Yummy @ginnybakes Cookies and a Keurig® 2.0 System Review @InfluensterVox #HelloKeurig #keurig

I was given the opportunity to review a Keurig® 2.0 system free through Influenster.  I did not receive any additional compensation. As always, opinions are my own.

We really enjoy baking in our home and I wish we had time to do it more. Sometimes it just gets so busy between work, fitness goals, activities and commitments. I guess you have to say life gets in the way.  Aaah, when I retire I will be cooking and baking up a storm. Not to mention taking more time to relax with a cup of perfectly brewed coffee. I usually enjoy one delicious cup at minimum in the morning. Thank goodness for my Keurig brewer...it makes it fast and easy.  Keurig has truly created an innovation in home coffee brewing. We got our first Keurig a few years back and it makes a coffee-shop worthy cup of brew each and every time. Now they just innovated again with the all-new Keurig 2.0 System.  It is something else so keep reading to see what I think.

 

Meanwhile, we do like to bake from scratch but sometimes time is of the essence. I really like to keep it healthy so I was happy to discover baking mixes from @ginnybakes. Ginny is a real person behind those yummy creations and she puts her heart and soul into her cookie, muffin and brownie mixes and even ginnybakes boxed cookies.  Somehow it all worked out beautifully this weekend with my nifty new Keurig 2.0 and fresh, homemade cookies. Little Glamamama is old enough to do a lot of the work on her own which is just wonderful. I can just be a little bit of a helper to her. We baked up some yummy cookies to go perfectly with our delicious Keurig coffee.  The coffee was just for me though...Little Glamamama prefers her cookies with milk.  Unfortunately, as you can see from the photo Glamam-Daddy and Little Glamamama went to work on that batch of cookies so fast I was lucky I was able to get a photo of them at all. 

We have had a Keurig coffee brewer (the trusty B-60 model) for several years now. It has been getting up there in age but still hanging on. I was excited when I heard that I had the opportunity to review their newest model. Who doesn't love newer and more technically advanced products....it is always amazing how many updates and changes happen in just a few years. It is such a convenient way to make coffee. I love to be able to just pop a K-Cup in the brewer and have my coffee ready just the way I like it in seconds flat.  I find that the K-Cups are easy and in our area they are recyclable which is always guilt free for me.

The new Keurig® 2.0 system features Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology™ which reads each lid to deliver a perfect beverage every time. This ensures that the Keurig® 2.0 system delivers on the promise of excellent quality beverages, produced simply and consistently, using the best Keurig® brewer technology and new features like strength control. They also enlarged the water reservoir which is great because when my mom visits I am refilling that water reservoir daily. That get's kind of old fast. I love the new touch screen which is pretty high tech.  There are more ways to totally customize your coffee like making is stronger for those early mornings. There is also the automatic settings as well which is kind of cool but you can only do this with the carafe. It would be great to do that with the cup too and have it waiting for me.  Speaking of the carafe, they added it to the package with the 2.0 model. Nice addition...perfect for several people because it makes 4 cups. They also added a built in filtration system for the ultimate in fresh water to make better coffee.  One downside to this model is the fact that you cannot use a reusable K-cup with it and older K-cups (can you say Glamamama loves to stockpile...uh oh) either.  I have seen some customers say that Keurig customer service has been willing to work with some customers in this situation which is nice. I have had to contact Keurig in the past and their customer service is stellar...truly amazing representatives that have gone above and beyond to make sure I am happy.

I like the carafe but you have to plan a head a bit because it needs time to get pre-heated. It doesn't keep the coffee hot ALL day long either but it keeps it hot long enough for us.  The machine is smart too....it even knows the difference between the cup sizes and won't brew unless you have the proper one set underneath it depending on the brew setting. So if you have it set to carafe but have a coffee cup underneath it you don't have to worry the brewer will leave you knee-deep in coffee. It is perfect for the distracted Glamamama because that is something that might have already occurred in our house and the new Keurig 2.0 saved me from impending disaster.

I really like this new Keurig 2.0brewer model though I would love the option to use different K-cups including my older ones. Keurig does have many K-Cup options available on their site though. I have ordered through them in the past and the site is easy to use and user-friendly.  Is it the most economical? No, but convenience wins the prize for this busy mom at this point in my life. I think for now I will donate my old brewer to my niece along with the older K-cups since I really like the advanced features of the new brewer.  It will make her day for sure and when she comes to visit she can check out my new Keurig 2.0.  Perhaps Keurig will make some updates to this brewer to allow customers to choose their K-Cups.

