A Perfect Fall Day with Jax & Annie('s)

Disclaimer: I am a member of Influenster and received free products in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. 

Today my baby turns 22-months-old... where, oh where has the time gone?! And why, oh why am I not posting his 22-month update today?! Ugh! I will write it up and post it Monday -- I promise!

Anyway, it is FINALLY starting to feel like fall in Colorado -- in fact, yesterday was the perfect fall day that was complete with cool temperatures, the sound of rain hitting the windows throughout the day, and the smell of fresh baked cookies wafting through our home...

Next week, Jackson will be hosting his first ever Halloween cookie decorating party for some of his friends, so I we decided to do all of our baking on this dreary day. We I had so much fun rolling the dough, cutting, and baking the cookies while Jackson played with/ate his little pile of homemade cookie dough. **I'd be lying if I said I wasn't paranoid about him getting sick, but I figured that eating raw cookie dough is a right of passage in every childhood, so I let him eat a little bit...**

Once we finished baking/packaging/freezing our cookies, it was time for lunch -- and what better lunch on a chilly fall day than a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup? But do you know what's even better than chicken noodle soup? 

Annie's Organic Star & Chicken Soup, of course! 

In our house, soup lunch = no shirt

I have always been a huge fan of Annie's organic products (I mean, how can you go wrong with a name like that?), but had never tried their soups before -- game. changer. Annie's Organic Star & Chicken Soup is WAY better than any of the condensed soups I've ever had and it even had my picky toddler coming back for more! Aside from the name and amazing flavor, I love Annie's because it is made with only organic chicken and never with any artificial flavors, synthetic colors, preservatives, or MSG. 

Soooo, it's official: Annie's is the new favorite soup of Annie! If you have yet to try them, do yourself a favor and stock up on your next grocery run -- you will not be disappointed. 

After lunch, it was time to venture out into the rain to do a little Halloween party shopping, popcorn eating, and choo-choo playing at a nearby shopping center.

After seeing this at Dollar Tree, I'm ready to scrap the Halloween cookies and bake up some Christmas treats for Thursday! 

Our weekly tradition: popcorn and lemonades at Target.

Choo-choos -- his current favorite! 

I am so glad I get to stay home with Jackson and take him on our fun little "dates" throughout the week -- I am also incredibly excited to finally see fall make its grand entrance! We've been waiting for you, old friend.

Bring on the layers!

Restaurant Inspired Italian Nachos (w/Ragu Alfredo Sauce)

Disclaimer: I am a member of Influenster and received free products in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. 

I absolutely love having a son.

I love playing in the dirt...

...catching bugs...

...playing with the "choo-choos" at the library...

...I just love it all!

Growing up, my mom used to take me on lots of little "dates" that I hold near and dear to my heart, which is something I like to do now with Jackson and plan to continue doing with our (God willing) future children.

One of my moms and my regular dates that sticks out in my mind is going to Johnny Carino's and ordering a plate of Italian nachos to share. I have always been somewhat of a nacho connoisseur, but have never found anything quite as good as those soft and warm "chips" covered in chicken, alfredo, and banana peppers.

Fast forward a couple years and I rediscovered my love of Italian nachos during an outing to Old Chicago. They did NOT disappoint and I decided I HAD to learn how to make them.

With the help of Ragu, I was able to recreate this tasty dish with ease -- and, if I do say so myself, they were pretty dang amazing! Here's how to make my Restaurant Inspired Italian Nachos:

Anngredients:

• 20 wonton wrappers
• 1 lb. Italian sausage, cooked
• 1 (10 oz.) jar Ragu Alfredo Sauce
• 1/2 cup Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Bell pepper, tomato, green onion (optional)

1. Cook wontons according to package instructions. Once prepared, spread evenly along cookie sheet.
2. Brown the Italian sausage and drain fat. Cook the chicken according to package instructions, cool, and dice into cubes. 
3. Evenly coat each wonton with 1 tsp. Ragu sauce. Spread with spoon. Add desired amount of sausage, chicken, and toppings to each chip. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
4. Cook in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until wontons look golden brown and mozzarella has completely melted. 

