Thursday Thoughts

Gooood Morning!  Welcome to Thursday Thoughts, Vacation Edition!  As always, linking up with Jennifer from Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for all the awesomeness!  My thoughts are a bit fuzzy (hey, it's not even 10 AM as I'm typing this, and Dragon slept til 9 for just about the first time EVER.  Here's what's on my mind today:

- Fun!  Fun fun fun fun!!! Isn't it funny that you don't even realize how much you miss your extended family until you get the chance to see them again?  We have been going from house to house, activity to activity, and loving every moment of it.  I have been blessed with truly amazing in-laws, and they have never hesitated to welcome me with open arms and make me a part of the family.  We even got to see some cousins from Alaska that came out to see family when we did, so it's just been extra-special this time.

- Car trouble.  As always.  I was so proud of myself for getting the car paid off in February, that I completely forgot about the CURSE.  If you've never heard of this curse, the legend is that the second you pay off your car (or house, or other major purchase), it will completely fall apart.  Right now, this car is costing us more in repairs than it ever did in monthly payments.  (Not to mention the annoyance and trouble of the random noises and breakdowns.  Nothing like having your car fail to start in the middle of a national park, right!?)  This time it was the battery.  So, I have a statement for my car.  YOU ARE DONE.  You are done breaking down, you are done with noises, with not accelerating or steering right, with any issues whatsoever.  We have fixed your wheels, your alignment, your engine.  We just got you a brand-new battery.  Now quit it before we decide that we can't afford you anymore and go with a nice, sensible sedan.

THIS COULD BE YOU, CAR. Image Source

- Whew!  Ok.  Back to the fun.  We saw Monsters U with the boys yesterday, and it was AWESOME!  Good movie, great life lessons, and it was really cool seeing the friendship of Sully and Mike Wazowski develop.  I just had one little teeny issue.  (Um, I guess *spoiler alert*, but not really.  I don't think this will ruin the movie for you)  The previews?  That fun little scene where they turn Mike Wazowski into a disco ball?  Totally not in the movie.  And that is my own personal pet peeve.  I don't like it when things are in the previews, but not the movie.  Because I spend the WHOLE movie looking for them!  Gaaaah!  Still, awesome movie, definitely take your kids to see it!  (And if you don't have kids, totally go see it anyway.  It's that good.)

Image Source

- The rain.  Oh, the rain.  It has rained just about every day we've been here, and the forecast is calling for it to rain for the next week.  We want to do fun outdoorsy things!  We want to go swimming, go fishing, to the zoo, and to just run and play in the yard!  Thankfully we have been able to keep the kids entertained so far with movies, games, and grocery shopping. For some reason, as long as their Gogo (my hubby's aunt) is along, they will grocery shop all day! I'm hoping it clears up in time for the 4th of July.  We have fireworks, people!  (And we are in an extremely rural area, so we won't be bugging anyone with setting them off.)

Fireworks.  Ours probably won't look this cool.  Image Source

Ok, I'm gonna take off now.  Sesame Street is on!  I'm totally enjoying having regular TV to watch stuff that isn't on Netflix and Hulu, but these commercials are killin' me.  I definitely feel that I made the right choice to cut the cable cord.

I hope you all are having a wonderful week, and it just keeps going!

The Next Three Weeks

Well, we made it!

We had safe travels, including a 2-night stay in Tennessee with my mommy (she's an artist-in-residence at a summer camp in the Smokies every year) and we had so much fun hiking and playing in the mountains!  Dragon and Knight are now very proud of their daddy's prowess in finding small mountain critters. He caught a caterpillar, which immediately pooped on him.

Best quote from Knight EVER:  "Daddy!  That caterpillar thought you were a toilet!"

