peanut Butter flavor.

Cottonelle Clean Care Crew

So, I've become newly obsessed with Crowdtap. They send me free stuff for my friends and I to try, they ask my opinion and reward me with cool stuff and more free stuff (hopefully anyhow!) Well, the most recent Crowdtap adventure was for Cottonelle. Now you may not think that sounds exciting, but I got TEN POUNDS of free toilet paper and wipes ya'll! What family can't use some of that?!  

I forgot to take a picture when I first got it because I was super excited to try it out! TMI I know. I also got some fancy wipes for you know... the more messy part. They look cute right and so totally match my bathroom!

 I also was given samples to give out to friends. Ahhh...the benefits of friendship! I hooked up my momma and my pal Rachel with the goods!

Surprisingly enough, this stuff rocks! Since my husband thinks everything under the sun should be bought at Costco, we have always had the 176 roll Costco brand TP. Ok... so not 176 rolls, but you know what I am saying. Well... I believe that Cottonelle is our new family favorite. Plus, seriously... like the Cottonelle Car Wash video suggests, would you wash your car with a dry cloth? I had never thought of it that way and this new marketing campaign is genius! My mom and Rachel totally agree! It only makes sense! Thank you Crowdtap for the opportunity to try products! This one is a hit!

3 weeks old!

Time is FLYING! Little Molly is already 3 1/2 weeks old! I can't even believe it! We are keeping busy toting her around to meet all of her friends and family. In the past week, she has gone to Cousin Amber's graduation party, made her first road trip to Iowa, went to St. Charles for a birthday party to meet Cousins John and Mary and made her first trip up to Lake Geneva. Hence, why I haven't had a chance to update the blog! BUT we have been having a great time and Miss Mol is such a trooper - she adapts to every situation. We couldn't be more blessed!