Showing posts with label Florida Blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida Blogger. Show all posts

5 Home Cleaning Tools you MUST HAVE!

Since my husband brings home the bacon (that money honey!); I took the role of all the home responsibility. Which is alright in my book, I enjoy cleaning and I enjoy having a solid system in place at home. With my Hubby and I preparing to move from Condo-life to a front pourch and fenced in yard life; I decided today I'll break out the 5 Home Cleaning Tools you MUST HAVE!

Continue reading to hear what my picks are for the 5 Cleaning Tools you MUST HAVE!
* These cleaning tools are PERFECT for anyone and any living situation. From the apartment, townhome, dorm room, or a house!




1. Swifter Mop Collection
The entire Swifter Collection is in for the win. From the duster with the extending handle to reach high places to the dry mop, and the wet mop. I personally love the wet mop because it works on hardwood, tile, and vinyl flooring. It leaves the floors clean without the bucket of water.


2. Mr Clean Magic Erasers
This is a must for everyone. If you're cleaning to move out of an apartment you can use this to clean any scuffs and get that security deposit back. If you have a Tot that colors on the walls; yes this cleans crayons! If you need help cleaning the tub grim it even works there! Seriously one of these erasers can clean any part of your home.



3. Disinfecting Wipes
These are perfect for cleaning areas quickly and it removes those germs. I especially use these on door handles, remote controllers, and all of Holly's toys. Double points if you get ones that are plant-based and can be tossed in a compost!


4. Rubber Gloves
I'm a firm believer in protecting your skin, especially your hands. I always wear rubber gloves when I do ANY form of cleaning. The chemicals in all cleaning products can be harmful to your skin/delicate areas like fingernails.



5. Dyson Vacuum
I love the Dyson we own (Image above is our vacuum which you can purchase from QVC.com). And I know these vacuums hold up well but can be costly. If you can't afford a Dyson definitely find one with the same qualities like this one (lightweight, easy to empty, powerful suction, etc).

Ultimate Stay-at-home Moms Guide for Activities!


As a fellow Stay-at-Home Mom, I too have hit roadblocks where I'm out of ideas or my child is just 'bored' of playing the same old stuff. Most "SAH Moms" have a budget set for the 'out of the home' activities but (let's be real) we can't go out to the zoo every day! Below I gave my Ultimate Stay-at-Hom Moms guide for activities (home edition).
*I will give a guide to Activities outside the home that are affordable too!*

If you're down to be creative, search around for some normal everyday items and a bold imagination add some of these Ultimate Stay-at-Home Moms Guide for Activites in your daily routine! Before you know it, it'll be bedtime!

*** Tip*** I don't do these every day. In fact a lot of these I have set aside in baskets in the top of Holly's closet. Each Day I grab out 2 or 3 different activities and sometimes I only grab out one depending on the weather and if we have appointments. I do recommend sitting these aside in small zip bags or boxes and even labeling them "Monday, Tuesday, etc". This keeps the activities 'fresh', new and exciting! 

- Color Time
Jumbo construction paper, Toddler size crayons, and some parental supervision. Even grab some giant soft stickers if you want to add texture!

- Make Bubbles
Sink, some bubble bath soap. Grab a bubble wand too! This activity can be done in the bathtub, kitchen sink or containers outside!

- Bathtub Crayons or Paint
I found these amazing crayons and bath paints that Holly really enjoys during bath-time but also I sometimes will let her sit in the tub and paint/color as a activity as well.

- Nursery Rhyme Dance Party
Pandora some Children safe music and bust a few silly dance moves! Your toddler might not dance but she'll get a few laughs.



- Kitchen Items Music Class
Containers, Different size pots, plastic mixing spoons. Make some music! *Don't sit out dangerous kitchen items*

-Sorting Cardboard Box Game
2 larger boxes, some round items, some square items. Use the big boxes and cut the shape (a nice large circle) in the middle of the box. Do the same with the other large box of a square or whatever other shapes you decide to use. Then have your toddler sort out the shapes into the correct box! You can even have your kiddo decorate the boxes too! Once finished keep or properly dispose of the boxes!

