I'm officially obsessed with Revlon's Color Effects Frost & Glow®

*Let me start by saying that like many, I was always against box colors...for so many reasons.  But let me tell you, this has changed my mind.  I can't believe I've overspent many of THOUSANDS of dollars over the years- for no reason! I wish I would have tried this stuff years ago! That's all, lesson learned and I can't be more thrilled that I'm using it now!*

Seriously you guys, I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this stuff!  Okay, first let me tell you how I even discovered it...

The other night Rob & I had a conversation, it went like this:

Rob: "So what do you want for your birthday? And don't say "I want my hair done"."

Me: "Ummm, I kinda wanted to get my hair done."

Rob: "$350 to get your hair done, is just out of control."

Me: "You're right, I guess I'll wear my hair up from here on out then.  Just get me a card or something; I don't really need anything (in my pouty tone)."

....After he went to bed I actually felt bad about the conversation we had.  He really does spend A LOT of money on my upkeep.  This year alone, he's spent over $2k on my hair.  If you're asking why I can't just pay for it myself, it's because I left my job (family decision) to raise our babies until they start school.  Anyhow, my guilt led me to digging around online for how to do my own hair.

I'm a huge fan of Jessie James Decker, I just think she's stunning and her hair- well it's pretty much spot on.  I searched her name on Pinterest, and that is where I found her tutorial on "honey dipping" or I think it's titled "highlight hair tutorial"- her take on how to get natural looking highlights (or that same effect that you get from the balayage or hair painting technique). I then continued to youtube videos for more tips and tricks, just to confirm that this "could" really work...I mean, I was really REALLY nervous about the whole idea- but SO excited about the potential of saving so much money!

After a couple hours, I finally said to myself "I have got to try this."

I ran to Walmart, and bought a box of  Revlon's Color Effects Frost & Glow®, one in blonde and one in honey.

Here's what the boxes look like (I didn't think to take a photo of them at the time, as I didn't plan to write a review- this was completely unplanned!)

I followed the directions on the box and performed a stip test from each kit, to be sure it would take to my hair right.  After the strip test, I followed Jessie James' directions that she gave in her youtube tutorial.  I did the honey first, and then followed with some strands of blonde.  I ended up leaving the honey on for the max time of 60 minutes, and the blonde for only 20.

What I loved most, is that this doesn't have ammonia in it- no stinky strong smell, and no burning. When it was done processing, I washed my hair with my regular shampoo and conditioner Aveda's Color Conserve®, and followed that with a dab of Living Proof's Restore Mask Treatment (I'm obsessed with this stuff!).  

I definitely did not expect the end results that I got. I am officially a fan of this product for life; it will forever be the way I color my hair. This product combined with the way that Jessie applies the product, is perfection. My hair looks so natural; I'm not kidding when I say it actually looks better than my $350+ jobs! 

The best part? Showing my husband what I did...MYSELF, and for $10!!!!!!!!

He about fell over.  This is going to be huge for us, with the money we're saving now.  

Here's my before and after...

...So in my "before" photo my bathroom lighting was pure crap, but you get the idea...my dark brown roots were grown out pretty much all the way down to my collarbone, and the ends were a brassy-supposed-to-be-golden. 

My "after" picture is much lighter, totally summer friendly, and SO natural looking! I started all of the highlights between 3-5" down from my roots (varying between strands) to keep it looking more natural and a bit grown out.  

I had so much fun doing this, and loved my results so much- I seriously hope if you're thinking about doing your own hair for whatever reasons (like saving hundreds of dollars every couple/few months!) I hope you check out the tutorial I linked, and you try the Frost & Glow kit. 

When I'm due to do my hair again in probably 8-10 weeks, I'll be sure to take step-by-step directional and progress photos of the whole thing.  I was really thinking this wouldn't work, to be honest- that's why I didn't have any photos taken this time around...this was a complete surprise to me; I LOVE it so much!

Alright, off I go...I'm trying to make a birthday list for Rob.  Now that he no longer has to get my hair done, I'm thinking maybe I'll ask for a spa visit for a massage- I mean, I'll never be able to do that one myself...or could I? 

Youtube, here I come...

Tip-Off Party with Kia & Crowdtap!

Tip-Off Party with Kia & Crowdtap!

