Product Review: Magnetic Lashes

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**


Who doesn't want beautiful lashes? I won't lie, I do. I tried serums. I tried adhesive. I tried castor oil. I have tried. And I have failed.  Mascara only does so much.

Then came magnetic lashes. These beautiful strips of fake hair that are perfectly curled, colored, and all you have to do is put the two parts of the magnet together.  Hello beautiful lashes,  right?

Wrong.

So let me start with the positives.  Concept is great.  And not having to pay for extensions and losing the little lash I still have isa bonus.  No glue? That means this is a clean method.

The fullness, wow!  These are long, dark lashes that we only dream of.

The product quality.  Great! Nice box to store them.  Them seem strong to withstand multiple uses.

The downside...
Well, remember that great concept? Not quite worked out to the  point of giving easy instructions to follow and succeed.  Trying to  hold the top lash and attach the bottom was not easy.  Trying to keep them inline with the base of then natural lashes and not let the magnet clamp  in the wrong place was frustrating. Trying to not  poke an eye out. Trying to not let my  eyes tear  up.  And the amount of time to get one in place and then start on the next... To be completely honest, they were  hard to put on. See my unsuccessful attempts below...

The second down side, was that my particular set had a flaw.  On one of the lash sets,  the magnets don't actually attach correctly, instead they repel. So then the lashes are off in one direction when applied.  See my picture below.  The ends don't match because the magnets were connecting incorrectly.  I was sad to see this happen, as I thought was my inability to apply correctly until I laid them out to see  what the problem was.

I am going to be honest, I want to keep trying though... I really think there has to be someway to make magnetic lashes work. I know I won't be able to wear this broken set, but maybe I can at least figure out how to get  them on so that I can  invest in a new pair.

Had this set not been a bad batch in terms of the magnets, and if you can master putting them on, without making your eyes tear up or poke an eyeball out, I think they would be worth a shot so long as you can get them for a good price.

If you want to give them a try: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0771KPQ78


**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Product Review: Wine Chuckle Butler Dish Indicator Magnet

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

I think you would agree that life gets busy.  It gets crazy.  The house gets messy.  The dishes gather on the counter.  And at some point we fall behind to the point that we run loads, whether dishes or laundry, multiple times simply because we can't remember if we did it the first time.

I have always wanted to try magnetic reminders in hopes that it would be a warning before wasting all that water a second or third time.  So when I was offered this magnet in exchange for a review, I had to say, why the heck not?! Getting organized can't hurt.

My husband laughs at me because something as simple as this cute butler dish indicator magnet makes me happy.

Clean or dirty?  Dirty - ok, is there room to add more?  Clean? I have five minutes to start putting way before I have to head out. When the kids are looking for their favorite plate, cup or spoon - check the dishwasher.  If its clean, grab it. Dirty, pick your second fav.

The magnet is cute and easy to use. Just flip over from one side to the other. Its actually pretty good quality in my opinion.  It isn't one of those thin types that you have to peel off using nails. Its a great size too, making it easy to see, easy to read.

If you are looking for yourself, its a good organization helper.  Maybe you are looking for someone else? Its a great small gift for first-time homeowners, new apartment, or even celebrating the purchase of new appliances. I was not disappointed, and neither will you.  Head over to Amazon and check it out!

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Product Review: HSI Professional Flat Iron

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Time to update some old tools, and perhaps help my hair look a bit better these days. HSI Professional offered me one of their flat irons to review and I said "Um, YES!"

So I received this beautiful flat iron, which instantly wowed me.  My poor straightener has been around since college. It works great still, but it is always nice to get a chance to update an item I count on daily.

Of course, I read through the material sent with it, just to make sure I used it correctly - especially when it came to temperature.  Now in comparison to my old one, which did not have temperature specified, just number levels, I was a bit lost on exactly how hot I was getting by moving the dial. So of course, I started low and work my way up until I found a temperature that worked for me. 

Here is my hair before: 

Naturally thick, wavy and bleached for the summer. The length is just past my shoulders when not straightened. It can be difficult to get straight and keep the frizz away.  

I found that it had the on/off button discreetly hidden, which is nice to not accidentally turn it off.  I was very disappointed to learn that this does not have an automatic off after a certain time.  I find this safety feature to be a necessity on anything that heats up to such high temperatures.  As you can see, the temperature starts at 140' and goes to 450'.  To forget to unplug this could be disastrous, and we all know on days you are running out the door, an automatic off is a blessing.  

