Saturday, December 26, 2015

Getting Married? Bloomingdales Short Hills has the Premier Wedding Registry @Bloomingdales #BloomiesBloggers



I recently had the opportunity to attend an exclusive event at Bloomingdales in Short Hills, New Jersey. The Bloomingdales Registry Consultants shared the skinny on why you really need to consider Bloomingdales as your Wedding Registry spot. I wish I had known all I learned the other day back when I was getting married. I would choose Bloomingdales in a heartbeat if I were getting married today because they are experts.  Bloomingdales Registry Consultants are just that...experts at helping a couple from soup to nuts with their wedding. I was amazed at the level of service they provide to their couples. We were able to experience at top notch professional culinary demonstration, get a little pampering and see some of the latest wedding fashions. These are all services the Registry Consultants can provide for their couples. 


All of the Bloomingdales locations have different services available so you need to check with your particular store. The Short Hills location strives to provide truly personalized, non-stressful services to help you plan your ideal wedding. One of the Registry Consultants, Erin Delaney shared that they make sure you always have someone with you to help you along the way. If you need more help, Erin and her team of expert consultants are eager to provide direction. If you  are more confident, they are happy to follow your direction and lead. They can help advise you on everything from domestics, luggage, towels and China and more.





Ready to learn a few new culinary tricks? Bring 10-12 friends or members of your wedding party in for a day of fun. Host a cooking demo one afternoon or evening to learn hands-on techniques for everyday or special dishes like Fish in Papillote. You can choose an impressive 3 course menu to learn and enjoy dining at Bloomingdales in their elegant culinary department. Can you imagine? You can also sign up for the guest list for future events at Bloomies Short Hills like guest chef appearances and more. The list of services that Bloomingdales Short Hilks offers for their Wedding Registry Couples is truly vast and well beyond what I have seen at other stores. 

The Consultant shares all the small and large details in addition to the recipes so you can recreate them at home for friends and family.


She teaches you step by step for each of the courses. I enjoyed how she shared the details that, as an experienced cook I knew but remembered that were important back when I was learning. It really makes a difference when you are plating and serving your meals too.





She explained what to begin first and how to estimate the amount of food to buy per guest. She was preparing a shrimp dish and explained how to determine how many pounds of seafood you should purchase per guest.



While she chopped, diced and cooked, she shared the small details novice chefs need to know from choosing the right size shrimp to making substitutions. She also discussed how the consultants could also advise on the proper serving dishes to add to your registry based on the type of entertaining and the home you will be choosing. Of course if you have a larger home vs a NYC apartment you are going to consider different options.


The Consultant also talked about balanced color, texture and choosing seasonal dishes like this beautiful option using butternut squash. I was impressed and learned a few new tricks as well.






One of the things she mentioned was considering different options like using a large platter for a beautiful seasonal salad. I had never considered that but you can see how it lets all the gorgeous colors shine through.









 The final result is absolutely gorgeous with the sauteed squash and the pomegranates. If no one has an allergy you can add the final touch with some slivered almonds or pine nuts. You can always choose another variety of nuts as well to add some texture.




 The experienced Bloomingdales Registry Consultants can advise you on what you might want or need for your home now and for the future. They offer services for the modern couple as well and can adapt to exactly what you need whether it is monogrammed towels with Mr. and Mrs, Mrs. and Mrs or Mr. and Mr. Erin Delaney and her team are always ready to make wedding registry planning a joy for every couple that comes into the Short Hills store. Even after your wedding nuptials are completed and you return from your honeymoon, the excitement and fun doesn't end there. Bloomingdales Registry offer a bonus 10% off on non-purchased registry items post-wedding plus an additional 15% off if you sign up for the Bloomies credit card. That's 25% off in total! You receive a beautiful packet when you sign up with a host of discounts including 25%  off dresses in women's, men's, fine jewelry and even 10% off in luggage for your honeymoon. The benefits are just unbelievable.

Even the little extra luxury touches are there. I didn't know but now you do, monograms are free for linens, towels and throws bought off your registry. All you do is just bring them back to the store after the wedding and they will provide that service complimentary within a few weeks. If you spend $500 or more from unfinished registries after your wedding you get a complimentary $100 Bloomingdales gift card good for most items in the store. Don't hesitate to contact the Bloomingdales Registry directly at the Short Hills, New Jersey location and make an appointment today. You will be happy you did.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Cetaphil® Moisturizing Cream is a staple for me @Cetaphil @Influenster #Cheerphil #sponsored


Disclosure: I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster, but all opinions are my own.

