Tag Archives: momlife

My Thoughts on Graze Subscription Box

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As a mommy to a 8 month old little guy, I am always on the look out for healthy easy snacks to take with me on the go. When you have a little one, you don’t have much time to yourself or to make something healthy and satisfying. I saw an ad for Graze online and decided to check it out.

Graze is a monthly subscription with the ability to cancel at any time. Graze has a variety of snacks which do Not contain GMOs, No artificial colors/flavors, No high fructose corn syrup, No trans fats. This definitely peaked my interest. Looking at all of the snacks made me feel like I would be receiving delicious healthy snacks that I wouldn’t feel guilty about eating. Each snack is picked by Graze for you based on how you rate the snacks you receive. This subscription isn’t a good fit for someone with nut allergies because from what I saw several of their snacks contain nuts and I believe they are all packaged in the same place. If you have any allergies, I would suggest checking their site before ordering.

They have a few options of packages to choose from: Each 4 snack variety box costs just $6.99, including delivery; Each 8 snack variety box costs just $11.99 including delivery; Each sharing box, containing 5 sharing bags (about 20 servings), costs $25, including delivery.

I received a 4 snack variety box to test out. My box contained a Deconstructed Carrot Cake; Caramel Apple slices; NY Everything Bagel sticks; and Twist of Black Pepper Popcorn.

The deconstructed carrot cake contains carrot chews, cinnamon flavored raisins, walnuts, and ginger fudge. I loved this snack. It tasted exactly like a carrot cake when you combined all of the components. It was such a fun snack to try with my family.

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The caramel apple snack was a dipper snack with caramel sauce and dried granny smith apple slices. This definitely tasted like a caramel apple. My little guy loved sucking on the apple slice pieces. I had to share it with him :)

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The NY everything bagel sticks are poppy seed onion sesame sticks. Those were my favorite. They are crunchy and taste like an everything bagel. Love them!

Graze everything bagel sticks

The twist of black pepper popcorn was really good. It was popcorn with black pepper and it tasted slightly spicy because of the pepper. I was surprised to like it, but I actually like it better than traditional popcorn.

Graze popping corn

I have to say I really loved the snacks that Graze picked out for me to try. They are all delicious and satisfying. They are a good single serve size for a snack. I liked having them in my diaper bag for when I was out and about and got hungry.  I loved the packaging and quality. Such a fun box. I would definitely recommend Graze to anyone looking for a healthy tasty snack delivered right to your door. Keep in mind these snacks are single serve sizes. I would like to thank Graze for sending these samples to me for me to try out. I loved them!

If you have a subscription box that you are loving please let me know in the comments down below. XO :)

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My Naturebox Review: 5 Snacks

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As a mommy I am always looking for healthy, tasty, and cost effective snacks for my family. I saw the ad for Naturebox on Facebook and couldn’t resist trying it. They were advertising the first box being free and cancellation at any time if unsatisfied. There was nothing to lose in my opinion.

The Naturebox of 5 snacks normally costs $19.95 per month. You can change the frequency in which you have it delivered and you can also choose a smaller box with 3 snacks. On their website you create an account and can choose which snacks you want to try. The more snacks you choose the better the chance of receiving only items you want to try in the event that something is out of stock.

I chose 5 snacks: Asiago and Cheddar Cheese Crisps, Honey Dijon Pretzels, Cheddar and Onion Sunflower Kernels, Pistachio Power Clusters, and Peanut Butter Nom Noms.

The box arrived a couple of days sooner than it said it would which was a pleasant surprise. I received my top 5 choices which was great. The packaging is inviting and the bags with the snacks are resealable which is convenient.

naturebox asiago and cheddar crisps

1. Asiago and Cheddar Cheese Crisps- These came in a 3.5 oz bag, a good amount of them in the bag. They are crunchy and cheesy. They taste healthy and delicious. To me they tasted similar to gold fish crackers and cheese-its but crispier and more natural tasting. I prefer these. If you like gold fish crackers and cheese-its you will really love these.

naturebox honey dijon pretzels

2. Honey Dijon Pretzels- These came in a 5 oz bag, a nice amount of them in the bag. They tasted exactly like the honey dijon pretzels i’m used to buying at the supermarket. I must say the pretzel nuggets are slightly bigger and they aren’t as heavily coated with seasoning, which I was happy about. They are very good. If you like honey dijon pretzels you will love these.

naturebox cheddar and onion sunflower kernels

3. Cheddar and Onion Sunflower Kernels- These came in a 5 oz bag, nice almost full bag. These tasted good but the seasoning/flavor was light and hard to tell that it was cheddar and onion. These tasted really good just not what I expected when you think cheddar and onion. I expected a stronger flavor.

naturebox pistachio power clusters

4. Pistachio Power Clusters- These came in a 3 oz bag, a decent amount in the bag. These are my favorite! They are so delicious and addicting. They are nut squares with almonds, cashews, and pistachios. I wish there were more in the bag because I can’t get enough of these. They are healthy and satisfying.

naturebox peanut butter nom noms

5. Peanut Butter Nom Noms- These came in a 3.7 oz bag, only 5 cookies in the bag. These are mini peanut butter oat cookies. They remind me very much chewy granola/oatmeal cookies. They are very good as well and each is a nice hefty weight and are filling. I just wish there were more in the bag.

