Where have I been??

Sorry I've been MIA for the last few weeks. I'm not really sure if anyone currently 'follows' this blog but I've really been wanting to do this thing consistently and I've just lost my inspiration. 

My husband and I have been SUPER busy lately. We are in the process of building a house and my husband is working about 2-3 doubles a week which really limits our time together as you can imagine.

I've also been working a little extra myself and I feel exhausted by the end of the day. I haven't even been cooking that much so I know I've just hit my limit. 

But now that the weather is getting warmer here in West Virginia I'm hoping my spirits and inspiration will improve as well. 

If anyone does happen to follow this and has ideas for posts I'd love to hear! 

Hopefully something will pop into my head soon! 

Smiley 360 Mission - SweetTARTS Soft & Chewy Ropes

Hello there!! Another quick post for a new candy that I received for free from Smiley 360! 

SweetTARTS Soft & Chewy Ropes in Cherry

I've never met a candy that I don't like. I tend to steer towards chocolate, but there are certain times when I'm in the mood for something sweet and fruity. This candy is a tub like candy with a chewy soft outside and inside is a sweet tart like filling. It's almost like they crushed Sweet Tarts and filled the chewy tube with it. And maybe that was the point. 

This candy is good. I can't say Id go out and buy it. I thought that the texture of the center was a little weird and it didn't have much of a flavor on its own. But if you want a chewy fruity candy this will satisfy that craving. Like I said, I'm more of a chocolate person. I think these would be good if they made these in bite size pieces. 

So overall, I'd give these a B+.  😃



I received this product for free from Smiley 360. All opinions are honest and my own.

http://h5.sml360.com/-/ry4w

My Top 10 ELF Products

Back again for another post! I was going to post last week with what I was hoping would be a delicious cottage potato recipe that I got from my husband's grandmother. I have a Ziploc bag chock full of handwritten recipes containing cryptic directions written on the back of junk mail envelopes and other scraps of paper. It's like stepping back in time when I go through the recipes as I think of my husband's stories about how his grandma would make the best homemade pasta and meatballs this side of the Mississippi. (Unfortunately, that meatball recipe was no where to be found in the bag.) But anywho, I cooked this cottage potato recipe, deciphering through the ingredient list and directions and it turned out o.k., but not how I was hoping. So there is still some tweeking to do with that recipe. 

So I bring to you a different kind of post. My favorite ELF Cosmetics products. I was first introduced to ELF when watching YouTube make-up tutorials for my wedding. And I thought, wait a minute...cheap makeup that's good??? There can't be such a thing. But I will tell you there is in fact such a thing! Now, don't get me wrong, they do carry some products that are less to be desired, BUT when you find their hidden gems you will jump over the sparkling moon into makeup heaven! At least that's what I did. 

Now, forgive the few crappy photos inserted here...still saving up for a decent camera!

1. e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder in Sheer, $6.00
This is a great setting powder. The powder is so finely milled it seems to just melt into the skin. Just watch that you aren't heavy handed with it, because it could come across powdery. This also comes in a Shimmer and Corrective formula, but I haven't tried or heard much about these too. I use this to set my foundation/concealer and sometime my under eyes if I need it. It seems to give your skin that airbrushed look blending and setting your foundation and concealer. The only downside of this product is that the packaging is so freaking huge!!! I would love if they redesigned the packaging because there's no reason it needs to be so big and bulky! It also comes with a little puff which I've used once or twice. It's nice and soft, but I typically use a brush.

2. e.l.f. Essential Smudge Pot, $3.00
e.l.f. makes these smudge pots in 9 colors , but I currently only own 2, Ain't That Sweet and Cruisin Chic. These are the first cream eye shadows that I've actually enjoyed. You can apply them with either your finger or a brush (e.l.f.'s flat eyeliner brush works nicely. a recommendation from JAMBeauty89 Jessica Murphy). These shadows are shimmery and last ALL day. No creasing, smudging, nothing. I typically wear them alone, but you can also use them as a base to bump up the pigmentation on a powder shadow. For 3 bucks, you can't beat this. 

