"Want That Hair" with Pantene! (Part Deux)

Yesterday, I shared the bounty of goodness that I received from Pantene to create my perfect festive hair. and today is time for the reveal! Did I go curly or straight? What products did I use? 

Want That Hair with Pantene and Clever Girls Collective!

Thanks to Clever Girls and Pantene, I have all of the products I could possibly need to create the perfect hairstyle! 

But what will it be? With this arsenal of beauty goodies, the possibilities are endless!

Holiday Appetizers Made Easy with Rich's SeaPak Spring Rolls!

'Tis the season for office parties, get togethers with friends, and family gatherings - and of course you don't want to show up empty handed! Stop wracking your brain for the perfect, made from scratch, dinner party recipe {because sometimes, ain't nobody got time for that} arrive bearing the gift of yummy food, with a delicious holiday appetizer from Rich's SeaPak! 

I'm a stay at home mom, and I thoroughly enjoy cooking, but in general I cook at least twice a day, at least six days a week. And while I enjoy showing off my skills to people outside of my household, sometimes I just need a break! Quick and easy appetizers like Rich's SeaPak Shrimp Spring Rolls are perfect for such occasions.

Rich's SeaPak Shrimp Spring Rolls are quick and easy to make {you can either fry or bake them} and DELICIOUS! I have to admit, I'm a bit of an egg/spring roll snob {they are the determining factor as to whether I will dine at a Asian restaurant again}, and these definitely made the grade! The wrapper is delightfully crispy and the filling is bright, fresh, and tasty. 

They even come packed with a delicious sweet and spicy chili sauce, but if you want to get snazzy, you can prepare this Spicy Peanut Ginger Dipping Sauce {recipe from SeaPak.com}: 

PREP TIME: 5 minutes

COOK TIME: 10 minutes

MAKES: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

8 SeaPak Shrimp Spring Rolls

1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare spring rolls according to package directions and keep warm while preparing dipping sauce.

To a blender, add the remaining ingredients along with ½ cup warm water and blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add more warm water a tablespoon at a time. Serve alongside warm spring rolls.

You can find even more yummy recipes and easy meal ideas by following SeaPak on Pinterest!

So if your hubby lets you know about the company potluck dinner at the last minute, your friends invite you to an impromptu gathering, or you get unexpected visitors - don't stress yourself out! At under $10 a box, it's easy to keep a few boxes of SeaPak Spring Rolls in your freezer for any occasion. They even make a great after school {or any time} snack or can be part of a healthy, quick dinner. Until next time...

She Said What Now? NickMom's Kids Say the Darndest #MotherFunny Things

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and its client.

Yep... that's my Kenziekins, draped in like, 20 pairs of my underwear. She went through a phase where every chance she got, she ransacked my lingerie drawer and set about putting every single pair of panties I owned...over her head. Yeah. Wore them all around her neck like necklaces or something. Lasted for months. But at least she was cute with it and it was in the privacy of our own home {well, until I took a picture of it and posted it on the web for the whole world to see}. Now that there is such a thing as NickMom and NickMom.com, at least I know my kids aren't the only little weirdos out there {but of course Nickelodeon didn't come out with it until I was on my third and last kid}...

The Clue is In the Blue! (LUVS New & Improved Diapers)

We've actually been fans of Luvs diapers for years {we used them for Lo as well}, but we've used them almost exclusively since Kenzie was born. We love the cloth like texture, the adorable patterns {especially the monkey that is on the size 4 diapers since that's my nickname for Kenzie}, and the fact that they are totally non bulky {there's nothing that ruins a cute little outfit more than a chunky diaper bootie}. But what really keeps us going back for Luvs {besides necessity} is the fact that they have all the effectiveness of other brands, without the dent in the wallet.

Absorbency is always an important feature in a diaper {I mean, that's the whole point, right?}, but that becomes especially key as your little one gets older. You don't want overnight leaks {which is why the new Night Lock feature is great}, and as they get bigger and their bladders hold more liquid, you'll find that though you may be changing diapers less frequently, you definitely need a diaper that can handle your littles new capacity for... uh... pee {lol}.

