Nursing Uniforms, Your Source for Medical Apparel

January 6, 2011 By 2 Comments

Medical Uniforms
It’s pretty safe to say that I live in Medical Uniforms and scrubs more than half of my time. Between working 24 hours a week where I wear scrubs, and being an ultrasound student in my 2nd semester, scrubs are my go to. I have quite the collection myself because I wear them so often, but I’m always looking for new places and resources to get them at.

Cheap Scrubs

NursingUniforms.net is a great source, whether you are looking for cheap scrubs, uniforms, or a Lab coat. Plus, they carry their pants in a tall which is a plus for me since I need the inseam, being that I am 5’9″. Generally if I see tops or pants for under $15, it’s a great deal and I tend to jump on it. There is so much available in this price range, and they carry name brands that I recognize such as Peaches, Katherine Heigl, and Izzy Scrubs. I actually have a Katherine Heigl set that I paid about $40 for at a different retailer. It’s super soft and has held up well. I actually found the same scrub top on Nursing Uniforms for $5 less than what I paid for. Stinks, but you live and learn, right?

Cheap Nursing Uniforms

I also must mention that you get free shipping on orders of more than $100, and the website is well laid out and easy to navigate making your shopping experience quick and easy. So if you are in the medical field, or are thinking about a career there, be sure to visit and bookmark Nursing Uniforms!

Although this post is sponsored, all opinions remain 100% my own.

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Ways to be Well, wellthen.org

January 4, 2011 By 1 Comment

Over the last month, I’ve been contributing to an awesome community called wellthen.org. On this community, members can submit ideas and thoughts on how to be well in many different categories. Some of these include:

  • Working Smart
  • Stressing Less
  • Exercise
  • Managing Your Weight
  • Giving Back

These are just a few of the categories discussed at wellthen.org. I’ve found it to be a helpful resource in getting ideas from others because we don’t all think the same. It’s sparked a lot of thought for me in ways that I can improve myself to be well. Below you can see a short video of one way that I am able to Study Smarter because I am in school.

I’m hoping that this simple tip that I implement into my studying might be able to help others get better grades and an idea of another way to study.  So check it out, create a profile, and contribute if you want to. You might just be able to get tips that will really help you or help others while you are at it.

This blog post was written in part with Harvard Pilgrim. I was invited to participate in the “Well, Then” community and received compensation for my time and participation.

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Shopping TJ Maxx & Marshalls This Holiday Season

December 10, 2010 By 3 Comments

Shopping @ TJ Maxx
About a month ago, I set out to shop for a very special Secret Santa, whose name I drew when I was in Boston last month at the TJ Maxx and Marshalls event. I was excited to draw Jennifer of Mom Spotted and to get to know her a bit better. She’s super fun and easy to talk to, and I got the idea that she’s like some home decor for the holiday season. Off to TJ Maxx I went since I don’t have a Marshalls close by. With $50 to spend, I couldn’t believe how many good deals I was able to find and what I got her. Although I didn’t take a picture before it shipped out, I walked away with a great gift for her. For right around $50 I got her – a nice holiday pine centerpiece, 2 candles, a super warm and fuzzy throw, 2 hot chocolate mugs, and a package of hot chocolate. Even though I didn’t snap a photo before I sent it out, Jenn got a photo and shared it here.

My Secret Santa
Emilie from Baby Loving Mama was my Secret Santa, and she did a fantastic job. I told her that I love bags and purses, so here is what she sent me below:

The Ellen Tracy purse she sent had a retail of $140, and I guess she picked it up for only $24.99. What a steal, right? The material is so super soft, it’s a nice big bag that will even hold my laptop,  and I’ve been using it on our trip to the Bahamas, where we’re at now.

Shopping Tips
Looking to do some holiday shopping this season, but maybe you’re not quite sure how to shop the store? Here just a few tips that I really liked from TJ Maxx & Marshalls.

1. Look carefully at the “compare at” value on the price tags. What constitutes a bargain?
It’s the mix of the right fashion, a respected brand name, high quality, and a great price. In
T.J.Maxx and Marshalls stores, you’ll find the exact same merchandise sold in department
and specialty stores, where prices are much higher. By looking at the “compare at” prices
you’ll be able to calculate exactly how much money you’re saving.

2. Shop often. Marshalls and T.J.Maxx receive more than 10,000 new items each week (in
every store) so you never know when you’ll find the perfect piece. Shopping off-price
retailers is like finding a new store full of great deals every time you visit!

3. Get to know your store’s layout. Everyone has their favorite section, whether it is the
jewelry counter at T.J.Maxx that features high-end options including 14-kt. gold, sterling
silver and semiprecious stones; or Marshalls Shoe MegaShop, which houses thousands of
shoes for women, men and children in an easy-to-shop format.

This post was written while participating in a Secret Santa exchange through TJ Maxx & Marshalls, who provided me with a gift card to shop for my Secret Santa.

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Filed Under: hip tips, this & that

Get Smarter About Shopping This Christmas

November 27, 2010 By 5 Comments

Comparison Shopping
The holidays are well under way, and with that means….shopping! Anyone who knows me well knows that I do a lot of comparison shopping. I always look for the best deals, coupons, etc. It’s a way for me to be a bit more frugal, and save money. Plus if I take the time to shop around, I can ensure that I get the best deal and don’t end up with buyer’s remorse when I see the same product for a lot less somewhere else. This year, do your shopping the right way. Look for the best deals, compare prices, and save money!

Most shoppers don’t realize that they can save money on anything, anytime. It could be anything from a sofa slipcover to baby pillowcases. Bookmark a comparison shopping website, and shop smarter. By doing this, you always have a resource to get the best deals. Since I have 2 kids, we’ve bought a lot of different baby/toddler/child gear over the last few years. Last year when I was in the market to buy both boys new car seats, I compared prices at 5 different online retailers. By comparing, and not buying at the first retailer I came on, I saved $40 on each seat.

