Organic Valley Singles Sampling Party

I was excited to hear that our Moms group was chosen to participate through Green Moms Meet in a sampling party for Organic Valley American Singles.  Everyone was excited to try some of the samples and my home cooking!  I thought it would be fun to make some quesadillas since those are a family favorite in my house already.  They were a big hit with the kids and the adults. I put out toppings and dips like salsa, chives and sour cream to make them even more fun. 

Everyone really loved the flavor of Organic Valley and agreed it was healthier for the kids.  Many of my mom friends shop at Whole Foods and several had already been purchasing Organic Valley for a while. Others had not tried it but they were impressed. They agreed that it was a tasty option for school lunches and everyday snacking!

Organic Valley American Singles are made with milk produced from pasture-fed cows and are an excellent source of easily absorbed calcium, as well as a good source of protein, phosphorous, and riboflavin.
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Organic Valley American Singles come from a block of mild, high-moisture, organic, Colby-style cheese, which is pre-sliced and ready to go for your convenience. The slices are easy to separate, too, thanks to 100% biodegradable slips of wax-parchment (instead of the individually plastic-wrapped slices other cheese manufacturers use).
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Organic Valley American Singles are certified organic and made from milk produced without antibiotics, synthetic hormones or pesticides.
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Organic Valley American Singles have 12 slices per 8-ounce package and retail for approximately $5.69.

Back in 1988, Organic Valley’s seven founding farmers believed America’s families deserved the best, most nutritious foods. Today, the more than 1,700 farm families of Organic Valley pledge to produce the highest quality organic foods. Their hard work has resulted in pasture-based organic milk products that deliver 128% more omega-3 fatty acids than natural and conventional milks. Organic Valley also offers award-winning milk, soy, cheeses, butter, spreads, creams, yogurt, eggs, produce, and juice.

Organic Valley American Singles are available at Whole Foods Market and other natural food stores, as well as many conventional grocery stores.  You can get connected with them on Facebook and Twitter. 


Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Donna Karan WOMAN fragrance collection-perfect for #Christmas

I recently discovered a beautiful new fragrance from Donna Karan thanks to my relationship with The Vogue Influencer Network.  I came home the other day to a wonderful surprise...a beautifully wrapped package with three generous size samples of Donna Karan WOMAN in my mailbox to try and share with friends! I always love surprises like this and who wouldn't?  It is a lovely scent perfect for fall.  It is a fascinating combination of creamy orange flower blended with the deeper scents of Haitian Vetiver and Sandalwood.  You have to try it for yourself. You can find out more at DONNAKARAN.  It is priced reasonably enough for a tiny splurge ranging from $45.00-$115.00.  Perfect for a Christmas gift or even a generous Secret Santa gift!

Discover the new fragrance inspired by all that a woman is. A fragrance created for women. By women. Feminine and sensual. The strength and softness of women is expressed through creamy notes of orange flower that delicately wrap the confident signature core of Haitian Vetiver and Sandalwood.

Disclaimer:  I received complimentary samples through Vogue Influencer Network and Donna Karan.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Littlest Pet Shop Viewing Party @HubTVNetwork The Hub

My little one was so excited that we were chosen to host an exclusive sneak peek Viewing Party for the newest series, "Littlest Pet Shop," from The Hub TV Network. It will be premiering on Saturday November 10th at 11am EST/8am PST. 

 

    

We received a wonderful box of goodies for all the guests including:

• 10 Littlest Pet Shop Chap Sticks

• 10 Brush/Mirror combos

• 10 Masks with the strings

• Littlest Pet Shop Screener DVD with Ep 101 &102 Blythe's Big Adventure Parts

The "Littlest Pet Shop" series introduces girls to young Blythe Baxter who moves to

an apartment in the big city with her dad above the Littlest Pet Shop.  It is an amazing
daycamp for pets of all kinds! There is a panda a gecko, and even a crazy little mongoose. I almost forgot about the hedgehog too. The real adventure begins in the first episode when Blythe discovers she can actually talk with all the animals!  The pets are tiny, but their bigger than life personalities lead  to crazy pop music-inspired song and dance sequences. The second episode begins with the pets enlisting Blythe to help save the beloved Littlest Pet Shop from going out of business!  Blythe uses her fashion design skills to host a pet fashion show to try to save the day. That was also an exciting episode that the girls loved.

