Beauty Box 5

http://www.beautybox5.com

Recently I was introduced to Beauty Box 5, a subscription-based company that sends both samples and full size products out every month for a low fee.  It’s like the gift that keeps on giving! They even have a referral program called “Sharing is Caring”.  With their program, when you share Beauty Box Five with just five of your friends, you will receive a month free!  Can you imagine sharing with all of your friends and getting the hottest make up all year round?

This month’s box included three products that I just had to tell you about. 

Blinc Mascara is remarkable!  It really gave me a wet eye-lash look and for the first time, I found a mascara that really did give volume without clumping.  This is an A+ in our book, especially when it lasted all day without smearing or smudging.  Perfect!

OFRA Diamond Glitz 3D loose shadow was another great product included in this box.  I don’t generally buy loose eye shadow because somehow I always manage to get it everywhere except on my eyes.  But this went on pretty smooth and blended really well for a fresh and natural look.  I really enjoyed OFRA 3D Loose Shadow and you should give them a look on their website, CLICK HERE 

Blum Naturals provided Natural Oil Absorbing Facial Tissues to the beauty box, and what a hit they were!  During our office party this weekend, there was entertainment, games and we danced the night away.  These sheets came in handy to help keep my make up looking fresh all night long and helped me maintain a lasting professional appearance. 

The annual office party is a rather big deal for my husbands company, and being the bosses wife I was thankful for these products that helped me uphold my professional appearance.  Blum Oil absorbing facial tissues kept my skin fresh and Blinc Mascara, well let’s just say I was not the one that had coon eyes at the end of the night!  I guess I should have shared my mascara because some of those girls looked down right scary!

Beauty Box Five offers a lot of great products for a low cost every month, check them out here and let me know what you think.

  http://www.beautybox5.com

You can also find them on FACEBOOK (CLICK HERE)  and Twitter (CLICK HERE)

 

I receive complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are of my own from personal experiences with the products.  While these are my opinions, yours and your results may differ from mine.  All giveaways winners are responsible for contacting me within 48 hours of being notified.  All giveaway items are responsibility of the company providing them and be shipped directly from said company.

 

Terri Michele Fragrance Shenandoah

 

 

http://www.TerriMicheleFragrances.com

If you know me personally, you know I am a scent junkie!  I absolutely love lotions, soaps, and perfumes.  While I love trying just about any scent, I can’t tell you I love everything I try.  Just like most of you, I am a very busy person. So if I put something on first thing in the morning, I really expect it to last throughout the day because I just don’t always have a chance to freshen back up.

Shenandoah held up to those expectations and so much more.  Their clean and fresh signatures scent created by company founder Michele Kaplan lasted well through the day.  Throughout my day to day running around, I have received so many compliments this week while wearing the perfume.  Every girl likes to receive a good compliment here and there, so this just made me feel extra special.  Now while I understand your preferences on scent may differ from mine, I do recommend you at least view their complete product description on the Terri Michele website.  CLICK HERE 

My favorite part about the Terri Michele Fragrance is their Green Promise.  All of their products are packaged using paper that is approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, which then gives them the right to carry the FSC label.  Every product that displays the FSC label is individually certified to assure they come from a certified forest that meets economic and ecological needs of the present and future generations.    Read more on their GREEN PROMISE HERE.

 

Check out Terri Michele on Facebook!  Click here

I receive complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are of my own from personal experiences with the products.  While these are my opinions, yours and your results may differ from mine.  All giveaways winners are responsible for contacting me within 48 hours of being notified.  All giveaway items are responsibility of the company providing them and be shipped directly from said company.

Global Goddess Upgrade Complexion Face Primer

Ewww La La! That’s how my face feels right now after using Global Goddess Upgrade Complexion Face Primer! Oh yea we have scored a touch down because my face feels amazing and my make up glides right on top of it.

GLOBAL GODDESS WEBSITE 

I have pretty sensitive skin, so what I can actually use without breaking out is very limited.  When I received the Upgrade Complexion Face Primer I was all but a little nervous… Trying new products on my face can be a little risky if I plan on going out of the house again the rest of the week.  But I put less than a pea amount on my finger and it smoothed right just like silk! Oh so soft! The primer set my face ready to go for foundation, and I noticed I used half the amount of foundation I normally do.  Foundation can be expensive; my current brand I’m using is over $50 a bottle, so to save a little here and there is a double score! But I also have to admit, at another given time, I put the primer on without applying makeup at a later time because if feels that good! 