I don’t know about you, but I can do a lot with an extra $80. So when shopping for your loved ones this holiday season, get smart and dare to compare.

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“Kikk” Up Your Thanksgiving With Kikkoman + Giveaway

November 21, 2010 By

Turkey Time
Last year, we had a chance to try out Kikkoman’s Savory Turkey Brine. It is a brine that you soak your turkey in overnight before cooking it. Both my husband and I agree that the turkey we made last year in this brine was by far the most moist and flavorful turkey we’ve ever eaten. We’ve made it again since then and were just as pleased with it as we were the first time. This year we are headed to my sister’s house for Thanksgiving and I am supposed to bring a side dish or two. I tried some side dishes with Kikkoman products and here’s how they turned out.

Kikkoman Glazed Yams
The first recipe that I tried was the Kikkoman Glazed Yams.
Ingredients:

  • 6 medium yams
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Baste & Glaze with Honey & Pineapple
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon nutmeg

Instructions:
Peel and slice yams in 1/2 inch slices. Place yams in nonstick casserole dish. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes until soft. Meanwhile, combine butter, Teriyaki Baste and Glaze, cinnamon and nutmeg in a saucepan and heat until butter melts. Thoroughly stir glaze mixture and pour over yams. Return yams to oven, cook for another 10 minutes.

This recipe was a fairly simple one, and very straightforward. It definitely had a zing to it. I loved the Teriyaki Basted with Honey & Pineapple on it, but I think I would use less nutmeg in the future. I wasn’t such a fan of so much nutmeg. I think I would cut it down to 1/2 tablespoon if I made it again. Other than that one tweak that I would make, it was delicious.

Green Bean Casserole
I’ve made green bean casseroles in the past, but never one quite like this.

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 pounds fresh stringbeans, blanched
  • 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 10 oz package fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ cup sliced onions
  • 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 cup Kikkoman Panko Bread Crumbs

Layer the blanched stringbeans in the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Melt butter in a large skillet. Sauté the mushrooms, onions and garlic in the butter until the onions are soft, add the can of mushroom soup. Stir to combine soup and vegetables in the skillet, pour mixture over the stringbeans. Sprinkle with Panko Bread Crumbs. Bake at 350º for 20 minutes or breadcrumbs are browned.

I also made a few slight changes to the ingredients. I didn’t have any garlic, so I omitted it. I also used canned grean beans instead of fresh blanched green beans. It saved me a lot of time and was still really delicious. Hubby and I love mushrooms, and this recipe was a really creamy and rich one. I usually put something crunchy on top of a green bean casserole when I make one, but have never used Panko Bread Crumbs. I actually really liked the bread crumbs because they are so fine, but still add a little bit of crunch to the dish.

Kikkoman has a lot of really great recipes that you can check out on their website, but these two recipes that I tried would be great as side dishes at Thanksgiving. And if you are thinking of using Kikkoman products this Thanksgiving, you can print out a coupon for buy 1 get 1 free on Kikkoman Soy Sauce or Ponzu Sauce.

Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win 4  Buy 1 Get 1 Free Coupons.  (Good on any Kikkoman product up to $3)

Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)

  • Leave a comment – it’s simple as that!

Additional Entries

  • Tweet about this giveaway. (daily entry) – 2 entries
  • Subscribe to my feed via e-mail – 2 entries
  • Follow me – 2 entries
  • Comment on any non giveaway post that you haven’t previously commented on – 2 entries
  • Like Babes and Kids on Facebook – 2 entries

Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on November 26th. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Please see Important Winner Information for more guidelines.

I received Kikkoman products to help facilitate this post.  These views and opinions are my own and I was not compensated.

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Filed Under: featured, giveaways, hip tips, Product Buzz

Find Great Deals for Baby at Mama’s ReTreat

September 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Treats From Mama’s ReTreat
I’m always excited to find great websites that are mom oriented, and mom run. Mama’s ReTreat, which just launched today, is a great resource for all moms.
From their website:

Why Mama’s ReTreat?
When you are a busy mom looking after your baby, the few minutes you have available to browse on the web is an escape from your daily routine. But as any natural mom, you want to treat your baby. So I played with the word retreat to represent both!

There are all sorts of fun aspects about this new website, but one of my favorites is the daily treat.  There is a different deal each day. It could be for baby, toddler, or mom. The daily treat is offered at a great price, and gives you great savings off of retail price without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Other perks about Mama’s Retreat:

  • The first baby deal website with rewards points; the more you shop, more points you get!
  • A very fun, easy, and convenient way to shop
  • You can even send your special requests and MamasReTreat will try to find them for you

I don’t know about you, but I love bookmarking websites that have a great daily deal for babies. Today’s deal is an adorable organic reversible hoodie priced at 40% off.

It’s easy to visit daily, or subscribe to get deals delivered directly to your inbox.  And if you have blogs that you like to read daily, Mama’s Retreat even has a baby blog.  You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter @MamasReTreat.

I mentioned above that you can send special requests, and Mama’s ReTreat will try to find them for you.  That’s awesome customer service. :) So what are you waiting for? Go check out the daily deal.

This post is sponsored. However, my opinions remain 100% my own.

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Filed Under: hip tips, Product Buzz

Keeping Your Child Safe

September 12, 2010 By 2 Comments

This post deals with some subjects that may be of a sensitive nature to some. I want to address it because I believe it’s important. I’m a mom and want to protect my child.

I remember playing outside all of the time when I was little. Roaming with my cousin and friends at times, and never being leery of what could happen to us. I was pretty carefree as a kid. 15-20 years later, I become a mom. I started to become very aware of what was happening around me, and when we moved to a much larger area 2 years ago, I became even more aware.