We were already quite satisfied with how well Luvs worked for us, but now their most absorbent diaper is available at Walmart! Luvs Super Absorbent diapers have a contoured shape with leak barrier leg gathers, for a snug, comfortable fit. And with an ultra absorbent leakguard core that helps lock wetness away from baby’s skin, they absorb even more than regular Luvs. Just look for the special blue seal on the package...

So just remember, #theclueisintheblue ! Now that the secret is out, make sure to look for these Kenzie tested, Mama approved Luvs diapers at your local Walmart!

Until next time...

Make Back to School Grand with Pillsbury!

Grands! Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: http://clvr.li/14hD30B

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but if you asked my girls I'm sure they'd say the most important meal {to them at least} is the after school snack!

Peyton and Lo both have bizarre lunch schedules-they each dine at the school cafeteria before 11 AM! Lo gets home at around 3 PM and Peyton gets home closer to 5-so you can imagine they are close to ravenous by the time they walk through the door! I've learned {the hard way} that life is better for everyone if I have a good snack for them when they get home everyday. But there's a fine balance between giving them a filling snack that will tide them over until dinner time and something that will keep them from enjoying our evening meal. And considering that most days I've already cooked at least one meal before they get home from school {and will be cooking another one before night's end}, I really don't want to do anything that's gonna wreck my small kitchen {and pile even more cleaning work to my load}. So this recipe using Pillsbury Grands! Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits {sent for feature consideration} is right up our alley!

One of the reason I love this simple recipe for Grands Grilled Cheese Sandwiches {find the recipe here} is that it only require one pot, makes minimal mess, and is very easily customized to suit your kids' tastes {I opted to use cheddar cheese instead of American and added a slice of turkey to a couple of them}.

These delicious biscuits were a hit amongst everyone {the hubby included}! Peyton said she loved how it was cheesy and gooey like a traditional grilled cheese sandwich, but it had an added sweetness because of the Pillsbury Grands! Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits. I also noticed that where my kids would usually eat two traditional grilled cheese sandwiches a piece, replacing the bread with biscuits made it way more satisfying for my girls and they only needed one sandwich each!

Grilled cheese not your thing? Looking for a quick, delicious, and easy meal idea for dinner? Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits provide a variety of family favorite recipes, ready in under 30 minutes, that are delicious and have a little twist to help parents keep dinner fun, not boring. Here's a list of some scrumptious meal ideas to satisfy every appetite in any family {with the added bonus of being easy on mommy's schedule-Lord knows we have enough to deal with during the school year}:


Easy Grands! Chicken Pot Pie: http://clvr.li/15wW3sK
Grands! Barbecue Cups: http://clvr.li/18qo6WV
Grands! Chicken Pot Pie Puffs: http://clvr.li/189uUMx
Grands! Mini Pizzas: http://clvr.li/13HXYaA
Grands! Pepperoni Pizza Bake: http://clvr.li/1a4SSGY
Grands! Taco Melts: http://clvr.li/17UqgOy
Grands! Unsloppy Joes: http://clvr.li/17o9IzH

And for your convenience, there's even a downloadable booklet with all kinds of neat recipes utilizing Pillsbury Grands! Refrigerated Biscuits: http://clvr.li/17r1ymu . Make sure to leave a comment below {or tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter} and share the Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits recipe you're most excited to try! 

Until next time...

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. The content and opinions expressed here are all my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of General Mills. Compensation was provided by General Mills via Clever Girls Collective.

Multiply Your Style and Save Big for Back to School at Old Navy!

Since I controlled the reigns on this shopping excursion, I opted for the sweetest little sundress for Lo. I was also able to get her a 2 pairs of patterned skinny jeans and a couple of cute graphic tees-all for under $60! What I love about Old Navy is that even though I'm getting a great bargain, there is real quality in the clothes, so not only will they last until Lo grows out of them, I'll be able to pass them down to Kenzie when she gets older. Now that's really multiplying the savings!

