Sunday, December 31, 2017

Burgundy and Tan .99 Cent Scarf Purchased on EBay

I wear scarves nearly every day as they can quickly change the look of an outfit and has the added bonus as doubling as bib when you are eating and if you drop of bit of spaghetti or salad with dressing off your fork as long as it lands on the scarf you can take it off and rinse it and still have clean clothes and not smell like spaghetti or salad dressing the rest of the day.

I purchased this scarf from seller moj-81 on EBay for only .99 shipped.  It is shipped from China so it can take up to 3-4 weeks to receive (took 21 days for this scarf).

It is 100% polyester and ones like these are pretty much wash and wear, but if you felt it needed to be ironed you would want to be sure to keep on a very low setting and maybe even a pressing cloth or you could melt where the iron touched.

Like many sellers, offering change over time and other sellers my have similar.  If you are looking for certain type, fabric or color you can go to Scarves.  For this one, I was looking for a burgundy or wine colored scarf to go with a dress I had purchased and I like the colors and pattern on this one.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Fun Gelatin Dessert Box Finds At Walmart


As Jello was the dessert my Mom made most often as it was inexpensive, I still like to eat it to this day even, although in some stores it is hard to find much variety anymore, but at Walmart I hit the jackpot when I found the above fun Gelatin desserts, three are movie themed and one is booze flavored and all were between .92-.98 cents.

  • Jello "Trolls" themed blue Jello in a Cotton Candy Flavor
  • Royal "Frozen" themed clear gelatin in Summer Berry Punch
  • Royal Star Wars themed purple gelatin in Dark Side Berry
  • Margaritaville green gelatin in Margarita flavor 
I plan on trying them all in the coming months, but will probably start with the Trolls one as it indicates limited edition, the movie has been out for awhile it it likely to disappear soon, so if I like it, I will buy more before it does. 

They also had kits to make pudding pops and other Jello items, but they were around $5 so will have to save that for another trip.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

What is the Shelf Life of Your Food?


In light of information on the recommended shelf life on food products leaning toward the side of caution, I thought I would share the infograph and link to the site Shelflifeadvice.com that I found on Pinterest that shows many of the common items found in a kitchen.

Shelflifeadvice.com.is a site which has researched using various credible websites like from the US government, Universities, Professional Association and food manufacturers website and indicates shelf life of all kinds of foods whether in the pantry, fridge or frozen. 

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Food Network Kitchen Hack: Use a Sheet Pan to Make Eggs in Bulk


This hack by the Food Network is genius way to fix large batches of fried eggs to feed a crowd quickly.

It is done by pre-heating a sheet tray to 425 degrees, pouring on oil,pre-cracked eggs, bake 5 minutes, cut apart with a spatula then serve.

Monday, December 18, 2017

A Version of My Mom's Country Gravy


I made a different version of my Mom's Country Sausage Gravy today using Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage, 1/2 tsp Seasoned Salt, left out the cheese and instead of using all black pepper, I used some red pepper.

If I make this version again, I would cut down on the amount of red pepper as it was very hot or include the 1/2 shredded cheddar that would have mellowed out the pepper.  I think the Sage in the sausage gave it a bit more savory flavor, but you could probably add teaspoon of Sage to any sausage and get a similar flavor.

  • 1 lb Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage (or other sausage and add 1 tsp Sage)
  • 4 TBSP butter (just enough so the flour will coat the sausage)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Seasoned Salt
  • 1/3 cup flour 
  • 3 cups milk 

When my Mom taught me this recipe she said the secret to making a good sausage or other meat gravy is to use the fat/grease that is left in the pan from cooking, add additional butter if needed, and pour the flour in with the meat and fat to coat the fat and there will be no lumps in your gravy.

Sometimes the butter is optional if there is high fat content in the sausage, but in this case there was not any visible, although the sausage was nicely browned and absorb some of the flour on its own.

When I was a practicing vegetarian, I omitted the meat but as there is not anything to coat the flour, you have to melt the butter add in the flour a little at a time and add in the milk a little of time, so it is a little more labor intensive, but still good.

Basic steps:

  • Fry the meat, breaking it into small piece until completely brown
  • Add in butter and melt stirring in to the sausage
  • Add in the flour and pepper
  • Slowly add in the milk stirring constantly.
  • Cook on medium to medium high heat until the mixture thickens up - usually 5-7 minutes.

