Friday, June 3, 2016

Review Number Two- Rodan and Fields!

I'll start with my disclaimer.  My consultant, Jamie, is a friend I've had since I was ... I dunno ... three or four.  I didn't get any of this stuff for free and she isn't the only consultant I've ordered through.


The product I love most of theirs is their ESSENTIALS Sunless Tan. This is the ONLY sunless tanner I've ever used in my life that works.  It is easy to apply and it looks very natural.  Yes- you should exfoliate first.  Yes- you want to put a light layer of lotion on so that your skin is ready to absorb the foam better. And above all- YES- go easy around your ankles, feet, and knees!  It can come out orange on these areas IF you don't pay attention and use care.  If you DO use care, it comes out looking fan-friggin-tastic!  Should you find yourself in an orange-you-wishing-you'd-listened situation, you can salvage the look.  Remember those fantastic body cloths from Norwex I told you about?  Well the time I got some orange splotches (my first time using this), I used my body cloths and was able to scrub the splotches down enough so that it wasn't noticeable to anyone but me. :)

My second favorite product is their REDEFINE Eye Cloths.  I don't use them anymore because I use my Norwex body cloths, BUT if I ever go back to using something else it will be these cloths.  They cool your skin, help it feel fresh and cool to the touch after use, and are fantastic at removing mascara (even waterproof).  The bonus is that these work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, redness, and puffiness!

The original product I started with was the ENHANCEMENTS Micro-Dermabrasion Paste.  It leaves your face feeling baby soft!  You don't use it as much as other soaps because it's so strong and powerful!  My favorite thing about this product is how gooooood it feels when I'm using it!  You almost don't want to rinse your face because scrubbing just feels amazing!

Hopefully these will be as fabulous for you as they have been for me!  I'd love to hear about your results!

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Product Reviews- Starting with Norwex!

I'm planning to do a series of reviews on different companies and products, starting with one of my very favorites-----NORWEX!!

Let me just tell ya- I love Norwex!  Am I a neat freak?  Nope.  Do I freak out about germs?  Not really.  Do I hug trees?  Not unless I've just tripped and am catching myself!  I love these products because they're easier and safer and, turns out, end up being cleaner.

Disclaimer- I have a ton of Norwex because I host a ton of parties.  My consultant doesn't even know I'm writing this, so I'm not doing it for kickbacks. :)

I can't say I'm going to write about just my favorite products because I can't pick favorites.  I'm going to first list what I don't like.

1. The lint mitt
While the mitt might work for some materials, I didn't find it to be helpful on the different shirts/pants I used it on.  Since this isn't something where chemicals or the lack thereof aren't an issue, I wasn't sad putting this product aside for my sticky lint roller.


Ok that's it.  That's the only product of theirs that I didn't like.

Here are the products that I could take or leave:

1. The Silicone Lids

They have lids for bakeware and cups.  I have both.  Do they work? Yes.  Are they better than a lid that comes with your stuff?  Not necessarily.  I like them, but they're not going to be what I recommend anyone spend their money on.

2. The Grocery Bag
I've honestly only used this once because I just tried Aldi for the first time. (Wasn't impressed with Aldi, but I think it was because of which location I tried.)  We usually shop Publix and we usually have more fruit and stuff than this would hold.  I'm sure it's great for a lot of people, but for me- it's take or leave.


Now on to the good stuff!  Here are the products I loooooove.

1. The Envirocloth
 These cloths are the bomb diggity, y'all.  They don't just kill bacteria, like your Clorox wipes...they remove the bacteria from your surfaces!  They have silver woven into the cloth, so they're also self-sanitizing!  They remove the bacteria and then clean themselves.  Seriously.  How cool is that?!

Did you know that you're supposed to wear gloves when using Clorox or Lysol wipes or the like? It takes 26 seconds for chemicals to enter your bloodstream through your skin.  Did you ever read the instructions?  I hadn't either.  You're supposed to wear gloves AND keep the surface wet for it to actually kill as much as it says it does!  Know how long the surface stays wet after you've wiped it down?  I've seen it timed a few times and it never stayed wet longer than 3 minutes.  One can of wipes said to leave it wet for 10 minutes.  So- I'd have to continuously wipe the surface to keep it wet in order for it to "work" like it says to kill the bacteria.  Is Norwex like that?  NOPE!  Are nasty chemicals getting into my gloveless hands?  No because you just use water!!  Am I freaking out if my two year old son touches one and then puts his fingers in his mouth? Super no!  I even hand him a cloth to use to "help" clean as one of his chores!

So if you're still not convinced, watch the famous chicken demo.  It's seriously convincing.

Watch this video to learn about these miracle cloths and a few of their other products.  


1. The Kitchen Cloth

This cloth is ribbed so it's a bit scrubbier than the Envirocloth, so it's better for the kitchen messes that get baked or dried onto surfaces.  Does that mean it can only be used in the kitchen? Nope.  It's just where it's purposed for, but not where it has to stay.

1.  The Kitchen Towel

This piece is why I have hosted 6 parties in a year.  My husband made me.  Seriously.  Well- he asked me to host more and I was happy to do so!  He likes hand towels in the kitchen and bathrooms.  When I took biology in college, we tested sponges and kitchen towels and I freaked when I saw what all was growing on them.  They literally had more bacteria than the swab from the student transportation bus handles.  You're wiping your clean hands on towels that are dirtier than a college bus handle.  G.R.O.S.S.  Soooo- I didn't allow hand towels or sponges in our kitchen or bathrooms.  UNTIL NOW.  These have the Bacloc (the silver I'd mentioned before) so they keep the bacteria trapped and self sanitize.  Amazeballs.

