Be Slick, Not Sick, This School Year With Purell - Review

The time is here once again, back to school. I am sure there are parents sobbing and rejoicing all over the state(and the country) because their children are already(or finally) going to school. Back to school is a very unique time that is full of conflicting emotions.

Parents and kids alike are sad to see the summer end, but parents are happy to have some alone time to recuperate from the (worthwhile) exhaustion of parenting and kids are glad to be back with all their friends all day at school.

While school provides structure, a set routine, it also brings stress and a lot of work for both children and parents. Of course, it is all necessary and beneficial. As they say, "Knowledge is power" and that could not be more true. School is our way of choosing our own destiny, soaking in everything we can and deciding how to make our lives(our children's lives) better because of it.

On top of all the chaos and joy of school, there is one thing about school that always has the potential to create a problem. When you have that many people closely interacting for long periods of time, every weekday, it is hard to keep things to yourself. I mean, of course, germs.

The last thing you want to worry about when going back to school is getting sick because you touched a germy doorknob or desk or bus seat, etc., etc. There is no escaping it. With so many people, there is pounds to be germs, and if unprotected, they can(and will) easily make you sick.

Thankfully, although you cannot hide, you can fight(and win) the battle against germs. Purell has your back.

With the protection of Purell, you can take on everything that school dishes out. If you touch a germy surface, you can just use a squirt of Purell, rub your hands together and POOF, bye-bye germs. No water needed, no hassle, done in seconds.

Purell offers tons of sizes and varieties to accommodate any need from big bottles-perfect for offices or classrooms, to normal bottles-a must in every home, to travel size bottles-personal protection, anywhere.

With the Jelly Wrap Carrier Packs, you can even attach them to backpacks or purses. That way, you don't even need to open your bag to banish germs.

I put one on my son's backpack. He is 6 and starting the first grade. He has Autism, so hand washing is not a favorite activity of his, but he does love having his own Purell Jelly Pack and he likes the cooling sensation and fun smell of the Purell.

He probably uses it even more than he needs to, which is great.

I also put one on my purse. That way I always have it on hand(pun intended). As a mom of two, I am always dealing with messy and potential germs. Not only is Purell a must to carry for my own hands, but I love having it handy(I am on a roll with the hand puns) for when the kids or the hubby need it too.

Hubby also takes a Jelly Pack with him to work. That is extremely important for him since he works in recycling, meaning he has to touch all the bins and recyclables he picks up(and who knows what is on them). He loves the convenience and effectiveness of Purell of continual hand washing too.

Not only does Purell kill more germs than any other brand of hand sanitizer, but it contains moisturizers and Vitamin E to keep hands looking and feeling soft and smooth. Plus, Purell Advanced also comes in a wonderful variety of scents. Not only does that mean it does not smell bad(as may brands do), but they smell really good, and stay smelling good for a pretty long time.

So basically, using Purell Advanced Kills Germs(to help prevent you from getting sick), Moisturizes hands, and makes them smell fabulous. Plus you can carry it with you in a convenient and stylish way, so you never have to look or dig to find it. If that does not equal a must have for back to school(or any other reason), I don't know what does.

So this school year, focus on being Smart, stylish and slick, not sick. School is too important to worry about germs or be under the weather. Take care of yourself, and let Purell take care of you.

Be sure to check out the Purell "Kill a Gajillion Germs" Giveaway for your chance to win some incredible prizes.

*Although I received these products at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own*

Nutrisystem Week 27 Update

The time has come once again. It's time for my weekly Nutrisystem update. Of course I am so happy to share my progress with you all, but this week I am also beginning to feel a little bit sad. I am sad because this week coming to an end means I have begun my last week on Nutrisytem.

Next weeks update(week 28) will be my last. And although it will be exciting since I have a special giveaway for you all(be sure to check it out), and I will be summing up my overall progress, I am so sad that it is coming to an end.

I have learned how to eat proper foods in proper portions, thanks to Nutrisystem, so I will be able to do it on my own now, but Nutrisystem makes it so easy, that I don't really want to. With Nutrisytem, I do not have to think about good portions or shop for meal ingredients, measure, etc.

I am rarely even tempted on Nutrisystem since the food is so good and filling and I get to eat so much. Fighting temptation and choosing to eat healthy even if it is less convenient will be a challenge, but the motivation I have achieved from Nutrisystem will carry over and keep me going.

I really am going to miss it though. I won't be able to have donuts for breakfast anymore like I had today, and that will be sad, the donuts are so good.

Not only will I miss the donuts(and all the fabulous foods) and the convenience, but I will miss the weight loss. I love the results that I have achieved so far on Nutrisystem, and I only hope I can keep them half as good on my own.

This week I dropped another...

2 POUNDS and 1 INCH!!

That puts my total at...