Another trick if you need to make the batch a little larger batch but you are almost done (my Mom used to babysit and some times would have "drop ins" for just a day or so)  is to add more milk and a bit of mashed potato flakes to help thicken up the batch.

You can also freeze this for a few weeks and it heat up fairly well, although you will probably need to add a little more milk when reheating.




Saturday, December 16, 2017

Green Apple Kool-Aid Pie



It is hard to believe that it has been over 9 years since I first spotted the recipe for this Kool-Aid Pie  (link below).  Since then it has become a family favorite and a tradition.

This is the first time we had tried this with the Green Apple mix but it was very good; it had a little bit of a tart bite like a Green Apple combined with the creaminess of the ingredients and the sweetness of the graham cracker crust. 
  • 1 8 oz tub of Cool Whip
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1 packet Kool-Aid (I used Green Apple, but you can use any flavor)
  • 1 9 oz Graham Cracker Crust 

Mix the first three ingredients together in a mixing bowl and mix together with a mixer or by hand until well blended; about 2 minutes with a mixer and over 100 strokes if by hand. 

After my son started making these, he bought me a mixer for Christmas for him to use in making these types of pies, LOL.


Once blended, pour in the graham cracker pie crust an, refrigerate (creamy consistency) or freeze (if frozen is more like an ice cream consistency) for 2 hours.

Kool-Aid Pie by Creativemind on Cut Out and Keep.net
Check out Kool Aid Pie on Cut Out + Keep

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

L. A. Colors Eye Shadow - Purple Palette - $1 Eyeshadow -Review



I purchased the above at Dollar Tree for only $1.  It is by L.A. Colors and is 41686 Purple Palette.  I checked on L A. Colors website but it is not showing up; not sure if it is because it has been discontinued (thus why it is a The Dollar Tree) or if was specifically made and marketed for Dollar Tree as a lower end item.  On their website they indicate their company, Beauty 21, is cruelty-free company.

I decided to try it as it has 12 shades of purple/colors that compliment purple and I did not have any palette like it and it was only $1. It comes with and double tipped sponge applicator that is adequate for applying the product.

On the back of the package it indicates the ingredients at the top, on the left hand side a drawing on placement of the product and creating a recommended look with 4 shades.  It also indicates it has a recommended shelf life of 36 months, which is a long time for a makeup product.

The colors all matte and shades of purple and colors that compliment purple.  While they are not highly pigmented they are somewhat buildable, blend very well and it is almost impossible to overdo and look overly made up, which would make them great to give to a young teen that is just starting to wear make up or to create an easy everyday look.
'
'I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this product and find myself reaching for it over the higher end products I have purchased.  I use pressure on an applicator before applying to get a little more pigment.  There is some fallout but easy to brush off.

Pros:

  • Matte-shades of purple and complimentary colors.
  • Not highly pigmented.
  • Hard to overdo and look overly made up.
  • Shades are buildable and blend well.
  • From a Cruelty-Free company.
  • Recommended shelf life of 36 months.
  • Only $1 for 12 eye shadows.
Cons:
  • Not highly pigmented; would be difficult to obtain a "Smoky" eye look.
  • Subtle, Matte colors are not dramatic enough for an evening look on its own.
  • There is a little bit of fallout of the product.

I am very happy with this product and check out more from this company and other makeup items at the Dollar Tree in the future.
 


Shades on a piece of white paper


Shades on forearm




Monday, November 27, 2017

56 Pieces Barbie Clothing and Accessories - Under $10 on Amazon - Review



I purchased this set to send with a Barbie doll for Operation Christmas Child and purchased on Amazon for under $10 (link below) and was very happy with the set that included:


  • 7 Random party dresses - they are made with a thick ribbon like fabric and close in the back with sewn in Velcro and both feel sturdy.  Straps looked like they were sewn in so they won't come off.  The hem has been finished with pinking shears and doesn't look like it would easily fray.
  • 49 pieces of random Barbie accessories which include shoes, boots, bags, necklaces, hangers, comb, mirror, brush earrings and other small accessories.
The only con is the stitching looked off on one dress below, but when I put it on a old Barbie (camera was dead so no pic) it looked fine.

