Playtex®Sport® Fresh Balance™ tampons

I received Playtex®Sport® Fresh Balance™ tampons in my #SpringVoxBox from @Influenster! Playtex®Sport® Fresh Balance™ tampons help me play on by offering great coverage and ease of mind so I can go swimming and exercise worry free.

I do pilates 6 days a week and have a hot tub at home so these come in handy during that time of the month!

@PlaytexSportandGentleGlide and @Influenster #PlayOn

The Down Side to Calorie Counting & Sugar

As someone who needs structure to stick with goals or plans, I'm finding it very hard to cope with some aspects of living a healthier life. For example, calorie counting. When it comes to dropping pounds, it's proven that you have to burn more calories than you consume to lose weight. It's a known fact. So my go to when I start trying to lose weight is to always use a program to help me track my calorie consumption. For me, My Fitness Pal has been the easiest to use (because you can use the app or their website). BUT many people suggest never counting calories but simply eating better. I find this very frustrating. Because I've seen the results that counting calories can have (two years ago I stuck to my 1200 cal/day for 3 months and lost 16 pounds) it's hard for me wrap my head around the idea of eating as I go without factoring the calories or measuring portions based on calorie count.

As someone who counts calories and tries to avoid the calories and addictions sugar brings, I've been a long time user of artificial sweeteners. Spelnda being my drug of choice. I know artificial sweeteners are highly toxic, I KNOW how bad they are for me, yet I will still reach for a yellow packet before I reach for sugar because I can add a 0 to my calorie count instead of 15. I tell myself it's better because at least it's not as addictive as sugar, but is it? Cognitive dissonance at its finest, people. Did you know white, refined sugar can be just a addictive as cocaine? The coca leaf (used to make cocaine) is inherently harmless, and is used in many things like tea, until it is refined and processed into the powdery, highly addictive drug. Refined cane sugar you buy at the store is not in its natural form either. It is highly processed and treated before it reaches your hands.

I have found what I think would be a great alternative for both cane sugar and artificial sweeteners in coconut sugar. It has a low glycemic index (between 35-38%, which makes it a great alternative for diabetics) and can be more nutritious than cane sugar. According to Madhava, "Coconut sugar has a nutritional content that is richer than cane or beet sugar; it has naturally occurring nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, B vitamins and amino acids (including glutamine).  Unlike beet/cane sugar, nothing is added or removed in the production of coconut sugar." It is "an organic, unrefined sweetener that is derived from the nectar of coconut palm tree blossoms. The nectar is boiled to evaporate the water, and the remaining concentrated nectar is crystallized into sugar." Coconut sugar can be used as a 1:1 replacement for cane sugar (white or brown) in baking, cooking, your drinks, etc. It doesn't taste like coconut, more closely to brown sugar, so you wouldn't have to worry about that as a side effect in your recipes.

In trying to lead a healthier lifestyle I want to make the switch from cane sugar to coconut sugar but I'm finding it hard to get past the mental block of having to add 15 cal/tsp to my calorie count. It doesn't seem like much, but it can add up. I know it would be all around better for me, my body, my health, and probably my mental health, but I can't get past that number. This is something I need to work on if I'm going to pursue and overall healthier lifestyle. I may have to stop counting my calories all together and just go with my gut when it comes to making food choices, but I won't go that far. Not yet at least. I'm going to make it a goal of mine for 2014 to not be so hard on myself if I go over my calorie allotment, especially if my list of foods I've eaten for the day consist of fruits, vegetables, unprocessed foods, and overall healthy choices.

Have you ever had trouble changing the way you view your eating habits? Or struggled to overcome certain food addictions? Do you have any recommendations for me?

