Peter Thomas Roth Review

I love face masks. 

Seriously I LOVE them. They are a little luxury that I allow myself. 

I picked up this three pack of Peter Thomas Roth masks at Sephora after I saw a review about the 24K mask. I picked up the three pack because it was cheaper than a full size and it let me try two other masks just to see what I liked. (Side note- I found these by the register in that oh so hard to resist impulse buy section!)

I had never tried a Peter Thomas Roth mask before so I was super eager to give these a shot.I have been using them for about two months now so I have given my skin enough time to really test the masks out. 

1. The 24K gold mask- This was the mask that I was most excited about. I had seen lots of SnapChat pictures of this one and I just really wanted to give it a go and see if it worked for me. Unfortunately I wasn't super thrilled with it in the end. I didn't break me out or anything it just didn't really seem to do all that much. It might be because it is a lifting and firming mask and that isn't really an issue that I struggle with. It did feel good on the skin and it was hilarious for pictures as I look like Jim when he played Golden Face on the Office. 

 

All in all I am glad that I got the small size of this one to try it out. Probably won't be repurchasing. 

2. Irish Moor Mud Mask- I liked this mask. It did a good job of removing dirt and impurities from my face. Most especially it worked on my nose which is a problem area for me. It worked pretty much like your typical mud mask but it never got completely dry. This would be ideal for someone with sensitive skin that can't use traditional clay masks because they are too harsh. I liked this mask but I feel like it was comparable to other cheaper options and since I don't have sensitive skin it isn't a necessity. 

3. Cucumber Gel Mask- Initially when I got the set of three this was the mask that I was the least excited about. I just didn't think it was going to be anything special. I was SO WRONG. I LOVE this mask! It is cooling and refreshing and makes my skin feel so hydrated and soft after use! It reminds me of the Sheet Face Masks that I really enjoy but without having to put the slightly scary sheet mask on your face. I love leaving this one on and watching an episode of something and really letting it work into my skin. I will most definitely be repurchasing this one! 




Have you tried these masks? What did you think? Are there any other Peter Thomas Roth masks that I should try next? Let me know!

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Review: Makeup Brush Cleaner

Morning Everyone, 

Today I thought I would share an awesome product review with you all!

As you all probably know I am a makeup addict. I love it all and I have a massive collection. 

The one downside to loving makeup? 

Cleaning Dirty Brushes. 

I clean my brushes fairly regularly and it is always a hassle. It takes a long time especially if you want to be sure they are super clean. 

Now there are many different types of brush cleaner available but usually they are pretty pricey. Also I have done a DIY one that worked for a few months but eventually gave out on me. 

Then I stumbled upon this little item while shopping at Marshall's. 

It looks VERY similar to the Sigma brush cleaning mat however it was only $5.99. Since that is more in my budget range I thought I would pick it up and give it a go. *Side Note- I did a quick review on SnapChat and that is where the pics are from so if you are wondering why they are formatted that way...well that is why.


First off- It is smaller that ones I have seen before but I have a fairly small sink so I don't think that is a big issue. 

Now for the brushes. 

I am currently using Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap to clean my brushes to make sure they are getting a deep clean. More often than not I use Baby Shampoo though. 

Now for the scrub test. 

Oh Yeah! Super Clean! Great Success!

Before

 After

 I was really surprised by how well this worked! It cleaned my brushes so quickly and I had to use less soap than I normally would have since I just dispensed a dime size on the mat itself and scrubbed until the brush ran clear. It took WAY less time to do and I felt like they got a deeper clean than when I just scrub by hand. I also loved that the mat had suction cups on the bottom to keep it still in the sink while scrubbing the brushes. 

This mat gets a ten out of ten from me! If you happy to find one at Marshall's or T.J. Maxx I would HIGHLY recommend picking one up if you are a makeup lover like myself! 

*Note- I was not paid for this review and I purchased this myself. I just wanted to share my awesome find with you all! 



 

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Meditation App Review

I posted on Tuesday about how I've started Meditating and I mentioned that I would let you all know what apps I have been using and what worked for me. I was actually planning on posting this next Tuesday but since I had so much interest in what I was using I bumped it up! 

All these apps are "free" apps that I found by searching the app store and also from reading meditation/mindfulness blogs. Reviews are my own and are not sponsored in any way.

