Mummy's Product Reviews

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2012-01-21T01:14:00.000-05:00

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Low Maintenance Looks

2012-01-18T10:24:00.003-05:00

As a very busy mother of three kids under the age of five I am always looking for ways AND products that help me streamline my morning routine. The Mummy Chronicles has a great post this week about how to Look Awake! and a list of products that assist in this sometimes difficult task.

I need to take my own advice this week. Cold temps, winds and a lack of sleep and exercise have me looking like an old dishrag.

Open Call for Guest Bloggers

2012-01-18T10:15:00.002-05:00

WANTED: Guest bloggers who want to share ideas, tips, tricks and advice on products and all things beauty, fashion, travel, cars and green living. You want to talk about your obsession with lip gloss? Go ahead! Love the new models rolling out of Detroit? Tell me about and share with MPR's readers.

I'm looking for bloggers who want to submit a post or two and reach a new audience. Email me at veamason AT gmail DOT com.

Noodles & Company

2012-01-16T06:25:00.000-05:00

The tag line for Noodles & Company is "Noodles, Salads & Sandwiches from around the world." The restaurant serves up a variety of comforting food that ranges from healthy, leaner fare to the indulgent with its mac 'n cheese dishes. Each dish is around $7. I was invited to test out their grown-up macaroni & cheese at my nearest location and here is what I found.

I have been to a Noodles & Company before and had always stuck to the same food genre- Thai. I love it, it's simple with complex flavors and can be a bit healthier than a bowl full of macaroni and cheese or other pasta dishes. I feel like if the place is called Noodles & Company then that is what I am going to have when I eat there.

This time I brought a friend and we tried the Chili Mac and the Bacon Mac & Cheeseburger. My first thought was that it sounded a lot like a boxed one dish meal. However, each dish is topped with a large amount of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, green onions and more. The green onions adds zip and is the best part of both dishes, I think. The crispy bacon on the Bacon Mac & Cheeseburger is perfect too. Both dishes are pure comfort food. They are substantial in flavor and fill you up. Great for a cold or rainy day and for sharing. The Chili Mac is loaded with red chili meatballs that are crumbled over the cheesy pasta that is al dente and not mushy and overdone. The kick in this dish is spot on and the combination of cheddar-jack cheese and green onions kept me coming back for more forkfuls.

I don't normally think of going to Noodles & Company when I am out because my closest location is not in a path I typically travel but I think after trying more of the menu I will head over there now for a nice change. The kids loved the place and the staff was friendly each time I have gone. It's casual and a good place to grab a bite, catch up with a friend and take the kids. They also have a nice variety of Vegan and Gluten-Free options.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Meals were given by Noodles & Company for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's own.

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2012 Mistubishi Eclipse Review

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Recently I rented a car. When I got to the rental desk I asked for something, anything that wasn't a Hyundai. For as much play Hyundai has gotten in the last year I have not been converted. When it comes to fleet cars they have been shown no love. The woman assured me that she had reserved something fun, sleek and sporty for me. I would love it. She almost squealed. I breathed in deeply, knowing I'm hard to please when it comes to vehicles and took the keys.

When I got to the garage I let out a laugh. There amidst a host of empty spots was a black 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Shiny and with less than 500 miles on it. I circled it and chuckled. I placed my luggage into the trunk and slunk inside. The engine roared to life with an audible growl and I was off.

Starting at just under $20k the 2012 Eclipse has a 162 horsepower and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD. It gets 28-mpg and has six standard air bags. There is a rather sleek looking black-out roof and black grille. I did rather like the 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels too. The car has a nice look to it but I did not find it fun to drive. The loud, gruff sound of the engine sounds one way outside the car. It sounds cool, tough and like it wants to challenge you. Inside it actually makes a tinkering noise that is a tad alarming. The seats are low which is to be expected but they are not comfortable and neither is the ride. I drove all over the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut in this car and felt almost every bump and pothole along the way. I nicknamed the Eclipse the "teeth-banger" while I had it.

The 2012 Eclipse has dual exhaust outlets with polished exhaust tips, ice-blue LED illumination on the instruments and controls and a chrome rear spoiler. It's all looks and noise but not a lot of substance. I'm hoping that the 2013 has a bit more of the latter while keeping up appearances as well.

MPR Rating: Two Stars (out of five).

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Opinions are MPR's only.

Tips for Getting Product Reviews on Your Blog

2012-01-12T13:19:00.000-05:00

Spend any time at all immersed in the blog world andyou’ll begin to notice that some bloggers get to review different products fromtime to time, and some bloggers to get to review different products all the timeand some bloggers get to review products none of the time. And yet, you’venever been offered a chance to review any products. Why is that? How come somebloggers have so many different opportunities to review products and some havenone at all?

1. Makeyour contact information easy to find

Companies are constantly perusingthe web to find different places to promote their products. However, if theycan’t find any way to get in touch with you, they’ll never reach out to you totry their products, which is why it’s imperative to have a Contact tab on yourblog that gives a valid email address and explains that you’re open todiscussing honest product reviews.

2. Reachout to companies you’re interested in promoting

If there’s a particular company orproduct that you really believe in and want to promote you should email theirmarketing person and ask them about coordinating a review or sponsoring agiveaway on your blog. You don’t have to wait for someone to find your blog,and a lot of companies are more than happy to work with bloggers and get someadditional exposure.

3. Joina blogging network

There are a lot of differentblogging networks out there that will partner with you to create a mutuallybeneficial relationship – they’ll place specific ads on your website and inturn will promote you as well. A lot of companies find blogs to utilize forproduct promotions through these types of networks.

4. Reviewproducts on your own

If there’s something you’repassionate about – whether it’s in a positive or negative light – review it onyour blog! This will help show others that you’re the type of blogger that doesopen and honest reviews, both of which are qualities that companies appreciate.No one wants to read glowing reviews all of the time, they want to read truthfulreviews. This will also show marketers that your blog is a place for credibleinformation and good exposure.

5. Usesocial media to your advantage

Promote, promote, promote. Promoteyour blog, promote any reviews you’re doing, link to companies on Twitter, tagcompanies on Facebook – do whatever you have to do in terms of social mediapromotion to get people’s attention. Social media is a free and easy resourceto connect with others, so use it!

It might be a little intimidating at first tocontact a company, but most are more than willing to at least talk to you aboutsponsoring a review, and once you have one it becomes easier for othercompanies to find you and utilize you. Reviewing products is fun andinformative, and readers love unbiased opinions on products. If someone knowsthey can count on you to give a candid review of something, even if it’s notnecessarily the most glowing review, you immediatelybecome a credible source of information and will become more and more likely tobe contacted for product reviews on your blog.

AuthorBio

Nancy Parker was a professional nanny and she lovesto write about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, andBabysitting, find a nanny tips etc.You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com.

Marriott Marquis in Downtown San Diego, CA

2012-01-11T06:50:00.000-05:00

The Marriott Marquis in downtown San Diego, CA is one of the most convenient hotels in the city. It is located only five minutes from the city's airport and attached to the convention center. Right outside the hotel lobby the city by the sea awaits! Trolley cars go by, the Gaslamp District is within walking distance and the inner harbor is right there to run along, view from your hotel balcony and just soak in.

I stayed at the Marriott Marquis for three days during a very busy conference. When I arrived I immediately loved the lobby with its light, space and sense of openness and zen. There were more than enough front desk clerks to assist guests and the rather long line went fast. Fruit-infused water was there while you wait, which after a cross-country plane ride was quite refreshing.

My room at the Marquis was a good size with a harbor and pool view. It had all the basics that a two double bed-sized room typically has- desk with chair, flat screen television, ample closet space for two women and a decent amount of bathroom sink counter space. That last one is something I look for in a hotel room and many places fail. This 25-story hotel has over 1300 guest rooms that are filled with light. The linens were white and fluffy and clean. The whole room and hotel was immaculate and despite the massive number of guests at the time it stayed that way during my entire visit.

There are a few bars, lounges and restaurants in the Marriott Marquis and here is where I found a weakness. The service is not up to standard. On a relatively quiet morning at the pool side bar I was able to enjoy breakfast. Except the Eco-friendly wooden silverware was flimsy, could not cut my food or even scoop it up to my mouth and looked like something the airlines would try and give you. My wooden, disposable fork was so tiny it could barely get a teaspoon worth of eggs on to it. My order came much later than the rest of my table and I had to ask for it twice. My breakfast burrito was decent but not what one would expect from a Marriott. I found the same lack luster service and food at DW's Restaurant inside the hotel. It was quite disappointing.

A hotel the size of the Marriott Marquis boasts a gorgeous outdoor pool setting with lounge areas and many food and drink options. Heat lamps surround you in the evening and it is quite pleasant. A fitness center, lobby bar and hotel store offer up good options that are standard for a city hotel of this size and caliber.

While I enjoyed my stay at the Marriott Marquis and found the staff at the front desk and lobby helpful I was not overly impressed with the property as a whole. It is in a good location, aesthetically pleasing and very clean however so I might stay again and hope for better food service.

MPR Rating: Three Stars (out of five). Trip Advisor review gives it four stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. My stay was paid for by me while there on business. Opinions are MPR's only.

RazorPit Review

2012-01-09T06:47:00.002-05:00

When items such as the RazorPit filter into my inbox I have a tendency to look the other way. It seems gimmicky. Then I go to my local Target to pick up some razor blades for myself and my husband and I feel like I need to take out a loan. Hello, people at RazorPit? I'm ready for my review now.

The RazorPit is a razor blade sharpener. Plain and simple it works with all razor blades and can increase the use of a single blade up to 150 times. Using friction technology (that stand has give to it like skin) it removes residue, hair, soap and skin from the blade letting you use the the blade a whole lot more. I tested it out this weekend after realizing my razor needed to shave my leg three times in one spot to get a clean, close shave.

To use the RazorPit you need only to apply your shave cream, gel or soap to the RazorPit's flat surface. Run your razor forwards about 4-5 times. Rinse both the RazorPit and razor clean and you are done. Pretty simple and fast. It worked too! I immediately took my razor and went down the front of my calf. The whole line was smooth and clean with no need to retrace. I'm ridiculously happy I don't have to replace my blade again! I ran it through the RazorPit a few more times for good measure. My husband tested his out too and it seems that the more blades you have (Mach 3 Turbo) the less success you might have. His worked out but not as noticeably sharpened as my dual blade.

The RazorPit Razor Blade Sharpener (about $25) is sold online at Amazon (pink, black and white colors available) and the company website.

MPR Rating: Four Stars (out of five).

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Sun Ridge Farms Organic & Natural Foods

2012-01-06T12:27:00.001-05:00

Powered by 70% solar energy (at peak usage) and located in Pajaro, CA, SunRidge Farms is an all natural, organic snack food company. Founded in 1982 and a certified green business this is a company that pays its employees if they bike to work. That's wonderful! I wish there were more places that operated this way.

But what about the snacks, right?

I tried the Organic Cranberry Harvest mix ($4.65) which has a great combination of dried apples, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, giant almonds and even some dark chocolate chips. It's a nice mixture that I loved to eat right after I left the gym or was running errands and getting a bit hungry. I thought there were a bit too many chocolate chips for my taste but then again it is January and I'm trying to eat less sugar. Overall, I thought the combination of sweet and tangy was great and I would definitely eat it again.

I also had the Thai Curry Cashews and the Dark Chocolate Almonds. Swoon, to both! The Thai Curry Cashews are a great source of protein that also have no artificial dyes, additives or colors. Packed with curry seasoning but not overpowering I really enjoyed this different, crunchy snack. The same goes for the Dark Chocolate Almonds. A few at a time has become the answer to my mid-afternoon snack attack. When I want something sweet the dark chocolate is perfect but I still get a bit of protein and sustenance from the almonds.

SunRidge Farms makes a variety of snack mixes, in-house roasted nuts and even confections. You can purchase them online at their website.

MPR Rating: Four Stars (out of five).

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Natural Vines Licorice Tasty Resolutions $10,000 Sweepstakes!

2012-01-05T07:03:00.001-05:00

I don't normally post this type of thing but the Natural Vines company and their delightfully yummy licorice has decided to run a contest offering a grand prize of $10k! All to help you be a new, super amazing you in 2012!!

To encourage healthier lifestyle choices in 2012, so they’ve launched a sweepstakes that gives away cash and merchandise to help us live healthier lives.

What does it all mean for you? Well,

-Weekly prize of healthy lifestyle merchandise or $500 gift cards

-Grand Prize: $10,000 Visa card

Contest runs from January 1 to February 29, 2012. No purchase necessary. Open to legal U.S. residents 18 years and older. Increase chances to win by referring 3 friends. One entry per person per day.

Clairvoyant Perfume by Clairvoyant Beauty

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's a new year! Why not a new scent? I'm a huge fan of citrus-based scents. In fact, my husband actually thought I naturally smelled like Origins 'Spring Fever' when we first met. Silly boy. Beyond that I tend towards perfumes with a peppery scent, like Theorema by Fendi. I typically wear Hermes "Un Jardin Apres La Mousson" on a daily basis. So I was excited to learn about Clairvoyant Beauty and its new scent, "Clairvoyant".

Created by Lexie Masterson (yes, she's related to actress Mary Stuart Masterson) Clairvoyant is deliciously crisp, floral fragrance that has a hint of citrus to it. Like the products in the luxury Clairvoyant Beauty line the perfume is hand-crafted using natural and organic ingredients. Produced in small batches it is an all-natural fragrance that can be worn alone or to enhance ones own fragrance. I love that! When I put it on it is light and a bit sweet but if I add to it and layer it with my citrus lotion the scent changes and becomes deeper. It's a small thing but perfume is so rarely versatile in this way and this unique quality sets Clairvoyant apart.

I also love that each small batch contains base notes of Tabacco Absolue, Green Cognac with top notes that include Mexican lime and bergamot. All things I look for in a fragrance. It's light but the more you add the more the scent changes and continues to bring out its layers. The 100% natural formula is pure fragrance too. No unnecessary chemicals here, even the alcohol is made from organic corn alcohol.

Clairvoyant perfume ($45-100, sizes vary) and other Clairvoyant beauty products are available online and at some salons and boutiques.

MPR Rating: Four Stars (out of five).

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

*Image from cherelynn.com

CouponSherpa Coupon Codes

2012-01-03T14:01:00.001-05:00

Because who doesn't love a good deal anytime of year? These are some of CouponSherpa's top coupon codes for January.

