Annie's Frozen Entrees-- Mac and Cheese-- Influenster

Recently I received a coupon from Influenster for a complementary entree from Annie's Homegrown. If you haven't heard of Influenster you must go check out their page. Its a sample service that sends items to be reviewed and tested by consumers. I have received voxboxes (a box full of random goodness to test and submit your thoughts and opinions on them) in the past, so receiving this coupon was quite exciting. 

As a mom of 5 children I was super excited to test these frozen meals, and the fact that it was free made it even better. Annie's Homegrown is a company that prides themselves in only using the best natural and organic ingredient. So when they came out with frozen meals I was very excited to give them a shot. Especially since I homeschool and my children are home with me for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so I am always trying to switch things up so they do not get bored with the food I serve them. 

Annie's has four options in their frozen meal line right now. Lasagna with meat sauce, Macaroni and cheese, Butternut squash macaroni and cheese, and Shells and white cheddar with chicken. We chose the Macaroni and cheese. 

I figured you can't go wrong with the classic. These entrees retail for $7.99 at my local Target. Unfortunately, that is the only place I have been able to find them in my area at this time. 

So pros and cons time.

1. Pro- They are tasty, my little girls gobbled it up for lunch and wanted more.

2. Con- There is only 3.5 servings in a box. To me, that is not really family size. So my older daughters got shafted that day and had to settle for a bite to taste and then leftovers from dinner the night before. 

3. Pro- It has wholesome ingredients like organic pasta, REAL cheese and we could pronounce ALL the words on the ingredient list which is always a plus to know what you are eating. 

4. Con- It takes an HOUR in the oven, however it did have microwave instructions too if you wanted it quicker. We try not to use our microwave for cooking if we don't have too. I had also read that it was a little runnier if cooked in the microwave as opposed to cooking in the oven. So it isn't really a quick meal but it is convenient. 

All in all we enjoyed it, however if we were going to all eat it as a side or meal I would need to purchase 3 boxes, since we have a family of 8 (my grandmother lives with us). So honestly for that price, I can make home made mac and cheese on the stove for alot cheaper. The concept is there and even if they made it serve 4 that would make it easier, but to only have 3.5 servings makes it a little odd for a larger family to plan.  

However the kids want to try the butternut squash mac and cheese so we will be getting that to test in the future. 

Here are some photo's of my two youngest cuties enjoying some Annie's Homegrown macaroni and cheese for lunch. You will see homeschooling at it finest with the outfits they are sporting. 

Again, this item was given to me FREE to test and give my honest opinion via Influenster. I really do love this program. It allows you to test the newest items and give a real life opinion. I always take real mom opinions over any others, because lets face it. We do know what is best for our families. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my review, and have a great day. 

-Alyce

TOTALLY RANDOM Thursday- Top 10 products I am LOVING this week (NYX,ELF,Benefit, and MORE)

SPRING IS HERE... Well I think? We did get some snow the other night; however as I was getting ready today I noticed that since the weather is changing, I am gravitating towards a few different products this month. Brighter colors, oil absorbing items...you know - all the good things that get us ready for warm weather and shiny faces.

I know I have always enjoyed reading others’ thoughts on product reviews. It really helps me decide what I want to purchase when I am out and about shopping for a new lip color or eye liner. So without further ado, here is my top 10 list of items that I am loving this week. (I say week because I change my mood and style constantly, and the thought of being committed to a month scares me).

1. Is my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge: for $5.99 this little sucker rocks at blending foundation without making you look like Tammy Faye Bakker. It’s pretty dense when dry but expands to almost 3 times its size when damp and just bounces off the skin while blending. I went through a lot of duds before finding one that was comparable to the $20 coveted beauty blender. I truly find this one to be an almost exact dupe in my personal opinion.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5960824

2. Everyone needs a good highlighter for summer. My favorite is actually considered a baked blush by ELF but I personally think it’s a crappy blush but a beautiful highlighter. It’s from their Studio line so if you pay full price it’s a whopping $3.00 <<--insert sarcasm... but 90% of the time they have awesome deals where you can save up to 50% off their product. You can't beat three bucks but cheaper is even better. The color I currently love is Pinktastic. Just dab it on the tops of your cheek bones and down your nose and a swipe across your cupid’s bow and you are good to go. Love the natural glow it adds to my super pale skin.

