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Beauty Architects: Masqueology Face Mask Review #unmaskTheBeautyWithin

February 5, 2017 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I was recently given the opportunity to try a few samples of “Masqueology” by “Beauty Architects”, along with info about each product (some included below).
These face masks are amazing! They are really easy to use. Take it out of it’s packet and put it on your face. Easy-peasy! After 20 minutes take the mask off and just rub the lotion in, no washing required! I do not like the feeling of lotion on my face, I like light moisturizers and this was exactly that! I tend to have an oily skin and this felt so refreshing. On the package it actually tells you to keep the pack for another day or two because you can still get some lotion out and just apply it to your face as a moisturizer – I did that!

The masks come in single use packs which are very convenient because you can take them wherever, use at home, or if you’re going away. If you’re going somewhere where you will be swimming a lot or out in the sun, these are great masks to take with and apply at night as you’re getting ready for bed. I know not everyone always has twenty minutes to lounge around with a face mask on, but even if you just get some lotion on you’ll enjoy it! I know I’ll be taking a few with on my next holiday trip! They are slim packs so they’ll fit nice and easily in my toiletry bag and take up almost no space at all. And there’s very little to throw away when I’m done.

I’m finding it hard to choose a favourite amongst the samples I was given, but I think my skin really liked the “Moisturizing Cream Mask” one. Being indoors all day with the heater going, drying my skin, this felt really good. Also, there was a decadent sensation with the idea that I was applying a mask that contained caviar as an ingredient! There are 4 types of masks for sale at the moment. All four masks are for ALL skin types, so you choose the benefits you would like:
Moisturizing – This one moisturizes and hydrates tired skin. Diminishes the visible signs of fine lines and wrinkles. Helps to tighten and lift the skin.
Special Care – Calms and transforms dry, sensitive skin; moisturizes and hydrates; diminishes the visible signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vita Clarifying – Revitalizes and evens out the appearance of dull tired skin. Vitamins in it help clarify the skin. Helps combat against free radicals. Diminshes the visible signs of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrates and tones the skin.
Collagen Lifting – Revitalizes and evens out the appearance of dull tired skin. Vitamins in it help clarify the skin. Helps combat against free radicals. Diminshes the visible signs of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrates and tones the skin.

And more good news about them? They are very inexpensive. I mean seriously. These face masks are available from Walmart and I just looked up the price and my favourite one is $1.50. Yep. A buck fifty! Of course this may be different in your area, the Collagen Lifting one is showing as $2.50. But still, wow! What a price!! I think these will be great little additions to teacher’s “Thank you” baskets or a gift to a friend.

FOLLOW ALONG SOCIALLY:
http://www.masqueology.com/
https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=masqueology
@masqueology
#unmaskTheBeautyWithin
#WeveGotAMaskForThat
#MasqueologyNowAtWalmart

The International Exhibit of SHERLOCK HOLMES Pacific Science Center Seattle

November 10, 2016 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Sherlock Holmes: BY LYNN HOOPER

I know so many of my friends love going to the Pacific Science Center in Seattle. The science exhibit changes every few weeks which keeps things new and interesting. I was one of a few people who were given an opportunity to go to a preview of the current exhibit “The International Exhibit of SHERLOCK HOLMES”. This exhibit is open to the public now (from October 15, 2016) until January 8, 2017.

The designer of the exhibit, Geoffrey Curley, was there on the day of the preview and I had a small chat with him. I commented on the attention to detail, he pointed out they even let some of the lights in one room not work on purpose, the 1880’s London was switching from gas to electricity, but I digress…

This post is sort of awkward to write because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. So I’m going to try be suitably vague:

From my understanding the exhibit was divided into 4 sections. The first was all about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; the time he lived in and the experiences he made. It shows how forensic science was cutting edge back then and how it helped police solve crimes. Then in the second part we get to look around a “train station”, more information about clue gathering. In the third section, I would call this one my favourite, we get to look into a room belonging to Sherlock Holmes! It’s as though we step into Conan Doyle’s mind – this is where all the details are. And then! A crime has been committed!! You’ve got to help solve it! Look for clues! Make deductions! I say no more about that, go and check it out! J

In the fourth section there is some awesome memorabilia from the various films, plays, stories and other paraphernalia gathered from the culture that is Sherlock Holmes, including a car!

When we entered the exhibit we received an observations notebook, this is something older kids can do, and younger ones with parents help. In this notebook you collect clues and stamps from places you’ve been. Somethings are little tricky to do, the rubbings for example, that’s why I suggest an adult’s help. It is not something anyone has to do, of course, it just makes the experience more fun. And you need the notebook to help solve the aforementioned crime!

Follow this link for more info:
https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/the-sherlock-holmes-exhibition/

GoPicnic Picnic in a Box with Ginger Zip!

