New Champion C9 Sports Bras

Ahhhh the joy of sports bras - the eternal search for the best uni-boob support! Haha! There are a ton of different styles, but the aim is the same - keep "the girls" firmly under wraps so you can run for your life, downward-facing dog until you're happy or crossfit like a boss! Ok - I do none of those things :) I can't seriously run due to a knee injury, I look like plump Gumby gone wrong with yoga and crossfit is for serious people - people who like to tell you how much they love crossfit and how much YOU will love crossfit someday (haha!). I am just a humble average gal who wants to be healthier and more fit, but struggles on the daily with things that are more fun like Netflix binge watching, paper crafting, donuts and sleeping in whenever possible, etc. However, we have a small home gym: treadmill, rowing machine and weights. I am a power walker with intermixed bursts of sprints and the rowing machine helps with arms and core. And weights are, well, weights - mainly a little strength training for me. Alllllllllllll this long windedness to say I am looking for support, but nothing too intense because my workouts are pretty simple. I am not ample chested, an overfull B to under filled C - I did *not* inherit my mother's lovely genetics in that department - I am curvy and tall, not in the slightest petite. So given the lower intensity of my workouts and my body design this is how I feel about the two bras made by Champion that I picked up at a discounted price courtesy of Influenster at Target to test out.

C9 Champion® Women's Power Shape Sports Bra $19.99

I picked this bra because it was more like an actual bra vs. the typical uni-boob compression bra. I have never had a sports bra like this and, while I was wary, I wanted to try something different to see if it something I would prefer more. 

I did not. :) 

This bra is, for me, is WHY I buy *other* bras to work out it. It is super padded and structured, it needs to be since there isn't a wire. I felt too buxom in it, my breasts felt in the way of what I was doing. Never mind that I kept thinking about it the whole time I was working out (every joking comment I had ever heard about boobs giving a girl two black eyes popped into my head - cringe!), which kept me from focusing on what I was doing. I also do not like the hook-and-eye strap in the back. I could feel it - pronounced feel it - depending on how I was stretching, bending or moving. The wicking fabric does its job and I am not soaked post work out and I really like the pattern.

This style may be great for some, but it just isn't for me. It is too stylin' and profilin' for my workouts.

Power Core®Compression Cami Sports Bra $16.99

I picked this bra because it was more like the typical uni-boob (this is NOT a bad thing in my eyes) compression bra that I am used to and I like to have things in my comfort zone in case experiments go awry. 

Which it did. Totally did. 

Thank goodness for my forethought to grab two! This style of bra is me, my comfort zone, my happy place. I prefer to not feel so buxom, rather more controlled in the chest area. I like the minimizing effect and that my breasts were the last thing on my mind.  It was comfortable and again the wicking fabric did its job. I think the style is super cute - I really liked the dual patterns (pebbles/stripes) on this one. However, I wish they had made the band around the torso come down a little further. I think it provides more comfort and better support, without detracting from the style.

Influenster Wellness Voxbox

I was happily surprised to receive another VoxBox from Influenster last month! There is nothing more exciting than receiving a box filled with free goodies at your doorstop. Life around my house has been true madness and I haven't blogged in forever since time seems to just escape me completely. Sitting down to really think through reviews, write them, edit them and then have someone else read and edit takes way more time than I ever thought possible! Trying to get dinner on the table so I am posting this without an extra read through - scary - so I apologize for any typos!! It would be so much easier to just say I love everything, but I really like to try things out and see if they are actually worth repurchasing.

So let's check out the breakdown of the goodies (I have included links to all the product pages as well):

Olay Active Botanicals Refreshing Gel Cleanser - I am always hesitant on trying new cleansers because my skin is so sensitive and can easily react. Olay is a respected brand, so I was willing to give it a chance. The bottle touts the cleanser to be formulated with "Snow Mushroom" - really? I feel like all of these companies go in search of fun plant names so they can try to ooooo and ahhhhhh us into buying them for the natural properties. I have no idea if snow mushrooms are a magical answer, but according to a little research this particular fungus is used in China & Japan for its anti-aging properties. I do not see any immediate changes in my skin, nor would I expect to. I don't have a ton of fine lines, yet, so I would assume if I used it for awhile I would be a better judge of its effectiveness. It also supposedly helps the skin retain moisture, but since I use a moisturizer aside from this I don't know how effective it is alone. There is little to no scent - which is MUCH appreciated!