Another issue I had with the temperature is the fact that you cannot really tell what temperature you are at unless you are at the low or high point.  You can guess of course, but if you notice, the curve printed does not actually go from one point to the other, and there are not other marks that give you an estimate of temperature.  So I was very cautious on moving the heat, since I was not sure about the sensitivity.  

The flat iron heated up very quickly and the heat was definitely working.  The cord is super long, which is awesome to have some flexibility with the direction of movement while straightening. The clamping mechanism on mine squeaks, which is actually very annoying considering how often I have to open and close the iron.  This iron is very lightweight, which is both a pro and a con.  With as much hair as I have, it is nice to have it lightweight since it takes me so long.  But being light also meant I had to apply more pressure to straighten each strand.

  

So this was the final product of my hair.  When I did this, I did not turn the heat all the way to the recommended heat, as I felt that was too hot for my hair and I was trying to watch how it worked, adjust the temperature and pressure, so this did take me a bit of time. As I have continued to use it, I have moved up the heat just past what could be considered the midpoint on the diagram, and I feel that it is working fine.  I love that this flat iron does not cause static or frizz on my hair, and that my hair felt smooth after each use.  

Overall, I am happy with this product.  If it did not squeak, I think it would be even better.  I believe it is a good choice for hair that is medium to thin, less wavy or textured, and perhaps less treated in terms of bleaching.  I think for hair like mine, wavy to curly, and bleached, an upgraded version would be a better choice to ensure correct heating and straightening.  

For the product, there are small items that I believe could improve its appearance and functionality, but overall, it heats up well, it straightens great, and it appears to be made of good quality materials.  If you are looking for a new flat iron, I suggest you take a look at what HSI has to offer.  

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Product Review: Oolala Bra

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Looking to wear that backless dress or shirt? You know, every once in a while, I get to have a night where we dress up and go out.  Usually it is for a work function for my better half, but still... date night is date night.  

When I saw this Oolala bra up for review, I was not going to miss my chance.  Its always in that last minute moment that you figure out you need one of these for an outfit, so why not be prepared. The bra is a self adhesive, backless bra and it is also one that promotes a tie string that can enhance the cleavage area.

So the bra came in, and like any mom who appreciates getting a great deal, I was thrilled. Took it out of the package and sighed.  Well, it wasn't a padded as I hoped.  Not going to lie, my chest is... small.  But, as with all things, I have to give it a shot. 

So I took it apart.  You know adhesive bras are not easy to put on. You get one side on, and then you put the second on with the wrong angle and you have to peel it off and reapply and then it feels great but then you realize the first one could have been put on better, so you peel that off. and start again. It is an awful circle of events.  

But once I got them on, as appropriate for the amount of chest I have, and tied them up, I was satisfied.  Then came the squeeze together... the part where the cleavage forms into this sexy heap that fills your shirts with low cuts. So here comes the downside in my opinion - if you have little to use, like me - your cleavage that does exist may just get smashed. I am actually curious if this happens for all brand bras like this since there is no additional padding to make something appear out of nothing. If you have something to work with, you may be more pleased with the cleavage aspect however, this bra does not have much in support that you may normally get from an underwire bra. 

The upside, this bra is definitely going to work for my low cut in the back or backless shirts and dresses.  This covers my chest well and because it doesn't have extra padding, it is light weight and won't weigh the girls down like some of the silicone strapless bras.  It is easy to tie up and tighten.  Easy to wipe clean afterwards and reapply the plastic to keep the adhesive intact.  The fabric is smooth and soft.

One of the best parts is that your nipple will stay intact and will not get greatly pulled on when you remove it. Not going to lie - pulling adhesive bras off can be scary as you watch your skin stretch, no matter how cautious you are being.  This bra has a nice area that your nipple basically sits in, so you don't have to worry about it later.

Downside includes the fact that a tight shirt or dress may be difficult to use unless you tuck the buckle and excess string well into the cleavage.  (Here again, you have to have cleavage to hide it in.)

Overall, this is a good option to have for any type of shirt or dress that you do not want your bra showing. While this gave me more traditional coverage than push-up and cleavage, it still is beneficial if you don't want to walk around without a bra.  I cannot speak for others that may have larger chests, but for small chests, this became one of those items that is handy to have around.  In the end, do not expect miracles, support, or magic.  Expect basic coverage that makes you feel more comfortable than going braless. 


**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Review: TravelSafer Tire Gauge

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Always better to be safe than sorry, and that is why I took the opportunity to review the TravelSafer Digital Tire Gauge.  Small, convenient, and one of those items that you know will be handy at the most random times.  