And my darling husband also managed to find two little crawdads in a stream.  We popped them into a cup we had with us and let the boys watch them swim around.  Of course, we then released them back into the water, with a story to tell their friends.  "No, Bob, I swear!  One of the kids just yelled THE WHOLE TIME!" (Dragon did a good job scaring off wildlife with his constant stream of noise)

Oh, and just FYI, if you have kids and take a nature-y vacation, pack WAY more clothing than usual.  The boys went through three outfits a day.  There was the morning/breakfast outfit that lasted til they played in a stream and immediately fell in.  There was the "here's some dry clothing" outfit that lasted through a hike and then a deliberate "go get wet!" playing in another mountain stream.  And then there was a "let's all take a shower and go into town for dinner" outfit that (thankfully) lasted til bedtime.

We're now in the Cincinnati area for vacation/visiting our family.  I'll be posting, just not very often, or with any regularity.  Also, any of my sub boxes are being held at our post office back home until we get back (can't WAIT to see the look on my mail carrier's face when she delivers 3 weeks worth of mail!  Ahahaha!)  However!  I will still have a few reviews.  I have the PopSugar June box coming here (Jennifer of Ramblings of a Suburban Mom was kind enough to send the box I won here to my aunt's house!  Thank you!)

I also ordered some samples of eyeshadow pigments from Glamour Doll Eyes.  I have heard nothing but amazing reviews on MakeupTalk and I'm so excited to try them!  I fully expect to go completely insane over the color Fiji Mermaid.  Aaaand, I *WILL*  be ordering the Solar Palette from Pacifica on July 1st.  According to their FB page, it will be 30% off for the first week of July!  I'll also be looking for other codes to stack (Pacifica lets you use multiple discount/free product codes in one order.  For this, they have my eternal love).  I'll be back to let you know how much I saved!

Solar Palette!  Image Source 

Ok, that's all for now.  Ready to see some family and get my relaxation on!  Have fun today, and be amazing!

Thursday Thoughts

Wait, it's Thursday again?  When did that happen?  Time for linking up with Jennifer from Ramblings of a Suburban Mom!

Here's what's on my (admittedly vacant, with mis-firing synapses everywhere) mind today!

- If you guys remember, I did a Cravebox giveaway a few weeks ago.  One day before the giveaway ended,  Cravebox went out of business.  (Yay me, right?)  However, I had hundreds of entries, and decided to pick a winner anyway and see what happened.  The lovely Mary won, and even though Cravebox never replied to my "seriously, dudes?" email, I was able to construct a box that was fairly similar to the Pamper Me box she requested.  It's sitting on my dining room table now, and will be mailed out today.  Mary, thank you for your patience, I seriously hope you win another blog contest soon where the company doesn't go out of business!  I'll post a pic of her box of goodies (and a more complete version of this story) once I know she's received it!

- And in a lesson on good karma, I just WON a June PopSugar box from the very blog that I link up with, Ramblings of a Suburban Mom!  Actually, here's a link to her review for this box!  I always love seeing the items in the PopSugar box, but at $35/mo, it's a bit beyond my budget.  This month has an AMAZING scarf, as well as other goodies from Juice Beauty, Popcorn Indiana, the new Revenge Wears Prada hardback book, and yes... EVEN MORE.  I'm so excited, and so grateful!  Thank you, Jennifer!  (Aha!  I found one of her famous picture collages of the box contents.  The pic below is her work.  Not mine.  I hope to someday be this talented.)

Image Source

- Packing.  I hate packing.  We are going to be gone for THREE WHOLE WEEKS visiting family!  We're going to be hanging out, relaxing, dropping the kids off with relatives so we can have kid-free dates for the first time in over a year (seriously!), and it'll be awesome.  BUT.  I have to pack clothing, toiletries, swim stuff, accessories, electronics, snacks, and of course because Dragon is still addicted to his little froggy potty, a freakin' toilet.  Kind of surprised we're not bringing the kitchen sink too, because why not?  And yes, my hubby does pack his own bag!  But packing for three people is no picnic.  Honestly, it's getting better.  Babies need so much more stuff than kids - you have no idea how grateful I am to not have to pack a ton of diapers and a pack'n'play. And a stroller.  So it's better. But still, a wee bit stressed right now!