Verdict: Either way it is a cleanser, it cleanses. My skin had no reactions that I noticed and it felt soft and clean, with no weird residue like some cleansers can leave. I recommend it if you have normal or sensitive skin.  

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer - Jergens has been a family favorite for a long time - I think I will always be a fan of the original cherry-almond scent! It reminds me of my dad - he always kept a bottle in the kitchen and would lotion his hands each day. He always knew the best things to use from kitchens to cars and some things never change! 

This particular lotion is different though... and I have to say it weirds me out a little bit. The idea of applying while my skin is still wet is just odd. I don't like the scent at all - too floral - this is the Monoi Oil scent. It is heavy and lingering. It sticks to my towel and competes with my perfume. For that reason I would never re-purchase it. If you don't wear perfume then it shouldn't bother you. I believe there is a coconut one which I would rather try since I love coconut and think it would be great for summer. If it is as strong as this one, then I would wear it in lieu of perfume. The process is odd as it is not natural for me to stand soaking wet slathering on lotion and THEN toweling off.  It is easy to forget since I have been showering and getting ready for a few decades. It would be possible to retrain myself - for the right scent that is. My skin feels SERIOUSLY soft and VERY moisturized! It does what it advertises, but in an odd way. I am also not sure it takes me any less time to put this on vs. other lotion - it just happens in a different order. I was absolutely washing my towels more frequently since the scent was overpowering. I have a super smeller, aromas that bother me are extreme compared to other people. 

Verdict: Yes, extremely moisturizing, easy to use - if in an odd and out of process way for me, Monoi Oil STINKS! Ack! But I don't like floral scents in general, so take that with a grain of salt. I say it is worth a shot for another scent. Coconut is my jam, so I may try that one instead!

Attitude Hair Care - Made in Canada! I don't think I have ever seen that on a product I have purchased. Canadians are so sweet and nice - clearly they have to make something good. Right?! Right!! This is a nice shampoo. It is totally clear, I don't think I have used a shampoo that didn't have some color to it before so this was interesting. I was worried that it wouldn't lather well since I have found a lot of the paraben-free soap products to not lather enough, but this had no issue lathering up. Little to no scent - MUCH appreciated! I have A LOT of hair - a mane, if you will - so this perspective may be different than some people, but I seemed to use more of this than regular shampoo to get it throughout my locks. This isn't necessarily bad, jut means I will go through it faster. I like that they say their motivation is providing safe, toxin free products for the well being of everyone. They talk a good game and this chicky is buying it!

Verdict: Good shampoo. Good company. Good Motivation. Trying something new and pick it up the next time you are in Target.

Attitude Dishwashing Liquid - Oh Canada - I love you! Apple Basil dish detergent?! Yes - YESSSS!! Apple is my favorite scent in my kitchen. I buy it regularly! Now they want to combine that with non-toxic ingredients so I can wash my dishes without worrying about WHAT I am washing them with - YES! 

Verdict:  Clean your dishes with confidence! The scent is awesome, the toxin-free detergent will make you and your dishes happy!

Colgate Enamel Health Mouthwash - My husband is obsessed with mouthwash. He loves the stuff! It figures into his routine a couple of times a day. Maybe this is one of the reasons the dentist says he has the Cadillac of teeth! Haha! I on the other hand do not use it but so often as it immediately precedes coffee and I have to have loyalties in life and pretty much everything fails when placed next to coffee. This is alcohol free and indicates that it helps to fight cavities. I haven't had a cavity in over a decade and my husband has only had 2 in over two decades. So we are pretty lucky on the cavity front. So basically does it taste good and does it freshen breath?? It's mouthwash - of course it does! Haha! 