Italian nachos are a definite favorite in our home (it's the one meal my husband will ask for by name) and I know they will be in yours as well! Enjoy! 

T.L.C. VoxBox

Disclaimer: I am a member of Influenster and received free products in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100%  my own.

I was so excited to receive my TLC VoxBox before heading out on our big road trip--it came packed with so many things that were perfect to take along in my purse!

Wanna take a peek at the goods?

Breyers Gelato Indulgences (available at most stores)

Savor a trio of textures in four indulgent varieties: Vanilla Caramel, Raspberry Cheescake, Tiramisu, and Triple Chocolate.

It's a good thing I decided to take my free Breyers Gelato Indulgences coupon on the trip or I probably would have eaten the whole tub by myself at home.. this stuff is amazing!! We decided on the Vanilla Caramel Gelato and it was so soft, creamy, and delicious.. definitely the best store bought gelato I've ever tasted. This is definitely a purchase I will make again (and you should too)!

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Oooh yeah (especially if you love being happy).

Ivory Bar Soap ($3.97 for 10 bars; available at Walmart)

Original Ivory Bar Soap uses a simple, pure formula to help you get clean without any unneeded additives or heavy perfumes. This soap is 99.44% pure, so much so that it floats on water for easy handling in the bath.

I love Ivory soap! Isn't the smell of it just so nostalgic? It always reminds me of visiting my Grandma & Grandpa Wernsman's when I was a kid.. Ivory soap is convenient to use and perfect to take on the road--I have it packed away for our next big trip! 

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes.

Neosporin to Go ($6.99; available at Walgreens)

No touch, no sting spray that fits anywhere to give you infection protection, plus pain relief, on the go. - See more at: http://www.neosporin.com/frequently-asked-questions/wound-care#sthash.tTrlTfwP.dpuf

No touch, no sting spray that fits anywhere to give you infection protection, plus pain relief, on the go. - See more at: http://www.neosporin.com/frequently-asked-questions/wound-care#sthash.tTrlTfwP.dpuf

No touch, no sting spray that fits anywhere to give you infection protection, plus pain relief, on the go. - See more at: http://www.neosporin.com/frequently-asked-questions/wound-care#sthash.tTrlTfwP.dpuf

 No touch, no sting spray that fits anywhere to give you infection protection, plus pain relief, on the go.

This baby goes everywhere with my (human) baby and me--I love how compact this Neo to Go is and that it fits easily into my purse. While we were on our trip, I developed a gnarly hangnail and used my Neo to Go to help treat it. The hangnail was gone within two days. Coincidence? I think not.

 Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes.

AVON Anew Reversalist Express Wrinkle Smoother ($30; available at Avon)

INTRODUCING ANEW REVERSALIST Complete Renewal Express Wrinkle Smoother, a finishing cream-to-powder skincare perfector in a portable compact, for application over moisturizer or makeup. Instantly reduces the look of any type of wrinkle on the forehead, crows feet, and eye area.

I actually gave this one to my mom. While I do have crows feet, I probably wouldn't use this product.. However, my mom really likes it! She said it goes on smooth, works instantly, and dramatically reduced the appearance of lines and wrinkles. 

Would I recommend this product to a friend? My Mom Does!

Shell Fuel Rewards (N/A; available at Shell Fuel stations)

Basically, the Shell Fuel Rewards card is a membership savings club like King Soopers (Kroger, Dillons, City Market, etc.) or Safeway. What's awesome about it is that you can earn rewards by dining out, shopping, etc., and you're guaranteed to save $.25 a gallon the second time you use your card. Cool, huh? With gas prices soaring, this is the perfect time to join! 

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes.

Puffs Plus to Go ($.49; available at Target)

Pack up and go, but don't leave your Puffs Purse Packs behind. Small yet mighty, they're always ready for touch-ups, pick-me-ups and life's little midhaps. Puffs is the only national brand dermatologist tested to be gentle.