- Safe Finger Paint
Use baby food (mashed carrots, mashed peas, ketchup, etc) as finger paint. Grab some jumbo paper or even use a large white paper plate to paint on! This paint is safe so if your child wants to taste the foods she can.

- Story Time
grab some books and read! Even if your little one is busy playing with blocks she is still listening to you and learning new words.

- Big Puzzles
My 19-month-old is learning how to pick up and place big puzzle pieces. Our favorite is her farm puzzle. Even if she doesn't get the pieces back in the puzzle we still pick up the different ones and make the animal sounds.

- Copy Cat
Toddlers are all about copying their best friend (which is you!). So sit and do some simple things like stack a few blocks or tap on your toes and his toes. He'll most likely pick up on the game.

- Dress Up Silly
Grab a few hats, gloves, sunglasses a jacket, whatever you find that is in the coat closets. Sit on the floor and dress silly! As you grab the articles of clothing tell her what they are. She might even try to dress you up!



- Stuff Animal/Doll Challenges
A fun thing to do is grab your child's favorite stuffed animal and have your child help the toy with an activity. For example, Dolly needs help taking a bath (no water, just a large plastic bowl), a small hand towel, and an empty mini travel bottle of soap. I show my little one how to give dolly a bath.

- Backyard Explorer
We spend a lot of time outside in the backyard. We walk around, pick up leaves, sticks, and other unique things and make a collection on the carport. My 19-month-old is too young for slides, sidewalk chalk, and its too cold to get the kiddy pool out. But when once its summer she'll be old enough for her first slide and we can splash in her kiddy pool too!

- Laundry Sorting
When I get a fresh load of laundry out of the dryer I always drop the clothes in the floor and have my little one touch the different items as I hang or fold. She loves to sort the socks into a pile and will even hand me clothes hangers!

-Little Texture Box
Plastic box, tons of different textures (large feather, soft squishy, bumpy shell, Crunchy paper, etc) use the box to let her feel the items.

- Empty Tissue Box Tissues
Empty Tissue Box and Lots of Tissue Paper. The little one can pull out the tissues, feel the textures, and hear the sounds!

I hope this sparks some ideas for you and your tot! If you would like, follow my instagram page! I post daily and even post some of my Toddler Holly and her adventres!  Simply click here to be sent to my Instagram page!

Beauty + Skincare EMPTIES


Its that time again where I grab up the basket of "empties" and go over how I felt about the products! I've been really enjoying this because I can really sit back and dissect the product (from packaging, quality, short/long term results, etc). The best part is I'm using up items I've had sitting around and making space for new items to try!

If you would like to hear what EMPTIES I have and what products I plan to repurchase continue reading!



- Kristin Ess Extra Gentle Shampoo & Conditioner
So shocked. I used up an entire set of haircare products! Honestly didn't see anything 'amazing' when I used these the first few times. The results were 'eh'. Depending on the weather  conditions the product would either do its job or leave my hair extra oily and flat. The smell is also a bit too perfumey for me. I do think the packaging was nice. The bottles have some natural weight to them which feels pleasing. For the price, I feel you should just go to Ulta and buy a Salon set.


- Eyelure Wispy N152
When I have the time to wear false lashes I love em. This brand has always been an affordable favorite and the wispy is so great for a 'natural glam' look.


- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water *Pink Bottle*
Best product ever. I have to stress the pink bottle because I did a repurchased but grabbed the blue bottle (and I'm not enjoying it as much.) The pink is an All-in-1 and good for sensitive skin. I also love it comes in smaller travel size bottles!




- Too Faced Shadow Insurance
I have been slowly using this up for ages. It really does lock in the shadow and keeps it from sliding or melting off (which says A LOT because I live in Florida!). I will probably repurchase down the road but I'm currently wanting to try out a few new brands of eyeshadow primer.


- Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser
It has a good foaming pump. Citrus scent. And removes dirt easily. Worked great with my Clarisonic. This is a cult classic but I doubt I'll repurchase because I'm in need of a cleanser that fits all my needs.


- Sephora Collection Avocado Face Mask
This mask was in a collection set I purchased and wow I'm so glad I got to try this! The way the mask was packaged is 100% high quality. I felt the mask is like most sheet masks as in there was a lot of product and the results were normal. I'm going to look more into Sephora's sheet masks next time I'm in-store.

- Abercrombie & Fitch Perfume Sampler
I was given this sample set on a trip to the store. Was super excited to try 3 of their newest perfumes and the package even had a $10 off coupon! The samples had a good 7-9 pumps in it which is great! Ellwood is definitely a beautiful scent.




- Batiste Dry Shampoo "Cheetah bottle"
Like most Batiste Dry Shampoos this one did what was expected. I like the packaging and the scent wasn't too bad either. Definitely, plan to restock on some dry shampoo in the near future! Also watch for this, you can get them at Tjmaxx for much less!

- Dr Jart+ Ceramidin
I received this in a Sephora Play! Kit. It wasn't too terrible of face cream. But definitely isn't my Charlotte's Magic Cream or La Mer. I don't plan to repurchase because I have so many face creams I need to test out and the results from this wasn't that amazing.

- Dirty Works Coconut Body Scrub
Not sure where this came from... It was in my basket of shower scrubs and I thought it was worth using. Definitely had amazing exfoliants in it! The scent felt like a vacation and the exfoliants knocked all the dry skin off in one use! If I could find this product again I would definitely repurchase for prepping my skin for tanning.

- Chapstick
I mean, its Chapstick. Classic. Everyone uses it. Will always have one in my purse!



- Benefit's Bad Gal Lash
I love benefits products - Hoola Bronzer is my jam. But I'm not a fan of this mascara. The brush was very chunky and I felt the product didn't transfer off well. It seemed really clumpy at times and for the cost, it's not worth it.

- Two Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes
I live for these things. Especially when I visit the spa. But I will warn everyone to not skip on using a face cleanser or wiping down your face with some water. These wipes remove makeup but there are some oils and perfume that will leave a strange film-like layer on your skin. If you apply makeup after using one of these it might alter the appearance of your makeup too.

As always don't forget to follow the instagram! I post daily style, beauty, and lifestyle posts! Also when I reach my 'speical' goal I plan to do a huge giveaway! Thanks for all the support! 

- Brittney

Go to Product to Repair Nails


Do your nails sometimes get discolored? Have a chalky like color to them? Feel weak, dry, or just ‘unhealthy’? I struggle with this. Every time I take my nail polish off the nails just lack the clean and healthy look. To resolve the issue tried countless different nail treatments and none did the trick (some even made my nails look worse). But one day, I found the 'go to' product to repair nails!

Read below to hear what my Go to Product to Repair Nails is!

I had a Nail Technician give me some advice, she said: “Go to a store that sells nail products and purchase a treatment that has Kerien Oil in it”. I went to Ulta Beauty and found this treatment: Nail Tek Nail Nutritionist 'Keratin Nail Treatment'. I noticed it was more costly than the other nail treatments but I was ashamed of my nails and worried my nails might be getting ‘sick’. The fear of a costly medical issue developing if I don’t reverse this problem sunk in... So I purchased the product and after 2-3 uses, my nails did a 180! 





How I use this 'go to' product to repair nails:
I typically remove my nail polish at night before I hop in the shower. So once I remove my polish I use some mild soap with no fragrance and a nail brush to scrub my nails clean. Then I apply the Keratin Nail Treatment by Nail Tek on my nails - once it's dry I go to bed. The next morning the first thing I do is apply another coat - let it dry and then my nails are ready to be painted whenever! I like to give my nails a good night to breathe without the new polish color so the Kerien Oil can do its job in recovering my nails from the polish. Also never forget a good base coat! This helps your nails too! 