So because my sister has a brand new Kia Optima (BEAUTIFUL CAR!) and I’m such an active member of Crowdtap, I was chosen to host a “Tip-Off with Kia & Crowdtap” party!  Whoot!  I was so excited about this party, as my family is a huge fan of Kia Motors…my sister, my step-sister, and myself ALL three own a Kia.  Heck, after this party I have my husband thinking about getting himself the new 2013 Kia Optima…he hadn’t ridden in my sister’s until this party, and he’s sold now! 

 Anyhow, for my Kia Tip-Off party I decided to stick 100% with the basketball theme of course.  Kia & Crowdtap sent me an amazing party kit for this one too!  In my kit there was a Kia branded mini basketball & hoop set, a $20 gift card for refreshments (and I had TONS of them!), a $20 gift card for the winner of one of my games, and a booklet of many fun ideas for my party! They literally covered everything I needed for this party- it was great!  All I had to do was plan and prep the food J

I invited my sister and her boyfriend, a couple of her boyfriends friends, and a few of my husband’s guy friends.  Most of them brought their boyfriends/girlfriends making my turn out AMAZING.  I literally had just enough food to feed everyone- and I made quite a bit.  I had tons of the basketball gameday classics…hotdogs (yes, I even set up an entire hot dog bar- it was a hit!) nachos, peanuts, jumbo pickles, chips/dip…and TONS of basketball décor in the house!

We watched the Heat and the Pacers, played a few games, and filled up on food.  All the while, chatting about my sisters new 2013 Kia Optima (have I mentioned I’m obsessed!??!?!)…I’m pretty sure everyone left with purchasing a new Kia at the top of their “to do” list!  The best part of the night, was the “O-P-T-I-M-A Challenge” where we played the updated version of “horse” with our new basketball and hoop (C

ourtesy of Crowdtap & Kia).  It was SO much fun!  Of course my husband’s best friend would win, he played college basketball for the Badgers…I say that’s not fair, they say it is lol.  Anyhow, he was super excited when I handed him his $20 gift card for winning- he just assumed it was for bragging rights! Hahahaha…of course he earned those too. 

I won’t leave my blog without telling you how amazing Kia’s new 2013 Optima is, seriously.  Not only is the car stunning, it’s got SO many great features…24 city/35 hwy MPG, 200 HP @ 6000 RPM, 2.4L 16Valve gasoline direct injection engine, the exterior has chrome accented finishes, it’s sleek and sporty, the interior includes Bluetooth wireless technology, has USB inputs, luxury seating, and this baby has a 6 speaker sound system…and it bumps!  LOVE this car.  Get to your local dealer and check one out, you will soon be figuring out your next purchase- I swear!  I’m in love.

Disclosure:  As a member of Crowdtap and the Kia Motors Team on Crowdtap, I received two gift cards (one for me, one for the winner of a game at my hosted party), a Kia branded mini basketball & hoop set, and activities booklet.  All opinions expressed are my own

Get Fashionably Fit in Old Navy Activewear!

Get Fashionably Fit in Old Navy Activewear!

I seriously can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to be part of the Old Navy Style Council!  It’s samples & shares like this “Get Fashionably Fit in Old Navy Activewear” that really excite me!  I was chosen to go in-store and redeem a stylish activewear top and bottom of my choice J  Oh wait, it gets better.  I also got to take a friend to get herself a top and bottom as well! 

Everybody knows I’m obsessed with Old Navy, it’s my go-to for literally every season and occasion.  Heck, I even go there when I’m bored for the meer fact that they have THE BEST customer service…I could browse and chat in there all day long I swear.  Anyhow, another reason I’m in love with them is because of their stylish lineup of clothing!  Their activewear is absolutely AMAZING.  It’s comfortable, stylish, motivating, sassy, durable, and functional.  I’m not sure that I even gave it as much credit as I should…it’s really indescribable, I just love it.

So I pretty much own everything that Old Navy sells for their lineup of “Active by Old Navy”, as I said before I’m obsessed.  Literally every time they release another top or bottom, jacket, or design of socks…I’m all over it.  For this trip to redeem our sample & share coupons, my sister and I got our favorite (she is also obsessed, it’s where we both get all of our workout attire- we also workout together…Zumba on Thursdays! Whoot!) graphic tanks and compression leggings.  The graphic tank is SO comfy, and flattering for any body type I swear.  And the compression leggings have been a favorite of mine since Old Navy released their entire Activewear line…I’m a HUGE fan of these and rave about them to everybody every time workout attire comes up in a conversation!