Old Navy wants to see your kids start the school year looking stylish at great prices. So not only are they having this great back to school sale,  you can visit a store and take a picture of your kids on the Old Navy runway for a chance to appear on the Old Navy website or enter the Multiply Your Style Sweet Sweepstakes (for official rules and details! Between 8/3 and 8/14 there will be runway set up in all US Old Navy retail locations. You can submit photos of your kids (ages 6-12) rocking their favorite Old Navy Back to School looks on the runway for a chance to appear on www.oldnavy.com/myONstyle. Pictures taken in store should be shared via Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #MyONStyle (the site will be live from 7/31 to 8/15). Old Navy and Nickelodeon will be hosting a sweepstakes with Sam and Cat (stars of the Nickelodeon show!). The prize includes travel and hotel for four, a $1,000 Old Navy shopping spree with the stars of Sam & Cat, as well as $500 in spending money! Rules and details can be found here: www.nick.com/oldnavy.​

How do you multiply your kids’ style when back to school shopping? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Until next time...

Old Navy wants to see your kids start the school year looking stylish at great prices. Visit your nearest Old Navy for a back to school sale between August 1st and August 14th with great fashion under $10. Take a picture of your kids on the Old Navy runway for a chance to appear on the Old Navy website or enter the Multiply Your Style Sweet Sweepstakes! For Official Rules and details, go to www.Nick.com/OldNavy.


This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Old Navy. The opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Old Navy.  The opinions and text are all mine.

Spiegel- A Century of Style for the New Millennium

Did you know that Heidi Klum was first photographed in America for a Spiegel catalogue, and supermodels like Claudia Schiffer and Stephanie Seymour regularly graced the covers throughout the '90's? Fashion icons like Ralph Lauren, Anne Klein, and Donna Karen have all created collections exclusively for the brand. But the fashion innovations did not end in the '90's.

With the arrival of Richard Lowe III as the International Creative Director in 2012, Spiegel continues to bring the highest caliber of fashion to mainstream America at affordable prices. Here are a few of my picks from the latest collections:

This is just a small sampling of the cute {and affordable} fashion finds on Spiegel.com right now! So, take the time to take another look at Spiegel, it's been around this long for a reason! Until next time...

A Pair For Every Day of the Week!

This post brought to you by Coastal.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

Designer EyeglassesDerek Cardigan Eyeglasses

I got my first pair of glasses when I was eight years old. At first I was super excited about them {I mean, who doesn’t like being able to see}, but the novelty of them soon wore off. By the time I was 11 or so, I was counting down the days until I’d be able to wear contact lenses {my parents told me that I had to wait until I was 13 and mature enough to take on the responsibility of maintaining them}. So in the meantime, I had to put up with teasing and name calling {I’m not gonna lie, I really couldn’t see, so my glasses were quite thick}: I was called four-eyes, geek and nerd and my corrective lenses were often referred to as “coke-bottle glasses” and I was asked more than once as to whether I was “able to see the future” with them on.
Times have changed though! Now you see people who don’t need corrective lenses wearing glasses just for style’s sake! And who can blame them with the wide selection of really fashionable styles? There’s even a trend of wearing glasses ironically: the same frames that got me made fun of can now be worn and thought of as trendy!

Coastal.com has become the largest online retailer of eyeglasses in North America, by offering the same brands and products offered in brick and mortar stores with the alternative and convenient method of purchasing them online AND at half the price!

Even better, they sell Derek Cardigan glasses! His vintage inspired line of eyewear reflects his joie de vivre on fashion and life. With the perfect balance of in your face boldness with enough subtlety for everyday wear, Derek has created a line that manages to be perfectly retro and yet of our time. Bonus: for every pair of glasses purchased (at insanely good prices), Coastal.com will donate another pair to someone in need. So you can look good, while doing good!

