Vlog Review: Lo and Sons O.G. Bag

I really don't do vlogs often, but I felt this review is better seen through a video, rather than photos.  So, here she goes....

Lo & Sons O.G. Bag

Thursday Mixed Bag

I've been juicing with my Big Boss Juicer every morning this week.  I thought I could drink a juice in lieu of eating breakfast, but I am just too hungry for that.  So, I'll have a fresh juice first thing and a breakfast "snack" about two hours later.  My juices this week have all had the same common ingredients, but I've tried to switch things up a little each day. 

 My favorite combination has been one green apple, 1/4 cucumber, a handful of baby carrots, a handful of spinach/kale mix, and a sliver of ginger.  Pretty darn good, but looks gross.

 

I don't know if it's my frantic facial masks and peels that I've done this past week or if it's the juice, or maybe both... but I have noticed that my skin is looking much more clear, even, and balanced.  Another thing that could have influenced this change is that I switched up my evening moisturizer and am now using Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair.

 

Here's what the website says:

It's a new era in anti-aging. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer contains Accelerated Retinol SA, the fastest retinol formula available. Accelerated Retinol SA combines the highest concentration of Neutrogena's Retinol SA with glucose complex, an exclusive booster that delivers pure stabilized retinol into the skin's surface quickly and effectively, leaving skin feeling smoother and younger-looking. Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night is so effective, 100% of women had noticeable results in just one week. It's clinically proven to help fade the look of stubborn deep wrinkles, including crow's feet, forehead, and cheek wrinkles; brighten skin's tone; and smooth fine lines and texture.

 

After a facial at Urban Nirvana, my esthetician recommended I start using a retinol cream.  I just couldn't justify $100 for the cream she wanted me to purchase, so I did some research and found that this Neutrogena product has received much applause for it's retinol properties.  I've only been using this for three nights, so I'll keep you updated.

 

Last weekend, my mom and I went to a little antique store that was going out of business.  I scored these gorgeous chairs and am in the works of recovering the cushions and putting a thin layer of stain on them.

I also got three of these little trinket bowls from the same store.  The store owner gave me the chairs and the bowls for $50!  The fourth bowl -the pink one on the bottom right- belonged to my great great grandmother.  I plan on using these in my vanity to store lipsticks and maybe some pieces of jewelry.

 

Ok, one last thing.  I rarely post about recipes and food I make on here, but I made a chicken recipe the other night that was so good.  I hesitated putting up a picture of my meal because I am not a food photographer by any means, but here it is.  Cheesy potatoes au gratin, roasted broccoli, and jalepeno popper chicken.

Brandon and I love jalapenos, so when I saw this recipe, I knew I needed to try it.  Oh, and it's easy.

 

...and wait for it, this is how it's SUPPOSED to look:

For the recipe, click here.  Trust me, you want to make this.  Side note, I didn't exactly follow the recipe very well.  Instead of putting 2 tsp of taco seasoning in the panko crust mixture, I put the whole packet of seasoning in.  Oops!  It turned out awesome though and when I make this again, I will put the whole packet in again for the extra flavor it provided.

 

oh, ps!  My Stella and Dot Trunk Show did NOT end yesterday.  Oops again. 

Here's the link.  Place an order by tonight for your chance at winning a Julep Bangle.  They have some amazing spring/summer items that are brand new. 



Rembrandt {a review}

A while back, Rembrandt asked if they could send me some items for my review.

Let me start off by telling you that I get asked this a lot by companies.  90% of the time, I decline.  If I don't feel strongly compelled to a product, I pass.  If I don't feel like you all would benefit from a review, I pass.  Get what I'm saying?  Ok, good.  :)

I figured that both you and I would love to find out if a new mouth care product is worth the purchase, so I agreed to this one.  As for the products they sent me, there were some standouts and some, well... not so standouts.

REMBRANDT® INTENSE STAIN® Toothpaste

Now this, I love.  I'll talk more about this toothpaste in a moment, but first, here's another product they sent me....

REMBRANDT® DEEPLY WHITE® + Peroxide Fresh Mint Toothpaste

I immediately began using these two toothpastes in conjunction with one another.  I use the Intense Stain at night and the Deeply White in the mornings.  Honestly, I couldn't be happier with the results I've seen.  I used these two leading up to our engagement photos and was really pleased with the brighter smile I noticed.

I will say, the taste of the Intense Stain toothpaste is great.  I love it.  The Deeply White tastes awful.  It's not that it tastes revolting, it just has little to no taste at all.  It's not a clean, minty taste, but similar to some high-grade paste at the dentist's office.  I really had to train myself to use it, but I continued because of the great results I was seeing.  I usually follow it up with a mouthwash which gives me the mint flavor one would expect in a toothpaste.  So, no big deal.  I will definitely continue to use this, even despite it's lack of flavor.

I know these two products are a bit more expensive than other toothpastes, but I promise you the results are super apparent, after only a couple weeks of using it.  That's more than I can say for any of my other toothpastes, where I don't really ever notice a change in whiteness.  Oh, and you can find coupons on their website.

Now, the not-so-pretty.

REMBRANDT® INTENSE STAIN®Stain Dissolving Strips

I really contemplated whether to review these or not.  I never want to say negative things about a company's product, but I promised I'd give a review -good or bad!

Honestly, I can't say much about the whitening power of these because I couldn't bear to keep them in my mouth for over two minutes.  The strips are supposed to dissolve in your mouth within 5 to 10 minutes, but they started dissolving in mine once I applied them.  No, they weren't gradually dissolving into nothingness... they were sticking all over my lips and tongue, spreading their "sticky" everywhere. I really don't know how else to describe it.  I've been terrified to try these again.  

They also sent over the Rembrandt Two Hour Whitening Kit, which I gave to Brandon and he LOVES. 

In Brandon's words, "the whitening trays mold to your teeth, so the product stays right where you need it and doesn't ooze all over your mouth."  (He was super excited about these because Men's Health Magazine strongly recommends them.)

Just so you know, Rembrandt didn't pay me to write this review.  They sent me the items above and this is what I think about them.  I love Rembrandt's products (except for the dissolving strips) and really hate I didn't use them sooner!

Do any of you use their products?  Do share.  :)

Xo-M