1. The Laundry Detergent and Dryer Balls
I never knew I hated all the other laundry detergents I'd ever used.  But now I hate them all.  I got the detergent because I had extra hostess credit once.  I thought- ok I'll try it.  Then, I went back to Tide.  UM- let me just tell you about how heavy and gross my "clean" clothes felt!  I was shocked.  Seriously.  The detergent lasts (before you say that's your reason for not buying it) because you don't have to use a ton to actually get clean clothes.  The dryer balls help reduce dry time and keep you from putting seriously dangerous carcinogens all over your clothing... also known as dryer sheets.  (They're toxic and you're putting them on the clothes that are up against your skin and that of your children.  Remember the 26 second thing?)  I haven't used the stain stuff because I haven't had to!  I have a toddler and a newborn and the detergent has been enough as is.  Fo' reals.

My consultant always says "clean has no smell" so if you need that scent with your laundry, put a couple of drops on the dryer balls.  That's what my hubby does because he's a scent person. :)

1. The Body Cloths

Yes.  The shaving thing is true.  I knew the makeup bit (even your mascara!) and I knew it was soft but I never believed the shaving bit.  I used my cloths for a year and never tried the shaving part until a couple of weeks ago.  I was in a rush, as all moms are, and we were going to the lake.  I needed the standard to the knee shave (don't judge- you've done it too) and I thought- well here goes nothing and I'll just endure the rash later.
Nope.
No rash.
Not even a little.
I even tried the bikini line and still no rash or burn!  Life. Changed.

Now my consultant doesn't use soap at all anymore (which is totally out of character for this chick- I've known her since 7th grade... she's not granola), but I haven't gotten to the point of doing that for myself yet. :)  I DID use the baby cloths exclusively for my newborn son during the time when he couldn't get his bellybutton wet.  They're the same things, but just smaller and softer.  They kept all his little rolls and creases nice and squeaky clean!  No yucky yeast bacteria growing for us!

1.  The Window Cloth
I keep one for my windows (for when I actually bother to clean them) and I keep one on my nightstand.  That one is for my computer screen and my glasses.  It's the best cloth I've ever found for keeping my glasses perfectly clear.  Anyone with glasses knows how important that is!

1.  The Relaxation Gel
OMG.  This was the product I thought was going to be the crappiest.  It looks like roll on deodorant from the dollar bins.  I judged the book by the cover.
I.  Was.  Wrong.
This stuff feels amazzzzzing and I had to buy a second one since someone kept stealing it and using it for himself.  Ahem.  Someone.
It's like an all natural IcyHot type gel.  I use it for my neck, shoulders, back, temples... anywhere I feel tense!  It's fabulous!

Did you notice they're all listed as 1??  Told you I couldn't pick a favorite.

I've covered a lot of things, but not even all that I own.  I love my Envirowand, my dusting mitt, my mattress cleaner... I love just about everything I own.  I just wanted to feature the things that I can no longer live without!

My consultant is the best, so if you're interested in finding out more, get in touch with Kristin! 
She's fantastic and super patient while you decide what all you want and how often you need to host so you can get it all for free or discount!

Hopefully this gives you a push towards using these fantabulous products!  I'd love to hear what you think of them!!!

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Freezer Paper Stenciling

Ok so as I mentioned yesterday, I wanted to try using freezer paper to stencil.  This was the tutorial I used. 

I'm going to include my own pictures below to show how my first tries went.  My suggestion is to be sure you've pressed it completely with the iron before painting and paint soon after ironing.  I think that caused some of my edges to lift- I waited a few hours after ironing (waiting for my son to get home). I also used transfer paper to move my stencil which a lot of tutorials didn't show, but it made it easier to not mess up the teeny pieces that go inside letters or whatever.

I painted the little brother onesie-- I needed to paint thicker to make sure the letters were thoroughly colored.

I let my son paint the green train one.  He had a great time and I tried very hard not to make it look "right".  :)














Monday, April 18, 2016

Workin' It

First off- this is my first post since becoming a mom of 2 boys!

Yeah- they're adorable.  It's ok for you to say it, too. :)  I'm absolutely thrilled with my two sweeties!!!

Now that there's two of them, the need for a path to becoming a SAHM is even greater.  So- with my Cricut, I've been exploring lots of items to create.  At this point, I am creating vinyl decals for various pieces as well as etched glass items, paper banners, and, of course, HTV added to clothing items.  Here are a few of my creations!  
              




That being said, I've just ordered some freezer paper in order to try some new items.  According to my research (to be read in your very best Phoebe from Magic School Bus voice), stenciling with freezer paper is pretty easy and great to allow your kids to be involved with some creations.  This tutorial provided me with more information than most I saw.  

My first question was what sort of freezer paper should I use--- and the answer made me feel pretty stupid.  It's just plain ol' kitchen freezer paper.  Nothing special.  Like- buy it at the grocery store kind. lol!!  

I watched a couple of YouTube videos on how to use everything and I ordered this type of paint to use. 

Wish me luck as I get started on new ideas!

Monday, February 1, 2016

Quinoa Chili

Photo Credit:
http://damndelicious.net/2013/10/16/quinoa-chili/
This chili, although meat-free, is DELICIOUS!  I definitely recommend this meal on it's own merit, but also because it is perfect for that night when you forget to thaw out a meat.   Maybe that's just me...

Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (4.5-ounce) can diced green chiles
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder, or more, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • .....more ingredients and directions found in the full recipe here!
Our changes- hubby said he basically just put everything in at once, with the exception of the quinoa.  We were worried at first that it might make some of the ingredients soggy or tough, but everything was perfect.  The avocado was a perfect topper.  I added some shredded cheddar and MJack cheeses to the top of mine.  Even out two year old liked it!

It also reheated very nicely, which is super important to a working mama like me!

I'd love to hear what you think when you try it!