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KIWI CRATE FOR KIDS= HANDS ON FUN IN A BOX!!!

When I attended the Fashion Forward Conference in September there were plenty of sponsors in attendance and I stopped by Kiwi Crate to see what they were all about. I found out that Kiwi Crate is a company that sell monthly subscription hands on projects for your kids. Parents sign up to receive monthly crates or just a one time offer. There are all types from Thanksgiving Turkey’s, Wild Safari, Making Music, and Growing Garden just to name a few.
The single crates are filled with all the materials for 2-3 hands on projects. (Arts, science, games, imaginative play). There are also mini crates, travel crates, and party favors. For a limited time you can purchase arts and craft supplies as well and holiday crates too.

The crate sent to my daughter was Fairy Fun. I didn’t know she would receive so much materials to keep her busy and create so many things. She was very excited!! The first thing she made was the Enchanting Wand. She made a magical wand using ribbons, and glittery sticky felt shapes. The next project was the Pixie Paper Dolls. I used to play with paper dolls growing up so I enjoyed helping her with this. It contained six paper dolls (boys & girls), and fabric to make outfits, buttons, and specialty paper. There were also scissors included. The bonus project was the Flower Headband which was just the cutest girly girl item for my daughter. It came with paper flowers, metallic markers, and a ribbon to make the headband. Gorgeous!! She loved them all, and on a Saturday morning this was perfect. We were busy for that morning and she even got out her toys and made it a fashion show.

My daughter has already put in a request for more Kiwi Crates.

I didn’t know so much could be created from one box. I love when my kids are hands on with projects. It’s relaxing and calm and keeps them busy by also putting their brains to work while getting creative. I love to see them come up with designs and creating something that’s their own. It didn’t have to be perfect. Just knowing it’s from them is perfect in my eyes.

I love these crates and I will be purchasing more for my daughter to explore. I encourage parents to check out the website and see what catches your kids eyes. It is worth it! You have Glowing Halloween, Thanksgiving Turkey’s, and Handmade Hanukkah for the upcoming holidays.
Go to their website to learn more about the subscriptions http://www.kiwicrate.com
Twitter @kiwicrate
These opinions are 100% mine and my daughter and we were not compensated for this post. My daughter was sent a Kiwi Crate for her and I to review.
Enjoy the pics!

Comments 6 Comments
Categories Craft Projects, Kid Reviews, Kids, Product Reviews, Toys, What's Going On?

#BIRCHBLOGGERS BREAKFAST WITH MAKEUP ARTIST ALISON RAFFAELE

28 Sep

When I opened an email that said I’ve been selected to join BirchBox at their office on September 27th for a #birchbloggers breakfast with celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Alison Raffaele I was beyond excited. The first thing I thought was I’m glad I don’t wear makeup because I want her to see the natural me and what my daily regimen is so I wore only lip gloss and a little mascara. I never knew how to apply blush and eye shadow and all the girly stuff so I never used any. Some women can pull it off and some go overboard. I on the other hand say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I’m fine with what I see in the mirror until I get a pimple or mosquito bite. I do complain about dark circles under the eyes and never knew what to use. I was excited because it knew after tweeting with Alison she knew what she was talking about and I wanted one on one lessons in person.

I arrived early, met Alison in person and she is a down to earth person, funny, and a mom to a cute 4 yr old daughter.
I asked Alison a few questions on Twitter and this is what she had to say:
1. How did you get your start as Bobbi Brown’s assistant? (Famous makeup artist)
Alison responded : She was just finishing college when a photographer she was testing with to build her book introduced her and she knew Bobbi Brown was pregnant and going to need help so she offered to be her assistant for no pay just the experience. Alison said she had to call several times before Bobbi finally called her back said “OK, if you want it that bad, I’ll help you!!”
2. Did you got to school for cosmetology?
Alison said: No, she was self taught.
3. Was being a makeup artist something you always wanted to do?
Alison replied: Yes! She fell in love with makeup at the age of 10, and by the time she was 16 there was no looking back.
4. What are the best fall colors for eyeshadows and lipstick?
Alison said: The best colors for any season are the ones that make you feel your most beautiful.

Alison was determined and dedicated to get what she wanted and become an entrepreneur, Founder, and CCO of her line Alison Raffaele Cosmetics.

I learned some more things I didn’t know about makeup that a lot of women in attendance didn’t know as well like the CORRECT order to applying makeup is FOUNDATION, CONCEALER, then POWDER. Everyone’s face dropped.
Alison also does not use parabens, talc, mineral oil, or fragrance in her products and they are gluten free as well. It doesn’t get any better than that!! Her makeup is also lightweight on the face and easy to use. I can agree to that. I forgot I had foundation and concealer on the whole day because it doesn’t feel cakey and heavy.
For dry skin mix skin oils into your primer. Use transparent powder after concealer.
Another tip was apply concealer at the bottom of your nose because everyone is red there. Her best beauty tip from Bobbi Brown is: “Keep it simple, don’t do too much.” Alison also said “It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being the perfect you.”