I may be biased, but I’m pretty sure this was my favorite sample & share to date, as I just can’t get enough of Old Navy and I’m their biggest fan of their entire Activewear line.  I hope Crowdtap keeps working with Old Navy, so I can keep introducing my friends and family to their awesome stuff.  Oh, and since doing our sample & share my sister and I have wore our outfits to Zumba and they received amazing feedback…I don’t think a single girl in our class didn’t compliment one of us on our cute outfits!  Of course we went on and on about what else Old Navy had and directed them all to our local store!  Love love LOVE Old Navy Activewear. 

Disclosure:  As a member of Crowdtap and the Old Navy Style Council, I received coupons for myself and 1 friend to each get an Activewear top and bottom from Old Navy.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Upgrade Your Beach Style at OLD NAVY!

Shore-ly a Beach Party in Old Navy Beachwear!

     

     So everyone knows I'm obsessed with Old Navy it's hands-down my favorite store, but let me tell you- there's nothing as exciting as summertime at Old Navy.  They have so many bright colors, awesome prints, different summer items that are a must-have for the whole season- from beach towels, jewelry, flip flops, swimwear...even beach towels!  They have literally everything you need, which makes for a great one-stop shopping day before taking your family out on the beach!  You can imagine my excitement as a lucky member of the stylish and influential Old Navy Style Council, when I was chosen to host this party to "Upgrade Your Beach Style" at my local Old Navy!  It was the best day ever!  

   

So what was included in our beach party?  This is where it gets good (good is an understatement!)...Myself and 3 friends (I took my best friend, and my two sisters) were each able to pick out a to-dive-for swimsuit, pair of flip-flops, beach bag, AND beach towel to complete our looks!  Yes, we each received an entire beach ensemble from head to toe!  

Old Navy has the best variety of swimwear for anybody and everybody...from string bikini's, tankini's, to one-piece and special suits for individual needs (ie: control max, to tame tummies).  They have everything.  My favorite suit is the "Control Max Underwire"...that swimsuit is amazing.  It has supportive lining to help hold you in where you need to be held in, the very adorable balconette cups are ruched-making it that much more adorable!  This is for so many reasons, the swimsuit I chose to buy with my coupon :)

 This is the bundle I received with my coupon...the "Multi-Stripe Straw Tote"- is SUPER cute isn't it!?!?!?  I'm in love.

We had such a great time at the party!  LOVE LOVE LOVE being a part of Old Navy's Style Council with Crowdtap It's amazing.  My favorite brand...hands-down.  And how cute is my new get-up from there?!?!?  I'm SO ready for the beach, who's coming?  

Disclosure: As a member of Crowdtap and the Old Navy Style Council, I received coupons for myself and 3 friends to each get a swimsuit, towel, beach bag, and a pair of flip-flops from Old Navy.  All opinions expressed are my own.

It's Tee Time at Old Navy!

It's Tee Time at Old Navy!

So as everyone knows, I'm obsessed with Old Navy's Basic Layering Tops, they're the best thing lineup of clothing to ever hit the racks- seriously!  I think I own pretty much every color from each style (Vintage & Perfect!)  Anyhow, as a lucky member of the stylish and influential Old Navy Style Council I was chosen to sample & share their "Women's Best Tee", two tees for me and two tees for a friend.  This is the coupon they sent me, it's always super excited when I get one of these coupons in the mail... 

Alright you guys, so Old Navy's tee's have been improved (and the improvements are remarkable!) and they're available in both "Perfect" & "Vintage".  So here's the scoop on "Vintage Tees and Perfect Tees"...

Perfect

~A universally flattering fit

~Classic Ribbed Knit

~Now come with added stretch

Vintage

~Old Navy's most relaxed fit

~are "Heathered" for a worn-in look & feel

~Super soft 

My favorite (if I have to choose) is the Vintage line...the Vintage Crew-Neck, and the Vintage V-Neck are staples in my closet...I literally own every color from both collections. It's safe to say that I'm obsessed.

This is the Vintage Crew-Neck...
~rib-knit crewneck
~short sleeves
~tag-free for added comfort
~soft, medium-weight jersey
~heathered for a worn-in look
~super soft

 This is the Vintage V-Neck...
~rib-knit v-neckline
~short sleeves
~soft, lightweight jersey knit
~tag-free for added comfort

Here are my two Vintage Perfect Tees...