Today is a New Day

I caved yesterday. I can admit it. The day started fine, I had my tea and yogurt for breakfast and soup for lunch, but dinner is where I got off track. We had this very, very spicy rice (I don't do spicy well. At all) so I lathered it with sour cream to help tame some of the spiciness. Then I had three chocolate chip cookies and two pieces of fudge. The homemade fudge with marshmallow cream you make from the recipe on the back of Nestle Tollhouse's chocolate chip bags. My mom makes it every year for Christmas and it's amazing. It was just sitting there, being so tempting, and I gave in.

Normally, after a day like that, I would tell myself, "well, you've already messed it up," and go back to my old eating habits. Not this time. Today I'm going to get right back on track and keep going. Today is day 14, not day 1. I'm trying a workout schedule I found through pinterest where each day it gives you a new set of exercises (mostly just increasing the number of reps from the day before) and I already did today's before getting ready for work this morning. I think that's a step in the right direction.

Have you ever given up on a goal because of one set back or slip up?

Quick Update

I've been a bad blogger lately. There's so much I want to talk about but I just haven't been motivated or couldn't find the right words to get it out.

2013 was a crazy year. So much happened. It was a lot of work and long days and tears and emotions, but in the end it was completely worth it. My husband and I celebrated our one year anniversary, to which several people congratulated us having made it through what they considered to be the hardest year. Everything should be smooth sailing from now on then right? :) We completed most of the remodeling in our house which was a PAIN but I'm so glad to have it done. We managed to squeeze in a trip so San Diego and LA in November with family. I managed to read 28 books last year, which I was pretty proud of. I love to read and tried to make a conscious effort to take more time to do so and was proud that I managed 28. I know for avid readers, that may not sound like much, but I averaged more than 2 books a month, and with the busy year we had, I thought that was pretty good. I've already read one book and start two more so far this year. I'm challenging myself to read 35 before 12/31/2014.

So what now? In 2014, I'm trying to get back on track to a healthier and more fit lifestyle. I tried and failed several times last year, only making it a week or so before going back to old habits. I'm already past that hurdle as I can say I'm on day 9 and have religiously stuck to my guidelines from My Fitness Pal and am already down 3 pounds. My ultimate goal is to lose 44 pounds. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to make it, but I can try right? This time I will not get discouraged and lose hope. I'm going for a lifestyle change, not a diet (or so I keep telling myself). My stomach has adjusted to my smaller portions and intake at least. Let me tell you, those first few days were like torture. I was so hungry. All the time. But I made it through and I'm already seeing results - on the scale at least. I finally bought the pair of running shoes I had been ogling at all year (it helped they were on clearance for 80% off) and am planning on trying to break them in soon. Now to actually get my butt in gear, put those babies on, and head out the door.

I'm also going to try to get back into regular blogging. Whether it's once a week or every two weeks, or even once a month, I don't want to ignore it anymore.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation Review

*Disclaimer* I received this product free from Influenster to test, but the opinions are all my own.

 

I was recently selected for the Stay Matte Vox Box by Influenster and was sent the new Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in Light Ivory to test out. First off, I want to say that since my skin is so fair and I have freckles it can be very hard for me to find foundation that matches my skin tone nicely. Usually even the lightest options from most brands are still too dark. Rimmel's Stay Matte foundation actually matches my skin really well! I was very impressed. It's very light and airy and blends well.

elf Mineral Infused Face Primer & Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

I would recommend applying it over a primer as I noticed that it can stand out a bit on dry areas. I use e.l.f.'s mineral primer and it works fabulously. I also set with a translucent powder. The coverage isn't too heavy, I would say about medium. It's enough to cover light blemishes, but not enough to cover heavy marks. I've been wearing it for a week and I've noticed that it does keep my skin fairly shine free, which is saying something since I wear makeup from 5:45am-9pm. I haven't had to touch up or reapply yet.

Me after 10 hours of wear, no reapplication of any foundation or powders

My Vox Box

The foundation will be released in stores in January 2014 and I highly recommend keeping your eye out for it!

