Sunkissed Vox Box

Happy Summer, All!  Today, I got my second Vox Box from this awesome company called Influenster.  If you enjoy trying new stuff for free and telling everyone you know about it, definitely check them out!  The first box they sent me had Crest 3D Whitestrips.  I told y'all about them a while back but forgot to follow up...sorry, my white teeth were busy planning a wedding and it just slipped my mind!  But in case you were curious of the results...I had beautifully white teeth for my wedding day!  I definitely recommend these strips to anyone who wants to get white teeth at home.  They're super easy and don't take very long at all.  Check them out!

Annnyyyywaaaayyy..... back to my Sunkissed Vox Box!  It was chock full of goodies that are essential for summer fun!  I am so excited to give all these items a try!  Here's everything it contained:

Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles

"Clinically proven to help prevent foot pain caused by wearing high heels 2" or higher.  They offer immediate, long-lasting comfort and an ultra-soft gel arch to shift pressure off the ball of your foot."

My initial impression of these insoles is great.  They're clear and are sized so that I can wear them with strappy heels without them being seen.  I slipped them into a pair of pumps I just bought and I can definitely feel the difference.  The gel arch is uncomfortable at first, but once I walked around for a few minutes, I got used to the feeling of something pushing on my arch and the ball of my foot definitely didn't feel as sore.  I will have to give these a really good test when I have to wear heels all day.  Can't wait!  I only wish I could have worn these to a wedding I was at recently...I might have been able to keep my shoes on for dancing!

SinfulShine with Gel Tech

SinfulShine with Gel Tech, In The Limelight

"SinfulShine with Gel Tech technology provides opulent rich color and superb shine."

Ok, so I've already got this nail polish on my nails as I'm typing it...I couldn't wait.  Gel is all the rage right now, but I'm sorry...I'm just not that interested in spending a lot of cash on my nails or that much time to get them to set.  The polish I've got on is really nice.  I did just two coats and it's so shiny it almost looks wet.  I didn't even add a topcoat because it looks great as-is.  I'll admit, I'm not a fan of the color they sent me, but I will most definitely be headed to Walgreens to purchase SinfulShine in one of their other 32 shades.

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in Fair to Light

Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15:
"24-hour hydration and a splash of sheer color.  This all-in-one skin perfecter, sunscreen, and tinted moisturizer evens tone and refreshes dullness, for flawless looking skin."

I'd like to start off my saying that I LOVE bb creams!  I used to wear a lot of makeup when I was younger but when I had my son I really struggled to do a full face of makeup and still be out of the house at a reasonable hour with baby in tow.  So I switched to a bb creams from regular moisturizer and foundation and I've never looked back.  This particular bb cream seems great so far.  It has a really nice feel without being greasy and smells really good.  It has a nice light coverage, so it looks really natural...it lets my naturally rosy cheeks come through so I don't need blush.  I do need to add concealer to my blemishes, but that's to be expected with any bb cream.  I'll give you guys an update in a couple weeks to see how it has improved my skin overall.  So excited!

Last but not least...

Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics:
"The embodiment of fashion and comfort from America's #1 elastics brand, the new Ouchless Ribbon Elastics are the pretty solution to hot summer hair days."

As a mom and resident of the Sunshine State, I have my hair in a ponytail a LOT.  Seriously...not a day goes by that I don't throw my hair up in a pony.  I usually use Goody's regular elastics (the thick ones without metal) and they do an awesome job so I have no doubt that I'll love these.  They're really cute and since they're flat, they don't leave a dent on my wrist (because I always have an elastic on my wrist...always!).  These elastics will be put to the test this Sunday when the fam and I head to Aquatica!  I'll let you know how they hold up (pun intended!).

So that's it!  Some really awesome stuff and I'm so excited to use it all!  I'll keep you posted on what I think and I promise nothing but the truth!  If anyone else out there has tried these products, please comment with your opinions!

Road Trippin'

We're hitting the road again!  You might remember my post about making road trips with your baby easier, but this time the little man is staying at Grandma's and we're bringing a couple of friends.  Needless to say, traveling without our toddler will be much easier...no stinky diapers, no tantrums (we hope)...but we will have other needs and that's what I'm going to talk about today.

We're traveling nearly 1200 miles in a vehicle with four adults.  So what do we need to make it a comfortable ride?  Glad you asked!

You have to assess your basic needs.  We're going to be driving straight through with as few stops as possible.  This means being prepared.  Food.  Drinks.  First aid.  Entertainment.

