Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar

I shared a dietetic version banana nut bread in the past, so I am a fan of this type of baked good. I was able test Quaker's Banana nut bread recently.

Quaker Soft Baked Bar - Banana Nut Bread

Made with real bananas and almonds, Quaker Soft Baked Bars Banana Nut Bread flavor has tasty ingredients and key nutrients to help provide fuel to start your day.

-5g Fiber*
-20% daily value of 5 B Vitamins
-6g of Protein
*Contains 3.5g of total fat per serving

Where to Buy

You can find Quaker Soft Baked Bars at most major retailers.

Suggested retail price: $3.29 for a box of 5 bars

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CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ Review

Did you know that 99% of hair's natural nourishment comes from the scalp? It is about the foundation. Like good soil is to a tree, a well nourished scalp is the right foundation for strong beautiful hair (by Jen Atkins - source).

Now with the introduction of a new line called CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY. 

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™

The search for strong, beautiful hair is finally over. Introducing CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™, a new line of shampoos and conditioners that will change the way women care for their hair. 99% percent of hair’s natural strength and beauty comes from the scalp. For years women have been treating the ends of their hair, rather than the source — the scalp. One small change like feeding scalp* can make a big difference. FEED SCALP* with new CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™.

NEW CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ is available in a range of six shampoos and five conditioners to meet different scalp and hair needs. The line is infused with Nutrum 10TM technology, a rich blend of vitamins and nutrients. CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ nourishes the scalp, and creates the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair from root to tip. CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ gives women stronger**, more beautiful hair in just 7 days. For more information, please visit oursite.

Where to Buy

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ products are available at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Suggested retail price: $4.99 – $5.99

*Disclaimer: refers to stratum corneum

**Disclaimer: Less breakage upon combing vs. non conditioning shampoo

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Influenster Mom VoxBox: Mom Tested. Mom approved?

As a mom, there are things that would be so much easier to do if it was quick, easy to take around with you and could cater to my little one.


In June's Influenster mom voxbox, the team created a package catered to moms addressing those things and we were excited to test them out.


Would the mom voxbox be mom/kid tested and mom/kid approved? Let's get testing!

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The Real Deal Concealer. Need Serious Coverage?

As many of you are already familiar, I LOVE concealers! It is my holy grail/can't leave home without product! I've done reviews on the Sheer Cover and Coverblend Concealer, which both have been through my testing process of what my ideal concealer is. 

I was able to test Laura Geller's 'my real deal concealer' to determine if it meets my expectations of an ideal concealer. 

Criteria of my 'Perfect' concealer -

• Match my skin tone
• Cover up the darkness under my eyes
• Reduce the look of puffiness under eyes
• Cover up redness/blemish for past pimples
• One product to do all

First let's get to know Laura Geller.

The key to Laura Geller’s success seems to lie somewhere in between her tenured beauty expertise and her warm, approachable and “best friend in the biz” personality. Not happy just being one of the industry’s most recognized and talented makeup artists, Laura has made a career out of infusing glamour into every girl’s day with multi-tasking, “ingenious” products that are easy-to-use solutions for every day beauty concerns. That’s because Laura takes her consumers’ needs and wants into consideration every time she develops a product…guaranteeing multi-functional, beauty that fits into every woman’s daily life. 
The Brains Behind No Brainer BeautyFrom an early age, Laura knew her future would be in makeup. "I used to ask if I could work at the makeup counters for free just so I could be near the products," she explains. Her path to becoming one of the industry’s top makeup artists swiftly followed as she went from beauty school to Broadway – making up the theater industries rising stars. Soon after, Geller's handy work was gracing the small screen including on-air talent at CBS, NBC, AMC, and HB0. Today, Laura is most often seen in front of the camera through her many QVC appearances in the US and Europe. Her exceptional ability in connecting with her viewers with her authentic persona has been a key to her success and led to a cult following for her brand.  
Laura Geller Makeup StudioIn 1993, Laura opened Laura Geller Makeup Studios on New York City's posh Upper East Side. The Studio’s purpose was simple: to teach women the how-to of cosmetics and hands-on technique to master it. Laura sought to simplify makeup application. "I saw a void in the makeup industry. Women didn't know how to apply makeup, so I wanted to communicate my knowledge and experience," she says. Today, the studio is a showcase for Laura’s eponymous line of cosmetics and is also where those in the know flock for 5-star makeup application, brow shaping and more. 
Laura’s high-spirited, down-to-earth personality oozes from every corner of the studio ~ from complimentary coffee and cookies offered as soon as you walk through the door to the hand-picked selection of products, candles and accessories on display. The fashionable, never intimidating and highly knowledgeable staff skillfully takes customers through the line, provides expert makeup application advice and “editing” suggestions that reflect both “the basics” and “the best.” [source]

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Neostrata CoverBlend Multi-Function Concealer SPF 15

Case of the raccoon eyes? That would be me! You know, without concealer your dark under eye areas make you resemble those furry little guys!