3. e.l.f. Studio Single Eyeshadow in Pebble, $3.00
From a recommendation from emilynoel83, I threw this plain jane single eyeshadow into my cart during one of e.l.f.'s awesome 50% off sales. I use this shadow almost every single day I wear makeup. It is the perfect crease shade. It's a cool tone matte brown that works perfectly for my light skin. 

 1. Ain't That Sweet Smudge Pot 2. Cruisin Chic Smudge Pot 3. Single Eyeshadow in Pebble

4. e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit in light, $3.00
Now, I don't do too much when it comes to my brows. I really only fill in my brows when I'm going out or doing a little more with my makeup and I use the powder in this kit. Sometimes I'll use the wax too. But the reason I love this produce is because this brow powder works great in the crease. On the days I'm not using Pebble, I'm using this one. It's a little lighter than pebble but is just about the same tone. This is kinda a jack of all trades product.

5. e.l.f. Studio Blush, $3.00
I currently own 4 of these blushes in Candid Coral, Berry Merry, Blushing Rose, and Tickled Pink. Tickled Pink is my absolute fave and I've been wearing it everyday straight for the last 2 months. It is the first blush I've hit pan on! These have a nice velvety texture and blend in easily. Be careful though, because they can get a little powder and do kick up some powder when you're dipping your brush in. I find using a stipple brush works best to apply these.

6/7. e.l.f. Studio Moisturizing ($3.00) or Mineral Lipstick ($5.00)
I have a number of these lipsticks mostly in nudey pink colors and they are beautifully moisturizing. Not the most long lasting lipstick, but they are creamy and feel good on the lips. And the number of colors they offer is amazing. Every color you could truly need. And again, for the price, you can't beat the quality.

8. e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color, $3.00
I a couple of these as well (Natural, Rich Red) but specifically I love Natural. For me, this is a my lips but better color. I use this when I want a little color, but nothing that stands out too much. Any time I put a bright color on my lips, my husband looks at me like I've gone crazy. But I digress. This is a matte formula. Make sure you put on a moisturizing lip balm prior to application so no flakiness shows through. This will need reapplied, but this matte formula is not at all uncomfortable.

1. Studio Mineral Lipstick in Nicely Nude

2. Studio Moisturizing Lipstick in Pink Minx

3. Studio Matte Lip Color in Natural

9. e.l.f. Studio Lip Exfoliator, $3.00

LOVE LOVE LOVE. If you've never tried a lip exfoliator, spring for this one first. At first, it doesn't seem like it's doing anything, but you have to work past the first layer until you get to the gritty exfoliation part. First, wet your lips, rub the exfoliator all over your lips, then wipe off! So easy! It comes in lipstick form so there is no mess! This keeps my lips flake free when used every day.

10. e.l.f. Studio Makeup Remover Pen, $3.00

This has been a lifesaver for me as I am not very good at winged liner. This pen easily removes the darkest of eyeliner with no trouble at all. Just wipe the pen tip when you're finished and it's ready for the next mishap! 

Hope you enjoy this post! You can find all of these products at www.eyeslipsface.com

*All opinions are honest and my own. I've purchased all of these products myself.

"Healthier" Stuffed Peppers

Back again with another easy recipe! 

My husband ALWAYS requests stuffed peppers! I'm not exactly a huge fan of stuffed peppers, so I kind of crafted my own version that my husband now raves about!

Now, I say "Healthier" Stuffed Peppers because this recipe uses ground turkey which is much more lean than ground beef. I actually prefer the taste of ground turkey, but you can substitute whichever meat you prefer. I also added in a few veggies including celery and onions. Really a lot of veggies could be added in. I may add corn and black beans next time. Mushrooms would be a good mix too, but too bad my hubby hates them. You could even make this healthier by using brown/whole grain rice!