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Vanilla Bean & Sea Salted Caramel Cupcakes

As a Raley's Something Extra Try It member, I was sent a box of Raley's Vanilla Bean cake mix, a custom recipe for Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting, cupcake wrappers, some coupons, and a handy whisk to help me put this concoction together!

As a huge fan of vanilla, especially vanilla bean, I was really excited to try this recipe. I mean, who doesn't like cupcakes, vanilla, cream cheese, and caramel?!

The cake mix was easy enough, just add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 cup milk, and whisk together. Then add to baking cups, 2/3 full, bake at 400 deg for 14-16 min. I used my convection bake setting and they were done in 12 min.

Making the caramel was much easier than I thought it would be. Just add the heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, and butter, bring to a boil, then simmer at a low boil for 10 minutes. Add the vanilla and salt, stir, then put in the fridge to chill.

The frosting was the most difficult (for my arms at least - that's right, I use a hand mixer. I haven't been able to get my hands on a stand mixer yet. They're so expensive!). Using some of the caramel you made, cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, mix them all together until they're well mixed and fluffy.

There was tons of frosting leftover so I put it in a container in the fridge. Not sure what I might use it on yet, but you never know! It might come in handy. Using the remaining caramel, drizzle it over the cupcakes and add a pinch of salt to each. Man these are so good! My husband and I can't eat 22 cupcakes between the 2 of us, so I ended up taking these to work to share the deliciousness. They were a hit!

The finished product!

Have you made caramel sauce from scratch before? Or frosting? This took me about an hour and  a half to complete from start to finish, which I don't think is too bad considering the results! 

Recipes:

Cupcakes:

• 1 (16oz) box of Raley's Vanilla Bean Cake Mix

Salted Caramel

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 6 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• Generous pinch sea salt

Frosting

• 6 oz. cream cheese, at room temp
• 1/4 cup butter, at room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare cake batter according to package directions. Let cool when done baking.
2. To Prepare Caramel: bring cream brown sugar and butter to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat and keep at a low boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in vanilla and salt and transfer to a small bowl; cover and chill.
3. To Prepare Frosting: beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and 3/4 of caramel together until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in powdered sugar until smooth.
4. Spread over cupcakes and drizzle with remaining caramel, warming for a few seconds in the microwave if too thick. Add a small sprinkle of sea salt to each cupcake.

Disclosure: I received this product free from the Something Extra Try-It program but all the opinions are my own.

Garnier

BzzAgent was kind enough to send me a bottle of the new Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Oil-Free B.B. Cream in light/medium to test out.

I hadn't tried a BB cream before, but I knew they were all the rage. I would put this in the same family as a tinted moisturizer, offering spf protection while still giving some coverage for blemishes, etc.

My "before" face - no makeup

I wasn't prepared for how liquidy it would be. It's extremely runny when you open the tube, so be careful! A little goes a long way.

I have very fair skin, and tried the light-medium shade. It was a little darker/orange-y for my skin tone, but was able to blend it out pretty well. It does a good job of covering most blemishes and helped even out my freckles and all over skin-tone.

My "after" face - Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Oil-Free B.B. Cream

I added some bronzer, blush, eyeliner & shadow, mascara, and filled in my brows (of course) and was ready with a quick, fresh, everyday look. I wish I had this when I went to Jamaica! It would have been perfect for those days at the beach when you don't want a full face of makeup but still have some coverage and sun protection to boot. One of the only downsides is it can wear off fairly quickly. On days I wear it to work, by the time I get home most has disappeared. It's oil free, but but I wouldn't say it's completely shine free as advertised. I used a powder to set it. I haven't tried it with a primer yet, but I figured as a BB cream it shouldn't need one. It's meant to be a quick coverage, and in that is does quite well.

**Disclosure: I received this product free from BzzAgent but all the opinions are my own.

And.... I Cut All My Hair Off

I've been growing my hair long pretty much my whole life. Every now and then I would cut it to about my mid-back or just under my shoulders, and to me that was short. I know most people will say that's still long, but to me it was short. To me, long isn't until it reaches beyond mid back. My hair was down past my waist (to just above my behind) when I trimmed it in November, and even then I wanted to cut it all off, but I waited because of the wedding. I didn't want to cut it all off and then not like it. Then in early February, I cut over 6 inches off to below my chest.

