A Very KIND Foodie Penpal

31 May

Month 2 of my Foodie Penpal experience and it was quite the treat!! I received my package from Rhonda at Kids Running Wild. It was adorably sweet, especially with Rhonda’s note.

The insides were awesome!!! It contained Pop Chips in regular and BBQ (my fave), dip mixes, KIND bars, a citrus peeler and HOT pink napkins!! The napkins immediately made me think of hosting a girls night with cocktails. On the agenda ASAP!

I’ve heard tons of great things about Larabars and KIND bars. Personally, I don’t care for bars that much since they are traditionally loaded with tons of sugars. However, these KIND bars are ridiculously delicious!!! I actually don’t eat them all at once, I break pieces off here and there when I’m craving something sweet.  My favorite flavor was by far the Mango Macadamia. O-M-G. The macadamia actually makes me feel rather posh. I always think of macadamias as the snobby fancy nuts.

I did wait until the sugar detox was complete before I shoved the KIND bars in my mouth but these are definitely going to be my sinful treats. I already picked up another Mango Macadamia flavor at Fairway a couple days ago!

Jealous? I know.  If you want, you too can participate in Food Penpals! You do not need to be a blogger-just an avid foodie! You can find out more by checking out Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean’s Foodie Penpal information page.

For you…

Have you ever had KIND bars?

How do you cure your sweet tooth?

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What I’m Not Loving Lately

25 May

Everyone loves a good “I’m Loving…” post and while I’ve done those in the past, the occurrences this week require me to create a list of all the things I am NOT loving lately.

1. Wedding Boards on Pinterest from girls that are single, in a relationship, or just entering a relationship. First of all, it’s like getting a tattoo of your boyfriend’s name – you’re ultimately doomed. Second of all, if you are in a new relationship, you basically just ended it.

2. This sign that I noticed in the gym locker room yesterday. Either they just posted it or I have failed to notice it.:

Clearly they forgot to add “Unless you are Maria and it’s Arm Day.” And yes, I capitalize Arm Day because it’s my weekly holiday.

3. Daily reminders that I am single.

4. Work this week has been beyond stressful and crazed.

5. Rain. Not only is it disgustingly humid, resulting in a disgusting frizzy hair, but it has also rained out our last 3 (out of 4) softball games. It makes a typically happy coach, very sad.

6. There is still 1 full work day left until Memorial Day weekend.

What are you NOT loving lately?

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Can I have a prom re-do?

21 May

My little cousin, Haley, had her junior prom this weekend and I was thrilled that I was able to do her make up! Her one non-negotiable - GLITTER! We are definitely related. A couple weeks ago, in preparation for the big event, we went on a bling accessory mission and scored big at Charming Charlie. The one missing piece was a clutch. Lucky for her, I was able to snag one at the mall Friday afternoon.

With Haley’s glitter request in mind, I created this look:

Base – Origins in On Ice
Outer – MAC in Plumage
Glitter – Manic Panic in Glam Dust
Glitter primer – LA Splash
Liquid Liner (Top) - Lancome ARTLINER in Noir
Liner (Bottom) – MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder
Lashes – Ardell Fashion Lashes in 105

I was finally able to put my Manic Panic glitter to use from the holiday pop up Make Up Show. It was PERFECT! The specs of blue in the glitter was exactly what we were looking for. Haley used her own pink lipstick which provided the finishing touch. Talk about prom princess!!

We share the same love of glitter, but clearly I didn’t get the tall gene in the family. Haley’s date arrived with his family and even though he was on crutches – THEY WERE BLINGED OUT! Genius.

Please also note the length of those false lashes…BAM!

Oh prom memories..

Rewind – Junior prom, 2001. First, I decided to do my own hair…with a crimping iron. Ouch. Second, I had a lame date, hence why I didn’t put much effort into the whole thing.

Senior prom, 2002. I was more prepared this time around. Even got my hair done. Make up was done at Origins. Oddly enough, the very next year I was an employee there doing prom make up myself! Oh and no date this time. I flew solo and had 100 times more fun!

After this weekend, I want a prom re-d0!!! During high school, I didn’t make much of prom and now I wish I would have. Wahh! Put me in a hot dress, fancy limo and let’s dance the night away!

For you…

Tell me about your prom(s)! Did you have dates? Fancy dresses? Limos? Disasters? Spill it!

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Super-Mom’s Day!

13 May

There are tons of great moms out there but mine is really awesome…like really awesome! When deciding on a plan for Mother’s Day, the brothers and I really didn’t want to venture out to an crowded, overpriced, mediocre brunch. Instead, we dined at home. I made a quiche, chicken sausage, fruit salad and the brothers brought other yummy goodies like croissants, muffins and sticky buns.