Verdict: It's mouthwash - it is pretty straightforward, minty, strong and good for a kissable mouth! Two thumbs up for kissable mouths - Colgate can help you get there!

Urgent RX Ache and Pain Relief To-Go - I am a big fan of products like this. I used one like it many years ago, thanks to a friend, and it was very helpful! I haven't been able to find it in awhile so I am guessing it was discontinued. I don't often use medication like this, I try to limit my intake for only desperate times/measures, so I have not had an opportunity to use it. However, I am happy that it is small and easily kept in my wallet for any emergency when I may need it. I don't look forward to using it since that means I will be all ouchy and stuff, but I am grateful to have something within reach that will hopefully fast acting and easy to use in any situation!

Verdict: TBD... However, I see on their website they have several varieties so I think I may try the allergy version or the upset stomach (I have the weakest stomach of life!!) since those are more likely things I would use a little more often instead of pain reliever. 

Yaye: Group Fitness Motivation and Connection - I did not download this app and test it out. I feel like there are already so many fitness apps out there that connect people already. I have two on my phone and, in all fairness, I don't use those as often as I should so trying another one is just not something I have time for or interest in. 

Here is an overview - per their website: 

"It’s getting harder to be active these days. You’re busy and it’s not so easy to exercise as much as you’d like. You wish you had the motivation, the energy to get moving.

Maybe if you were meeting your sister or your best friend you’d make it to the gym. You wouldn’t want to let them down. And it’s way more fun when you’re together.

Your sister can’t always be there with you. And your best friend might live on the other side of the country. But you can still get moving with them. And benefit from their energy, motivation and fun.

Yaye bring families and friends together to get fit and healthy, wherever, whenever."

Burried Baubles?! Yes, please!!

I recently stumbled across BaubleBar, a site that I see friends of mine have liked or followed across social media. Since I am an accessory fan addict I thought what the hell - let's see what they have! It is a wide variety of simple and statement pieces that are mostly trendy in style. They have three color tones gold, rose gold and silver and depending on the piece different finishes smooth, shiny or matte. The prices are a little high for some of the pieces (for me) and on point for others. I am pretty picky about how much I will spend on "fun" (fashion) jewelry. A lot of the pieces are a bit much, too much statement for me, but they are still pretty and very on point in terms of the current trends. I prefer their more simple pieces, but I am unsure if I would pay full price for those items. 

Then I made a phenomenal discovery! They have a bit they run on Friday's and Monday's (I believe) called "the buried bauble". Basically you "hunt" through the necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings to find the buried bauble - a treasure hunt if you will. These items are on sale that day for $10 or $20. SCORE! Mama loves a good deal! On the hunt I found a few pieces that I liked and spent only $10 per item. Who couldn't get behind that - ESPECIALLY since U.S. shipping is always free - what, WHAT?! FREE! Be still my beating heart - no limits, no requirements - just straight up free! SOLD! Notably they seem to also have good sales - I purchased the earrings on sale vs. the buried bauble method. They have a couple of pieces right now that it is taking wild horses (aka: my husband) to hold me back from grabbing as well! :)

The packaging is awesome! The box is easy to open - no scissors, pull tab - love it. Everything is wrapped very snugly in little bags, then in bubble wrap (yes, I annoyed my husband for a good 5 minutes just *pop-pop-popping* away!) and then in tissue paper. All this wrap is good to save for gifting, swap sites and mailing anything at all. Reuse, recycle you will feel good about it - I promise :)

The necklaces are more my speed - simple and go with everything for my current day-to-day life. I admit the gold tag is my favorite because it is the longest and easy to layer with other pieces I already have. A girl's gotta layer! Looking at these pics I realize that I really did go plain-Jane with the pieces I selected. I may try to do something a little more bold next time - that usually falls into the $20 range for the buried bauble, I believe.

The earrings were my attempt at something "trendy" for only $10 - these are the 360 stud style where the backing is larger and part of the "earring". I like them, surprisingly; my husband hates them, not surprisingly. It was something fun and very different for me, glad I picked them up. 