Puffs Plus to Go are a must have during allergy season (or with a drooly, teething baby)! They are easy to grab and sooth even the reddest of noses.

 Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes.

Overall, I was pleased with the contents of the TLC VoxBox--the items are all very practical and will get good use! Interested in becoming an Influenster? Visit influenster.com or hit me up for an invitation! 

No touch, no sting spray that fits anywhere to give you infection protection, plus pain relief, on the go. - See more at: http://www.neosporin.com/skin-condition-education/wounds-and-treatment/wound-management#sthash.x9tJyJqz.dpuf

J'Adore Voxbox

Disclaimer: I am a member of Influenster and received free products in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100%  my own.

I so J'Adore you, Influenster!

Wait, is that how you use "J'Adore"? I never took French (and barely passed college Spanish--but that's beside the point!).. 

Anyway, J'Adore means "I adore you" in French and sums up how I feel about this Voxbox--it's easily one of the best I have ever received! Wanna see what's inside?

Vaseline Men Spray Lotion ($7.69; available on Amazon)

Vaseline Men Spray Lotion is a quick and convenient continuous spray lotion that moisturizes and absorbs in seconds. Skin will feel instantly soft--not sticky or greasy. To apply, simply hold the can 4 inches from your skin and spray up one leg and arm, switch hands and spray down the other side and finish by quickly rubbing in. The Fast Absorbing formula of Vaseline Men Spray Lotion tackles dryness in seconds and has a fresh fragrance specifically designed for men.  

Guess what? Influenster sent something for Brandon in this Voxbox! And just what did they send, you ask? Vaseline Men Spray (didn't you read the bold print above?! Sheesh.. I kid, I kid)! Since moving to Colorado, both Brandon and I have had badly chapped lips and dry skin, so this lotion couldn't have come at a better time. At first, Brandon wasn't sure what to think about it ("Why does it spray? I just need it for my hands."), but has grown to love it's effectiveness and scent. Is this something that Brandon would use again/buy in the future? Maybe.. but we'll probably just end up sticking to the old fashioned stuff with a pump.

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes (I do love the "manly" scent!).

Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask ($9.39; available at Target)

Treat your skin to deep cleansing with this clay mask. Willowbark helps draw out oil and other impurities without over drying the skin. Designed for use on normal skin, the unscented, hypo-allergenic formula prevents irritation. The hydrating properties of this mask leave skin feeling clearer, softer, smoother and less oily. Treat yourself to a great product!

Mommy approves; baby does not.

I'm just going to cut to the chase: this is hands down the best at-home mask I have ever used. It isn't overly drying (as at-home masks tend to be) and left my skin feeling fresh and clean! I have used other Boots products before and am always left completely satisfied--their products are always high quality, yet affordable (which is something I can get behind!). 

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes.

KISS Looks So Natural Lashes ($3.99; available at Beautyonlinesupply.com)
Revolutionary Tapered End Technology delivers real-like lashes that blend seamlessly with your own lashes. 97% of women who wore these lashes felt the difference—you’ll forget you’re wearing them!

I'm not really a falsies wearer but I do have to say that these were easy to apply, wear well, and are easy to take off. Would I buy them again? Probably not (but most of that has to do with the fact that I never wear them!).

Would I recommend this product to a friend? If they are in the market for falsies, Yes. 

Red Rose Simply Indulgent Tea ($26; available at Walmart)
Red Rose Simply Indulgent Teas and single serve cups are new, handcrafted black teas blended with specially developed natural flavor extracts. These blends marry high-quality tea standards with premium natural flavors.

Here's something you might not know about me: I'm a bit of a tea connoisseur (I absolutely love my tea and will try any brand or flavor). Before receiving my box, I had never heard of Red Rose brand teas, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Friends; my life changed forever after I took that first sip of Red Rose Simply Indulgent Creme Caramel.. Best. Tea. Ever. I couldn't believe how delicious and full bodied it was for something that had only been steeped in hot water a couple of times--it tasted like a tea that you'd pay a lot of money for at a fancy coffee house! Yum!