Some cars offer the ability to read the tire pressure automatically, but for those that don't, you will really like having this gauge around.  First of all, it is battery operated, which is pretty awesome.  It has a bright LCD display that allows you to easily read the pressure.  No more trying to squint and guess where it landed on the manual tire gauge!  And it is easy to use.  

First of, you turn it on with the press of a button.  Press it firmly to the tire nozzle, and ta-da! Instant tire pressure reading.  And it comes with the ability to offer a variety of measurement readings - so I usually use PSI, but it offers BAR, KPA, and Kg/cm3.  Totally versatile. 

This makes a great gift or personal purchase.  Consider your safety or those of your loved ones, and how this can come in handy before they get on the road or are looking at questionable tires.  I am pleased with this so far and hope you will find it most helpful as well. 

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Review: Keliwa Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Do you use silicone bakeware?  I just could not wrap my head around using that type of item.  It took me long enough to actually move away from fabric potholders and start using silicone.  But to put my food in it?

Well I finally made the move when I was given the opportunity to review Keliwa Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan.  Of course, in my fear, I limited myself.  I used my baking pan to make cute cinnamon roll muffins.  Easy peasy to cut up some cinnamon rolls and then fit them into the pan.  Used the heat and time that was on the package.  Below is my pre-baking picture.

And when my timer went off, I was so pleased.  I found these cinnamon roll muffins waiting for me in the oven.  Evenly baked.  Fully baked all the way through.  They popped right out of the pan without needing any baking cups, flour, or cooking oil.

After removing them, I was able to put them on a plate and drizzle the icing on them.  Then I threw the pan into the dishwasher.  Again, another perk of this muffin pan.  

So, I cannot wait to try this with cupcakes or cornbread.  With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, this is going to work out perfectly.  

Overall the Keliwa Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan appears to be made well.  It is the same size as a traditional metal pan, but has some great perks like the color, the even heating, nonstick, and easy to clean.  I am so happy I have this pan a try and I am looking forward to trying out some other silicone bakeware.

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Review: Magic Town Girl's Leotard

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

I was offered this Magic Town leotard for my daughter and I quickly snatched up the opportunity.  Leotard for a growing ballerina - that is not something I can afford to miss!

So I received this leotard for my daughter and it was an instant hit.  First off, she was excited to get a new leotard for ballet.  Secondly, her current collection are basic ballet colors - so this bright blue (which is more teal or dark turquoise, in my opinion) was fabulous.

I bought a size 6-8 for my very tall 5 year old.  The leotard fits perfect. The fabric seems to be very flexible and I believe it will last her through a few more growth spurts.  The fabric is not the typical leotard fabric; instead it is more cotton based.  And it is not shiny.  It is soft to the touch, and more on the casual side for leotards.  I guess I would refer to the color as being more matte.

She was able to wear it and move around easily in it. I can even see it being a great choice for gymnastic classes as well.  I threw it in the washer and dryer and still looks and fits great.

Overall, she loved it.  And I loved it.  I feel like this is a great quality product that you will get many uses. 

Review: BZTZ Pineapple Corer

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**  

Where do I even begin with this product... the BZTZ Pineapple Corer.

I saw it and thought - hey, we eat a lot of pineapple. We include it in our lunch boxes regularly. Eat it for dessert after dinner. Grab it as a snack during the day. Why not give it a try?

After using it, I am absolutely disappointed with myself and the fact that I did not invest in this product sooner.

Yes - it is that amazing! So here is the deal. Its a silver rotating part with a detachable black handle (for cleaning purposes probably). Click it together. Take your pineapple and cut off all the leaves and a part of the top. Maybe about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch into the depth. Place the silver corer, with handle attached, in the middle of the pineapple.

Now twist. Twist. Twist. All the way down.

I was skeptical at this point, wondering how I was going to pull the entire thing out and what disaster would follow. I turned the pineapple on its side and pulled. Out came the pineapple, perfectly cut in a spiral. Smooth edges. No messy brown edging. What?! Could it be this easy?

Apparently so and to think all these years I was cutting and slicing, and disappointed with how long it would take to cut the dang pineapple. My husband just laughed at me as I stood there in awe that it really works.

So I am sold on this product. Absolutely sold. I just started imagining all the stuff I could make with pineapple. Of course, that will stay in my imagination because who am I kidding? But if I can make just regular old pineapple this easy to cut and have prepped for the week, then I will take that.

This particular product also came with a watermelon cutter, which I am sure by this point we all know that that is a pretty amazing tool too.  Easy to cut, easy to remove, and easy to serve.  My excitement for the corer definitely overtook the experience and I didn't get the watermelon pictures. In the end, two great tools making my life easy - I cannot complain.

