Sunday, November 23, 2014

Sunday Sentiments


Happy Sunday!! How was your weekend?

Nothing too much happening around here, but it's the calm before the Thanksgiving storm so we are enjoying the quiet!

1. This is fairly new, but we started fostering labs through MLRR. Seriously an amazing organization. I went to an adoption event yesterday at Kriser's (loooove this store) and got to hang out with some doggies and I was in heaven. I had a great conversation with the manager at Kriser's and he pretty much convinced me that Zoe needs to be on a raw diet. We have always had her on Fromm Five Star food, but lately she's been having some skin issues and the hair behind her ears and on her chest has thinned considerably which the manager (hi Jim!) said is mostly a reaction to the food she's been eating, so we are going to try raw. It's soooo expensive, but if it works then that's what's right for her. What do you feed your doggies?


2. School is almost over for the semester! Ahhhhhh. It's been a long, but also really really quick semester. I can't wait to see what next semester brings!

3. Su has been working like crazy, but he has a whole week off for Thanksgiving and I am so happy :) 

4. I was supposed to be packing for our trip to Cleveland/Cincinnati. That didn't happen!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Friday, November 21, 2014

Honest Company Review 1

Hello, friends! 



I was never really thought about the cleaning products that I was using in my home and on my body. As long as it got the job done I was happy. And then we got our little puppy, Zoe. Poor little Zoe has the most sensitive skin I have ever seen. We changed her diet and her shampoo which helped, but she was still getting red spots on her belly and chest. I started to become more aware of the chemicals that I was using to clean. Whatever I used to wash the kitchen floor with she was going to ingest when she licked crumbs off the floor, whatever detergent I used to wash her blankets was going to touch her skin, etc. That's when I switched to natural home products. They're better for her, better for us, and better for the environment. I used to use Mrs. Meyers products (I still do, just not as exclusively), and then one day I decided to give the Honest Company a try. I received the free sample of their Essentials Bundle products and pretty much fell in love with the products. You can buy Honest Co. products at Target and Whole Foods (and probably many other stores that I don't know about!) or online. I usually buy straight from their website. You can either buy the items individually or "bundle" them. Bundling might be a good topic for another post because there is a strategy to what you should or should not bundle, but basically you choose any five cleaning or beauty products you want for $35.95 a month. You can space your bundles out if you don't go through products monthly. Since I am so enamored with the company and everything they have to offer, I figured I would put up a review of the products that I have tried so far. I actually put in another order a few days ago, so as soon as I get those I will do another review! 


1. Honest Laundry Detergent


I've used this a few times already and I love how clean and soft it makes our clothes, towels, and blankets feel. It's unscented, so if you are looking for that strong "clean laundry" scent you'll have to look elsewhere! It's super concentrated, so you really only need a little bit. Love this and will continue to put this in my bundle.


2. Honest Multi-Surface Cleaner


LOVE this spray. It seriously works on anything and everything. I've cleaned dried teriyaki sauce off my stove, my crusty microwave (gross), and ever my mirrors with this stuff. Left everything sparkling and streak free. You need to let it sit for a minute to clean the tough stuff, but it works sooo well and smells soooo good. Another staple. 


3. Honest Bathroom Cleaner


This smells minty and fresh and did a really nice job cleaning my shower and sink. I used to use the Scrubbing Bubbles shower cleaner and the Honest Co. Bathroom Cleaner gave me similar results.


4. Honest Dish Soap


For some reason, I came across a lot of bad reviews for this product and I can't figure out why! I'm not sure if you can tell in this picture, but it's almost gone and I've already ordered another one because I love it so much! It's soft on my hands but cleans dishes really well. Especially great when used to soak dishes. Smells nice, looks pretty, works great. A+ in my book! 


5. Honest Face+Body Lotion


I think this is the only product that I am mildly on the fence about. It is the perfect texture (not too thin, not too thick), soaks in like a dream, keeps me feeling moisturized all day, makes my face feel so smooth, but I really don't like the scent. It's "unscented" which I am sure a lot of people appreciate, but I need a little something to make me want to use it often. I've read that it used to smell faintly of roses, which sounds so nice. If they bring back the rose scented one I will definitely repurchase. 