I know its probably hard to see but I did swatch it on my hand, It's a pretty rose-gold tone, not too light and not too bronze.
http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/face/blush/baked_blush

3. Number 3 has got to be my Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Nude. This is perfect for the waterline to open your eyes up and give them the bigger and bolder eye effect. This formula is truly waterproof and doesn't budge. It stays all day even when I am having my allergy eye days. It’s a great addition to add to your eyeliner collection.

http://us.rimmellondon.com/products/eyes/scandaleyes-waterproof-kohl-kajal

 4. Next is my NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair to be specific. I loved the butter lip sticks during the winter and am carrying my love for the "butter" line over in glosses for spring. I have had this color for some time. I purchased it when they first came out but didn't truly fall in love with it until recently. It’s not sticky or gloopy. If it’s windy, your hair will not stick to your lips and it smells like cupcakes. It’s smooth and creamy and lasts a good while for a gloss. I have been wearing it alone or pairing it with a pinkish colored liner and calling it a day. It is also super opaque for a gloss. 

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-191-butter-gloss.aspx

5. My next love is an unexpected love. I actually received this in a Glossybox a few months ago. It’s the OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel. OK so YES it is $30 but so worth it. It claims to keep you matte for 8 hours and from my experience I believe that is a true statement. It says to use as part of your skin care routine but I have been using it as a primer with the next favorite I am getting ready to mention and my skin has never looked better as the seasons change from my skin being super dry to being…umm let’s call it dewy…but in reality it’s oily. You really only need a pea size amount to do your whole face and after it sinks in, it makes you face feel so smooth and soft. Foundation application is super smooth when using in conjunction with this product. 

http://www.oc8.com/about/

Half way there... Woo Hoo

6. Is the Rimmel Stay Matter Liquid Mousse Foundation, this is definitely a nice lightweight,  medium coverage, but buildable foundation. I found the best way to apply this is to use my Mattifying Gel and my Real Techniques Sponge. The moisture left in the sponge really helps this mousse-like texture spread without creasing or caking up. It stays all day and doesn't get shiny at all. I think it’s about six bucks at your local drugstore too; I can't remember the exact cost but it is very affordable compared to other matte mousse foundations I have tried. Also Rimmel is always on sale somewhere so you may be able to find it cheaper... 

 

http://us.rimmellondon.com/products/face/stay-matte-liquid-mousse-foundation?cid=sem_FY14Rimmel_Google

7. ELF Studio Lip Exfoliator- this item is $3.00 and is a must-have in my lip routine. I use this every day before I apply my balm and lipsticks or lip glosses. This is a sugar scrub in a stick form. It gently removes dead skin and preps your lips for color. It is gentle enough to use every day and keeps your lips smooth and soft. It’s definitely a must-have if you wear bold lip colors like red. I find the smoother my lips are, the less likely my lip color is to feather or look patchy. 

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/lips/lip_balm/lip_exfoliator

8. Jordana Made To Last 12hr Eye Liner Pencil- Ok, now I have quite a few colors in this line but my absolute favorite for this time of year is the Aqua Stone. It is the most beautiful teal blue and honestly reminds me a lot of another brands’ 24/7 liners for a fraction of the cost. This formula is super creamy, but not so soft that it breaks and smears everywhere. It has great staying power and is a gorgeous pop of color under the eye especially when paired with the Rimmel Scandal Eyes on the water line. I am normally a very neutral toned girl since I have dark hair, blue eyes and fair skin. So when I picked this up on sale at Walgreens for $1.39 (yeah, you read that right, this liner is super cheap - normally they are $2.99, which is still a steal) I was thinking “Well if it’s horrible I will just pass it on to one of my girls to play with.” However, I fell in love... and that is all she wrote. 

http://www.jordanacosmetics.com/p-162-12-hr-made-to-last-liquid-eyeliner-pencil.aspx

 9. Ok so this is a cult fave I know, I know - I am just one of the many followers but it needs mentioning, and that is my Hoola Bronzer from Benefit. It is the prefect matte bronzer for fairer skinned gals. I love it for contouring or an all-over bronzer. It also lasts forever; the one I have is the old packaging and I use it a few times a week and it hasn't hit pan yet. So yes you are paying $28.00 for a bronzer but you will probably have it forever. 

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/hoola

10. Finally the end right? :) if you have stayed and read until the end. I commend you and you must really like what I have to say... 