The animated  half-hour comedy series is produced by Hasbro Studios.  All of the guests  
really loved both episodes. We also received a bonus promo for the "My Little Pony Friendship is Magic" premiere. They got very excited about that too.  We played the DVD's more than once while the girls applied and reapplied their "Littlest Pet Shop" flavored Chapsticks and brushed and styled their hair. Of course there was plenty of primping with the mirrors too!  They horsed around with the "Littlest Pet Shop" masks too and just had a ball.    

We gathered some fun fashions and the girls created some outrageous outfits for Blythe's Fashion Show and took turns walking down the "runway" to some great tunes. The girls were dancing away all afternoon and then sat down for a craft activity called Minka's Masterpiece.  We gave them paints, paint brushses markers, crayons, pencils, glue, tape and some other things like pom poms along with paper. We let them go wild with creativity like Minka does and they came up with some pretty pieces of artwork.

They really enjoyed all the yummy snacks I provided including Sunil's Magically Disappearing Trail Mix (so easy to make with Cheerios, pretzels, mini marshmallows, raisins and chocolate chips!), Littlest Pet Shop Pink Lemonade (frozen lemonade concentrate blended with fresh watermelon chunks) and Chocolate Popcorn (mix chocolate chips with hot, fresh popcorn).    

I am sure this series is going to be a big hit for little girls. All the moms thought
it was so cute and fun.   The pets have very distinctive and sweet little voices and sayings. They love the word "like" and repeat it a lot.  I bet it will be all the rage in school in the coming weeks.  Don't forget to tune it to The Hub TV network on Saturdays at 11am EST/8am PST and see for yourself. You can follow them on Twitter and Facebook too.

I received complimentary party supplies and DVD's through MommyParties.  The event was sponsored by “Littlest Pet Shop” and the Hub TV Network. As always, all opinions are my own.

Pinypon Party & Day of Fun #PinyponParty #Pinypon Party

We were so lucky to be chosen to host a MommyParties Pinypon event recently. My little one was so excited because she thought they were the cutest little dolls ever!  They are recommended for girls ages 4-7 years old. They really are super cute little dolls that let you to switch around the parts to make it truly your very own creation!  Each doll actually has two faces.  You can rotate her head and choose a little wig and you can even change the doll's expressions. You can remove her head and legs to make it easy to change outfits. The dolls also have several accessories like purses.  There are even hair bows so you can totally accessorize your little outfits.

 When the girls arrived for the party my little one was really great about sharing her Pinypons. She showed her friends how to work with the dolls and popped the heads and legs right off. She showed them the variations with the bows, outfits and purses. They loved all the little accessories and came up with several stories about Pinypons on vacation in their caravan and Pinypons going to school. They even incorporated our recent experience with Hurricane Sandy into their stories. It was so cute to see them enjoying the dolls and coming up with ideas too.

The set came with Pinypons and a caravan. The caravan itself comes with a bunch of accessories and stickers to decorate it which was a hit too. They had a lot of fun creating creating fun designs and coordinating the different sections for the decorations that wanted to do!  I was provided with an extra Pinypon caravan set as a raffle prize.  Our little neighbor Olivia was the winner.  She was so excited she was already asking her mom for Pinypons for Christmas to add to her collection!

We also got an extra party bonus...Nenuco Newborn Dolls pictured above. All the guests thought the Nenuco Newborn was so cute...they loved how she makes bubbles!  She takes the bottles, makes bubbles and wets just like a real baby.  She comes with the bottle and a little pink potty too.

After the girls played we let them decorate their own Fashion Makeover Cupcakes with lots of fun toppings.  I put out trays of colored sprinkles, white and milk chocolate chips, gummy bears, worms and gumdrops. They had a nice afternoon and it was great to spend some time with the moms too.