I am not sure how long the pieces will wear - i.e. when the finish starts wearing away, but they do remind you to keep them away from moisture and to not wear them every day in order to prolong their life. For $10 I am not worried about it, but if you buy one of the more expensive full priced pieces I would definitely be more careful. It is nice that they give you little baggies to store/transport your jewelry - very handy!

Are they the final say in fashion jewelry? Not sure about that. Do they have a voice for a specific audience - absolutely! I think a lot of pieces would be fun presents for friends, bridesmaids or anyone you know between the ages of 15 and 150 in your life that loves shiny things. I believe there really is something for every taste/style preference on this site.

 I will regularly pop in on a Friday or a Monday to see if my $10 is theirs or mine to keep - that is a gamble I can afford!

City Color Cosmetics at Five Below

Recently I popped into Five Below to pick up some beach gear as we are readying ourselves for vacation. I love buying cheap, fun stuff for the pool and the beach that we don't have to worry about losing or breaking or leaving behind with the kiddos. Because I am a makeupaholic I walked through the beauty aisle to see what kinds of things they have and was pleasantly surprised to find a one of my favorite products - a blush/bronzer/highlighter palette from City Color Cosmetics for only $4. Um, YESSSSS PLEASE! SOLD! I also decided to pick up one of their matte blushes ($3) and two of their matte/gloss lipsticks ($3). (I also picked up two Wet 'n Wild lipsticks ($2) that were dramatically vampy, but I did not know that... not sure if those will make an appearance in my real life or not - haha!) I apologize my swatches of everything are a bit messy - I was just so excited!!

First the palette - love it! It comes in three colors at the store (online there are four colors, but one is currently sold out), I chose the Skinkissed Trio in "Golden" as I don't have a lot of peachy type blushes in my life and clearly I needed to change that! This is $4 at Five Below and $6.99 on City Color's website - score for me! I think all three products are so pretty! The blush is a beautiful peachy tone and has a fair amount of shimmer in it, so I did need to be careful with the amount of highlight I added. Also, the bronzer also has a light shimmer so you cannot contour this product, which is no biggie for me. It is important to note since all of them are shimmery if you don't care for a glowy look this may not be for you or maybe just not an all-in-one for you. The bronzer is the quite powdery with a fair amount of fallout if you don't tap off your brush, followed by the blush and none at all with the highlighter. I think the wear is great for normal daily activities and I am likely going to go back and grab another color to try. (Notably: I love this one as much as I love my "ride or die" Naked Flushed palette from Urban Decay, the wear is definitely longer with the UD, but the colors are equally beautiful and creamy in both.)

Since the palette was all shimmer I grabbed one of the Matte Blushes, I believe there were 6 or 8 in the store, but there are 12 online. In sticking with the peachy toned theme I bought the shade "Fresh Melon". This is $3 at Five Below and $4.99 on City Color's website, on sale at the moment for $3.49. Another good deal and my zero-to-2 peach blushes in one day was a hit! I think this color is so lovely and would likely work on light to fair to medium skin tones because it is buildable. Unlike the palette above, it was not at all powdery when I used it. The swatch on the left is one swipe and the swatch on the right is few - so clearly it can be built up. They have a nice range of shades so I may grab one (or two) more, BECAUSE $3!! 

Since I was already on a roll, two lip colors were a must. A MUST! On these Matte To Gloss lippies one end is a matte lipstick and the other end is a complimentary gloss. These two shades are Mauve Dazzle and Raspberry Dazzle, there are four other shades in total and the store had all of them. These are $3 at Five Below and $5.99, currently on sale for $3.99, on City Color's website. Sadly, these were a fail for me. First they smell funny - like old lipstick. I have a super smeller and scents really bother me if I don't like them and these do not seem to settle at all. The scent lingered and lingered. Second, there is the teeniest amount of product on the lipstick end, which is the side that I would use more often. Third, the glosses felt very wet. They didn't have the right balance of wet to sticky. The transfer was immediate and almost all the product wore away within an hour once the gloss was applied. I definitely will not repurchase and I am unsure if I will wear them due to the smell. I love the Raspberry color so much that I am going to attempt to use one of my delicious smelling Lorac glosses over it to see if that will mask the smell enough for me to enjoy the color. 