My husband likes his peppers nice and soft so I start off by slicing my peppers in half, cleaning them out, and boiling them in water for about 10-15 minutes til they're soft. While that's boiling, you can chop up your veggies. I had celery and a red onion on hand so that's what I used.

 

Once your peppers are done, drain the pot and set them aside.  Now's time for the ground turkey. With a little olive oil, cook your ground turkey in a large skillet til brown. Add in the veggies, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.

 

Cook your rice and add that to the skillet. Now, it's starting to look good. Truly, I'd rather just eat the filling and do without the pepper.

 

Place your peppers in a 9X13 pan with a little sauce underneath. The fill 'em up! 

Sprinkle cheese on top and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool for a couple minutes (if you can) and then dig in! This is one easy dinner that doesn't really need a side dish. I think it can be eaten as a whole meal alone.

Ingredients:

4-6 green peppers (depending on how many people you are feeding)

olive oil

1 lb. ground turkey

1 cup cooked rice

1 can 14.5oz diced tomatoes

1 jar (25 oz) spaghetti sauce (split)

assorted veggies

salt & pepper to taste

1 tbs Worcestershire sauce

mozzarella cheese

Steps:

 *Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

1. Slice peppers in half, clean them out and place in a boiling pot of water for 10-15 minutes.

2. Chop veggies and set aside.

3. Cook ground turkey in large skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until browned. Add veggies and cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Add diced tomatoes, 1/4 jar spaghetti sauce, salt & pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

5. While that is all simmering together, get your rice cooked and then add that to the mixture.

6. Put a spoonful of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a 9X13 dish. Place peppers in the pan (make sure they are drained) and fill them with the turkey/rice mixture. 

7. Spoon the remaining spaghetti sauce over the peppers, sprinkle with cheese.

8. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, until everything is heated through and the cheese is nice and melty.

Now enjoy in this guilt free full flavor dinner! I hope you like it!!

 

Shrimp and Veggie Teriyaki Over Seven Whole Grain Rice

I recently received a coupon for a FREE package of Seeds of Change rice product from Smiley 360. At first I was a little skeptical because I feel that a lot of organic or healthier food items don't have much flavor. And I've had those microwaveable rice products and to tell you the truth they taste awful. But I'm up to try anything and the coupon came with a nice little recipe book that had suggested ways to use the rice products. 

The recipe that most appealed to my meat and potatoes husband was a shrimp and veggie dish over their Seven Whole Grain rice. Their recipe basically consisted of shrimp and veggies sautéed with some olive oil and put over the rice. Sounds good right? But I knew that wouldn't fly with hubby so I had to think of a way to jazz it up a bit. It needed a sauce. And I had some teriyaki in the fridge. This ended up tasting so good!! I was shocked by how much flavor the rice had and it paired nicely with the shrimp and veggies! I will definitely pick up some more of that rice! So here's my shrimp and veggie teriyaki over rice.

Ingredients:

1 lb large cooked shrimp

1 16oz bag frozen stir fry veggies (I used one with peppers, water chestnuts, broccoli, squash, and onions)

2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic

1 pkg Seeds Of Change Seven Whole Grains rice

Salt & Pepper

Teriyaki sauce

Step 1: Heat olive oil in large pan over medium high heat. Add in bag of veggies and cook til soft and heated through.
Step 2: Once veggies are cooked to your liking, add your garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
Step 3: Add your shrimp and cook til it is heated through. Be sure not to over cook.  Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: While your shrimp is cooking, make your rice. You can cook it in the microwave for 90 seconds. Easy, right?
Step 5: Once the shrimp is heated through, add your teriyaki sauce. The amount really depends on how saucy you want it. I added about 2 tbs.

Lay down the rice on your plate. Top with the shrimp/veggie mix. Enjoy!

For a coupon on the Seeds of Change products follow this link:
 http://h5.sml360.com/-/o4lr

Disclaminer*
I've received this Seeds of Change rice produce for free compliments of Smiley 36o. All opinions are honest and my own.