I picked a selection of frames from the Derek Cardigan line on Coastal.com that I would love to add to my eyewear wardrobe! I love the variety of shapes, colors, and styles – as well as the affordability of the glasses {a lot of them are being offered at 2 for $95 or less and there is a fantastic summer sale going on right now}. Among my favorite selections are my Monday selection (the 7021 in black), Thursday’s choice (7005 in brown), and Sunday (7011 in Ice). Do you see any frames in the collection that you would rock? Check out Coastal.com for many other styles from the Derek Cardigan collection and to see what an awesome deal you can get on a new pair of glasses (or contact lenses)! Until next time…

Get Smooth For Summer In Three Simple Steps with Nair Hair Removal!

With summer around the corner, it’s time for bikinis and short shorts {for some, more like one pieces and the occasional flouncy, knee length skirt for me} and overall, showing off more skin. Nair products provide professional results at home for staying smooth all summer long – at a fraction of what you’d pay at a salon. Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Total Care Body Trio and Face Trio are the new depilatories to join the popular Brazilian Spa Clay Line inspired by the beauty secrets and hair removal expertise of Brazil. Each product is infused with mango butter and açai berry known to moisturize the skin, and mineral-rich clay known to purify the skin.

Give Mom a "Little Bit of Luxury in the Bedroom" with SoffiaB!

The Secret Garden Luxury Robe ($995)-Imagine walking around moonlit grounds, a world of fantasy and dreams. Silky soft flannel lining envelopes the body, with delicate white, green and hint of purple floral luxury silk, entwined with rich foliage green, velvet contrast on this designer dressing gown.

SoffiaB founder Sophie Burkart has created a superior collection of robes and dressing gowns aimed at the luxury market, for those who want to look gorgeous and feel fabulous. SoffiaB takes its name from a hybrid of the founder’s first and last names. Fun fact: The name Sophie originates from Greece and means wisdom (coincidentally,  my name means wise in Gaelic), so perhaps some might say there is certain insight in the company’s aim to combine beauty with comfort.

Drink Yourself Beautiful! Ashieda's Beauty Nectar Takes US Anti-Aging Market By Storm

All the rage in Japan and the UK, Ashieda is the first company that has brought this convenient, great tasting, daily 2oz drink to the USA to help women prevent aging naturally. The results of this drink are nothing short of astounding and have been clinically proven. The main benefits are: hydrated skin, skin renewal, anti aging - reduced fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, brightened and glowing youthful appearance and firmer skin.

As we age, we lose collagen and as a result, get wrinkles and look old. Dietary intake of collagen peptides has been "scientifically proven" to enhance formation of collagen in the dermis layer of our skin. Regularly replenishing certain amino acids by drinking hydrolyzed collagen drink ( like Beauty Nectar) replenishes and maintains healthy amounts of collagen in the skin and produces a noticeable anti-aging effect in skin.

Clinically-studied and doctor-recommended Beauty Nectar will:

INCREASE Collagen Production
REDUCE Wrinkles and Fine Lines
IMPROVE Overall Skin Tone
GIVE YOU Glowing, Younger-Looking Skin

Drinking one 2-oz bottle daily gives you the pure hydrolyzed collagen protein to give your skin back the strength and elasticity of youth in one convenient pre-measured bottle.

In addition, Beauty Nectar contains:

Orza Ceramide PT, enhancing the moisturizing ratio by forming a skin protecting barrier and tightening skin tissue alignment.

Vitamin C with its antioxidant properties also stimulates the production of enzymes in fibroblasts, working to help the body form elastin and collagen.

Kiwi Seed Extract contains abundant w-6 essential fatty acids and Vitamin E for additional anti-oxidation.

Resveratrol and OPC (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin) as the main antioxidants in grape seed assist in removing free radicals.

One box (MSRP $39.99) contains 10 bottles to start you on your way to newly nourished and hydrated skin. This rapidly absorbed great-tasting collagen drink is a 100% natural quality food without sugar, chemicals or additives, providing the highest grade of hydrolyzed collagen.