I recently shared a review about a concealer from Sheer Cover which I thought was good. 


As I previously mentioned, here are my criterium of my 'Perfect' concealer -

• Match my skin tone
• Cover up the darkness under my eyes
• Reduce the look of puffiness under eyes
• Cover up redness/blemish for past pimples
• One product to do all

Prior to testing the Sheer Cover concealer, I was able to test the Neostrata CoverBlend Multi-function concealer SPF 15  for a month.

Who is Neostrata? 

The creators of NeoStrata Company, Inc., Drs. Van Scott and Yu are internationally recognized for making the groundbreaking discovery that Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) have profound beneficial effect on human skin. Their passion and vision led to their subsequent research which established AHAs are not only beneficial in the treatment of dermatological conditions, but are also effective in stimulating prematurely aged or damaged skin to actually rejuvenate itself, thereby revolutionizing the treatment of aging skin.

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Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer [Review]

Do you know the importance of using primers in your makeup application? 

Using a makeup primer is the best way to make your makeup stay put on for longer. The makeup primers are relatively new products on the market but now are gaining more and more popularity. Their aim is to prepare the skin for the makeup application, they pamper the skin and create a protective base for longer- lasting, natural looking foundation application and wear. [source]

So I was able to test and create this review on Mally Beauty's Perfect Prep Poreless Primer.

So let's start out by finding out who Mally Beauty is?

Mally Beauty was founded by celebrity makeup artist, Mally Roncal. 

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Prepping for a Girl's Day Out feat. Influenster Spring Vox Box [REVIEW]

As a mom with a 2 year old boy and a 5 month old girl, time with my best friends come around once in a blue moon. The other day I had planned a day of lunch and shopping at Town Square with my girlfriends and planned to use the products I received in my Influenster Spring Beauty Vox Box. I really was a perfect time to use them!

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Sheer Cover Review

Eye bags. Darkness under eyes. A blemish from a pimple. Redness around my nose. These are things I ALWAYS cover up with a concealer and I continue to be on the hunt for the 'perfect' concealer.

Criteria of my 'Perfect' concealer -

• Match my skin tone
• Cover up the darkness under my eyes
• Reduce the look of puffiness under eyes
• Cover up redness/blemish for past pimples
• One product to do all

It may be a stretch but that's why it's called my 'perfect' concealer.

Will the Sheer Cover Duo Concealer meet my expectation in a 'perfect' concealer?

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Weekly Roundup Sunday [5/29-6/2]

Along with rounding out the end of May, we welcome June! Almost halfway through the year? Goodness the year has definitely zoomed by! Here is another weekly roundup of how last week was for me!

A week in instagram -

MOTD -
Products used: Sheer Cover concealer, Urban decay BOS4,
Coveted eyelashes,  and HairDo Clip in Bangs

Sally Hansen Laced up & a DIY 'Love'  I made for a bracelet

The DIY heart rings and bracelet I made

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May Beauty Army Unbox + Winners Announced

Early last month, I received notification that I was able to sign up from Beauty Army since I was wait listed. Around a week later, I was asked to check the nine samples available through my login and choose up to 6 samples for the month.


Beauty army is a monthly subscription of beauty samples that costs $12 per month. You take an initial quiz called their 'beauty profile' that creates customized product samples for you to choose from each month. Nine products are available and you choose up to six products for your beauty army box of that month. 


Here is the unboxing video + winners announced (of Superfood Snacks & Love with Food Giveaway):

Here are pictures of my box and its contents -

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Joy for Soy? [REVIEW]

I love a good snack and had come across SoyJoy a while back. I enjoyed them then and I enjoyed them now when I received a package in my Influenster Spring Beauty Vox Box.

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Sally Hansen Salon Effects - REVIEW

I would consider myself a nail fanatic of some sort. I do have monthly subscription for nail polish (JULEP) and I ALWAYS make a trip to the nail section of any store to see what new colors or products there are.