Sometimes creating a meal for the family can be difficult. I always want to make sure the food is delicious and healthy while keeping everyone in mind…like the picky little palettes:

While today was the last day of the Sugar Free challenge, I cut it a day short so I wouldn’t have to deny myself of the goodies.

The quiche was a hit but my favorite items were the Alexia Sweet Potato puffs and the Trader Joe’s Fig Butter I picked up yesterday. Holy YUM!

The tropical fruit salad was just too darn pretty.

And this face… well, I could just eat it.

We enjoyed some sun.

When the gang left, Mom and I headed to Lord & Taylor. I treated her to a super cute floral top and a magenta knit cardigan. While perusing the shoe department, I saw these Jessica Simpson flats on the clearance rack. While it was all about Mom today, I only bought them because she told me to. Mom knows best!

Appropriately enough, the shoes match perfectly with my tattoo. The tattoo I got for my mother! It’s a lily (as in her name) with a ladybug on the petal for good luck.

It was a great Mother’s Day for an amazing lady!

Happy Mother’s Day to all you Super Moms out there!

For you:

What makes your mom special?

How did you celebrate the day?

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Beauty and Brawn

8 May

I am the type of person that MUST try the newest product on the market. It’s not because I want to “fit” in or anything like that. I want to know about something BEFORE it becomes too popular because then I instantly hate it.

Since I’m a make up and skincare product whore (meant in the nicest way possible), I signed up for Birchbox. If you are not familiar with Birchbox, it’s a site that will send you a monthly package of beauty/skin care deluxe sized samples. When you create an account, you will be prompted to fill out a simple profile that asks you about your current skin care, coloring, etc. It’s beneficial because the products you receive will be tailored to your needs. For $10 a month, you’ll get a  package based upon that profile. There are additional package options available depending on how long you want to be a member. Initially, signing up does not automatically get you on the list. According to their site:

Birchbox subscriptions are sold on a first come, first served basis. To reserve your place in line, select a subscription option below and join our mailing list. We’ll let you know when it’s your turn to sign up. Invitations are released regularly.

It took about 1 – 2 months from the day I signed up before I was notified that I was officially in. I was psyched and even more so when I received my first package. The packaging itself is super cute.

Included in my April Birchbox:

BENTABERRY G-1 Exfoliating facial cleanser

Kahina Giving Beauty Argan Oil

Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Lotion

Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes

Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift

pur Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer

Since receiving the package, I have only tried two of the items – the BENTABERRY exfoliating cleanser and the Yes to Blueberries towelettes. I was NOT a fan of the cleanser. It didn’t meet my standards in terms of an exfoliator or cleanser. It left me feeling uncleansed, unscrubbed and filmy. I had to wash my face with my regular cleanser afterwards. But do not fear – the Yes to Blueberries towelettes were AMAZING. You don’t have to dampen them or your skin. It removed my MAC liquid foundation, powder, AND blush! All with 1 towelette. That in itself is a miracle. It also left me feeling clean and moisturized, not dry or filmy. I plan to purchase these puppies and stash them in my car whenever I feel I need a good cleansing on the road.

Another great aspect of Birchbox is that you can leave reviews of the items and if you so choose- you can also purchase the full size items from that month’s box with FREE shipping. #win

If you are interested in signing up yourself, you can give it a shot here.

So I’m girlie girl with my Birchbox and a bad-ass chick with my monthly JackedPack! Just like Birchbox, JackedPack sends you a monthly sample package of supplements, protein, and treats! They offer 2 options: JackedPack Heavy Weight ($9.50/month) and JackedPacked Light Weight ($5/month). I signed up last month and got my first package for FREE. It arrived just a couple days after my Birchbox and I immediately busted out laughing at their clever packaging:

I tore open the package to reveal the following:

Full Sized Detour Cookies & Cream Bar

Myogenix Amino2

Myogenix Aftershock Recovery

High Energy Labs – Electro Amino

P28 Protein Bread

A JackedPack cinch bag

The package itself smelled awesome when I opened it! I don’t know if it was the aroma of the Detour Bar or the protein bread, but either way, it was delicious. I was SO excited to see the P28 bread. I have heard wonderful things about P28 and have been wanting give it a try. Unfortunately, the goodies are going to have to wait until my sugar detox is complete (just 5 more days!)

If you want to give the JackedPack a try, you can sign up on their website here.