1. Heels.com
Now through Feb. 28, get $25 off orders of $100 or more by applying coupon code WINTER25.

2. JCPenney
Take $10 off orders of $90 or more by Jan. 27 using JCPenney promo code 10JCP90.

3. Shutterfly
Get free shipping on orders of $30 or more before Jan. 19 using code SHIP30.

4. Disney Store
Use code SHIPTODAY before Feb. 1 and get free standard shipping with orders of $75 or more.

5. Bath & Body Works
Save 20% on any online order through Jan. 15 with Bath & Body Works coupon code 20SEMIANNUALSALE.

6. Karma Loop
Take 20% off orders of $75 or more by Feb. 1 using promo code JAN20.

7. HP
Use coupon code SAVE15HP before Jan. 31 to save $15 on orders of $75 or more.

8. Avenue
Take 30% off your highest priced item with coupon code AV121016 when you order three or more items by Feb. 1.

9. Justice
Enjoy 40% off already reduced merchandise before Jan. 10 with coupon code 745.

10. SkyMall
Save 15% on any order before Feb. 2 with code LSA57.

Discovery Kids Puterbugs Game

2011-12-30T06:55:00.000-05:00

Geared for children's ages 8 and under Discovery Kids Puterbugs is designed to take kids beyond apps and playing games. This new website teaches kids how to use technology as a tool in a healthy way.

It works like this- there is a virtual, cowboy hat wearing teacher, "Mr. Scott", (my daughter thinks he is hilarious) and a set of little bugs called, 'Puterbugs' for each letter on the keyboard. It's that simple but watching my child play it showed a whole lot more. Mr. Scott takes her on a self-guided tour of games, activities and missions on the Puterbugs site that goes with only her level of knowledge. Everything unfolds in various ways and avenues based on her level of competency. Games like "Frozen Pizza Pops" have her using the mouse, space bar and learning all the letters on the keyboard in no time. While she normally plays games on other television websites it usually results in her watching videos or designing cakes and dresses. Not collecting microchips, driving with a mouse or using learning to spell, add and work all the components at one time. Words like 'luau' are now part of her vocabulary and list of words she can spell. Call me happy and impressed. I love that the site keeps her focused while building concentration. It is beyond anything I have seen her do on other websites.

Imagine Tomorrow along with the experts at Discovery Kids (Discovery Channel) identified the 'Top 100 Tech Skills' that children should learn. Concepts like typing, texting, swiping and more are definitely involved and used frequently in Puterbugs. While I am still limiting her time this game is now at the top of hers and my 'favorite' list.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Angel Minaro Exquisite Beauty

2011-12-27T14:32:00.000-05:00

Fun Find- It's that time of the year when we are looking for renewal, a bit of a break and a chance to recharge. We're also kind of broke. Am I right? Angel Minaro is luxurious body care made from natural, cruelty-free items from all over the world. Designed to nurture and detox your body within the comfort of your home Angel Minaro products are also anti-aging.

I received a bottle of Romance body lotion ($19) and Acai & Honey tropical blend smoother ($32). While I liked the lotion, the almond oil based scent was not something I would normally choose. However it works well and is thicker than your average lotion. It blends into your skin really well and I noticed an immediate difference in my skins texture. The argan oil, shea butter, and silk proteins are responsible for that. I absolutely adored the Acai & Honey smoother. It is so soft, silky and smells fantastic! It is one amazing body scrub. Using it twice a week your skin will be softer and have a great feel to it.

Angel Minaro products are available for the body, hair (protein wraps!), face and more. They can be purchased online.

Mini Kittour by Vonda Just in Case Collection

2011-12-27T14:23:00.001-05:00

If you travel a lot then the mini kittour Just in Case individuals and refillables are something you are going to love. I really could have used this collection when I was traveling so much in the last few years. While you can pick up a pill case or travel-sized bottles at many drugstores you won't find such a high-quality set like the pieces from mini kittour.

In beautiful chocolate brown and accented with gold each item holds up well and is the right size for air travel. They are leak-proof, refillable and customizable. That last one is one of the best parts to this set. The recyclable, flexible set of bottles ($6-7), sprayers, vitamin case, jars with screw on caps, and 3 piece dual-ended makeup brushes ($35) comes with a memo pad with 80 waterproof labels and a mini-sharpie ($10) to label each one. I love it! You can put your conditioner, shampoo, eye cream, lotions and even makeup remover in these bottles without fear of them breaking and leaking all over your other luggage. I also love that the four well Vitamin case ($5) is square and flat instead of a bulky rectangle. You can also get a set of 3 of the clear PET bottles (like the sprayer or lotion pump) for $8.

I also happen to like the mini kittour Daily Kit ($50) for storing things like makeup and brushes inside my gym bag, diaper bag and car. I don't have to worry about powers smudging, lip gloss stains or any of those yucky accidents when I carry this. The outside wipes clean and has a large mirror that many of these cases just don't have. The three brushes inside are super soft and luxurious. They are long lasting and won't scratch your skin like many cheaper versions do. In addition to holding two bottles and jars you can add other makeup, a cell phone or even your credit cards. The outside is nice enough to carry as a clutch too. It's so perfect!

Created by Vonda Simon a mother, lover of beauty and fashion and business mogul, mini kittour is based on aesthetics, function, portability and convenience. You can purchase mini kittour items, there are larger cases and so much more, online and stores like Beauty Bar.

The Best Parental Control Software to Protect Your Family

2011-12-23T14:07:00.003-05:00

The Internet can be an incredible resource for your children, but it can also put them in danger without proper supervision. There are many ways that a child can be at risk online, including predatory websites, bullying, and, exposure to graphic content. Parents cannot
monitor their kids Internet activities all the time. This makes using parental control software very handy, especially for working parents.

Not all parental filter software available today offers the best protection for your kids. Some may have the protection you want, but they’re not user friendly. For your ease and for the safety of your kids, here are a few of the top most effective and easy to use programs you can
buy.

Net Nanny

Net Nanny ranks first among the rest of the filtering software because it blocks not only adult
content but also suspicious chat rooms, emails account, and other forms of Internet danger.
It assures that your children can only play and install games that you think are appropriate.
This parent control program is simple to install and easy to set-up. It also has a feature that
helps you to choose the appropriate program, games and other online activities based on your
child’s age.

PureSight PC

PureSight is a newer company – they’ve been protecting kids from online treats since 1998
– but their software is still very effective. Its latest filtering software ensures your child’s
protection from sites that are considered threats, but at the same time allows access to sites
that are useful. Similar to Net Nanny, PureSight also has many user-friendly features in its
interface.

PureSight is designed to totally block pornographic sites. It allows social networking sites
such as Facebook and chat rooms but under strict real time analysis where parents are alerted
in case suspicious interactions or communication happens.

CYBERsitter

CYBERsitter may not be the most popular name in parental software, but it is one of the best
filtering programs available today. It’s effective and easy to use and is designed to protect
kids from any treats that can be accessed through the Internet. The program is developed so
that you can customize filtering features for any program that allows chatting and emails.
This program also helps to avoid ‘overblocking’ (blocking of harmless programs)
and ‘underblocking’ features (unblocking programs that are considered as threats).

There are many great programs out there to help a busy parent keep an eye on their child’s
online behavior for a reasonable price. For other objective and data driven comparisons, be
sure to check out FindTheBest, where you can compare everything from antivirus software to
tablets.

*Guest post by Tom, who is part of the editorial staff at FindTheBest.

Tilvee Argan & Sea Buckthorn Age-Defying Creme

2011-12-23T13:49:00.000-05:00

I had never heard of Tilvee skincare products until they sent me a request for review. After reading the press release I was intrigued. Tilvee is eco, ethical skincare. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients Tilvee's products are a natural luxury skin care product line. Free of parabens, petroleum and fragrances the ingredients work to repair sun damage and fight the harsh winter weather. Their anti-aging properties from Moroccan argan oil, Vitamins A and E and protective kokum butter keep skin calm and safe from UV rays.

Tilvee Argan & Sea Buckthorn Age-Defying Creme ($34.99, 2 oz.) is an age-defying creme made specifically to repair summer-damaged skin for a more youthful appearance. It helps fight red, rosacea-like spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Sea buckthorn oil heals skin from pigmentation, aging and acne. You are supposed to apply it twice a day, however, I only did it once since I am in the middle of another skincare routine that has a heavy duty nighttime moisturizer. When I did use the Tilvee Argan & Sea Buckthorn creme I immediately noticed its lack of fragrance and its thick texture. Despite that it melted into my skin quickly and applied evenly and smoothly. It didn't interfere with the whitening system I've been using or cause any irritation or redness. My skin really did feel calm. It also felt soft both day and night after only using it about four days. I was really surprised. It was such an effortless but fast working creme. It's impressive.

Tilvee Argan & Sea Buckthorn Age-Defying Creme received the “best anti-aging award in 2010” by Delicious Living Magazine due to amazing anti-aging benefits of Moroccan Argan Oil and Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil.

Tilvee Eco Ethical Skincare has a full line of luxurious, toxin-free skin care, outdoor, and hair care for women, kids, and babies. Tilvee products are formulated with 100% natural and sustainable ingredients sourced from fair trade cooperatives. I love that! The products are also packaged in sustainable materials. Tilvee items are available nationwide at Whole Foods Market, Vitamin
Cottage, other natural stores and online.

Girl with a Dragon Tattoo Inspired Nail Polish by Duri

2011-12-21T13:11:00.001-05:00

Fun Find- Inspired by the amazing film "Girl with a Dragon Tattoo" Duri nail polish has created six gorgeous and fun shades. I say they are here just in time to wear to the opening of the US film version today!

Colors like Dragontini (eggplant shade) , Icicle, Frozen, and Black Diamond look great on your nails. I like to mix them up and put Angels and Demons (dark silver) on my thumbs and coat my remaining fingers with Fallen Angel. It makes people look twice and I have gotten loads of compliments on each shade every time I have used them. At $5 a bottle you can love the whole collection all at once!

You can purchase Duri nail polish online and worldwide at find salons. Nail blog, Scrangie, has a really detailed review of each color with some gorgeous photos too. Check it out!

*Image from thestylecloset.net

A Nude for all Seasons

2011-12-19T12:43:00.001-05:00

I love a good nude lip. However, I think it is really hard to find a lipstick that is nude and complimentary. Laura Mercier Pink Champagne is a great one for every season.

beautyADDICTS BeautifullLIPS

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Fun Find- beautyADDICTS BeautifullLIPS Lipstick ($18) collection contains eight rich and creamy colors infused with intense hydration. Formulated with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and other natural ingredients your lips are protected and nourished with beautiful coverage. BeautifullLIPS has natural peptides that stimulate collagen for a firmer more plumped up lip.

I was given three shades from the collection. Peep Show - a bold eggplant shade that my three year-old pilfered from my make-up drawer one day while I was out running. Thanks kid! The shade was too dark for me anyway. It is a deep purple that probably looks better on a darker skin tone. Flirt – is a delicate petal pink. I tend to wear this one on a more regular basis. Sinful- is an red-orange shade that attracts a lot of attention. What is it with people and red lipstick? You wear it and everyone has a comment.

With all three shades I liked that my lips didn't dry out and the color stayed without staining. It's not all day coverage but it does last through a few drinks and most of the morning, which is fine by me. I'm not looking for eight hour lips.

You can find BeautifullLIPS by beautyADDICTS at a find salon near you.

Heidi Klum Shine Giveaway

2011-12-16T15:03:00.002-05:00

Heidi Klum: top model, television presenter, styleicon, designer, business woman, wife and mother. Now,Klum can add a fragrance to her multi-faceted life. Her new signature fragrance:Shine,is a sparkling floral oriental. It is a feminine scent that encapsulates Heidi’s joyfulness, her playfulness andher taste for authenticity, which is reflected in her natural, approachablepersonality.

Shine: The Fragrance

Aneffervescent floral oriental fusion, Shineperfectly reflects Heidi’ssparkling vivacity and soft sensuality. The elegant fragrance opens with fresh, juicy notes of mandarin andpear, enhanced with spicy pink peppercorn to invigorate the senses. This meltsinto a beautifully feminine bouquet of exquisite mimosa absolute,lily-of-the-valley and sunflower, exuding a delicious joie-de-vivre. At its base, warm notes of vanilla, tonka beanand musk create seductive, sensual undertones, making this fragrancewonderfully addictive.

TopNotes: Mandarin,Pear Williams, Pink Peppercorn

HeartNotes: MimosaAbsolute, Muguet (Lily-of-the-valley), Sunflower

DryDown: Vanilla,Tonka Bean Venezuela, Musk Cosmone

I'm giving away three sets right now! Enter to win by commenting on your favorite perfume. For addtional entries you can tweet this giveaway, follow MPR and/or like it on Facebook. Applicable to US Residents only. Winners will be chosen at random on December 22, 2011.

Fashion & Beauty Deals for 12/16

2011-12-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

Today is the day to hit up some great deals on the web. FreeShippingDay.com is the place to go to get the following deals. See something you like, head over to freeshippingday.com

FASHION

Express - Free shipping plus 30% of all orders, plus $25 off orders of $100 or more.
JCrew - Free shipping and 30% off all orders.
Ann Taylor - Free shipping and 40% off your order.
Inhabit - Free overnight shipping on all orders.
Gap - Free shipping and 20% off your order.

BEAUTY
The Body Shop - Free shipping on all orders.
Philosophy - Free shipping on all orders.
Bobbi Brown - Free shipping on all orders.
Beauty.com - Free shipping on orders of $25 or more.
Sephora - Free shipping and returns on orders over $25.

SHOES
Shoes.com - Free shipping and free returns plus 20% off your order.
Puma Stores - Free 2-day shipping and free returns on all orders.
Hush Puppies - Free shipping plus $10 off your order.
ShoeBuy.com - Free shipping and returns on all orders.
Chinese Laundry - Free shipping on all orders.

Ella's Kitchen Organic Baby Food

2011-12-16T09:45:00.001-05:00

If I could give an award to something it would be Ella's Kitchen! I love the idea of fruit and vegetables combined into one packet that I can throw in a purse, the car or diaper bag. I keep them on me at all times and from baby number three to my five year-old Ella's Kitchen food is a magical thing. Everyone wants one and they want them all the time!

Made from 100% organic fruits and vegetables the purees are in handy squeezable packs that come in single food variety or an array of clever mixes. Broccoli, Pears and Peas anyone? Yes, please! I love that I can get my oldest to suck down some veggies without any complaints. The girl won't touch a carrot, pea or potato anymore. It's all carbs and I fear for her digestive tract. Ella's Kitchen was created by a Dad for his kids. He wanted something healthy and portable. He came up with Ella's Kitchen and now there is a whole selection from First Tastes, Baby Brekkie to Smoothies and more.

One of the best parts about Ella's Kitchen pouches is that I can give them to all my kids. When the box for review came to our door it was just days before our Thanksgiving car trip to West Virginia. I knew that these fruit and vegetable packs were going to make the car ride a lot smoother. Each girl loves them, devours them and asks for more. My one year-old can eat them in the car and I don't worry about her choking.

Ella's Kitchen makes many flavors from one fruit or vegetable to combinations of both. You can even use them in recipes! They are available at many grocery stores and retailers like Target and Amazon.com and more.