I hope you find this review helpful and perhaps find that the BZTZ Pineapple Corer is for you.

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**  

Review: Foot Callus Remover

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**  

So here we go... getting real personal here.  

You know summer is coming to an end.  And it is time to start wearing closed toe shoes.  But that doesn't mean we have to have summer, worn out, callused feet hiding in socks and boots.  

So I was able to give this foot callus remover a try as a part of a product review.  Happy feet? I hope so...

The highlights - 

Completely rechargeable! Yes, no more needing batteries. It came with a mini USB cord to charge it. Just use one of your own adapters to plug into the wall or connect to you laptop or computer.  No more wasting money on batteries - which is awesome in my opinion.

Extra roller. Two rollers are provided, so that you don't have to worry about finding a new one should you wear the first one out.  Although a downside is that I am not sure how you can get more rollers or how much they cost - if this is your go-to tool year-round and you wear them out. 

Water proof.  I took this into the shower, expecting it to die.  Nope. Completely worked while I was in the shower.  Which again, is a huge deal because I would rather do my foot TLC in the shower.

The downside -

I could not figure out the right amount of pressure to put on this when it was against my foot.  I would place it and it would stop.  I tried applying it lightly, but then I felt this might not be working as effectively as it should be.  This was frustrating.

Short cord - This comes with a really short mini USB cord.  Like super short. So don't expect to plug and use at the same time unless you have a long one you can spare. 

Overall. I loved all the perks to this foot callus remover, but felt that overall it would not suffice well due to it inability to take the pressure.  Honestly, if you have rough feet, you know it takes work to get them looking and feeling loved again.  I am going to start over with this - try wearing it down and recharging all the way to see if any that helps any.  Otherwise, I would say read the reviews carefully and make your best judgment call on the product. It may be one that is on its way to being totally awesome with some minor improvements. 

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**  

Review: Argoil Renew Hair Mask

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**  

My hair is far from being iconic, stylish and vibrantly healthy.  This last time around at the salon, what should have been an ombre turned into a roots peeking highlight job.  Very sad that it didn’t have the fading from one color to the next, and that the lighter color went too high up.  But in fear of burnt hair, I let it go and walked away with a half smile.  How do you even begin to approach your stylist about the eh-overcharged POS job they did?  I knew I would have to do some damage control, including some special conditioning.  Argol Renew Hair Mask offered just the help I needed to start getting it back to a healthier appearance.  

When the product came in, I could not wait to get my hands on it.  Opened up that sucker and I was greeted with a soft fine aroma and a thick luxurious cream.  In reading the directions, I was unfortunately discovered they were limited.  It said to apply to the hair, rinse with warm water, once a week.  But I needed details… Apply dry? Apply wet? How long do I wait?

So this was really about trial and error.  I read up on reviews and other masks, and the directions I found were varying as well. So I just gave it a shot. First time around, dry hair.  Rubbing that mask through was difficult because I didn’t feel like it was gripping onto the hair right.  Waited about 10 minutes, showered, and then checked the results.  Guessing my hair was just too dry for it to really create the mask effect. While my hair was conditioned and pretty smooth, I wanted more.  The next time, I did it while in the shower with wet hair.  After I shampooed, I skipped my regular condition and applied the mask.  This is where I felt it coat the hair.  I tried to wait it out as long as I could, and what felt like ten minutes was probably more like five.  Rinsed it out, and checked the results. This was so much better.  Combed it out smoothly and enjoyed the fresh scent.  My hair was easy to manage, smooth and soft to touch.  It stayed that way after I had straightened it with a flat iron as well.  My hair felt so nice and again, the smell was wonderful.

I have been pleased with this product.  While my hair is still in a healing phase, and soon it will undergo a coloring process to return to dark hair for the fall and winter, I expect that I will continue using this weekly to ensure I am giving it some extra TLC.

So if you are interested in it, I found it on Amazon - Argoil Renew Hair Mask - and I recommend you give it a try if you are looking to give your hair some extra love.  

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**  

Review: Essential Oil in Lavender

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

So I am new to this essential oil thing.  Gave it a shot a few months back... bought two. Tried one.
Well, that is mom-life for ya! At least I tried.

And I am giving it a second shot.  New York Biology offered to let me give their lavender essential oil a try and I was ready and willing.  Mostly because my husband had actually been bugging me for some good smelling stuff to try putting on air filters.  I am sure he read about it somewhere and figured if he bugged me enough I would figure it out.  It was a match made in heaven - he wanted me to buy a new essential oil, and New York Biology wanted to give me an essential oil.  So I put my order in for NYB Lavender Essential Oil.