Okay! I hope this post helps anyone who needs a go-to product to repair nails! And if you’re not following the Instagram please click this link and follow along! I post daily fashion, beauty and lifestyle posts! Thanks again for all the support as I grow this blog!

- Brittney 

Ulta VS Sephora - Which is Better?


Which is better to shop at, Ulta or Sephora? As a huge, and I mean huge makeup + skincare fan I have shopped both stores countless times and realized there's quite a difference and I will say - "the best store" depends on what you want/need from your makeup experience.  Below you’ll see the reasoning and details on Which is Better - Ulta VS Sephora. 


Drugstore or luxury.
If you’re on the search for a drugstore mascara or some of the well known skincare items (like netrogenia makeup wipes) you best go to Ulta! The store has half high end and half drugstore/affordable products. From Elf cosmetics, Makeup Revolution to Urban Decay, MAC cosmetics. 
But if you want the best of the best (I’m talking Dior, YSL, Gucci, Kat Von D, etc) you need to visit Sephora. Also, don't forget that Sephora is owned by a Luxury Retailers LVMH - So you'll definitely only see the best of the best. 


Store Collection - Which is Better?
Both Ulta and Sephora have their own personal collection. Ulta seems to always do bogo sales on their collection while Sephora does random promotions on select items but generally both are at affordable prices. I personally prefer the Sephora over Ulta. I feel Sephora’s formula is better quality cause it is competing with all the luxury brands within their store. Also, it's founded in Paris with Louis Vuitton as its parent organizer. While Ulta is simply competing with drugstore brand like Revlon.


In-store treatments.
Both stores have trained associates to do special in-store treatments. Ulta has a hair salon, skincare bar, brow bar, and makeup bar. Sephora has a makeup + skincare bar. If you want a mini spa day stick with Ulta. If you want a smokey eye before your dinner date - go to Sephora.



Sales and Promos.
If you’re looking for good deals or special promos Ulta is the one. You can look online or in your newspaper for the Ulta flyer. From bogo items to special pricing. Sephora does have a sale section online and sometimes a small sale tower in store but their items are all high end which rarely gets marked down. And while Ulta does an amazing 21 days of beauty sale and amazing promos on Black Friday; Sephora simply has a few items marked down, a few percentages off specials (which rarely happen) and that's about it. 


Free Samples.
Ulta has testers you can sample in store.
Sephora has testers you can sample in store and you can request samples to try at home on practically any item that can be made into a sample (even perfumes!). Sometimes even at the register, I’ve made a purchase and they'll throw a deluxe beauty sample into my bag ‘just because’. 

Gift With Purchases.
Ulta has tons of gift with purchase items. I will say you need to remind them at the register because they will forget to give you the gift!
Sephora doesn’t have any special gift with purchase. Sometimes they'll have a spend $35 or spend $50 in-store you will get a sample bag of treats. But I stress on sometimes; because it rarely happens. 


Membership perks.
Both stores have special membership clubs. Both have uniquely different perks. I’m going to go over each in detail.


Ulta - the Ultimate Rewards. Regular membership is getting a 1 point per dollar on all purchases. Points can be gained and used to take a dollar pricing off your purchase (even high-end items). Example -> 100 points turn into $3.00 off.  Ulta credit card gets double the points off each purchase per dollar spent. So 20$ spent = 40 points. There are also double points on your birthday month. Random bonus point days. And a birthday gift. Points expire in a year unless you reach tier two (spend $450 in a calendar year).

Sephora - VIB membership. Dollars spent turn into points that can be used to get deluxe size sample/travel items. Sometimes they do special events where your points can be used to enter into contests. Points never (and I mean never) expire. They sometimes do double points days which you'll see in the Sephora App or online. When you reach tier two and tier three there are special gifts and you can get more points per dollar spent. Birthday gifts during your birthday month as well. 