Top Trainers DVD Collection

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Some call it the ultimate holiday workout but I say it is a great way to squeeze in a workout anytime of year. The Top Trainers DVD ($60) set is an awesome collection of ten DVDs that mix cardio, yoga, Pilate's and other workouts like the Bar Method all in one package. It's fantastic!

I love that I can use this to change things up when I don't want to hit the gym or go for a run. There at my fingertips is a Pilate's workout with 10 of the top fitness professionals in the country. Using the Blend Method you can always change things up and focus on areas you really want to target. I loved Ellen Barrett's Yogini workout. For 45 minutes I was stretching, sweating and getting a great bun, thigh and ab workout without having to leave my house. Two days later my body actually felt like it was craving that workout again. Yes, really. Want more? Top Ten has Latin Dancing, Kickboxing, ballet and interval training too. Included in the kit was a schedule for optimal results too. Love it!

You can purchase the Top Trainer DVD collection at HealthyFitBodies.com and there is a 30 day money back guarantee.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Reuseit Skoy Paper Towels & Earth Tote

2011-12-13T15:06:00.001-05:00

Reuseit is a fantastic website that I love to shop on whenever I need to replace something in my house. For example, a few weeks ago my Cuisinart coffeemaker needed a new cup to hold the coffee grounds. The mesh had torn and was coming away from the plastic frame. Reuseit had a perfect fit replacement that can be used in my coffeemaker and many others. The Reuseit one is actually a better quality and a finer strainer than the company brand too.

Reuseit recently sent me some Skoy Paper Towel replacements ($4.95). These can be used to sop up a mess and for everyday cleaning. For a set of four in four colors (blue, green, yellow and natural) you can be wiping up messes and cleaning for a week. One Skoy cloth replaces 15 paper towels, which is great for the environment. When the Skoy Paper Towel replacement is dirty just toss it in the wash. Made from 100% biodegradable wood pulp cellulose and natural cotton Skoy is non-toxic and chlorine free. You can even clean it in your dishwasher, which I find to be easier and faster. It's also dryer safe. If you are trying to conserve paper towels, be more green or save money then the Skoy Paper Towel is a good product to buy from Reuseit.

We all have a variety of reusable bags in our homes these days. Companies stick their logos on them and hand them out all the time. The reuseit Earth Tote, Original ($9.95) is a notch above all those other reusable shopping bags. For one, it is bigger and a nice tall rectangular shape. It has sturdy handles and a very handy and deep front pocket that you can put lists, notes or other additional items in. I love it!

Reuseit is the perfect place to start when you are thinking of going green. It can help you eliminate waste like using plastic utensils, straws, plastic baggies, use-and-toss lunch containers and more. I love browsing the site to figure out ways that save me money in the long run and the earth right now.

MPR Rating: Four Stars (both products).

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

sweetriot Chocolate

2011-12-09T11:16:00.001-05:00

Fun Find- sweetriot chocolate company is human, globally responsible, irreverent and built for a new generation. That is the company's mission. Founder Sarah Endline found cacao during her travels and realized that not many people knew that in countries like West Africa, South & Central America and Asia, cacao is a celebrated food. It is considered spiritual and magical. With that in mind sweetriot was formed by the riot team with the idea of supporting social causes like fair trade.

One of the things I love about sweetriot is that they use only all-natural, high quality inredients. The chocolate is intense, rich and lovely. They are known for their smooth dark chocolate varities and sweetriot nibs, which have a celebrity following. The flavor of a sweetriot chocolate bar is deep, varied and all around a premium experience. I loved every savored mouthful of my chocolate bars.

"Welcome to sweetriot. Join us. Life is a riot. Sweet."

sweetriot products are available at Whole Foods, Zabars, World Market, Publix and many other fine retailers nationwide.

BeautyMint Skincare

2011-12-07T06:28:00.001-05:00

Fun Find- BeautyMint skincare is a comprehensive line of products designed to marry both science and nature together in one personalized program for your skin. It shows that it is not just the ingredients but how they work together and with your own skin type and needs that proves BeautyMint's efficiency. Just like JewelMint and StyleMint this line is celebrity endorsed by Jessica Simpson and Nerida Joy, a skincare expert who has been in the business for a few decades. You can order the products and they will be delivered monthly.

Go ahead, take the free skin consultation and get started. I was not enthused initially thinking it would take up precious time but it was under five minutes and seamless. Immediately I was offered two skincare programs (my personal results) that would tackle my needs and give me the results I was looking for in a skincare routine. I was told my skincare type (3-6-6) and the option to go for an advanced approach to my skincare needs or a comprehensive one. I was ready for a hefty price tag to go along with my four and five product kits but didn't see it. My kits were between $40-50, which I could easily spend at my local Target or drugstore for a new skincare routine. Plus, there is the 30-day BeautyMint return policy. It's perfect! You can see results and if you are not happy, return it for a full refund (minus shipping and handling). Love it!

BeautyMint promises great results in typically 8 weeks. Other reviewers found mixed results, or fell in love. I myself am not posting results on a skincare product that is supposed to be customized but was not. It doesn't seem right to me to give you possibly false results because the products were not the best ones for my skincare needs and concerns. However, I will say I agree with both these other bloggers on the look, feel and scent of BeautyMint products.

*Image from stylebakery.com

Dr. Oetker Frozen Pizza

2011-12-05T06:25:00.001-05:00

Dr. Oetker pizza is Italy’s No. 1 frozen pizza brand.  Ristorante style gourmet pizza features an Italian-style thin-crust using fresh ingredients, a thin crispy crust and flavors that are signature of an Italian restaurant without having to leave your home.

Dr. Oetker pizza is available in six varieties ($4.49-$5.99):

·         Spinaci
·         Mozzarella
·         Funghi
·         Vegetale
·         Speciale
·         Quattro Formaggi

I tried the Spinaci and Quattro Formaggi and loved them both. My favorite being the Quattro Formaggi. I found the Spinaci with its deep green spinach to be tasty but a tad on the salty side. There was quite a bit of spinach which is fantastic but on a frozen food that has to remain crispy it can sometimes not heat up and lose some of its water at the same rate as the rest of the pizza. The garlic sauce was great on it as were the sundried tomatoes.    However, the Quattro Formaggi with its addition of blue cheese crumbles, Edam, Emmental and mozzarella is tantalizing and tasty. The combination of the cheeses and basil seasoning is quite good.

Dr. Oetker pizza is available in the frozen food section at Harris Teeter, Giant and Weiss stores nationwide. The website also has an online store with the Dr. Oetker desserts and baking ingredients that are fantastic.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Record a Story with Dora the Explorer

2011-12-02T15:03:00.001-05:00

Fun Find- Record a Story™ ($19.99) is something that I'm sure many kids would love to receive as a gift this holiday season. It allows readers to easily record their voice narrating a story, and the narration then plays when each page is turned. Fun for parents or grandparents, they can create custom-recorded storybook for their kids and grandkids. Kids can do the same for parents or long-distance relatives. It's perfect for military families! My girls love the Dora version, which is now on sale for $14.95!

Available at major retailers nationwide, Record a Story helps families stay connected even when they are separated. It is a great solution for working and traveling parents too. New titles this year include, My Grandpa is Special and My Grandma is Special, Good Night, Sesame Street, The Day You Were Born, Thomas: Good Night, Little Engine, I Love You So Much, Ten Little Pumpkins, The First Christmas and Frosty the Snowman.

Lighten Up by Peter Walsh

2011-12-02T10:07:00.001-05:00

Fun Find- "Lighten Up" ($15) by Peter Walsh is about taking Walsh's clutter-busting principles to assist readers in organizing their financial lives. The concept is all about applying the less is more approach to life.

Peter Walsh, the host of “Enough Already! with Peter Walsh,” on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is a clutter and organizational expert. His previous bestselling books include, It’s All Too Much and Enough Already, which showed readers how to get rid of clutter room by room. Walsh likes to explore the impact that clutter has in our emotional and spiritual lives in his books. This is something I believe in as well so his books hit home.

"Lighten Up" helps readers understand and clear out their financial clutter. With the economy the way it is today this is a great way to really learn to live the motto, "less is more". I know it is something I can relate to and learn to apply in my daily life, especially around the all consuming holiday time.

"Lighten Up" is available on the Peter Walsh website and online at Amazon.com

Carmex Healing Lotion & Cream Giveaway!

2011-11-29T13:55:00.001-05:00

I received a Carmex Healing Lotion set to get my skin winter-ready. The people at Carmex know a thing or two about moisturizing too. Just like their fantastic lip balm the healing lotion and cream are thick but not greasy. They absorb into your skin quickly and leave behind no residue just soft, smooth skin that doesn't become dry again in no time. I love that there is no menthol scent either. Just a light, slightly vanilla scent to them. The healing cream is best for those really rough areas like your heals too. It's done wonders with mine after a long summer outdoors. The set includes-

1 Carmex Healing Lotion
1 Carmex Healing Cream
1 Travel size Carmex Healing Lotion
1 Travel size Carmex Healing Cream

I love that it comes with two travel size pieces because as busy as I am this is a great way for me to test out a product. I can keep one in a purse and another in my car. The full size tubes are slim and don't take up a lot of room in my bathroom drawer, cabinet shelf or in my gym bag. It's perfect! I think that the set makes a great teacher gift too.

Check out the Carmex website for more healing, moisturizing options as well as coupons! You can purchase the Carmex Healing products online at drugstore.com or at your local Walgreens, Target and other fine retailers nationwide.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

GIVEAWAY! I'm giving away ONE full set of from Carmex Healing! Just like the one I reviewed above! Enter to win by following Mummy's Product Reviews. Already follow MPR? Additional ways to enter by Tweeting this giveaway or following The Mummy Chronicles. Winner will be chosen at random by December 5, 2011. US Residents only.

Benefit's Stay Don't Stray

2011-11-29T13:19:00.001-05:00

It's a concealer that makes your eye makeup last and last. No, really! Benefit's Stay Don't Stray ($26) is amazing! I was skeptical because I've always used my cream concealer to make my eye shadow stay put but Stay Don't Stray does something more.

This ia a dual-action primer that works for your lids and your under eye area. It works perfectly as a dark circle concealer that does not crease and it keeps your shadows in place without creasing as well. Sodium Hyaluronate hydrates and fills in fine lines while Vitamins C & E help fight the signs of aging. While I can't attest to that last part I do know that my eye make-up goes on all day and until I take it off. It isn't hard to remove when I want to either. I'm so in love with this product! A little goes a long way too. One pump is all you need for both eyes and then some. I like to use half a pump and still find I have a bit leftover and complete coverage.

Benefit's Stay Don't Stray is availalble at Ulta, Benfit stores and Sephora. For a limited time Stay Don't Stray is also available at the cute, stylish boutique, Cake Plate in Napa Valley.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Toys for Tots and Toyota

2011-11-29T06:24:00.001-05:00

Excellent, Economical Kids Party

2011-11-29T05:50:00.001-05:00

I recently threw a third birthday party for one of my girls and it costs me $60. Read about it here.

Cyber Monday Deals!

2011-11-28T11:55:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the latest and greatest for Cyber Monday from CouponSherpa.com

1. Dockers
Get 30% off when you spend $100 using coupon code GOBBLE.

2. Gap Stores
Take 30% off any order at Gap, Athleta, Old Navy and Banana Republic with coupon code HUGECYBER.

3. Chico's
Receive 30% off any order.

4. Macy's
Enjoy free shipping on orders of $75 or more using Macy's promo code CYBER.

5. SnapFish
Get free shipping on orders of $25 or more using coupon code FSNOV25.

6. Footlocker
Take 15% off all orders with coupon code LKS13VN6.

7. Avon
Enjoy free shipping on all orders using promo code CYBER2011.

8. New York & Company
Get 50% off all orders plus free shipping with code 2129.

9. Kohl's
Receive 20% off any order using Kohl's coupon code CYBER20.

10. American Eagle
Get free shipping plus 25% off your order using promo code 49827101.

Elure Skin Lightening System

2011-11-28T10:47:00.001-05:00

Elure Advanced Skin Lightening System is the first scientifically proven enzymatic skin whitening treatment that uses the bio-active substance, Melanozyme™. Melanozyme decomposes melanin quickly and safely. In just 28 days your skin tone will improve. The set includes three items, lotion, face wash and night cream. So does it really do that?

I used the Elure set for two weeks. During this time I only used the lotion ($150 for the two step lotion) which brightens, softens and soothes your skin. I noticed that my skin never became irritated or red with use. Many whiteners do that but Elure did not. My dark spots are a tiny bit lighter too. In the next two weeks I will add in the face wash ($35) and night cream. I will report back any new results in a few weeks. I am hoping that with the combination of the other two products, especially the night cream ($150) I will see a radical different.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Tori & Dean New Season on Oxygen!

2011-11-28T10:38:00.001-05:00

On the season premiere of “ Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, Tori and Dean have an eventful Valentine’s Day as they open their new antique shop, InvenTORI and Tori surprises Dean with a life-changing announcement.

“Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood" premieres Tuesday, November 29, at 10pm ET/PT.

Hana Shine Shield Thermal Protectant

2011-11-28T10:24:00.001-05:00

Hana Shine Sheild Thermal Protectant ($29.99) is a leave-in conditioning therapy that is silky smooth and lightweight. It is designed to protect your hair and scalp from styling and the environment.

After using Hana Shine Shield Thermal Protectant I found that a little goes a long way with my fine hair. I noticed that a dime sized amount was too much for my medium length style but my daughters curly hair it was just enough. It isn't greasy and it absorbs into your hair quickly and does add shine. Made with Jojoba is adds to your highlights and helps to bring your hairs natural color. The days I used Hana Shine Shield my hair had less frizz, more shine and kept its style better. It just looked more polished overall.

While I don't love the price a full-size bottle of Hana Shine Shield will last me a long time. It is a good product and does what is says.

PLUS orders $75 and over receive free shipping, use the code CYBERMONDAY for $10 off orders $100 or more.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

butterLondon Cyber Monday Sale!

2011-11-21T15:56:00.001-05:00

Jouer Cosmetics Mad About Fall

2011-11-21T15:35:00.001-05:00

What is it about film stars and television shows that can be so inspiring even when it is a blast from the past? You see an old movie magazine photo and suddenly you want to Brigitte Bardot your hair. In Jouer Cosmetics case their new fall line is all about taking inspiration from the show Mad Men on AMC.

Just like the women from the 60's the Jouer Liquid Shimmer eyeliners ($22) create that certain look we have all been looking for this fall. I adore the Mink Liquid Shimmer eyeliner. I am never able to apply liquid eyeliner but I can with this one. It is so easy and mess free with real staying power. I was suitably impressed. Paraben-free with Vitamins A & E the set comes in Fox (navy), Mink (taupe) and Sable (sheer aubergine). It is a water-based formula that dries fast and doesn't crease. The subtle shimmering shine is beautiful! I'm in love!