57.2 POUNDS and 26 1/2 INCHES!!

That puts me very well on track to earn my 60lb Nutribear by next week, whcih is my ultimate goal at this point. I am going to push myself to the limit. I might even *gasp*...exercise. I know Nutrisystem will have my back, and I really thing together we can do it.

As sad as I am about this ending, I am so happy that I did this for myself and gave Nutrisystem the chance to change my life.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

*Although I am receiving the Nutrisystem program at no cost in return for honest reviews, all opinions and results are 100% my own.*

Drink to Your Health! Bai 5 Review

I have been on a weight loss journey since January. I have dropped a good amount of weight, and it is wonderful. I look better, I feel better, everything is good.

The problem though, is that this is not just a diet for me, it is my new way of life. I will continue on a path of better health even once my goal is met. That is good of course, but it is also a big challenge.

Through the course of my diet thus far, I have had to watch not only what I eat, but what I drink as well. Low to no calories is very important, so I drink lots water and diet soda. Water can get a little boring, and I have heard tons of things abut diet soda being very bad for you. Plus it gets boring after while too.

I love fruit and I used to drink lots of juice. While fruit juice is good for you, it needs to be consumed in moderation to avoid excess calories. And other fruit drinks are even worse than real juice, so that leaves me right where I started, diet soda or water.

But, not anymore, because I discovered BAI 5.

Bai 5 is an incredible antioxidant infused fruit drink that has an astounding 5 calories per (8 fl. oz.) serving. It comes in 9 incredible flavors(I tried 8), and they are all so delicious.

Congo Pear:

I love pear. It is very rare that you find pear flavored drinks, and even if you do, they taste nothing like real pears, but this really does.

Sumatra Dragonfruit:

Dragonfruit is on f my favorite flavors for beverages, and this is one of the best that I've had. It tastes so fresh and natural.

Brasilia Blueberry:

This is so deep and flavorful. I love that it really tastes like blueberries, not to mention that it is not died a fake blue color.

Malawi Mango:

Mango is my favorite fruit, and this taste just as good(or maybe even better) than fresh, sweet mango. I could drink this all day every day. Perfection!

Molokai Coconut:

This ties with mango for my favorite variety. It is pure bliss. Such a creamy and rich coconut flavor. I used to drink coconut water, and was always disappointed that it does not taste like coconut. This does, and it is fabulous.

Limu Lemon:

They are all so good, but this is another of my favorites. It is so bright and invigorating. Is is not sour though. It has the brightness of lemon, but is also subtly sweet. Superb.

Costa Rica Clementine:

Another citrus delight. Clementines are my favorite citrus, and the shine in this drink. So delicious.

Panama Peach:

This is a dark, sweet, peach paradise. It just tastes like the freshest, most juicy peach you've ever seen.

As delightfully different as each of these flavors are, they have a whole lot in common too. The most important of which being they are all only 5 calories per serving. They are also all 100% Natural, packed with antioxidants, Kosher, Vegan, GMO Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free and Low Glycemic Index.

They are all made with the incredible Coffee Fruit. That is the fruit that coffee comes from. I never even knew that coffee came from a fruit. The antioxidant-rich berries may have coffee in their name but each one is a free-radical fighting powerhouse that delivers refreshing, pure fruit flavor.





So not only are they delicious and low calorie, but they actually add to your health. That is something that everyone can benefit from, weather or not you are watching calories. They have electrolytes to keep you hydrated too, and while they will not replace water, they are a great way to mix it up and having something a little more fun. Plus they have 100% Vitamin C, nice icing on the cake.

Bai 5 drinks are one of a kind. They are my new favorite drink. Even my 22 month old loves them(she had to drink some of every one that I had). The best thing is I actually feel good about her drinking it. Everyone needs to try Bai 5. I guarantee you will fall in love(unless you have a sick hatred for fruit or delicious things, in which case you are crazy).

*Although I received these at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Airwick National Park Collection - Review

Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I am obsessed with fragrance. From perfume, to scented body products to candles to fragrance oils. EVERYTHING scented(with a pleasant scent of course) is my passion.

I have to have fabulous fragrance in my home at all times. My husband things I am insane because every time I shop I have to check out the candle/air freshener section, even if I have 40 kinds at home at the time. It is a compulsion, I just can't help it. Much to my husband's dismay, I always find something that I have to have.

I am in love with the warm gourmand(food) scents, but in the warmer months I like to go with something a little lighter and more "fresh", so I tend to learn toward natural outdoor type scents. Since that is not my favorite type, it is more difficult for me to find ones that I truly love.

Recently, though, I did discover a new line of incredible outdoor scents that I am head over heels for. The National Park Collection by Airwick is incredible.

I have only tried three of the scents so far, but they are all amazing.

The ones I've used so far are Acadia, Cape Cod and Rocky Mountains.