 You can see all the collections for yourself on the Pinypon and NunecoFamosa websites!  You can find also find Pinypon on Facebook and Twitter.  You can connect with NenucoFamosa on Facebook and Twitter as well. I always like to connect with my fave brands on social media....you never know what kind of goodies they pass along to their followers!

I received complimentary products from NunecoFamosa through my relationship with MommyParties.  As always, all opinions are my own

Softcup Giveaway and Review from our Mom Meetup

I had heard about Softcup before but had been hesitant to try it instead of tampons. I know similar devices have been around for a long time but...I don't know...call me a chicken! It took GreenMomsMeet to get me to try it and really see the value. It actually is pretty easy to use and Softcup is a greener, simpler alternative to tampons and pads that can be worn for up to 12 hours during your period.

A flexible cup that’s worn internally around your cervix, Softcup works by collecting rather than absorbing menstrual flow. I know it sounds unusual and complicated but it really isn't. You truly don't feel it while you’re wearing it, and can enjoy any activity, including swimming, sports, and sleeping. Equally good, Softcup is not linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and does not cause dryness or irritation. That is a biggie! Safety is a primary concern for all of us.

I had already tried it a bunch of times since I first received my sample through GreenMomsMeet but I also was given an opportunity to share the concept and product with my Mom friends. We meet regularly anyway to support each other and I often enjoy sharing helpful hints and time-saving or useful products. We met up this past weekend and we talked about the convenience and ease of use with Softcup. Everyone got to check it out and a few of the ladies gave it a whirl too since it was that time of the month! The consensus was very positive and most of the girls said they would try it.

A Softcup 14-pack retails for $8 to $10; a reusable Softcup 2-pack retails for $6.19. You can find Softcup at Walmart Supercenters, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Kroger, Fred Meyer, Price Rite, Shop Rite, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, Duane Reade, Harmon, and Raley’s, as well as online at softcup.com or kiwishoponline.com.  You can get 30% off Softcup right now on kiwiwshoponline.com too!

See for yourself and let me know what you think!  You can also find out more about Softcup on their website, on Facebook or on Twitter.  Don't forget to enter to win your own 14 pack box of Softcup below! We have 3 prizes to give away! a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms
MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the
manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and
post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Kylie Minogue New Album #AbbeyRoadSessions The Abbey Road Sessions

Wow! Take Kylie Minogue, her band and a full orchestra and put them together in London's amazing Abbey Road Studios and what do you get? An amazing album called The Abbey Road Sessions that is being released in the U.S. on November 6.

The Abbey Road Sessions features 16 classic songs belted out by a Kylie that you know and love. There is even one new and previously unreleased track, "Flower."   Kylie’s latest single “Flower” is a song she wrote several years ago following her battle with breast cancer, to the child she wishes she might one day still have.  Kylie is a breast cancer survivor and donates her time to American Cancer Society, as well as amFAR for AIDS research. 


I love the almost bluesy gospel sound of Slow. the sultry sounds of On a Night Like This and All The Lovers is transformed with the orchestra into something else.  I Should Be So Lucky is recognizable but slower and more interesting this time around.

Nick Cave re-recorded their duet of Where the Wild Roses Grow specially for the album. it sounds as pretty as it ever did. The Locomotion has those same catchy words and music that got you up and moving the first time. Flower is a beautiful ballad that sounds perfect and very modern.

I can't believe it is Kylie's 25th anniversary in music throughout 2012. This album is another addition to all her other hits and is a must have for any Kylie Minogue music fan. Check out the tracks on the Abbey Road Sessions sampler from Youtube.  Don't forget to follow Kylie on twitter at www.twitter.com/kylie minogue 


I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Win it!!! YourSantaStory DVD Giveaway; A great PERSONALIZED childs gift for Christmas

I heard about Your Santa Story a few months ago and I was intrigued.  When I received the totally personalized DVD I was absolutely amazed!  It really included all the personal tidbits and details that I had filled in when I ordered it online. My hubby and I could not even believe our eyes when we previewed it.  Santa was talking right to us personally!  I know the little one is going to be sitting there in awe on Christmas morning wondering how Santa knows all her amazing accomplishments this year!  He included details about her music lessons and the special awards she received at achool.  The personalized DVD included all the details too....not a thing was missed!!  She was amazed that Santa knew about how hard she was working at her piano lessons and how he even knew about her new theatre class. He even talked about our family and shared how happy he was that the tropical fish made it through Hurricane Sandy thanks to Daddy and the generator! What a great Christmas gift for anyone!