The boys looked at me like I was rubbing gunk on my face, so of course I had to show them and tell them what it was.  Before Mr. Maison knew it I had rubbed some across his cheek and he said it felt like baby powder without the powder… Now I’m not exactly sure what he meant by that, but I do know it was a good thing he didn’t run away screaming!  

This is another “win” in our product list!  I not only recommend using this product but even on days where your not wearing any makeup at all.  This is a great skin care agent as you can see from the Global Goddess description that follows. 

GLOBAL GODDESS FACE PRIMER CLICK HERE

 

Imagine beginning your beauty routine with a drape of liquid silk—one that blurs the line between skin nutrition and visual radiance.
“Smooth this primer on alone or before makeup to create a radiant, even canvas.”

• Pearlescent pigments and natural light reflective ingredients act as optical smoothers for fine lines creating a youthful glow.
• Vitamins A and E nourish, while anti-oxidants create a thin veil of protection for a silky finish.
• Soothing licorice, a European beauty secret, boosts microcirculation, brightens skin tone and lightens the appearance of unwanted skin imperfections.

 

 

I receive complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are of my own from personal experiences with the products.  While these are my opinions, yours and your results may differ from mine.  All giveaways winners are responsible for contacting me within 48 hours of being notified.  All giveaway items are responsibility of the company providing them and be shipped directly from said company.

Rosebud Medley of Lip Balm

 Almost 120 years ago, a company was created to provide care to not only your lips, but tame cuticles, and moisturize elbows and knees.  How does a company this old keep going strong? Their products are soothing and recommended from generation to generation.  I for one, already passed the Rosebud name down to Mr. Maison last night when he came home from school with not only chap lips, but below his lip was also turning red.  Poor guy, he is going to have to learn not to lick his lips.

            But kids will be kids, so we put on the Strawberry Lip Balm and he said it felt much better!  The scent was also not too much for a sweet little boy and it was perfect for mommy.  We might have to share this tube, or I suppose I can go ahead and let go of the Moka Rose.  But this might be hard because the smell and taste is wonderful!  Just as the name spells it out, it has a hint of chocolate with a fresh rose smell.  Oh I suppose it is more “boy appropriate” than strawberry, I guess he can have that one.

            The darling set I received had the two lip balms and a tube just the same called Rosebud Salve, which is proving to have many uses.  In the short time we have had the Rosebud name in our home,  I have  already used their products in several different ways, including on my cuticles which smoothed out some rough edges.  As they recommended, I then tried a small amount on my heels and put on a pair of socks afterwards, A+!   There are so many recommendations for the Rosebud brand and I am even more excited now to give them each a try.

My recommendations;

            I defiantly recommend trying Rosebud products.  After all, when a product is almost 120 years old, how can you go wrong?   My next recommendation; Valentines Day is just around the corner and with how sweetly these are packaged, they would make the perfect gift for Teachers, grandparents, and co-workers.  Take a look at the website and send some love this holiday season. 

                        ROSEBUD WEBSITE  

           

Rosebud Recommendations

“Over the years our customers have shared with us and helped us to document the many uses of Rosebud Salve.  Here are just a few:

Cosmetic Uses/All-Purpose Uses:

 