Lately, I’ve been noticing a lot of child related crimes in the area. Some of them are so sickening that I wonder why I read about them in the first place because I sit and dwell on them. Then I think about my own kids. I wonder how a parent could possibly hurt a child, or the pain a child has to go through after being assaulted by a sex offender.   Then I think about what I am doing to teach my child to steer clear of being a victim. Each time that he gets out of the tub, I have a discussion with him about his private area. I tell him that it’s never ok for someone to touch him, besides himself, pediatrician when we go for a check up, or if he needs mom or dad to help him go potty. I’ve taught him to hit a person and scream if someone tries. He’s not quite 5, but I think he’s getting it.
He also knows that he’s not supposed to go anywhere where he can’t see me, be leery of strangers. It only takes 2 seconds. I feel like I live in a pretty safe suburb, but I’m still not willing to be trusting. I won’t let Chan go outside without me, and I panic in a store if I lose him for 2 seconds. You may think I’m paranoid. I think I’m protective. Even if you let your child go for a minute or two, terrible things can happen. 

*

In talking with a co-worker who is a social worker, she told me about this really cool program, radKIDS. It’s a program that teaches kids about safety and violence prevention. They have different classes for different age groups, and she explained some of them to me as she is an instructor. The classes are free, and a lot of school districts are even offering them in school. Definitely a resource worth checking out.

I’m curious to know how you are teaching your child to protect themselves. What techniques are working for you? Do you feel like your child is educated and knows how to protect themself?

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Hunt’s 100% Natural Ketchup

July 16, 2010 By 4 Comments

Hunt’s 100% Natural Ketchup
Ketchup is used often in our home. Ok, not just often, daily. My boys absolutely adore it and we honestly go through about 30 ounces every 2-3 weeks. A lot of times if I try making a new food and the boys don’t like it, if I put some ketchup in front of them that they can dip it in, all of a sudden they will eat it. It’s quite comical actually, and I’m not quite sure why they like it so much. I like ketchup, but I can by no means dip anything in it. Since we go through so much, I was excited to hear that Hunt’s has a new 100% natural ketchup that doesn’t include high fructose corn syrup. Instead it includes good old sugar.

You might wonder why this is such a big deal, or not completely understand what high fructose corn syrup is. If not, let me enlighten you. High Fructose Corn Syrup is a sweetener that comes from corn starch. I remember watching a talk show a few years back, and seeing high fructose corn syrup. Its consistency is like syrup, it’s really cheap, and has a long shelf life – thus a lot of companies use it in their foods. There has been argument as to whether it is the same or worse for you than sugar. After doing some reading, it sounds like there might be evidence that our bodies don’t metabolize high fructose corn syrup in the same way which can cause problems in the liver, cause a block in insulin, and other problems. I honestly think that I have found more cons than pros when it comes to corn syrup, so the less consumed, the better. Sugar should also be consumed in moderation though, yes?

Taste Test
Now that I’ve gone off on a “sugar” tangent, how did it taste? I honestly could not tell the difference between our normal ketchup and Hunt’s new 100% Natural Ketchup. The boys loved it, and I know that I would rather have them eat ketchup with sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup.

I think this is a change I will definitely be implementing, buying ketchup without high fructose corn syrup.

Hunt’s High Five Family Photo Fun Contest
Interested in winning a family vacation? Right now, you can submit a photo to Hunt’s Facebook page depicting family accomplishments and simple victories. To enter, visit http://www.facebook.com/Hunts for a chance to win a family vacation (up to $5,000).

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Hunt’s and received a ketchup sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate

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Filed Under: hip tips, Product Buzz

KinderCare Learning Centers

July 5, 2010 By 2 Comments

KinderCare
At the end of August, I am headed back to school. Scary and exciting all at the same time. Since the boys are both preschool aged, I’ve been exploring different options for care for them while I am in school. I have the fall figured out, but once I start clinical work in the Winter, I’ve contemplated putting them in more of a preschool structured environment. Chandler will be going to kindergarten next year, and I feel like he needs a bit more. At 2 1/2, Rowan is getting to that age that I feel he would definitely benefit from preschool as well. In doing a bit of research, I noticed that there is a KinderCare Learning Center not too far from where we live.

As I have been looking for care and a preschool, and having daycare experience, there are a lot of things that I am looking for. I’m looking for a safe and loving environment where my children are well cared for. I’m looking for stimulating activities, healthy snacks and meals, and cleanliness.

Did You Know?

In a nationwide survey of parents, KinderCare Learning Centers learned that when selecting a school, 76% of parents are most concerned that their school of choice employs quality and passionate teachers and 80% want to know that their child is excited to take part in activities while at school.

I definitely agree with these. After looking into their programs for my boys, I just filled out an informational form because I definitely want to learn more. If you are interested in a finding a KinderCare near you, visit their website and type in your zipcode. It’s that easy. I think you’ll be impressed with what you find.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of KinderCare Learning Centers and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

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Filed Under: hip tips

Seeing The Potential – Coffee Table

July 2, 2010 By 13 Comments

I have two very wonderful sisters.  You might have seen them guest review before, and they are both really talented.  My older sister Jeralee recently started a new hobby – transforming thrift store, garage sale,  and Craigslist finds into something pretty.    It’s quite amazing to me what she’s done so far, and I thought it would be fun to feature one of her articles once a week. If you are interested in checking out other articles, you can find her blog at: Seeing the Potential. Also, if you haven’t read her bio before, here’s a quick into.

Jeralee
I am a 37 year old mother of two girls, married for 16 years and living in the Pacific Northwest. I am primarily a stay at home mom and spend my days hauling my 10 year old, the aspiring future Olympic athlete, to swim practices and wading through homework with kids.