Cetaphil® Moisturizing Cream is a long time staple beauty product in my household. It is gentle and non-irritating so it is perfect for anytime I need it. It isn't greasy and it absorbs in quickly.  I love the mini size which is perfect to stash in my purse or for traveling. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Beauty Box 5 December 2015 Have Yourself a Smoky Holiday Season Subscription Box @beautybox5

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the products for review purposes. The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience with the products.



I love it....Beauty Box five has the fun beauty ideas for every day of the year whether it is spring, summer, fall or winter.  My little blue box from BB5 helps me manage to keep it all together at work and at home to freshen up my glam look no matter what the day holds for me.  BB5 shows you how you can squeeze in quality beauty time into even the days you gotta speed things along with a few little marvy products.  Check out all the trendiest of autumn fashions now that the long, hot days of summer are starting to fade! Don't forget to share your fave finds and share with friends too. Take a peek at a few beauty goodies to go along with your pretty fashions and maybe grab a few extra for friends. A BB5 subscription makes a great gift any friend would appreciate all year long.  



Everyone loves getting the inside scoop. I like trying new beauty products from sunscreens to lipsticks and find that I often find new faves.  That is one of the great things about BB5.  You can try lots of new things and sub in new favorites without being stuck with a huge bottle of this or that. I happens to the best of us even with green intentions. Sometimes I look at a product in the store but I worry it might not be for me and I don't want to spend all that money if I don't know that I really like it.  Who needs something else to sit on the bathroom shelf or take up more room in a drawer? I would always feel guilty. Every once in a while you get lucky and the store has a sample or perhaps a beauty company sends you a sample and you get to try it first.  That is the premise behind BB5.

The ideal solution for all of us is brought to you by Beauty Box 5. They understand  and created their great sampling box program. Beauty Box 5 is an amazing subscription beauty box sampler that is delivered right to your doorstep (or mailbox) filled with a combination of 5 brand new cosmetic samples monthly, quarterly or annually. You can start out at just $12 a month or save more by getting a longer subscription. Signing up to receive Beauty Box 5 each month is a great new way for anyone from teens to moms to sample new cosmetic products and see what works for you.  Each month they include tips and tricks for the products on the back of this little card below to help you get the most out of your beauty samples each month.





Beauty Box 5 is always on the lookout for the latest new items to make the best matches for your own personal taste and lifestyle.  The prices are reasonable too. You can get a Beauty Box 5 monthly for $12, quarterly for $30 or annually for just $99.  Shipping is always free.  A fun way to check out lots  of the new beauty stuff out there without a whole lot of $$ investment. The great part is that if you like something, you can just up and buy the full size item, right?  Much better than buying a full size you-know-what-beauty-item and paying a fortune and then it sits in the makeup bag gathering dust because it doesn't work for you.




Beauty Box 5 mixes it up with their brands and keeps things adventurous. They source from a mix of niche, luxe, regular drugstore, vegan and eco-conscious brands.  One month you might get hair care, nail care, makeup, skin care, fragrances or even beauty accessories or a mix of any of the above.  I love the suspense!  You will get a carefully curated blend of travel, full-size and deluxe samples from their most current collection.
  

I just received the December Have Yourself a Smoky Holiday Season Box this week.  The December theme is all about looking hot and smoky the trends no matter what your beauty regimen.  Just how do you add a those fearless new shades, tools and a bit of freshness to your routine? Let BB5 help you out! The team at Beauty Box 5 wants to remember you are it is all about being just a little bit adventurous.  They show you just how to let go of those summer colors and let the metallic eyes and rosy cheeks shine through even if you aren't walking the runway this week. Beauty Box 5 is here with a ton of special treats to help you along the way.    Here is the scoop on the amazing treats that were in this sweet sea blue December box:

As always It was chock full of amazing goodies that I could not wait to try. There were goodies for my hands, face and body tucked in there this month.  Lots of special items to keep me looking fresh and alluring wherever the cool fall days take me from work to play.  They take me all over too but hopefully not too far from home. We will have to see. I am one busy mama as always.




