SinfulColors Spring Nail Polish Review

February 7, 2017 By Merrilee Kaminski

SinfulColors

KANDEE JOHNSON COLLECTION

Left to right: Mint Chip ~ Kanfetti ~ Pin up Pink ~ Strawberry Milk ~ Whipped Frosting ~ Candy Hearts

I love nail polish! The rack on my office wall holds 120 nail polishes. My family thinks I have an obsession. Truth be told, I share those polishes with my 24 year old daughter Megan. In our collection, you will find, sparkle, iridescence, shiny beautiful colors and topcoats, but not one single matte in the bunch. When I got the opportunity to review the SinfulColors Pretty Vintage Collection, which includes 8 matte shades and one sparkling glitter shade, I said “Yes Please!”

Left to right: Mint Chip ~ Kanfetti ~ Pin up Pink ~ Strawberry Milk ~ Whipped Frosting ~ Candy Hearts

Megan volunteered to be my tester for this polish since I had just received a french manicure and wanted to wear it a bit longer. She’s a trooper! I polished the fingers on her left hand with 2 coats of each color. The top picture below is one coat of polish, two finished coats pictured on the bottom. The matte colors dried very quickly, feeling soft and velvety to the touch. The light pink shade streaked a bit even after two coats.

On Megan’s right hand, I used one coat of the Whipped Frosting (matte white) and topped it with Kanfetti, a pastel blue, pink and green sparkling glitter. Kanfetti needed two coats to distribute the sparkles effectively, resulting in a fun, summery nail style.

My daughter agreed to keep me posted daily for seven days on the wear of the nail polishes. The first check in, day one of the experiment, showed one tiny chip on Mint Chip (matte green) on her pinky nail. The white nails topped with Kanfetti were still going strong at this point. Pictured below are her nails after one week of wear time.

There was no base or top coat included or used in this review. Megan felt it lasted better than other polishes but would have liked to see how it performs with a matte top coat. It chipped in smaller pieces compared to other polished she’s tried that come off in larger chunks. She really loved the velvety soft feel and look of the polish. Sadly, the nail with Mint Chip was left stained upon removal with acetone and heavy scrubbing, which was a disappointment. Perhaps the use of a base coat would have prevented the staining? Overall, this collection has a retro vibe…fun, flirty and perfect for the upcoming Spring season.

SinfulColors Kandee Johnson Pretty Vintage polishes sell for $1.99, are made in the U.S.A. and are 5 Free (Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DPB and Camphor Free). They are available January – April 2017 in retailers nationwide, including Walgreen and Walmart.

*Always full disclosure here! Although some items are sent for review, compensation of any kind is never accepted in exchange for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and not edited by any companies mentioned.

Merrilee Kaminski

TheraZinc Lozenges Will Keep you Healthy on The Go #Giveaway

January 24, 2017 By Marijean

Seems like everyone I know is getting sick! I was so sick the week before Christmas, and it seemed that it lasted so long and I couldn’t get any relief.

Even though the holidays are behind us, cold season is still in full swing. It can be difficult to stay healthy and keep your immune system strong as you head back to work, the gym, and your daily routine. Here are a few tips from Quantum Health to help you feel your best in 2017!!

Go to bed early. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to suppressed immune system function.
Wash your hands frequently. If you’re tired of hearing this old adage, check out the science behind hand-washing, as reported by the CDC.
Put down the candy. Avoiding sugar is a great way to keep your immune system in fighting shape. Consuming sugar can suppress your immune system for hours after ingestion.
Take a walk. Not only is this good for your waistline, but exercise provides a myriad of immune benefits, from flushing out bacteria to slowing the release of stress hormones.
Keep a roll of TheraZinc lozenges handy. These delicious supplements combine elderberry and zinc to keep you feeling your best. They are easy to keep in a purse or backpack, and dissolve quickly in your mouth.

Zinc Elderberry Lozenges in a Pocket-size roll.

With the addition of Zinc, these lozenges combine two popular, immune-boosting nutrients.*

Research from Europe suggests that Elderberry and Zinc provide the nutritional support your body craves.

Ingredients: Zinc (from Zinc Gluconate), Elderberry Powdered Extract Other Ingredients: Sugar, Dextrose, Fructose, Maltodextrin, Natural Flavor, Magnesium Stearate and Rebaudioside – A (Stevia Extract).

Recently, an analysis of several studies showed that zinc lozenges reduce the length of a cold by one day, especially when taken within 24 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold. I am willing to try anything to help reduce cold symptoms. I was pretty excited when I was contacted to try out these Lozenges. I haven’t had a cold yet to really try them out, however the flavor and taste of the Elderberry is great. They are not chalky like some lozenges, and go down nice and smooth. I love that I can keep them in my purse. I am looking forward to really trying these our when I am sick with a cold or virus.