I found out from the expert Alison Raffaele I am a 7 in foundation and a 6 in concealer and she sure knows what she’s talking about because I looked fabo!! Everyone including Alison said I have beautiful skin before the makeup and I appreciate it. My hubby tells me everyday too but it’s nice when others recognize it too even when you see some things you think aren’t wanted on your face like dark circles, or fine bumps.
All the bloggers in attendance were matched with the correct foundation and concealer and went home with the best tips and advice.
I would love to get some of Alison’s powders and more brushes. I know I will eventually run out of foundation and concealer so I will save my pennies for more. I advise everyone to check out her cosmetics, and once again a big thanks to BirchBox and Alison for giving me the opportunity to meet all of you in person and take home great tips and makeup. Everyone was very friendly and the breakfast was great!
Follow Alison on Twitter @Alisonraffaele or got her her website http://www.alisonraffaele.com
For all of my readers BirchBox is graciously offering 15% off everything in their shop when you spend $50. The readers code is BIRCHBLOGGERS15. It is valid through 10/15. Shop now at http://www.birchbox.com
These opinions are my own 100%, and I was not compensated. Bloggers were given gift bags with cosmetics for attending.
Enjoy the pictures!

Comments 7 Comments
Categories Beauty, Blogger Event, Product Reviews, Reviews, What's Going On?

My Review on the Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret

1 Sep

I love curls in my hair whether it be natural, shirley temple, or just good old fashioned rollers. This year I’m thinking of going naturally curly but I’m thinking real hard because with winter on the way I have to think what that means for my hair. I do not like dry curls. I like my hair to look curly but with a healthy, moisturized look and feel. Not tangled up and rough looking. There are lots of products I would have to buy to keep it up so I will see what I am going to do for the fall/winter season.

I was asked to test out the Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret. This is a new way to create curls easy, and very fast. I used to hate curling my hair with a hot curling iron. It not only took forever, I would always burn my ear or forehead, and I’d never curl the back the way I wanted it. The curling iron would overheat and I didn’t want my hair burning off so I left it up to the beauty salon after that.

This new curling chamber is exactly what I needed years ago. There are three timer settings. You can have loose, medium, or tight curls and two heat levels. Before starting make sure the indicator light has stopped blinking. The light turns solid red when the unit is ready to curl. You only need to put 1/2 in. to 1in. wide section of your hair into the curling chamber. Close the handles and your hair will be automatically drawn into the curl chamber. Hold until a rapid beep signals curls is ready. Open to release the perfect curls.

At first I was nervous because the chamber was going to suck my hair inside and i was scared it wouldn’t return my hair. Lol. There were a few times I did it wrong but I didn’t panic. I read the instructions again and got a head full of curls and I was very impressed. It took no time at all and I didn’t have to pay my salon for this amazing look. My daughter saw me doing my hair and asked for some curls as well. I didn’t do her whole head but just one section because her hair was braided. I love the way it looks on her as well and so did she. She wanted me to continue but I didn’t have the time so I told her if I get one I will do her full head.

The Curl Secret is available in mass drugstores nationwide. For more information visit http://www.curlsecret.com, Also on Twitter @Conair_Hair

I was not compensated for this post. Theses opinion are 100% my own. I was sent the Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret to test.
Enjoy the before and after pictures.

Comments 15 Comments
Categories Beauty, Product Reviews, What's Going On?

The Perez Family @KidFreshFoods Super Duper Chicken Nuggets Review #SuperDuperKids

28 Aug

My New Year’s Resolution this year was to stop giving my family and myself included processed foods and cook more from scratch. With so many words I can’t even pronounce, nor know the meaning of in these packaged foods I just thought I was going to lose my mind. Anything that begins with sugar, or high fructose it stays on the shelve. If I want something nutritious and healthy for my kids it has to say 100% all natural. That’s where Kidfresh comes in. They put up a post on Twitter asking bloggers if they would like to review their healthy kids meals with hidden veggies. I quickly signed up with no hesitation. I’ve seen celebrities, and chefs purée veggies into brownies, lasagna, and different types of meats and I used to purée food at my job. I always said I’m going to purée veggies in my kids food but never got around to it. Everyone has picky eaters in their families and if we don’t start them early they will always say “that’s nasty.” Vegetables are very important and it would be nice if everyone ate them or at least had one favorite one they enjoyed. To those that don’t eat them you probably are and don’t even know it.

Kidfresh came up with these Super Duper Chicken Nuggets that has hidden veggies in them like cauliflower and onions. How many kids can you say absolutely loves onions? Maybe onion rings. Cauliflower maybe. I’ve seen kids go crazy when used on a veggie platter with ranch dip.