• Perfect that “pouty look” by using your favorite lip liner about ¼ inch on the outer edge of the lips and then apply Rosebud Salve as a gentle gloss.  Blend the liner and the salve to achieve the sensuous look you desire.
• Rosebud Salve provides a dewy, moisturized effect to your favorite lipstick shade.
• Tame unruly eyebrows and enhance their sheen by applying a thin top coat of Rosebud Salve.
• Fly away hair is a thing of the past with just a dab of Rosebud Salve.  Warm the Rosebud Salve in the palms of your hands and apply to wayward tresses.
• Accent, moisturize and enhance your cheekbones, shoulders, and collar bones for that gala event with the subtle glow of “Rosebud”.
• “Rosebud” is a great makeup base.  Apply sparingly for best results.
• Perfect for traveling, “Rosebud” is a great makeup and eye makeup remover, cuticle softener, sunburn easer, dry skin healer, and frizzy fighter.
• Use Rosebud Salve to combat the aging effects of time by applying to the delicate skin around your eyes and throat.
• Diaper rash, hemorrhoids, psoriasis, alopecia, and dry scalp are eased by an application of Rosebud Salve.
• Use Rosebud Salve just prior to retiring for the evening on your hands (you may wish to cover hands with gloves), heels, and face or wherever you need that extra moisture and protection overnight.
• Relieve common skin irritations such as wind burn, insect bites and sore, red noses associated with colds with soothing “Rosebud”.
• The itching due to chemical burns associated with bleach or over processed hair can be greatly alleviated by using Rosebud Salve.

 

And now for the moment you have all been waiting for; Giveaway time!  Rosebud has graciously provided an extra set of their Rosebud Perfume’s Medley of Lip Balm Tubes.

To qualify for this giveaway;

 You must “Like” Rosebud Facebook page

            CLICKHERE

You must “Like” AlyGators on Facebook

               CLICK HERE

 

Giveaway ends
1-25

 

 

I receive complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are of my own from personal experiences with the products.  While these are my opinions, yours and your results may differ from mine.  All giveaways winners are responsible for contacting me within 48 hours of being notified.  All giveaway items are responsibility of the company providing them and be shipped directly from said company.

Global Goddess Shine Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment

Check out Global Goddess - CLICK HERE

Shine Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment

Over the past few years I have decided that I wanted to grow my hair out.  Well if you are anything like me you can understand how going from short hair to long hair can not only be an exhausting task but a rather nervous one to.  I was used to dying my hair one to two times a month, and cutting it at least once.  I loved change! Now, as it is getting longer I realize if I ever want it to be long and actually healthy I really need to start taking care of it.  Sure there are days where it drives me crazy; the addiction of changing your hair is something you will never really get over. 

My hair also gets oily pretty easy.  I have to wash it every day, if not sometimes twice a day, so I have never been fond of hair treatments that contain oil.  Global Goddess sent me a bottle of their Shine Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment, and I have to admit I was a little more than nervous about using it.  Especially with a big party tomorrow, I had no idea if I could get it out of my hair in time. 

To my astonishing surprise, the Coconut amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment did not leave behind an oily film. I put it in my hair, let it sit for 30 minutes as instructed and followed the rest of the directions.  Once my hair actually dried, it dried as natural and clean as could possibly be!  I am in shock!

The curiosity is ringing right through me now because I had to know more, I had to know what could make my hair feel this good.  Amla is a fruit known as Indian Gooseberry and is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C.  The avocado oil that is in it is included to penetrate into your scalp and “encourage healthy hair growth”.  I would have to say it worked, my hair feels wonderful again!  This will defiantly be a product I buy again in the summer to cure my pool hair. 

I guess the lesson for the day is; “Don’t be afraid to try something new, something new might just be amazing!”

Main ingredients:

Coconut Oil (nourishes)

• Neem Oil (soothes scalp)
• Amla Extract (rejuvenates)
• Henna (adds volume and shine)
• Grape Seed Oil (protects)
• Avocado Oil (moisturizes scalp)

Check it out for yourself at Global Goddess 

Perky Jerky

PERKY JERKY

Everyone loves a good snack here and there, but if your like our family, we are trying to stay away from preservatives and eat a little healthier, which makes it hard to find a good treat other than fruits and veggies.  Today I had the pleasure to try Perky Jerky and while I was snacking down on their low calorie turkey jerky, I read some more on their company. 

What really impressed me about their company is that Perky Jerky gives back a portion of their proceeds to support the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  Hats off to Perky Jerky!

Perky Jerky has figured out, upon mistake, on how to make a moist fresh jerky filled with flavor. So to my surprise, I then read Perky Jerky doesn’t contain any preservatives. Then even more so that the Turkey Jerky and Beef Jerky both only had 90 Calories for an entire Ounce!  This made me feel less guilty today at snack time. 