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes. One million times, yes.

Hershey Kisses ($8.98 for 2.8 lb. bag; available at Walmart)
Everybody loves a Kiss. Deliciously creamy milk chocolate Hershey's Kisses melt in the mouth. Every kosher milk chocolate kiss is uniquely covered in a silver wrapper. Hershey's Kisses candy comes in a 40-ounce package. Put them in a bowl, hand them out at the office or wrap some up for party favors. However you serve them, they're sure to be a hit. Hand out a Kiss and you might get a hug.

Hershey Kisses need no introduction: they're an American institution! As soon as I saw these in my box, I knew it was time to bake some of my peanut butter cookies--they were delicious. Thank you, Influenster & Hershey's.

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Duh.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3 Day Straight ($8.49; available at Ulta)
Proprietary blend of polymers with keratin protein wraps each strand, sealing in straight styles for up to 3 days or until next shampoo if less than 3 days. Keeps hair glossy, smooth, and swinging with body.

I have the worst hair ever. It's limp, super fine, staticky, and wavy in all the wrong places. Bleh. With that being said, I wasn't sure what to expect with this new spray--hair products typically don't do what they are supposed to do when it comes to my hair. Come to find out, John Frieda is a saint and this 3 Day Straight spray is his miracle. My hair stayed straight and shiny all day, and seemed less staticky than usual--I'm going to start buying this stuff by the bucket (Costco would probably have that, right?)! 

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes. 

Did you notice that I recommend every single thing in my box?! That's a first!! Influenster, you hit a home run with your J'Adore box--thank you for allowing me to review the products! Would you like to become an Influenster and receive awesome products to review? Comment with your email address or email me at annieonecancook@gmail.com--I'll getcha hooked up. 

What I Wore Wednesday (& a Voxbox Preview)

Sooooooo...

I didn't really get out of my yoga pants this week..

I know, I know.

However, I did dress for the occasion on Friday (Valentine's Day) so I would like to share that outfit with you!

Isn't that shirt adorable and Valentinesy (yes, it is a word)?! Guess where I got it? Wal-Mart. Guess how much I paid? $1.50. Adorable, right? I actually found it in the Christmas clearance section and grabbed it with every intention of wearing it on V-Day.

I. was. psyched.

The jeans are another Gordmans buy (I'll wear them again next week and give the deets) and the comfy pink slippers were my Valentine's gift from Brandon.

So, yeah.. that is that. 

Anyway, switching gears a bit, I received my J'Adore Voxbox from Influenster yesterday--I absolutely love being an Influenster and receiving goodies several times a year to play with and review. This box was packed full of some of my favorite things (chocolate and tea, to name a few) and I made a video for the big open/reveal! So if you're extremely bored and have nothing else to do now for your viewing pleasure, I present the opening of my Voxbox (with special guest, Jackson)!

 Poor Jax.. he's so patient with me (and apparently doesn't mind me moving him around a bunch).

Be sure to come back in a couple weeks for my official J'Adore Voxbox review--I'm so excited to try everything out! 

Violet Voxbox (Invites, Anyone?)

Disclaimer: I am a member of Influenster and received free products in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. 

Yay, Voxbox! 

I have only been apart of the Influenster family for about a year now and have really enjoyed all the opportunities I've received to test and review products and to make new blogging friends! I highly encourage my blogger (and non-blogger!) friends to join! If you're interested, please email me at annieonecancook@gmail.com or comment on this post with your email so I can get you an invite ASAP! :D 

So, wanna know what was in my Violet Voxbox?

For the most part, I was pretty pleased with my Voxbox--it can sometimes be a hit or miss but I'd consider this to be more of the first (a hit!). Here's what I thought..

Goody® Athletique Adjustable Yoga Wicking Headband ($6; available at Target) 
Goody Athletique items provide you hold and comfort so you can be physically active and strong in body and mind.  Customize your headband's fit through its velcro adjustable strap.