This set is less than one outfit would cost for a Barbie on one site and although it is not top  of the line quality, I think most little girls would love the fun variety of getting this set as a present over getting a single outfit and it seems like it will last up pretty well even with smaller, uncoordinated hands putting it on and taking it off.


Lots of shoes and accessories:




Stitching slightly off, but looked ok once on the Barbie


Link to set on Amazon:


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

L. A. Colors Matte Liquid Lip Color - Vixen - Review



Recently when I stopped in at Dollar General I saw the above on sale near the registers for $1.75 so I decided to give it a try.

It is an L.A. Colors, a discount cruelty-free makeup company matte liquid lip color in a color called "Vixen" which is a nude color with a slight pinkish undertone.

On L.A. Colors website it is described as:
"Smooth, easy to apply liquid formula dries to a super matte finish. Long wearing formula is perfect for all day wear with minimal touch-up"
It looks similar to a lipgloss once you unscrew the top as it has a sponge tip applicator attached.  When you put it on your lips it feels like a lip gloss and it does go on sleek and smells a little like coconut but it began to dry and got drier and drier and drier until it felt like my lips were being mummified.

I immediately put on lip balm and that feeling went away.

It did dry matte and did last most of the day without touching up and didn't come off in a glob like lipgloss does on a glass or mug.  If you use a lip balm, it still looks rather matte.

I considered tossing it but I actually received a compliment on the shade from a cashier at the grocery store and she said it looked great on me so I decide I will keep it.

PROS;
  • Cruelty-Free company
  • Lovely, Matte, Nude Pinkish Peachy Color
  • Glides on easily
  • Coconut Scent 
  • Long Lasting 
CONS:
  • Goes dry very quickly after initial application giving your lips a Mummy like feeling.
  • Need to apply a lip balm on top of it to get rid of the dry feeling
I do advise being sure your lips are clean before applying because if you apply it on top of a lipstick it gets gritty and starts feeling Mummy-like again.






Monday, November 20, 2017

12 Sewing Tips, Tricks and Hacks That Every Seamstress Should Know!



This was on Facebook and I thought I would share it here as there are a few tips and tricks I had not seen before, like using a fork to make pleats when sewing or gluing magnets under a plate to turn into a straight pin holder.

I have used the zigzagging over a cord to gather fabric before and it works very well, but you have to be sure you secure the end that you are not pulling on (I suggest using a safety pin through the middle of the cord and fabric on the end) and it had to be precise because if you sew into the cord, obviously it is not going to move.


One thing that I don't recommend is using the compressed air to clean out as it can force debris into your machine and gum up the works.

Have you ever tried any of these hacks?  If so, how did they work out for you?  If not, which one do you think you would like to try?

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Ultimate Makeup Lesson In 10 Steps by Bobbi Brown UK How-To Versus My 1970's Makeup


I spotted this video on Youtube by world-renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown where she does an Ultimate makeup lesson is 10 step in a little over 10 minutes.

She is known best for her "no makeup "look minimalist natural look so it surprised me that there is many products use to achieve this look and some steps are different than I how I had learned to do makeup, but she has so steps I will try in the future and it is a beautiful, natural look, like the double lining of the eyes and concealer just underneath lower lashes.

When I began using makeup in the mid to late '70s and there was only a fraction of the products or information that is on the market and available today.


Here would be my routine and that of many others:

Skincare:  Wash face with a bar of Ivory soap and a washcloth.  Only older women I knew used
                 Nivea or Oil of Olay

Corrector/
Concealer:    None.

Foundation:   A bottle of Covergirl and I think there were 4-5 shades to choose from.   We didn't
                      have beauty blenders back then, but we did have makeup sponges, although I usually
                      just used my fingertips.

Powder:         Coty loose face powder or Maybelline pressed powder just around the nose area to
                      keep it from getting shiny.

Bronzer:        None - I don't think it even existed

Blush:            There used to be a lot of cream and gel "pots: that they don't make today - I had one in                         a funky orangish color called "Sex Pot" I used to wear and thought it was cool (I think 
                       I used it as lipgloss in the above pic..  Also used pressed powder Maybelline and Avon
                       in pink tones.