What I love about both of these programs, is the option to simply TRY a product before making a purchase. You can read review after review about an item but without trying it out for yourself, you’ll never truly know what works for YOU. Beauty and supplement products can be expensive and a full sized product is an investment. Always make sure you are making a wise decision. Both Birchbox and JackedPack will allow you to do that.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are my own. I have not received payment from Birchbox or JackedPack and have no affiliation with either brand.

For you:

Are you a member of either of these sites?

How do you decide if a product is right for you? Do you consult with friends, store employees or just go with your gut?

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My First Foodie Pen Pal!

30 Apr

Let’s chalk this up to another April Adventure! I signed up for Foodie Pen Pals which is organized by Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean. My pen pal for April is Ashley from Adventures in Mismatched Socks.

I had started my sugar detox after Ashley had contact me so I was crossing my fingers that there wouldn’t be any sweet temptations in the package. The foodie Gods must have heard me because Ashley sent me lots of savory goodies, sans sugar!

I saw those Trader Joe’s labels and knew these items were winners!!

However, I forgot to mention that I don’t eat beef. No biggie though because I brought these along with me to Mike’s BBQ last week and they were a HIT!

I love seasoning, especially those with grinders. It makes the seasoning that much fresher and tasty. I love adding this to my chicken before grilling. It’s perfect!

These sauces sound great and I can’t wait to try them. I’m still trying to think of ways to incorporate this into a meal. I’m really not that creative so suggestions are very welcome!!

Pretty sure these are my favorite! They rock my socks! I absolutely love almonds, especially during my sugar detox. These are so savory and delicious!!

I am so psyched about my first month participating in Foodie Pen Pals. I plan on continuing for months to come! If you’re interested in becoming part of Foodie Pen Pals, you can sign up here!

Any recipe suggestions for my new curry and masala sauces?

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Wicked Good Brunch

29 Apr

I have a confession to make. I work and have worked with some of the most fabulous people… ever. This morning I was lucky enough to catch up with a few of them over a delicious brunch at The Red Lentil in New Haven.  This is the first time I have eaten at a Vegetarian/Vegan restaurant. Crazy huh? Well, it was remarkable!

I drove up with Bonnie and we met Sara and Becky at 10am. We were ALL on time! The restaurant was quiet, so we got a nice little booth by the window. For drinks, Sara and Becky ordered coffees while Bonnie ordered an orange juice and I went with the sparking water with lemon and ginger.

Our server returned to inform Bonnie she searched everywhere and was unable to find orange juice. So we went ahead and ordered our dishes. Becky went with the Veggie Sausage (Soy) Frittata, Sara the Omelet Du Chevre, Bonnie got the Vegan French Toast and I went with the Mediterranean omelet sans red pepper.

Shortly after, our server surprised Bonnie with a fresh cup of OJ! She said she moved around a ton of coolers and found oranges to make her a fresh cup! Bonnie was a happy camper!! Then it hit me – I FORGOT to ask to make my omelet with egg whites! (Along with cottage cheese – I also detest egg yolk.) I ran over, and at this point, our orders were just about ready. They were extremely nice and understanding about my goof and accommodated my late request.

The ladies and I continued to chat and catch up about work, hubbies, babies, my singledom – you know, the usual. Then our meals arrived.

Egg White Mediterranean Omelet

Bonnie's Vegan French Toast ::drool::

Sara's Omelet Du Chevre

I wanted to shove my face into Bonnie’s french toast, but my sugar detox prevented me from doing so. Also, I don’t think Bonnie would have liked that very much. We delighted in our meals and continued to chat for a bit longer.

Becky recently moved to New Hampshire and is a native of Maine. She was raving about how wonderful things are up North. While I am indeed a Fairfield County snob, she did make it sound pretty amazing. But what really sold me was the mention of The Kittery Outlets and beaches in York. With that, we all decided to have a “Girls weekend” this summer to celebrate our birthdays. Sara and Bonnie are looking forward to giving their hubbies some time with the babies on their own. I anticipate a lot of phone calls from them sounding like, “Where is…? What does it mean when..? How do I..?”

We’ll also be on the lookout for some Northern gentlemen. Becky promises me they are way more polite than the ones found in Connecticut. One could only hope.

I love playing catch up with old friends, especially when we plan for fun summer adventures!

Me, Becky & Sara

Bonnie and I had a blast on the drive back thanks to my new Sirius XM radio! 90s on 9 does NOT disappoint!

Please tell me I am not the only one who thinks of the 90210 episode when they stalked Color Me Badd at the hotel. SO good!

For you:

Have you eaten at a Vegetarian or Vegan restaurant?

Any recommendations for things to do in Maine?

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