*Review* Australian Gold Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30

Summer time is here, so you know what that means.... FUN IN THE SUN!! The one thing I hate about the sun is the dreaded sunburn. I have a light complexion, some people say I'm so pale that my super secret ability must be glowing in the dark. I'll never reveal if their claims hold truth or not (giggles) but without some type of protection the sun kills my skin. Within a few minutes I start to resemble Sebastian from The Little Mermaid, all red and afterwards flaky. Not a look I enjoy, it's painful and totally unflattering!

So what do I use to protect myself from the embarrassing red? Australian Gold Lotion Sunscreen! It's widely available in most major retail stores and usually holds a price tag of around 11 bucks. I'm living the gold life. I trust this brand because unlike others that I've tried, this one actually keeps me from getting sun-burnt even if I forget to apply as often as it recommends. It holds up 80 minutes of water resistance, so I can be carefree as I splash around in the pool or at the beach. I enjoy the smell also, reminds me a bit of cocoa butter. This is my to-go-to sunscreen!

Here are my basic beach survival kit:

 Flip flops, sunglasses, a colorful giant beach towel, and of course 

a double dose of Australian Gold Lotion Sunscreen. What is in your beach survival kit?

My tips to stay sunburn free with sunscreen lotion

• Always apply sunscreen if you plan on being out in the sun for longer then 30 minutes.
• If the travel time to your local pool or beach is under 15 minutes, apply sunscreen prior to leaving that way you can jump right in the water.
• Make sure to read the directions on how often you should reapply, most recommended every two hours or directly after swimming. 
• Don't forget to apply liberally over your face and ears!
• Be sure to do a skin test a day before prolonged wear, just to make sure you're not allergic.
• Try to keep a travel sized sunscreen in your purse/car in case of last minute adventures.

*I received this product free from +Influenster  for testing purposes but all opinions are my own and I did not get paid to post this.*

@AusGoldSPF @Influenster #LivetheGoldLife #contest

*Review* Nasoya Pasta Zero- Shirataki Spaghetti

How they were shipped to me.

I decided to prepare two dishes with Nasoya Pasta Zero. The bags are on the smallish side and I barely had enough for one serving per dish. I did a little research and found that a bag of these goes for a little over 2 bucks, so they are also a bit expensive. If I intended to make a meal for my entire family of 4, it would take 3 to 4 of them. They are slightly hard to find, I recommend using their website to locate store near you that sale them. You can find that link here.

In regards to preparation, these noodles were super easy. They come pre-cooked, so all you have to do is drain and rinse them in a colander and choose your method of cooking. You can eat them directly after you rinse them or you can boil them in water/warm in the microwave for only 2 minutes.

Up close view of packaging

 If you look close in this photo you see that the noodles are floating in some type of water like fluid. The package recommends that you rinse and drain the noodles well and that the fluid will have an "earthy" smell. That smell freaked me out, it smelled like dirt. The first image that popped in my head was earth worms in the dirt. Not the best first impression for something I'm about to eat, I know. 

I'm not sure if the smell was the real reason behind why I didn't like these noodles or if it was their actual taste. They didn't really have a flavor, more of a bland taste really. I noticed that chickpea flour was listed as a main ingredient, I also happen to really really dislike chickpeas. So maybe it was a combination of different things that resulted to my disappointment.

 Above is a photo of my attempt at a traditional pasta dish made in my house, Chicken Spaghetti. It's pretty simple to make and is similar to a recipe listed on the Nasoya website.

 I also came up with a recipe that could incorporate Nasoya Pasta Zero noodles. (pictured above) I called it Hele's Spaghetti Summer-Fling Salad. You can find the recipe here.  I made this dish with normal spaghetti noodles as well and I enjoyed it. It's quick and simple.