Smiley 360 Mission - O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream Review

I received this product from Smiley 360 for free for review purposes.

Here is the product info from the Smiley 360 website:
The skin’s natural barrier can be damaged. This damage to the skin barrier leads to increased water loss, which creates dry and cracked skin. O’Keeffe’s^® Working Hands^® not only protects skin from further water loss, but also draws moisture into the skin, utilizing a humectant. The protective barrier seals in that moisture, reducing the rate of evaporation.

I work in a skilled nursing facility so I am constantly washing my hands and using drying hand sanitizer, so I was excited to try out this product. Now, I don't have cracked skin but my hands often feel tight and dry at the end of the day. I have dry and sometimes cracked cuticles as well so I was hopeful for this product. I've been using this product for about a month now and it has its pros and cons.

Pros:
Moisturizing yet light formula
Little to no fragrance
Blends into the skin quickly
Feels good on the skin

Cons:
Packaging: this product comes in a tub with a screw on lid. I prefer a squeeze tube or pump.
Can be greasy if you use too much (the packaging specifically says that a little goes a long way)
I don't feel that the moisture lasts for a long time. My hands feel dry each night despite daily use. 

I've also used this cream on my husband's wrists where he's been dealing with really dry flaky skin. He didn't like it because he said if felt greasy. He's not a huge lotion/cream guy to begin with. 

I think that you can't have a heavy duty moisturizer without some level of greasiness. I would save this cream for night time. I don't think that this is a cream that can be reapplied throughout the day

Overall, I'm still kind of on the fence about this product. I don't think I'd purchase this because I prefer the hand lotions that Bath and Body Works sells (partly because of the scents) and I feel like I can reapply them all day without any greasy feeling.

http://h5.sml360.com/-/mf9n

FrostyVoxBox Review

Influenster FrostyVoxBox Reviews

First post for the New Year. I'm making a goal for myself to regularly post and make this a full time hobby. Hope you enjoy this multi-review!

I've been a member of Influenster for almost a year now and it has been a lot of fun! Influenster is a program that you can sign up for to receive free products to test out in exchange for reviews and generally getting the word out. It doesn't cost anything to sign up either! The way that it works is that you connect all of your social media to your Influenster account. Those connections get you points which is called your "Impact Score." The higher your score the more likely you'll receive a VoxBox. Then you have to complete "badges" for the products which include writing reviews, posting photos to Instagram or Facebook, or posting to Twitter. Most boxes have a theme or are targeted towards one brand. So far I've received 3 boxes, the FrostyVoxBox being my third. This one had a bunch of great products that were very useful to me. Below I will post little reviews on each product. Enjoy! And if you're interested in becoming a member of Influenster below is my referral link if you'd like to use it. I don't receive anything from this link except maybe some points added to my impact score. 

www.influenster.com/r/615678

The first product I tried out was the Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea. I've wanted to try a peppermint tea for a long time, but didn't really want to buy a whole box just in case I didn't like it. But turns out, this tea was delicious!! I sweetened it with a little bit of honey and that's it! It was sweet, yet refreshing. And I was able to get 2 cups of tea per tea bag too and the flavor was still strong on the second cup. Just FYI, these particular tea bags did not come with an attached string. The box also included a coupon for the tea as well which will be put to good use!

Now, I love to cook so when I saw this next item I was pretty excited because I've slowly been building my collection of spices/herbs. Bring in the McCormick Gourmet Thyme. I tried this out in a crock pot recipe that included venison (Thanks Dad!), carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. I guess you could call it a Venison Beef Stew. I really liked that packaging of the new McCormick Gourmet Thyme is a plastic bottle, which I appreciate because I am kind of clumsy in the kitchen. It was a good size and I'll get a lot of use out of it. Now, I don't use thyme too often but the flavor really came out in my stew! When I first added it to the stew I could smell the aroma... a little minty savory scent. I want to use it on some chicken or turkey next!