There are no artificial flavors or preservatives. All natural. 40% less sodium, and 73% less trans fat than the leading brand. Made with white meat chicken, and whole grain breading. The ingredients are simple, nutritious, and to the point. They also have a variety of meals that my kids are Definitley going to try next like: Easy Cheesy Ravioli, Muy Cheesy Quesadillas, and Spaghetti Loos & Meat Sauce just to name a few. These products are available nationwide in over 5,000 stores. Kidfresh.com/find-a-store
Suggested retail price is $3.49-$3.99
Follow them on Twitter @KidfreshFoods

The same day I received the chicken nuggets my kids were ready to taste them. I made them for lunch. I baked them for about 12-14 minutes in the oven and they came out nice and crispy. I had to try one first because I would know right away if my kids would like them or not. They were very delicious I wanted to eat all of them. You couldn’t even tell veggies were in them. I started with my son who is 10 yrs old and I have to force him to eat vegetables. He took a bite and said “its just another nugget.” He did eat it though. My daughter however who is 6 yrs old was very impressed and wanted to eat them all like her mother. She said “let’s go buy more.” She’s been putting ketchup on all of her nuggets lately so she dipped them in ketchup and ate about 6 nuggets. I even gave my 17 yr old one to taste. No comment from him. Lol.

These cooked up fast and came in handy especially with everyone’s busy schedule. I will purchase these Super Duper Chicken Nuggets again as well as the other products.
I was not compensated for this post but I was given the product to test and a few goodies in a gift bag. I was also given coupons for a giveaway which you can click on the link below to enter. These are my opinions and they are 100% genuine.
Enjoy the pictures!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzNkODJiMTBlNDdjMGM2N2JjN2FlMjhjNDU3NzI2OjE=/

Comments 6 Comments
Categories Cooking, Food, Food Reviews, Kid Reviews, Kids, Product Reviews, What's Going On?

SHED, SHRED, AND GET AHEAD!! #StaplesOrgTips @Staples @TilsonPR @LivingFreeNYC

31 Jan

Today I knew I couldn’t pass up the great invitation I received from @livingfreenyc.com to attend an awesome event given by Staples to get organized for tax season. I personally thought I was doing pretty good at being organized until I came to this event and learned about tips and great products that will help me even more. When you go to Staples take the time to actually look at all the fabulous products they have because you don’t know what you’re missing. Martha Stewart’s Home Office with Avery line have file folders that will keep your tax forms and other important papers in order. They also look great with the beautiful designs you won’t get tired of looking at them. Very stylish!! There also are calendars to keep up with appointments.

One way I keep organized is by getting rid of junk mail as soon as it comes in the house. I don’t have a shredder but Staples has a wide selection of shredders including the most recent one that retails for $99. This is the Staples 10 sheet cross-cut shredder which comes with a pull out waste basket, and lock out key which disables blades for added safety. We had the pleasure of seeing how this machine operates up close and I’m sold. I would love this especially with 4 kids there’s paper everywhere. But if you’re not into doing your own shredding or don’t have the time or space Staples will do it for you for 79 cents a pound available at any Staples Copy & Print location. Wonderful!!

On display at today’s event were the Staples Better Binder with removable rings. I’ve never seen anything like this. The removable rings can hand and be labeled in any standard file cabinet. Genius!!! This is great for back to school kids as well. Where was this binder when I was in school?

The Arc notebooks were another favorite of mine. They come in different sizes and I love the poly material. The pages rip out easily and can be put back in with no mess. Presto!

We also can’t forget that Staples carry USB flash drives to keep files safe in case your laptop crashes. There are these cute animal USB flash drives by Entec that you could use to remember what’s stored on each one. Example: I would use the tiger for my pictures and the owl for my blogs. That way when I’m looking for something I know exactly which USB animal character to go to. Cute!!

Another item to bring home is the Turbo Tax software if you file your own taxes. E-file is included with this software.

I am so glad I was able to get more organized and pick up great tips and products and meet amazing people. Staples has everything you need for your office and school. Shed, Shred, and Get Ahead!!

Thank you for the amazing gift bags, raffles, pastries, and coffee as well.

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Categories Free Events, Invitational Event, Product Reviews, What's Going On?

My daughter’s 1st toy review!!

1 Dec

Not only was my daughter excited that I won her a Minnie Mouse Flipping Fun Kitchen by Disney, she wouldn’t stop asking me everyday if it came yet. When it finally came we tried to hide it but it’s like she knew it was here and walked right to it. Kids are a trip!!

I took some pictures of her cooking and also a video. If the video doesn’t come out I’ll try again or put it on Twitter.

My daughter loves her kitchen and hasn’t stopped playing with it. She wants to thank everyone involved with her getting what she always wanted.

She loves making milkshakes and flipping the pancake for our breakfast. Minnie also reminds her with her electronic voice to not forget to flip the pancake. The milkshake maker flips over to become a dish rack and the sink flips over to be a cutting board. So cute, we love it!!