*I received this product to test and review from +Influenster  but that all opinions are my own. I have not been paid for my review. *

*Review* Bear Naked Granola (Sea Salt Caramel Apple)

This granola surprised me with its flavor and texture. I tried it with milk to give it a cereal feel and it was unbelievably delicious! The flavor was just right, not too sweet or tart it was perfectly balanced. As you can see in my photo the apple and caramel pieces were quite large, which I loved. The best part about this snack, it's tasty enough to eat right from the package. It can also be paired with fruit such as bananas or strawberries. I enjoy that it gives me options on how I can devour it! I can't wait to try more flavors from Bear Naked, and lucky for me they have a vast collection. I plan on trying every product from this brand that I can find because it honestly impressed me that much!

The samples I received

Click here to see what other flavors they offer

Photo from Walmart.com

A full size 12 oz bag can be found at various retailers including Walmart, for around $3.75  


*I received this product to test and review but that all opinions are my own. I have not been paid for my review. *

@influenster @livebearnaked

#BlossomVoxBox the good, the bad, and the lovely!

 Hey guys, here you can find my short reviews for the various items I received in my #BlossomVoxBox from +Influenster .  This post will NOT include my in depth reviews, but as I finish them I will add in the links. This is more of a quick buy or not buy type deal! 

Are you ready to find your next favorite product?!

Review Information:

*Each product will have a rating of: 

-Good = I like the product but not I don't love it

-Bad = I hated it

-Lovely = I would definitely recommend, you need to check it out ASAP
- Unsure = I was unable to use the product

*A star rating of 1-5 (How much I enjoyed it, 5 being LOVED)

*Links to the brands websites, photos, and my full review

*A short written review

Bear Naked Granola 
Coconut Almond Curry and Sea Salt Caramel Apple

LOVELY
5/5 Stars
For full review click here

Delicious, Healthy, and Travel Ready! I've always been under the impression that granola would taste bland, but Bear Naked proved me wrong! The flavors blew my mind with their sweet, crunchy goodness. My new go-to snack!

Beanitos Chips 
Chipotle BBQ  and Original Black Bean with Sea Salt

GOOD
3/5 Stars
For full review click here

My favorite things about these chips are they are made from actual beans and eliminate all those yucky additives. However, the  flavors were hit-or-miss for me. I enjoyed the Chipotle BBQ slightly more over the Original Black Bean, but both left an aftertaste that I didn't like. A great alternative to normal salty chips, but I would like to try different flavors.

Nasoya  
Pasta Zero Shirataki Spaghetti

BAD
1/5 Stars
For full review click here

I figured I wouldn't enjoy these noodles after I realized that they contained chickpea flour. (I dislike chickpeas in general) I was totally right. The moment I opened the package and smelled whatever the heck the fluid they were packaged in... I wanted to throw them in the trash. They tasted just how they smelled...YUCKY! I would eat them ONLY if they were drenched in pasta sauce.

Australian Gold
Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

LOVELY
5/5 Stars
For full review click here

When it comes to sunscreen Australian Gold has always been my favorite. This wasn't my first time trying one of their products, I've been a fan for years. Smells great, works good, and comes in an awesome price.

Sally Hansen
Airbrush Legs (Medium Shade)

UNSURE

Unfortunately, I was unable to use this product because it wasn't the correct shade for me. I'm intrigued by the premise and plan on purchasing the correct shade so I can try it. These pale legs need all the help they can get!

 Hair Food
Strawberry Ginger Root Clarifying Shampoo

LOVELY
5/5 Stars
For full review click here

Without a doubt my ultimate favorite product I received. I've already purchased other items from this line and I adore them all. My hair is softer, smells AMAZING, and looks ultra shiny!

NYC CityProof 24 HR Waterproof Eye Shadow In shade 610 Tribeca Taupe

LOVELY
5/5 Stars
For full review click here

This eye shadow has me wanting to wear make-up again! I'm excited to try the other colors as well. Easy to apply, no make-up guru skills required.

*I was given these products complimentary, but all opinions are my own. I have not received ANY compensation for my reviews.