The first item in this box is a full size Glamazon Stick.  I am always on the lookout to get me some glam and to add a bit of color especially during the fall and winter. This easy to use highlighting stick really adds just the right amount of pizzaz to any look. It has a smooth but slightly sparkly finish that is perfect for the holiday season and even New Year's Eve. This soft highlighting crayon makes it easy to add shimmer to cheeks, brow bone or even eyelids.  Retail: $24.00



All those parties and get-togethers means that everything has to come off sooner or later. So Fresh, So Clean makeup remover wipes are so pretty and work really well. These are my new go-to for those late nights when I am just so tired and want to go to bed but must take my makeup off and of course brush my teeth before bed. These work very quickly. This works gets all of the mascara and eyeliner off without rubbing or scrubbing. These would be good for travel as well.  A deal at $2.99.





This Ofra Eye Shadow sample is the perfect way to add some fall color and a bit of sparkle. If this classic color didn't work for you then check out all the other colors they have. Here is the perfect bit of accent that you need to add some highlights to your eyes. Add as much as you like but I like to use just a bit for the day but more for evenings out. This is priced reasonably too so enjoy...pick up a few colors to add sparkle and shimmer to different looks.  This would also be a super cute little gift tucked into a gift bag for your best friend, your girls.  At this price I can collect a few more. Retail: $13.50 



I love a good eyeliner that adds dimension because it really defines the eyes. Prestige Cosmetics Total Intensity Eyeliner is an ideal option. I use eyeliner most days for work. My everyday makeup routine includes moisturizer, mascara, a bit of eyeliner and lipgloss. I am thrilled because this eyeliner goes on smoothly so I can swipe on some defining color in a flash. This shade gives me a fresh swipe of color to add some dimension to my hazel eyes. Perfect on my busy days when I just want perky, defined eyes. I am looking forward to bright eyes this winter. This one lasted all day for me. A good deal at $5.95.



The final item in this precious box is a Blender Brush. It is a lightweight brush that lets me add a pop of perfect color on my eyelids and blend it in just right. This girl loves her makeup just right so I love this precise brush.  I don't have a ton of time so I am thrilled that it only take a few seconds to get the perfect look.  Retail $10.00

So, are you ready to get in on the fun? The ladies from BB5 have put together another really amazing box full of beauty fun perfect to take you straight into spring and even summer. Don't forget to join Beauty Box 5 and get in on the goodies to keep you looking fab all four seasons.



After you join, you can even spread your good fortune via Instagram and have an opportunity to win full-size versions of these products too! Don't forget to tag @beautybox5 and #bb5fave that way they know that it was you spreading the love around!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Kuuk Mini Pull Chopper lets me chop and make salsa anywhere with no electricity required #MiniPullChopper



Kuuk Mini Pull Chopper is the most convenient new kitchen tool I just found. Now anyone can make all kinds of sauces, dips, dressings and more in the kitchen or on the go camping or hiking. This handy little chopper needs no electricity at all. We enjoy fresh salsa, guacamole, hummus and bean dips all the time now. Fill this hand food chopper with veggies, nuts, fruit or the ingredient of your choice, pull the ring and you will have a delicious addition to your next meal.
 
I don't know about you but my life is so busy, and I don't always have time to spend chopping a ton of ingredients. Sometimes I don't want to haul out my big 'ole food processor. That's why Kuuk is has the fast 'n easy solution with its mini hand pull chopper. Those difficult, time consuming dishes just became easy, as you pull the ring to create your recipe of choice in mere seconds.
 
The convenient storage lid comes included with the Kuuk hand food processor. This means that you can easily store your recipes right in the refrigerator for later use. The bowl of the chopper acts just like any storage container, so you can simply place the lid on top and keep it like any other prepped items or leftovers. The Kuuk leaves me free and I am no longer tethered to the kitchen. Anyone can easily create delicious sauces and dips all without the need for electricity. This makes this hand food processor ideal for camping, small kitchens, or trips in the RV.
I already picked up another Kuuk Mini Pull Chopper as a gift for our neighbors since they are always camping in the RV.  Chopping by hand is a cinch with the Kuuk since the razor-sharp stainless-steel blades do all the work for you. 
 
Cleanup is  easy as 1-2-3 too since the bowl can go safely in the dishwasher. It comes out perfect and ready to use for your next creation. Alternatively, you can just as easily wash the bowl by hand in the sink with warm soapy water. For the lid with pulling mechanism just wipe clean with a damp cloth


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.