- I got eight hours of sleep last night!  It's always my fault that I don't get much sleep, because I love kid-free time at night to surf MakeupTalk, talk to my hubby, and watch my new favorite show... Flying Wild Alaska!   You see, I could never live in Alaska.  I hate the cold, I love modern creature comforts, and the last time a bug landed on me I swatted it off and snarled "Get off me, NATURE!"  But I do love watching shows about environments I have no intention of entering (Like Alaskan reality shows, prison reality shows, and survivalist shows).  So yay for sleep last night, and keep making reality shows, Alaska!  I may even visit someday.  In July.

And that's about it for my poor little brain.  That's right, 4 thoughts is about all I can handle right now.  Posting may be sporadic for the next few weeks, thanks for your understanding as I re-learn how to get through a restaurant meal without a 3-year-old on my lap, a 5-year-old crawling under the table, and the judgmental glares of those around me.

Cheers!

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Review (from Influenster!)

It's a hot, sweaty hump day.  (Wednesday.  Hump Day.  What did you think I was talking about?)  Perfect for a review of deodorant, right?  Because as hot and humid as it gets, not being stinky is an important part of the human experience.  So I was very thankful to see a Secret Outlast Deodorant in my complimentary  Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster!

Here's the whole box:

And the Secret Outlast!

It's been awhile since I used a gel deodorant, the solids have been my mainstay since my teen years.  And since they've made great advances in the stick deodorants not getting everywhere on clothing, I've seen no reason to switch.  But I'll try anything once!

Unfortunately, once is about all I can do on the Outlast Clear Gel.  It's not you, Secret, I swear it's me.  Or this hot, hot summer weather.  Either way, I'm going back to my regular Secret deodorant.  Which I'm kind of sad about, because the gel smells amazing!  And for the few hours it works, I'm sure I smell amazing, too.  But after that?   But I need my deodorant to work all day.  I don't have time to reapply when chasing after the kiddos.  And I certainly need a product that works through playing outside, doing chalk drawings on the driveway, and T-Ball games!  I promise, I'll still use Secret (no one can make deodorant smell as good as you do!)

Have you tried the gel?  What do you think?

And in closing, check out this deodorant dance from Jenni Pulos!  I have to admit, I've done some of these moves in my time.

Ipsy June 2013 Unboxing Video!

Hello my lovelies!  Just the unboxing video for now, but I have my Birchbox, too, and you know what that means!  By the end of the week, you'll have ringside seats for my BEAUTY BOX BEATDOWN!  Who will win the eternal beauty battle this week? Stay tuned to find out! (And please tell me if you read that entire paragraph in a Monster-Truck-Rally Announcer's Voice!)

Here 'tis!




Have a wonderful day!

Thursday Thoughts

Ok, so it's been a few weeks since I hooked up with Jennifer at Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for Thursday Thoughts.  But we've been traveling, and dealing with the end of the school year, and... yeah, I have the memory of a goldfish at the best of times, so things don't always get done.  However, I only claim to be magical, not perfect! With that being said... here's what's on my mind today:

- It. Is. HOT.  High of 97?  Yikes!  Thankfully there will be a storm later on today, which will cool things off to the high 80s next week (heh. "cool". not so much.).  However, this is the price we pay for not having bad winters!  And I am totally ok with that!  We've got water, fans, and A/C when it gets too bad.  Of course, talk to me in August when we've had several days straight at over 100 degrees, and it may be a different story.

- I am going to have to buy a bunch of stuff crafting stuff soon.  I'm trying to keep the boys away from the TV this summer, and I can only let them play outside in 90+ heat for so long before they turn into sweaty, beet-red monsters!  I'm loving Pinterest for ideas on how to keep Dragon and Knight entertained, and I may be busting out this one today:

Image Source.  Also, not my kid ;)

It's a tray of baking powder, and vinegar colored with food coloring.  The vinegar causes the baking powder to fizz up, so it's like art AND science!  I don't have an eyedropper, but I'll just let them use spoons or something.  Oh, and if any of you have any fun projects/activities for kids (5 & 3 year-old boys), let me know in the comments!