Food and Drinks
We're packing a cooler and a snack bag.  Variety is key.  I'm packing sodas, water, cookies, chips, and sandwiches.  Plenty of munchy stuff and nothing that will make your breath stink!  Other great options are: trail mix, fruits that 'contain themselves' (apples, oranges, bananas...all washed, of course), candy, crackers, rice cakes, veggies (like carrot sticks), cheese sticks, etc.  You want to be careful not to pack anything that will spoil or melt unless you're going to put it in a cooler with lots of ice.  We are packing a cooler, but I don't want to bring the huge cooler...hence the only cold items I'm bringing are sandwiches and drinks.  No chocolate either...messy, messy!

First Aid
I know my husband always looks at me like I'm crazy when I do my 'medical' pack.  He thinks I'm overly prepared...yeah, until he needs something.  Here's what I pack:

• Bandages
• Antibiotic ointment
• Anti-itch cream
• Pain reliever
• antihistamine
• Acid reducer (usually a pill of some kind, Tums and Gas X...hey man, it happens and I'm going to be in a car with three men...)
• Eye drops
• Sunscreen (you catch a surprising amount of sun through the windows!)
• Motion sickness strips
• Sick bags (I'm using Ziploc storage bags...they don't leak and I can seal them and throw them away)
• Pain relieving gel (for example: Icy Hot or Bengay)

Last but not least...Entertainment.

This one's a no-brainer. Books, game books (crosswords, sidoku, etc), magazines, mp3 player, portable dvd player, tablet, etc.  Whatever you like to do at home...if it's portable, take it.  I'm only bringing one book, one magazine, and my tablet.  My hubby's phone tethers to the internet, so I can use my tab to listen to music, watch Netflix and Hulu, or check my email.  On the off chance I manage to finish my new book, I can also purchase ebooks.  Really, a tablet with internet access is the perfect travel entertainment!

Other misclaneous items...

Sleep mask:  If we're driving in shifts, I should really be sleeping when I can and if that happens to be during daylight hours, the mask will help me get some sleep.

Ear plugs:  Sometimes you don't want to listen to music or conversation...sometimes you just want silence!

Coupons:  Yes, I'm bringing coupons.  I have a folder of restaurant coupons that I keep at home.  We rarely eat out at fast food places, but on a road trip you sometimes don't have other options.  It's always better to be safe than sorry and they don't take up much room in my tote bag.

Baby wipes and hand sanitizer:  These are great if you need to clean up a bit before or after eating.  And the hand sanitizer is a must for me after using public restrooms...yeah, you wash your hands before leaving, but sometimes you still have to touch the dirty door handle...yuck!

Trash bags and paper towels:  You never know when you're going to have a mess on your hands...drinks and food can spill easily and you want to be prepared!  I plan to bring a couple large (kitchen sized) trash bags (these are great to cover things if it rains and you have to make a run for it) and some small ones (grocery store bags) for most of our garbage.  

Pillow and blanket:  I actually forgot to bring these and I could have kicked myself!  Yes, our destination was a hotel with a nice, comfy bed, but the 20-ish hour drive was way too long to be uncomfortable!  I remember distinctly the moment I realized I forgot these.  I was in the back seat trying to sleep before it was my turn to drive and freezing my butt off because everyone else wanted the car cold and trying to decide if I should use my sweater as a blanket or as a pillow.

I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting, but these are the big ones!  If you have any items that you bring on road trips that have really saved the day, feel free to share them!

While I'm talking about out trip...I'd like to show you the flight of local beers we got to have while in Michigan.  I thought this was a really cool way to serve them, too!  I definitely suggest trying local brews when traveling (not when you're driving, of course).  We ended up going to a grocery store after dinner to purchase a few bottles of local beer and wine to take home and share with our friends.

Father's Day Craft

Last year, Ayden and I had a blast making our finger paint art.  This year, the pressure was on to top that!  So...we got Daddy a new puppy!  We adopted (after much discussion) a Great Dane-Shepherd mix puppy and we're so excited!  Meet Kahlua Pi...

Yes, this is how she likes to lay...don't ask.

Ok, so not what you were expecting?  Thought so...  No worries, Ayden and I still whipped up a little something for Father's Day! We made two different things for two very special guys.  A shadow box and hand print coasters.

The shadowbox is super easy.  I purchased a shadow box frame from Michael's, a sheet of peel-and-stick scrapbook paper, photo corners, pre-cut paper circles, some raffia ribbon, glue, acrylic paint and a 3D sticker. Here's the finished product:

The picture really doesn't do the project justice, but I'm having issues finding good light these days (my apologies).  On the top left is Ayden's hand print on the pre-cut circle paper.  Super easy...using a sponge wedge, I coated my little man's hand with acrylic paint, stamped it onto the paper and used a baby wipe to wash of the paint...easy-peasy.  I poked a couple holes in the top, tied a raffia bow, and glued it to the shadow box.  Top right is the 3D sticker, found in the scrapbooking aisle.  On the bottom are two prints from our wedding secured to the box with photo corners.  The cool thing about the photo corners is they're peel and stick, so they were easy to use and also, if the recipient should desire to change the photos, they're easy to remove...but they won't fall off on their own.