Lips:               Sheer flavored Bonnie Bell Lip Gloss and more cream and gel" pots" until Senior year
                       I bought a dark wine almost black lipstick at Hill's Dept. store that was designed for
                       ethnic coloring - was another thing I thought was cool at the time.

Eyebrows:       No product used.  My Mom gave me a Studio Girl pressed black powder that had a
                         small stiff angled brush but it was too dark for my coloring at the time.

Eyeshadow:     A bright blue iridescent cream from lid to brow all through Jr. High - don't recall the
                         brand but it came in a small round "pot".

                         I don't recall there being the palettes like today - mostly was individual eyeshadow
                         and the one color would go in the lid and the crease.  A sponge-tipped applicator was
                         included in most powder shadows and I didn't know of anyone with a set of makeup
                         brushes.

Eyeliner:          Maybelline black liquid liner all around the eye was popular and I jumped on that
                         bandwagon but it usually seemed smudged under my eyes by midday.

Mascara:         These were the days of colored mascaras.  I specifically recall a dark green Maybelline
                        Mascara that had a stiff plastic comb/wand to apply that I loved.  Electric Blue was
                        another popular color.

                        Eyelash curlers were also as popular then as they are now.

Back then, the only souce of makeup application was in magazines or a few books on the subject.  The first "celebrity" makeup artist I knew of was Way Bandy, who had started out as a portrait painter before becoming a makeup artist and had also been an English teacher for 4 years.  I bought his book "Designing Your Face" (link below) and it completely changed my outlook and the way I did my makeup.

What tips did you learn from Bobbi's video that you think you might use?   What makeup products or techniques did you use when you were in Junior High & High School?



Way Bandy's "Designing Your Face".
Available on Amazon, but might be able to find it cheaper on EBAY or other sites as it now seems to be a Collector's item.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Dorco Pace 6 Razor 10 Cartridge Combo Set - $10 with coupon shipped - normally $22.15


Photo:  Source

I am posting this deal as I purchased a set last year for Marv for Christmas and he liked it so much he asked me where I got as he wanted to buy more.

Slick Deals, a site that posts deals and some user submitted like this one, where if you purchase the PACE 6 COMBO SET and enter code SDEALS118A.   

To enter the coupon code I had to go to the blue "View or Edit Your Cart" button and it takes you to a screen where you can enter it at the bottom.  Although the site indicates there will be $1.99 shipping when I entered the code the shipping went to zero and the total I paid was $10.

With this set you get the handle and 10 blades. Each cartridge has 6 blades and the strip at the top has Chamomile, Olive Oil and Allantoin to protect the skin and helps the blade easily for a close shave.

Another nice this is you can use Paypal to pay for your purchase so you don't have to give out your credit card information.

If interested, you might want to order quickly as I have no idea how long this offer will last and it is not indicated on Slick Deals.
  

Thursday, November 9, 2017

USEFUL COOKING TIPS BY GORDON RAMSEY



Most of us learn to cook by watching a parent or caregiver, then classes in school or perhaps places we have worked, but I always find it interesting to watch tips from people who work in professional kitchens as they usually have shortcuts for time and to reduce waste.

Although  the title of his video indicates 10, I think he counts the first two as one tip since they are both herbs, but there are really 11.

The tips are:

  1. Chopping herbs for maximum flavor
  2. Chop Coriander/Cilantro
  3. Ripen fruit quickly with a banana and a paper bag.
  4. Peel and cut a mango quickly
  5. Get rid of heat from chilis on your finger with lemon juice.
  6. Boil potatoes starting with cold water
  7. Peeling a Kiwi
  8. Cutting a Bell Pepper
  9. Check if a pineapple is ripe
  10. Scoring meat to cook faster and allow marinades to infuse
  11. Stop apples and avocados from going brown with lemon juice
While I already knew a few of these, like 1, 5, 10 and 11, some will be a challenge to teach an old dog (me) new tricks.

For example, I grew up seeing potatoes added to boiling water, not cold.  

In chopping bell peppers, my mom just chopped it in half, removed the seeds from both sides then diced them.  When I had to do a lot of them as a prep cook, I cut around the center to remove the center and seeds then chopped the peppers into halves, then quarters.