- I made Jello molds with my kids for the first time a few nights ago, and I cannot emphasize enough, READ THE DIRECTIONS FIRST!  I thought I had it all down... but apparently you're supposed to spray the molds with cooking spray first?  And then set the tray in warm water for a few seconds before tipping them out?  Yeah... sorry kiddos for the headless giraffe and half-a-monkey that were all that came out.  We'll get it next time.

- We live pretty far away from family, and I always forget how amazing my family (and in-laws!) are at taking my kids for a few minutes when we're home.  I swear, I didn't see Knight for more than 3 seconds at a time for the whole visit!  Poor Dragon decided to by shy, and cling to me the whole time (gaaaah!), but I'm hoping when we go home for a longer visit, he starts warming up to everyone and I can have a few minutes to myself every once in awhile (that's all I'm asking, kiddo!)

- And that's about it for my thoughts today!  Sorry, road trips take it out of me for about a week after we get home.  Am I getting old?  *sigh*

What's on your mind today?

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure Review

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Influenster?  They send products out for free for me to review and give my honest opinion about, and lately they've also had impeccable timing.  As part of my Spring Fever Voxbox, I got the Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure - just in time to attend my brother-in-law's wedding!

Wheeee!!!

I will tell you, I was a bit apprehensive about trying press-on nails.  I don't think I've tried them since, oh... 8th grade?  But I read some good reviews, and decided to bust them out for a special occasion.  Especially because they matched the dress I had already bought for the wedding!  I received a design from the Nicole Scherzinger (of The Pussycat Dolls Fame) line, called "Sexy Fresh".  As you can see, there are actually two colors, thankfully I was able to get a full set using only the blue & purple.  Call me crazy, but if I'm already sporting a feathery/sparkly design on my fingers, I like to keep it within one color family.

Halfway there!

The best part about these little guys?  I only had about 10 minutes to get them done between my own hair and makeup, and getting my boys dressed (they still need some help with formalwear).  And I had time to spare!  I lined up the nails by size, matched them to my fingers, wiped my nails with the included alcohol wipe, peeled off the backings, and slapped them on!  Several people who reviewed these noted that it helped to just hang out and let the nails set for about half an hour, but seriously, ain't nobody got time fo' dat!

Over the next few days, I took these little guys on a whirlwind tour!  Of course, there was the wedding (amazing!), the reception (SO fun!), a Reds game the next day...

First MLB Game!  And I take pics of my nails...

Then there was the super-long drive home, catching up on housework, yardwork, allll the craziness!  Oh, and of course some mommy-son bonding time over our brand new jello molds!

And my nails STILL look great!

And guess what?  Five days later, and I'm typing this review... still wearing my nails!  They still look awesome (I just got another compliment on them today!), with minimal tip wear.  I am about to take them off, though.  Not because they're falling off or anything, just because I've reached the end of 1) my attention span and 2) my wardrobe's ability to match these nails.

However.  I have another full set in orange-pink, so I'm ready to go!  I will be buying more of these (and using the $1 off coupon from their website!), and I can't wait to try some different patterns, starting with Holla!  Bottom row... third from the left.  GORGEOUS!

Image Source

So, thanks very much, Influenster! I loved trying these, and I'm so happy to find out that press-on nails are now a great way to get some pretty nail art without paying an arm & a leg (they run about $6-7, patterns are slightly more than the plain ones).

Have you tried these nails?  What did you think?

Disclaimer:  As previously stated, I received these nails for free from Influenster.  I am not compensated for this review, and all opinions are my own!

Spicy Subscription (NSFW!)

Ooh la la!

I got a great opportunity to review a box from the wonderful people at Spicy Subscriptions.  This is an "adult" box (and therefore, my hubby's new favorite of my subscription boxes!) so I thought I'd put all the content into a spoiler.  I feel I should spare your delicate eyes, or the eyes of any kids that happen to be hanging out nearby! Also if I know you in real life or happen to be related to you, just scroll on by.  Don't make the next family reunion awkward.  (Or read it.  Whatevs.)