So with that being said, what look is complete without eyebrows. I will say I have super pencil thin brows. I don't pluck and they don't grow. I have had thyroid issues and they fell out and never came back. I am not about making huge fake ones but I do like to darken and define the ones I have. I have lots of brow products from your $20.00 Anastasia brow wiz and going down from there. Honestly my go-to is... drumroll please...the ELF Studio Eyebrow Kit. One side is a dark hair colored wax (I use medium) and the other side is a lighter shade powder for setting them. It comes with a double ended brush, which I do use when I travel but I also like to use a clean angled eye liner brush when I am home to get a more precise look. This item is also $3.00 from the elf studio line. 

It is another product that last FOREVER... I have had this since September and use it every day and haven't hit pan yet.

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/eyes/eyebrows/eyebrow_kit

Ok, so there you have it: My top 10 for right now. We all know it will change with my mood but for now I am really loving these items. I tried to get pictures of everything and provide links to the companies in case you would like to look into purchasing them for your own beauty collection/routine or to just get more info on each product. 

Also if anyone would like me to do a post on how this looks put together and what shadows, mascara, blush etc. I use to pull this look together comment below and I would love to do a "how to" spring look for you. 

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this and have a wonderful day. 

-Alyce

Ipsy--April 2014

Ipsy is another one of my favorite subscription services. It is also only $10 a month and comes with 4-5 travel and full size items a month. One difference between Ipsy and Birchbox is Ipsy's products are not as "high end" as Birchbox so 9 out of 10 times you will receive the full size item. Also its more make up than hair or skin care. Don't get me wrong you will receive those, Like this month I received 3 make up and 1 skin care and 1 hair care but its mainly make up. But awesome in its own way.

Ipsy also has points but its a little different you can redeem your points every time you earn 1,000 points on select items. Normally 3 options. The options are usually really cool and free but they do not have a store like Birchbox. You also have to review your products every month to receive your points just like birchbox. This company was founded by a beauty legend named Michelle Phan and items are hand picked every month for you based on a quiz you take. The also love feedback and have great customer service. So on to the part you all came here to see... Whats in my bag ;)

ok so with ipsy every month you receive a make up bag filled with goodies, and they are normally all themed. This months theme is rock star and music. 

My bag this month is a pretty eggplant color with a record player that says Beauty Rocks and says Ipsy. 

The first item in my bag is an Urban Decay 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in black velvet. It is a BRAND NEW product that has just been released. It is a sample size but a very generous one at that. Its about 3/4 of the size of a full one. Full size retails for $20.00 

Second is the Dr. Brandt microdermabrasion we received .25 oz and considering full size is 2 oz and its $78.00 I am pleased with the .25 oz to try for myself to see if I would want to pay almost $80 for a scrub. I have not yet tried it but I have heard wonderful things about the Dr. Brandt and am very excited to test this out. 

Third is Elizabeth Mott's Pop! goes the shadow. This is a FULL size product and the color is Gorgeous. The shade is called champagne and will make a great highlight or lid color for a light natural look. This retails for $12.99 (so this product just paid for your bag) 

Fourth is Big Sexy Hair root pump volumizing spray mousse. I am very excited to try this and see if it stands up to its BIG SEXY HAIR name. This is a deluxe travel (like the ones you find up front of Ulta or Sephora, we all know that little place at the check out where they suck you in to buying a bunch of unnecessary things) Either way full size is $17.95 so this is nice to test before committing. I don't know about you but I have a bathroom full of half used products that I swore would preform miracles and they never stood up to the challenge.

Finally, is my personal favorite this month, and its a FULL SIZE Starlooks luscious long wear lip pencil. It is described as... Starlooks' Luscious, Longwear, Matte Lip Liner formula contains a Kiss-Off Resistant polymer that, when worn alone or in combination with a matte Lipstick, offers an incredible 8 hour wear - with little no need for touch-up or re-application. Comes in one, brilliant shade of nude for all skin tones!

It is truly the most beautiful "my lips but better" color that I have ever seen. It retails for $14.00  

I must say for $10.00 Ipsy has never disappointed me. Its always products I love and sometimes things I didn't think I would love and end up loving... If you are interested in trying Ipsy for your self please follow my link for more information. 

http://www.ipsy.com/r/3gty

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Have a wonderful day. 

A few of my favorite things -- April's Birchbox 2014

As I mentioned before I love my beauty boxes. I have been getting them for a while and decided maybe I should start reviewing them, I see so many bloggers review them and it gives me a good idea if its a good deal and/or worth my time and money. So I will review the ones I get every month so others can see what all the excitement is about and decide if it is worth their time and money also.