Project number two is a set of slate coasters with hand prints on them (yes, I'm in a hand print phase...so sue me).  You can do this project on regular tiles if you prefer...I just liked the look of the slate and they already had felt on the bottom to keep them from scratching the furniture.  

To make these all you need is your base of choice (slate coasters, tiles, whatever), acrylic paint, sponge brush, and modge podge.  Make sure your base is clean and dry.  Coat your little one's hand in paint and stamp it onto the coaster.  Let dry completely.  Using sponge brush, apply a coat of modge podge.  Allow to dry completely.  Add a second coat of modge podge if desired.  

Now I will say this about my coasters...if I had it to do over again, I'd go with white paint...or pretty much any color besides 'bloody hand print red.'  Maybe I should save them for a Halloween gift??  But other than that, they turned out pretty good and were super easy.  And cheap...did I mention this project was less than $10?

Well friends, happy crafting and to all the dads out there, Happy Father's Day!  

Happy Hour: Gully Wash

The actual drink I enjoyed on our honeymoon!

Every once and I while, I love a really good cocktail.  Or two.  Or...you know what, I'm gonna stop right there.  ANYway...you may remember my first cocktail post: The Caipirinha.  I have really grown to hate boring cocktails...no more vodka cranberry for me!  I am LOVING international cocktails!  When you've found a cocktail that the whole country loves, you know it's gotta be good.  The hubby and I honeymooned in the Bahamas about a month ago and I got to try the local specialty: Gully Wash.  On the island, they offer it in a coconut, which really got my attention... I'm a sucker for presentation. They use fresh coconut in the drink as well... fresh is always the best! When we got home, I looked up the recipe and its fairly simple. I'll share the traditional recipe and then my own lower-carb version. Both are delicious!

Traditional Gully Wash
2 oz. Gin
2 oz. Coconut water
4 oz. Sweetened condensed milk

Sprinkle of cinnamon

Ice

Lower-carb Gully Wash
1 cup coconut milk
1.5 oz gin
3 scoops Splenda, more or less to taste
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Ice

Fill your shaker with ice. Add all ingredients. Secure top of shaker and shake until well mix... But don't go to crazy or you'll water down your cocktail!
Strain into glass. Enjoy responsibly!

Spiked Strawberry Lemonade

As I mentioned before, my sister-in-law graduated!  That makes two high school graduates in our family this year and we're so proud of both girls!  Needless to say, this is a time for celebration!  Yesterday, we celebrated my sister-in-law's graduation at my in-laws' house.  It was a bbq/pool party and we had a great time.  My mother-in-law asked me to bring strawberry lemonade with alcohol for the crowd and I was more than happy to provide!  Here's the recipe:

Spiked Strawberry Lemonade
(makes approximately 2 gallons)
4 cups sugar
4 cups water
32 oz. lemon juice
4 lbs strawberries, hulled and sliced
5 cups vodka
1 gallon of water





1.  In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water.  Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally until sugar is dissolved.  Once sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and let cool.






2.  Puree strawberries.  I had to do it in batches since I had so many strawberries.  If you have a hard time getting them to blend smoothly, add a little water just to get it going.








3.  Pour strawberry puree through a sieve.  It will catch most of the seeds and the pulp.  A little getting through is ok.









4.  Combine sugar water (simple syrup), puree, lemon juice, and vodka.  Mix well.  Add the gallon of water a little at a time to acquire your preferred dilution.

5.  Serve chilled.  Enjoy responsibly!

Grad Gift

Both my husband and I had a sister graduate this year!  So hard to believe both girls are all grown up *tear.*  For my hubby's sister's gift, we chose to give the gift of cold, hard cash.  I'm sure it's just her size.  However, to warm it up a bit...it just seems so impersonal...I had to add a little flare.

Ok, guys, so the original idea was this:  Roll up the bills, insert into balloon, fill with helium, and tie to something heavy.  Look...floating money!  And it was an awesome idea...until I found out that apparently helium goes bad after a while.  You see, I had a tank leftover from my bridal shower...my mom only blew up a few balloons and the tank has enough gas for 30, so surely there was enough left.  However, I blew up the first balloon and it sank like a rock.  PLAN B!

