Because my life is anything but normal....

Dec 18, 2014

Grazia Reusable Silicone Baking Cups - Review



We all know that I have a tendency to burn down my house 
when I cook.... 




  That's not really true, but I used it as an excuse for half of my life because I didn't know how to cook much less bake something. All of my cooking involved fervent phone calls to my mother where she walked me through making a meal step by step, and half of my meals involved plating take-out from a local restaurant as quickly as I could before my husband arrived (I giggle every time I watch Mr. & Mrs. Smith). I had very firm thoughts on how I should be as a wife and cooking was at the top of the list. My first attempt at cake for my spouse looked like a blackened lump and I never wanted to do it again. I can still hear the smoke alarm going off while I sobbed over the scorched cake pan.

  Honestly though, it took years until I started learning to make more involved recipes and making simple deserts and cookies WITHOUT lighting anything on fire or setting off any smoke alarms.

  The point of the story is, I went through all of that and my husband doesn't even like cake. Not even a little. I didn't have to pretend to be able to cook anything anyway because the man can't even cook mac-n-cheese out of a box, he was grateful for a warm hot dog! Over the years, I've picked up cooking. I like food, I just don't like making it. I still don't bake cake, but I will make the occasional cupcake if a child asks me to.

  Anyway, the current crave at my house is muffins. My kids don't want to eat anything else for breakfast on school days. Their problem with breakfast is that they have to get up a few minutes earlier to eat. We decided muffins were a great compromise because they're not really unhealthy, they freeze well, and they're portable. My only problem with muffins is that my kids take those little paper liners and throw them at or around my trash can.


  Now that I'm done rambling, I have a review! 



  I recently received Grazia silicone baking cups to try, and they've kinda changed my life.
 They're so useful!

  The first things we all noticed was how very bright and colorful these are. They're easy to see on a shelf, and my kids love the fun colors. The colors came in handy for us because we each picked a color for our muffins... you know, so no one steals our muffins instead of eating the flavor they picked. Big problem around here.






  The other great things about these silicone cups are that they are microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer safe. So if you're like me and you freeze your muffins, the process is seamless. You can bake them, toss them in the freezer, and thaw them without having to remove the cup! Then they get tossed in the dishwasher instead of getting thrown around the trash can like paper liners. They're non-stick so you can eaily get your muffin (or whatever you bake) out without your muffin falling apart or having to scrape part of it out of the bottom of the cup.


  Another great feature is that you don't have to use muffin tins. You can if you want to, but you can just as easily toss these on a baking sheet or a cookie sheet and shove them in the oven. It's simpler and there is less clean up involved.





  Now, I do have one downside that I noticed and its not a big thing or a deal breaker. These don't cook exactly like a muffin tin. They cook more evenly instead of outside to inside. So if you're like me and your mentality is "if I accidentally overfill one, it will have a bigger top", you'll need to watch that when you use these cups. Unlike traditional tins, when you overfill these, you have a 70% chance of your muffins collapsing on themselves rather than rising higher. Not a big deal, but worth noting.







  I have to say that I fully recommend these. They make my mornings smoother and take away some of the little annoyances I have with baking muffins. They're reusable, environmentally safe, BPA free, and have a lifetime guarantee. If you're like me and are looking for less hassles, these are for you.











** Disclaimer**
I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes. In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note that all opinions are my own and I will only endorse items which I truly feel are of value to my readers.




Dec 17, 2014

Pure Body Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum - Review

 I've tried many hyaluronic acids, but I honestly think this is my new favorite.







I'll tell you a little about Pure Body Natural's hyaluronic acid serum first, then I'll add my opinion.

As per their Amazon product page:

PURE BODY NATURALS - Potent Hyaluronic Acid Serum uses the very BEST NATURAL and ORGANIC ingredients to give you MAXIMUM Anti-Oxidant Protection to help ELIMINATE Free Radicals on your Skin That Causes Premature Aging.