While I never thought I would ever purchase make up at a Five Below I could not be more thrilled about the palette and the matte blush - enough that I want MORE! The price point is amazing for the range of options, pigmentation and good day's wear of these products. The lippies I would say are not at all worth the money unless you just want some stinky lippies to blog about :)

Influenster Blossom Box

I am super excited that I received a VoxBox from Influenster this month! I love to try out new products so is there anything better than a complimentary box of goodies arriving at my doorstep?! Nope! A definite bonus is that my hubby *loved* the word "FREE" vs. "look what I bought!" Ha! I am not exactly sure what qualifies a reviewer for receiving this box, I just leave reviews on products on their site. Too many people seem to just "love" everything they try, which may or may not be true, but since I question everything I definitely read a lot of reviews prior to purchasing something. So, I am a big supporter of reviews - honest reviews.

Anyway, I believe they have two boxes out at the moment and of the two I received the Blossom box - a mix of beauty and food. I couldn't be more thrilled with the variety of items in the box - they suit my household perfectly. 

Beanitos - What great luck that this arrived just when I made some salsa. They are made to go together! I think these chips are good. They aren't as crunchy as potato chips, but they definitely satisfy my salty and crunchy craving while providing protein and fiber. The bag was pretty smooshed, so it was eating bits more than chips, but tasty nonetheless. I have only tried the sea salt, but look forward to tasting the Chipotle BBQ (my fav chip flavor is BBQ and we are spicy fans in this house).

Bear Naked - Granola! Yes, please! I have heard of this brand, but I haven't tried it. I am a granola and yogurt fanatic so this will definitely make it into my lunch plans very soon. I hope this is readily available at Whole Foods or regular market since that is where I do my regular shopping.

Zero Pasta - I have seen this product written about before and I am a total skeptic regarding its potential to replace or even satisfy my urge for pasta. I mean seriously if it was so amazing I feel like EVERYONE would be talking about it. We shall see how this works out later in the week. My mom was very intrigued as well, so I have already purchased a bag at my local grocery store for her to try as well.

Note: it says on the package it must be refrigerated, which it wasn't when I received it. I reached out to the company and they confirmed it is perfectly OK to eat and doesn't require refrigeration.  

Australian Gold - I have loved this particular brand of SPF for about 10 years! My sister and her husband went to Australia around 2005 and brought it back - raving it was the best and they were right. Smells amazing, absorbs well into the skin and doesn't leave a sticky film. This is 100% a hit with me and it will definitely be heading to the shore with me next month.

Clairol Hair Food - I received another one of the products in this line from a Target box and I love it (a hair mask), so I am very excited to try this shampoo. For now all I can say is that is smells AWESOME and it will be next up in my shampoo rotation. The great thing about this is that it's paraben free which protects the color processing done to my hair; however, I am a little weary as I have found paraben free shampoos don't later as well and I have a lot of hair so I really need that soap to lather up to make it through my thick locks. Fingers crossed! It is also silicone free and mineral oil free. 

I think it is odd that I can't find a site for this product, so I have used the Target link since that is where I would purchase it anyway.

NYC Eyeshadow Pencil - This is provided in the shade 605 - Brooklyn Mocha. It is a waterproof eyeshadow pencil. I really like the bronzy neutral for summer. It is creamy and it seems to actually be crease-proof and waterproof with a primer, I never go without a primer. I tend to have more of an oily skin profile so things easily wear off on me, this seems to last. While I do prefer using a brush to using a pencil to apply eye products, I like that this is easy to pack and travel with so I will likely try out more colors since it is so inexpensive.

Airbrush Legs - This is the item I am least excited about because self tanners always have that awful self tanner smell and they never seem to apply evenly - especially on the hands, you can always tell on the hands. So while this is for legs, I am hoping that it works out and I don't turn out an orangey mess!