Back when Sally Hansen first came out with their Salon Effects polish strips, I was an instant fan and currently have 5 different designs in my nail collection when receiving this new box. You could guess the grin on my face when I unboxed my Spring Beauty vox box and found a box of Salon Effects with one of my favorite designs from this line.

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What I did last week... (5/22-5/28)

I hope everyone had a great Memorial day! We just got back from our long weekend in Utah and it feels nice to be home! Here is a roundup of last week!

My week via Instagram -

Love getting goodies!

My current obsession - Chipotle chicken salad

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What was May's Gossip Girl birchbox really worth?

The highly anticipated Birchbox Gossip Girl box arrived and was unboxed with disappointment. After receiving a box with the collaborated forces of birchbox and teen vogue (which I loved),  I couldn't wait to see what I had gotten this month.

Because I get my birchboxes towards the later part of the month, I take sneak peaks of the contents of  each month's box via youtube. On occasion, I will get the email talking about the products I received in my month's box before I've even received the box. This month's box was one of those instances where the email told me the products I got before I received the physical box and I said to myself, "BORING!'.

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Sweet Pea - Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist

The finishing touch before I head out the door after getting ready is a few pumps of fragrance.

I have a couple of perfumes in my arsenal with brands of Chanel, Halle Berry and Playboy. I am a huge fan of bath and body works and my 'go to' scents are their body sprays in Country Apple and Sweet Pea.

When I received my Influentster Spring Beauty vox box, I was so excited about getting a body mist of my favorite scent - Sweet Pea! I have the body sprays and the lotions in this scent. I was happy to see they came out with a new line of fragrance mist with their current signature scents.

About this new line of fragrance mist collection -

Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mist

NEW Fine Fragrance Mist Collection!

Fine fragrance in a mist as light as air. Discover a better, more delicate fragrance experience in over 20 Signature fragrances. It’s love at first mist! Exclusively at Bath & Body Works.

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The Goods: Favorites Swap [Updated]

Some time in April, I saw a retweeted status update by @officialstinad of Linny's Favorites Swap blog post and I was immediately intrigued.

Taking queue from Linny's post, here was how it worked:

With a $15 spending max, purchase your favorite things (lip gloss, nail polish, lotion, candy, gift card, candle, movie, book, magazine, etc) and send them to your swap buddy.

• Must be able to send your swap buddy a package of goodies
• You must be willing to spend up to $15 (before shipping).
• Partners will be randomly matched up
• Your package must be in the mail by a certain date

I was the coordinator of this fave swap and I changed up how swap buddies were chosen. Each person didn't know who had them and it was kept as a secret until favorite packages were received!

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New Beauty Test Tube Spring '12 [review] + Giveaway Winners

One of my favorites subscription boxes is New Beauty's Test Tube! I really like this subscription because I feel the products are higher end products and, in all the cases that I've gotten a test tube, you get at least 3 full size products. I haven't done an unboxing or review of my previous 3 test tubes and I'm sad that I didn't because I could have shared the awesome goodies!

Here is the video of my unbox and review of my Spring 2012 test tube. Also, I announce the winners of the last two giveaways that ended recently!

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Review: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation

I have yet to find a foundation that I absolutely love. When I started out in makeup, my first foundation was Mac's studio fix compact in NC42. I was completely devoted to that for so many years. Until two years ago, I began to venture out of my studio fix world and began trying other foundation products.

The only issue I run into is finding the right match for my skin. The beauty of going to Mac is that the MUA/sales reps are great at matching foundation colors but this is not the case at the drugstore. I used NC42 as my foundation matching reference and used websites like, temptalia.com, to find comparable shades in different brands.

I like the liquid foundations I use now but I'm not in love them. So periodically I venture out and find drugstore foundations that address my needs. I have combination oily skin and need a product that meets that along with not breaking me out, has build-able coverage (sometimes I want a range of coverages) and doesn't make me look like I'm wearing a mask because the color doesn't match.

Around a month and a half ago, I picked up the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation at Walmart.  As I usually do, I went through google and searched what the equivalent of NC42 was for this product and came up with Honey Beige Medium 4.

Dream Matte Mousse 100% Velvet matte perfection; Air soft feel; Ideal for normal to oily skin; 16 shades to choose from

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

• Revolutionary air-soft mousse provides perfecting coverage for 100% velvet-matte perfection
• Ideal for normal to oily skin
• Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores, safe for sensitive skin

FOR BEST RESULTS

Apply smoothly and evenly to your face and blend with your fingertips.