These also come in a 60 count bottle for $8.99, and Zinc Echinacea in roll or bottle form. Each roll is currently $2.29. Very affordable!

Giveaway

We are giving our readers a chance to win a 14 pack of the Lozenges plus a $25 gift card to Amazon!! One lucky reader will win! Giveaway ends 2/6. U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with Quantum Health: Website Twitter Facebook Pinterest

*I received these tips plus a 14 pack of Lozenges in exchange for this blog post. All thoughts are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Chefsteps Joule Sous Vide Review

December 17, 2016 By Marijean

My husband loves to cook. I always said he missed his calling in life, he should have been a chef. He loves kitchen gadgets and always buying new ones that come out. I am very lucky that he does all of the cooking because, to be honest, I am NOT a good cook. I always say I wish there was a simple way for me to cook with food coming out actually edible. Well, luckily for me I have found a way! Let me introduce you to the best cooking tool you could have in your home….Chefsteps Joule.

Joule is a rugged kitchen tool that’s made for everyday use. Its strong, durable body is made of extruded polycarbonate, and the top and foot are 316L stainless steel. There is no display to break, which also means Joule is half the weight and size of other sous vide tools, so you can carry it in your knife bag or store it in your top drawer. Joule preheats water way faster than other sous vide devices, and the LED is all the display you’ll need for information at a glance. Heat a pot of water. Or a Cambro. Or the kitchen sink. Capable of heating 20 liters of water or more and equipped with a universal clip along with a magnetic base, Joule works where you want it to work. With Bluetooth LE and WiFi control, you can cook from anywhere. When’s the last time you started cooking from work? Or the bus? Never, that’s when!

What is Sous Vide?

Sous Vide is a French term that describes cooking food in a sealed bag, immersed in water that is kept in the exact temperature that you set. That means steak is never over cooked, chicken is always tender and briskets are fall apart tender.

When I first heard about Sous Vide cooking, I kinda looked at my husband like he was crazy. Cooking meat in a bag? Say what?! No thanks.. not for me. If I only knew then how much of a staple this would be in my kitchen. This little cooking tool is AMAZING. It will honestly change the way you cook forever.

How to use the Joule:

Using the Joule is really easy peasy. As long as you have a smart phone, you are good to go. Just download the Joule app (free!!) for Android or IOS and connects via bluetooth. This app gives you easy step by step instructions on how to use the Joule to cook the best meal. You pick the recipe and it will tell you exactly what to do. I love that because I am the type of person who needs detailed step by step instructions on how to cook a meal. All the controls happen on the app, other than the On-Off button on Joule.

The first meal I cooked was New York Strip Steaks. We are BIG steak eaters in our house and my husband hates when his steaks are overcooked. So, the first thing you do is pick a recipe from the app. Then plug in and set the Joule in your water (The unit is waterproof – the entire thing can be submerged). This can be a pot, a bucket…anything you wish that the Joule will fit in. Since the Joule is small in size you do not need a giant pot to cook in. How cool is that?! Then we seasoned each steak and pre-seared them per recipe. Put each steak in a separate zip lock style bag (another awesome thing is this does not require bags to be purchased from Chefsteps, you can put your meat in any type of ziplock bag you please). From there, we attach the bags to the sides of the pot with clips (we use chip style clips, thank you oxo) and you just press start on the app and then that is it! You just sit back and relax and wait for your meal to be done! So simple! When it was done we gave it a quick sear over the grill (you can also use a pan) and the steak was ready to eat. You will be able to enjoy the most perfectly cooked steak you have every had.

Is the Joule powerful?! Yes it is! Joule features 1100 watts of power. This is the most powerful Sous Vide on the market for home use.

Usually when we cook steak or go out to a restaurant, we ask for medium or medium rare. With traditional grilling, we usually end up with overcooked meat. The Joule will never overcook. You will get edge to edge perfection. Our steak came out perfect as you can see from the photo. It was very tender and super juicy. My husband brought the Joule to work and cooked chicken, he said it came out super moist and flavorful.

Meat isn’t the only thing you can cook in the Joule. You can cook vegetables, eggs and desserts!! The possibilities are endless with all of the delicious recipes on the app. The Joule makes cooking so easy, and the app is super helpful with the detailed instructions and pictures.

We are so happy with the ChefSteps Joule. It has changed the way we cook forever. We are very excited to try Prime Rib with the Joule for our Christmas Dinner!

ChefSteps is selling Joule for $199. This would make an awesome gift for someone who LOVES to cook (or wants an easier way of cooking, like myself)!