So here's the list: 

Stop. Breathe. Think.- This is by far my favorite meditation app. It asks you to check in each day and identify just what emotional state you are in. You select emotions from a lists and then it generates a list of meditations that will go along with what you are feeling. Whether you need to simply do a body scan to release tension or you simply want to find some gratitude for the things you should be grateful for, this is a really wonderful app. It has several selections for time and should you not like the generated list you can select a different option. 

I also like that you get rewarded for checking in with a daily counter of your meditation streak. I'm a gold star kind of person and I love seeing my progress each day. Also you get stickers for completed meditations and time spent meditating which of course I love. 

This app does have the option to purchase packages with more meditations but the packages run you around .99 cents. This doesn't bother me too much as I am still working through all the meditations that are free and I've been doing it since the beginning of January. However 99 cents isn't that much and I will most likely end up purchasing a few of the packages in the future.

Headspace- I really enjoyed this app. I love his voice. I love the ten meditations and how he explains how thoughts work in a way that makes sense to me personally. There were also animations that were very helpful and fun to watch before certain meditations to prepare you for the mediation itself. The app itself is free as are the first ten meditations. 

This is where I get a little irritated with this app. The first ten meditations were amazing and free but you have to subscribe in order to continue. The subscription is $12.99 which is out of my budget for a monthly subscription. So while I very much enjoyed the app I won't be continuing with it.


Calm- This is also a guided meditation app. It is a good app if you just want to do a body scan and focus on each part of your body in order to release the tension in each step. Very relaxing right before bed though I will admit her voice isn't my favorite. I also like the option of changing the scenes if you aren't the type of person to close your eyes during meditation.

 This app is good for when you just want to shake out the tightness in the shoulders and neck and back...that is if you tend to carry your stress in those places like I do! It also has the option of the 7 days of calm which is a great intro into meditation. I am still working with this one as it is the newest of the apps that I have started.


Take a Break- This app is not a guided meditation app and will link you to other apps. Not my favorite but the sounds are relaxing if you are into a white noise sort of meditation. It does have settings for length which would make it more ideal for breaks at work. I kept the app but I rarely use it. I might use it more if I were still working in an office setting however. 


I hope you all found this review helpful and hopefully you find one of these that will suit you.

If you do end up trying them please let me know what you think! Also if you find one that you like that I didn't mention I would love to know and try more! 

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A Monday Review- Keurig 2.0

Good Morning Everyone! 

Today I am going to share with you my review of the new Keurig 2.0! 

First off the details: 
Keurig 2.0
2 Free boxes of Sample Cups!
Cleaning Solution
Filter (not pictured)
Carafe is sold separately!  

I was actually sent this awesome machine by Influenster so that I could try it out and give you all my opinions on it! Honestly when I was taking the quiz on the site I had no idea it was for a Keurig...I thought they were just going to send me samples of coffee! I was totally surprised when on a Saturday morning the FedEx guy dropped this off for me. I thought it was just a Keurig box that someone had packaged something else I ordered in...but nope! Instead it was a brand new Keurig 2.0 and that led to some awesome happy dancing around the living room! 

Now I also have a regular Keurig that I just got for Christmas for my husband and I know I blogged here about how much I loved it. I am the only coffee drinker in the house and I love not having to make a whole pot for just myself. I also love how quickly it is ready to go for those days that I don't have the energy (or patience) to wait for the coffee to be ready. No one likes it when I haven't had my coffee.

Here is what I like about the 2.0: 
-Same awesome speed- as I said no one likes it when Mama misses her coffee

-The touch screen- I can't help it. I love touchscreens. 

-The new slim design- So much sleeker than the old one and takes up much less space

-The water reserve- This might seem like a ridiculous thing but I like the the reserve is on the back instead of the side with this one. I also like that the whole top of it comes off and you aren't trying to pull off one side and pour at some weird angle...but again that is just my own thing. 

- The options for Hot Chocolate or Strong Coffee- I never did like the Hot Chocolate in my Keurig. It takes like chocolate water and that is just not my jam. I personally rarely need a STRONG cup of coffee but I have friends that do prefer that and I love to have the options. 

-The Carafe option- As I stated above, occasionally I have friends over that do enjoy coffee and I love being able to now have the option of making an entire carafe! 

What I don't like: 
-Not compatible with my refillable K cup- Okay I get this, you wanna make money on your brand and make sure that everyone uses it...blah blah. Um maybe if they weren't pricey and you offered ALL THE FLAVORS. I'm sorry but I really love picking up just picking up some random coffee flavor and filling it in my K cup. I like options! 