You can include your own personal details and family story with all the little details that are important to you! Don't forget his amazing flute recital or her great save at the final soccer game of the season.  Include Gramma Sylvie and Pop-Pop and don't forget to include the family pet(s).  What a sweet idea for your little girl(s) or boy(s) to get a totally personalized story DVD from Santa.  I had never seen or heard anything like this before. Your Santa Story has a REAL Santa Claus talking right to your family. You can go to YourSantaStory to learn more and order today!
We all have our own traditions and rituals that make our celebration unique to our family. Whether it is a special Christmas breakfast with Mom's yummy pancakes or even a decoration ritual with your tree or the neighbors, it all is truly meaningful to your family. This is a great way to create more special memories with your own children that you will have forever. How fun to share a unique Christmas tradition that not only celebrates your family's uniqueness but is sure to make the Christmas morning even more special!

"YourSantaStory" is a customized, family-specific DVD that will feature an authentic Santa Claus that will talk to each child in the family by name and talk about all the special events in your family story that Mom or Dad want to tell.  Santa will chat about how your children are doing in school, with specific references to sports, piano lessons or anything else you want him to talk about.  He can mention their excellent behavior or how much their grandparents love them.  He can talk about special events or get togethers with cousins or even milestone vacations! Santa can even tell them that he has hidden one last gift for them because they have been so good this year…and then give them the inside scoop on the location!  Just watch them run too.

Take a peek at the just launched YourSantaStory website to learn more about this fun new holiday tradition. While you're there, you can create your own "YourSantaStory" DVD, available for only $29.95.  Please note that because each DVD is custom made to tell your unique story, there are limited quantities that are able to be produced. It is very fast and easy to do and the website guides you through each step. With Christmas fast approaching, make sure you get your order in as soon as possible to ensure delivery by Christmas morning.

In honor of the holiday season, the team at "YourSantaStory", a tiny squad of determined Moms and Dads just like you that LOVE Christmas, will be spreading the cheer by giving away a "YourSantaStory" DVD every week on Facebook until Christmas, while supplies last! 
  
You can get more information through Facebook and Twitter.  Check them out on Pinterest too!

Don't forget to enter the contest below to win your very own YourSantaStory DVD for your child!a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:   I was sent this product to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Chris Mann from "The Voice" has a new album! Great music #Roads

Do you remember that gorgeous face those incredible vocals from "The Voice?"  Chris Mann was a finalist on the NBC television series “The Voice,” which included judges such as Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo. After the series ended, Chris quickly had  two songs on the iTunes Top 10 Pop Singles Chart. Not a surprise considering his powerful vocals on his brand new album titled "Roads."  

Mann was influenced by a variety of talent as he trained his own voice.  His influences included Pavarotti, Robbie Williams and even Sinatra.  You can really hear that in "Roads."   The album is a fascinating blend of classic tenor and contemporary pop which is pretty unusual.  Songs like "Need You Now" and  "The Blower's Daughter" are so intense but kind of easy to listen to at the same time. You kind of feel like you are sitting in the front row of a Broadway show--the tenor of his voice is that amazing.  I can't wait to introduce it to my friends...it will be nice to play as a background for holiday get togethers this season.

I recommend you purchase his new album on iTunes  or Amazon.com.  It would make a really nice Christmas or holiday gift for someone special.  The songs are so pretty it is something that anyone would enjoy. 

You can find more of Chris Mann's music here.

“This is a review post from One2One Network. I was provided with a copy of the album and I am eligible for a prize drawing. As always, all opinions are my own.”