Ashieda, LLC is dedicated to providing women with natural anti-aging products, formulated from the world's finest ingredients. Ashieda prides themselves on all natural, world-class ingredients, ones proven to work. Their team travels the world to investigate ingredients that for centuries have provided indigenous peoples with effective beauty aids and health remedies. These natural, safe and effective anti-aging solutions are provided for today's women.

Style Star: Fashion Advice and Style Tips For Gals On the Go!

Want to be in style but not sure how to wear the latest fashion trends? Going to an event and not sure what to wear?
The Style Star fashion app has your answers!

You start by determining whether you need help figuring out how to wear a style OR what to wear to a certain event:

The app gives you helpful suggestions on how to wear trends like: 

· Skinny jeans

· White

· Boho chic

· Peplum tops

· Maxi dress

· Boots

· Leggings

· Street style 

For example, here's a screen shot of the great advice for how to pull off skinny jeans: 

And don't worry about the app becoming out of style or obsolete! New trends and styles are added every week!

Do you have an event to attend, a closet full of clothes, but can't figure out what to wear? Style Star will help you pick out {or shop for} the perfect outfit for any occasion!

The app can guide you as to what to wear to:

· Weddings

· Horse race

· Date night

· Interview

· Funeral

· Graduation

· Job interviews

· Quinceañeras

· Easter


Here's an example of some advice on what to wear to a wedding:

For each item, there is an accompanying fashion illustration and an explanation of how to wear the item or what at wear for a given event and new tips are added each week.



Style Star is an android app that can be downloaded free on Google Play.

Spring Fashion and Beauty feat. Jergens Natural Glow

I'm obsessed with stripes and maxis, so this Michael Stars for Piperlime exclusive is perfect! I love sandals in all varieties, and often times I'll walk out of the house in a pair of heels or wedges (like these from Dolce Vita) but I make sure to bring along a cute, yet comfy pair of flats (these are from Calypso St. Barths). Since I will be toting around shoes, a big, bright durable bag (like this one by Kate Spade) is a must! No matter the season or the weather, I love a good arm party, so accessories are a necessary part of any outfit (my set features a watch from Guess, the Tory Burch Skinny Double Snap Bracelet, Jana Conner Mireille Agate Chain Bracelet in Turquoise, as well as her Aurelie Quartz Teardrop Earrings in Blue, and Classic Rayban Aviator Sunglasses).

And no look is complete without some beauty goodies! Some of my favorites for the Spring are the Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream, Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss in Candy, and Halo Long Wear Blush in Blissful. I'm also loving Secret Agent Beauty Double Agent Eyes 2 in 1 Undercover Eye Duo: in a single, sleek tube you get waterproof mascara AND liquid eyeliner! And of course, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer!

What does all of this have to do with Jergens Natural Glow? Well, after months of staying inside + no sunshine + being wrapped up in layers of clothing, even this brown girl is looking a bit pale! My favorite maxis expose all kinds of skin and my pastiness is NOT for public consumption! Lol! Jergens Natural Glow is a great and easy way for me to add natural looking color (and maintain it) without the harmful damage exposure to the sun's rays can cause. I love to use the 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer when I know we're going to be out and about over the weekend and I need to jump start my tan. Then I use the Daily Moisturizer to maintain my beautiful glow. Once again, in all honesty, I'm a bit scared to use the Daily Moisturizer for the Face that's part of the set, but I'm gonna put on my big girl panties and give it ago, so you can see the results in my beauty video post next month! Until next time...

When you wear that perfect outfit, you look and feel radiant. With that in mind, Jergens Skincare has partnered with celebrated stylist Kate Young to create Pinterest boards of image inspiration.
Describe your style below for a chance to win $250 from Jergens to update your wardrobe!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Jergens Skincare®. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.

What is Sindulge?