Hele's Spaghetti Summer-Fling Salad Recipe

I'm not usually the cook in my house, but when I received these Nasoya Pasta Zero Noodles from my Blossom VoxBox from Influenster I couldn't resist! I came up with this quick and easy recipe, it's great for anyone who lacks proper cooking skills... like myself! Don't worry it delicious and perfect for a picnic or outdoor party! :)

Hele's 
Spaghetti Summer-Fling Salad

 Serves 2

Ingredients:

 - 1 package Nasoya Pasta Zero Shirataki Spaghetti

- 1o to 15 Cherry Tomatoes

- 5 to 6 Baby Carrots

- Half a Cucumber

- ½ Cup Your favorite salad dressing

(I used Ken's Raspberry Pecan) 

- Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Rinse and drain spagetti noodles in a colander. Cut cherry tomatoes in halves. Chop cucumber and carrots into small pieces. Toss noodles and vegetables together in a bowl, add the salad dressing. Salt and Pepper as needed.  Enjoy cold. 

*Noodles are precooked, heating is not required*

PS: I received the Nasoya Pasta Zero Noodles complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. All opinions are my own and I am not receiving compensation for this product.

Dish Type: 

Entrée

Difficulty Level: 

Beginner

Product Type: 

Shirataki Spaghetti

Diet Type: 

Vegetarian

Recipe Source: 

Nasoya

Recipe Rating: 

4.166665

Ingredients: 

• 1 pkg Nasoya® Pasta Zero Shirataki Spaghetti
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 ½ tsp garlic seasoning
• ½ tsp basil seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation Method: 

Rinse and drain pasta in a colander. In a non-stick skillet, toss pasta over medium-high heat until dry, about 2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and cook on medium for two minutes. Enjoy!

- See more at: http://www.nasoya.com/recipes/shirataki-spaghetti-marinara-sauce#sthash.3WMuLim5.dpuf

Dish Type: 

Entrée

Difficulty Level: 

Beginner

Product Type: 

Shirataki Spaghetti

Diet Type: 

Vegetarian

Recipe Source: 

Nasoya

Recipe Rating: 

4.166665

Ingredients: 

• 1 pkg Nasoya® Pasta Zero Shirataki Spaghetti
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 ½ tsp garlic seasoning
• ½ tsp basil seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation Method: 

Rinse and drain pasta in a colander. In a non-stick skillet, toss pasta over medium-high heat until dry, about 2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and cook on medium for two minutes. Enjoy!

- See more at: http://www.nasoya.com/recipes/shirataki-spaghetti-marinara-sauce#sthash.3WMuLim5.dpu

Palmolive Fresh Infusions- Dish Soap Review!

I received this product complimentary through Influenster along with three coupons to get $1.50 off future purchases of these awesome new dish soaps from Palmolive. The only thing I was asked to do was to give one away to a friend. I choose my uncle Emerson and I will also include his thoughts on this product. As a reminder I was not paid to do this review, so I can guarantee my opinion is genuine.

Basic Product Information

Palmolive Fresh Infusions comes in three delightful scents: 

• Ginger White Tea
• Lemon Thyme
• Lime Basil

Price: Around $2.99 for a 16 fl oz bottle.

Where to Purchase It: Walmart  & Target 

For more information check out Palmolive's website: click here

My Review

FYI: When washing dishes I tend to put a small amount of soap on a sponge and rinse the dishes clean under a running faucet.

Quality:
I have always been a fan of Palmolive, but with this new dish soap they have outdone themselves! Not only does this dish soap have a small price tag, it comes with an excellent grease busting power. It has cut through the hardest of leftover food stains with no problem. (Like lasagna and casseroles.) I don't even have to scrub like I used to! The best part... it gets the job done with a small amount of liquid.

Scent:

Every time I use it, it leaves my kitchen smelling extra fresh and clean. All of these natural scents are great but my favorite without a doubt is Lime Basil. (It reminds me of freshly prepared Italian food.)

Design:

I absolutely love the new design of the bottle; it seems to make it easier to squeeze out the soap and it doesn't constantly fall off my sink like other normal shaped dish soaps do.  

