Old Navy’s New Activewear for Women Collection

This is a compensated post brought to you by Old Navy. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

I was so excited when Old Navy asked me to review their new line of activewear for women! It couldn’t have come at a better time since I just started using an exercise machine at home and started a routine with crunches and lunges as well. I would love a gym membership, but alas, my home gym will have to do for now!

100_4036

Kat Checking out the selection

Old Navy has some amazing new items in their line of Active Wear for women. I took my longtime friend, Kat, of Kit Kat Plus Celiac (blog) and we hit the local Old Navy to check out all they had to offer! I browsed online before heading to the store and I love that you can find out what is available at your local store and in stock before you head there. That made me get very excited about doing my shopping trip!

When we first got to the Old Navy Activewear section, I loved the brightly colored shoes! I think I will have to come back and get them. I especially liked the orange and purple ones.

100_4035

100_4034

I picked a pair of Old Navy Compression Capris to try with two different shirts. The first one, A Mesh-Bubble Tank was cute and came in a variety of bright colors. I am kind of boring, so I was thrilled to see they offered it in more basic colors like this one I chose. I did like it, but didn’t think I would like it when working out. It seemed to showy and I was looking for something more practical.

OLDNAVY1

I loved the Compression Capris! They were comfortable and I didn’t feel like too much was “hanging out”. I loved that they made working out a very comfortable experience. Less friction when moving as well as a feeling that I was not constricted in my movements. What made me feel amazing, though, was my husband said I looked “sexy” in them. I hope he wasn’t just buttering me up for something!

Kat found a couple outfits in the activewear for women line as well and I think she looked amazing in them!

OLDNAVY3

The second shirt I tried was the Mesh Top. I settled on this one because I liked how it would breathe well and it was a bit less restrictive that the first shirt I tried on.

OLDNAVY2

Overall, Kat and I had a blast modeling our active wear outfits and the staff at Old Navy was super helpful!

Fysiko Eyelash Serum

I was sent a free trail of Fysiko Eyelash serum to try to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Being that I am a natural redhead (auburn actually, but I have all the makings of a fire-red hair beauty-freckles, pale skin, you know the deal), one thing I struggle with is having short and sparse eyelashes. My eyelashes are so sparse and blonde, unless I use heavy mascara, you don’t even know they are there.

100_4018 100_4020

I am using a trial run of the Fysiko Eyelash serum to see if it can help me grow the long-much sought after look of long, full lashes. This is my intro post showing you where I am at after 1 week of using it. I have not seen any results so far, but it can take up to 4-6 weeks to start to see them. Full effect happens usually after 16 weeks.

I can tell you, it is non-irritating. I tend to have pretty sensitive eyes and reactions to even certain eyeliners and Fysiko has no irritating effects. I suspect this is because it contains natural ingredients proven to grow lashes and it is cheaper than the leading prescription.

100_4017

To apply Fysiko, simply use it like you would a liquid liner on the top lashes only with clean skin. You can apply it under makeup but it is suggested you wait a bit after applying Fysiko before applying eyeliner, shadow or mascara. (You can use it on eyebrows as well, but I don’t need help in that department!)

100_4022

I am looking forward to seeing effects in a few weeks. I will keep you updated!

 

Neutrogena Naturals

I am always looking for new ways to love my skin again. As I have said before, my skin has been “misbehaving” since I hit my thirties and until now, I didn’t have a need for lengthy skin cleanser systems because I was very lucky and blessed with skin that was very nice, even toned and I rarely had a breakout. Yes, even as a teenager. When I would get a breakout, it was usually around my menstrual cycle and it was not good, but it wasn’t cystic acne.

Since I hit my thirties, my skin has been hating on me. Maybe it is the years of just using soap and water that are catching up with me or maybe it is just hormonal shifts, but breakouts happen frequently and my skin is no longer smooth or even-toned.

I was happy to be sent a few of the new products from the Neutrogena Naturals line to try out on my naughty skin.

I was sent Acne Spot Treatment, Acne Cream Cleanser and Acne Foaming Scrub.

100_3880

What is different about Neutrogena’s Naturals collection?

Neutrogena’s Naturals collection is 93% Plant derived. This means that it contains more natural ingredients than the typical formula.

 

100_3883

Pros:

I like that the formula contains more natural ingredients than the typical acne formulas. They have a great citrus scent and this is nicely invigorating. The cream cleanser lathers up nicely and I found a small bit of smoothing out of skin from the scrub.