I had a bunch of errands to run last Saturday and decided to throw my hair up in a ponytail and to pull my bangs back with my new headband--honestly, it was just okay. I noticed that it doesn't stay in place very well (it slipped back A LOT--maybe I should have used bobby pins to keep it from moving?) but it was comfortable. My hair is really fine and limp so I can't see myself doing any of the cute hairstyles many girls on Instagram (#shareurhair) were sharing, but I will try using it again sometime in the near future.. with bobby pins.

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes (on account of the fact that they could probably make it stay in place/create cuter dos than I ever would).

Goody Quikstyle Brush ($8.37; available on Amazon)
 Go from wet to beautifully styled hair faster than ever!  Super absorbent microfiber bristles remove 30% of water as you style*. It's like a towel and a brush in one.

I actually really, really like this brush! It combs through tangles very easily and does a pretty good job of drying your sopping wet, just out of the shower hair! It's like a brush with a built-in shag carpet and I love it! I'm definitely interested in purchasing the round brush for styling and blow drying my hair. 

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes. 

SoyJoy® Nutrition Bars - Cranberry ($9.99 for a box of 12; available at Target)

Real cranberries add tang to this cookie-like bar for a healthy, tasty snack. Convenient individually-wrapped bars don’t melt or freeze. Tastes even better microwaved (unwrap first) for 8-10 seconds.

My breakfast a few weeks ago.

Okay, how should I put this..? Umm, I don't know what kind of nasty cookies the description writer of this product grew up eating but they must have been made of candle wax because that's what this bar tasted like (or what I'd imagine candle wax tasting like). Not good. Not good at all. I don't know if it was just the cranberry flavor or if all SoyJoy bars taste the same but this left a really awful aftertaste in my mouth. I'd be willing to try a different flavor to see if there is any difference but I kinda have a feeling that all of these bars are basically the same.. 

Would I recommend this product to a friend? No. 

Sally Hansen® Triple Shine™ in Reef-Raf ($4.99; available at Walgreens)

Get ready for the shiniest nails ever! Water to workout, day in and day out, nothing will dull these nails.  With the Ultimate Shield Complex your nails outshine 'em all.

I gave myself a little "pre-push pedicure" a couple weeks ago--not the best, I know, but it's an amazing feat when you can reach your feet (feat and feat, ha!) at 36 weeks.

I really like this polish! I wasn't too crazy about the color at first (I thought it'd be a little too bright--I tend to stick with darker reds on my toes) but I love the way it came out! I also really liked the brush--it seemed a little bigger/wider than most which made painting a cinch!

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes.   

 

Red (lips), White (teeth) & Blue (berries)!

Disclaimer: I am a member of Influenster and received free products in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. 

I have never been a huge fan of the 4th of July. Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love and cherish my independence and am proud to be an American, but I'm just not a huge fan of fireworks and drunk, stupid people lighting off fireworks at 2am. 

This year was different though; I was given the work opportunity to attend a patriotic program and celebration in a nearby town and I decided to take full advantage and dress for the occasion. And guess what? It was so easy to do thanks to Q-tips Precision Tips and Luster Now! Whitening Toothpaste. 

The lips.

It wasn't until recently that I began wearing/experimenting with lipstick. I have never been a huge makeup wearer to begin with but I decided that I like the way lipstick accentuates my smile. As I got ready on the 4th, I decided to go with a lighter, more subtle reddish pink and it came out looking perfect with the help of Q-Tips Precision Tips. Unlike ordinary cotton swabs, Q-Tips Precision Tips are contoured to fit into smaller places (like the very tips of your lips) because of their specially designed pointed tips! These are super handy to have on hand not only for makeup, but for baby and kiddos as well. 

The teeth (they even shine when there's an Instagram filter on the picture!)

I used to have those dreaded, uncomfortable braces when I was in high school and vowed to take immaculate care of my teeth once they came off (and I have!). I whitened them my senior year of high school with a drug store brand whitening toothpaste, mouthwash and strips and they've stayed white ever since. With that being said, I was skeptical to try the Luster Now! Whitening Toothpaste since my teeth are already white; but I have to admit that I was impressed with what I saw after only a few days. Not only do I notice an even whiter smile, I notice an even brighter smile. My teeth have this beautiful glow about them and look so clean and sparkly! I have only been using the toothpaste for a week so I'm anxious to see the results after finishing the tube. 