I was so excited to test the Keurig 2.0, and share my experience. You can imagine how thrilled I was when my machine arrived at my door. It has been working beautifully for a few weeks now and we are enjoying the extra conveniences like the carafe. Let me know your thoughts and if you have a Keurig or if you have branched out and tried the new Keurig 2.0.

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."

LUISAVIAROMA Special Promo code via Vogue

Disclosure: I received this information via Vogue to share with my readers.  

Designers make a serious power play this fall with bold hues and luxurious fabrics. Roger Vivier’s high-shine flats and suede pumps from Salvatore Ferragamo are vibrant and bold, while Givenchy’s burgundy bag is all business. Balance out Rochas’ rich oversize coat with the latest luxe bag from Saint Laurent for an office appropriate fashion-forward look. From high-pressure meetings to office drinks, update your on-duty wardrobe with this season’s most coveted pieces.

Vogue shared a special promo code (LVO15US) from LUISAVIAROMA.com that was created exclusively for Vogue and their readers. LUISAVIAROMA is an Italian e-commerce platform with amazing pieces by established and emerging brands

http://www.vogue.com/1012189/introducing-fall-fashion-guide

Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream Review +Giveaway and Coupon #anavitawrinklecream

I am always on the lookout for novel options to help make my skin look smoother and more youthful. There have been so many innovations the past few years in wrinkle creams they really can make a huge difference if you choose a quality cream or serum. I recently had the opportunity to try something new from Anavita.  It works quickly to make a difference and the Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream can offer more beautiful, smoother skin in just 2 to 4 weeks and see continuing improvement for 12 weeks or potentially sooner.  I was excited about the opportunity to reduce fine lines and deep wrinkles and restore some firmness. Since fall and winter is approaching, I was also hoping to replenish my skin as well without resorting to scary and expen$ive procedures like injections or fillers.

Anavita's non-irritating cream is perfect for all skin types. It is recommended for normal, dry, oily, and sensitive skin. I experienced no irritation and my skin can sometimes be sensitive--not a problem with this cream. It is a simple product to use too. I followed their instructions and just massaged the Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream after cleansing my skin in the morning and again at night.

I like that I can eliminate multiple steps too. It makes my life easier and more streamlined. It works as a multiple...day cream, night cream and makeup base. This is a unique formula that Anavita shared stimulates collagen production and rebuilds the cellular matrix of the skin using three clinically proven ingredients - a super-absorbent form of hyaluronic acid, Argireline (5%), and Matrixyl.  This is a powerful but gentle combination that makes this anti-wrinkle cream for the face and neck extraordinarily effective.  This is a cream with high quality ingredients that are paraben free and not tested on animals.

I followed their guidance and cleansed my face gently and then applied a pea-sized dollop of the thick and rich cream and gently massaged in the cream using gentle upward strokes twice a day. I love that it serves as a day cream, night cream, wrinkle cream and make up base to make my life simpler too. Anavita also points out that not all skincare products work synergistically. For example, if you are using another brand of wrinkle cream on your face at night and wanted to use Anavita during the day, the night product could prevent the cream from absorbing easily. They suggest a two week washout period so Anavita will absorb normally.  I just have been using the Anavita by itself and it has been working fine.

My thoughts:  I noticed my skin looked more toned and definitely rejuvenated after a few days of using the Anavita cream.  I think replenished would also be a good way to describe my skin. I love that Anavita Moisturizing Cream is made by a company in the USA.  They are based in Tennessee and the Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream is manufactured for them in Canada under strict Canadian cosmetic manufacturing guidelines.  I feel like this is a great moisturizer that will work well for me into the chilly winter months when my skin really needs it. I will update you as I see more results in the coming weeks.  You can buy this excellent anti-wrinkle cream on Amazon. They are currently offering a coupon good for $10 off a bottle of Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream (exp 10/10/14) You can follow them ontheir Facebook page as well for more opportunities and promotions. 


Meanwhile, don't forget to enter my Rafflecopter giveaway to win your own.a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Chick-fil-A Mom's Club #ChickfilAMoms

Disclosure:  I am a member of MomSelect.

 

I was really thrilled to hear the great news this week that I am now part of the Chick-fil-A Mom’s Club! As part of the Mom's Club, I will have the opportunity to hear about exclusive Chick-fil-A news and participate in special promotions....all wonderful things to be able to share with you as my Glamamama friends.  I will also be able to interact with fellow Mom Club members who also happen to be raving Chick-fil-A fans just like me, as well as members of the Chick-fil-A brand team.