Sindulge.com was created to help you navigate the beauty world and provide you with unbiased expert advice to help you look your best. Enter the world of Sindulge.com to experience a whole new way to beautiful. Here are some of the many free perks that come with joining:

Bonus points on purchases
Trend and informational videos
Wide product selection from today’s best cruelty-free brands
Product reviews
Sindulger exclusive product invitations
Member testimonials (coming soon)
Access to our consultants forum (coming soon)
How the Paid Membership Works:

Create a beauty portrait and select your favorite brands and products to help us get to know you better. Join our exclusive membership program for $15 a month to access your very own personal beauty consultant who will give you advice on everything beauty. Our exclusive Sindulger membership gives you access to the following:

Your very own beauty consultant. Have questions about skin, makeup, products or trends, schedule an on-line video consultation.
Webinars provided by celebrity make-up artists
Double reward points
30 day Money-back guarantee with free return shipping


Sindulge.com inspires confidence, one person at a time.

The One Day in A Woman's Life When She Should NOT Experiment with Self Tanning... AKA: My One and Only Self Tanning Mishap (Jergens Natural Glow - Month 1)

So... I'll admit that I'm a complete novice when it comes to self tanning. I am naturally a shade caramel that varies depending on the season (and my exposure to the sun), and in general, I'm okay with that. I'll admit, there are times during the cold winter months when I look at my limbs and am shocked at how "pale" they appear, but I suppose in my case, it's all relative.

The one time I did experiment with self tanning, was quite by accident and really at a most inopportune moment in my life. Yes folks, it was on my wedding day. See, "what had happened was..."
My hubby and I were married in Las Vegas. No we didn't elope at some roadside quickie chapel (though there's absolutely no judgement from me if that's your thing). We had a very nice ceremony with our families present and everything. It was quite beautiful, especially given the fact that it was planned in less than a month.

In the whirlwind of planning an out of state wedding (and getting married in general), I failed to pack body lotion. I discovered this once we arrived at our hotel and sent my soon-to-be husband to the the closest store to buy me some. I don't recall whether I gave him a specific request or not, but (bless his heart) being the thoughtful gentlemen he is, he picked the most expensive bottle he could find, thinking that it must be the best. Turns out it was a gradual self tanning lotion, which at the time I actually saw as fortuitous, seeing as we were getting married in the dead of winter and I was wearing a strapless dress. I figured it was the perfect way to add some color to my complexion and really shine in my wedding photos.

Oh, my dress! It was absolutely gorgeous! The first one I tried on at the first shop we went to-it was a beautiful full length, off white, silk/satin number from Ann Taylor. I totally envisioned carefully storing the dress and preserving it for my daughters. Unfortunately, my inexperience with self tanners got the best of my dress...

I had only been using the lotion for two days when I made the mistake of applying it, right before I put on my dress. How I did not notice the gradual staining of my hands before I noticed the orange/brown streaks that were now on the sides of my dress, I will never know. But I was relieved that I could conceal the stains if I strategically placed my arms just so. So a minor mishap, on a very major day, sort of scarred me on self tanning... until now...

I've been extended the wonderful opportunity to test out Jergen's newly reformulated self tanning products, The Natural Glow Collection, and over the next few months, I am going to share my experience with them with you! The Collection includes:

3 Days to Glow Moisturizer: gives gradual color, while allowing you to jump start the tanning process, by giving you a skin tone one shade darker in just 3 days!

Daily Moisturizer: creates natural looking, gradual color coverage, that is not only streakless, it contains Jergens break-through, patent pending technology that eliminates the traditional sunless tan odor! It also nourishes the skin, so that your skin looks healthy as it glows!

Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen for the Face: Protect your face from the suns harmful rays with this daily face moisturizer with SPF 20, all while adding natural, even color to your skin. It's gentle enough for daily use, in fact if you want to intensify your results, you can apply it more than once a day!

I'm really excited to see the effects of this self tanner on my complexion, and now I have the added benefit of knowing that I really need to wash my hands after each use!

NEW Jergens® Natural Glow Moisturizer provides the same great, natural-looking color but without the sunless tanner odor!

Do you have any embarrassing self tanning mishaps? My inquiring mind wants to know! Plus sharing your story can mean winning a $250 Visa gift card! Until next time...

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Jergens Skincare®. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.