I have never cut a fresh mango before and the only time I did a kiwi was pre-internet for a fruit pizza and hacked the heck out of it to get the peel off; Gordon's method is exponentially easier and I am sure a lot quicker.

Are there any tips he shared do you think you would find useful?  What are some habits you have that would be hard to change because you have learned a different way?  

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Burger King's FARMHOUSE KING™ Burger - Review


This is Burger King's newest sandwich offering called the FARMHOUSE KING™ Burger.

It is advertised as being a 1/2 pound flame-grilled burger topped with thick cut bacon, American Cheese, Crispy Onions, ketchup, a signature creamy sauce and a fried eg on a toasted sesame seed bun.

I purchased the meal that included french fries and a drink for $10.67.

When saw the wrapper I knew it was going to be a big sandwich and when I opened it some bits of bacon and the few pieces of Crispy Onion that were on the sandwich fell out when I opened the wrapper fell off the sandwich which is the first clue it would be a messy sandwich to eat.  You almost need a knife and fork to eat it.

With there being two large double beef patties I have no doubt it was a 1/2 lbs sandwich and it was so big I could barely get it in my mouth.  There was so much burger that it drowned out the egg, bacon and any sauce that might be on the burger.  

I have had an egg on a Prince of Royal Burger at Steak N Shake and I liked that layer of flavor that it added, but obviously if you don't like eggs or you are trying to keep your cholesterol down or you might not like this additional flavor on a sandwich.  I might have liked it on this sandwich but as I said, too much burger to everything else ratio.

Unless you are a growing teenager or very athletic it is really too much sandwich for one person and at 1220 calories (per bk.com's website) it takes up more than 1/2 of the recommended daily allowance for calories.

I think this product would be much better if the eliminated one of the burgers, skipped the ketchup and just had their special sauce.

Pros:
  • Is a whole lotta burger - you could probably easily split this between two people.
  • Several pieces of thick, crispy bacon
  • Is high in protein 63g, so most people could meet or exceed their recommended daily allowance for that with just this sandwich
Cons:
  • Too much and too messy of a Burger to eat while driving; almost need a fork and a knife so it doesn't get all over your clothes.
  • High in calories at 1200 calories.  Is also high in fat at 80g and cholesteral at 62g
  • Expensive - is almost as much as two of the value meals on sale.
  • Too much burger to everything else ratio - it drowns out the other flavors. 
In summation, if you order this burger, I recommend asking that one of the burgers be left off and see what discount on the sandwich or meal is without it.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Too Faced "I Want Kandee" Eyeshadow Palette - First Impressions



This limited edition "I Want Candy" eye shadow palette is a collaboration of makeup company, Too Faced and makeup artist/Youtube blogger, Kandee Johnson.  

I have never tried a Too Faced product before, but I am a fan of Kandee Johnson and I like all of the shades and I had enough points on my Ulta card to purchase.  I also liked every shade and believe I would use them all, not just some of them like some palettes.

Although I purchased this product the day it came out on Ulta's website for $45, I haven't really used the product to say I can attest beyond first impressions.

I usually wait for a sale before buying higher end products and find myself saving it, which defeats the purpose of buying it in the first place.  I have told myself I will try it out on the weekend when I have more time and someplace special to wear it to, but when the weekend comes I don't want to use it if I am just Krogering and end up defaulting to know what works instead of trying this product.  Does anyone else do this?

Here are my impressions:

Pros:
  • You get 12 eye shadows and 3 highlight shades, which works out to be $3 per shadow.
  • The tin is sturdy and something that can be used to hold trinkets once the products is gone.
  • The colors are very pretty and give you options for a wide variety of looks.  
  • It is scented once you start to use the product - it is sort of chocolaty scent, but by first impression was "Circus" types of sweets, including chocolate when I first smelled it.
  • Shades blend well.
Cons
  • Product has a quite a bit of fallout - you want to do your eyes first.
  • Did not smell anything until brushes a crossed product.  
  • If scents bother you, you might not like this product.
  • Cost seems a bit high - Most other blogger palettes I have seen run $13.50 to $30 and think they could have sold a lot more product by having a lower price point, especially since the higher fan base is probably going to be teens to early 20's.  
  • Limited edition product - once it is gone, it is gone.
  • No mirror inside the box.  For $45, I expected there to a mirror.
  • No brush or applicator is included
Overall I think you have to accept it for what it is - a novelty item and something with a little bit of fun to it, but you are paying a premium for packaging and the novelty.