Then last Tuesday, I decided after work that I wanted to go even shorter. So I did! This is the shortest my hair has been since junior high. I haven't had short hair in a VERY long time. This is the look I was going for, a long, aline bob, that's a little textured but not crazy.

 

And this is what I walked away with. It's longer than I wanted, but the stylist said it's better to go longer at first in case I didn't like it (which makes sense), but I'm not very happy with the way it looks in the back. I also would have preferred if there were no layers on one side so it would be the same length in front, but other than that I like it! I know I'm being picky, but as my husband says we're all our own worst critic.

I think I'm going to go back in 6 weeks and go a bit shorter! At least in the back (I still want to be able to put it in a pony tail, even if it's tiny). Everyone was so shocked when I walked into work on Wednesday, most people had to do a double take. Many have told me that I look like a completely different person (good or bad?), but I've gotten nothing but compliments. I think it was about time to do something outside my norm. I don't color or dye my hair at all (never have) so this was pretty big for me! I'm actually looking forward to all thing styles I'll be able to do with my hair that I couldn't before because I had just way too much of it. Do you have any recommendations for me?

Gardening

We've always talked about having our own garden and growing some of our own food but hadn't had the chance to actually put the idea into action. Recently we were able to set aside some funds and thanks to the Home Depot Black Friday Spring sale, were able to get most things on our list for a pretty good discount!

We're also trying to spruce up our home and yard for our family reception/party in June and I can't wait to show off this baby!

We were able to get a 4x4 raised planter bed and they had a great deal on already started veggies, so we picked up 3 kinds of tomatoes, 2 kinds of cucumbers, green bell peppers, and red and white sweet onions. I cannot wait for these to start producing fruit! I want to get a few more (or even use pallets if I can find a way to get them home) to start some other fruits and veggies like garlic and maybe even some herbs.

We also picked up some carrot and watermelon seeds and are trying to start these on our own. The carrots should be germinating (7-8 days) and hopefully start sprouting soon. They're in the pot (an idea I got from Pinterest - seriously, I've learned so much since joining the site). We're hoping the watermelon (planted to the side of the planter box and pot) actually take. My husband was such a good sport and we worked for 4+ hours to get this all set up.

This beauty was an idea I got again from Pinterest (see my comments about it here). This was great! It was also very quick. I laid the pots out and painted one coat, let them dry while I went to work in another area of the yard, when dry painted a second coat, let that dry, and they were ready! The plants were 2/$1 during the same (talk about a good deal!) and we picked a variety to add color. I didn't paint the entire inside of the pot since it would be covered by soil and plants anyway, and only painted the inside rim to the bevel.

Pinteresting Projects

Thanks to Pinterest, I've been trying out all sorts of new things! I was determined to not be one of those people who spends hours a day pinning things, but then never putting it to use. So here are a few things I found on Pinterest and decided to try. The pictures below are mostly of my finished projects with links to the Pinterest post below (unless stated otherwise)

Crocheting: I've always wanted to learn to crochet. I've known how to knit for a long time but people kept telling me that crocheting was so much easier. I did not believe them. At all. Especially after looking at some of the tutorials I found online, but after trying it, it is WAY easier and so much faster. Also, I thought I would share that on my trip to the crafting section at my local Walmart, when looking for some starter crochet needles, I was so confused because the sets only came with one needle of each size. I thought I was going to have to buy 2 packs to be able to do anything until I picked up a how-to book and read through it. NO ONE EVER TOLD ME YOU ONLY NEED ONE NEEDLE TO CROCHET. Yeah. So some of you might find that pretty funny.