You can purchase Jouer Mad About Fall eyeliners and any other Jouer cosmetics online.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Little Monster Fun & Learn Book

2011-11-21T15:24:00.001-05:00

Fun Find- Having kids gives you entry back into the world of children's literature, for which I am so glad. Sometimes you can find an author and set of stories that takes you back to when you were a child and the book, "Little Monster Fun & Learn" by Mercer Mayer has done that for me.

The "Little Monster Fun & Learn" book puts a big emphasis on children's early education. It gives them a chance to have fun with learning. Through this book they encounter their ABC's, counting and how to enjoy things like bedtime and traveling through a neighborhood. Full of rhymes and funny monster characters both my three year-old and five year-old love reading this book before bedtime. The gorgeous illustrations provide many hours spent pouring over the pages to just to gaze at the various monsters and their habitats. They adore this book and I do too.

You can find "Little Monster Fun & Learn" online at Amazon.com and FastPencil Premiere in both print and digital format.

Schick Intuition Naturals Razors

2011-11-18T13:21:00.001-05:00

Fun Find- In one easy step you can lather and moisturize your skin while shaving! The new Schick Intuition Naturals razors (4 blades to a razor) is not just fragrance-free and hypoallergenic it is made with 100% natural aloe that provides a close shave without the need for shaving cream, lotion or body wash while shaving. I love that! A solid conditioning bar at the top of the razor takes care of everything and doesn't leave your skin feeling slimy or soaped up. The box comes with one handle, one shower hanger and 1 travel cap. The travel cap is perfect too! I've had so many razors that I can't put in my gym bag or in my toiletry bag because of the lack of travel cap and many women's razors do not fit into those plastic razor cases they sell in the travel section. It's so frustrating. The Schick Intuition Naturals razor solves this pesky problem.

You can purchase them anywhere- grocery, drug or big box store. I love the 100% recycled packing too. Visit them on Facebook for coupons too.

Skindinavia Make Up Finishing Spray

2011-11-16T20:48:00.001-05:00

Skindinavia's Original Makeup Finishing Spray ($29) extends your makeup for hours at a time while maintaining color and preventing makeup from slipping, melting and creasing. The Original formula is recommended for normal to combination skin types. For oily skin check out the No More Shine formula. Both are "kind of genius" as described by NBC's Today Show. I have to agree. I tested out both on dry and rainy days and found that my makeup looked fresh all day with each one. While it is not something I normally would even think of using it is perfect for days when you need to look your best or yes, even rainy days. That in particular was quite impressive.

A bit more about Skindinavia's Makeup Finishing Spray- it was first used on movie sets to hold makeup under hot lights. The need to minimize the need for touch ups and control excess shine is great in these scenarios. It is still used in Hollywood and on Broadway stages today.

Features and benefits:

• Fewer touch ups throughout the day.
• Stops makeup meltdown in summer and drying out in winter.
• Holds eye shadow, foundation, blush, and concealer perfectly.
• Leaves a translucent, smooth finish.
• Hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and oil free.

One thing I did notice with both, less with the No More Shine spray, was that initially there is a shiny finish just after spraying. The product needs a few minutes to absorb and then you are good to go.

20% OFF AND FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $40.
USE COUPON CODE: SAVE20

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Activate Energy Drinks

2011-11-14T16:33:00.001-05:00

I'm not one for energy drinks. If I'm thirsty I go for water. Why bother with the extra calories from a sports drink? Activate Energy Drinks ($1.99 per bottle) are a new innovative innovative, enhanced vitamin beverage that works great for people with active lifestyles. Activate drinks have a proprietary cap design that stores vitamins separately from the water, which enables the vitamins to stay fresh and potent. All you do is twist the cap and the vitamins release directly into your drink. It provides a fresh dose of vitamins right when you need it.

I tried a few of the drinks and found, after my second drink, that the cap is a great thing. I love how there is no messy powder that can spill over the top of the bottle. It's great for in the car or at the gym and travels well. While I often don't love the artificial taste that many sweetened energy drinks offer the Activate ones are sweetened with Stevia and taste great. I especially loved the Blueberry Pomegranate Antioxidant drink. With zero calories my first sip was a total surprise that had me saying out loud, "Wow. That is quite lovely." I also enjoyed the Multivitamin Fruit Punch and the Lulo Pear flavor that has 200% of your daily dose of Vitamin C. They all tasted great and not too sweet. They were refreshing too.

You can purchase Activate Energy Drinks in Immunity, Workout, Antioxidant, and many other formulas online at the company store ($9.20 for a 4 pack, $29.50 for a 12 pack) or at stores nationwide.

Check out Activate on Facebook and Twitter (@activatedrinks) for more updates and coupons!

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's own.

Fake Bake Lipo Bronze

2011-11-14T08:32:00.001-05:00

It's no surprise that I am a fan of self-tanning. You might say I'm a bit obsessed. After three kids and less time than I consider ideal for working out and being a fan of all things sweet, there is you might say, a bit of cellulite on my once streamlined thighs. Fake Bake Lipo Bronze ($21.99) to the rescue!

Really?

Well, yes, in a way it does work. We all know that tanning makes you look thinner and hides the dimples from cellulite so Fake Bake Lipo Bronze is a good solution. It's a dark colored lotion so you know where you are applying the bronzer and you should definitely wear the gloves that are provided in the box. If not, you will stain the palms of your hands. I like to apply it after my shower and I found that it works almost as well as the other Fake Bake self-tanning, bronzing products. It doesn't last as long but it is a good quick fix and it does reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is supposed to reduce the appearance of cellulite after a few weeks of using Fake Bake Lipo Bronze, which it does, because as I said before you are tanner looking. However, while it keeps skin smooth looking it doesn't reduce cellulite for good. Nothing but hard work at the gym does that. Sorry, folks. However, I do like the Fake Bake Lipo Bronze. I think it is a good buy and while using it does what it says. It just doesn't have permanent results.

Fake Bake Lipo Bronze can be purchased as the company website, Fake Bake salons nationwide and on Amazon.com

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Sweet Leaf Tea

2011-11-08T20:32:00.003-05:00

Fun Find- I love iced tea. I make it all year round and I make everything from Strawberry Kiwi, Caramel Cake, sweet tea and everything in between. As long as it tastes good and isn't loaded with artificial flavors and chemicals I will try it. The people over at Sweet Leaf Iced Teas sent me a four pack of teas to try (Mint Honey, Mango, Classic and Peach) and they were an instant hit.

Based out of Austin, Texas Sweet Leaf Iced Teas was created in 1997 when one of the two founders, Clayton decided he wanted a good tasting bottled tea that was just like his Grandmother Mimi's iced tea. Experiments, brewing processes and a move to Texas had Dave and Clayton building the company that is now Sweet Leaf Iced Teas. Made from pure cane sugar and premium tea leaves the tea tastes terrific and is available in many flavors, including green tea formulas and even half tea, half lemonade. Fantastic! I would gladly drink each, especially the Mint Honey, again.

Sweet Leaf Teas are available in natural and regular grocery stores nationwide.

Lands' End Friends & Family Coupon!

2011-11-08T19:29:00.003-05:00

It’s that time of year again! The Lands’ End Family + Friends sale runs Thursday,November 10 through Tuesday, November 15. That's 25% off site-wide plus free shipping with no minimum. That includes Lands’ End Canvas.

To apply savings, use the promo code: FAMILYSAVE25 and pin: 1142.

*Disclaimer: A $25 gift card was given to me for this post.

Dakota by Brenda Marshall

2011-11-08T14:17:00.002-05:00

Fun Find- Maybe it is the addition of AMC's new show "Hell on Wheels" but I've been in the mood for some good ol' frontier stories this fall. Brenda Marshall's new book, "Dakota" is exactly that type of book. Following the lives of homesteaders, farmers, frontier politicians and some Northern Pacific Railroad executives it is the story of one Frances Houghton Bingham. In love with the ideas of making a go at life in the west, finding opportunity in the Dakota Territory, Frances takes risks to get what she desires in this new world. At the heart of the book is Norwegian homesteader, Kirsten Knudson who grows from girl to woman in the pages of this book.

Dakota is a good fall read and available for $24.95 at Amazon.com

Hello Paper Dolls

2011-11-07T06:26:00.002-05:00

I have always been a fan of paper dolls. One of my favorite toys from my own childhood involved a Victorian paper doll set. hello hanna 'hello paper dolls' is a sweet, simple take on the paper doll sets I loved. There are four royal princesses to choose from -Violet, Buttercup, Rose and Daisy. Each doll comes with one large paper doll, a pet, outfits and sticker accessories. A stencil is included to create one-of-a-kind designs too.

Each sturdy hello paper doll ($12.95) is 6" and made from heavyweight paper. Two sheets of punch-out clothing and 1 sheet of sticker accessories are in the kit as well. I love that the stickers can be used multiple times. Each set is made from FSC-certified uncoated recycled paper. Always a plus in my book. My girls loved the endless combinations they could create with their own hello paper dolls and spent hours making fashions and playing with their individual paper dolls sets. I think they make great gifts for the holidays as well as any upcoming birthdays you might be attending soon.

hello paper dolls are available on hellohanna.com and fine stationary stores everywhere.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Lee Jeans Slender Secret Fit

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

I wear jeans a lot. I wear them to set a tone in my outfit, for practical reasons, on date nights, out with the kids or my friends. They are incredibly versatile but for many it is hard to find a good fit. When I saw the Lee Jeans booth at Blogher this summer I passed it by initially. I hadn't worn Lee Jeans since I was a kid. However, I stopped by the booth the second day and tried on a pair of the Platinum Label Naturally Slimming Bootcut Jeans ($56, now $28!!).

It was a fast fitting and I thought nothing more than, "Yeah! New jeans!"Well, my Lee Jeans arrived in the mail a few weeks ago and I promptly put them on. In about five minutes someone actually asked me about my jeans. Truthfully, they were way too long and I had rolled them up and they looked ridiculous, but they were looking at the fit, not the cuffs. They wanted to know where I got my jeans. In fact, a few more people asked the same question that day. They couldn't believe they were Lee brand jeans either. No one knew that Lee had such great jeans. I've since had mine shortened (they do run a bit long, even in short length) and I love wearing them. Why?

They never change shape! I don't have to worry that they will droop, sag or get that too tight feeling just coming out of the dryer. The jeans are 98% cotton, 2% spandex so they are slimming but also retain their shape. Makes me happy! I prefer the dark wash denim and the fabric is super stretchy but it isn't uncomfortable. It is the opposite. They are the most comfortable jeans I've ever worn. I love wearing them!

Lee Jeans Slender Secret Fit jeans come in a variety of styles and washes for men and women. You can purchase them online at Lee.com and Kohl's stores nationwide.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

GIVEAWAY! I'm giving away a pair of Lee Jeans to one lucky reader! You pick the style and size and Lee will send them to you. Visit Lee.com www.lee.com and comment on the style you would like best! Contest ends on November 11, 2011.

Molton Brown Home Fragrance Collection

2011-11-02T06:12:00.001-04:00

Molton Brown has recently re-launched their candle collection. Redesigned in new candle sizes and fragrances the Molton Brown collection is ready for the upcoming holiday season.
So what's new with this fabulous collection? The glass for one. Each one is hand-blown and hand polished making each one unique. The candles themselves are hand-filled in Suffolk, England with paraffin wax. Each candle has a low melting point that makes burning bright, even and with superior fragrance distribution. An Aromalite cored wick (medio and grande candelas) is made of 100% natural fibres. No more puddles of wax absorbing and taking over the wick either. An omni-directional flame handles this typical candle problem.

The colors, designs and fragrances are rich and bold. Scents like Heavenly Gingerlily, Golden Solstice, Imp's Whisper, Firefly Embers, Night Tempest, Naran Ji, Re-charge Black Pepper and many more. For whatever mood or ambiance you want to create you can with this new Molton Brown Home Fragrance Collection.

Sizes include:
Piccolo box of four mixed fragrances (two types): $58.00
Medio Candela (single wick): $49.00
Forte Candela (three wicks): $74.00
Grande (six wicks and boxed with own snuff lid): $265.00
Medio and Forte Candela Snuff Lids sold individually: $25.00/$38.00

The new Molton Brown collection is available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Teas' Tea

2011-10-31T00:00:00.001-04:00

Fun Find-"An array of studies have shown correlations between green to and good cardio health & blood circulation, maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels, improvement of brain function, an aid in healthy weight maintenance and alleviation of obesity, a contributing factor to good oral health, immune system boost and more - a long list of positive health implications. Green tea has potent antiviral and antibacterial properties."

Teas' Tea is authenically brewed, premium tea that is also GMO free. This all-natural beverage comes in sweetned, unsweetned, low calorie (lightly sweetned) and classic (sweetned) formulas. Flavors like Rose green, Golden Oolong, Mint Green (my favorite!) and Pure Green quench your thirst while providing antioxidants. Made with no artifical sweetners or dyes and sweetened with natural cane sugar Teas' Tea is refreshing and a great way to get healthy green tea into your system.

Get 20% off your Tea online with the code ADA20. Good until December 31, 2011.

Hollywood Tans Mystic Tan Review

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

"It only takes three minutes." That is music to any busy woman's ears. To one that is as fair and freckle-prone as me, it sounds like magic. I can be tan in three minutes? Tell me more...

Last week I visited one of my local (Manassas, VA) Hollywood Tans for a complimentary Mystic Spray Tan. While there I wanted to learn a little bit about the process too. I spoke with the staff and learned that while it only takes three minutes to be sprayed in a booth, it takes a lot longer to learn all the tricks to getting a great UV-free, natural Mystic Tan.

Tips and Tricks

1. Exfoliate. It can't be said enough. Exfoliate from head to toe. Prepping before your spray tan is key. You should be clean, shaved and lotion, spray and perfume-free.

2. Listen carefully to what the tanning consultant is telling you. They know all the tips and tricks. It is an easy process but only if you follow the directions.

3. Cover your hands and fingernails with lotion. Your toenails too. I put an extra coat of lotion on my nails to make sure they did not stain during the tanning process.

4. Place the shower cap a few inches above your hairline so that you don't get a line on your forehead or right at the hairline. That's a sure tell that you just got sprayed. Remember to place it behind your ears too. I would have totally had a set of half-sprayed ears if the tanning consultant hadn't given me this tip.

5. If you get streaks or an area is too dark or blotchy then use make-up remover on it. It won't get rid of the tan it will only decrease the color a bit.

6. Don't shower or sweat profusely for four hours after Mystic tan.

The whole process is pretty fool-proof if you follow these steps. Once you enter the booth you can undress in one part of the cube and put lotion on your entire body. A color spray cartridge is place in the tanning part of the booth from the Glow line. They range from Fair, Medium and Dark. It's non-toxic and the scent smells like most sunless tanners. It goes away after the first shower. You can also have scents like Coconut Lime added to the spray to subdue the sunless tanning spray scent. The spray goes on clear and gradually comes to peak color over a 24 hour period. It can last up to a week depending on how much you sweat and exfoliate too. A product called Boost can be used daily to prolong color as well.

So there I was all lotioned up and ready for the spray. I touched the blue button, heard the doorbell like chime and stepped into the spray booth. I closed the door, waved my hand in front of the big blue button and heard a chime and automated voice telling me to place my feet on footprints 1 and 2. From the bottom to the top the spray came out and the chime and voice told me to turn. I placed my feet on 2 and 4 and was sprayed from head to toe. This process was repeated once more and I was done. Spray tan complete! I exited the booth and let myself air dry. I patted myself a bit with a towel and got dressed. I remembered to wash my hands and I was set. I felt a bit sticky but that is normal.

The next day I was a deep brown burnished tan. I showered and the extra spray washed off. A few streaks were on my inner elbows but I removed them with make-up remover in just a few seconds. The whole thing was easy, fun and after five days I still had a nice glowing tan. I only looked a bit too dark and orange that first day. Mystic Spray tans gradually fade and I dind't have any odd discoloration from my workouts. It was well worth it! I would do it again in a heartbeat.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Services recieved are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Uncle Funky's Daughter

2011-10-30T16:58:00.001-04:00

Fun Find- Free of parabens, mineral oils, synthetic ingredients and dyes and super moisturizing Uncle Funky's Daughter is the answer for curly hair. The website offers a very comprehensive way to figure out what type of curly hair you have and the products that will work best for you. In addition you can purchase the products on the website. The DeFunk Spray ($11) is great for taking out grease, oils and odors on hair while stimulating your curls. It works well on all curly hair types. My girl with her Frizzy Gillespie type curls uses this every few days to keep her curls looking fresh.

Fashion to Figure Giveaway!

2011-10-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Fashion to Figure is a full-fashion company that sells very trendy and fashionable clothes for plus size women at great fast fashion prices! One lucky reader will get to choose one item ($30 or less) from the Fashion to Figure website for their very own! Free clothes! Who doesn't love that?! It's perfect for getting something special for the holidays.

Tell me what you like on Fashion to Figure and you'll be entered to win! Winner chosen at random on November 4, 2011. For US residents only.

Curel Itch Defense Giveaway

2011-10-24T10:46:00.003-04:00

Today was the day I noticed frost on the grass as we walked to the bus stop. It is time to get my fall skincare routine into full effect! Curel can help with that too. The Curel Itch Defense Lotion ($7.99) is perfect for treating dry, itchy skin. Curel’s Itch Defense Lotion is made up of a breakthrough formula that rebalances the four essential components of healthy skin.

1. Humectants and Emollientsboost moisturization and leave skin feeling protected.
2. Natural Ceramidesrestore skin’s barrier function and regulate skin’s ability to hold moisture.
3. Accelerated Cellular Turnoverminimizes dry, flaky skin and smoothes the skin’s surface, balancing the dry skin cycle.
4. Balanced pH levelsreturn skin to a healthy equilibrium.

I'm giving away a bottle of Curel Itch Defense lotion to one lucky reader! I'll choose a winner at random on November 4, 2011. Just tell me what you do to combat dry, itchy skin and you'll be entered to win!

BornFree Eco Bottles Giveaway!

2011-10-24T08:58:00.001-04:00

BornFree wants to know: What were the products as a new Mom that you couldn’t live without?

It is downright overwhelming being a new mother. We want the safest, most trusted and convenient products available. To help parents pick the product essentials from one mom-to another, let us know what Products (toys, bottles teethers, etc) got you through your babies first year.

Give your advice in the comment section and I'll choose a winner at random on November 4, 2011. The winner will be given a set of BornFree Eco bottles of their very own!

*This contest is sponsored by BornFree (www.newbornfree.com). BornFree specializes in developing and manufacturing baby feeding products that feature a natural flow that’s closer to breastfeeding, tummy conscious ActiveFlow™venting technology that’s clinically proven to reduce colic, and naturally safe materials that are free of BPA, PVD and phthalates.

Infinity Sun Glow on the Go

2011-10-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

Infinity Sun Glow is another sunless tanner that has crossed my doorstep. I like to guinea pig myself out for many types of beauty products, including sunless tanners. This one is particularly interesting because it is the first all-natural sunless tanning technology, made with anti-aging anti-oxidants and pure botanicals. It can give you a customized spray tan while hydrating your skin and enhancing natural skin tone. The Infinity Sun Glow on the Go ($40) bottle says it can last up to two weeks.

Applied with a proprietary spray system this product should be operated by a sunless tanning professional. The entire process should only take about three minutes when done this way. I applied it myself holding the spray 4-6 inches from my skin. What came out was a concentrated brownish color that didn't spray evenly or all over. It was dark in some spots and light in others. I rubbed it into my skin for an even cover but hours later I didn't have that glow. The bottle of Infinity Sun Glow states that it must be applied in even sprays. That's impossible for someone who doesn't do this for a living or have the proper tools. Having a professional do it is a must. I will try it again though and see if I can layer a glowing look that way. I will say this for Infinity Sun Glow on the Go- there is no harsh aroma when applied or after using, which is fantastic and hard to find. It also doesn't stain your clothes like others or dry out your skin. My legs did not feel tight after use. I love that! Must be the 7 essential oils and Vitamins A and E that make it work like that.

Infinity Sun Glow on the Go is available on the companys website with a host of other Infinity products.

MPR Rating: Two Stars. UPDATE: FOUR STARS- One day later and I'm a golden goddess after only one application. No streaking either. Not even one little bit. My skin isn't dry either. Just remember to really wash your hands right after use or wear gloves. Infinity Sun Glow on the Go pulled an all-nighter and made it work even if it wasn't as the packaging stated.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Pottery Barn Kids Halloween Collection

2011-10-21T06:44:00.001-04:00

Halloween is a big deal in our house. At least we like to think so but each year we fail to decorate much more than the carved pumpkins on our front step. This year we changed all that when Pottery Barn Kids sent us some of their kids Halloween decor. They have a bit of everything from yard stakes to garland and all of it is done in the classic Pottery Barn style.

In our house we hung the Halloween Character Garland ($14.99) between the two sets of glass doors that lead to our deck. It is a good focal point for anyone that enters our home. Since we put it up the black, white and orange felt garland everyone has commented on how cute the witches and skeleton designs are in that room. We also added the three piece Character Pillar Candle set ($36.99). Each candle is made from real wax with a black silhouette design on the outside. A spooky house on one, a dancing top hat wearing skeleton on another and a witch on a broom. Each one takes batteries and has lasted us a few weeks worth of nights glowing on our dining room table. The kids love turning them on each night after dinner. They look just like real candles burning without the messy wax or the threat of anyone getting burned. Pottery Barn Kids also have a votive set for smaller settings and areas.

Thanks to Pottery Barn Kids our house actually looks quite festive in the Halloween spirit. It's cute, fun and tastefully done!

Visit Pottery Barns Kids Facebook page for more fun information!

Green & Black's Classic Collection

2011-10-20T14:31:00.000-04:00

Fun Find- UK-based chocolate company Green & Black makes great chocolate. I adore the Cherry bar with its dark chocolate and dried cherries. It is my favorite in the Green & Black collection. The dark chocolate is 60% cocoa solids and the cherries are plump.

This fall Green & Black is debuting their new Classic Collection ($9.99) a combination of 12 miniature bars of both dark and milk chocolate. Six flavors are in the set, including Toffee, Almond, Dark 70%, Ginger and Cherry and Milk. All high-quality organic chocolate and fair trade certified in each and every bar. I love how each bar is small but the flavor is so intense and superb that even a miniature Green & Black bar is highly satisfying as a small treat after a meal or as a snack.

Green & Black chocolate bars and the Classic Collection are available at retail stores like Target everywhere. See some tasty recipes from the site here.

*Image from ebidebby.com

Hyatt Place, Mystic CT

2011-10-18T15:53:00.001-04:00

The Hyatt Place in Mystic, CT is a good size hotel that is set a bit away from all the other off 95 hotels in the Old Towne Mystic Village area. Hidden directly behind an Exxon gas station and a McDonald's it feels secluded and is a nice retreat from the noise of the village and tourists.

When I checked into the Hyatt Place I had no expectations. I had not visited this type of Hyatt before and it immediately struck me as a competitor for a Hilton Garden Inn. A spacious, high ceiling lobby and front desk with Starbucks barista bar awaits you. Numerous unobtrusive televisions screens are tucked into various seating areas in the lobby and near the breakfast nook. A complimentary continental style breakfast is served each morning. Free wi-fi is standard.

My room was on the third floor of a clean looking and smelling hotel. Quiet was all around and my large king room was a tiny oasis. I found the room neat, styled nicely in warm browns and khakis. Dark wood, deep brown leather and granite are all around the room from the wet bar to the bathroom counter. Long mirrors are on both the bathroom door and closet door, which is a nice touch. Additionally, a mirror is above the wet bar, another great location. I liked the feel and layout in the room. You enter a sitting area with a sectional sofa and over sized coffee table/ottoman. A large flat screen television (that swivels for the couch or bed) is set on the wall in the middle of the room and a wood half wall divides the bed from the sitting area. It's a nice touch. What I didn't like about this room was the noise of the bathroom fan. It was incredibly loud, droning and you had no way of shutting if off unless you wanted a dark bathroom. A light inside the shower would have been an added bonus since the interior shower/toilet light was so dim. Additionally, the bed while large, clean and fluffy looking had stiff sheets and too soft pillows. I was not a fan. I wanted something a bit more upscale feeling as I fell asleep.

Breakfast and snacks are available 24/7 at the Hyatt Place. You can place an order with the front desk or on a kiosk in the breakfast nook. You can easily charge to your room or on a credit card and food comes out in a relatively quick time frame. However, my soup the first night was cold. Not lukewarm, but cold. Having it in my room I did not want to take it back down to the lobby to be heated. The next morning my potatoes at breakfast were so dry they were hard as rocks. I think too much microwaving is going on in this kitchen. When I eat at a hotel I expect better fare than what I receive on an airplane and the Hyatt Place was sadly lacking in this department. My second breakfast- an egg and sausage el burrito ($6.50) was a bit better but I was not expecting much after my earlier experience. All that being said you could easily just have the continental breakfast of bagels, toast, muffins, mini-donuts, oatmeal and fruit for free. I just like some protein to start my day. The Equinox diner is right down the street and serves food at all hours. Plenty of other restaurants are right near by that also serve many types of food.

I wanted to like the Hyatt Place a lot after I checked in. It's clean, the staff is helpful and very personable. They play a lot of roles while on the clock and do it well. There is a quiet calm to this Hyatt Place and that can go along way. Ultimately though I have to give it a lower rating due to the food quality. Pictures on the website are actually reflective of what the hotel looks like.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Review was conducted while on business travel. Opinions are MPR's only.

*Images from hyatt.com, renalto.com, expedia.com

FireFly Toothbrush

2011-10-18T15:26:00.000-04:00

Fun Find- Created by a Dad and his daughter the FireFly toothbrush who wanted kids to take control of their brushing habits it is one cool toothbrush. The FireFly toothbrush is easy to use and lights up for sixty seconds at a time, which is the perfect time for a child to spend on each row of teeth. Simply press the button and the timer blinks. Want something even easier? Your child can hit the bottom of the brush on a surface and the timer will start. Your kid will think it is one cool toothbrush.

That's not all.

The FireFly toothbrush comes in cute Barbie, Spiderman and Hot Wheels designs. There are many styles and sizes available for a variety of ages too. From ages 4 months to 8 years on up there is a toothbrush recommendation for any child. Each brush has soft bristles and is gentle but effective on kids gums and teeth. I think the FireFly toothbrush selections are a great way to introduce good oral hygeine to kids. The Sparkly FireFly toothbrushes are a wonderful alternative to passing out Halloween candy or get your kids excited about brushing away all that candy after a night of trick or treat bingeing!

FireFly toothbrushes can be purchased online, Walmart, Walgreens, Drugstore.com and many other stores nationwide.

Juice in the City Daily Deals!

2011-10-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Atlanta: Atlanta: Buckhead/Midtown
$20 for $40 Worth of Playhouses & More from CraftyKidsUSA.com

Austin: North Austin
$20 for $40 Worth of Merchandise at kidOshoe

Austin: North Austin
$20 for $40 Worth of Merchandise at kidOshoe

Dallas - Fort Worth: Collin County
$10 for $20 Worth of Southern Barbecue from Bar-B-Cutie

Dallas - Fort Worth: Denton County
$15 for $30 Worth of Dry Cleaning with Pick-Up & Delivery by Dry Cleaner Express

Dallas - Fort Worth: North Mid Cities
$50 for 4 Weeks of Gymnastics Classes at Classic Gymnastics
http://juiceinthecity.com/markets/north-mid-cities/deals/50-for-4-weeks-of-gymnastics-classes-at-classic-gymnastics?utm_source=3tdmr7qimm&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=DFW03_deal&utm_content=deal_3645&utm_term=view_deal&referrer=3tdmr7qimm

Houston: Greater Katy & Sugar Land
$5 for 3 Admissions to The Peddler Show

Houston: Northwest Houston
$10 for $20 Worth of Authentic Mexican Food at Los Toros Mexican Grill

Houston: Northwest Houston
$10 for $20 Worth of Authentic Mexican Food at Los Toros Mexican Grill

Los Angeles: Ventura County
$25 for 1 Month of Classes at The Little Gym of Thousand Oaks
http://juiceinthecity.com/markets/ventura-county/deals/25-for-1-month-of-classes-at-the-little-gym-of-thousand-oaks?utm_source=3tdmr7qimm&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=LAX02_deal&utm_content=deal_3467&utm_term=view_deal&referrer=3tdmr7qimm

San Francisco: North Peninsula
50% Off a Guided Horseback Ride at Sea Horse Ranch
http://juiceinthecity.com/markets/north-peninsula/deals/50-off-a-guided-horseback-ride-at-sea-horse-ranch?utm_source=3tdmr7qimm&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=SFO04_deal&utm_content=deal_6397&utm_term=view_deal&referrer=3tdmr7qimm

Neve Designs Annika Sweater

2011-10-10T14:45:00.000-04:00

Fun Find- Last year I reviewed the Alanna shawl from Neve Designs and fell in love. The soft, large shawl kept me warm many winter days and nights. A year later it is still just as new, fresh and stylish. I will use it again this winter and add to it my latest Neve Designs piece, the Annika sweater ($187).

A zip-neck front made of 100% fine Merino wool this sweater in Grape is going to look fabulous come cooler weather. I can't wait to wear it this Thanksgiving when we head to a ski resort for a week. The knit on this sweater is soft, thick and really smooth. It looks great with jeans, a nice wool skirt and boots or khaki's. It comes in four colors- Grape with orange and pink accents, Black with red accents, Charcoal with blue designs and Gem which is more like a fuchsia. I love the Nordic design and how incredibly well made this sweater is and that it is super comfortable.

Neve Designs makes clothing and jewelry for men and women. They can be purchased online, at REI and Sierra Trading Company.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

AnimalPlanet Virtual Pet Parade

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

To celebrate Halloween with a bit of pooch panache, AnimalPlanet.com is hosting a virtual pet parade. AnimalPlanet has debuted a bunch of really cute costumes for dogs just for the occasion! We got the Triceratops for our Boston Terrier too. There are butterflies, turtles, raptors and more!

Winner of the Best Pooch in Show (contest was held from Sept.26- Oct. 6, 2011) will be invited to do a guest blog post for the Daily Treat,AnimalPlanet.com’s popular pet blog, and will receive a gift basket of Animal Planet pet products. How cute is that?

ZO Skin Health

2011-10-10T06:42:00.000-04:00

Fun Find- ZO Skin Health Oraser Daily Hand Repair SPF 20 and Oraser Overnight Hand Recovery

Zein Obagi, MD is a world-renowned doctor when it comes to anti-aging skincare. Creator of ZO® Skin Health he is the head dermatologist at Obagi Skin Health Institute in Beverly Hills. His idea behind the Oraser Hand set is one I can relate to well. Now in my mid-thirties I have begun to notice drier, spotted skin in my hands. I am outside, have kids and tend to wash my hands often due to both these facts. I don't remember to reapply lotion after each wash despite having a bottle on almost every sink in my house. They say that hands show your true age and mine definitely do. The Oraser set gave me a chance to see a change in that appearance.

I started applying the Oraser Daily Hand Repair ($65) about three weeks ago. Containing Retinol, Vitamins C & E, Matrixyl 3000 and a host of other anti-aging treatments I applied it from my pulse points at my wrists to the tips of my fingers. I didn't notice a big difference in moisturizing right away but after two weeks I did see my hands begin to look less freckled and didn't dry out as fast as they were before using the Oraser Daily Hand Repair. I coupled this effort with the Oraser Overnight Hand Recovery cream ($65), which helps binds moisture to your skin. It also contains Retinol, Matrixyl 3000, Vitamins C & E and other anti-aging treatments. Skin works overtime at repairing itself while you sleep and I really tried to remember to apply this overnight cream all the time. Now three weeks later I do notice a difference. It is not huge but it is a beginning and my hands look better than they have in a long time. I think prolonged use would certainly show more dramatic results. I would be interested to see the work of this creamy, repairing duo on older hands as well.

Dr. Obagi has a long list of other anti-aging skincare sets, lotions and creams for your whole face and body. For a limited time a purchase of $150 or more will get you a travel size skincare set!

FIVE on Lifetime

2011-10-10T06:21:00.000-04:00

In collaboration with Ford Warriors in Pink, Lifetime debuts FIVE. FIVE, an anthology of five short films that shows how breast cancer impacts people's lives premieres tonight!

I received a gift package, which contains a DVD of the original movie FIVE. It accompanied goodies like popcorn, candy and tissues to go with my movie experience. A set of Warriors in Pink accessories, including the "Reach for the Moon" tee designed by Jennifer Aniston and pajama pants were also in the box.

Available exclusively at http://www.fordcares.com/, each WIP item is designed with symbols such as courage, hope, love, and commitment, all of which represent the greatest strengths of Warriors in the fight against breast cancer. These are fashionable items that not only look good but do good, with 100% of the net proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®

Wei Golden Root Purifying Mask

2011-10-04T14:38:00.003-04:00

Made from Golden Root extract, a natural exfoliate, and pure China clay the Wei Golden Root Purifying mask ($42) comes with an application brush and eight small containers of mask for individual application. Used to clean pores, calm skin, counteracts cell damage and remove dead skin cells I found this mask to be non-drying. I have a tendency to have oily skin but another review revealed the same results.

What I loved about this product is the application. The brush was so soft and worked so well. It was a real treat to use this mask and made a nice change to my usual slathering on of the weekly mask with my fingers. The Wei mask is smooth and a deep reddish-brown color. It goes on quickly and covers well. I left it on for ten minutes and found it dried evenly and not in patches. When I washed it off in the shower it came off quickly and didn't leave any residue behind. I love that! Afterwards, my face felt clean and not stripped of moisture.

I would definitely use the Wei Golden Root Purifying Mask. I think my skin looks a bit brighter afterwards too. Even the next day! My pores look a tiny bit smaller too. I like how each time I use it feel a bit like a ritual and something more special in my day.

Wei Golden Root Purifying Mask is part of the Purify-Chi line in the Wei collection. Available online and SpaceNK.apothecary.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Hershey Air Delights

2011-10-02T11:45:00.000-04:00

Fun Find- Hershey has come up with a brand new chocolate bar, the Hershey Air Delights bar is filled with wonderful and whimsical air bubbles. Air bubbles of chocolate! I love this concept. I remember how nuts I went as a kid for the Cadbury Wispa bar and the Hershey Air Delights chocolate bar is not that different. Less calories than a dense chocolate bar with a lighter texture and taste the Air Delights also comes in yummy Kiss form too!Pick up a bag or a bar of Hershey Air Delights today! Better yet give some away this upcoming Halloween!

How to Apply Red Lipstick

2011-09-30T00:30:00.000-04:00

How to apply red lipstick

*Video courtesy of Howdini.com

Big Apple Circus - Dream Big!

2011-09-29T14:32:00.001-04:00

Got plans this weekend? If you are in the DC Metro area then you might want to pick up some tickets ($15 and up) for the Big Apple Circus at the Dulles Town Center. It is Grandma's farewell tour after all! From September 22 - October 10, 2011 the DC area is happy to host this intimate circus that is fun for the whole family. Really, it is one of the kid activities I actually look forward to and it blows other circus acts away.

The theme this year is Dream Big! Loaded with trapeze flyers, a singing Ringmistress, horses that dance and frolic and even a capybara the Big Apple Circus is full of imagination and feats that will astonish anyone. I particularly loved the juggler, Dmitry Chernov. I can't even put into words how cool that innovative one person act was to behold. There is even an eleven-man human juggling show!

If all that isn't enough then come for Grandma! From the US, International Clown Hall of Fame inductee Barry Lubin, and his unforgettable clown Grandma. She/he is the star of the show! Kids and adults alike love Grandma and her antics.

As a family of five we have a lot of people to please and the Big Apple Circus does not disappoint. A smaller ring and fantastic seats (anywhere you sit) make for a spectacular show. From our smallest child who is one to the two and five year old they were all happy and laughing and wanting to participate the entire time. The staff is friendly, helpful and the air-conditioned or heated venue can't be beat!

Following the Dulles engagement, the Big Apple Circus will play its annual season at
New York City’s Lincoln Center (October 20 - January 8, 2012). Additional venues and
schedule will be announced at a later date. Get your tickets now!

Get Dulles Town Center tickets here!

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Attendance was for press and review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

*All Photos by Maike Schulz/Big Apple Circus.

Kids Konserve Lunch Sack Giveaway!

2011-09-29T14:08:00.002-04:00

ANNIE’S HOMEGROWN, STONYFIELD YOKIDS, HONEST KIDS AND SEVENTH GENERATION TEAM UP TO OFFER FREE REUSABLE KIDS KONSERVE LUNCH SACKS

Annie’s Homegrown, Stonyfield YoKids, Honest Kids and Seventh Generation have teamed up to help families toss their brown bags this back-to-school season by offering a free Kids Konserve lunch sack with the purchase of participating products July 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011.

Consumers are invited to visit Annies.com/bts11, print out the form then mail in proof of purchase of all four brands. Eligible products include:

Any Annie’s Homegrown item
Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt 6-packs or Squeezers
Honest Kids Organic Drinks 8-pack carton or 64-ounce bottle
Seventh Generation Disinfectants (sprays or wipes)

I am giving away ONE Kids Konserve lunch sack to a lucky reader! Deadline is Monday, so enter now. If your kid is already asking for a new lunch sack then try this one! We love ours, it is easy to clean, fold and open. Reusable and eco-friendly it holds a standard-size lunch. To enter, comment and include your email address. For additional entries follow this blog or tweet this contest. Good luck!

How to Buy an Eco-Friendly Car

2011-09-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

This week in cars we are talking about buying an eco-friendly car. Whether it is better gas mileage for a long commute or a smaller carbon footprint this is one hot topic in the car community and outside of it. Lauren Fix, a car expert, shares her tips.

*Courtesy of Howdini.com

Organic Bistro Bowls Review

2011-09-28T13:31:00.002-04:00

You have heard me say it before, as a busy mother of three it is sometimes really hard to find time to eat anything let alone something healthy. Especially at lunchtime. Organic Bistro Bowls ($4.49) are the latest from the Organic Bistro frozen meal line. Made from organic, fresh ingredients and gluten-free the bowls take minutes to heat up in the microwave and can be made in an oven as well. My oven died the week I tested these meals so I was only able to nuke them.

First up is the Asian Style Coconut Lemongrass with Chicken Bowl. My local grocery store stocked a lot of the Organic Bistro meals. The Coconut Lemongrass appealed to me as it is not a typical frozen meal flavor. I noticed that Organic Bistro has many salmon meals as well, which is another unique attribute with this company. When I opened the box of the Coconut Lemongrass bowl I thought, "How small..." and "Hm... the vegetables look fresh and bright, the chicken chunks are large, but how do they taste? What is their texture like?" I noticed I had to cook them on high for the maximum amount of time or there was a lot of liquid still in the bowls. Once I figured that out I was ready to eat. The taste was surprising. The flavors were not bland or too salty. I could definitely taste the coconut and spices of this traditional dish. The scent of this meal was heavenly and a nice departure from my typical mid-day meals. The vegetables were fresh tasting and the chicken, while not abundant, tasted better than many frozen meals. It was large in size with no rubbery bits or discoloration. It tasted like real chicken. You know what I mean. So many frozen meals have meat that looks and tastes totally foreign from what it is supposed to be. Organic Bistro bowls may be small but they fill you up and last. I didn't have that mid-afternoon blood sugar drop or massive desire to snack. It was a win!

I wanted to try other Bistro bowls but the second time back to the store there was only salmon bowls left and I don't eat fish. I was looking forward to trying the Thai Style Yellow Curry with Chicken or the Thai Style Red Curry with Beef.

Many of Organic Bistro's meal- entrees and bowls contain edamame or quinoa pilaf (tastes like brown rice) which is a great way to fill up and add protein. It's also rare to find in frozen meals. I eat quinoa at least twice a week at lunch so this is a good option that is a bit quicker than making quinoa traditionally. You can find Organic Bistro meals in the frozen food section at your local grocery store.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Maya Water Facial Mist

2011-09-26T11:12:00.002-04:00

The first facial mist from Norway, Maya Water Facial Mist (about $30) is pure, energizing thermal spa water straight from Skogshorn in Hemsedal.

Visit the Maya Water Facial Mist page on Facebook! Look for their other mists in Organic White Tea and Organic Acai.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum

2011-09-23T16:38:00.000-04:00

That sure is a mouthful of a title but it is well-deserved. I have such a hard time with hair and styling products. My hair is fine, color-treated and has a bit of a coarse wave to it. When there is any sort of moisture there is frizz. My ends look a mess and because I am a blond it can easily be devoid of shine. Sally Hershberger, a famous hair stylist, has had hair products on the shelves of stores like Target and on HSN.com for some time. I just could never commit to buying a brand I knew so little about that carried a heavier price tag. Then came this review.

Whoo hoo!

Argan oil is like magic on my hair. I have used it in various forms for a few years now. It smooths it without weighing it down and adds super shine even on my most frizzy, dried out looking days. I noticed a difference in my hair the very first day that I used the Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum. For one my hair not only looked smooth and glossy it felt that way too, even my ends. I couldn't stop using the lab sample I was given. I'm half-way through the bottle and just can't believe how great this product really is. It lasts all day, a little goes a long way and it doesn't have a scent that is overpowering or lingers. I love that it can be used on wet hair and protects it from heat styling. It deep condtions and protects against sun damage too. Loaded with Rice Bran Oils, Argan oil and Amala oil (Indian Gooseberry) it penetrates the hair fast and leaves lasting results.

I highly recommend purchasing the Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Care Hyper Hydration Super Argan ($15, 1.7 oz) to everyone. Available at Folica.com, Ulta and Duane Reade.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Lumene Vitamin C+ Bright Skin Radiance Nectar Giveaway!

2011-09-23T06:35:00.000-04:00

From the Finnish-based company Lumene and a Parents Award winning product, Lumene's Vitamin C+ Bright Skin Radiance Nectar. Containing Lumene’s hero ingredient, Arctic Cloudberry Nectar that helps make skin look brighter and more radiant. Perfect after a long summer in the sun.

Lumene's Vitamin C+ Bright Skin Radiance Nectar is a formula containing unique cloudberry nectar that supports the skin's fluid- and micro-circulation, gently exfoliates taking care of the skin's optimal thickness, minimizes the pores, and makes the skin look smooth. Cloudberry nectar detoxifies and helps to make the skin look brighter and more radiant. Great for normal to combination skin types.

Visit Lumene on Facebook!

I'm giving away a bottle to one lucky MPR reader! To enter simply comment on this post and don't forget your email address for contact purposes only. I will select a winner at random on September 30, 2011.

Carmex Click Sticks Review + Giveaway!

2011-09-21T20:41:00.001-04:00

Carmex is known for being a super moisturizing and protecting lip balm. I have tried many lip balms in my day from reviews, purchases and ones that were given to me. However, Carmex has never crossed my path. The new Carmex Click Sticks in Lime Twist and Vanilla are ready for review.

Not tested on animals with SPF 15 these lip balms are super moisturizing and have long lasting protection. They are also non-addictive and don't have to be applied that often, which I loved. So how do they taste?

The Lime Twist is strong in lime scent and flavor. It was a bit too much for me in the taste department but I loved the scent. The Vanilla was delightful in how true to vanilla it was without any bit of artificialness. Both Click Sticks went on smoothly, stayed on and made my lips soft and supple. I was quite happy with the Vanilla flavor most of all.

Carmex Lime Twist and Vanilla Click Sticks are available at Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid and other drugstores nationwide. Check out the Carmex Facebook page for fun coupons and other great products like the Moisture Plus lip balm with a hint of tint.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

I have teamed up with Carmex to offer a lucky reader a Click Stick set (Vanilla and Lime Twist) with a portable striped blanket that easily folds and fastens. It's great for taking on a picnic or keeping in your car. Enter to win by commenting and a winner will be chosen at random on September 29, 2011.

Creating the Classic Cat Eye

2011-09-20T09:18:00.000-04:00

TJ Maxx & Marshalls Back-to-School Contest!