6. Honest Shampoo+Body Wash


OMG I love this shampoo. My hair feels sooooo silky and tangle free when I use this. The smell is really nice and light and does not linger. It doesn't fade my color and my hair actually feels stronger after about two weeks of using this. I also use this as a body wash and I love that it it saving me space in my shower! Totally love and have already repurchased. 


7. Honest Conditioner



I was really surprised at how much I love this conditioner. Most natural conditioners are either way too thin or they make my hair crazy greasy and sticky and weird. This one is perfect. Medium thick consistency with a really nice "slip" to it. It makes my hair so smooth and shiny!


8. Honest Conditioning Detangler 


This is not a product that I would normally grab for myself, but I grabbed it on a whim last time I was at Whole Foods. It definitely does what it says! Detangles like a dream and gives my hair a little extra conditioning - which is much needed in the winter time when my showers are hotter and more damaging to my hair. It also brings out curl in my hair!

9. Honest Bar Soap

Sorry! I don't have a picture for this one because it is in my shower and looks pretty gross, haha. This is the second bar of Honest soap that I've bought. It doesn't do a great job of getting rid of "body funk", but I use it to shave my legs and to wash my underarms to wash off deodorant (sorry TMI). My skin is sensitive and this does not make my skin feel dry or tight. 


I hope this review helped if you are on the fence about trying any products from the Honest Company. I truly love them!

*All products were purchased by me. I was not compensated in any way for this review, but if HC wanted to throw any sugar my way you know I wouldn't turn that down!

Friday, August 29, 2014

Life Update

WOW it's been awhile and sooo much has happened! So, hi :)

New things going on: 


  1. Got engaged!!!! Su proposed on Mother's Day and it was just so special. And even more so because I got to celebrate with my mom afterwards :)
  2. Started grad school. Finally on my way to getting my teachinh degree. YAY!
  3. Su passed all his licensing exams. Sooooo proud of him. Such a stressful couple months. He's amazing though and breezed through it all. 
  4. Wedding planning. Sigh. I love it but I hate it. I love figuring out the details, but hating thinking about the cost of things. Blahhh. Any tips for planning a classy but inexpensive wedding? Anyone? Bueller? 

More soon! Happy Friday!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Barkbox November 2013

Zoe's favorite time of the month is here - Barkbox time!!


Each month Barkbox sends out 4-5 items for your dog to explore. This is our fourth month doing it and we could not be happier! It's an easy way to try new toys and treats that otherwise we would never find or not be able to justify spending the money on a gourmet treat (ahem truffle Mac and cheese biscuits). 


At first glance everything looks awesome!


Sorry for the sideways picture, but these truffle Mac and cheese treats by Bocce's were the favorites of the box! They smell amazing and only have four ingredients. I swear that Zoe eats better than we do! I would definitely repurchase and I want to buy even more flavors. 


Seriously another sideways picture? I need some iPhone lessons geez or at least check my pics before I break into everything! These Yumzies jerky chews were just OK according to Zoe. I love the concept, but she had a hard time chewing them. Will finish but probably not repurchase!


Twistix Dental Chews. Love. These are the first dental chews that I've come across that are grain free. Zoe has a wheat intolerance so finding dental chews that don't upset her tummy has been difficult. And they smell amazing! Like vanilla and mint. 


And last but not least a fuzzy tug toy by Petsafe. Ok here's my thing - AWESOME toy. So so soft. But my destructo-dog had chewed through it in ten minutes. No joke. She even tore the inner plastic cage to pieces. Honestly I should have saved it for my parents dog who is more gentle than Zoe, but oh well. Sad we had to throw it out but I should have known better!


Waiting for a new cookie :)

I didn't do a price break down, but other reviews put it around $25 which is more than what I paid for the box. 


Monday, November 18, 2013

Monday Ramblings


Linking up with Jen!


1. I am expecting four boxes to come soon and it makes me giddy! I love getting mail. Seriously. Let's see... I have my Advocare Spark coming in a couple days (ordered through Jen ^^), Zoe's Barkbox, and a couple Christmas presents that I ordered through Groupon. Yay! I honestly believe that I like getting the actual box more than I care about what's inside. It's ridiculous and I have a problem.

2. Speaking of Zoe (were we?). I have been trying so hard to train this little pup to be a good running partner. She's getting better, but geeeeez dog haven't you ever heard of a straight line? Apparently not because all she does is zig zag across the trail even when I keep her reigned in. Any tips? I reward her with a soft treat when she runs next to me for awhile but I feel like that just slows us down and breaks her good running stride. Anyone have any experience with this?