I am a professional harpist with a degree in music and freelance, playing for weddings, open houses and other functions. I also teach harp and piano lessons privately. My interests include, gardening, knitting & crocheting, home improvement, and a brief 4 year stint as an amateur boxer.

I also am parenting an 8 year old child with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, primarily – Sensory Processing Disorder, Communication Disorders and Learning Disabilities. I love to learn and read as much on topics that help better me as a person, or make my family’s life just a bit easier.

Now that you’ve been propery introduced, here is one of Jeralee’s first projects:

The Coffee Table
A few weeks ago, I saw this coffee table advertised on Craiglist.

The top was a little rough, but it had nice lines, it was cheap – $15, I didn’t have a coffee table, and after spending hours perusing over Mustard Seed Creations , My Repurposed Life , Funky Junk Interiors, and Better After – I knew I had the creative tools to transform this find into something I could use. Those are just a few of the many creative blogs I have come across. My recycling/re purposing nature was REALLY coming out – courtesy of living 16 years in Oregon. The thriftiness? Well, we used to hit the garage sales a lot growing up.

So onto refurbishing…

First came the lovely process of stripping off the top coat.

It was a lot of work and took about 6 hours to fully strip it. I used an eco- friendly stripper ( that doesn’t sound quite right – now does it? ) that didn’t smell so toxic. The girls helped a long the way, doing some sanding etc. I wasn’t quite sure what type of wood it was, but figured it was pretty soft wood. When it was completely stripped, I determined that it was pine, perfect for a first project.

Next came sanding, priming, and painting the legs. After several different tries, I settled on Rustoleums’ Heirloom White – satin finish.

Then it was prepping the top surface with MinWax Pre Stain Wood Conditioner, which I already had on hand from another project. By the way, always follow directions on products. I decided to neglect the instructions on the can of Plastic Wood and filled the holes in BEFORE I stained it… It didn’t work and was next to impossible to absorb the stain properly.

Finally, I did 3 separate applications of MinWax’s Stain – Special Walnut. After that, if was MULTIPLE layers of MinWax’s Polycrylic seal in a semi-gloss. It’s a water based sealant that will take a beating more than the polyurethane, and won’t yellow over time. Yes, I did learn all of these tips on the Internet… my lifeline.

So here is the finished project.

Does it have lots of flaws? Oh yes, but it was fun and I learned a lot.

To see more of Jeralee’s projects, visit Seeing the Potential.

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Filed Under: DIY, hip tips

National Camping Month + North Face Giveaway (closed)

June 30, 2010 By

Camping & Backpacking
Did you know that June was National Camping month? I certainly wasn’t aware until this year, but think that it’s cool that camping has it’s own month dedicated to it. I grew up in Idaho surrounded by the mountains. I had parents that loved the outdoors and instilled that love in all 6 of their children. I can remember many camping and backpacking trips growing up. The one below is from when I was 8 or 9 with my mom and dad, and younger brother.

Camping is a great way to spend quality time with your family. The North Face was actively involved in National Camping month, and with good reason. They have amazing outdoor and camping gear and as someone who has some of their products, they are great quality and really last.

More About National Camping Month
As part of their mission to get kids and families outside, The North Face has created an online community database called PlanetExplore where families can go to find fun, educational outdoor events and activities happening right in their area. Aside from camping, PlanetExplore offers local listings for activities such as biking, running, skiing, volunteering, hiking, climbing and more. Some areas even offer experiences such as surfing and rafting.

I actually just checked out PlanetExplore, and it’s an awesome resrouce to see what is going on in your area.  There was a lot that I wasn’t aware of.

Outdoor Youth Summit
During National Camping Month, The North Face, in conjunction with The Outdoor Foundation, held the nation’s largest-ever outdoor youth summit in central park. The event was called Outdoor Nation and it brought together 500 youth delegates from across the country to discuss important environmental and social issues like park conservation and childhood obesity. At this youth summit, The North Face and The Outdoor Foundation announced the establishment of a grant program called The Explore Fund that will donate $300,000+ in support to organizations that encourage youth outdoor participation, focus on sustainability initiatives, or help to create a connection to nature that will empower the future leaders of tomorrow.

As National Camping Month Comes to a close, Babes and Kids and The North Face wants families to continue to go camping through the rest of the summer months and get outdoors all year long, so we are doing a gear giveaway to get you started!

Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win a camping gear prize package valued at over $160, which includes: an Interval 25 day pack, Stowable Vaporwick Endurance Hat, Planet Explore Water Bottle, and 1 year-long subscription to Backpacker Magazine

Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)

  • Tell me your favorite spot to go camping.

Additional Entries

  • Tweet about this giveaway. (daily entry) – 2 entries
  • Follow The North Face on twitter – 2 entries
  • Subscribe to my feed via e-mail – 2 entries
  • Follow me – 2 entries
  • Comment on any non giveaway post that you haven’t previously commented on – 2 entries
  • Become a fan of Babes and Kids on Facebook – 2 entries

Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on July 14th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.

The information in this article was provided by the representing PR company and The North Face.  Prize package also provided by The North Face.  I did not receive any product or compensation for this post, and all opinions are 100% mine.

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Filed Under: closed giveaways, hip tips

FedEx Out of Office Craft Ideas for Kids

May 30, 2010 By 4 Comments

DIY Crafts for Kids
As my boys get older, I find myself trying to think of things to keep them occupied and their minds going. Chan still has a year until kindergarten, but will be 5 this fall, so I feel like he’s needing more as far as creativity goes. He loves to paint and play with play-doh. He also loves to color and cut paper and glue. And of course, Rowan loves to do anything that big brother does so he’s coloring and glueing right along with him.


