Five Question Friday

1. If you could have been (could be) any profession you wanted (brains and $$$ no problem) what would it be? 

A bio-medical researcher, there are so many diseases that need cures. (Is my inner science geek showing?)

2. How often do you clean out your car?

Never!! I make my kids or husband do it (they're the ones responsible for the mess).

3. Do you wish there was such a thing as fashion police or are you deeply relieved?

I'm on the fence with this one because while I'm no fashionista, there are some people that need to be ticketed!!

4. What's your go to food/drink/activity when stressed?


Sipping on a nice glass of wine while reading or watching a movie.

5. If you had twins, what would you name them?

Anything that doesn't rhyme!!!

Always & Tampax Always Radiant Collection (Review)

The last set of products from my Summer Beauty Voxbox from Influenster. 

The Deets:


There’s a new, stylish collection out in stores this season, designed to help girls stand out and keep their periods invisible. For the first time ever, Procter & Gamble’s leading feminine protection brands Tampax® and Always® have come together to premiere the all-new Radiant Collection, a complete offering of premium tampons, pads, liners and wipes that meets all of a woman’s feminine care needs. The new Collection stands out on shelves and features packaging and wrappers that compliment any girl’s unique style, making these products must-have accessories any time of the month. Learn more at the Always and Tampax websites.

The Review

I received a tampon, pad, and two liners. As someone who has used different brands of all of these products at some point in my life, I can't say that I was particularly blown away by any of the three items. The tampon and pad met my expectations based on their respective brands. I didn't experience any leakage or discomfort from the tampon, and I did think that the resealable package was a good idea for discreet disposal. The pad was also comfortable with no shifting or bunching, and remained dry to the touch throughout use. My favorite of the three was the liner because it provided great everyday protection while being extremely thin.

The Verdict:

These products worked well, but I really didn't expect anything less from Tampax and Always products. I wasn't blown away, but I would definitely still recommend the products. Be warned, though, that this line is priced slightly higher than the previous releases from both brands.



( I received these products complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster)

Five Question Friday

Happy Friday!! I'm trying to get into link ups. This one is from My Little Life. 

1. What's the one thing you buy every time you walk into the store?
I can't think of anything that I buy every time, but I do pick up gum quite often.

2. If you had a day all to yourself how would you spend it?
I would sleep in (of course), then get in an uninterrupted workout. Then, I'd have a DIY spa day (scrub, facial, mani, etc.). My day would end with a glass (or two) of Moscato and my DVR.

3. Are you a speed limit driver? If not, over or under?
Over, but never more than five.

4. What's your favorite dessert to make, homemade or from a mix??
Chocolate chip cookies without the chips (I only like the cookie part). Homemade.

5. Would you rather have a spider or a mouse scurry across your face (no copping out and saying "neither!!")?

I would have to choose spider because I find mice absolutely revolting!! Plus, I could probably kill the spider before I completely freaked out.

Orange Tribal

I wore this to a quick dinner with the family. I'm just noticing that this is more fall than summer, but I've always been drawn to warmer tones. I'm also trying out the belted cardi look that I've seen a lot of people wearing. I think it turned out okay, but I probably need more practice to get it just right for my body shape. It's all about trial and error, right?

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

Here's another one of the goodies that I received in my Summer Beauty Vox Box from Influenster. 

Shade that I received.

The Deets:

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color is summer’s hottest nail trend that allows you to create a gorgeous 3-D nail art effect in just seconds. This unique formula has been specially developed with metallic particles – just hold the built-in magnet over wet polish to reveal a unique design on the nail. Seal with a topcoat for extra shine! Learn more at www.sallyhansen.com.

The Review:

This was actually a pretty cool concept, I liked the idea of creating nail art without having to pull out tiny paintbrushes and other stuff. The product was easy to use (apply two coats, hold the magnet over wet polish for 10 seconds), and was very pigmented. I didn't experience any streaking, and if I wasn't going to do the magnet part, I think I could have gotten away with just the one coat. The magnet designs were cute, but I just couldn't seem to get all of my nails to look uniform like in the photo (I think my hands were too shaky). I am in love with the gunmetal shade, though. I can see myself wearing it throughout the fall and winter. 

The Verdict:

If you are a polish fanatic, then I think this would be good polish to have in your collection. Even though I loved the color, I just can't see myself paying $9.99 for a bottle of nail polish. 

Fall Wardrobe Wishlist

Now that I'm done with back-to-school shopping for the kids, I can focus on my own fall wardrobe. Since the Spring and Summer were all about trends, I've decided that I need to add more staple pieces to my wardrobe that can go from year to year. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely holding on to my colored denim and prints. I just think that it's high time I started actually building a wardrobe versus buying pieces that probably won't see the next season, let alone the next year. I know that the riding boots, wool blazer, and leather jacket are going to make my inner Scrooge McDuck come out, but I'll just have to keep reminding myself that they are long term investments that I will get my money's worth out of in the years to come.

What items are you looking forward to adding to your fall wardrobe?

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen (Review)

Here's a little known fact about me: I get sunburned, and very easily at that. For example, if I don't wear sunscreen during long car rides on a sunny day, I can literally feel my face burning and that one side of my face will be darker. With that being said, I am always on the lookout for the latest in sun care products and was really excited about trying this product. 

The Deets:

With its ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ lotion sunscreen nourishes and pampers skin while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and 12-hour moisturization when out in the sun. Also available in SPF 12, 30, 50!

The Verdict:


I absolutely LOVE this sunscreen lotion! I previously used Eucerin's SPF 15 Lotion as my everyday protection. It worked well and was moisturizing, but it had that horrible sunscreen smell. Enter Hawaiian Tropic with it's coconut-y smell, non-greasy feel, and long lasting moisture. I've been wearing this product on my off days and I haven't felt a single twinge of a burn. I even wore it to a family bbq (an event where I would have normally worn heavy sunscreen) and it performed extremely well. I was really happy about this because normal sunscreen is so heavy that it usually make me sweat. I am an official convert, and would highly recommend this product to anyone that is looking for a good everyday lotion with added SPF.

( I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster)

Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar

I received this yummy little bar as an extra in the Summer Beauty Vox Box from Influenster.

The Deets:
Made with real bananas and almonds, Quaker Soft Baked Bars Banana Nut Bread flavor has tasty ingredients and key nutrients to help provide fuel to start your day.

-140 calories

-5g Fiber*
-20% daily value of 5 B Vitamins
-6g of Protein
*Contains 3.5g of total fat per serving

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this bar. I'm usually not a fan of banana flavored anything, but the flavor of this bar tasted authentic. It had a great texture, was dense, and quite moist. It was a bit on the sweet side, but not so much as to be overpowering. These can be eaten hot or cold, but I suggest heating it as the package states. At just 140 calories with the added fiber and protein, I would definitely eat this as a snack (great for your bag, desk, etc.).

(I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster)