Noodles & Company

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.


 U2AFYTT5KRTR

Marriott Marquis in Downtown San Diego, CA

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. 

Elure Skin Lightening System

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.

Hana Shine Shield Thermal Protectant

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.

Activate Energy Drinks

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

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. 

Hyatt Place, Mystic CT

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

Maya Water Facial Mist

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. 

Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash

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. 

Liaison Affinia- Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

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.

It's All About the Portions, Baby!

I have a beautiful eleven month-old daughter. She's sweet and cuddly and has a brand new row of chompers. You know what I don't think is quite so beautiful? The baby weight I'm carrying around. Bother. It is hard finding time to work out and shed those pounds and that just doesn't always take the weight off. Half the battle is watching what you eat and that also means portion control. That's where Marie Callender's frozen meals has been helping me out.

Under 500 calories each these meals are full of variety, vegetables and taste. I pop one in the microwave and in no time I have a total meal just for me. It's not all stir-frys either. The Smoky Cheddar Mac & Uncured Bacon is a crazy 380 calories but doesn't taste anywhere near that! While I wish the bacon crisped up better it is still a nice, creamy, cheesy treat that won't blow my daily caloric intake. The portion doesn't feel too small either. I was sufficiently full afterwards. Now portion control doesn't consist of a broccoli floret and two squished french fries with a side of a salvaged from my kids plate turkey sandwich. Thanks Marie Callender's!

Marie Callender's offers frozen meals in a Fresh Flavor Steamers and Complete Meal lines all 'Under 500' calories. It's great for busy people who want to watch what they eat but are also short on time or ideas. They are available at your grocer's freezer nationwide.

MPR Rating: Three Stars (based on Cheddar Mac entree)

Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Marie Callender's and TheMotherhood.com. MPR was paid for this post. Opinions are MPR's only.

CURES by Avance

I travel often and I am always looking for a great skin care set that travels easily and really works. CURES by Avance has created a travel-friendly skin care kit for Dry and for Sensitive skin. CURES combats the dryness and redness that can occur during flights and travel. Each kit contains three 2 oz. bottles to help your skin care needs.

I received the Sensitive Skin care set which included a Gentle Cleansing Milk, Soothing Mask and Protective Day Cream ($35 for kit). In sealed, snap-top bottles the products were all soft, smooth and nice to apply. I loved how after a day by the pool the mask really did soothe my red face. I applied only a thin layer and ten minutes later my skin felt calm and not dried out. The cleansing milk and day cream are the same, a little goes a long way and they absorb well. I do wish the protective day cream had SPF in it but if you are just using it for travel it should be OK.
When you travel you need products that work and help combat the stress, different climates and possible break outs that can occur and CURES does that. I will be taking my set to Blogher with me in just a few weeks!

CURES is available at your local spa and online.

I'm giving away one travel kit of the Dry Skin set. Simply enter by commenting (remember your email address!) and I'll choose a winner at random on August 1, 2011.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

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

Sunbow Sunscreen

There are two universal truths when it comes to parenting. One, kids love any product with a cartoon or toy character on it. Two, kids hate having sunscreen put on them. Sunbow sunscreen products have merged these two ideas together and created a line of sunscreens that kids actually want to use. Trust me, when I pulled out the pink bottle of sunscreen with Dora the Explorer on the label my girls immediately asked for some. The idea of pink (or yellow with Sponge Bob) sunscreen is ingenious. The fact that is also smells like yummy bubble gum just takes it a step further into the irresistible to kids category.

Sunbow sunscreens ($12.99, 5 fl.oz) are water resistant, paba-free, made in the USA and won't stain your clothes. All that I can attest to. It also goes on in color and dries clear, much to my five year-old's disappointment. She wanted to be covered in the pink stuff. It is made of a safe zinc oxide formula and goes on easily. The consistency isn't too thick and hard to spread nor is it watery. However, after using it for repeated pool, spray park and outdoor play time adventures I noticed one thing. My kids were getting way more tan than I liked. Sunbow offers SPF 30 full spectrum coverage but my kids were getting darker and red despite repeated applications. They never burned but I felt more protection was needed. Maybe it is just me though.

Sunbow Sunscreens (Dora and Spongebob varieties) are available online.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

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

Sweet Valley Confidential- Ten Years Later

I was a big fan of Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley High and Middle School books when I was growing up.  I would drag my parents to the book store on a regular basis to get my Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield fix.  As a New England girl stuck in some seriously snowy and cold winters, the Wakefield twins sunny, So Cal life could not have been more different from mine.  My curiosity was peaked when I was asked to review Sweet Valley Confidential-Ten Years Later.  Would it still hold the same charm?  I've lived in So Cal now myself.  Would I still root for Jessica over Elizabeth or vice verse?

As soon as I started reading this latest S.V. book I was filled with nostalgia.  All the old characters are still there and I mean, still in Sweet Valley.  They have inter-married, Jessica is on marriage deux, and no one seems that happy.  Including Elizabeth who has moved to New York after being betrayed by her old flame Todd who is now with her twin sister, Jessica.  Ah, the same story lines still hold true.  The only difference?  Bruce Patman is now nice and (spoiler alert!) Steven Wakefield is gay.  With mentions of Facebook and other social media trends the characters have modernized a bit but the quiet life of Sweet Valley is still there.  The characters haven't evolved that much beyond high school and that was disappointing.  It is billed as a young-adult book and it is in that realm but fans of old might be looking for more than Pascal has offered in this simple look forward. 

If you are looking for a quick, nostalgic read or want to get acquainted with the Wakefield twins for the first time Sweet Valley Confidential-Ten Years Later will do that for you.  The character updates in the back of the book are fun too.

MPR Rating:  Three Stars.

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

Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, PA

Great Wolf Lodge located in Pocono Mountains; PA is a family-friendly resort that all ages can enjoy. We visited as part of the Reviewers Retreat in May taking my five, two and ten-month old along for the short visit. For three days, we splashed, swam, rode water slides, played games and had a ball. Inside it was a balmy 84 degrees in the water park. Outside it, was a rainy, grey mess but who cared?

While there my family of five stayed in a family suite (sleeps four, max of six) that had two queen beds, a sofa with a pullout couch (queen-sized) and a small table with a balcony. My girls loved sitting at the tiny two-person table eating their lunch and dinner while my husband and I sat at the larger two-person table inside. A microwave, refrigerator and countertop were also in the room. This was a huge convenience as we packed a cooler full of drinks and snacks and used both appliances during our stay. It is tough to leave the room to eat all the time when you have three little ones. That was why I was so surprised and dismayed that room service was not available at Great Wolf Lodge. There was no room service and actually very little options when it came to dining in general. Just because we are at a family-oriented establishment does not mean I want to eat fried food and pizza all the time. A lack luster buffet and snack shack and ice cream parlor were our only options for each meal and it made us glad that our stay did not go beyond three days. That is a real shame. We are not into specialized foods and none of has have food allergies either but I would have liked more options than sugar-laden foods at breakfast and fast food type items at lunch and dinner. There is a Starbucks and bakery on premises as well.


Other than the food issue, we loved staying at Great Wolf Lodge in Pocono Mountains. It was easy to navigate despite being under renovations. The lifeguards on staff are located every five feet it seemed and I always felt that my family and I were safe while using the water park. There are four pools located in the park and that does not include the adult only swim area. The wave pool was a big hit with my kids and so were the water slides. My oldest loved waiting for the big "wooden" bucket to pour our its contents from the sky every few minutes. There are slides and games for all ages and I loved that about the park. No age was discriminated and it made for a great time. Another plus that I adored was the wrist bands. Everyone gets one, except those under three, and you wear them the whole time. You can have them activated for charging purposes effectively eliminating the need to carry your debit or credit card or wallet while at the waterpark or anywhere else on site. That was so wonderful! It makes life so much easier, especially in that that type of environment.