Acadia(Sweet Vanilla & Pumpkin):

I tried this one first, since is the one most in my usually comfort zone as it is Pumpkin and Vanilla(two of my favorite scents ever). What I really love about this, is although it is two scents that tend to be used warmly, it is actually quite fresh and bright. It does not smell like pumpkin pie, it smells like a pumpkin patch, a breezy, outdoor freshness and a light, bright vanilla. It is wonderful.

Cape Cod(Cranberry Harvest):

This one is so wonderful. It is bright and juicy. It smells like fresh cranberries, it is fabulous. It has a slight tartness about it that really makes it so fresh.

Rocky Mountains:

This is a very cool, clean scent. It smells like fresh air and a frigid breeze, the perfect little escape fro the horrible heat and humidity of summertime in Florida. I think this is actually my favorite of the three, although they are all go great(and different) it is very hard to choose.

What I really love about all three scents is that they small natural. It really is like being there, which is amazing to me because I have never been to a national park anywhere. I have never even been outside of Florida, so it is a great way for me to "experience" other places, that I would otherwise have no connection to whatsoever. It's like a vacation in a bottle.

Of course every scent of the oil needs the scented oil warmer to make the magic happen.

The great thing about the warmer is that you can adjust the level of scent that you like. You can put it very low for small spaces, very light scent, or to make it last way longer, full throttle for maximum scent that fills your home, or anywhere in between.

I like mine on max. I love the scent to be strong and fill my home. And it really really does. I placed this in the master bathroom(inside our bedroom). Not only did it fill the bathroom, but the bedroom, and even the living room.

You could smell it as soon as you entered the house, and I got many compliments on how great my house smelled. It is great because no one can even see the warmer, and my kids cannot get to it, yet my house smells amazing, all from one little plug in. I would only need one more for the other bathroom and I know it would fill the kids' rooms and kitchen(other side of the house) too.

I cannot get enough of these incredible scents, and the remarkable quality of Airwick scented oils. I cannot wait to try more of the National Park Collection, and the other amazing Airwick scents.

Everyone needs to try these. They are fantastic. My new scent obsession.

*Although I received these at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own*

Keep Them Hungry for Knowledge, Not Lunch, with Big Apple Buddies - Review

Back To School is right around the corner. My little man goes back on the 19th, most are not far behind, and some have even gone back already.

Whatever date they start, there is one thing that all kids will have in common, they all get hungry. Everyone needs food, especially kids. Eating right at school is vital. Kids need to be focused on their learning, not a growling in their belly.

There is always controversy over school lunches. Weather they are nutritious enough, low in fat, allergy friendly, etc. Not to mention, they usually don't taste too good. There are plenty of reasons that kids and parents would prefer to pack lunch from home instead.

That is especially true in my case. My little boy has autism, and that has a drastic impact on his diet. There are VERY few foods he will actually eat. Vegetables? No. Fruit? No, Pasta, No. Pudding? No. Pizza? No. It is basically chicken nuggets(or fried chicken, bites, strips, etc) rolls, cheesy bread, chips(some kinds), Goldfish crackers, bacon(sometimes), cookies and fruit snacks.

He is just as picky about his beverages. He does not drink milk(anymore, he used to love it), he drinks a little water once in awhile, but mostly it is juice or juice blends(flavored water pouches, etc). He drinks them by the box every day, and brings 3 to school each day.

Clearly, his preferences mean he will not eat anything offered to him at school, so he brings his lunch and snacks every day. Sending a main course, three drinks as well as a couple snacks each day, requires use of a roomy lunch carrier.

The one he used last year was horrible and the zipper broke(and he only used it half the year after his other one also broke). I wanted to make sure I got something better for him this year. I found the perfect thing, practical, durable and adorable. Big Apple Buddies from Built.

Big Apple Buddies are super cute animal friends that are created to safely and effectively carry and protect your little one's lunch. Not only do they come in five different animals, they also come in different storage types. Including Lunch Bags(not shown), Lunch Sacks and Sandwich & Snack bags.

I got 2 styles so that my son could have a set and, even though she is not in school yet, so could my daughter.

Pearl the Panda:

The bag is so adorable. I love that it has ears, that is just so cool. They are even furry. It really makes it more like an animal bag than just a bag with a fun print. Small details like that can really set a product apart, and in this case it does for sure.

Another seemingly small detail that really takes this bag to another level is the clip on the handle. 

It's really great because instead of taking up room inside the backpack, it can instead be clipped onto the handle on the outside if desired. Not only saving space, but looking fabulous.

It would also really come in handy to attach the bag to other things, like a bicycle. The sack is insulated too, ensuring that food stays fresh for hours, which is very important, especially with the heat we get in Florida. I would be easy for food to spoil and make my son sick. I cannot have that happen.