2011-09-19T06:52:00.001-04:00

School has already begun but the savings and need for forgotten items is still here. I know I will be going out this week for more pants and sneakers. The girls just grow so fast! Did you know that 25% of Moms wait until the last minute to shop for back-to-school clothes?

I went to Marshalls myself this week to see what kind of back-to-school items I could find for our oldest girl. The choices were abundant and I came away with not just stuff for her but for the house as well. What did $50 get me for the girl? Take a look!

One pink shirt $7, one white shirt $7- both with flower appliques & lace trim, pair of brown fuzzy suede boots $20, Maggie & Zoe purple knit sweater dress for $15. Grand total = $49!

What I didn't show is you is that for just $10 more I found an adorable pair of super soft pink and white pajamas from the high end line Asorba for my oldest daughter. The two-piece set has pink polka-dot pants and a white shirt embellished with a cupcake. She is sure to love it. Each item I purchased was at least 30% off the regular retail price if not more. The items are not damaged and totally current.

I hadn't been to Marshalls in a while. I used to shop there often when I had more time and less kids. There was more time to browse the racks back then. I'm like 1/3 of moms who like one-stop shopping. I think I will be back to both stores often though. As I got reacquainted with Marshalls I was truly amazed at the prices. I had forgotten how great the finds can be. I even picked up a hot pink, embroidered kimono Halloween costume for my oldest for just $21.99. It even came with a fan and hair accessory. A similar one would run me at least $40. I was so excited over my finds! I felt downright triumphant.

You can find great classic brands like Ralph Lauren every time and all the stuff is current. Buyers for T.J. Maxx and Marshalls deal with the designers directly and merchandise is 20-60% off the regular department store price. I will be going back next time I need a nice dress or decorations for the home, that is for sure. Ten thousand new items in each store a week keeps you in the current styles and colors every season!
TJ Maxx & Marshalls are hosting a giveaway until September 23rd. Enter to win 1 of 3 $100 gift cards to score more deals and savings on items for the whole family!

Enter here.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of T.J.Maxx and Marshalls and received a gift card to facilitate my review and thank me for taking the time to participate.

Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash

2011-09-19T05:00:00.000-04:00

Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash ($12.95) is nearly 100% biodegradable and cruelty free. Gentle for sensitive skin this lightweight wash can be used for both the face and body.

When I poured the gel into my hands for the first time I was blown away by the scent of this wash. It is a bright turquoise color that also caught me off guard. Unlike the pearly white baby wash by Sebamed this face & body wash looks more adult and smells it too. I found the color and scent disconcerting and only used it once. It cleaned well, was gentle and non-irritating or stripping but despite all this I just could not handle the scent. It is 100% soap and alkali-free, which I love but I the color and scent did me in. For others it might not bother them and work perfectly. This was just a personal preference because the product does work.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Bridesmaids on DVD

2011-09-16T13:57:00.003-04:00

Out September 20, 2011 on Blu-ray and DVD is Bridesmaids'> Bridesmaids($29.98) the hit film starring Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph. If you haven't seen it then rush out and buy a copy asap! I have seen it twice now and I knew after the first viewing it was going to be a movie I keep in rotation. Refreshingly funny (yes, really!) it is a great way to spend a night in with your friends.

Hot pink cupcakes with Bridesmaids 'B' made for the party!

That is just what I did too. Last night I hosted a Bridesmaids DVD launch party with a few of my close friends. We drank wine (Cupcake winery Red Velvet was one we selected), including Bridesmaids Party Punch (recipe below), ate cupcakes (a must as star Kristen Wiig is a baker in the film), popcorn, and other assorted salty and sweet treats.

Snacks for the show!

Waiting for the movie to begin. Sam seems to be talking about her own engagement ring.

We started the flick late as we wanted everyone to be there. Hot pink, silver and black balloons were placed in bunches around my den while black and pink streamers hung from the ceiling overhead. The movie had not been playing two minutes when the laughter began. Unrated or not this film is seriously funny. It goes beyond female friendships and girliness. It isn't that classic caper chick flick either. The bad bridesmaid dress scene is replaced with something far funnier. We laughed so hard we cried many times over. Everyone agreed it was one of the better films they had seen this year.

The party and snacking continued even after this 2 hour plus film ended. We got caught up on each others lives and one person commented that movie night in our own homes is so much more fun than being in the actual theater. I agree! We always like to talk after a film and this was a great way to just sit back, continue eating and drinking and not have to worry about driving, a place closing down or getting too loud.

Bridesmaids is out on DVD this week. Get it now. Watch today. Alone or with a group of friends. You will be glad you did.

Bridesmaids Party Punch "Featured Cocktail"
Ingredients- 1 bottle Yellowtail Shiraz, 1 lemon cut into wedges, 1 lime cut into wedges, 1 orange cut into wedges, 1 apple sliced, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 shot of brandy or Triple Sec, 2 cups Ginger Ale or club soda.

Pour all the ingredients in a pitcher and stir. Let it sit in the refrigerator for best results. Pour over ice and serve.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.
Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and test purposes only. Party supplies received courtesy of the Bridesmaids distributor. Opinions are MPR's only.

Party Planning for BRIDESMAIDS DVD Party

2011-09-14T13:48:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow night my house will be covered in balloons, streamers and a bunch of my girlfriends. We will pile on the couch, eat some snacks and do a bit of drinking while watching the DVD, "Bridesmaids". In order to get us in a festive mood I have found the following fun, affordable wines to help make my party a hit.

Getting into the theme of things I will be serving cupcakes (Kristen Wiig's character is a baker in the film) and what goes better with cupcakes than Cupcake's Red Velvet wine!

Not feeling the red? How about a bit of bubbly? Barefoot's Pinto Grigio Sparkling Wine adds fizz and fun on a shoestring budget. At $10 a bottle it can't be beat in flavor or price.

I didn't to overextend myself this time, so I decided to go ahead and make my own pink, pearly cupcakes. I'll let you know how they turn out!

This Week in Cars

2011-09-14T13:37:00.003-04:00

Subaru gets into the Crossover business with the 2012 XV.

Honda recalls over 300,000 Pilots due to seatbelt issues.

MORE RECALLS- Volkswagen recalls some 2011-12 Jettas.

Rocknoceros - Colonel Purple Turtle

2011-09-13T21:38:00.002-04:00

Fun Find-The fourth studio CD ($14.99) and first ever kid-friendly concept album has launched this week by Rocknoceros. Colonel Purple Turtle is loads of fun and full of whimsical characters. Based right here in the DC Metro area this CD is energetic and features a bit of everything from jazz, barbershop quartet, string ensembles and more. Sure to appeal to kids, because Rocknoceros always does, Colonel Purple Turtle is colorful, funny and definitely worth checking out.

Available here.

*Image from Jamminjava.com

Nuance by Salma Hayek review- love it and hate it.

2011-09-09T05:53:00.001-04:00

While at Blogher I went to a beauty blogger luncheon sponsored by CVS. The main attraction at this event was Salma Hayek's new line of skincare and beauty products called Nuance. Inspired by the lifelong beauty rituals that her grandmother instilled in her Salma has created not just a handful of products but large lines with Nuance. After testing out my full-size samples for the last month the verdict on Nuance is in.

I received a plethora of product. Products prices range from $7.99- $19.99. I love that a paraben, not-tested on animals, exotic ingredient line is so readily available at your local CVS/Pharmacy store.

The Rosebud Hydrating Balm ($7.49) is a nice light pink that goes on thick. It is designed for dry spots like your lips, elbows and even cuticles. I love the idea but my idea was hard to come to fruition since it took me multiple tries to even open the jar. It is too short on the bottom to grip and once I managed to pop the top the lid wouldn't lock into place again. I didn't love that. Though I did love the results of the balm. If the jar is fixed, I would look into using the product again.

Beautiful Blends Lip Quad ($12.50) is really cool to look at as far as design goes. The sleek black plastic case unfurls to reveal four lipsticks in various complimentary shades and one lip brush sitting in the middle. I love the design. It won't fit in a purse but it looks real pretty on my bathroom counter. The lipsticks work well on everyone and they glide on easily. They don't have a great lasting power but the red, nude, gold glossy nude and pinky tone work so well, I didn't care. I love the shine, suppleness and design. It's a fun buy!

Flawless Mineral Cheek Trio ($12.99) looks great but it got really banged up on my return flight home from the conference. I couldn't use it sadly. I hear it is like "spun silk" and not cheap looking, which sounds fantastic.

Quinoa Smooth & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner looks pretty and sleek in its packaging. I love the deep purple bottles and how they look in my shower. Salma did well in how her products come across. They don't look like many drugstore brands. I like the idea of the quinoa-infused product too. The scent is light, slightly floral and doesn't stick around, which is another bonus. It rinses well and my hair just looks average. No change but it didn't destroy it either.

My favorite product of the lot is the Jojoba Dual Phase Body Oil which contains coconut oil, passion fruit extract and jojoba. You shake the bottle and spray. It absorbs quickly into your skin and you are moisturized for the day. It's simple, doesn't leak, isn't greasy and works fast. It is a great find! I love this stuff!

Overall the Nuance line has some good products that are worth the money. Some may work better for you than they did for me. I wanted more from the line and Salma. I would like to try the Eye Quad with shadows and the mascara at some point. I hear they perform well. Visit CVS/Pharmacy stores to try the Nuance products and if you don't like them, you can always return them.

For another view by a fantastic beauty blogger read this by Makeup and Beauty Blog.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Images from cvs.com

This Week in Cars

2011-09-09T03:17:00.000-04:00

MPR's on vacation this week so in lieu of any recent car news here is some fun car stuff.

This car might not make it past the concept arena.

2012 Bentley Mulsanne review from Car and Driver.

It's ugly, but I still like the Nissan Juke.

Trade in Your Old Board Games with Hasbro!

2011-09-06T05:45:00.001-04:00

Give us your tired, your huddled masses.... I'm ridiculously paraphrasing there but Hasbro has come up with a great idea to help get Family Game Night (Sept. 26) off to a great start. It is time to trade-in and recycle those old board games that are worn out, tired and missing pieces.

Working with Recyclebank, Hasbro asks you to participate in the Great Games Trade-In. It makes recycling and upgrading games easy! Throughout the month of September, visit FamilyGameNight.com to print up to $83 in coupons, as well as prepaid shipping labels to easily recycle your old games. You’ll learn how to recycle your old, worn-out games with Recyclebank to make plenty of room in your freshly cleaned game closet for brand spankin’ new games! The 22 Great Games Trade-In coupon offers can be redeemed at mass merchandise retailers nationwide through October 9. And with all of these savings, you’ll even have extra spending money for treats and decorations for your big National Family Game Night celebration!

Have fun!

Image from cdn.screenrant.com

Umi Shoes- Fall 2011

2011-09-05T15:00:00.000-04:00

Each year we go out and buy shoes for the new school year. Be it preschool or elementary school our needs are the same. They have to last, they need to be durable and oh yes, cute. I have girls after all. Umi Shoes never fails to hit the mark and that is why year after year we return to them. 2011 is no different.

This year Umi is offering up some adorable styles that are great for pre-walkers, walkers and school age kids. Boys and girls alike can stay active, comfortable and stylish in Umi's. I love how long these shoes last. I have a pair of boots that both my girls wore all winter. That is winter 2008 and 2010. Those boots still look good and could be worn by kid number three. That's how great these shoes are for kids. When I say durable, I mean it.

We love the Cassie's ($59), the Umi mary jane. It is great for dressy times and school days too. My three year old looks great in her new Bluet ($57) shoes for her first year of preschool. She is super excited to wear them and asks often.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Image from shoes.com

Neutrogena Triple Protect Face Lotion for Men

2011-09-02T04:45:00.001-04:00

In the last few years we've seen an uptick in the amount of men's skincare products on the market. I think it is a great thing and Neutrogena is one of the best bets out there. It's available all over, it is inexpensive and the packaging won't put off even the most adverse man. It is also gym bag, toiletry bag and TSA friendly.

Neutrogena Triple Protect Face Lotion with SPF 20 ($6.99) soothes razor irritation while moisturizing and protecting skin from the elements. It has a light fragrance that starts off stronger and then dissipates. I liked it on my husband. It wasn't too much of anything like a musk, woodsy or citrus scent. Just a nice, clean mix. His skin felt smoother to the touch and looked and felt softer too. There was less irritation with each use as well. The UVB/UVA protection help protect skin from sun damage but also aging. It's a win-win. I'm told that it feels good, doesn't sting the eyes when my husband sweats and overall is a good product that works without any hassles.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

*Image from Allure.com

This Week in Cars

2011-09-02T02:24:00.000-04:00

Labor Day weekend is approaching and it makes me want to take a hot car out and drive long, winding roads. Except I live just outside DC and there's just tons of lights, traffic and cops impeding such a joyous ride. No matter, here's what's happening this week in cars.

The 2012 VW Beetle gets smart and ditches the flower vase.

I'm a fan of Chris Haak and if you are searching for a minivan then read his article on his own Odyssey, so to speak.

I love me a Chevy Silverado. Curious about the new connectivity and customization on the new 2012 versions? Read about it here.

*Morgan aero supersport.

Barbie's Princess Charm School

2011-08-30T11:48:00.006-04:00

Charm and etiquette are not one in the same. However, you can go to the same school for both. The new Barbie Princess Charm School DVD (available Sept. 15) is the story of Barbie (or Blair in the story) going to Princess Charm School. Together with Mrs. McVeigh (Mattel's appointed manners expert), Barbie is setting out to teach a new generation of girls the importance of good manners.

I held a manners/charm school party for the little girls in my neighborhood and they were just delighted. With the help of Barbie and her friends we learned how to set a proper table (forks on the left, knives on the right, fold those napkins, please!), we learned to pass food properly, answer the door correctly and why it is important to treat each other with respect. When I went down the provided 'Manners Checklist' the girls were stunned and pleased to learn that being kind to friends and believing each girl is her "own princess" was a box to be checked. It sent them into a fit of giggles, squeals and happy sighs. With glittering crowns on their heads, thank you notes written and their own checklists and placemats to take home from the party the girls thought they had hit the jackpot. What they did not know was that each one would get to take home their own new Princess Charm School Barbie or one of her friends Hadley or Delancey.

The Barbie Princess Charm School DVD will be debuting in your area mid-September. See a preview here. Charm School Barbie and friends are already in stores. You can find them at your local Walmart and Target today!

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only. The Barbie Charm School party was given by working with the One2One Network.

Liaison Affinia- Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

2011-08-29T07:00:00.006-04:00

The Liaison, an Affinia hotel is located right near Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and a quick walk to Union Station. The 343-room boutique hotel is designed with a feel for the city. Black and white pictures of a suited man in various Washington locations adorn the hallways. The photos have an espionage feel to them and the darkened lobby gives off a definite secretiveness that is fun.

