Sunblocking with Block Island Organics #Review

You know that person that burns in the sun, no matter how much sunscreen is put on? Well, that’s my daughter Maizie.

I can apply it every half an hour and the girl will still get a burn. It gets to the point where she’s smacking me away causing a huge scene (okay, it’s probably me causing the scene because that’s how I roll).

I was given the opportunity to try Block Island Organics Sunscreen. I figured, it’s organic and it’s local.

Block Island Organics grew out of Koru Eco Spa and a desire to provide safe, effective, and pleasing suncare products.

 

Our mission is to give everyone access to safe, effective, and lovable non-toxic suncare products. We believe in living outside and enjoying the sun and not hiding from it. With a little sun knowledge and the right sunscreen you can live our mantra: “Play Smart, Play Safe.”

I believe when you want something tested for quality assurance, it should be under the harshest conditions. If you’re going to test an umbrella, do it during a torrential downpour, not a light drizzle.

Well, I tested Block Island Organics under some harsh conditions. I used the fairest of them all (Maizie) in Disney World, on a 90 degree sunny day.

My husband slathered her up with the SPF 40 and we were off to the Magic Kingdom for the day. He did say it was kind of thick when he put it on, but once it was rubbed in, she didn’t have a greasy sunscreen feel to her. I feel that if it’s a bit thicker, it’s easier to see if you’ve missed any spots.

All day Maizie kept checking her shoulders to see if it was working, it was. By the end of the day, she was going on and on about how great the new sunscreen worked (believe me, she’s a tough critic).

 

This was at the end of the day...NOTHING!!

With it being organic, being local (in Rhode Island) and having the convenience of the ingredients listed on their website so you can check their EWG ratings, I say Block Island Organics is a winner.

You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest as well.

Happy Sunning!!

Loving Cheese...Sargento Ultra Thin #Review

It’s no secret I love cheese, it’s my favorite food. When I was given the opportunity to review Sargento Ultra Thin I was thrilled.

I received my Voxbox from Influenster and inside was not only the voucher and a coupon for Sargento Ultra Thin, but a snazzy lunch bag as well. BONUS!!

 

My VoxBox

I brought my post workout snack in my new Sargento lunch bag

I took my sidekick with me to pick out my (yes my) cheese. Stella saw they had Swiss (her favorite), so I got Swiss and Pepper Jack. I couldn’t wait to try it.

 

My sidekick and I took a while deciding on which flavors

Sargento Ultra Thin is great in sandwiches and just to shovel into your mouth (that's how I ate most of mine).

Pepper jack and turkey sandwich

 

I made sure my husband knew that I needed to know what he thought of it. He confirmed my experience. The Sargento Ultra Thin slices melt beautifully, whether in the microwave or just placed on hot scrambled eggs.

 

Melting over a burger

Adding an extra kick to my morning

They only have 45 calories or less per slice which is great and they are full of flavor.

Disclaimer:  I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. The opinions are all mine.

 

Dolls and Jewelry, What More Could One Want?

Now is the time of year that you look over your Christmas list and see who you need to buy for. If you have a little girl on your list, I've got the gift for you. Our Generation Me & You Jewellery Kit is perfect for that doll lover on your list.

Stella and Maizie were given the opportunity to try out the Our Generation Me & You Jewellery Kit and they were thrilled.

 

What is it? It is a craft kit that coordinates with Our Generation dolls  (sold exclusively at Target) and little girls. The kit makes bracelets for girls and for the dolls as well.

Stella love dolls and jewelry, she almost exploded with joy when this came into the house and Maizie wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass her by.  They begged and pleaded to get started.

The kit comes with three bracelets for the girls and two for the dolls. There are five ribbons to make the bracelets and four sets of string to embellish them. What more could a girl want?

The hardest decision was which ribbon to use on which bracelet. Once the decisions were made, we started. It took a few tries to get the hang of it, but once we did, it only took a few minutes to complete the bracelet.

The girls couldn’t wait to get them onto the dolls (and themselves).

Stella wore her bracelets to school every day.

*Disclosure-I was given a Our Generation doll and the Me & You Jewellery Kit to facilitate this post, but as always the opinions are all my own.

A Little Slice of Heaven …Citron Spa

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to get pampered at a spa. When the offer first arose, I jumped all over it. There was no way I was missing this. Boy am I glad I went.

 

The serene entrance and front desk

I went with a group of Rhody Bloggers to Citron Spa on Angell Street in Providence. We first went into a waiting area with a great view and were greeted with tasty treats and our choice of beverage. As we waited we were given heated neck pillows. Whoa, I was just glad to be out of the house by myself, this just icing on the cake.

 

The waiting area

 

Beverage and snack station

I was getting a Stress Fix manicure and pedicure. Soak your feet in the Stress-Fix™ Soaking Salts infused with organic lavender and clary sage, clinically proven to reduce stress upon smelling. This treatment softens the feet and legs with a blend of essential oils and a specially blended exfoliator. Enjoy an extended rejuvenating massage, followed by warm moist towels and finished with your choice of nail color. Who wouldn't enjoy  need that? 

I can’t tell you how long it has been since someone other than the Kraus Girls has done my nails. We were lead into the Nail Bar and were able to choose from a vast array of colors. Of course since my favorite color Hey Vito Is My Car Ready? no longer exists I went with Black Cherry Chutney by OPI, another one of my favorites.

 

The pedicure station

I got cozy in my seat and Dawn went to work. My feet were soaking in a relaxing bath with aromatic salts specially designed to reduce stress. I was loving it, it was so relaxing. My feet were filed, de-callused (that took some time), wrapped in hot towels, massaged with lotion and to top it off, Citron makes their own sugar scrub with local apples. It smelled fantastic, like baking a pie.

Kraus House Mom, Carla of All of Me Now and Liza of Cira's Lyrics getting our pedicures and look we all have the heated neck wraps on!

 

Dawn doing a fabulous job on my feet

Once my feet were done my hands were given their chance to get pampered and they were given the same phenomenal treatment. By the time I left, I was looking spiffy and pulled together, definitely not a haggard mom of three kids. For that, I thank you Citron!

The Nail Bar

 

Ta-Da!!

Citron Spa offers a variety of spa treatments. Don't believe me? Follow them on Facebook and Twitter and keep up with all the offerings. 

Now, how would you like to experience the pure joy and relaxation of Citron Spa? Well you can. I am giving away a small laser treatment of your choice (underarm, bikini, upper lip, chin or sideburns) enter and get rid of that unwanted hair.


Just leave me a comment below telling me your favorite spa treatment or nail polish color. A winner will be chosen at random (by Random.org) on Friday, November 15, 2013, so make sure you leave your email address. Good luck!!

 **Disclosure I was given a complimentary manicure and pedicure to facilitate this review, but as always all opinions are strictly my own.**