Spit and Polish...

Since the nice weather is upon us, it is nice to be able to actually see out my windows to enjoy the sunshine. Have to wipe away the layers of winter and let the sun shine in...
So over the past month I have been trying 3 different products for all around general household cleaning. Some promise, no streaks, others to make your job of cleaning faster...now if they promised to do it for me, that you definitely me a BUY!!!


This is what is on their web site---

Perfect for cleaning and dusting wood, glass, electronics, and more!

It’s NOT Just for Wood Anymore! Pledge® Multi Surface Spray & Wipes is the ONLY furniture cleaner that safely and conveniently cleans and dusts all kinds of surfaces in your home. With no need to keep switching products, this multi-surface cleaner makes cleaning and dusting easier than ever!

Well I have to say for all my wood in the house, this was great. It also did a good job on the electronics. But I was not thrilled with it on glass or steel. It did streak and I had to get rid of the streaks with another cleaner...So if you have wood furniture, electronics, counter tops (not granite) then I would say it is a BUY..but as far as living up to the claim of ALL the surfaces, not so much! It does have a really pleasant smell.

Next I tried Clorox Green Works Surface Cleaner, this is what their website says---
Clean your home without leaving anything behind-like harsh chemical fumes or residue. Our dermatologist-tested glass & surface cleaner is the natural way to get a streak-free clean. The plant and mineral-based ingredients cut through filmy residue because it cleans with the power you'd expect from Clorox. Keeping your home clean for your family.

This was my least favorite of the 3 and I was really hoping it would be great. I do love a good GREEN product, but this one is not. It really left streaks and a film on everything. It also did not remove smudges or grease very well at all. I am not going to give up the hunt for good green cleaners that don't cost more than what you are trying to clean. If anyone knows of any I would love to hear from you!!! This for me was a BROWSE...

he third cleaner I tried was good old fashioned vinegar and water. I went back in time to this cleaner because my two youngest kids are running and crawling around putting everything in their mouths..Or just licking things for that matter...So I got an old spray bottle and my label maker and created my potion!!! And it was by far the best of all the cleaners...except on Stainless Steel...not so good. But for everything else it left a streak free, non-greasy shine on everything. And I had no worries of harsh chemicals being left behind. The only draw back is that the scent is really not all that pleasant. After a while my house started to smell like a fry truck...This for me is a big BUY...also the most eco and wallet friendly!!!

You have to build on a good Foundation...

I have to say this was not my favorite thing to test. I do not usually wear foundation, I am not a huge fan.
I think this stems from my makeup experiences in the 80's. I was a teenager, impressionable and just could not understand why my friends always looked like they were wearing a Halloween mask????
I could never get passed that crazy line separating their chins from their necks.I am sure somewhere deep in my psyche it is the reason I never wear it. So armed with the knowledge of "blending is a must", I concord my fears and spackled my face for an entire month...

And this is what I found...

I went with 3 very affordable products, as I just6 can't see spending a fortune on something I will wash down the drain at the end of the day...

1} Age Perfect, L'Oreal- approx $17- this foundation claims to make you look radiant when you apply it. I don't know about that claim...I felt really "made up" when I was wearing it. Found it to be quite heavy and I really did not like the applicator. Too much like a paint brush and the whole thing about dipping it back in to the jar after using it on your face...GERMAPHOBE....!

2} Joe Fresh- approx $6- this product is really light on your face. I like the fact that you squeeze it out so it is FRESH...everytime. I bough the Joe Fresh face sponges to apply it. Went on really nice and smooth and I did not feel like I had a mask on my face. Also when playing with the kids, it did not rub off all over everything. Yet it still gave great coverage, no creasing and by the end of the day it still looked FRESH...

3}Simply Ageless, CoverGirl- approx $16- well I had high hopes for this product as my girl Ellen is the spokes woman for it...And it did not disappoint. This foundation went on smooth and didn't sink into my "character lines"..as I like to call them. It honestly made my face look smoother...but by the end of the day would I look more like the Crypt Keeper????
Not at all, it lasted all day and did not make me feel "made up"...I do however wish it was a squeeze bottle rather than having to dip back into the container.