Since school is getting out, I’m sure there are many of you looking for great craft ideas to keep your kids occupied and their minds going. FedEx has a great blog called Out of Office that offers great ideas when it comes to crafts for kids.

Bookmarks 
Fedex and MomCentral sent us a craft kit to make bookmarks for the boy’s books. It was a fun and simple activity for the boys, and I made my own bookmark along with them.

They started out by coloring their bookmarks, and adding stickers.

Then I cut them out for them, punched a hole in the top, and attached ribbon. They turned out really cute as you can see below, and the boys were so proud of their coloring/sticker job.

There are lots of other great craft ideas on FedEx’s Out of Office blog. One of my personal favorites was the kite. I think it’s a great idea, and we are planning on trying this one out. Head over the Out of Office blog and check out some of their ideas. Any in particular that you like? What DIY projects have you done with your kids?

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of FedEx Office and received the items necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

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Filed Under: hip tips, Uncategorized

Tropicana Juicy Rewards and Dining Out

May 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you haven’t already checked out Tropicana Juicy Rewards, then do!  They have great deals and discounts on products and services that you love, all for drinking Tropicana Orange Juice. 

One thing that I noticed that was added within the last month was dining options.  I see that there’s an option for an Arby’s near me.  It’s a 2 for 1 discount: Enjoy one complimentary TOASTED SUB & MEDIUM DRINK when a second TOASTED SUB & MEDIUM DRINK of equal or greater value is purchased. Best of all, this is only 1 point to redeem! To find dining near you, go to Tropicana’s website, type in your zipcode, and select dining. Happy eating!

I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review

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Filed Under: hip tips, Product Buzz

Dove PitiCure Treatment & Spa Day

May 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Dove & PitiCures
Ever heard of a Piticure? I sure hadn’t until about a month ago. You might have already guessed that it involves your underarms, and if you did, you were right! Did you know that shaving can reduce the top layer of your skin by 20%? That’s quite a bit, and it makes sense that you can get sensitive skin and ingrown hairs when you are taking off a bit of the top layer of skin. You also lose moisture in the process, up to 50%. Dove has come up with an at home treatment, called the Piticure.

It consists of exfoliating, shaving, and then moisturizing with Dove’s ultimate beauty care line. The ultimate beauty care line consists of a tri-moisturizing system that definitely helps hydrate dry skin.

About the moisturizing system from Dove:
Tri-moisturizing system: occlusive, humectant and nourishing, which includes Dove 1/4 Translucent Moisturizers™ to care for and condition skin.

After following the tips outlined in the video below, I noticed less irritation in my underarms.

Spa Day
Last week, Dove sent some me and some of my close family and friends out for a spa day. We got great treatment with pedicures, manicures, and upper back massages. We spent the day being pampered and it was much needed girl time.

Getting pedicures…ahhhhh.  :)

Dove also provided each of the guests with deoderant from the ultimate beauty care line so that they could do a PitiCure and notice the difference as well!

If you are interested in trying out a PitiCure yourself, try it, your underarms will thank you.  :)

The products buzzed about in this article were samples provided to me and my guests.  Additionally, Dove sponsored our day out at the spa.  All opinions remain 100% mine.

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Filed Under: featured, hip tips, Product Buzz

FriendGiftr – America’s Favorite Gift Cards

May 11, 2010 By 4 Comments

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of FriendGiftr. All opinions are 100% mine.

The Perfect Gift
Do you have people on your list that are hard to buy for? Whether it be birthdays, Christmas, or some other special occasion and you just don’t know what to get them? I know I definitely do. Gift cards make a great gift because that means that the recipient can choose their own gift. It seems like you can buy gift cards a lot of different places, but I bet you have heard of a place quite like FriendGiftr.

FriendGiftr is a website that allows you to choose from over 120 merchants, in increments starting at just $10 and going up to $100. I noticed that Sephora is included in these merchants. It’s a personal favorite of mine :)

What makes this service unique is that the person receiving the gift can exchange the gift card for one from another merchant without the person giving it knowing, and without extra cost. So let’s say you get a gift card to a popular restaurant in your area, but you’d rather have a gift card to buy apparel. No problem, just exchange it! You can also split gift cards across multiple merchants. I don’t know of any other service that will do this. Not only can you use this service on the web, but you can also find it on Facebook, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android. So if I’m in a pinch and need to get a gift card right away, I can pull out my iphone and have this resource at my fingertips. Pretty cool!

I remember a time a few months back where I got a gift card for a friend who was going through a hard time. I’m sure she probably appreciated the thought, but who knows if she wanted the gift card for that particular service. If I had used FriendGiftr, she would have been able to exchange the card had she wanted to.

So if you are looking for a gift card but want a resource that offers it all, with options and an easy to navigate website, check out FriendGiftr.

Visit my sponsor: America's Favorite Gift Cards

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Filed Under: hip tips, Product Buzz

Pringles Multigrain

May 7, 2010 By 5 Comments

Pringles Multigrain
A few days ago, I got these delicious Pringles Multigrain chips in the mail. They looked much like a tortilla chip, but taste just as fabulous as the original pringles, with a multigrain twist. As the boys and I were snacking on some chips, hubby came home from work. He had stopped at the store to pick a few things up for me, and lo and behold he was snacking on a can of original Pringles. Guess we were thinking along the same lines that day!

After eating some of the original Pringles that hubby had brought home, I decided that I actually prefer the taste of the new multigrain Pringles. I like that I get all of the flavor that I normally would with original pringles, but I also get a taste of multigrain as well. These new chips are available in three varieties:

  • Truly Original
  • Creamy Ranch
  • Cheesy Cheddar

U Taste
Not only are these new chips delicious, they are striving to make a difference. Simply go to the Pringles Website between now and June 30th, enter your UPC code in a designated box, and $1 will be donated to Pringle’s Share Our Strength® No Kid Hungry campaign. Share our Strength is an awesome program to ensure that kids in America are not growing up hungry.