We stayed at the Liaison as a weekend getaway and it proved to be a quiet, clean and an enjoyable stay. While we did not use the destination restaurant, Art & Soul, created by former chef to Oprah, Art Smith we did hear some good reviews of the establishment. The hotel has a spa, freebies like contact lens solution, which goes beyond the toothpaste as a usual freebie, a universal charger, a fitness kit with a yoga mat, ankle weights, and exercise DVDs. The Liaison also has an extensive pillow menu that includes, among others, a "sound pillow" with built-in speakers and an iPod hookup. If you are looking for something unique, fun and a bit different while in this area of the city then it is a nice hotel.

The rooms are sized accordingly for a city hotel and I loved the decor. It was clean, modern and the whole espionage, "meet me at a secret location" vibe continues in the rooms. Tiny cards on the desk are left like notes with your "mission", if you choose to accept it. It was perfect for a weekend getaway. Our king bed was comfortable and the room was clean. What I disliked was the bathroom. The golden light was too dark and the space was cramped. The eco-friendly Gilchrist & Soames toiletries are a nice touch, including the ones in pump form in the shower. However, our bathroom had seen better days. The dark wood sink and cabinet was small and chipped. The wallpaper was peeling and the whole bathroom felt shoddy and slapped together. For a hotel that was only opened in October 2008 it shouldn't look this way.

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay. It is a quiet location, the neighborhood is dead at night, and the hotel does offer a special feel. A spa, indoor pool and rooftop pool are available as is a fitness room. A bar in the lobby with stylish couches is a nice touch as well. Service was good, not exceptional, but good. We had no complaints.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are the writers at MPR's only.

Yes to Carrots Baby Carrots Review

2011-08-29T06:13:00.003-04:00

All natural, organic skincare is a big deal in my house. Yes to Carrots fits the bill. The prices are right too. Products like diaper cream and body wash range from $5.99 to 7.99, which is comparable to non-organic items as well as organic lines. We tried numerous items in the Yes to Carrots baby care line and noticed the following.

Shampoo & Body Wash ($7.99)- available in original formula and fragrance free this combo of shampoo and body wash works well. I loved the easy pump and foam design as did my kids. What was different about the Yes to Carrots shampoo & body wash from other brands was that the foam was thicker, more dense and lasted longer. It didn't dissipate the minute I placed it on my child. I liked this a lot better. It is also tear free, which is a must in our house. While it cleaned and worked well on all my kids it wasn't ideal for my daughter with extremely curly hair. She needs a more moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to tame her locks.

Nourishing Baby Lotion ($7.99) - My oldest has very sensitive but dry skin. We have to be really careful about what goes on her body after baths. If not, we risk a pre-bedtime crying jag because the lotion "burns" and we have to wipe it all off. Yes to Carrots baby lotion is lightweight, petroleum, SLS and Sulfate free (just like all the other YtC products) and didn't bother her skin. It was more watery than I expected but a little goes a long way and it did work on her skin and I even used it on mine one day in a pinch and I have no complaints.

Soothing Diaper Cream ($7.99)- Made with aloe, zinc oxide (beware cloth diaper users) and organic pumpkin to hydrate the skin, the Yes to Carrots diaper cream is a good find. It is soft, soothing and not sticky. It protects baby's skin from moisture and it works fast. It is a nice alternative to many other diaper creams on the market. I would use it again. It makes a cute addition to a baby gift basket too. Available online in the US only.

Bubble Bath ($7.99)- I have three girls. We have a giant tub. Bubble baths are requested often. I'm reluctant though because bubble baths are not a girls best friend. However, the Yes to Carrots is so mild, natural and SLS free that I tend to give in more often now. The foaming, the bubbles on this product is phenomenal! The bubbles quickly rise up, last longer than any bubble bath I have ever used and my girls adore it. There is no paraben and it doesn't have a strong scent. One of the best perks beyond the bubbles is that it doesn't dry their skin. A definite five star product.

Yes to Carrots has a whole line of baby and adult skincare and haircare products available nationwide at your local drug and big box retailer or online. Plus a portion of the proceeds from all Yes to Carrots products goes to the Yes to Seed Fund, which gives kids access to the various ways we can have fun and engage with Mother Nature.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

This Week in Cars

2011-08-26T14:32:00.003-04:00

This week of August 26, 2011 we are talking about -

Ford's decision to cancel the US version of the 7-seat C-Max . A big disappointment if you ask me. After seeing it at the Detroit Auto Show this past January, I had high hopes for Ford and this model. The mini mini-van was a great idea, had good mpg's and a cool sliding passenger door. The five passenger version (with a hatchback and four doors) will still be available in the US.

It's not even 2012 and Buick is recalling some of their 2012 LaCrosse vehicles.

Review of the 2011 VW Jetta TDI.

If you are living on the East Coast, then stay safe this weekend.

Organic Glam Nail Polish

2011-08-26T10:14:00.003-04:00

Fun Find- British beauty company Organic Glam has a good find in their Organic Glam nail polish ($15 US). One of the things I like best about Organic Glam's nail polish line is that unlike so many other organic or natural nail lacquers this company creates colors that shine, sparkle and are on-trend. It isn't just roses and flowery pastels for Organic Glam. No, there is Silver, Midnight, Deep Grey, Gold and Lemon as well as Deep Ruby and Pinks. I loved my Peach polish. I had to put two thick coats on to make it really pop but that is typical for natural nail lacquer. I have yet to find one that is rich and not watery. Organic Glam is no different except that it lasts and looks great once applied more than once.

Organic Glam nail polish and other beauty items can be purchased on the Organic Pharmacy.

SHAPE 8th Annual Beauty Award Winners!

2011-08-25T15:01:00.004-04:00

SHAPE magazine has just announced the winners of their 8th Annual Beauty Awards. While I like to take personal experience and a word from Allure's award winners the SHAPE staffers and over 4,000 readers weighed in on these choices.

Do you agree with some of these winners? Feel free to comment on your own personal likes and experiences.

Primer

Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer Matte Finish ($35; murad.com)
Why it won: Besides giving makeup staying power, it’s lightly tinted, allowing you to wear it on its own.

Foundation

L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Smooth Soufflé Makeup ($16; drugstores)
Why it won: The whipped formula has microscopic air bubbles that make it feel weightless on skin while providing just the right amount of coverage.

Tinted Moisturizer
Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($25; clinique.com)
Why it won: This stays put for up to 12 hours and has a hydrating dose of aloe.

Powder
Almay Smart Shade Smart Balance Pressed Powder ($14; drugstores)
Why it won: The product intuitively adjusts to your skin’s tone and texture, moisturizing dry spots and mattifying oilier ones.

Concealer
Maybelline New York Fit Me! Concealer ($6; drugstores)
Why it won: This has a creamy consistency and won’t cake or sink into fine lines around the eyes.

Eye Shadow
Revlon CustomEyes Shadow and Liner ($9; drugstores)
Why it won: Our makeup pro loved the texture of this jojoba-packed palette—and our staffers concurred.

Eyeliner
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Gel Eyeliner ($20; esteelauder.com)
Why it won: It lasted through one tester’s teary wedding without a single smudge or streak.

Mascara
Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells High Definition Amplifying Mascara ($29; lancome-usa.com)
Why it won: Conditioning botanicals thicken and fortify lashes over time, so your fringe looks fab even after the makeup comes off.

Gloss
Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor ($16; sephora.com)
Why it won: These 12 intensely pigmented hues have your lips covered—literally! One swipe is all you need for a perfectly opaque yet shiny pout.

Lip Liner
Guerlain The Lip Liner ($29; guerlain.com)
Why it won: This pencil glides over lips as you outline—plus, the attached sharpener makes it a breeze to keep the tip pointy and ready to use.

Balm
CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm SPF 15 ($6; drugstores)
Why it won: Our makeup maven called the lightly pigmented mango- and shea butter–infused formula one of her favorite finds.

Blush
YSL Crème de Blush ($38; yslbeautyus.com)
Why it won: With its featherweight feel, this creamy cheek rouge blends easily and dries to a powder finish.

Bronzer
Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Sun Stones ($15; drugstores)
Why it won: Most bronzers have only one tone, but this incorporates several. The result? A very flattering (not flat!) faux glow.

Makeup Remover
Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($10; sephora.com)
Why it won: Even the most stubborn mascaras don’t stand a chance against this nongreasy formula.

Body Wash
Nivea Touch of Cashmere Cream Oil Body Wash in Orchid Blossom ($6; drugstores)
Why it won: Testers enthused about the rich lather and seductive scent—and how silky-smooth it left their skin post-shower.

Body Scrub
Burt’s Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub ($13; drugstores)
Why it won: Effective yet gentle, this fruit-infused buffer polishes skin to perfection. Sweet!

Body Lotion
Jergens Overnight Repair Nightly Restoring Moisturizer ($7; drugstores)
Why it won: The rejuvenating blend of evening primrose and jasmine extracts makes skin touchably soft.

Hand Cream
Curél Hand & Cuticle Therapy Cream ($6; drugstores)
Why it won: This nongreasy and fast-absorbing moisturizer boasts sweet almond oil to prevent dryness.

Self-Tanner
Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Custom Tan Adjustable Self-Tan Lotion with Shimmer ($14; victoriassecret.com)
Why it won: The specially designed pump lets you customize your color: Turn the dial to the right for a subtle look or to the left for a straight-from-the-tropics tan.

Sunscreen
Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Spray SPF 85+ ($11; drugstores)
Why it won: “Genius,” said our dermatologist of this broad-spectrum screen. Because it adheres to wet skin, there’s no need to towel off before applying post-swim or -exercise.

Face Wash
Dr. Brandt Skincare Time Arrest Crème Cleanser ($50; drbrandtskincare.com)
Why it won: Some washes just clean and stop there; Brandt’s incorporates anti-aging properties with a blend of peptides to stimulate collagen production and restore skin’s texture.

Night Cream
Avon ANEW Platinum Night Cream ($38; avon.com)
Why it won: It’s never too early to protect against sagging. This rich formula for the face and neck contains skin-tightening proteins that work while you rest; glycolic acid helps improve texture and tone.

Eye Treatment
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Eye Advanced Anti-Aging Serum ($98; elizabetharden.com)
Why it won: The ultimate multitasker, this idebenone-packed product (a proven, potent antioxidant) helps smooth crow’s feet, minimize age spots, and reduce puffiness.

Acne Treatment
Zeno Heat Treat Blemish Prevention Kit ($40; myzeno.com)
Why it won: A salicylic acid solution unclogs pores, while the battery-powered device warms and vibrates to massage the treatment deeper into skin.

Sunscreen
Clarins Sunscreen For Face Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 50+ ($32; clarins.com)
Why it won: We were happy to apply—and reapply—this light, nonsticky block, which offers potent protection against skin-aging UVA rays.

At-Home Hair Color
Clairol Nice ’n Easy Color Blend Foam ($10; drugstores)
Why it won: Our colorist loved the way this mousse-like dye coats strands evenly—no drips, no fuss.

Hairspray
Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray ($26; aveda.com)
Why it won: A spritz that locks in your look without flaking or feeling crunchy to the touch? Yes, please!

Heat Protector/ Shine Spray
Pantene Pro-V Fine Style Heat Protection & Shine Spray ($6; drugstores)
Why it won: A shot of this ultra-lightweight formula prevents hot-tool-induced damage—without making locks look limp.

Nail Treatment
Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle Serum ($10; drugstores)
Why it won: Used daily, the biotin-fortified formula strengthens weak, peeling nails. Our expert was amazed by how quickly it worked its magic. *Personal experience: This stuff works!

Mouthwash
Listerine Zero Mouthwash ($4; drugstores)
Why it won: This alcohol-free swisher kills germs and fights plaque for a clean mouth—minus the sting.

Toothpaste
Colgate Max Clean SmartFoam Toothpaste ($3; drugstores)
Why it won: This minty paste impressed our dentist. Tiny bubbles from the foam loosen up plaque between teeth and around your gums, leaving your mouth with that just-had- a-pro-cleaning sensation.

Women’s Scent
Calvin Klein Beauty Eau de Parfum Spray ($65; sephora.com)
Why it won: The powdery, lily-laced fragrance is feminine without being cloying or overly girly.

Glow Crazy Review

2011-08-22T06:52:00.003-04:00

The Glow Crazy Distance Doodler is one of those fun, creative toys that works really well for both boys and girls and varying ages. For ages 6 and up this toy is quite cool. Using a laser you can draw and write from up to ten feet away! What kid wouldn't find that fun?

The Glow Crazy ($19.99) has narrow or wide beams, makes silhouettes, allows kids to draw freehand or use the stencils that come with the kit. It's a good no mess toy that occupies kids time no matter what the season.

The kit consists of -

1 Dual Action Magic Lightwand (order online or via TV and you score a second wide beam wand free)

2 Jumbo Wall Clings (12"x 30" each)

4 Stencil Sheets

Fun Tip Booklet

All add up to many hours of fun and all you need to do is add the dark. My kids thought it was a riot. They enjoyed tracing their toys and themselves with the Glow Crazy. Despite the toy being for ages 6+ my three year old had a total blast with it as well.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Chloraseptic Kids Sore Throat Spray

2011-08-19T05:00:00.000-04:00

Fun Find-Chloraseptic Kids Sore Throat Spray is perfect for one touch relief. A single, quick dose of the grape flavored spray coats your child's throat and provides fast-acting relief on their mouth and throat. It's sugar-free, alcohol-free and aspirin-free too.

Find it in your local drugstore, discount store and grocery store today!

CalNaturale Svelte Drink Review

2011-08-19T04:43:00.000-04:00

Busy, active people need sustenance. It is that simple. Busy, active women like me want things simple, ready to go and fast. I tried the four flavors of CalNaturale's sustained energy/protein drink recently and fell in love.

Flavors like French Vanilla, Spiced Chai, Cappuccino and Chocolate are natural picks for many of us. The substantial size of the boxy cartons will surprise you. You can drink it cold or at room temperature. I found that I would drink half right out of the pantry and then store the remaining half carton in the refrigerator for later use. Cold or room temperature the flavor is the same, which I found on point for what each was supposed to taste like. There was no artificial sweetness to the Svelte drinks and the only thing I noticed was a slightly floral end note in each beverage. Each one tastes rich and creamy and indulgent, which is a nice departure from many of the grainy, downright gritty or watery protein drinks you can buy. The flavors are created using natural, organic ingredients like organic soy milk, organic cocoa and rice syrup. Loaded with about 16 grams of protein per drink and complex carbohydrates for added energy, Svelte drinks are a yummy drink selection for those of us watching our waist lines or needing a boost.

I felt full after each drink and it was a nice meal replacement or way to eat a big salad at lunch and get my protein from Svelte and not meat or even beans and/or nuts. I liked the departure. I would definitely drink it again and again! I highly recommend it. It tastes like a treat but doesn't treat your body like a playground.

The only drawback to Svelte is that it has been hard to find. No stores in my state sell it right now. It is available on Amazon in packs ($35.99 for 12) and online at the Svelte website.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.