Another little treat that was in the box was Fruit Vines Bites in the strawberry flavor. I've never seen these before and I don't know if they come in different flavors, but who isn't a fan of strawberry. Fruit Vine Bites are a soft chewy candy that are the perfect bite size candy to satisfy a sweet tooth. A lot of times, I just need a little taste of something sweet after dinner and these did the trick. I only needed to eat a few and I was good to go. They had a nice sweet strawberry flavor that kind of reminded me of the strawberry Twizzlers bites. Kind of the same concept too, but these were much softer which I liked.

Now that next few items are what I was really excited about trying out! In the last year, I have turned into a make-up junkie! Mostly sticking to drugstore brands, but I've also been indulging in a few select high end brands. First make up product in this VoxBox is the NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Sugar Plum. This shade is about one shade darker than my natural lip color, so I've actually been wearing it to work just to bring a little more color to my face. This lipstick feels moisturizing and creamy. There is a tiny bit of almost golden like shimmer that is really pretty. I wouldn't say that it has awesome staying power, but I really don't mind reapplying it. And for the price at $1.99 at most drugstores you really can't beat it! I'd like to try a few other shades now. The top swatch is one pass of the lipstick and the lower swatch is the color built up with a few passes.

I've used my fair share of Rimmel products because they are good quality for a good price. And that's right up my alley. So when I saw this black Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Black I was excited. You can never go wrong with a black eyeliner. This one goes on smooth and is really black. I like to smudge this out a little bit on my upper lash line and it smudges really well. It also has really great staying power. It's not dry. It glides right on. The top swatch is one pass, second swatch is built up. FYI: I religiously use the Nude Rimmel ScandalEyes eyeliner in my waterline to brighten up my eyes and I LOVE THAT!

Another Rimmel product that was included in this box was the Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. I've used this eye makeup removed before and I've actually bought 2-3 bottles of it so I was kind of "ehh" about getting it. I've actually switched eye makeup removers because this one does not remove the waterproof mascara I wear (Cover Girl Lash Blast Waterproof in the orange tube). I have to use waterproof mascara because I have straight thin lashes that do not hold a curl if I don't. Anyways, this eye makeup remover works really well if you do not use waterproof mascara. It easily takes off my eye shadow and liner. It doesn't leave an oily residue and doesn't irritate my eyes. I'll probably use up this bottle, but I won't buy this. I stick to my store-brand Neutrogena eye make up remover.

**I didn't realize HOW MUCH was in this box until it took 2+ weeks to finish this post!! =)

Now I love trying out new skincare products. The only problem with getting skincare samples is that you usually don't have enough product to really know if you're skin benefits from it. But regardless, the next product is from Boots. No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum. I've never tried a serum before so I wasn't really sure what to expect but the claim is that it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This feels silky smooth on the skin when applied. It feels moisturizing and has a light fresh scent. Now I can't say that it reduced my fine lines, but it felt nice to apply. Now the price for a full size is $29.99, so I'd have to try it out a little more before I decide if I'd purchase it or not.

Last but not least, is probably one of my favorite products from this box. The EcoTools Hair Brush. Now, I'm one of those people who will own a hair brush for years (gross, I know) but it's just not something that I go out looking to buy so when I saw that this was in the box I was really excited! I love this brush. I use it to untangle my hair after a shower and it doesn't pull out my hair or get stuck. The design of the brush is really interesting. When I brush my hair, the brush has a little give to it that makes it comfortable on my scalp. I've also used it to dry my hair, which works really well because the brush has "vents" under the bristles that allows the air to flow around the hair. 

WHEW! That was a lot of stuff!! Bare with me in terms of photos and writing. I'm still a rookie in the blogging world. Have a great rest of the day and hope to see you back again!

**I received all of these products complimentary of Influenster for testing and review purposes. All opinions are my own.