Overview: 
If you’re looking to cut your dish washing time in half, use Palmolive Fresh Infusions… you won’t regret it! I will be replacing my old dish soap with this one! Will be repurchasing when I use it all up.

Pros: 

• Extra soapy 
• Great smell
• Cuts grease and removes stains quickly
• Excellent quality for a small price 
• Modern new bottle design

Cons:

• Only available at select stores 
 

My Uncle's Opinion

*I am writing this portion of this review based on questions I asked my uncle. I gave him the Lemon Thyme scent to try out*

FYI: My uncle washes dishes by filling up the sink with water and putting a large amount of soap into it, then allows his dishes time to soak. After the dishes soak he dips a sponge into the soapy water and washes them, rinsing off in fresh running water.

Quality: 
Not so good. He feels when putting the dish washing liquid in a sink filled with water it does not become soapy enough. He said it seems like it has barely any suds and within a few minutes the water appears to have NO soap in it. 

Scent:
He felt it smelled just like any other dish soap. He also told me the scent was too strong.

Design:
He loved it! He feels it looks great on his sink.

Repurchase or Recommend:
He said he would not purchase the soap again once he finished up the bottle. He would recommend only if they were looking for a cheaper dish soap to use.

A Few Extra Words

I do realize that I showed two very different reviews of Palmolive Fresh Infusions dish soap. However, I feel this makes this post honest and realistic. I still absolutely love this dish soap and hope that you will be willing to give it a try. I think the difference in opinions was greatly influenced by process we use to wash dishes. 

If your interested in viewing even more reviews please check out Influenster's review page for this product: click here

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

5 out of 5 Stars

I LOVE most Sally Hansen products including this one! I am shocked at how easy the magnetic nail polish was to put on and use! I honestly thought it would be so difficult that I didn't get around to using it for nearly 2 weeks... but it took me under 20 minutes to completely finish my nails! I'm still amazed considering it normally takes me over an hour to paint my nails. That factor alone makes this my new favorite nail polish!

•  3-D Nail Art in Seconds
• Available in 8 striking colors!
• Easy to use magnet
• Sold at chain drug stores, food stores and mass merchandisers nationally for $9.99

 Applying Tips

I had no problems putting on this nail polish for the most part. The only thing I had a little trouble with was the magnet. (A few times I accidentally let it touch my freshly painted nail, I was lucky however because it didn't cause much damage) The best way I found to avoid this was to view my nail from the side so I could see how close the magnet was getting to my nail. Also be sure to place the rounded elevated edge of the magnet as close as you can underneath your cuticle because if you place it to far back the design doesn't show up as well on the nail. 

 To Apply:

1.  Roll Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color between palms to activate
2.  Remove over cap with the magnet
3. Apply base coat (if desired) 
4. Apply first coat of color to all 10 nails
5. Wait few minutes for first coat to dry (I waited 5 minutes or so)
6. Apply thicker layer of Magnetic Nail Color to one nail and immediately hold magnet over nail, resting the rounded guide just below the cuticle for 10 seconds
7. Repeat step 6 to all other nails
8. Apply top coat (if desired)
9. Be amazed by how beautiful your nails look!

 Durability & Quality 

 This nail polish was so easy to apply and dries super quick! I'm not the best at painting my nails but the formula of this nail polish makes it easy for even someone like me to use it! I got beautiful end results with minimal effort! The Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail polish holds up extremely well even under the harshest circumstances and manages to look amazing the entire time. It lasted an entire week before I noticed slight chipping. I enjoyed how smooth this polish went on with no streaking or bubbling. The color I used (906 Ionic Indigo) was a very bold blue color which I loved. The designs made by the magnet came out very nicely in a pretty lighter blue color. Just everything about this nail polish is perfect in my opinion especially the speedy drying!

For more information check out: Sally Hansen



 Disclaimer: I received the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in the color "906 Ionic Indigo" complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster’s VoxBox program. I was not paid to do this review and all opinions are my own.