Monday Madness 6.27.16

This past weekend was all about celebrating my husband Nick! He turned 33 on Friday!

Nick had already taken in a butter pecan cake and brownies I made to work earlier in the week to celebrate, so Friday when we got home from work was all about us! I grilled cheeseburgers and corn on the cob, and there were chocolate chip walnut cookies (Nick's favorite) and presents!

Nick had expressed that what he really wanted to his birthday was to rent a side by side and hit up the dunes at Silver Lake. That's what we did on Saturday! We rented a Polaris RZR and spend two hours on the dunes at Silver Lake. We took Nick's parents with us!



It was amazing day of sand and sun on Lake Michigan! After conquering the dunes we headed to lunch and the back home!

We watched a lot of Olympic trails this weekend, and on Sunday went to saw Now You See Me 2. I really liked the first one, but I wish I would have remembered the first on better. If I had, I would have enjoyed the second even more.

I hope everyone has a great week! This is the last full week at my current position until I transition to my new one!

Goddess VoxBox Review

I was so excited to finally be picked for an Influenster VoxBox! I am honored to be a part of their Goddess VoxBox campaign. I was given these products for free in exchange for my honest opinions.

Pantene Expert Intense Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner

Price: $4.99

Discover how to instantly hydrate dry hair. It features Pantene's most concentrated Pro-V formulas. The ultra-nourishing and moisturizing shampoo and conditioner hug your hair hugs your hair as it wraps each strand in moisture for intense hydration and instant softness.

So here's the scoop... I have used and liked Pantene products in the past, and currently use their clarifying shampoo once a week. The formula of the shampoo is definitely thicker than other moisturizing shampoos out there. What I loved about the shampoo and conditioner is that it left my hair super soft. However, other than that, I don't feel like it did much for my hair compared to other shampoos already out there.

Would I purchase... No. I loved how soft it made my hair, but it the product itself was really heavy.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish

Price: $1.99-$2.99

Tune up your talons with matte nails. This chich and sexy trend bring intesnity to any color Check out the Limited Edition Sinful Colors and Kylie Jenner Collection: Trend Matters. It comes in 32 Velvety and Satin Demi mattes shades. Find the Satin Collection at Target and the Velevet Collection at Walgreens.

So here's the scoop... Sinful Colors is already one of my favorite polish brands because it's a quality product at a great price. I received the porcelain matte in Chesire China which is a great lavender color. It was prefect as my favorite color is purple!

Would I purchase... Yes, I can't wait to try this polish in others colors!

Always Radiant with FlexFoam

Price: $4.30-$6.40

Skinny jeans. Pencil skirts. Leather leggings. When it comes to your style, there's no room for leaks! Luckily, Always Radiant pads let you wear what you what becuase they're up to 100% leak free. These pads are made with FlexFoam that absorbs 10x its weight, which means it's got your back all day long - for up to 8 hours). And they're so thin and flexible, you might even forget it's there!

So here's the scoop... It's got a cute wrapper, there's a nice fragrance, and the pad is super thin.

Would I purchase... No, simply because I don't use this type product.

Dickinson's Enhanced Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Hydrating Toner

Price: $6.99

Dickinson's Enhance Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Hydrating Toner gently hydrates and nourishes skin with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E as it cleanses, tones, and refreshes skin. The alcohol-free formula helps skin maintain its natural balance as it gently removes impurities and reconditions skim. Skin feels hydrated, fresh, and clean without tightness for soft, smooth, and healthy looking skin.

So here's the scoop... I was really nervous about trying a new skin care product as I am under the care of a dermatologist for adult acne. But, I decided to screw it, and give this product a try. I mix witch hazel with a lot of my essential oils, so being more familiar with the product made me less scared to try it. I was also excited that this toner contains Vitamin E which is supposed to helpful on scarring. I used Dickinson's toner after washing my face with CeraVe. It immediately made my skin feel softer and smoother, and hasn't caused any break outs!

Would I purchase... Maybe. The fragrance isn't that pleasant, but I like the way it made my skin feel.

Cutex Advanced Revival Nail Polish Remover Pads

Price: $1.49-$3.99

Tiny but mighty, just one of these individually wrapped pads packs enough punch to clean polish for 10 fingers or toes. TSA-compliant and travel read, Cutex Advance Revival Remover Pads are your go to polish remover when you're on the go.

Here's the scoop... SOLD! I love this product after using it only once. It easily removed nail polish from all 10 fingers, and I think it could have removed my toe polish with the same pad too! These little babies are great for travel and I was excited to read that they are TSA compliant!

Would I purchase... Yes. This product is already on my shopping list!