By weaving together a net of community groups, activists and food programs, Share Our Strength catches children at risk of hunger and ensures they have nutritious food where they live, learn and play

I’ve already entered UPC codes to help contribute to this cause and you should too!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Pringles Multigrain and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

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Filed Under: hip tips, Product Buzz

Field Trips For All From Lunchables

May 6, 2010 By 4 Comments

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Lunchables. All opinions are 100% mine.

Field Trips
Remember those field trips in elementary in middle school? I sure do. It seems like I would look forward to them forever, and it was always fun to leave school and have a different experience. Those are the experiences that you really learn from and take with you, however some schools are cutting down field trips according to the following statistic:

According to a 2009 report from The American Association of School Administrators, it’s estimated that over the course of the current school year, the number of school districts eliminating field trips will increase by 56 percent. That’s more than 30,000 schools.

Lunchables recognizes the importance of field trips, and wants to help deserving classes go on inspiring and educational field trips. That’s why they launched “Field Trips For All.”

I loved this following video. It was fun for me to see the kid’s eyes light up and see the wheels turning in their heads.

Nominate a Class
As I mentioned above, Lunchables wants to help classes go on field trips, and that is why they are giving 50 field trips away. Anyone who is age 6 or older can visit here to nominate a class.  I have some very deserving nieces and a nephew that I will be nominating for these field trips.  I want to see them succeed and get the best education and experiences that they can get, and I think one of these field trips would do just that.  So go ahead, nominate a classroom that you think deserves a field trip.  Who would you nominate?

Click Here

Visit my sponsor: Field Trips For All

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Reach Right With I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter

April 27, 2010 By 3 Comments

Butter? Margarine? Spread?
If you are anything like me, you get a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices you have when it comes to grocery shopping. Butter is no different. There is butter, margarine, and different spreads. But how do you know what is better for you? The answer is easy – educate yourself. Before a few weeks ago, I had no idea why I was buying what I was. You would have found an assortment of margarine, butter, and a spread in my refrigerator. After learning more about butter and spreads from I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, I believe I can make an informed choice and reach right.

The Big Fat Truth
Here is a statistic that I found very interesting:
A quick comparison – in one tablespoon, butter contains:
7 grams of saturated fat
30 mg of cholesterol

A tablespoon of soft spreads, made from a blend of oils including soybean and canola, contains:
2 grams or less of saturated fat per serving
0 mg cholesterol
0 grams of trans fat per serving
Essential fatty acids including Omega-3 ALA and Omega-6

What should you look for in a soft spread?
Choose a spread that has 0 grams trans fat, 2 grams or less saturated fat and no cholesterol per serving.
Choices that are consistent with such guidelines include:

  • I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!®
  • Shedd’s Spread Country Crock®
  • Promise® Spreads
  • Brummel & Brown®

Did you also know that margarine and spreads are no where near the same although many people think they are?

Taste the Difference
I’ll admit that I love a big slab of butter on vegetables, who doesn’t? Sometimes I’m reluctant to try a spread because I don’t think it will taste the same. After substituting I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter for a few weeks, I have to say the taste is fabulous. I also think that it’s nice to have a soft spread for bread and rolls, it goes on a lot easier! So go ahead and educate yourself more about the benefits of cutting down on the butter in your diet, and using spreads like I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.

The product reviewed in this article was a sample provided to me by the company or PR representative. These views and opinions are my own and I was not compensated by this review.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Filed Under: hip tips, Product Buzz

Mosquito Magnet

April 27, 2010 By 4 Comments

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Mosquito Magnet. All opinions are 100% mine.

Unwanted Visitors
With the summer months approaching, and the weather warming up, we will be spending a lot more time outside. Barbecuing, swimming, and camping to name a few. Along with the outdoors comes the mosquitoes. Not a fan. But then again, who is? I have memories of going to girl’s camp when I was younger and literally being eaten alive. I remember counting close to 100 on my body one summer after camp. They tend to be annoying, can cause itching if you get bitten, and also carry diseases such as West Nile Virus. There are a lot of precautions that you can take to ensure that you aren’t bitten. One is to wear repellent, but that doesn’t actually get rid of the bugs, it just wards them away.

Mosquito Magnet
If you are looking for a way to actually get rid of mosquitoes, than the Mosquito Magnet is the product for you. The Mosquito Magnet actually works by actually mimicking a human – our scent, the warmth, and the carbon dioxide. Thus it lures in Mosquitoes. If you check out the website you can find a mosquito magnet review as well as a video on how the product actually works. The testimonials and pictures from those who have the product are unreal. It seems like it really does the job!

Visit my sponsor: What are People Saying About Mosquito Magnet?

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Jamie’s Food Revolution + Giveaway (closed)

April 26, 2010 By

Jamie’s Food Revolution
I really hadn’t heard too much about Jamie’s Food Revolution until my sister in law brought it up when she was over for dinner. After hearing her talk about it, I decided to check it out for myself. I haven’t actually watched the show yet, but it is set to record on my dvr on Friday, and I did some reading on what it’s all about. The concept behind the show is all about eating right and how families can rediscover ways to cook simple, affordable meals that are good for them. Jamie has a petition that you can sign for the food revolution, and I just signed it. You should too!

Disney Family
Disney Family has partnered with Jamie Oliver and the Food Revolution. Disney Family has recently added a new website that offers simple steps to Healthy Families. Some of these steps include developing healthy habits, cooking with your kids, and making snacks from scratch.
They offer a lot of really great advice, along with some fab recipes that I am excited to try out. Below is just one of many recipes that they offer on their website.