 

I must say I was very pleased with my box. Everything was delicious and satisfying. The Pistachio Power Clusters were my favorites with the Asiago and Cheddar Cheese Crisps being my second favorite. I would say my least favorite were the Cheddar and Onion Sunflower Kernels not because they weren’t good, they definitely were, but because the flavor was lighter than I would have liked.

I definitely recommend Naturebox to anyone who is looking for healthy snacks and variety delivered right to your door. I have to say, however, that if you are a family on a budget $19.95/month for the 5 bags might be on the pricey side especially since the bags aren’t very big. They do offer to skip months or change the frequency which could definitely help. XO

 

 

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TBT- The first few months with my little guy

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With my little guy turning 8 months old on the 18th, it has me thinking about how quickly time is flying by. I remember the first month of his life being the hardest for me. I don’t mean that in the sense of it actually being more difficult but that it was hardest for me because it was all new to me. I am one of those very organized planners who likes to be in control most of the time. When my little guy was born, I was the happiest I have ever been and I was also the most terrified I have ever been. I was for the first time responsible for another life (other than fur babies), and the thought that I might mess up or that something could go wrong terrified me.

My little guy was born at 6lbs 1oz, 18 1/2 inches. I remember just staring at him as he slept and constantly checking his breathing. He looked so innocent and so fragile like if I held him wrong or wasn’t super careful I’d break him. That’s how I acted for the first month. I was hyper aware, hyper sensitive, and hyper worried about everything that had anything to do with him. I think I pretty much held him or was attached to him in some way the entire first month. For the first couple of weeks I don’t think I even left the bedroom for anything when I was home alone with him. I was breastfeeding (almost 8 months old now and still going strong) and with him eating every two hours around the clock I was always holding him.

Breastfeeding was a major struggle at first with me wanting to give up a few times but I made the effort to continue because it was something I was able to do and something I had really wanted to do. I know it’s not for everyone and believe me before he was born I didn’t think I would be breastfeeding him so I fully understand that. It is a very personal choice that a mom must make and decide what’s best for her and her baby. For me it was difficult because once I committed to breastfeeding, due to our circumstances at the hospital, the hospital staff introduced a pacifier and bottle to my little guy (which isn’t recommended for the first month) and it made it way harder for him to latch properly. There were days where I just fought through the pain so that he could eat. I even supplemented with formula a few times just to give my breasts a small break. But it got better. He learned to latch properly and things became so much easier. I learned to look for cues of early hunger so that I could offer him breast milk before he got to the point of frustration due to hunger. We both learned together and it formed a wonderful bond. Now breastfeeding is pretty much seamless and effortless except when he is teething. Then with the fussing and gum pain it becomes a little more difficult but nowhere near what it was before. For anyone going through it, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and please feel free to comment if you have any questions or want to know anything that helped me.

I spent some much of my time worrying about SIDS, whether or not he was eating enough, if he was going to the bathroom enough, if it was diarrhea or normal, if he had a stuffy nose or if he had a cold, and the list goes on. Once I was able to get into a routine and get to know him better and his cues, it became easier because I became more confident and comfortable in my ability to properly care for him and his needs. It’s crazy how no matter how many babies I’ve watched in the past, when it came to watching my little guy, I felt like it was the very first time I had ever done anything involving a baby. A simple diaper change had me anxious. I think I was so worried about possibly doing something wrong that I was so hard on myself. What I learned is that it’s all a process and every parent gets there. I learned to enjoy all the moments and cherish the time I was spending with him. Every parent worries, every parent wants to do what’s best for their child.Once I got past my fears, life became more normal. I got back into my routine (as best as you can with a baby), the stress decreased tremendously, and everything got easier.

Now at 7 months old he is a chubby, handsome, stubborn, determined, and wonderful little guy. Whether it be crawling all over, reaching for phones and remotes, or taking off his diaper, he sure keeps me on my toes. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can say without a doubt that he is the one thing in my life I am most proud of. My little guy. My everything. Hope you all are having a good week. XO

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First Impressions: Cosmetics Update

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Hey everyone!,

Hope you all are having a great week. I must say mine has been somewhat challenging due to my little guy teething once again but we are hanging in there. :)

Now let’s get down to business. I had done a first impressions post on several cosmetics that I had purchased or received in magazines. I have been using a few of the products and wanted to let you guys know what I think of them so far. I haven’t been able to try all of them due to lack of “me” time. #momlife. One day I’ll be able to have “me” time and some sleep. lol I’m sure a lot of you can relate.