Great Wolf Lodge has accommodations for all sizes of families and groups from large too small. There are suites with bunk beds and bigger eating areas and more. I hope the bathrooms are bigger in those rooms. Our four to six person bathroom was quite tiny with only room for a shower and toilet. It was a surprise to find a family resort with that sort of bathroom. Maybe Great Wolf will consider renovating that portion of their facilities next.

Despite the food choices and small bathroom, Great Wolf is a fun, special place to stay. Your kids will love the story time, water park, arcade and MagiQuest adventures that are programmed throughout the site. The bear hunt my kids went on was a blast for them as was the arts and crafts room. The Gr8 Space for older kids is good too. All ages can enjoy this place and we would go back to another location again in the future.

MPR Rating: Four Stars/Three Stars (Four for fun, three for food)

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and test purposes only. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge as part of the Reviewers Retreat. Opinions are MPR’s only.

*Images from stlmommy.com, golflink.com and followatswu.com

Hampton Inn & Suites, Radcliff, KY

Newly built and right off I-31 W and close to the Fort Knox Army base, the Hampton Inn in Radcliff, KY offers nice rooms at an affordable rate. There are over 70 rooms at this location. There is ample free parking, free Internet access, free hot breakfast and a little store with snacks.

When I entered this Hampton Inn & Suites I was not greeted by staff. After waiting a few minutes the front desk clerk finally greeted me with, "I suppose you need a room key." My first reaction was to look around and wonder what old movie I had wandered into but no, I was still in the Hampton Inn. After that gruff greeting by the clerk, who I later realized was the manager, I went up to my room. This hotel is new and the rooms and hallways are clean and bright. There are fresh, warm cookies and fruit in the lobby with water or coffee that is all complimentary. It is a wise and appreciated touch.

My room was a nice size and had the Cozy Hampton Bed and Purity Basics Bath Amenities. A coffee and tea maker, 42-inch LCD TV, curved shower rod and Waterpik Shower head are all part of the comfort you find at Hampton Inn & Suites. It was quiet in my room despite being on the highway side. I had no issues with my room or bathroom. It was clean and pleasant both days I stayed there. The sheets are soft and the towels are a decent size.

My free hot breakfast was a bit of a disappointment. I have stayed at a few Hampton Inn's and this one was not as good as others in the breakfast department. The food was running low at eight in the morning and it took about fifteen to twenty minutes for them to replenish just the eggs. Eggs that were full of cheese and cubed ham. If you are a vegetarian or watching your weight this protein option is not for you. A huge misstep in my book. Meat lovers could have sausage and bacon, why not offer eggs free of meat? It tasted very processed too.

I like staying at Hampton Inn & Suites typically because they are a good deal with newish facilities, close to major attractions and comfortable. The Radcliff, KY one is as well it just needs some minor tweaks in customer service and food.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Travel is for review and business purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Sibu Beauty

Featured on the Dr. Oz show Sibu Beauty is a skincare line with the key ingredient of Sea Buckthorn berry. All-natural the Sea Buckthorn berry in Sibu beauty products has over 190 bioactive compounds. The sea buckthorn berry is a powerful source of Omegas 3, 6, and 9, as well as a rich source of the elusive essential fatty acid, Omega-7, which is vital to collagen production. I tried the facial cleanser, hydrating serum and night cream for a few weeks and these were the results.

The Sibu Beauty Balancing Facial Cleanser ($17.95) is an all-natural balancing facial cleanser that gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up. It aims to maintainin a healthy balance in your skin without drying. I didn't notice any drying in my skin and I have combination skin. As a cleaner it works well, doesn't foam and has a citrus scent. I find the same results with my Cetaphil brand cleanser which is cheaper.

The Sibu Hydrating Serum is light and non-oily. It is a silky moisturizing serum that gives a deep hydration to your face and neck. It helps to fortify your skin against aging with its high does of antioxidants. I really wanted this product to work. I found it to be moisturizing and brighten my skin a bit but the skin tone didn't even out any. At $39.95 I will pass on this serum.

