Annie's Homegrown

Real cheese, what Vermonters are made of.  We love Annie's Homegrown, and I will definitely be buying more of their microwaveable cups! I got one in my MamaVoxBox from Influenster and Rowen (my two year old) loved it (he already loves Annie's obviously).

BzzAgent & Green Mountain Coffee

I was selected for a BzzCampaign for Green Mountain Coffee Fair Trade Certified K-cups, which I was sent to try completely for free.  I am already a GMC fan, and tend to buy it for my Keurig machine as often as I can.  I was however, not familiar with the Three Continent Blend.  I do tend to prefer a flavored coffee or light to medium roasts.  This is a bold medium roast, and although it is not flavored, it is DELICIOUS.  It has a rich and smooth flavor; bold is definitely a good word to describe it.  I was very excited for this campaign, not only because I love coffee but also because I am a huge supporter of Fair Trade Certified products.  Fair Trade helps support an entire community where a product is made.  Coffee growers are paid fair wages for their work/product, which allows them to better support their community and provide for that community.  We get delicious coffee, and the satisfaction of knowing that we are doing something good for a community that might otherwise be struggling.  Check out www.ChooseFairTrade.com for more information!

Dr. Scholl's® For Her Comfort Insoles

Ok, another non-makeup related post...sorry!  I got these insoles complimentary in my influenster MamaVoxBox and was asked to write a review.  I can't lie...I only own one pair of heels at the moment, a pair of wedges.  The size of insoles I received are meant to fit sizes 6-10, my heels are 7 1/2.  The insoles did not fit comfortably :(  Maybe I just have wide feet, but my pinky toe was crushed.  I know the insoles would have been comfortable in another pair of heels however.  I tried them in my DC loafers, which are already very comfortable, but the insoles made them even squishier.  I would definitely like to try them in another pair of heels or flats to get a better idea.  Overall a good product though!

Annie's Home Grown Microwavable cups

I know I said this was just for makeup, but I want to review this, partially because my memory sucks, and also because I was asked to do a review.  I got an Annie's Homegrown Microwavable Mac & Cheese cup in my influenster MamaVoxBox for free...did I mention I love free stuff!  We occasionally buy the Kraft or Velveeta ones, but obviously they aren't very healthy but sometimes they're a life saver when I don't have time or energy to make lunch.  We also already love Annie's.  Rowen had this for lunch today and ate every bite, so clearly he liked it.  I tried a bite and also enjoyed it.  Still has the Annie's taste we love, and definitely healthier than the other options out there!

Moisturizer/Face Coverage

 

As I mentioned in my first post, I don't like to use foundations, concealers, powders, etc.  I don't like the way it makes my skin feel, and I want to be able to touch my face without worrying that product might rub off on my hand (or my children).  My skin tone is fairly even and I don't tend to get zits often, another reason I don't really feel like that type of coverage is necessary for me.  I do however have fair skin, so my cheeks are often rosy.  After having two kids and not getting much sleep, I am beginning to notice I might need a little coverage (especially under my eyes).  I thought I would give these two products a go.  

The L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream is good coverage wise, but has a bit of that gritty foundation feeling.  Coverage is light enough that I don't feel like I am wearing a mask, but really does even out my tone a bit.  It does not have any SPF, so I still applied my normal moisturizer with SPF underneath.

The Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is SPF 30 so I don't need to apply anything underneath.  Coverage is a little more sheer than the BB cream but blends to my skin tone better.  It also has a slight shimmer to it, that brightens up the skin.  Normally I wouldn't like this quality, but it's actually really nice and very subtle.  It feels smooth going on, and wears well all day.  I really like this product, and although the bottle is small, you don't need to apply much.  I found myself using less of this than the BB Cream.  

For my own preferences/needs, I definitely like the tinted moisturizer better than the BB Cream.  I would recommend it to anyone looking for similar qualities in a face product.

My new favorite eyeshadows

Ok, so here goes my first review.  

 I have already tried the shades on the left hand side of the palette, and I am wearing the shades from the right side (as suggested in each shade).  I LOVE these shadows!!! I'm pretty picky when it comes to eyeshadow because that's what I use most.  These are VERY pigmented, and work amazingly with my brushes.  And they only cost $4.99 at my local Walgreens.  I recently purchased a few CoverGirl palettes, and was extremely disappointed.  These made up for my disappointment and cost half the price.  I need to go get more, because they are seriously awesome.  I don't know what else to say, but consider adding these to your collection!  No joke, I plan on giving away or even throwing out all the other shadows I have gotten recently...there is no comparison.  LOVE!!!

Why I'm Here

Hi! Though I'm not sure anyone will read my blog, I thought it might be a fun endeavor for me as a full time stay at home mommy.  I have always enjoyed makeup, but have recently rediscovered my love.  I have two boys under two, and after almost three years of basically neglecting myself, I am beginning to find my identity as a woman again...not "just" a mother. When it comes to makeup (particularly eye makeup, because that's where I have always focused), I'm not necessarily an amateur but I'm not an expert either.  I don't like wearing a ton of face makeup (foundation, concealer, powder, etc) because I don't need the coverage and basically just don't care for the way it feels on my face.  I am beginning to experiment more though.  I have also re-joined Weight Watchers recently, in order to be healthier/happier for myself and my children, and have been introduced to Team Beach Body by a friend.

Anyway, the point of this blog is to share my opinions, review if you will, products that I have tried or am trying.  I would also generally like to share my journey to embracing my new(ish) identity, and steps to becoming a healthier woman/wife/mom!  I have a bunch to talk about already, but it's past my bed time, so it will have to wait :)  I find myself surfing YouTube videos and written reviews online late at night, as I'm sure others do, but I have yet to find anything from a young mother's perspective (I'm 28).  So I'm adding my opinions to the mix.  I will try and make posts short and sweet (unlike this one), so that other young mommies out there who don't have the time to surf can quickly view and read.

Night all, more later!