Blueberries.

The blueberries don't really have anything to do with this product review; I'm just obsessed with them! They are so sweet and delicious and are my favorite summer snack! If there are any blueberry farmers reading this post who would like to set up some sort of endorsement deal with me, give me a call. I'd be more than happy to help you.

Kiss My Lash!

Disclaimer: I am a member of Influenster and received free products in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. 

Your Check List for the Perfect Date Night

Cute outfit? Check.  

A killer pair of heels? Check.

Gum and/or mints? Check.

Flawless makeup? Check.

Okay, I have a confession.. I'm married* and pregnant** so the only one I could really check off the list is the cute outfit (I wore an adorable white dress to our double date on Saturday!).

*Brandon doesn't get the minty, cool breath experience from me anymore (that lucky, lucky man).. we're too married for that nonsense! 

**Sometimes flats just sound better to my pregnant feet.

Oh wait, I have one more thing to add to the check list!

Perfect, sky high lashes? Check (if you're wearing your Kiss everEZlashes).

Thanks to Influenster and Kiss USA products, both my friend Abby and I were able to achieve a bold and fun look for our Saturday night sushi double date--and we couldn't have been happier with the results!

This was my first time wearing falsies (Abby has used them before).

Thoughts:

Abby (the veteran):

I loved them! The applicator really helped with putting them on and the glue held strong the entire night (and taking them off was a cinch). The only thing I'd change about them is the length; I prefer even longer lashes! However, it's a product I'd definitely use again and recommend to a friend.

Annie (the virgin):

This was the first time I ever wore fake eyelashes so it took a little getting used to (who knew lashes could feel so heavy?!) but I loved the way they looked and the bold "pop" they gave my outfit. Application was a breeze (thanks, Abby!) and they were super simple to remove. I would most definitely recommend these to a friend!

Have a big date, wedding or event coming up soon? What are you waiting for?! Pick up your box of Kiss everEZlashes today! 

Pregnant in Heels

Disclaimer: I am a member of Influenster and received free products in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

I have the coolest job ever.

Seriously.

As a television reporter, I get to talk with new and interesting people every single day, travel to different locations (it is very seldom that I have to stay in the office for more than an hour at a time), and put together fun and classic outfits that look both professional and camera ready.

My favorite work outfit accessory is heels; a cute pair of heels (the shorter and classier, the better!) can complete any outfit. But.. since becoming pregnant, I have noticed that heels just aren't as comfortable and practical as they used to be (and if it's like this at 3 months, I can only imagine the way it'll be at 8 months when my tooties are swollen and 3x their normal size).

Enter Dr. Scholl's® For Her Ball of Foot inserts. 

I was so excited when I opened my VoxBox and discovered these inserts. Seriously, how perfect?!

I took these bad boys for a spin (or should I say for a walk?) yesterday in my favorite pair of closed toe black heels and I must say that I was impressed. I had to walk all over the place for interviews and felt just fine the entire time--almost like I was wearing a pair of comfortable and supportive tennies. I love the added comfort and support the cushions give you and it was a treat not having to come home to scrunched and blistered toes. The small size is also very discreet and perfect for open toed heels.

Do I dare try them with my favorite red heels?!

I highly recommend this product--and at less than $10 a pair, how can you go wrong (you can buy a pair for each set of heels!)? 

The ultimate test will be whether or not I'm able to wear heels (and still be comfortable) at Tyler and Jessica's wedding in November.. when I'm 7 1/2 months pregnant..

To be continued..

Sweetheart VoxBox

Picture this: It's Sunday evening. I'm having a stressful day--lots of homework due, work deadlines quickly approaching, blog posts to write, yadda, yadda. 

My phone vibrates. It's a new email. I open my inbox and am greeted by those those magic words: You're getting a SweetHeart VoxBox. *Hallelujah Chorus Begins* I.was.pumped. 