First of all, can I just say that every time I read the word "Spicy", this plays in my head?

Oh Stefon... gonna miss ya!  Ok, here it is!  SPICY!

I know I'm throwing up all kinds of "Warning!" and "Not Safe For Work!", but this box is pretty tame by "adult" box standards.  There are waaaay more kinky options.  Spicy Subscriptions has two different levels, Premium (1 Flirty Item, 1 or 2 Full-Size Items, and 4-8 Trial Size Items) for $24.95 a month, or Deluxe (1 Deluxe Item, 1 or 2 Full-Size Items, 1 Deluxe Accessory, and 4-8 Trial Size Items) for $34.95 a month.  I was sent a Deluxe Spicy Box (woo-hoo!) to review.

I think this box is perfect for an anniversary gift for your husband (but yeah, in private, not in front of the kids or extended family!), or for a bride-to-be at a lingerie shower.  I would absolutely call this one of the classier boxes.  Also, the second I opened it, there was PINK EVERYWHERE, and you know I can't resist that!  The box is shipped very discreetly, in an outer USPS envelope.  The box is inside and looks like this:

The box is black and glossy, with a pink devil's tail going across the front.  I love this design, I feel like it hints at being naughty, without being vulgar.  Here's a First Look:

PINK!  I love pink!  I think it gives this box a flirty touch.  I read over the contents card, was pretty reassured that nothing was going to jump out and bite me, so I dove in and started pulling stuff out!

The first item is the Chocolate Fantasy Body Topping in Chocolate Strawberry ($15).  Well you know what I did... popped it open, and poured some on my hand!  This is DELICIOUS!  It tastes exactly like chocolate-dipped strawberries!  It is mainly made of sugar (High Fructose Corn Sweetener and Corn Syrup were the first two ingredients), so I honestly wouldn't recommend letting this stuff get near any sensitive areas.  Otherwise, have fun!

Do what now?  These just made me giggle.  Comfortably Numb Oral Sex Mints in Mint Chocolate ($8)   However, continuing in the the spirit of "If it's chocolate, taste it!" I popped one of these triangle-shaped mints in my mouth.  It also has a good flavor, the mint is the strongest taste, with a faint (and slightly chalky) taste of chocolate.  However, the numbing effect didn't work too well on me.  There was a faint loss of sensation, but nothing too noticeable.

Next, I pulled out Moist Personal Lubricant (4 oz, $13), which is a water-based and unscented.  This is actually one of the healthiest kinds of lube, and the pump dispenser at the top is convenient.  I put some on the back of my hand, it is smooth and slippery without being sticky.

Oooh, here's where it starts getting SPICY!  This is the Pleasure Lickz Vibrating Tongue Stimulator ($1.25) which supposedly slips on over your tongue.  There is a little plastic loop, but when I tried to stretch it out to put it on over my tongue (which is in no way a large tongue), the plastic snapped.  Also, I would totally be afraid of choking on this thing!  But when I turned it on, it vibrated so hard it just about jumped out of my hand!  So... use at your own risk?

Again, with the pink!  Sweet!  This is the Neon Luv Touch Mini Mite "Personal Massager" ($9.50) with 4 soothing attachments.  This was actually the biggest disappointment in the box.  It didn't come with batteries, so I grabbed a AA battery, popped it in, and... nada.  I tried 4 different other batteries, all of which I KNOW worked (I put them in a flashlight to test them), and only one worked... and I had to hold the switch on/down as hard as I could.  Which, even if you were totally using this to massage some sore neck muscles, would be annoying and hard to manage.  So sad.

There were also a few foil packets, one of a sparkly body lotion (which apparently contains pheremones?  What am I, a firefly?)  and another type of lube.

All told, the box was worth $46.75, which is well over the cost of the box!  Also, with the free shipping and discreet delivery, this is such a perfect way to add a little spice into your relationship.  Interested?  Go check out Spicy Subscriptions here, and tell them A Magical Mom sent you!