Here I took a close-up of the material, to show the "heathered" look up-close.  It's really got a "worn-in" feel and look to it that I absolutely LOVE!

 Here's a (not-so-great) photo of me post-shopping after my sister & I arrived back home.  I love the charcoal colored tee, it will virtually go with any bottoms...dress it up or down. Love it.

My sister had a great time, and as always the store associates rocked.  Love Old Navy for so many reasons, these Perfect Tees being of them.  If you haven't checked them out...do so, now!  It's the perfect weather for these too!  And the best part? You can wear them all year round, with cardigans and hoodies from Old Navy also...so versatile!


Disclosure: As a member of Crowdtap and the Old Navy Style Council, I received a coupon for me and a friend to get two free "Women's Best Tees" from Old Navy.  All opinions expressed are my own.

WooliteWashed In-Home Boutique!

My WooliteWashed In-Home Boutique was so much fun!

Most recently I was chosen to host a "WooliteWashed In-Home Boutique" party courtesy of Crowdtap.  For this party, they sent me:

~10 Woolite Samples

~A Party Booklet

~Gift Card for buying party supplies

The plan was to gather my friends and their gently used wardrobe pieces that they no longer wear and have a sort of swapping party.  You know that old saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure"...this is a bit like that only no women thinks her clothes or accessories are trash, we simply get board of them or they no longer fit us right ;)  Anyhow, each of my friends brought a few articles of clothing as well as a few accessories- some brought earrings, some scarves, shirts, necklaces, the variety was great! 

  Oh and most of them even brought their husbands...not to trade, just so they could keep mine company during our party haha!  It really was a great time.  I had a nice turn out, and we had quite a bit of clothes to dig through!  I had things hung up by size. 

After the girls tried tried on their stack of items they would toss them onto the shelf...at one point it looked pretty crazy, and I did get a photo of how messy things got!  You know how girls are when we try on clothes to find the "one outfit"...things pile up fast!  

We had a huge mirror set up so we could do a catwalk and everyone was taking photos with their cell phones- it was quite the party.   

I served finger foods...veggie pizza, little weenies, and sangrias.  It was awesome!  At the end of the day, I ended up with 2 new dresses (old to them, NEW to me :)  a nice handful of jewelry, and a few shirts!  My brother even swapped out some of his ex's clothes and jewelry hahahahaha...got his new girlfriends some cute new stuff- as I'm sure she's going to appreciate this stuff more than she was appreciating his ex's old stuff laying around his house ;)  

This was one of the most fun parties I've thrown...it lasted well past the time I had planned for it to, and everyone who left couldn't believe the stuff they were walking out with.  Everyone loves their samples, and loved that they get to go home and use them on their new stuff.  Awesome party, definitely.  LOVE LOVE LOVE Woolite...was so glad to host this.  Epic.

"A big thanks to Crowdtap and Woolite for choosing me to be one of their Wooliteers.  Also for providing me with the samples to try for myself as well as all of my friends who attended my party, free of charge.  I was given the samples and gift card by Crowdtap, to spread the word about Woolite and their wonderful line of product. All of the photos and thoughts shared are my own."

Durex Sexploers Sample & Share (R-RATED!!!!!)

Durex Sexplorers- Sample And Share (R-Rated!!!!)

 

So I was chosen by Crowdtap to be a Durex Sexplorer.  I had no idea what was in store, until I was then chosen to take part in the Durex Sexplorers Sample And Share.  I was so excited!  I already am a huge fan of Durex, I’ve been a loyal fan for many years.  Durex is committed to bringing couples together, and in my eyes- keeping them together.  The package that arrived was way beyond my expectations!  It included a great variety of Durex products  that allowed for me as a “Sexplorer” (A “Sexplorer” is someone who values their partner’s pleasure as much as their own to help them both achieve their ideal sex life.) to “Sexplore” new possibilities with my partner both inside the bedroom and outside.  I feel this is all important in maintaining a healthy, thriving, and strong relationship in the long haul.  Anyhow, enough about that…let’s talk about how great this package was!  There were so many amazing samples to share, it was unreal!