Crocodile Stitch Scarf

This scarf was only my second project after starting crocheting, and let me tell you, it was hard. I started this scarf over 5 times before I got the pattern down and I watched Yarn Muses (see link through Pinterest) videos over and over for help. BUT once I got it down, it was a piece of cake!

Chunky Infinity Scarf 

I made this after the crocodile stitch scarf. No pattern  used, just made it myself! Couldn't have done it without Pinterest's help teaching me to crochet in the first place.

Coffee Cozies

This was actually the first project I worked on when learning to crochet. Let me tell you how easy it is. With never having done a single crochet stitch before, I was able to make this in about 30 minutes. Talk about easy gifts! Not to mention they save paper from not having to use those cardboard sleeves. They work on mugs too!

Outdoors:

DIY Planters

The original post for this had a birdbath on top, but I liked the idea of topping it off with flowers. Some advice, the tutorial says to add the potting mix as you add the pots to the rebar, but this makes inserting the plants very difficult. With the exception of the bottom pot, I would wait to add the soil until after you have the plants in the pot. I also didn't use a primer on the terracotta pots, used 2 coats of Rustolium spraypaint from Home Depot, and they turned out great!

I've tried a bunch of other stuff including recipes and things I've found but didn't take photos of my finished product. I've even created a board of things I've tried and put little notes in the pins. Feel free to check it out!

Soft Scrub Advanced Surface & Giveaway *closed*

Purex recently sent me a free bottle of Soft Scrub Advanced Surface to test out. The "NEW Soft Scrub® Advanced Surface is the rinse-free gel that cleans and polishes granite and marble countertops, glass cooktops, and stainless steel. Soft Scrub Advanced Surface is both tough on stains, and gentle on even your most delicate surfaces. Now you can get the cleaning performance you've come to love from Soft Scrub® in an easy to use gel."

I'm a fan of the original Soft Scrub and use it in my bathroom, so I was excited to test this version out. I have a glass cooktop stove as well as a stainless steel faucet. The cooktop was inherited with many stains when we moved into our home (about a year ago) and I haven't quite been able to get it as clean as I'd like. Not to mention stainless steel shows water spots like nobody's business.

This is an all-purpose cleaner that comes in a clear gel that pours right out of the bottle (no need to dilute). I poured it on, spread it around the stained areas, and waited a few seconds.

Stained burner

Before spreading out the gel

Then proceeded to wipe off with a damp paper towel. It didn't remove many of the old, set in stains (that probably have been there for years) but it cleaned most of the stains and it did clean the cooktop to the point that it shined. I was impressed! I really like that you don't have to rinse the area after use and it's safe to use the burners on cooktop after as well. It's really fast acting, you only need to let it sit for 30 second max, which makes it extremely convenient if you're like me and aren't trying to spend all day scrubbing the stove.

After

If you would like to try Soft Scrub Advanced Surface for yourself, I am giving away coupons for a free bottle! Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (leave a link back to your post in the comments with your name and contact email address) to be entered. It could be "Read Jackie's blog for a chance to win a free bottle of Soft Scrub Advanced Surface" or something of the like. The contest will be open until 9pm PST, Wednesday, April 10th.*

*Contest open to U.S. residents only and have a valid mailing address.

**Disclaimer: I was sent this product & giveaway items for review purposes, but all the opinions are my own.

Nob Hill Trading Co. Soups

If you're lucky enough to live in Northern California, you probably have the opportunity to shop at a Raley's, Bel Air, or Nob Hill store. They're very nice and have the best meats and produce around, hands down. They also provide a large selection of organic and all natural foods, which can be hard to find with no Trader Joe's or Whole Foods nearby. I was recently given the opportunity to try one of their Nob Hill Trading Co. All-Natural Soups by being a member of the Something Extra Try-It program.