So what’s the mistake that made this jerky so irresistible? The jerky is flavored in a seven ingredient marinade, which includes Guarana, a natural source of caffeine.   A one-ounce serving of Perky Jerky contains about 35 milligrams of caffeine.  This amount of natural caffeine is comparable to what’s in a diet soda. 

You should read more about how exactly this happened on their site:  OUR STORY

I defiantly recommend the jerky.  It is full of flavor, moist but not sticky, and easy to snack on. The true test however, is the kids.  Unfortunately, I have rather picky kids when it comes to trying new things.  At this very moment they are fighting over the last few bites of each bag.  I guess that’s a ten in their book!  In this picture, I told them they could have the rest bag. For the small amount that my husband and I left them, you don’t think they were excited do you? What goofballs! 

Currently you can find Perky Jerky at Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, 7-Eleven, GNC, and Wal-Mart. But if you don’t feel like getting out of your pajamas today, shop online!  PERKY JERKY STORE

Skoy Cloth

Wow do I have another amazing product to tell you about!  First off, I want to ask you, how many paper towels do you go through a day, a week or in a month?  Admitting that our family is pretty wasteful, we go through about a roll to two rolls a week.  At $2.00 a roll, that’s over a $150 a year in just paper-towels! Ok, so I guess I didn’t realize we spent that much until now, yikes!

Well that has got to stop, and I finally found a solution!  Have you ever heard of Skoy Cloth? I hadn’t either until a friend was telling me about them and I knew it was something I had to try.  Rather than running around cleaning up after my kids and their afterschool snacks and activities yesterday, I let it sit, dry and harden overnight.  I thought I was going to freak out for not cleaning it up, but I really wanted to put SKOY to the test. 

Personally, I don’t like using my dish sponge on the counters.  For one, the cross of germs is far from appealing and when you do use that little sponge you are constantly ringing and rinsing.  As you can see, the mess that was left behind by my two little angels would have taken at least 20 paper towels to clean up, and that’s if they stayed in-tact while I scrape up the really stuck stuff. 

None of that was the case with SKOY Cloth.  As soon as I got it wet with a little warm water it became so soft and easy to use.  The cloth was very strong and sturdy and I was even able to clean an entire counter without needing to rinse or re-wet.  But what about the really sticky stuff, including the paint that was left on the counter overnight? I was able to really dig into the cloth and using my fingernail through the cloth to scrape the counters clean. No holes, no tears and the cloth is still good as new, and only slightly dirty considering the mess it just cleaned up.   Try doing that with a paper towel.

 

As I was reading over the website www.SkoyCloth.com, I really had to kind of laugh when I read “makes cleaning fun”.  Sure there are some people that really enjoy cleaning, but this makes cleaning fun? Then I had to stop and realize before I knew it I had cleaned the entire kitchen with just one SKOY Cloth.  It was super easy and extremely durable!  So, the part that I have to admit, I actually enjoyed using my SKOY Cloth.

These cloths are an extreme environment advance in cleaning cloths.  “This European made product is 100% biodegradable and is made from a unique blend of natural cotton and wood-pulp cellulose.  SKOY Cloth is non-toxic, chlorine-free and made using water-based colors and inks. 

SKOY cloth is a reusable product due to its amazing durability.  Using one SKOY cloth is the equivalent to using 15 rolls of paper towels in an average home.”

“SKOY cloth can be cleaned in your dishwasher and is washer/dryer safe.  Another option to keep your cloth healthy and germ-free is to microwave it wet for 1-2 minutes”.

Personally, I really am thrilled with the SKOY cloth.  The fact that they are environmentally friendly and come in a really cute original design simply adds to the joy of using them.  It’s also obvious we will be using a lot less paper towels in this household. 

Where can you get SKOY?

                SKOY is now available in all The Container Store locations and select Cost Plus World Markets to.  But if you don’t have either one of these near you, don’t worry you can always purchase them online.  Not only would these make a great gift with their oh so cute design, but SKOY has recently started a fundraising program for schools.  If you are a teacher or parent, you know how important it is to incorporate different fundraisers into your local program. 

GIVEAWAY TIME!

