Ouidad #1 in my list of Favorite Things

November 22, 2013 By

Ouidad

Taking a cue from Oprah’s holiday list of her favorite things, I thought I’d start a similar list. I’m hoping to give you ideas for things you may want to try, for things you never thought about trying, and maybe some insight into things EVERYONE has tried.

The very first item I wanted to introduce you to is my favorite, go-to hair care collection by Ouidad. Ouidad is known for their curl defining products. As the owner of 2B curly/wavy hair (the 2B is a reference to my curl patter as defined in The Curly Girl M

ethod) I have sought out those products that help define my wave pattern and keep my curls moisturized and shiny. Curly hair is often dry, simply because of the way hair is when it is curly. It has to do with the cuticle and the curl pattern, but really all you need to know is that curly hair needs special care. And for me one of the best ways to care for my hair is with Ouidad.

I am part

icularly fond of Ouidad’s shampoo and conditioners. I usually use Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo, but recently Ouidad has launched the new Ouidad Color Sense Collection which not only helps define your curls but also helps prevent against fading if you color your hair.

Ouidad is fantastic at locking in moisture which has helped keep my hair soft. The Color Sense Color Preserving Conditioner is Sulfate and Silicone Free which is important not only to me as a consumer, but also as someone that follows The Curly Girl M

I think the other thing I really love about Ouidad is that it really is a collection of great curl enhancing products that all work together to help you create the sort of curls you want. Ouidad Curl Defining Styling Souffle is now one of my new favorite curling creams. I often use a curl enhancing cream after washing and conditioning my hair. The Ouidad Curl Defining Styling Souffle helps set the curls, reduces frizz (which I hate having), and promotes shine. My hair is very soft when I use the Ouidad Curl Defining Styling Souffle.  And as a little side note on the Ouidad Curl Defining Styling Souffle it SMELLS fantastic and has the most enjoyable texture. I really can’t describe it, but I guess the name Souffle gives you a good clue. It is simply delightful to use.ethod. Those ingredients are big no-nos.

So I hope you check out Ouidad and let me know if you think it is a great product for your curly or wavy hair. Check back soon for #2 in my list of favorite things!

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Jenna Moscato 2012 Review #moscato

November 12, 2013 By

 

Jenna Moscato-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My husband has a very good palate. I have learned a lot from him when it comes to wine. He has a real knack for finding just the right reds. So whenever we go out to dinner I always let him pick the wine. But sometimes I want something different. He doesn’t care much for sweeter wines, but for me, I like to find things that are often easier on the tongue. I have recently started gravitating to Moscato wines. And truth be told, many of them are cloyingly sweet. Sometimes they taste as if you are drinking grape jam instead of wine. Those are NOT for me.

Jenna Moscato 2012 has been a welcomed addition to my wine refrigerator. I actually picked it up on a whim when one of the wine shipping companies featured 6 bottles at a reasonable price. Jenna Moscato is light and fruity with a sweet undertone. As the holiday season approaches I begin to think about dinner parties, cocktail parties and of course New Years Eve. Jenna Moscato would be the perfect holiday party drink. It evokes a festive air. While sipping it I imagine being in a sumptuous living room, in a beautiful cocktail dress with Jenna Moscato in hand. Twinkling lights, holiday music and interesting talk fills the room.

Even if I can’t be in that beautiful setting, I can drink a glass of Jenna Moscato and transport myself there whenever I want. I love the slight effervescence quality it has, and the fruity quality. Tonight I may be enjoying a glass after the little ones head to bed.

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Hallmark Making Memories and Encouraging Kids Gift Pack Giveaway

August 9, 2013 By

Disclosure: I was provided with a Hallmark Making Memories and Encouraging Kids Gift Pack to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

Hallmark Making Memories gift pack-1-2

Hallmark wants to help you make Back-to-School extra special this year. I used to think I would be the super mom that had all the cool stuff ready for my kids when they went to school. I would make sure they had the cutest clothes for their first day, great haircuts, and I would always take a ton of pictures. And then real life set in and I am lucky if I remember to take them to music class (hint – I forgot 2 weeks in a row!!).

But this year I’m not sitting around just pinning ideas to my Pinterest boards. No way! This year I’m letting Hallmark help me make our first-day-of-school photos truly adorable without all the hassle. I will be using the Pics and Props board to make sure our photos are cute, accurate and professional looking.  I adore the red wooden frame, but think the pre-printed grade levels are really the special touch. They look as if they are written on chalkboard and come with their own chalk dust. And I love to send the kids to school with really fun notes from Hallmark, but this year I’m going to be able to send them Kids Encouragement Greetings on those days when then need a little extra boost, such as exam days and first games. The one that says Remember, whether it’s a good day or a bad day…It’s always a LOVE-you day is probably my favorite.

And sometimes I forget to tell my niece and nephew just how special they are, but Hallmark has some great new SO SO Happy Greetings that will let me send them a card “just because”. And sometimes getting something in the mail “jut because” is really “just the best”. I know my niece would love the SO SO HAPPY card that comes with the SO SO HAPPY heart pendant on a rubberized necklace. It is pink of course!

Giveaway

Hallmark wants to help make your BACK-TO-SCHOOL time just as memorable so they are offering a Making Memories and Encouraging Kids Gift Pack. Please enter below for your chance to win.
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Fabio Viviani Comfort Mat by Smart Step Home Review and Giveaway

July 24, 2013 By

 

 

 

Disclosure: I was provided with a free Comfort Mat to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. No other compensation was received. 

My aching back! And legs and feet! Yikes.

 

I have suffered from a bad back for years, and standing for long periods of time usually makes it worse. I have often come down in the morning and stood over the kitchen stove while holding my back for the intense pain. I have to prepare breakfast, but cooking at the stove leaves my legs and back feeling strained and sore. I have coveted kitchen mats for a very long time.

Fabio Viviani of Top Chef fame has a beautiful line of kitchen mats called the Fabio Viviani Comfort Mat by Smart Step Home. They are just beautiful mats designed by Fabio Viviani to be reminiscent of his home; Italy. I loved the Mercato design with the fork, spoon and knife motif. To me it is perfect for the kitchen, and it comes in two colors, caramel and mocha. I personally adore the mocha, it is so dark and rich looking, but the caramel was a more perfect choice for our kitchen colors. The other mat, which also comes in caramel and mocha, has a more stylized pattern which would make it ideal for not only the kitchen but other areas of the home and office. I could imagine it being used in a work shop or studio.

Both styles are made of the same polyurethane composite. These are highly durable mats that will not breakdown and do not roll up. My husband and I have been using the mat for a little over a week and we are extremely pleased with how our legs, feet and back feel while cooking. We can’t get over just how much cushion they provide over our hardwood floors. The mat feels wonderful when I’m in my bare feet. The texture is smooth and it holds a comfortable temperature. I actually would love to get a second mat for under the kitchen sink.

Win Your Own Fabio Viviani Comfort Mat by Smart Step Home:

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