And although my son is autistic he does understand things and he can speak well, but I still worry he may lose his things or have them taken and not be able to say much about it. Thankfully, this bag(as do the snack & sandwich bags) has a very clear label to display his name, so everyone knows this is his.

I love that the sandwich and snack bags match each other, but still look different, and how they coordinate with the bag, but add a little more color to it. Everything looks so cute together.

The snack bag is perfect to hold my son's Goldfish. Just the right serving, mess free, without all the waste that disposable bags create. Not to mention these are easier to seal and stay fresher longer.

I love that I will not have to waste money on disposable bags, or waste plastic by throwing them away every day. This is so much simpler, greener, and more fun. I love it.

For my daughter I got Lafayette Ladybug:

Lafayette Ladybug has all the same wonderful features as Pearl the Panda, and she is super cute. I love the red and black and her antennae are so cool.

Both of these sets(or any of the other wonderful animals available) would be perfect for any young child to carry their lunch in style this year. They are durable, so they will actually hold up throughout  the whole year.

You will never have to worry that their food is too hot, or getting smashed in a brown bag just rolling around in their backpack. You will no longer be using and throwing away countless zipper bags, and your child's name will be written on everything, so it will never be lost.

And all of all the features you do get, the things that these bags do not have are just as important. They are made with food safe materials and are PVC, BPA and Vinyl Free, and are tested for Lead Safety and phthalates.

Also, since these are secured with a Velcro closure rather than a zipper, there is no chance it will break.

The bottom line is Big Apple Buddies from Built are made to out perform other lunch systems, not just initially, but over time as well. They are made to last, and it really shows. If you are looking for premium quality lunch bags, look no further than Big Apple Buddies. Not only will they fulfill your needs as a parent, they will impress kids with their super fun designs.

So this school year, make sure your kids are hungry for knowledge and not for lunch with Big Apple Buddies.

*Although I received these at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own*

Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel and Endless Silky Eye Pen Review

If you happened to see the review I did of Pixi a couple weeks back, you were introduced to one of my new favorite beauty brands. I have very high standards, especially where cosmetics are concerned. I only like(and especially only recommend) the best.

Pixi not only meets my high expectations, but actually exceeds them, which is nearly impossible to do. I was blown away by the two Pixi products I tried, so much so that I had to get my hands on some more.

This time around, I got Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel and Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen.

Both of these products are so incredible. I love them to pieces.

Sheer Cheek Gel in Flushed:

I will be totally honest and admit that I was a little bit intimidated by how dark this is, but remember this is a sheer gel, and it is not nearly so bold when applied. In fact it looks very natural and vibrant. I adore it.

I even used it to give some subtle color to my lips, and it worked similar to a lip stain. I really like how it turned out. (Please excuse the poor condition of my lips.)

Of course it looks perfect on my cheeks as well, which the finished look will show.

Endless Silky Eye Pen in Copper Glow:

This color is GORGEOUS! I fell in love at first sight. I am all about the bronzy, copper, brown, golden, tones. I love rich browns, especially ones with a touch of shimmer. This is completely me in every way.

Not only is the color stunning, the silkiness(hence the name) is out of this world. It glides on so smoothly. There is not even the tiniest resistance. The liner goes on flawlessly and it feels so amazing. Not heavy, thick, dry or greasy feeling at all.

It is so flexible. It will not crease or crumble. It does not fade, smear or run. It stays in place and keeps it's smooth feel and appearance all day, even when worn on the eyelid. I love to wear liner as shadow sometimes, but most liners are too dry to pull it off. This one looks like it was designed to be worn this way. I love it so much.

All I added was mascara, and my entire eye look was finished. So quick and easy, but so striking. It's not overdone, but not too subtle either. I love this look for day or night, and it is so versatile it could be worn with anything.

I love they way the eyes work with the Sheer Cheek Gel(on cheeks and lips).

Hair up or down, I feel it works perfectly. Darker lips could be added for a bolder look, but I like this. It is soft and natural. I don't really do really flashy looks, so this fits me very well.

Of course it is the impeccable quality of Pixi Beauty that makes the look. If the products were not of superb quality, it would really show, especially in such a subtle look. Subtly is the true test of quality, because you can't just cover imperfections with more product.

Pixi truly shines. Their products are fabulous, and that is just from the few I have tried. I know I will be trying more, and I am confident they will blow me away as all the others have.

If you are looking for superior quality cosmetics, Pixi is perfect. Not only do they work, but the colors are stunning and the products have the youthful style that we crave. I don't want grandma colors and products just to get timeless quality. Thankfully with Pixi, I don't have to worry about that(and neither do you).

In fact, if you are not as up to date on the new makeup trends as you'd like to be, you could just keep up with Pixi and you would always have the hot new product.

*Although I received these products at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own*