So first up is the notorious birchbox... This box has a great points system, you pay $10 a month for 5-7 high end samples, full size, deluxe travel items (with the occasional snack or lifestyle item thrown is as a birchbox find). Once you receive your box you review your items on the website to turn it into "cash" to spend in their store. Each review is worth 10 points which equals $1 so if you do your surveys every month you end up getting back $5-7 of the $10 you paid. You can start redeeming your points at 100 points which is $10... Pretty sweet deal if you ask me. 

So lets move on to the goodies...

This month I received 4 beauty items and a lifestyle extra. The tissue paper was a pretty blue to coordinate with spring, and everyone received 1 of 52 rainy day tips, to help us get through the spring showers...

My first item was a Sumita Color Contrast eyeliner in the color jamun (deep purple) This was a "sample"size but I own the full size in black and this is about 2/3rd the size of a full size, so I am quite impressed with the size of this sample. Full size retails for $11.00. 

All in all I love this brand I already own some colors in this brand so it was a nice treat to not get black and get a new color to try. 

Next up is a color club polish in breakfast at... (Tiffany's) from the Gala gems collection. It is a beautiful Tiffany box color and comes in 3 other shades that are very upscale and sophisticated. This is a mini but lets face it, who actually uses a full size polish before they get bored or it gets old. This is why I love mini's. The retail for this is $13.00 for all 4 mini's 

Next... Is the KIND healthy grain bars. I got Maple Pumpkin Seeds. I love KIND bars, they are our go to snack for me and the girls when we are to busy to actually make something ;) This one was really good however I did only get a bite (remember the whole 5 kids thing, well they ganged up against me to taste it) The retail for this is $11.88 a box and you get 15 bars... Not to shabby for a healthy snack. I would much prefer my kids eat these over a snickers bar. 

Then... I received Miss Jessie's transitioner's magic... This product is supposed to help tame wildly curly hair, it looks like it is intended for relaxed hair (so not to sure why I received it) but after some digging I realized it seems to be a great "anti frizz" creme and is very natural and doesn't contain added junk or chemicals. The way birchbox describes it is like this. Part leave-in conditioner, part styling product, this treatment is a champion multitasker. It protects and reinvigorates relaxed hair, hydrates natural hair, and creates soft, bouncy curls and waves. The smoothing formula helps your final style stay in place—with ultrasoft, touchable hold. So I can't wait to give it a fair shot.  I will admit this is a love hate item. Its alot of product in the sample BUT its a foil pack so its so hard to keep from turning into a massive mess and spilling out everywhere. However I do love that I can try this a few times before deciding if this is for my hair type or not. Just wish it had come in a tube. The retail for this is $22.00 for 8 oz. 

And last but certainly not least is the... Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body wash. The run down on this is its supposed to give you the feeling of a seaweed body wrap every time you bathe... Hmmm We will have to see about that. What I do love is the sample looks like I can squeeze at least a week out of it and it smells AMAZING... I will keep you posted on the results of this one. The retail for this is $15.00 for 8 oz. 

All in all I like Birchbox, it gives you a good mix every month of hair, make up, skin care and some fun foodie items too. I have received chocolate, teas, and other things in the past that kinda perks up your spirits through out the month. Of course the point system is awesome too... If you are interested in trying it for yourself here is the link with some info to all things Birchbox...

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/35nmn 

Have a wonderful day and thanks for taking the time to read my review. 

The new me...

So I had a blog years ago and nothing really happened with it. Honestly I didn't like the way it was going and I was in a rut of sorts. So I decided to delete all the posts and start fresh for 2014, With an all new look, and perspective.

So a little about me, I am a mama of 5 beautiful daughters, I homeschool, and am a wife of a correctional officer. I also love all things beauty (hair, makeup, skincare) you name it and I love it. I guess that makes my life easy since I have 5 daughters. So this blog is going to follow me in raising teenagers and school age girls with a wonderful feisty preteen in the middle. Its also going to focus on my beauty obsession and my beauty box subscription addiction (not really I can stop anytime I want right?)

I am also going to throw some of my weight loss journey in the mix too. I have recently lost 80lbs since last May. I still have a few more to go but health wise I feel better than ever. So if you have kids, love beauty and health then this is the blog for you. More posts, reviews and life updates coming soon...

Me last year (on the bottom) with my 2 oldest daughters at their Spring HomeSchool Formal, and me this year (on top) with them... they are growing up to be beautiful young Godly women...