The Sibu Replenishing Night Cream ($34.95) is designed to protect your skin’s natural lipid barrier and stimulate your natural skin cell renewal cycle. The sea buckthorn night cream will help reduce the signs of aging and sun damage too. This must be the gem of the group. I noticed that my skin literally drank this night cream in each night. I felt like I almost craved it. It has a very light citrus scent which goes away quickly. My skin did feel dewier and yet I didn't wake up oily or break out later. I would pick this thick, silky night cream out of all the Sibu beauty products.

Sibu Beauty products can be purchased online and at Name Your Link'>Amazon.com.

MPR Rating: Two Stars and Three Stars (night cream).

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

O-Snap! Girls Hair Products

O-Snap! The hair accessories line that allows young girls to express themselves in limitless ways by using interchangeable charms. Girls have the ability to build an O-Snap charm collection and even swap charms with friends. O-Snap makes it easy to create custom headbands, clips and hair ties.

O-Snap works like this- Find your flair whether it is a headband, clip or even bracelet just pick one and then add step two- picking a charm ($4.95) to accessorize your clip or tie. Then snap it on and wear it! Even small kids can do it. There are all sorts of charms ranging from sports themes, animals, flowers, girly items, hearts, stars and so much more. You can also buy a special pack which includes a headband and a few charms
($24.95).


I tried these clips,headbands and bracelets out with my girls. They thought they were cute but didn't show a lot of interest. They wear ribbons daily and bows but are not into charms yet at the age of two and five. I think its a great idea for older girls who like to trade items with their friends and get into collections like silly bandz and more.

Visit O-Snaps Facebook page here. Free shipping on all orders over $35!

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

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

Origany Toddler Dress

Fun Find- Origany is 100% organic cotton clothing for kids and babies. We were sent a toddler dress in gorgeous light blue and dark blue shades. This pleated dress is contemporary in style with four buttons in the front. It looks great for a party or any time of the day. My two year-old daughter loved it immediately. I didn't want to give it to her because it was size 4T but it fit. Origany clothes seem to run small and the 100% certified organic cotton with low-impact dyes (made in Peru) shrinks up in the wash.

Adorable, great in style and idea, but go two sizes larger. Origany will be debuting a new Eco-Athlete line this August with Atlanta Falcons, Ovie Mughelli. Watch the video below. The line will be for active kids and feature five sport themes. Another great find!

Ovie Mughelli Partners with ORIGANY to launch Eco-Athlete Baby Clothing Line from Ovie Mughelli on Vimeo.

French Meadow Bakery

The organic, all-natural French Meadow Bakery sent me some gluten-free tortillas and gluten-free fudge brownies recently.  Both were frozen upon delivery and once thawed came out just fine.  Individually, here is what I found.

The gluten-free tortillas were the flour version and a bit on the small side.  Once thawed they were just like any other tortilla. I could not tell the difference taste or texture wise with these tortillas as compared with the ordinary flour tortillas.  My family didn't find anything different with them either.  They were just average but a bit small.  I would probably only buy them if I needed a gluten-free version for a specific reason because I like my tortillas a bit bigger than these.

The brownies are wrapped individually and small (12, 1 oz brownies in a box) as well but thawed quickly and were a nice treat.  The portion size is actually just right.  We are just used to baked goods being so over sized these days.  I loved that I could take one out of the freezer and put it in my daughters snack box and it would be nice and fresh for her at snack time.  They tasted sweet and had a cakey texture.  I passed them around to friends and family and everyone liked them but said the same thing, "There should be a deeper chocolate taste to these brownies!"  I could not agree more, especially with 'fudge' in the name.  They are a nice little treat or sweet fix but to be a real brownie a more intense chocolate flavor is needed.

French Meadow Bakery prides itself on vegan, Kosher, gluten-free products. They are available at grocers nationwide.  I purchase mine at my local Wegman's. 

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.