The cosmetics I was able to try I am pretty happy with so far.

 

Cosmetics

1. Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream Moisturizer– This I have used for a week now and I must say I am loving it. It definitely made my skin feel firmer yet super soft the first time I used it. It leaves my skin smelling great and feeling moisturized. I have only been using it at night time. I have noticed a subtle glow to my skin as well. I am going to continue to use it and see if it does all that it claims to.

2. Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturizer– This I have been using almost every morning along with their eye cream and I love it so much. It smells like oranges, just like the eye cream, and definitely gives me a little boost of energy. It leaves my skin feeling moisturized and soft without feeling greasy. I want to check if they have shower gel and face wash of this type because  I love it so much. If anyone knows please let me know in the comments below. :)

3. Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash– I have been using this every other day, alternating with my Purity by Philosophy face wash. I love the way both of them smell and how clean they leave my face feeling. I must say the Origins face wash smells wonderful and feels more luxurious than the Purity face wash but the Purity face wash leaves my skin feeling slightly softer than Origins does. Purity is still overall my favorite face wash although I really love this one too. I am going to try and use only this face wash for a week straight and then Purity for a week straight and see if it’s any different. I will let you all know how it goes.

4. Better than Sex Mascara– This mascara has been amazing. It darkens my eyelashes, makes them look fuller and longer without looking clumpy. I am not a fan of clumpy lashes or having to use a lot of product to make them look fuller and this does the job. It gives me the almost false lashes effect without too much product and without clumps. The only downside for me is that I prefer waterproof mascaras just because I am that person that will cry the one day she is wearing a regular mascara. I do, however, like to try to use my waterproof mascara sparingly because I feel like it is more damaging to my lashes than regular mascara. This comes off easily with eye makeup remover wipes or liquid. I must say that if you forget to take this mascara off or accidentally rub your eyes, you are in for major raccoon eyes and a mess on your face. I have been guilty of this a couple of times and it was not pretty. So if you are wearing this just be mindful of that. I’m sure most people don’t rub their eyes when they are wearing mascara or go to sleep with it on but for us moms who rarely wear cosmetics anymore and who are sleep deprived, it’s bound to happen.

So these are the cosmetics/products I was able to test out several times and I give them all a thumbs up. I will keep you all updated on what I try and what I think of it as well as update you on my progress with these items. If you have a product or cosmetic that you swear by please leave a comment down below so that I can try it! XO :)

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First Impressions- Cosmetics

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So now that I’m starting to get back in the groove of things and able to scrounge up some Me time, I decided to purchase a few products that I have been wanting to try out.

1. Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream Moisturizer- This claims to fade dark spots in 8 weeks. It says that it reduces the appearance of dark spots over time; brightens, exfoliates, and smooths; and regenerates skin’s appearance to help recapture healthy-looking, youthful luminosity. I had a sample in a magazine that I tried out all of one time (that’s how much product is in there) and it made my skin feel silky soft and smelled really good. I will be testing this out and will let you know if it actually does what it claims to do.

2.CHANEL ultra-light skin perfecting sunscreen makeup SPF 15- I had a sample in a magazine that I will be testing out and will let you know what I think of this foundation.

3. Estee Lauder New Dimension Shape + Fill Expert Serum- This was also a sample in a magazine and I will be testing it out and seeing if it really works.

4. ORIGINS Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturizer- Since I love the eye cream so much, I decided to give this a try. Smells just like the eye cream; orangey scent.

5. ORIGINS Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash- I wanted to try this because I’ve been using Purity by Philosophy nonstop since I first bought it and I thought it may be time to branch out or alternate face washes. It has a pleasant light scent.

6. ORIGINS Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask- This mask is intended to clear pores. It is black in color and has a pleasant scent.

7. ORIGINS Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion- This smells really good. It is intended to gently exfoliate.

8. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35- I have heard good things about this cream so I figured I should give it a try since I don’t usually put a full face of makeup on anymore unless it’s a special occasion.

9. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer- I figured I would try this and see if I like it better than my Porefessional primer. I will let you guys know.

10. Better Than Sex Mascara- This I wanted to test out and see if it is better than my Benefit They’re Real Mascara or my Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 mascara. It comes in a pretty pink tube which is definitely heavier than the other two.

11. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

12. The Original Beauty Blender

I purchased 11 and 12 because I wanted to see which one would apply foundation better and if the beauty blender really gives a smoother flawless application.

So that does it for my recent purchases and first impression of them. I will be trying them all out and will let you all know what I think of each. Thank you all for checking out my blog. If there is anything that you would like me to try out or any of your favorite items please let me know in the comments down below. Thanks! XO

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