Downy Fresh Protect with In-Wash Febreze Odor Defense

Price: 5$.49 for 9.7 ounces

Finally, deodorant for your clothes! Downy Fresh Protect with In-Wash Febreze Odor Defense infuses fabrics with motion activated technology to as your move throughout your day. Pick one of the fresh scents and stay calm, collected, and refreshed.

Here's the scoop... I purposely use scent free laundry detergent and dryer sheets, but I was decided to give it a try. This product is very fragrant. It made my laundry room that entire level of my house smell like a flower garden.

Would I purchase... Surprisingly, yes. I found the April Fresh scent to be very relaxing and comforting. I would use this product on my sheets, towels, and blankets.

Blogging the Bachelorette 12.5

Welcome back to Blogging the Bachelorette! Last week we were off last we due to a lack of an episode from ABC (damn NBA finals!). Make sure to check out JoJo's Beauty Tutorial that I posted last week instead of a recap.

So let's download since it's been awhile. The Bachelorette and her men are still in my home state of Pennsylvania at the beautiful Nemacolin Woodlands Resort - which, btw, I have looked up and it's only 6.5 hours from my home in Michigan and Nick and I are totally going there for our 10th wedding anniversary.

Wait, where were we? Yes, JoJo and the guys are finishing up their time in Pennsylvania. Luke has a rose from his 1 on 1 date, Jordan has the group date rose, and Alex has a rose from the 2 on 1 date.

Chad has just been eliminated during his 2 on 1 date against Alex. Just as we think we have seen the Rise and Fall of Chad he shows up at the guys' pad for one last fight.

I'll be honest, I zoned out because it was Chad saying nonsense. Alex arrives home to hero's welcome complete with sparklers and a cupcakes. He "slayed the dragon"!

Rose Ceremony
JoJo looks amazing in a white, sequin cut out dress, and that girl has been doing her squat. Her booty is amazing!


Evan starts to annoy me during this rose ceremony because he's acting like a weeney and trying to find "The Next Chad" in the bunch. I think he's more interested in the drama than in JoJo. Alas, he gets a rose and is safe for another week.


JoJo sends James F and Daniel the Canadian home





JoJo announces Grant, Vinny, Jordan, Derek, Chase, James Taylor, Alex, Evan, Wells, Robby, and Luke are headed to Uruguay!


1 on 1 #1
The guys make it to Uruguay and Jordan is invited on the on the first 1 on 1 date. This is actually Jordan's first 1 on 1, which is weird because I feel like he's already had one - probably because he is featured so much and he's all over the damn internet.

I honestly find this date super boring and thanks to editing it zooms by fast. They make out on a yatch and then go to dinner where Jordan denies cheating on his ex. That's all JoJo needs to hear because she's smitten. Jordan is given a rose and is safe another week.

Meanwhile... Derek and Alex find a gossip rag as Vinny is giving them haircuts. In this rag magazine featuring JoJo ex prior to the Bachelor/Bachelorette spewing lies. I would bet money that the producers planted the magazine.

The producers then tell JoJo about her ex's blasphemy. She's upset to say the least.

What I get from this is that her ex is an asshole, Ben was the truest love she's ever had because she felt respected, and yes, she did befriend her ex once she got back from The Bachelor.

JoJo feels the need to discuss it with 'her guys'. They all find it a non-issues, like, duh, hot girl, who cares what she has or hasn't done!

Glad that's out of the way...

Group Date
Vinny, Evan, Alex, Wells, Grant, Luke, Chase, Derek, Alex, and James Taylor head to the sand dunes with JoJo to do some sand boarding!

"I think I'm going to get another bloody nose today." - Evan
Based on this group date pickings Vinny, Grant, Wells, and Evan's days are numbered.


After playing in the sand it's time for the cocktail portion of the evening.

JoJo gives Derek the group date rose to reassure him of her feeling for him. Alex starts acting like a mega dick, calling Derek's rose a "pity rose."

I'm starting to feel bad for Chad because I'm thinking Alex is a bully. Chad's gone so now he needs someone else to pick on. Cue Derek. #asshole


1 on 1 #2
Robby gets the second 1 on 1 of the episode. I'm convinced Robby is a Ken doll. The proof is in the picture...

He drops the first "L" bomb on the season. I find this a tad weird as we haven't seen them bond and connect this season. It would have been nice if the whole first half of this season was not focused on Chad.

Rose Ceremony
Derek confronts Robby, Jordan, Chase, and Alex because of their "mean girls" click, and none of them give an eff. I mean come one Derek. Be a man - keep it shut and keep your eye on the prize!

Chris Harrison announces that there will be not cocktail party, and it's time for JoJo to eliminate some bitches!

JoJo (looking great in a emerald green cut out dress) ends up cutting Grant, Evan, and Vinny.

Don't cry. Another recap will be up next Wednesday!