When you don't want to spend another $20 on freaking helium and you don't have time to run to your nearest balloon retailer for a shot of the stuff, you have to get creative.  So I took my money-filled balloons and tied them to wooden skewers...you know, the kind you put food on.  I curled the ribbon and tied them to a photo holder and voila! it worked.  So yeah, not as cool as intended, but it still turned out better than sticking cash in an envelope!

Here's what you need:

Latex balloons, curling ribbon, something heavy to tie it to (if you're using helium), and cash (the more bills you use, the more obnoxious it is...go nuts...do all ones...hell, do pennies!)

If you're like me and have dysfunctional helium, get yourself some skewers or thin dowels and some tape.

Roll up your bills like so:

Insert into balloon:

Inflate!

Now here's where it got tricky...

If you have helium, it's super easy...tie off your balloons, tie on some ribbon and then attach the ribbon to your heavy thing and you're done.  Easy-peasy.  If you're using skewers, keep reading...

I had to tie the balloon off AROUND the skewer...simply knotting the ribbon around the already tied off balloon did not work.  Then add your ribbon (it helps fill in the gaps between balloons.  Curl that ribbon.  Once you've done this with all your balloons (I did 5...I wouldn't recommend any more than that), tape all the skewers together as though you're making a balloon bouquet.  Using more of that ribbon, attach the balloon bouquet to your object of choice...secure it well!!!  All done!  Here's what my finished product looks like:

The 'GRAD' is actually a photo holder and the skewers are attached to the wire photo holder thingy.  

Now my husband wanted me to add glitter or confetti to the balloons so that when she popped them, she'd have glitter rain down on her...which in theory is cool.  However...have you ever tried to get rid of glitter?  They don't call it the herpes of the art world for nothing....

Pool Party Finger Food

It's officially summer here in Florida and the heat is ON.  Last weekend, we had some friends over to celebrate Memorial Day and let me tell ya...it was a good time!  Since it was so hot and we'd be hanging poolside all day, I chose to keep the daytime fare pretty simple.

Check out this tasty stuff!

Sunset Sangria
I found this recipe on Pinterest somewhere and altered it so I wouldn't have to make an extra trip to the liquor store to make it more to my liking.  Very simple...put it together the night before and you've got yourself one yummy cocktail for a crowd!

When setting up a self-serve bar, don't forget your garnishes!

1 package strawberries, hulled and sliced
3-4 oranges, sliced
1/2-3/4 cup rum...just depends on how strong you want your drink. (I prefer Cruzan)
2 oz triple sec
1 large bottle of moscato (or other white wine of your choice)

Once you've sliced your fruit, put it in a big pitcher (or in my case, drink dispenser).  Pour all the liquor and wine over top and give it a good stir.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  If you want to get all fancy, serve it with an orange garnish.

Salsa Fresca
Ok so this recipe happened one night when my husband was still just my boyfriend and he wanted salsa.  I didn't have any and I really didn't want to run out to the store...but I also wanted to earn serious brownie points...which obviously worked because *BAM* we're married.  LOL!  I digress....I had the stuff in the house and it turned out pretty damn good.  I've been making this for him ever since!

8-10 plum tomatoes
1 onion
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1 bunch cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tbsp cayenne pepper (more or less depending on how spicy you'd like it)
Salt to taste

Dice the tomatoes and onion.  Put them in a big bowl.  Drain and rinse the beans and corn well.  Add to bowl.  Chop the cilantro.  You guessed it...throw it in the bowl.  Add your juice, cayenne, and salt.  Mix well.  Serve and enjoy!

Like the sangria, this salsa is great when made the night before.  Now some of you may be scoffing at my use of cayenne pepper instead of a legit pepper all chopped up...there is a method to my madness.  Have you ever eaten something with scattered peppers that are super spicy?  And you're eating and enjoying and then *POW* you take a bit with a chunk of jalapeno and your mouth is on FIRE.  Yeah...I hate that.  So the powdered cayenne is evenly spread throughout...so you know what level of spice to expect in each and every bite.  You're welcome.

Fluffy Fruit Dip
Ok guys, last one...stay with me here...  This is the EASIEST recipe EVER.  Literally two ingredients and I get rave reviews every. single. time.  Two ingredients...try to keep up...

1 cup cool whip
1 cup vanilla yogurt

Add to bowl.  Mix.  Serve with fruit for dipping (strawberries, grapes, pineapple, etc).

That's it.  Told ya it was easy :-)


Well, I hope you're all enjoying some fun in the sun...I know we are!  I'll be posting a new summer cocktail recipe soon...here's a little teaser:

Mmmm....strawberries!