New! Love these EZ Pouches of Crock-Pot® Seasoning Mixes: Savory Pot Roast, Hearty Beef Stew and BBQ Pulled Pork @CrockPotMixes @MySmiley360

I just found out about these new Crock-Pot® Seasoning Mixes through my association with Smiley360 and the timing could not have been more perfect with the cooler fall days coming fast!  I love to use my Crock-Pot® and these seasoning mixes make it super easy for me especially on those busy work nights. I can set it up before I leave for work and dinner is ready when I walk in the door!  What more could a busy mom ask for?  

I snagged myself a few extras this past weekend when I saw them in my local Target by the crock pot section too!  You can find it in your area by checking out the link HERE. There are three great flavors to offer lots of variety too : Savory Pot Roast, Hearty Beef Stew and BBQ Pulled Pork.  I just tried the BBQ Pulled Pork this weekend and it came out great. My whole family LOVED it.

Here are some recipes to give you a start for each of the different mixes:

Crock-Pot® Beef Stew Seasoning Mix Recipes 

Crock-Pot® Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix Recipes

Crock-Pot® BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix Recipes 

Don't forget enter their great "Crockin' in the USA Sweepstakes here. Enter an original recipe using Crock-Pot® Seasoning Mixes for a chance to win groceries for a year worth $8,000!
You can follow them on Twitter and Facebook too!

Disclaimer: I received free product samples from Smiley360 in order to review it.

Kmart Decorate It Forward Sweepstakes and LOTS of Holiday Goodies!

#DecorateitForward with Kmart

Kmart has tons of great items to decorate your house for Christmas and help you entertain in style for 2012.  Kmart now has a digital gift list to help you get ideas for purchase and to truly DECORATE IT FORWARD.  Now that is a smart way to shop and to let others know the things you really want this year.

I always look forward to the Kmart Christmas shop as my first destination during the holiday shopping season. I know I can find great items from ornaments to housewares to to make my house  look so festive too and not break the bank.

I was able to scoot over to Kmart recently to make sure my holiday decor is top notch. I was impressed, once again with the great selection of decorating and entertaining items that were available throughout the store.  Items were neatly organized and I loved how colorful the store was with all the beautiful Christmas decor! From the adorable hand towels (from $6.49!),

Seasonal Hand Towels

to the adorable snowglobes (from $9.99)

to the glittering ornaments (from $6.49) you just can't beat the holiday prices at Kmart.

I was able to really spruce up my home for a song at Kmart.  My little one loves the snowglobe on the mantel too. It is adorable.

Kmart has a new sweepstakes too, the Decorate it Forward Sweeps--you can win yourself a holiday shopping spree with Sandra Lee or Jaclyn Smith--wow!!  There are tons of great items in their exclusive Kmart Holiday Collections that I know I would love to win. I bet you can find a few too....just add them to that handy digital gift list that Kmart created for you!  Don't forget that Kmart has a cool virtual Ornament Creator to make something special to send to your friends too. Make sure they all know you are modern and up to date so send that e-ornament today. 

Last of all you just have to check out that adorable St. Jude Holiday Bear Collectable Ornament.  Just take a peek now. Kmart is generously donating $1.00 to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital for every ornament that is purchased. Kmart really knows how to decorate it forward but isn't that what the holidays and Christmas is really about?

You must visit ShopYourWay.com to sign up for the Kmart rewards program. What is that you might ask?  You can earn 10 points for every $1 you spend. No minimum amount of points to redeem either.  Redeem when you want for what you want at any time. Wow, that is a great program and I have been a member for several years now.  You will be amazed at how quickly the points add up! The sweet part is that you just swipe the card when you shop--it is that easy!

Hop on over to Kmart and decorate it forward yourself!

Disclaimer:  I received a gift card from Smiley360 and Kmart to review products for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

Brining a Turkey with Kikkoman Soy Sauce: My Experience @KikkomanKitchen @MySmiley360

I was curious about a cooking technique that I had heard about from time to time which involving brining poultry, like a turkey.  People had told me the turkey comes out really moist and tasty but I had never tried it. I finally had an opportunity recently when I was offered to actually try a turkey brining project through my partnership with Smiley360 and Kikkoman.  I love Kikkoman sauces and use their Teriyaki and soy sauce often. There are always bottles in my refrigerator and an extra down in the pantry just in case.