AWARDS

#1 foundation in the world

Upon opening the package that had a glass bottom and plastic twist lid, the consistency of the foundation was exactly as its title indicated - mousse. It was very light and almost had an airy touch to it. Unaware of its consistency, I applied the foundation with my fingers (as I prefer this method over brushes) onto my moisturized face and found myself looking like Snooki on a tanning binge.

On a different day, I proceeded to apply the foundation with my fingers little at a time and built up the coverage I wanted. I realized that the color that I had gotten was too dark for my skin at the time. Now that the summer sun has debuted in Las Vegas late last month, I've been able to get back to my NC42 roots.

Overall, I liked this product because it gave me a very matte finish, I did have to use blotting sheets after around 3 - 4 hours and it was really soft on my skin. I did end up using a primer for my oily skin and it helped keep the shininess at bay. Although, I got a color that suited me best during summer rather than spring I found that this product was fairly build-able in a medium to full coverage. Full coverage entailed a darker color on my pre tan face so I  ended up having light to medium coverage to avoid a dark mask on my face. Now that I am back to my summer shade, this is a perfect fit for my skin tone!

Wearing the Dream Matte Mousse (1)

Wearing the Dream Matte Mousse (2)

Pro -

• Matte finish
• Light texture
• Build-able to coverage desired
• Fit my skin type
• Can apply with fingers or flat top brush
• Felt soft on skin

Con - 

• Can look too cakey if too much is applied
• May need to apply a primer suited for skin to ensure shininess is under control
• Not a fan of glass packaging and it can be unsanitary dipping fingers or brush back in forth
• May take a couple tries to get used to consistency

In short -

Packaging - Glass bottom casing with plastic twist lid. Need to use brush or fingers to re-dip into product while applying causing concern of sanitation

Ease of use - With its light consistency, may take a bit to get used to using for fear of applying too much

Smell - Unscented

Addressed needs - Gave me a matte finish, took 3-4 hours to oil up in my t-zone, didn't cause me to break out, was build-able and with proper application looked great on my skin.

Cost - At Walmart $7.94 (I had a dollar off coupon so I paid $6.94)

Additional - Available at most drugstores, retail stores and online

More information - www.maybelline.com

Ranked: 4 out 5 stars

Recommend to a friend? YES 

(but only if they have normal to oily skin and are ok with packaging)

Have you tried this product? Thoughts? How do you go about choosing a drugstore foundation? What are important to you when it comes to choosing a drugstore foundation?

Thanks for visiting and don't forget to follow my blog for new posts.

Stay beautiful inside and out!

Laters,

Ree

-

Don't forget:

• Enter Current Giveaways! 
• Check out my last Product Review!
• Get your first Julep ($40 of nail products) for a Penny - take a quiz at http://julep.com/?r=17816799 and use code COLOR2012

FTC:Not a sponsored post. Product discussed was purchased by me. Thoughts and opinions are 100% honest

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My April Hits and Miss

This month's hits and miss are going to be a blog only (no youtube video) because I realized I didn't have very many favorites for April. I am currently testing several things this month so May's Hits & Miss should be more eventful.

Here are my April Hits -

                                                   

First is the Rimmel Lash Accelerator. I am in LOVE with this mascara. It gives my sad display of eyelashes some extra vavoom. After curling my lashes for 5 seconds, I apply one coat and I've got some noticeably pretty lashes. I've done the trick where I've used 2 different lashes to get some plump but these by itself do the job. 

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All about Monthly Boxes!

Remember when magazine subscriptions were the big thing? Well, now it is all about the monthly box subscriptions. Subscription boxes can vary in content from makeup, skin care, food, lifestyle, moms, children, pets to just about anything!

With all of the subscription boxes out there, how can anyone keep up? As many of you know, I am obsessed with monthly boxes and majority of my Youtube channel videos are unboxings and reviews of boxes that I have received. Two main reasons I love this concept are that I love getting goodies in the mail and, in most cases, I don't know what I'll be receiving! Who doesn't want to feel like it's their birthday EVERY month? To take the guessing and research out of the equation, here are all of the monthly boxes that I am either subscribed to or have researched to include in this list!


Do you know of one that I missed? Email me their website info and I will include it on this list!
*all logos are properties of each company - click on logos to visit company website. 

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