Here is a swatch on paper next to the product (below are swatches on my forearm).  I was surprised at how much loose dust of product there was when swatching.




Beauty "Recipes" booklet

"Recipe" of one of the looks called Cotton Kandee.  I love that there are pictures, if you are going to have a booklet I think you need to gear it to someone who may not know terminology from the videos like "Smoke".   Also, as she is a video blogger, I would think it might have been best to have a look book of the different looks and have a step-by-step video tutorial online for each look and direct users there. 

Front of outer box


Back of outer box - I think the colors o the box are much darker than the actual product


Front of inner tin containing products.  I like that it does look like a box of girly candies.The lid is convex and rounded on the top which is unique, but it does make it hard to stack with other shadow palettes.


Back of inner tin containing product.  Although key that looks like a box of chocolates is cute. 


Inner tin with product opened.  Disappointed there was no mirror or applicator but like the Vellum protective paper indicating what the product adds a touch of class to the tin.


Here is the product swatched on my forearm.  The first color on the top, Butterscotched, turned out so faint that when I went to swatch the line below they don't line up as I started underneath the 2nd shade, Pastry and I ran out of room for the bottom highlighting powders.


Monday, September 25, 2017

AerWo Black Spider Halloween Lace Lamp Shade Cover - Review




I purchased the above lampshade topper off Amazon as a Halloween decoration.   The current price is $10.97 and shipping is free if you have Amazon Prime.  I like the way it looks on my lamp - gives it sort of a creepy elegance.

From the ad (picture with link below), I had figured it would have some sort of elastic at the top, but it turned out to be a flat piece of fabric, 60inx18in and a long ribbon, which is probably better as it makes it easier to adjust to fit whatever size lamp you want to fit it around.

 

The top and the holes where you put the ribbon are finished nicely and it has a spider web look with spiders on it with bats at the bottom.  The bats at the bottom appeared that they might fray when washed, so I used black nail polish around all of the edges to keep it in place. 

It is made out of polyester and indicates you can machine or hand wash in cold water with no bleach on a gentle cycle, but from experience with similar fabrics I would recommend if you put it into the washer that you put it in lingerie washing bag first and air dry over a plastic hanger placed over your shower head or someplace outside it dry overnight..


The ad indicates it can also be used as a window or door sway or a mantle scarf, but as it is a and open ended piece of fabric with ribbon as a lace it could also be used as a skirt topper, a scarf, a caplet or even a veil.

The company that sells it, AerWo, also has a 3-month money back guarantee.  I would say the finished top and holes that the ribbon goes through is a little higher quality than similarly priced items I have seen and I also like that it has the combo of spider webs, spiders with the uneven bat hem and will be keeping mine:) 

Pros:
  • Adds creepy elegance to a room 
  • 100% Polyester fabric
  • Comes flat (60inx18in) and comes with a long ribbon
  • The top and the holes where you put the ribbon are finished nicely
  • Spider web look with spiders on it with bats at the bottom
  • Could be used as a window or door topper, skirt topper, caplet, scarf or veil.
  • Comes with a 3 month from date of purchase money back guarantee from the company. 
Cons:
  • Bats on bottom edges do not have a finished edge - might fray (I used black nail polish).
  • Care should be given if washing in the machine or should be hand washed.

Bag Front


 Bag Back

 Topper out of the bag it a flat piece of fabric with a ribbon
Top of the topper with finished edges for laces and closeup of spider


Bats at the bottom.  While the top has finished edges, it did not look like the bottom did, so  I used black nail polish to ensure the bats at the bottom would stay intact.


Saturday, September 16, 2017

Luxe by Mr. Bubble - All Buttered Up Body Butter in Original Scent - Review




As a kid I used to envy my cousins that got to use Mr. Bubble every night in their tub as it was not a luxury my Mom could afford so I was excited to find there is a grown-up version of a few items such as the above body butter.

I purchased online at Ulta  where it was listed for sale for $10, but purchased when they had a "Buy One, get 50% off" sale.  This Body Butter is an 8 oz container in a cute retro themed container with a metal lid and plastic tub.