SKOY has graciously allowed us to giveaway a set of their cloths.  Rules for the giveaway include:

1.       You must “Like” the SKOY Facebook Page

               CLICK HERE

2.       You must “LIKE” AlyGators Facebook Page

                CLICKHERE

3.       To get extra points you can subscribe/follow by email to AlyGators Blog, AND confirm the confirmation email.

                CLICKHERE

 

 

 

 

 DISCLAIMER:

AlyGators was provided these products in exchange for an honest review.We are not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in this post are those of our own, which may differ from your own.AlyGators is not responsible for your personal experience with any products listed on our site as each individual person and their likes and interest varies.

FREE Child Safe Kit

Free Child Safe Kit

As a parent, I couldn’t imagine something happening to my precious babies.  Child Safe Kits are wonderful for that piece of mind and if the worst imaginable ever happens.  Order yours today for free from the link below.

 FREE CHILD SAFE KIT

Carnival Elation

 

While looking at different vacations the math really started to add up that we just may not be able to afford to go anywhere and as disappointing as that is, it’s reality for most people. Then I remembered the lectures my grandma would give me, “go on a cruise honey everything’s included and they are amazing”. Well coming from my not so young grandma her picture of amazing and mine are two totally different things, so I thought.

We finally decided we would hop on a Carnival Cruise, and choose Elation, because the price was pretty reasonable and it was a smaller boat meaning we would be less likely to get lost or be overwhelmed with the size. I was wrong, the boat was a lot bigger than we expected and there was plenty of room to get lost!

The activities were endless and the food was amazing and it was really pure relaxation! Which is why 7 months later we took the rest of the family with us back on Elation again? It was kind of nice knowing the ship a little better and the kids had the time of their life! We all did really.

Jeramaih ate and tried new things including alligator and snails and Mr. Maison loved the endless ice cream that was ready to go at any given moment. Of course they both loved the Peanut butter and jelly toasted sandwiches delivered right to our cabin at bed time. The food was endless!

What I loved most of all about cruising is you can really turn yourself off to the outside world. Sure they had computers and internet if you were just dying to connect with everyone back home but the lack of distractions really allowed for some quality family bonding time. It was amazing to spend good time with my kids and rest of the family without the phone ringing or them being glued to cartoons. The activities on the ship really kept them entertained and happy.

Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy going to the art auctions and the spa and in those places the boys can get pretty bored, that’s why there is Camp Carnival!!! An entire group of employees to cater to the kids and “party “with them as the boys called it. They loved camp carnival and I loved camp carnival! *Wink

We are already planning another cruise, in May hubby and I will be taking our break on the Magic and are more than excited!

What does your family do for vacations? If you haven’t taken a cruise I highly recommend trying it at least once, it’s a pure addiction to get back on the boats again and again.

Oh!!! And before I forget, Carnival is running a contest right now to win a FREE trip for two on Sunshine! Don’t forget to enter!

Carnival is giving away hot prizes and a cruise for 2 on Destiny!!! Click the link to see if you win! http://carnival.checkd.in/r/ea51ce93e805caeb7236

Tulsa Oklahoma Zoo

Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa Oklahoma

                This was another day trip that turned into a very quiet ride home as all the kids were asleep before we even left the parking lot.  Along with our two boys, we took a friend of theirs along with us and boy did they have a blast!

                There was so much to touch and feel and even ride!  The train ride was informative, we road it last although I think it would have been wiser to ride it first to see what all was available before we began wondering aimlessly.  Located inside the zoo were endless activities, including a petting zoo area that the kids could get up close and play with small animals.  There was even a large playground area that the kids could run free and burn off some extra energy before you hit the next animal exhibit.  However, I think the favorite part of the entire zoo for all three boys were the camel rides.  Yup I said it, Camel rides! It was a short ride, however inexpensive enough and really where else are you going to get to ride a Camel?

  The cost to get in was extremely reasonable, and at the time that we went there was even free parking!  Honestly, I am not a big zoo person, but I can remember going every summer with my grandparents and that is a memory I value now as an adult.  I defiantly recommend the Tulsa Zoo if your ever in the area.  It’s well worth not only the drive, but the value and the experience of seeing how much fun the kids had!.  We will be going back for sure!