- Carafe not included- again probably just me being a brat but I now I have to make a trip and pick up the carafe to try it out! 

So what do you all think? Like the sleek new style? Are you a Keurig user? Do you like it? Share your thoughts down below! 

***Disclosure****- As stated above I was sent this item by Influenster for review. I was not compensated in any other way and as always opinions are my own!

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What I Read: March Edition

Good Morning Everyone! 

It is time for one of my favorite linkups of all time!!! 

I read a bunch of really great books last month...although some of them were poorly timed due to personal goings on in my life. However that didn't stop them from being really great books! 

Here's what I read: 

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
I know that everyone was pretty shocked when I said that I didn't like Gone Girl...and I stand by my opinion. However while I didn't like that particular book I did appreciate how well written it was and that prompted me to pick up this one. I will cut to the chase and tell you right now...I LOVED this one! This is more what I expected out of Gone Girl. I didn't necessarily "like" any of the characters but I did care about what happened to them. The mystery in this one had me guessing and re-guessing! Would for sure recommend and will be reading more titles by Gillian Flynn!!

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
This one I actually got because of this linkup! I love Neil Gaiman's style of storytelling and this story was whimsical and charming and just a little bit heartbreaking. Brilliant.

Wickedly Wonderful by Deborah Blake
This is the second book in the Baba Yaga series that I started a few months ago and thankfully it was just as good as the first! I am really enjoying the series as a whole and while this one had a different main character I really enjoyed her as much as the first one. These are nice little bits of paranormal fluff that just make me happy! 

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
I picked up this book for no other reason than I liked the cover. I know you aren't supposed to do that but I did. This book....oh this book....I was not prepared for this one. For those that like myself know nothing about this one I will warn you ahead of time. It deals with a lot of life struggles...Depression...Loss....Death. I cried massive amounts of tears over this one. It didn't help that I was reading it during a really tough time in my own personal life. This book is brilliant, beautiful, and sad. I loved it and yet I am still angry with it...I think I will continue to be confused on just what I felt about it for a long time to come. However if you are up to the emotional turmoil...read it...but bring tissues. 

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand
 Now this one is also sad but I at least was prepared for it to be a little sad as the title implies a lot. However I was not expecting just what I got. The main character drew me in so readily even though she was like the polar opposite of myself. I cared about her and I wanted to understand her and I REALLY wanted to understand her brother. This book is about loss after suicide and while it was sad it was also hopeful. A really good read but again bring tissues! 

So that was what I read last month and I am already started on a whole long list for this month! I am so happy I joined this linkup because it has rekindled my love for finding new book treasures that may be out of my normal comfort zone! My list just keeps growing every month! 

See any books on my list you want to read? Any you have read and want to share your thoughts! Hit up the comments and don't forget to join the linkup!!! 

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Show Us your Books! February '15

Good Morning Everyone, 

It's time for the Linkup! 

So I confess (even though it isn't Wednesday) that I didn't get a whole lot of reading done the past month. I'm not sure why really other than being busy and slightly distracted. However last night I downloaded a book and I finished it! To be fair it wasn't a long book but that didn't mean it wasn't a really amazing read! 

The book was: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

 

Now I kind of avoided this book for a bit because it was so popular...and I was burned pretty bad by Gone Girl (again apologies if you loved it) but after seeing a trailer for the movie I decided it looked like something I would enjoy. 

I am so glad that I decided that. 

I downloaded it from my library and started reading. I have to say that I loved each and every one of the characters. They were all so well written and beautifully described...it didn't matter that the book was short....it was full of life. 

Basically to give you an overview without spoilers- Mia is in a coma...and yet she is there watching everything going on around her...and it is up to her if she wants to stay....or go. 

I laughed and I cried great big tears over this book. It left me thinking about it long after I had finished it and that to me is the mark of a great one. I've already put my name on the waiting list for the next book in the series! 

So that's what I've read...and now I have three more books on the nightstand that are ready and waiting for me! However I can't wait to see what you all read to get more ideas! 

Happy Tuesday and thanks for stopping by! 

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Domestic Goddess: Level Noob

Good Morning Everyone and Welcome to the Weekend!!!! 

I am continuing on with my 28 posts in 28 days madness today to bring you a post about my vacuum. 

Yes I am writing a post about my vacuum. 

If you have been here a bit you will know that I am trying to get better at being a better housekeeper/hausfrau/domestic goddess. I am starting at the basic level here to be sure. 