SUPER SOFT SILKY SMOOTH HYDRATED & RESTORED SKIN : Our Serum moisturizers your skin and is power packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. PURE BODY NATURALS Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum for face, skin and neck leaving your skin vibrant and super smooth. PROVEN using NATURAL POTENT formula Combination of Hyaluronic Acid Serum (with added C & E Vitamin) which Stimulates Collagen on your Skin. It REDUCES your Fine Lines & Wrinkles - using NATURAL & ORGANIC INGREDIENTS.

GUARANTEED TO HAVE CLEARER, SMOOTHER BEAUTIFUL SKIN: Fast results because of Hyaluronic Acid Serum face serum's absorbs rapidly into your skin, getting to work providing dramatic impact on reducing wrinkle size and giving DEEP Hydration and Boosting your Skins Collagen Production. You deserve to look younger again and feel great again - now you can - treat your skin the way it should be treated and feel great about yourself !

MADE and CRAFTED in the USA using ONLY THE FRESHEST BOTANICALS AVAILABLE in a FDA Approved and GMP Certified Manufacturing Facility. Our Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum Face Serum is Paraben Free & Only uses the very Best and Highest Quality Organic, Natural Ingredients and is Cruelty-Free. This will leave your face and neck feeling beautiful and restored again.

Our Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps to stimulate your skins rate of exfoliation for a brighter, smoother complexion. Deals with the Antioxidant properties that will reduce skin damage caused by the sun, pollution and cigarette smoke. Our Slow Release Technology (SRT) delivers a deeper penetration of active ingredients to the skin cells. Proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen which makes your skin appear years younger and more vibrant beautiful skin

Professional Anti Aging Moisturizing Serum - Hyaluronic Acid Serum
See The Anti Aging Power Of Hyaluronic Acid With Vitamin C & Instantly Gain Brighter More Hydrated Radiant Beautiful Skin Upon Application.

    •  Proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen which makes your skin appear years younger and more vibrant.


    •  Plumps and Hydrates dry and dull skin instantly


    •  Antioxidant properties that will reduce skin damage caused by the sun, pollution and cigarette smoke.


    •  Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving beautiful skin.


    •  Highest Rated Hyaluronic Acid Serum. You Will not Find A better Higher Quality, More Potent Effective Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamin C On The Market.


  The things that set this product apart from other I have tried might be small to some people, but they're huge to me. As soon as I opened the box, the first thing I noticed is that it has a pump. Not a dropper, but an actual pump. The pump dispenses just the right amount of serum without making you feel wasteful and is much more convenient than the "dropper" lids that other products come with.






  The second thing that really stands out to me is the light scent. The other hyaluronic acid serums I have tried are fragrance free, which is alright, but Pure Body Naturals gave theirs a light citrus scent. Its refreshing to your senses. Not only do you get the benefits of the serum, but it also "wakes you up" in a good way.

  The third thing I noticed about this product is that it absorbs much faster than anything else I've tried. You can literally apply and dry in a matter of seconds thanks to the pump and the quick drying serum. This is really great for people on the go that just don't have time to waste.






  I have been using this day and night. My current regime is to wash and tone, then I apply retinol (at night but not during the day), then I follow that with Pure Body Naturals hyaluronic acid serum and a light moisturizer. I can definitely tell when I skip the hyaluronic acid serum because my skin doesn't seem as bright and dewy without it.


  This is definitely great quality and has a pleasant scent.












** Disclaimer**
I was provided a product or coupon for testing and review purposes. In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note that all opinions are my own and I will only endorse items which I truly feel are of value to my readers.



Dec 5, 2014

DJ Earworm Mashup - United State of Pop 2014 (Do What You Wanna Do)




I CAN'T GET THIS SONG OUT OF MY HEAD!

This is probably the best mashup I've ever heard. EVER.
Even though I don't like ANY of the songs in it, put together, its catchy and fun. I can't stop listening to it!