I was excited to give the recipe a try. I found a turkey brining recipe on the Kikkoman website.  It was easier than I thought to make a brined turkey using Kikkoman soy sauce! Truly you just marinate it.  It came out tasting great and we all enjoyed it a lot. It was pretty much worry free and very easy to follow.  I would definitely do it again--fun for a large group and very flavorful. It would be fun and different to do it for Thanksgiving too!

It's great because now you can also get Kikkoman coupons to try it out yourself by giving them a LIKE on Facebook.  Check out the Kikkoman Twitter page too. You can find more yummy Kikkoman recipes HERE.

Disclaimer:  I received a free sample of the product in order to review it. As always, all opinions are my own.

New Pantene® Pro-V Silky Moisture Whip Sample & Coupon! #PanteneWhip

New Pantene^® Pro-V Silky Moisture Whip erases the damage of 100 blow-drys. Time to smooth things over with your hair? New Pantene^® Pro-V Silky Moisture Whip erases the damage of 100 blow-drys.* Because at some point, every relationship could use a little damage control. Snag yourself a free coupon for Pantene here. 

*damage to smoothness and shine

Disclaimer:  I received this offer from Vocalpoint and was provided with a coupon and sample to evaluate the product. As always, all opinions are my own.

Glade Expressions Collection Fragrance Mist and Oil Diffuser

I was excited to be chosen by BzzAgent to be part of their Glade Expressions® Campaign. I love fragrance and there is nothing like walking into a clean home that smells fresh and natural. Glade Expressions® helps you do that two different ways that are both super easy.

There are several unique scents that all provide lightly layered and long-lasting fragrances in the Glade Expressions® Collection. I thought all of them were very natural and fresh smelling.  I know the fragrance combinations are inspired by art and  were designed to open up note by note, filling your home and inviting life in.  I think the idea is different and a little bit more elegant than your everyday air fresheners, don't you?

•  Cotton & Italian Mandarin-a blend of cotton and sparkling citrus, honeydew and sandalwood.

•  Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice-Spicy blend of pears and crisp apple plus cinnamon and clove

•  Lavender & Juniper Berry-Lavender blends with fresh juniper berry, eucalyptus and rose 

•  Pineapple & Mangosteen-a blend of freshl pineapples and  mangosteen, coconut and passionflower.

All of the scents come in a fragrance mist or oil diffuser. I have been using the Cotton and Italian Mandarin diffuser for several weeks now and my lower level still smells delicious!

Disclaimer:  I received free samples in order to evaluate the Glade Expressions® line of products. As always, my opinion is my own.

CN Style Society Mary Kay

 

I received an exciting surprise in the mail today! Conde Nast Style Society sent me a HUGE box with tons of Mary Kay goodies to try.  I have used Mary Kay in the past but then my old consultant moved and I lost touch with her. I forgot that I can just go online to marykay.com and connect with a new consultant!  

This is what I received in the box:

• Lash and Brow Building Serum
• Lash Love waterproof mascara in Black/Noir
• Lash Love mascara in Brown/Brun
• Lash Love mascara in Black/Noir
• Lash Primer
• Ultimate mascara in Black/Noir

They really covered all the bases with options.   I have to say that I really find I need to work more on building up my lashes and brows in the past few years. Sigh....I guess it is that over-40 thing.  I was excited to try the Lash and Brow Building Serum and it worked really well for me. It was easy to apply and definitely made a difference in my lashes and brows.

I use both waterproof and regular mascara so that worked out perfectly for me. I found the Lash Love and the Ultimate mascara to be easy to apply and the Lash Love waterproof version stayed on all day and night. I prefer the black to the brown but they are both good, neutral options for the Lash Love. 

I also received the newest catalogs from Mary Kay and was impressed with the variety of items that were available from makeup to fragrances.  Check them out and let me know what you think!

Disclaimer:  I received Mary Kay samples through Conde Nast Style Society in order to provide my reviews on the products  All the opinions as always, are my own.