Here's some info about the soups from their website:
Nob Hill Trading Co. All-Natural Soups are delicious because they’re simple, with a short list of real ingredients (all of which you can pronounce, even). And with no preservatives or artificial flavors and colors, these soups are just like Mom used to make. But some of the flavors aren’t like anything you enjoyed as a kid. Nob Hill Trading Co. soups come in nine heartwarming flavors in convenient 20 oz. containers (perfect for two adult-sized servings) priced at $4.99:

Butternut Squash
Farmers Market
Indian Curry
King Crab Chowder
Lentil Soup
Lobster Bisque
New England Clam Chowder
Quinoa Chili
Shrimp and Corn

I was able to go to my local Bel Air and sort through the different choices of 20oz soups and ended up picking out the Farmers Market Vegetable Soup. I know that's not on the list above, but my Bel Air only had a few 20oz soups available (most were 24oz for $4.99 instead of the 20oz for $3.99), and they only had about 5 options in total. I'm not sure if I just went on an off day and they hadn't gotten in a new shipment so I'll have to check the next time I go back. I don't eat seafood of any kind, so automatically the crab, lobster, and shrimp flavors were out, so I chose the vegetable soup. I like minestrone so I figured this would be a good choice for me.

I love that it's all natural (you can tell because it has a green lid) and was only 100 calories per serving! No unnecessary chemicals or preservatives, so you know you're getting the most for your money when it comes to nutrients. The Farmers Market Vegetable Soup was good, but not what I was expecting! It's not your usual blend of veggies for a soup. It had pumpkin seeds, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, and more. I will warn you that it was VERY peppery, but if you like that then more power to you! You get a generous portion that's enough to feed two people. It would be perfect with a side of grilled-cheese mmmmmm! I would definitely purchase this soup again. Hot soup is a perfect meal choice for this time of year. It's quick, hearty, warms you up, and you can eat it out of a cup or an awesome bowl (like the one that came with my kit). I love to get a bowl (or cup) of soup, snuggle up on the couch under a blanket with my husband and kitties, and enjoy. If it's raining outside, even better!

I know I will keep these in mind the next time I can't think of what to make for dinner! As a side note, if you haven't joined Something Extra yet, I would highly recommend it. I was able to purchase the soup, chips, and apple sauce shown above for only $2.59! Just for being a member, I received the soup and chips free. Can't beat that! Have you tried these soups from Raley's and Bel Air? Which one is your favorite? Would you choose a fresh all-natural soup over the canned variety?

Disclosure: I received this product free from the  Something Extra Try-It program but all the opinions are my own.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner has been one of my favorite actresses since I watched Alias way back in the day. Does anyone remember that show? You know, where Jennifer Garner, Bradley Cooper, and Victor Garber were together on screen on a weekly basis? Or how about before that when she played Hannah on Felicity, you know, Noel's girlfriend? Anyway, as I was saying, I have been a huge fan of hers for a long time and can't get enough of her work and seeing pictures of her adorable family. 

I think she's beautiful and has a wonderful sense of style. If you've ever seen pictures of her in daily life, she's usually in something fashionable, comfortable, and something you could recreate yourself. I'm not one for big poofy dresses, but this purple number on Jen is perfect. I love the color and holy cow that necklace! 

As I mentioned in my post about Jennifer Lawrence, I wasn't able to watch the 85th Annual Academy Awards this year, so I spent some time looking through tons of photos from the event. I can't get over how much in love Jennifer and Ben Affleck are. They are so cute together and I am so happy that they've been able to keep their marriage alive through the years, especially with Hollywood in their lives. They have beautiful children and seem to genuinely care for each other and seem so real.

Although she wasn't up for any awards herself, she presented and supported Ben, who was up for 7 nominations for Argo. If you haven't seen it yet, you should.

The Jennifers

During Ben's speech: "I want to thank you for working on our marriage for 10 Christmases. It’s good, it is work, but it’s the best kind of work, and there’s no one I’d rather work with." I'm not sure what everyone's problem is with this part. I think it's a real and amazing way to acknowledge what he and Jennifer have.