Connect with ChefSteps: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

*I received a Joule in exchange for this review. All thoughts are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Leapfrog Holiday Gifts for Toddlers (Review) (Holiday Gift Guide)

December 3, 2016 By Marijean

The holidays are here! If you are looking for educational and fun toys for your toddler and preschooler, look no further. Leapfrog has some great products, and I was able to review two of them.

Learn & Groove™ Musical Mat

Get a jump on counting with 3 ways to play!

Twist, dance, leap, laugh, count and learn with the Learn & Groove™ Musical Mat—designed especially for active toddlers. Keep little ones moving and exploring with 50+ songs and phrases and 3 ways to play. Ages 2-5 yrs. $29.99.

The Learn & Groove Musical Mat is for ages 2 years to 5 years. I have a 5 year old and 8 year old, my 8 year old even loves it since she understands the instructions and patterns. The Musical Mat is designed to help gross motor skills, music, rhythm and of course numbers. Both of my kids love music and dancing, so this mat is perfect. My kindergartner is learning numbers and patterns, so this is great for him. I love that this musical mat encourages kids to get up and be active. With all of the songs and ways to play, the kids love spending time playing with this mat!

Count Along Cash Register

Count on big learning fun with a singing register pal that counts, talks and sings—20 checkout items included! Ages 2-4 yrs. $19.99.

Product Features:

Count on big learning fun with a singing register pal that counts, talks and sings-20 checkout items included! Requires 3 AAA batteries (included for product demonstration only; replace for home use). For ages 2 and up.
Counting and imaginative role play combine with a register pal that comes to life with 50+ fun phrases and educational songs. Spunky, singing register has plenty of numbers, counting and role play skills in store.
Set up your store! Place food items on a table or shelves, give your customers their coins, and invite them on a shopping spree! Shop for milk and eggs. Scan the carrots. Insert the correct amount of coins or swipe a shopping card!
Total button tells you how many coins to insert in the count-along coin slot. Shop along to cool sounds and fun songs.
Includes cash register, 8 colorful food pieces, 10 coins and a shopping card. Skills learned include colors, counting, and numbers.

This cash register had provided endless hours of fun for my kids. My kindergartner is learning how to count money by using it and some simple math. My 8 year old loves to shop with me so she is really loving to pretend she is a store cashier. There are many fun features, It has a smiling face that lights up when buttons are pressed. It sings, counts, tells you the number you are pressing and it adds up your total by pressing the pictured healthy food buttons. It has been providing my kids with endless fun.

These would make great holiday gifts or birthday gifts! Check out all of Leapfrog’s educational toys by clicking here.

*I received these products by being in the Leapfrog Blogger Program. All thoughts are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Christmas Gift Wrap Sets From Zippkids Amazon Store Review

November 30, 2016 By Heather Little

With Thanksgiving 2016 over, the countdown to Christmas is officially on! With the ease of shopping online these days, it seems like it’s almost become possible to buy everything you need right from the comfort of your own home. But while you’re shopping for that perfect gift, don’t forget the supplies you’ll need to wrap them all up. It’s now easy to take the hassle out of gift wrapping with great Christmas wrap bundles available online from the zippkids Amazon.com store.

I picked out two different bundles – one was a kraft style pack and the other a cheerful and bright red, green, and blue set. The kraft gift wrap bundle comes with 44 pieces, including various sized boxes from “robe” to “mug” size, gift tags, stickers, and tissue paper. The festive color bundle has 57 pieces, including several really cute gift bags. What I love about these gift wrap bundles is that the boxes and accessories make gift wrapping so simple – no need for paper. Just put your presents inside the beautiful boxes with tissue and tags that are included and they’re ready to give!

These Christmas gift wrap sets are also an excellent value for just under $17 for the bundle and with Amazon Prime, you can get them shipped free right to your door in just a couple days. So once you’ve picked out just the right holiday gift for your friends or family, be sure to make it a “complete package” wrapped in a great gift bag or box from zippkids.

You can purchase these gift wrap sets from Amazon at the below links:

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Gift-Box-Set-Supplies/dp/B01LFMRJA0/ref=sr_1_1?m=A20YS3S7GIT562&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1477594364&sr=1-1&keywords=44

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Gift-Wrapping-Set-Glitter/dp/B01LZVI7TV/ref=sr_1_1?m=A20YS3S7GIT562&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1477594987&sr=1-1&keywords=glitter&th=1

*I received the above gift wrap sets in exchange for this review. All thoughts are my own.

Heather Little

My name is Heather Little and my husband and I have two sweet girls and one crazy dog. We moved to Florida 6 years ago and have loved every minute of it! I enjoy crafting, good food, shopping, and of course travel!