Friday, November 30, 2012

Carmex Orange Everyday Lip Conditioner - Review

Chapped lips, dry scaly skin, and a cold...

Winter is definitely here!

With winter comes, Kleenex, cough drops, and Carmex.  If you were to look in my purse you'd find a couple of those cute travel packs of Kleenex, cough drops in every variety, and Carmex lotion and lip balm.  My favorite lip balm is the traditional jar balm, but I also enjoy many of the stick varieties.  Recently, the nice people at Carmex sent me their orange everyday lip conditioner to try.  I have to tell you that it smelled amazing.  I immediately put some on and had a flashback to those delicious orange Creamsicles that I used to eat as a child.  I was thrilled.  I thought I'd found a new favorite.  Unfortunately, it is whiter than many of the other varieties I've used in the past.  I have had a hard time finding the right amount to use.  (Which could definitely be operator error.)  It seems that I need too much to make my lips feel soft, so they also look a little white (like I got caught eating a cream filled doughnut).  While this is a bit of problem when I'm out in public, it isn't an issue at night.  So, I've reserved my orange lip conditioner for bedtime.

If you loved orange Creamsicles as a child, then you should definitely try the orange everyday lip conditioner from Carmex.  It does smell delicious and you might be better at applying than I was.

Though the orange everyday lip conditioner won't replace any of the other Carmex products in my stash, it may be just right for you!

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Kylie Minogue "The Abbey Road Sessions" (Review)


When I think of Kylie Minogue, I think of fun pop songs like Can't Get You Out of My Head or Love At First Sight.  While I enjoy her music, she was never on my list of favorite artists.  It wasn't until I listened to "The Abbey Road Sessions" that I heard the depth of Kylie's voice.  Even though some of the songs are the same ones she is known for, the songs all sound a bit more mature.  The music is now suitable for an adult dinner party . . . no Locomotion required (but it is on the CD if you feel like doing it).

Check out this sampler from the album:



If you enjoy it as much as I did, then you can get your own copy of the album on itunes or Amazon.

*Disclaimer - I received a copy of the CD from One2One network in exchange for my honest review.  I did not receive any additional compensation, but am eligible for prizes.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Roads - Chris Mann (Review)


My music tastes vary pretty significantly depending on my mood.   Sometimes I'm in the mood for a nice relaxing style of music, and sometimes I just want to dance.  When I'm in an "at home" kind of mood, Chris Mann has recently become one of my favorites.  My favorite song from his new album, Roads, is actually the title track.  It is strong and emotional.  The message is one that I think we all can relate to.

I really love Chris Mann's voice.  Personally, I wish he had more original songs on this album and fewer covers, but overall I have definitely enjoyed listening to it.

You can get your own copy of this album on itunes or amazon.  

Disclosure: This is a review post from One2One Network. I was provided with a copy of the album and I am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated are my own.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

What I Love Wednesday - Sisterly Love

Peanut and Pumpkin have been known to fight (daily).  However, when push comes to shove, I love that they look out for each other.  

Recently Peanut received an invitation to a party at the local pool.

Pumpkin:  Can I go too?
Me:  No.  Sorry, but the invitation was only for Peanut.
Peanut:  If Susie's mom says Pumpkin can come, can she?
Me:  Of course.  If she mentions it, then Pumpkin can go too.

Two days later I receive an email from Susie's mom telling me that Susie is looking forward to having Peanut at the party.  She also mentions that Pumpkin is more than welcome to attend to.  At first, I think nothing of it.  The girls are only 17 months apart in age, so parents often include both in invitations.  Then, it occurs to me that Peanut might have said something to Susie.

Me:  Did you said something to Susie about Pumpkin coming to the party?
Peanut:  Yes.  I asked her to ask her mom if Pumpkin could come too.
Me:  You can't just invite people to someone else's party.
Peanut:  Why not?  You said she could go if it was okay, and I want her to come too.
Me:  It just isn't polite.  

While it isn't polite, it was just so thoughtful that I had to smile.  Even now, every time I look over and see them playing together, it makes me happy.  My children aren't perfect, but they are kind.  They love each other - and that is something that I absolutely love!




Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway

The holidays are fast approaching, which means that it is time to start thinking about gifts for the little ones in your life.  Melissa & Doug have long been a favorite in our house.  We especially love our Melissa & Doug Easel and Make-a-Face Sticker Pad.  My girls are very crafty, so gifts like that are always a huge hit.

This year, I'm thinking of getting the girls Suspend.  It looks like a great game for family game night in our house.  Even though it says it is for ages 8+, the reviews sound promising for kids that are slightly younger as well.



If you have a child on your list, and you don't know where to start, I recommend that you check out the Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List.  You will find a wonderful gift for any child from 1-8+.  Even better, head over to the Melissa & Doug Facebook page for a chance to win a gift from the list every day until November 20.




Would you like another chance to win a great Melissa & Doug product?  Of course you would!  Here's your chance.  I'm giving away a Suspend game to one of my readers.  Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer:  I will receive a toy in exchange for my post.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

What's for Dinner?

For us, the answer is usually one of a few recipes that I make that the entire family is willing to eat.  Most of our go-to meals are either Italian, Mexican, or anything I can throw in my slow cooker.  Do you enjoy Mexican food?

How about some Old El Paso?  

The people at Old El Paso sent me a link to a microsite to share with my readers.  If you register on the site, you can receive one of 24 free product coupons (by mail) or a downloadable coupon for $1.10 off two old El Paso Products.  The microsite also includes some new Old El Paso recipes for you to try.
From delicious dinner kits, to tasty enchilada sauce, zesty green chiles, refried beans and award winning flour tortillas – Old El Paso has a variety of products that make it simple to serve a Mexican Fiesta for your family tonight. 
According to a recent survey: 
Nearly half of Americans (45 percent) crave Mexican food more than once a month, but more than 60 percent of Americans said they don’t often prepare Mexican food at home because they don’t know how to make it.
Two-thirds of American crave Mexican food at least once a month, yet 37 percent don’t often prepare the cuisine at home.

Americans are most likely to eat Mexican food when it’s prepared at a restaurant (63%), as one-third say the biggest pitfall to making Mexican food at home is that the food doesn’t taste like it does in the restaurant.*

*According to a recent survey conducted by ORC International
Don't miss your chance!  Register now for your coupon and some inspiration for your next meal.



Disclaimer: Information and the Old El Paso microsite was provided to me by Old El Paso. I did not receive any compensation for this post. I just wanted to pass on some savings to my loyal readers.