Verdict.
The conclusion is both stores have their wins and losses. It honestly depends on if you are on a mission for samples, drugstore makeup, luxury makeup, bulk/gift with purchase items, in-store spa/beauty treatments, etc. 
I hope this break down on what each store offers helps on your next beauty journey! 
- Brittney 

Healthy Lifestyle - How I get all 8 Glasses of Water in!

I feel everyone struggles with is getting their daily recommended water intake. I mean, 8 glasses of water a day can sound like a lot - because it is! I envy the people who can just pour a glass throughout the day and by 6pm they’ve reached the suggested amount. I’m the type of gal who had to find tricks to get myself to drink H2o. So if you're in need of some advice on how to get all 8 glasses of water into your daily diet below I mention some helpful tips that I use everyday! 


- Set small goals
If you’re an anti-water drinker you’ll probably struggle to get more than 3 glasses down. So start small, and be proud. Start with 2 or 3 cups and work you way up. 

- Switch up the cup
Something that helps keep me excited to drink water is switching up my ‘water bottle’. Sometimes I’ll match the bottle to the outfit I’m wearing or grab a funky shaped bottle so when I see it, I’ll remember to take a sip.

- Add a vitamin to it
A way I make sure I get my full amount of water needed is by adding a vitamin supplement. Currently, I drink 8oz with a collagen tablet which gives the water a lemon rose flavor but also I know I ‘must’ drink all the water to get that vitamin in for today. Then later in the day when I take my other vitamins I pour another 8oz and remind myself to consume all the water with the vitamins. 

- Flavors help
Add water flavors or fresh fruit if you’re bored of the flavorless water. Water flavors varies from ‘sweet tea’ to ‘lime margarita’. They seriously make a flavor out there for everyone! And fresh fruit you can toss anything from watermelon, berries, to even cucumbers. 

- Ice does the trick too
For me, really cold water is easier to consume than room temperature or Luke-warm water. So I always make sure to add some ice cubes (like the small pellet size from Sonic).

-Remind yourself why you’re doing it
For me, if I tell myself “hey girl, drink this water! It’s going to do wonders for your skin, appetite, weight, and keep you alert to play with Holly” I suddenly get major motivation to drink a little more H2o. Find what will motivate you if its a quote or a goal you want to reach. 

- Reward yourself overtime
The best trick is to reward or ‘treat’ yourself overtime. When I met my 30 day water goal I went and bought a new mascara I’ve been dying to try. I feel keeping a promise to drink water even when you rather have a Coke-a-cola is a reason to celebrate! 


I know these might sound silly or be obvious but the goal is to get the daily recommended amount into yoru diet. If drinking 8 glasses of water is hard for you I hope these tips help!
-Brittney

Places to Visit: Bellingrath Gardens


Recently Bryce, Holly and I went on a small day trip to the Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, Alabama. Let me tell you, this is truly a hidden gem. On 65 acres of land with tons of different and very unique gardens to walk through (something beautiful is blooming all year), a gorgeous home that you can tour to see the countless porcelain collection Mrs. Bellingrath collected, and even visit the small chapel right next door. Don’t forget to have lunch at the Cafe! 
I don’t want to give away all the information of this house but there’s many features that was built for this house that made it "ahead of its time". Also many of the people who still works here met Mr. Bellingrath before he passed away (so they have lots of information about the family and what they enjoyed doing). There’s a large collection of Coke-A-Cola memorabilia since Mr. Bellingrath was one of the first to bottle Coke-A-Cola (this is where a majority of his wealth came from).
Best of all, the Gardens play host to beautiful Christmas lights if you’re in the area during the winter months. Below you’ll see some photos we snapped during our tour.
I definitely recommend visiting this hidden gem if you’re a fan of architecture, history, and the magic a secret garden can bring.

 - Brittney 





Traveling Abroad? Here's The Big Three

Maybe it’s “something in the water” but traveling abroad is currently on everyone’s mind. But, before you book that hotel or request that PT...