Cons:

The first thing I noticed was burning when I applied the cream cleanser. It seemed to intensify as it stayed on my skin longer and even lingered after I washed it off. It was almost painful. I saw that my face got red and blotchy after. The Acne Spot Treatment worked fast. I found that it cleared up a forming pimple in less than 2 days, however, it dried out the skin, leaving flakiness in it’s path.

Verdict:

I would not recommend this line to those that have sensitive skin. I found that although it cleaned well, it irritated also.

To purchase:

Please check out the full line of products on the Neutrogena website and also use the coupon for $1 off Neutrogena Naturals both online and in store.

Waking up to “Positively RADIANT” skin with Aveeno!

I was sent a free full size container of Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream by Aveeno and Influenster in order to conduct this review. Please note, all opinions are my own.

As my skin has been aging, I have been on a roller-coaster of trying products that will help bring back some of that youthful glow I once had. While wrinkles are a concern of mine, I also have noticed that as I have gone into my thirties, my skin lacks glow, youthful shin and just looks dull! No amount of makeup will fix this for me.

I am very happy to report that Aveeno’s new Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream has helped clear up some of that dull, lack luster skin! While I have only been using it for a short time, I can see a difference. My skin looks like it’s tone has improved as well as some of the blotchiness has gone down.

100_3995

Aveeno uses active naturals-with soy, to boost my skin’s appearance. This skin-brightening formula fights to bring back the five factors of radiance- Tone, Texture, Dullness, Blotchiness and Brown Spots.

What’s more, it is so easy to use and really felt great on my skin. It just requires gently smoothing the cream over the entire face and neck area after cleaning. I loved that it did not feel greasy, either. One of the biggest reasons I stop using night creams or really and face product is the feeling of wearing a greasy mask afterwards. I was happy this new product from Aveeno did not do that. This is one product I will be adding to my nightly skin care routine!

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Gartner Studios

With mother’s day coming this weekend, time is running out to get your mom (or yourself!) the perfect gift. Luckily, Gartner Studios has so much to offer mom!

If you have a mom who loves to bake, you should really consider getting her gourmet cake mixes, frosting and decorations from The Duff Goldman collection. I was sent a red velvet cake mix, “not your bagel’s” cream cheese frosting, Cupcake wires and Cupcake clear charms to test out in my own kitchen! My daughter and I had a blast making these cupcakes!

100_3902

As a person who longs for some baking talent, but doesn’t seem to possess is despite my female family members carrying this magical charm, this was a perfect way to make some magic in the kitchen! The cake mix was super easy to make and let me tell you, these cupcakes were awesome!

100_3904

I rallied my helper, aka 10 year old daughter, into helping me make these delectable goodies. She was all smiles when she saw how red the mix was!

100_3907

After we let them cool, I went to town decorating them with the cupcake wires and charms. The “Not your bagel’s” cream cheese frosting was amazing! It was so creamy and not over-overpoweringly sweet! It complimented the Red Velvet Cake perfectly!

100_3918

 

As a cupcake amateur, I do have to say, the cupcake wires and charms took a bit of playing with to get them to set up. I am still not sure I did it right, but I think these would be amazing for a special occasion!

100_3909

After we did cupcakes, we decided to dig into the candy Gartner sent us. I loved how pearl-esque the gumballs were! I think these would make amazing baby shower party favors! They are bursting with flavor as well. The chocolate balls covered in lavender foil would make awesome wedding favors, in my opinion. Gartner even has some craft ideas using these sweet confections!

100_3957

100_3958

After a day of baking in the kitchen, this mom wanted to relax. Good thing Gartner sent me a Mara Mi scented candle in “blush”. The fragrance was not over powering, but it did nicely fill the room with an inviting floral scent. It burned slowly and evenly and I loved the notes of fig and vanilla.

100_3963

Doesn’t Gartner Studios just have everything moms will love? The best part is you can find all this amazing stuff at your local Micheal’s craft store as well as select Walmart and Target locations! So head there and check out all Gartner has including the products mentioned here and stationary, too!

Make sure to check out the Duff Goldman Brand on Twitter and Facebook as well!

Find Your Inspiration with The Gro Project {Tutorial}

This post brought to you by Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

Being that spring is still barely starting in Montana, I am getting antsy to start my gardening! I love the smell of soil, the cool water on my fingertips and just being like a kid again and playing in the dirt! The ground is softer outside, but I worry about planting things yet as we still have snow occasionally, so I found inspiration in Miracle-Gro’s, “The Grow Project” and did an indoor terrarium!

This terrarium took me very little time, but allowed some creative edge and dirt digging to commence and that made me one happy woman!

What is The Gro Project?

Miracle Gro wants you to find inspiration and “roll up your sleeves” to get started on your gardening projects, indoor and out! I find gardening very relaxing and it allows me to make living works of art! That’s what The Gro Project is all about!