 

 

My sample pack included…

 

*2 boxes (3 condoms in each box) of Durex Performax Intense Condoms: Designed to speed her up and slow him down.  Shaped & textured to intensify sensation.  Delay lubricant to help prolong sexual performance.  A more intense experience for you both.

 

*2 boxes (3 condoms in each box) of Durex Extra Sensitive Ultra Thin Condoms: Made with extra lube for heightened sensitivity.

 

*10 boxes of the new Durex “Play Vibrations Variety Pack”:  Each box included a vibrating ring, 4 lubricant packets (Pina Colada, Tingling, Cherry, Warmer), and 4 premium lubricated latex condoms (Pleasuremax, Extra Sensitive, Extra Sensitive Ribbed and Tropical).

 

This was one of the most generous sample packages I’ve ever received; I could not wait to share this with my friends and a few select family members!  I used our “Mommy & Me” play date time to share with my fellow mom friends this sample & share.  Many of us are married, and have been with the same partner for many years- as well as having multiple children.  We all know what it’s like to live a chaotic life where our sex lives are put at the bottom of the “to-do” list, quite literally.  My friends were so excited to try out these samples, and I was so excited myself to put them to use!  I’m not going to lie, with a husband who works 60 hours a week and who children at home…this sample & share package was just what we needed to add a touch of spice to our lives! 

 

This sample & share from Durex wowed me (and him).  I was so happy with the results from our sampling…

 

The new “Performance Intense” condoms that are designed to “speed her up & slow him down” do that and some.  These are wonderful.  These are ribbed perfectly, and the “delay lubricant” definitely delayed!  We had a much longer “session” than the norm.  I would definitely recommend these to everyone! (And no extra lube was needed with these)

 

The Durex “Extra Sensitive” condoms were amazing.  They’re super thin and offer a great natural-like feel that most condoms on the market do not.  Seriously, these were one of the thinnest condoms I’ve ever used- you couldn’t tell there was one on…with the exception of the lube being on them (which was an added perk).    I would recommend these to anyone who is looking for the most natural feeling condom on the market- these are definitely it!

The “Durex Play” variety boxes were amazing.  There were flavored lubricants, tingling, and a warming lube…as well as a handful of condoms, and that amazing little vibrating ring (that’s an understatement!).  This box had it all, seriously.

The flavored lubes were great smelling, and tasted decent- not too strong, actually quite subtle.  I’m not a huge fan of flavored lubricants for the fact that I’m biased in that I’m a huge fan of tingling and warming lubricants ;)  For this reason, I was very excited to see what Durex had to offer.  I was very happy with the results!  The warming lubricant was hands-down the best one I’ve tried on the market, and I have tried many.  The tingling was good too, but I would have liked a bit more tingle action.  Other than that, they both worked wonders for both my husband and I- we enjoyed them equally.  Which is rare, it’s usually me who has a lot to say about a product ;) 

As for the condoms that were in the “Play Vibrations Variety Pack”, they were 4 of the best condoms I’ve used!  I could not say enough great things about Durex and the products they offer.  These condoms rocked.  There was one of each: Extra Sensitive, Extra Sensitive Ribbed and Tropical, and Durex Pleauremax.  In fact, my husband said we will be buying the Pleasuremax’s next time we go to the store!  Again, they must be great for my soft-spoken husband to share in insight. 

As for that vibrating ring…I’m not sure where to start.  This was the highlight of the package.  We are into toys, we love props, anything to spice it up- we have tried hundreds of products on the market similar to this ring.  This ring was the best of its’ kind.  We seriously enjoyed it a great deal.  We have used several of these vibrating rings, from various other companies and not one stood up close to this one- this seriously stole the show and I haven’t wasted any time telling my friends both online and in person of this little guy!  This ring fit perfect, snug just as it should- no worries for slip offs on my end.  My husband said it was comfy, as well as he really enjoyed the vibrations it sent off.  The on/off button is easy to use, and the vibrations themselves were phenomenal.  Super strong.  So much power in this tiny little vibration ring, I couldn’t believe it!  We loved it so much; this too has been added to our shopping list for next week!  We love love LOVE it.

A big thanks to Crowdtap and Durex for choosing me to be part of the Durex Sexplorers panel, and for providing me with the samples to try for myself and to share with my friends and select family members free of charge.  I was given the samples from CrowdTap for free, to spread the word about Durex.  All of the photos and thoughts shared are my own.

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