We received the bottle and of course it came in a dark bottle, which is a good start because you do not want your oils getting affected or broken down because of sunlight.  Opened that sucker up and... ahhh... a pleasant scent so far.  Honestly, I don't think my husband was a fan at the beginning.  I think he is used to commercial aromas for lavender rather than pure oil scents.  I assured him it was fine because I have had experience in a spa once or twice, and this aroma reminded me of those scents you find while relaxing or getting a massage.  We put drops in the filters and let it diffuse around the house.  It was a nice scent to have, relaxing for sure, but definitely takes some time to get used to.

Overall, I am pleased with this product.  I have not used it for anything else besides the aromatic abilities, but I am sure that I can find a few ways to put it to good use besides making my house smell nice. Pinterest - here I come!! When I learn to do more, I will update you!

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Review: New York Biology - AntiCellulite Massage Oil

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Cellulite.  Ugh. The word makes me sick.  I know I should embrace my body, it has done amazing things.  But really, who wants cellulite?  Not me...  

So #NewYorkBiology offered up some #AntiCellulite oil for a review.  As I mentioned before, I have been quite impressed with what this company offers and I won't pass up an opportunity to see what else they can do.  So my journey against cellulite began...

First off, it is NOT an oil that you simply apply today and poof, cellulite is gone tomorrow.  I am going to be completely upfront about that.  Let's face it, life is not that easy.  And thats okay, because we sometimes need to work to achieve the results we want to see.  

So.... Let me start with what I like about this oil.  First off, it is a softly fragrant oil that I can apply after I get out of the shower.  (By the way, it actually instructs you to use wet skin only so keep it handy for when you get out of the shower or tub.)  I like how it leaves my skin feeling very smooth after the oil is rubbed into the skin. Now this next part is the big part that I believe is making the difference.  Keep in mind this is called a massage oil, keyword "massage".  So you must actually massage it in, rub it thoroughly into the problem areas, not just slather it across quickly and throw your clothes over and run.  When I take the time to really work this into my skin, it feels great.  Now you are probably like - Ain't nobody got time for that!  (Yes you do! And its giving you a few extra minutes to take care of yourself because you deserve it!)  As I mentioned before, the formula is thin, so it actually spreads over very easily, very quickly.  I do not feel greasy afterwards. I do not feel as though I have a coat of oil sitting on my skin.  Because of the massaging application, I believe this is allowing the product to do its job with helping my skin achieve a smoother and more toned appearance. 

I really like what this product is doing and I would recommend this to give your skin some special attention. I have been using it in the thigh and cheeky area of my bum and I am pleased with results so far.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised how it will make those problems areas look and feel.

So give it shot... see what this product can do for you.  Never hurts to do a little something extra to make yourself feel great!

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Review: New York Biology - Acne Scar Cream

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

I am lucky to have the opportunity to partner with New York Biology from time to time in reviewing their products.  As a wife, mom, and employee, we don't often take time for ourselves, so its the little things that count.... like finding a product that makes us feel great.

Today I am giving you a brief review on New York Biology's Acne Scar Cream.

This product is designed to do a few different things -
1. Be moisturizing and hydrating
2. Be preventative in acne development
3. Help with the improved appearance, or disappearing of scars due to acne.

I have been using it on my face for about a week now for nice rosy pink scarring left on my face because of adulthood acne.  You know, the kind that is a sudden outbreak the day before an important meeting with the boss and adulthood stupidity coerces you to try and pop the darn pimples.

So here we go... I will say I like this product in that it is an easy-to-use product. It comes in a generous sized container where you pump the top and swipe the cream.  I love this design of their containers because it is easy to use, unique, and you don't even need a full pump each time because a good amount of the product is released with even a small push.  It seems that this will last some time for me as I just have a few places to use it.

I think the cream is definitely doing its job in the department of hydrating and moisturizing. My skin feel coated well but not greasy in any way.  And, I have not had any acne developments or outbreaks while using the product.  The cream is rich, thick and smooth to apply and is fragrance free, which is a nice touch.

Sadly, I have not seen the fading of my scars to the point that I can say it works great.  My scar looks the same so far, but maybe I have not given it enough time.  Again, I have only been using it for about a week.

I am going to continue using this cream and watch for possible changes.  As with most products, some reviewers on Amazon have had great success and others not so much, so maybe I just need more time to see the change that I was hoping for with using it.

So if you are looking for an acne scar cream, check this one out and see if it is a match for you!

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**