Watch this video and find out what inspiration you can get by joining the movement!

Here’s how I made my mark on my spring gardening with this simple terrarium:

You will need:

  • Moisture Control Potting Mix
  • A clean glass container-this can be any size. I used a giant brandy snifter I got at Walmart (where you can find plenty of Miracle Grow products, by the way!)
  • Plants of your choice-use indoor plants like succulents, cacti and even small indoor foliage
  • Craft rocks or glass rocks
  • Small garden statues or decorations

Optional: Moss or Shake’n Feed All Purpose Plant Food from Miracle-Gro

1. Start by washing your container and throroughly drying it. You don’t want it to be wet when you add the Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix. The Moisture Control Potting mix is important because you don’t want too much or not enough moisture in the kinds of plants you will be using for this project and since it will have no drain holes in the bottom, it is vital you keep the moisture at optimal levels.

2. Add a small amount, about an inch of Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting mix to the bottom of your container. I used a soup ladle for this as it helped me make less mess and allowed me to pat it down nicely.

3. When you have enough soil in the bottom of your container, gently add your choice of plants. I used some indoor foliage as I thought it kind of looked like a mini-palm tree.

4. Add enough soil around the roots of the plant to make it stable.

5. This is the fun part! Add your decorations and rocks in any way you choose. I am hoping to get some sparkly gems to ad to it down the line. Don’t you just love that mushroom?

6. Gently water it. Not too much, but enough to moisten the soil. How often you water will depend on the plants chosen.

 

Looking for more inspiration and fun garden projects? Make sure you check out more from The Gro Project on Miracle Gro’s facebook page and join the movement! Also, for more projects, take a look at Miracle Gro’s Pinterest boards!

Having trouble this season or just need some advice? Check out the Miracle-Gro website for tips!

 

Visit Sponsor's Site

Enter to Win a Goya Prize Pack!

Want a head start on making Chicken Avocado Quesadillas or the other recipes in the new Goya bilingual MyPlate cookbook? You are in luck, because Goya is allowing one reader to win a can of Goya Organic Low Sodium Black Beans, Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the cookbook!

Chicken Avocado Recipe

Just enter to win below! Giveaway runs from 5/6-5-14/2013! Open to US residents, 18+. Please allow a few moments for the Rafflecopter widget to load :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chicken Avocado Quesadillas

Just because Cinco De Mayo was yesterday, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious Latin style foods all month, heck, all year long!

I made a delicious quesadilla yesterday for my family to enjoy on the holiday. I want to share this with my readers and tell you about the wonderful products Goya has to help you make healthy and hearty Latin-infused meals!

chickenavo1

To make Chicken Avocado Quesadillas, you will need:

  • Goya Organic Low Sodium Black Beans (1 can)
  • Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 small tomatoes
  • 2 Ripe Avocados
  • 2 Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded
  • Large Flour Tortillas
  • 1 small tub of Low Fat Sour Cream
  • 1 Can Enchilada Sauce
  • Hot sauce
  • Chilli Powder
  • Cheese Slices

100_3920

1. Start by peeling and slicing avocados. One trick to this is to cut the avocado all the way around length-wise. Then twist, gently.

100_3921

When you have the fruit in halves, take a chef’s knife and stick it into the pit. Gently pull the pit out and slide it the knife off. Please be careful in this step!

100_3922

100_3923

100_3927

2. Dice tomatoes.

100_3937

3. Empty Goya Organic Low Sodium Black Beans into a strainer and rinse off.

100_3935

4. To make the spicy sour cream, first add it to a bowl. Pour in about half a can of enchilada sauce. Mix.

100_3930

Add a teaspoon of chilli powder and a couple drops of hot sauce. Mix again.

100_3931 100_3932 100_3933

5. Heat skillet on medium-high. Add a splash of Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

100_3939

6. Spread a small amount of spicy sour cream onto one half of a tortilla.

100_3940

7. Add a couple slices of avocado.

100_3941

8. Top with shredded Chicken and a small handful of Goya Organic Low Sodium Black Beans. Add 2 cheese slices.

100_3944

9. Fold over and gently place in skillet.

100_3945

10. Flip after about 1 minute.

100_3947

When cheese is melted, you are ready to enjoy! Top with more spicy sour cream and tomatoes!

100_3946

Goya makes it so easy to make Latin-inspired meals! Hungry for more? Goya has released a new bilingual MyPlate Cookbook that features easy to follow, delicious meals anyone can make and your family is sure to enjoy! Make sure you check out Goya’s wonderful line of products from beans, to sauces and even frozen vegetables.