Well I got things rolling with starting a cleaning schedule. I love my cleaning schedule. Seriously one of the best decisions ever. 

There was one issue with it however. The issue was my vacuum. Now I don't mind vacuuming. It isn't my favorite chore to be sure but it doesn't bother me. However my vacuum had developed a nasty habit of shocking me every time I used it. Not just static shock, but actual swearing and jumping up and down kind of shock. It was time for a new one. 

Now I had read Steph's post about her love of her vacuum. I was intrigued and if you know anything about me I LOVE a good product review. The vacuum is the Shark Navigator Lift Away Deluxe and it is a pretty pricey item as far as vacuums go, however I really wanted something that would last.So after some serious deliberation I bought the amazing vacuum.

LIFE CHANGED. 

I'm not kidding. This vacuum is so amazing. It is lightweight, it is easy to use, it works for going up and down the stairs....I am in love with it. I have vacuumed multiple times in one day...I have vacuumed multiple surfaces in one day. That is love. 

Now you may think this is silly but I am about to share a picture with you that will change your mind. You see I vacuumed once a day every day even before I got the new vacuum. I thought my floors were clean. Now those that are easily disgusted please scroll past this picture. 

I almost didn't share this with you it was so gross...but I wanted you to see first hand how well this thing works.

I am equal parts horrified and impressed by this picture. Leaning more toward horrified. This was the first run around the living room. SO GROSS. 

I am happy to report that now after multiple runs across the floor the intake can has never been this gross again. My floors are visibly cleaner (dog hair is now at a minimum.) and they actually feel softer and fluffier. I am so impressed and happy with this vacuum. Honestly it was probably the smartest home tool purchase I have done in a LONG time. 

I think I have just leveled up from Basic to Noob. High Fives all around. 

Vacuuming has become so popular around here that even Kyra is getting in on the action. 

Happy Weekend Everyone.

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Product Review: Man Crates

Good Morning Everyone, 

Today I'm doing a review on Man Crates!

Man Crates is a company that sells items as you could probably guess, for men. Here is the Manifesto from their site: 

Our Manifesto

We say 'no' to ugly neckties, cologne samplers and executive trinkets. We don't save wrapping paper, we don't do ribbons.

We ship brag worthy gifts for guys. Gifts that you can't wait to arrive because you know the recipient will love opening them.

Gifts that people gather round at the office, people following the sounds of wood being torn from wood by the included, laser-engraved crowbar.

We are Man Crates, and we deliver awesome gifts for men.

Basically they have a selection of themed crates with items exclusively catered toward men. Items vary from a crate of jerky to sports items to zombie preparedness. Seriously, this stuff is SO COOL. 

Recently my husband received a crate. Let me just say the packaging was a huge hit with him and my Brother and my Dad.

Man Crates come just as they describe...in a crate...that has to be opened via a crowbar that they send with it.The guys were psyched. 

(Yes it took the three of them to open it, they were trying to preserve the crate since my husband thought it was awesome)

Upon actually getting the crate open my husband was delighted to find that he had gotten the Zombie Annihilation Crate! 

This particular crate contains: 

Keep Evil at Bay:

• Gerber® Gator Machete Junior
• Gerber® Gator Combo Axe and Knife
• Gerber® Gorge Folding Shovel
• Combination Paracord Knife with Built-in Firestarter

Combat Essentials

• Zombie Survival Guide (Max Brooks)
• Zombie LED Flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Duct Tape
• Spam. Delicious, delicious Spam.

All of the items were very high quality and the guys were super impressed by each one. They were laughing and carrying on and I have to say this is probably the best response to a "manly" gift that I have ever seen! Even my mom was like "Well I know what everyone is getting next Christmas!" 

The tools were very nice and the machete was sharp upon opening. (So make sure when giving this gift that you are aware of that fact!) The axe-knife combo was also a big hit since my husband has wanted one for a while! 

The Zombie Survival Guide was informative and entertaining and of course the can of SPAM was hilarious! 

The price ranges vary on crate to crate depending one which one that you order. Some are higher end pricing but all the items were high quality and once my husband added up each item individually it was actually MUCH cheaper to purchase a crate than all the items on their own! Plus the crate itself is just such a unique and creative concept that is like a gift all on it's own! 

 All in all this was an awesome gift and with the variety of crates that they offer you are sure to find something amazing for the men in your life! 

*Disclosure- These are my own personal opinions and I was not compensated in any way.

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