..Three Weeks Later...

Awesome!!

It was like Christmas day and I couldn't wait to try everything! So without further ado, here is what I thought of this months products. 

Not Your Mothers Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray ($6 for full size)

Now everyday can be a day at the beach... minus the sunburn. Beach Babe has everyone fooled into thinking you just left the beach (you little liar!). It adds sexy, tousled waves and a lite matte finish to any hair type. Infused with natural dead sea salt & sea kelp this salon formula has you and your hair on the boardwalk all year long.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I couldn't wait to try this out. In fact, I used it just today! I'm always a little hesitant to try out a new hair product because my hair is soooo fine, limp and oily and I worry that product will bring out these terrible qualities even more. Not this time!! Not Your Mothers Beach Babe Texturizing spray played up my natural waves and left my hair vibrant, shiny and smelling divine!

I work in television and am always looking for ways to improve my look--the spray did just that!

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Absolutely.

Olay Fresh Effects (Va-Va-Vivid!) Powered Contour Cleansing System ($12.99 for kit) and Fresh Effects (Shine, Shine Go Away!) Shine Minimizing Cleanser ($6.99 for full size).

Fresh & Fearless. Ingeniously Designed to fit your facial contours, our power brush deep cleans in and around the T-zone, hair line and nose for full-face cleansing.Treat yourself to a micro-facial experience that really packs some cleansing punch. Fresh has never felt, or looked, so good.

When I graduated high school almost five years ago, I could literally count on one hand the number of times I had broken out in my life. Seriously. I used to not even wear foundation or concealer because my skin looked great as is. Then I went to college and started stressing out more, drinking water less, not exercising, eating fatty and oily food, etc. and started getting terrible breakouts (and keep getting them to this day even with a good diet, vitamins, large water consumption and regular exercise). I have wasted so much money on countless face washes, purifying masks, spot gels, lotions and all that jazz and was hoping this was the solution. Unfortunately, it was not.. it made me break out even more. However, this is not what the product was designed for so I can't complain to much about that. The system left my skin feeling very clean and refreshed. I will continue to use the vibrating cleaner but will replace the face wash with something a little more gentler.

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Yes.

Skinnygirl Daily On-The-Go Bars ($9.99 for box of 5)

With only 180 calories per bar, you can now enjoy Skinnygirl Daily On-The-Go bars guilt-free. The bars are natural, kosher, and high in fiber. All bars now have MORE protein and MORE fiber, LESS sugar and FEWER carbs! These bars are the perfect indulgent treat for individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I'm going to cut to the chase and tell you that I wasn't impressed with these Skinnygirl bars--they were just okay. I didn't mind the taste of them but they didn't leave me feeling snack full and satisfied. I'll probably just stick with my Special K bars. They are only 90 calories, taste better and cost 1/4 of what the Skinnygirl bars cost.

Would I recommend this product to a friend? No.

Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response ($7.99-$9.99)

Did you know there are actually three main causes of sweat? Sweat is induced by physical activity/exercise, environmental/heat and stress. Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response in Serene Citrus is uniquely formulated to protect you from all the causes of sweat, especially stress sweat. It's proven 4x more effective at protecting against stress-induced underarm wetness than the wetness protection required of an ordinary antiperspirant.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I sweat..a lot (gross, I know). There were several occasions when I'd walk across campus and arrive at my destination with soaked armpits. Yuck. I started using men's deodorant but it wasn't helping so I finally brought it to my doctors attention and she recommended Secret Clinical Strength.. so I have actually been using this product for over six months now! This product has seriously changed my life and I highly recommend it to everyone. I always buy the Ooh-La-La Lavender because I love the smell (and I think it blends well with my VS Love Potion body spray) and will probably continue to buy that scent instead of the Serene Citrus. 

Would I recommend this product to a friend? Absolutely. 

Huge thanks to Influenster for allowing me the opportunity to review these products! Check back next week for my full review on the Olay Va-Va-Vivid System.