3. While I'm begging for life advice... anyone have any good clean eating tips, recipes, snacks, motivation? I've been trying to really clean up my diet but I'm sort of at a loss for where to start. It's especially hard since Su prefers taste over health benefits so when I'm cooking for both of us one usually ends up unhappy, and it's usually me because I'm a sucker for pasta!

4. Can I just say how freakin' ADORABLE the kids I nanny are? Honestly! It's gotten to the point that I actually miss them on weekends. Today Isla invited me to her fifth birthday party (in August) because I am part of her family and she loves me. I melted.

5. THANKSGIVING IS NEXT WEEK :) :) I can't wait. I haven't seen my family in way too long and it is way over due!!! 


Hope you all had a great Monday!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Bulu Box November 2013


Hi guys! So I received the November Bulu  Box in the mail yesterday and I am actually pretty pleased with this month. I also ordered it last month, which was my first month receiving, and it was a little lack luster for me. Bulu box is a monthly subscription box that sends out samples of supplements, protein bars, energy boosts, etc for $10. You can sign up for one, three, six, or twelve months at a time. There are two options for boxes - fitness or weight loss. I chose weight loss for both of my boxes. Ok, onto the box!


I really like their boxes. Very fun and motivating!


Everything was packed very neatly in orange tissue paper. 



I actually love their info cards because they give you space on the back to keep track of how you liked the samples. Very handy. 


Oohhhh I was so excited to see all these products. At first glance it really looks like I will use everything!


Yaff Bar in Banana Peanut Butter: I  think this has to be my favorite product this month. An energy bar that you can share with your dog? YES PLEASE! Zoe is going to be pumped when I break this out and share with her! I also like that it is wheat, dairy, caffeine, and refined sugar free. Good for humans, good for dogs. 


Energems in Peanut Butter: I haven't tried these fellas yet, but I read great reviews about them. People say that they taste great and don't crash. Cool! Also 1 candy = 1 cup of coffee which seems like a huge time saver. I will be saving these for the next time I drive to Cincinnati after work. 


Neocell Beauty Burts in Fresh Mint Chocolate: This was the only product that I wasn't in love with. It's a "gourmet collagen soft chew" that is supposed to improve the look of hair, skin and nails. Even though I am a mint chocolate fan I think I would have preferred the fruit punch flavor. It tasted ok and the texture was fine, but there was only one sample so I couldn't really tell if it was working of not! I feel like if they would've given 5-7 days worth I would feel more inclined to purchase again. Seems like a really cool concept though! 


Shapeology Burn Blend: These supplements are supposed to mimic a high metabolism and curb your hunger to help you lose weight. I know some people aren't crazy about receiving supplements in their boxes because it can be such a personal thing, but I was excited! I like trying new things and if it works, cool! I tried one yesterday afternoon and could definitely feel a little buzz which I'm assuming is from the caffeine in it and I didn't get hungry until well after my normal dinner time (which is 5 because I'm basically an old person). This comes with 14 pills and I am very interested to see how it goes!

Overall: I'm pleased with the box and I'm considering buying a longer subscription. $10 really isn't that much to discover some new and cool weightloss helpers. You can use the code FIRSTFREE to get your first box free and BULUGAN669 to get 50% off your entire subscription order. So basically you could get a year for $55 which is less than $5 a month.

Anyone else get the box this month? Thoughts? 










Wednesday, October 30, 2013

So What Wednesday!

Linking up with Jen from ramblingsofasuburbanmom.com as usual to say so what if...





  • I have no clue what to cook Su for his birthday dinner tonight. He said he "didn't care", so I guess he can't complain about whatever I make!

  • We bought a bag of candy for trick or treaters even though we live in an apartment and probably won't get any. Oh well! More kit kats for us I guess 

  • For the past week or so I have been just SO over Halloween and totally ready for Thanksgiving! It's probably because stores put out the next holiday decorations so early that it seems like the holiday lasts for. ever. 

  • I'm seriously considering putting on a Barbie movie for little girl to watch so I can close my eyes for 10 minutes. Seriously exhausted today. 

  • I'm actually really excited/interested in Kim K and Kanye's wedding. I can't help but be totally enthralled in everything that they do!


What are you saying "so what" to today?