Sizzled Citrus Shrimp
This quick Spanish-inspired saute is a lesson in simplicity. All shrimp really needs to dazzle is lots of garlic and a splash of lemon. Serve as a main dish or as a tapa (appetizer).


Prep Time: 15 minutes (including peeling shrimp)
Ready in: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings, about 3/4 cup each

Recipe Ingredients
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons dry white wine
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic , minced
1 pound medium shrimp (30-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt , or to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Recipe Directions
1. Combine lemon juice, wine, 2 teaspoons oil and garlic in a medium bowl. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, tossing occasionally. Drain well, reserving marinade.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook, turning once, until barely pink, about 30 seconds per side; transfer to a plate. Add bay leaf, crushed red pepper and the reserved marinade to the pan; simmer for 4 minutes. Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the pan; heat through. Season with salt, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win a Food Revolution prize package courtesy of Disney Family that includes: Jamie Oliver’s book, Jamie’s Food Revolution, Family.com branded over mitts and apron, a cutting board and bowl set (approximately an $85 value.)

Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)

  • Tell me how you encourage your family to make healthy decisions when it comes to food, or let me know a recent, positive lifestyle change you’ve made.

Additional Entries

  • Tweet about this giveaway. (daily entry) – 2 entries
  • Subscribe to my feed via e-mail – 2 entries
  • Follow me – 2 entries
  • Comment on any non giveaway post that you haven’t previously commented on – 2 entries
  • Become a fan of Babes and Kids on Facebook – 2 entries
  • Grab the summer sun button on the right sidebar and put it on your blog  – 2 entries

Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on May 11th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.

This article was written on behalf of Disney Family.  I did not receive product or compensation, however Disney Family did provide the giveaway package.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Filed Under: closed giveaways, hip tips

NAVTEQ’s Map Update Month for GPS

April 26, 2010 By 1 Comment

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NAVTEQ. All opinions are 100% mine.

Remember back when we actually had to use maps to try to get from point A to point B when it came to driving? I can remember it from when I was younger, and it’s amazing how far we have come since then. A lot of newer vehicles are equipped with GPS systems which help you navigate where you need to go. We don’t currently have a GPS, but we’ve ridden with my parents on multiple occasions and they do have a GPS. It is such a helpful technology, and it’s really cool to see how it works.

From our house, it used to be shorter to go directly East to get to the freeway. This last year, there was a lot of construction on a highway going Northeast, and now that the construction is finished, it is actually shorter to take that route. If someone were to use a GPS that doesn’t have the most current updates, it might take them the old route that isn’t necessarily as fast. NAVTEQ is actually the company that powers most GPS and navigation systems, and realizes that it is important for users to update their maps on a regular basis, so that things like this don’t happen.

May is actually NAVTEQ’s Map Update Month, so don’t forget to update your GPS!

Updating your maps could:
-help you save up to $200 a year just by using a navigation device*
-help you drive with confidence
-help you save time (A traffic enabled GPS device can save you 4 days of driving time*)
-help you use less fuel
-reduce your CO2 emissions by 20% just by driving with a GPS device*
-help maintain the optimum performance from your system
-help you know better roadside options

To learn more about updating your maps, visit www.mapupdatemonth.com.

Visit my sponsor: May is Map Update Month for many GPS Systems

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Boudreaux’s Butt Paste + Free Sample

April 22, 2010 By 1 Comment

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
Over the past 4 1/2 years, we’ve had to deal with diaper rash on more than one occasion. I’ve tried multiple diaper rash ointments, many of which seemed to not work. After taking a recommendation from a friend, I bought a tube of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. Besides having a funny name, it actually does the job. I have a tube of the All Natural Butt Paste that I keep with the diapers and wipes.

I love that this particular rash ointment rubs in clear. It’s not super thick, but is really light and rubs in without feeling greasy. And because it is natural, I feel better about putting it on Rowan. It does a great job of protecting and this little tube has lasted us a long time. We’ve had it about 8 months, and it’s about 3/4 gone.  This is a diaper rash ointment that I recommend to friends and will continue to do so.

More About Butt Paste
Diaper rash ointment, skin protectant, helps to prevent diaper rash, protects chafed skin, and seals out wetness. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste® spreads on easily, cleans off quickly, and has a pleasant scent. Available in convenient foil pack, 1oz, 2oz, 3oz, 4 oz tubes and 16oz jar. Available in drug, discount or grocery store chains nationwide.
Featured on
• Oprah Show
• Tonight Show
• Today Show
• People Magazine
• ESPN
• While You Were Out TLC

Free Sample
To try out Boudreaux’s Butt paste, visit here for a free sample. You won’t be disappointed.

Visit my sponsor: Boudreaux's Butt Paste

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Filed Under: hip tips, Product Buzz

Beauty on a Budget from Disney Family + Giveaway (closed)

March 16, 2010 By 229 Comments

Beauty on a Budget
There are a lot of months that we are barely scraping by. That doesn’t mean that I don’t like to feel beautiful, inside and out.
Disney Family recently added a Makeover Moms section to their website that gives moms tips, ideas, and inexpensive ways to shine inside and out.


One feature that I found really cool was the video guide. It offers 11 ways to transform your look, all in helpful videos. One of those videos was on how to reduce puffy eyes. It was a really helpful video with inexpensive ideas to help get rid of puffiness under eyes.

Makeover Madness Sweepstakes
Disney Family is also hosting a makeover madness sweepstakes where you can win a trip for you and a girlfriend to LA. Head over there now for your chance to win!

Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win a $60 beauty must have kit that includes:

Sleep Mask
Mini Manicure Set
Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Candle

Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)

  • Tell me how you make the most of “me time” or let me know your biggest indulgence when it comes to pampering yourself.