The body butter in the tub is less like butter than others I have used and goes on lighter and feels more like a cream. The product contain Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Coconut Oil.

It is scented and it has a clean fresh scent.  A family member thought it smelled a little like strawberries, but Mr. Bubble's website indicates it is a "Bubble Gum" scent with coconut, banana, and peach with notes of Wintergreen and Hawaiian Jasmine.

I like to use it on any dry areas after a bath. It does easily glide on and absorbed without being too oily feeling and the scent lingers for a few minutes but is very subtle.

I did notice if I use it on my hands and wash them within about 20 minutes, unless I scrub a lot with soap and water, it does seem to bring the emollients to the top and can feel it.   Also, I would not recommend using on the face if you use makeup as it does seem to interfere with the foundation or other products sticking to your skin as it has created a barrier.

I really enjoy this product had within a few month I have used the product up and do plan on repurchasing this product during a sale.

PROS:

  • Fun retro packaging
  • Clean, fresh scent
  • Glides on easily and absorbs without being too oily
  • Condition dry skin
  • Lighter and less buttery than most body butters, if  you like a lighter product
  • Is less expensive than many body butters on the market


CONS:

  • Not as "buttery" or waxy as other body butters; if expecting that might be disappointed
  • Not good to use on hands or any area you wash frequently as it brings up the emollient
  • Not good to use on face if you wear makeup as it creates a barrier and foundation and other products don't stick.
  • Is more expensive than thick lotions you could purchase at a drug store that would do a similar job (but would not be as fun as this product).




Body Butter up close


Body Butter on back of hand

Friday, September 8, 2017

Fazoli's - Feed The Children - Pasta With A Purpose Promotion - Donate $1 Get $50 in Savings


Fazoli's currently has a promotion called "Pasta With A Purpose" to raise money for Feed The Children and 100% of your $1 donation will go to benefit the organization and in return Fazoli's gives you a book of coupons with over $50 in saving if you used all of them.

Below are some examples of coupons in the booklet.

I can say with all honesty Fazoli's is my family's favorite pasta place even over higher end places in our town or even other towns we have been to, especially since they started serving good in real plate ware and actual forks and our service has been better than when we have dined at The Olive Garden or when I went to the Spaghetti Factory in Indianapolis.

Even if you are not a pasta fan, if you hit the drive-thru at your local Fazoli's you can get a couple of books where the donation will be made to the fund and put them on a bulletin board where you work or maybe provide them as option in your Trick or Treat bowl if you have a Fazoli's in your city and you would not only be donating to a good cause, but also paying it forward.

Note:  I have no affiliation with Fazoli's or Feed The Children, I am just a consumer that thinks    
           Fazoli's is a great fast food place and Feed The Children is a good cause.




Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Burger King - Cheesy Tots - Review

 Burger King has a limited time promotion of Cheesy Tots, which they currently sell as a side for $1.99.   It is small potato bits formed around a cheese product, coated in a batter and deep fried.

My guest said they were too "Cheesy" and needed a smaller amount of cheese as it overpowers the potato, but he is a tater tot purist and doesn't like anyone messing with the original tater tot form.  

It is crunchy on the outside and has hot potato bits on the inside with melted cheese type product; kind of like a Kraft American processed slice cheese taste.

I could see what he meant though and found the tots needed a sauce of some kinds to try to bring cheese and potatoes together and the cheese product was a little overpowering in places.

I got some packets of Mayo and used them and enjoyed them then.  They was also good with the Honey Mustard Dipping sauce, but it will cost extra to purchase unless you are buying Chicken Nuggets as well.

Anything deep fried of course is not going to be something good for you and should be eaten in moderation.  

While it  is something I might purchase again, my guest only took one bite and said it is not something he liked or would order again.



The nutrition information from Burger King's website indicates the following - it doesn't specify if the serving size it the 8 tots are in the box, so assuming it is for the box of 8.
  • Calories
    310
  • Protein
    9g
  • Carbohydrates
    34g
  • Sugar
    0g
  • Fat
    15g
  • Saturated Fat
    0g
  • Trans Fat
    0g
  • Cholesterol
    0mg
  • Sodium
    780mg
Allergens: Wheat, Milk, Prepared in fryer used for products containing wheat.