So what is my pick??? Well I would have to BROWSE right by the L'Oreal, I had far too many 80's flashbacks wearing that one. I would BUY the Joe Fresh, it worked well and you can't beat the price point. But I for sure will BUY the CoverGirl, it did what it said it would. I may just have to give Ellen a call and see if we can't so something about that whole container issue...

AN EYE FOR AN EYE!!!

I have a problem...and I can admit it...I LOVE MASCARA...
So I was unfaithful lately to my one true mascara love...

Great Lash Mascara, from Maybelinne... approx- $7...I never leave home without it...

This time around I tried ...

Lash Blast, from CoverGirl... approx $8
&
Double Extend Beauty Tubes, from L'Oreal...approx $11

To start, neither one of them lived p to my one true love....But the CoverGirl Lash Blast did not do too badly at all. I continued to wear it after my test was over. I would BUY this for a change. It also gives a bit more of a glam look to your lashes.

As for the tubes...not so much. Once again you have the whole 2 step process...I really don't have that kind of time....Also it does not give you a natural look at all. Very made up "a la tarantula lashes"...And the stuff dries as hard as cement...Also when you finally washed the tubes off they end up in the sink like little black plastic droppings...A similar texture to the gooey film on the top of paint when you leave the lid off...They don't show that part in the commercial... I would most definitely BROWSE past this item...

Bath Time for Baby...

So as a mother of 4, I spend a lot of time scrubbing babies in the tub.
With all the fuss about toxic chemicals in certain popular supposed to "gentle as water" products, I decided to try a natural option.
I chose two natural brands to try.
Squeaky Green Baby Hair + Body Wash, by Method- retail- approx $7
Buriti Baby Body Wash from The Body Shop-retail- approx $13

They both worked great and were very gentle to the face and eyes. My two youngest, 21 months and 6 months did not seem to have a fave... But I sure did...
Can you guess why???

Yup, the price...
Method was almost half the price for the same amount of soap. I also fell in love with the smell of the Method Baby Wash. It is a mild rice milk & mallow and just makes you want to cuddle and smell up your newly washed bundles all day long.
So I say BUY the Method and
keep Browsing by the Buriti...
After all, we can't afford to just let money go down the drain...

GLASS STRAWS...

I LOVE ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCTS.. But I especially love them if they are fabulous!!! And these straws are just that. They are earth friendly, functional and make any drink taste so much better. They come with a satisfaction and breakage guarantee. Check out their web site for more details... These straws are a total BUY for me..Love them... Keep them in mind for your special occasions , they make a great gift.

http://www.glassdharma.com/

Eco Friendly Party Supllies

So like most of you, I hope, I am trying to reduce my carbon foot print...Really hard when you have a giant size 9 1/2. But I am doing my best. So I had to throw a party and decided to try out some disposable cutlery, plates and cups made from corn. They 100% compostable and environmentally sustainable. And to top it all off, cheaper than the ones I had originally planned to buy. This made my party clean up so easy. I merely grabbed a paper compost bag and filled it with all the used plates, food, cups etc. I was fantastic. These were so great my guest could not believe they were made of corn.

If you are planning an event where you wold normally used plastic tableware, I suggest you get a little green and use these instead.
With a big hug to the planet, these are most definitely a BUY!!!!

I love Mother Earth...

Check out the companies web site...

EYELIGHTS MASCARA

Ok, so I am guilty..I saw the add, sounded great, and bought it. Hook line and sinker.
I love trying new products, especially mascara. I will admit I am a bit of an addict.
So I committed myself to trying this product as I always do for an entire week. This had to be the longest week of my life.
This is by far one of the worst mascaras I have ever tried. It did nothing to enhance the color of my eyes or give them any sort of shimmer. In fact, it flaked so much, the only color enhanced in my eyes was red from being blood shot. The stuff damn near made me blind.
As for lengthening, there was none. Is that not the whole point of mascara...?

Sorry Rhianna, love ya girl...but I say this is unequivocally a KEEP BROWSING!!!