Additional Entries

  • Become a fan of Babes and Kids on Facebook – 2 entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway. – 2 entries
  • Subscribe to my feed via e-mail – 2 entries
  • Follow me – 2 entries

Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on March 30th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.

The product being given away in this article, was provided via Disney Family.com.  I did not receive any type of sample or compensation for this post.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Filed Under: closed giveaways, hip tips

Date Night with Wanchai Ferry + Giveaway (closed)

February 25, 2010 By 894 Comments

Date Night
When you have kids, it takes a lot of effort to effort to get a babysitter, plan a night out, and actually get out. Not to mention, it ends up being costly. Hubby and I like to go out, but also think we can create the mood at home and have a nice time together. Whether it’s eating a meal, renting a movie, or playing games, it’s nice to just stay in sometimes. Wanchai Ferry and Target, along with My Blog Spark helped us create a nice meal that we could enjoy together.

Creating the Mood
I think an important aspect to doing a date night at home is creating the mood. We were sent this cute setting to help make our Asian inspired meal a success, and this is how the setting looked.

Before I was even able to prepare a meal, I headed to the store to get one of Wanchai’s new frozen meals for two. I’ve used Wanchai’s boxed meals before and really like them, but this was my first experience with the frozen meals. If you have a Super Target near you, they are now available in the freezer section. I found them for just under $7.00, which means that it was about $3.50 per serving. This is much cheaper than if we were go out to dinner to get the same thing. I picked the Sweet and Spicy Shrimp since hubby and I both really like shrimp. I noted on the packaging that it only takes 14 minutes to make. Quick preparation, all the better.

When I went to prepare the meal, I decided to do a teriyaki stir fry as well to add to the mood. All in all, I spent less than 30 minutes in the kitchen and came out with a delicious meal. The Wanchai ferry meal came with Jasmine rice, vegetables, shrimp, and a sweet and spicy sauce. Below is a picture of the serving size as well as the finished product. I really liked this dish, and the shrimp was a nice size and had great flavor.

And here is the Wanchai ferry meal, along with the noodle dish that I made. We also had fortune cookies to crack at the end of the night. Mine talked about spending time and find joy with my loved ones. How appropriate.

Wanchai Ferry Coupon
You can also print off a coupon for $1.50 off any frozen Wanchai Ferry entree, by visiting their website.

Price: $6.75

Where to Buy: Super Target

Win It
One Babes and Kids reader will win a Perfect Night in Prize Pack, which includes:

$25 Gift Card from Target
1 Coupon for a free Wanchai Ferry frozen entree
Asian Inspired Rice Bowls, Chopsticks, Bamboo Placemats, and Fortune Cookies

Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)

  • Visit Wanchai Ferry and tell me another product they carry that you think sounds good, besides the one I mentioned in this post.

Additional Entries

  • Tweet about this giveaway. (daily entry) – 2 entries
  • Subscribe to my feed via e-mail – 2 entries
  • Follow me – 2 entries
  • Comment on any non giveaway post you haven’t previously commented on – 2 entries per post

Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on March 11. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.

The product reviewed in this article was a sample provided to me by Wanchai Ferry and My Blog Spark.  They provided a $25 Target gift card and Date Night In pack for me, and one for giveaway as well.   These views and opinions are my own and I was not compensated by this review.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Filed Under: closed giveaways, hip tips

EcoTools Brush Set Review + Makeup Tips

February 23, 2010 By 4 Comments

Natural Beauty?
I’m not exactly what you would call a natural beauty. In other words, I’m a bit self conscious of my face when I don’t have makeup on. It might be my uneven skin tone or the fact that my eyes look much smaller and very tired without makeup. Whatever it is, I like makeup. To get the look I want, I’ve learned that makeup brushes are important. Back in the day – oh about 7-8 years ago, I was a pageant girl. At one point, I was able to meet with a very talented makeup artist who gave me some great tips in putting on my makeup. This is the point that I started using brushes. I found some that I really liked, but they were very pricey. Over the years, I have bought different brushes. Expensive, cheap, full sized, travel. I think I have a pretty good opinion of what I like at this point. So naturally, when EcoTools came along, I was ready to sample their brushes.

Pros: I’ve never tried a line of natural brushes, and I have to say I quite like these. I was sent the bamboo bronzer brush and the 6 piece Eye Brush Set. My very first thought was how soft the brushes are on my face. The bristles are all made from synthetic taklon, and are cruelty free. Below I have pictured my bronzer/powder brush I use now as well as the EcoTools bronzer brush. I actually paid $8 more for my brush that I have now and I like the EcoTools brush better. It is softer , and feels fuller, plus it gives more as it brushes across my face.

In the next picture, you can see my travel set that I have been using (top), and the travel set that EcoTools sent me (bottom). I’m actually missing one of my brushes in my old set. It must have fallen out at one point because it is no where to be found. I like that the EcoTools set has a mirror and the brushes are held in by elastic. Sometimes with travel brushes, you get brushes that are thin and flimsy. This particular set is thick, holds up well, and still has that super soft feel.

Cons: The handle on the Bronzer blush is a bit thick and chunky. I think it will take some time for me to get used to. No more complaints here. Did I mention they are very inexpensive? Two thumbs up on that one.

Makeup Tips
EcoTools offers great makeup tips from celebrity makeup artist Meredith Baraf. One that I really liked was the flawless face, as shown below

Other Tutorials:

Price: $7.99 for travel brushes, $9.99 for bronzer blush

Where to Buy: Drugstore.com or find a retailer near you here.

The product reviewed in this article was a sample provided to me by the company or PR representative. These views and opinions are my own and I was not compensated by this review.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Filed Under: hip tips, reviews
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