Follow Goya on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook for more tasty recipes with Latin flare!

Want a head start on making this recipe or the other recipes in the new Goya bilingual MyPlate cookbook? Click here to enter to win a Goya prize pack!

Adding a Dash of Spice to Your Dishes with Beaverton Foods

Condiments are almost an essential part of any family’s pantry and fridge. There are so many to choose from these days and it can be hard to know which one is the best tasting and highest quality without spending a small fortune. Beavertoon foods, an Oregon based company, has always been one of my top favorites!

beavertonfoods1

I have used their Sweet n Spicy Mustard for years in my Tuna salad recipe. Beaver brand (Beaverton foods) has some new tasty, zingy condiments for you to try! I was sent Beaver Hickory Bacon Mustard, Imglehoffer Seafood Cocktail Sauce, Inglehoffer Applewood Smoked Bacon Mustard and Pacific Farms Wasabi to try out.

100_3858

I love playing with condiments and one of my favorite ways to try them is on my homemade Chicken strips. I made a sampling of them in bowls for my family to try. Oddly enough, a favorite was the cocktail sauce. I have always thought of cocktail sauce as a condiment for fish and seafood, but it really is pretty good on chicken!

We had left overs of our chicken strips and I made this delicious chicken sandwich the next day:

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Bacon Sandwiches:

  • Toasted Bread
  • Chicken strips
  • Beaver Brand Hickory Bacon Mustard or Inglehoffer Brand Applewood Smoked Bacon Mustard
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Ham slices

Spread mustard on both sides of the bread. Top with Swiss cheese and chicken strips (you ca either heat them or have them cold-if they have already been cooked). Delicious!

Pros:

These condiments are packed with flavor! I loved how the wasabi was zippy but not overly hot, as long as you don’t get carried away. As I mentioned, we loved the cocktail sauce and the mustards were awesome on our sandwiches the next day!

Cons:

If you are not a fan of spicy stuff, the wasabi can be a bit over-powering. However, just use it sparingly and there shouldn’t be a problem.

Verdict:

As always, I highly recommend Beaverton Foods’ Beaver Brand and Inglehoffer. They surpass my standards of quality and value. I loved looking at the website as I can see they have many more delicious flavors available to try that I had never seen before.

To purchase:

You can find many of your favorite Beaverton foods brands at local and chain supermarkets as well as order online on their website.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: The Original Green Pan

Being a person who has a passion for cooking and training in a professional kitchen, I am kind of a harsh critic when it comes to kitchenware. My knives are top of the line professional, always sharp and full tang. I have gadgets that many people do not have. I take great pride in owning the best of the best and I am so glad to give my personal seal of approval to the Original Green Pan!

greenpan1

What makes the Original Green Pan so amazing?

First, it is heavy duty. You can tell the quality of a pan by it’s weight. This pan is heavy and quality constructed with a heat resistant handle held on by two screws for better durability. Second, it has an amazing Thermolon ceramic coating on the inside that makes cooking and cleaning not only a breeze, but also makes cooking healthier because it does not need a lot of added oils to keep food from sticking. I made chicken the other night in it and used absolutely no oil in the pan. The chicken tasted delicious and not a single bit of sticking or scorching occurred!

Want to see it’s non-stick abilities in action? Check out how effortlessly I was able to move food around the pan with no oils and how easy it is to clean!

Why is the Original Green Pan called “green”?

The Original Green Pan is green because it is is made in environmentally friendly practices such as the use of no PFOA and 60% less CO2 admissions during production. The cast steel handles and alluminum baseare upcycled. Even the packing material used is post-consumer paper with bleach free processes.

I recommend this as a Mother’s Day gift she will love for years and years!

Pros:

Environmentally friendly production and packing [processes are awesome! I love to see a company taking steps to sustainability! I am absolutely in love with the Thermelon coating and its non-sticking capabilities. This will allow me to make healthier meals for my family with ease.

Cons:

The prices of these pans can be a bit more than the average pan, but I cannot stress enough how spending more on quality kitchenware will be worth it in the long run. You will have longer lasting products and tools and end up spending less that if you buy cheaper and replace over time. The pans themselves are far cheaper than professional kitchenware with just as high of quality as you would expect.

Verdict:

I urge you to buy the Original Green Pan for years and years of healthy eating and effortless cooking!

To Purchase:

You can find the Original Green Pan at Bed, Bath and Beyond locations as well as Amazon.com, Macy’s and Target and other fine retailers. Check out the “Where to buy” page on the website for more locations near you. The 10 inch skillet I tested retails near $39.99