November 27, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Go Picnic picnic in a box

By Lynn

This is a great idea! We received a full size box to try out. For my daughter (6) we chose a gluten free option The Tuna & Crackers. It came with a lemon pepper tuna spread, applesauce, multigrain crackers (GF), fruit and nut mix, and a caramel lollipop.

One thing I liked about this was that the box could be used to eat from if you are on the go, and in my case, give something to your child to eat in the car between activities – not the ideal situation I know! But sometimes it happens. The box even had a Sudoku game in it!

These do not have to be refrigerated so you can keep a couple of boxes in your car if needed, but probably not when it’s super hot over summer! J Each box is a single serving, so each person can have their own. Not everyone has to have to tuna, or you can share as you go. What is also nice for me as a busy mom (brain always at 100%), I don’t have to think about making a complete meal, the Go Picnic box already contains a variety of foods (meat, crackers, fruit, even a sweet treet if they’re good J). I tried out the fruit and nut mix as well as the tuna and they were both super tasty!

You can find more information at www.gopicnic.com . In addition to Gluten Free they also have vegan, kosher and all-natural, amongst other choices. The box has nutrition information per box, and also allergen information per item (i.e. Which package in the box has milk and/or peanuts etc).

I think the next flavor I’d like to try is the turkey pepperoni and cheese! Or the Sunbutter and crackers…hmmm I can’t decide! I’ll have to get a few and hope someone in my family shares with me so I can try a few out!

About Lynn:

I met Lynn in MOMS Club and she has two children. One of which is the same age as my daughter and they love to giggle and play together. Lynn Hooper is also a local Mary Kay Consultant while also being a full time mom. “A lot of what the business stands for is true to my heart. Mary Kay Inc. has a foundation that donates funds to help end domestic violence and also funds research into cancers that affect women. Mary Kay also has what’s called "The Golden Rule" which means God (faith) first, family second and business third. A great principal for me and nice to know I am part of a team that believes in this too.”

Jake and The Neverland Pirates Shapes App

November 27, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Shapes app

By Lynn

What a cute app. There are 3 games that they can play, where one is just creating a little pirate. You can add your own photo (take it right then, or choose from iPad album); do your own voice recording and then your pirate does this cute dance. My little one LOVED the voice recording and did it over and over – it even gives pirate phrase suggestions such as “Argh!” and “Walk the Plank!”

I liked the shapes game “Twilight Treasure Hunt” that included a bit of a story, so the children aren’t just told “Do this”, “Do that”. You actually get to see the characters interact with each other, and children can tap various objects that sparkle (like Cubby’s map) to make it move. My little one (3 years old) said the “loop-dee-doopty” (“Pirate Patterns”) one was hard – the ground that the characters are walking on goes up and down adding some excitement so she got nervous figuring out the pattern, her personality I think! I really like that they have to pay attention to a longer pattern.

“Jake’s Shape Game” – the child has to complete a basic pattern and then trace the shape, which doesn’t have to be completely accurate – always a bonus! My favourite activity is for them to use more than one shape to create a shadow puppet on the wall.

The games are basic for kids to play over and over again so they can learn shapes and patterns in a fun way. A grown up can be involved, especially in the beginning to help the child out. There is a clear voice giving instructions so reading is not required. It gives the opportunity for an adult to sit with the child and go over what they are doing.

This seems perfect for children 4 -6. There are some challenges that a younger child might not get (continuing a basic pattern) but the other games they can play, even if they just tap around. They joys of little children apps is they just get told to “try again”, and they can keep on trying!

About Lynn:

Children’s Book Review: My Very Own Pirate Tale

September 25, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Book review “My very own Pirate Tale”

By Lynn:

This is an absolutely AMAZING book! I received one for my youngest daughter and WILL be getting one for my eldest.

So firstly it is a personalized book. You provide the company with some basic information about your child., some optional, but some required, such as their name, which is key in the story. You can give a little dedication too – fantastic for a gift as this is a book they will keep for life!

There are a few themes you can choose from, some are “My Very Own Name”; “My Very Own Fairy Tale”; “My very Happy Birthday” and the one we reviewed that is up for promotion – “My Very Own Pirate Tale”. You can visit their website at www.iseeme.com to view the whole list of titles.

So yes, having a child see their name appear in a book is fantastic, right? But what makes it even more incredible (I feel like one of those infomercials, but wait, there’s more! – but in this case parents will LVOE this) each letter in the child’s name is attached to an animal (For example, J for jellyfish) and they include a cute picture of the animal. Even more cool is that at the end of the book they give the entire alphabet of sea creatures (with the book being pirate themed), some letters had more than one animal, and information about them in a cute little note for children. They also have other products that go along with the books, such as placemats, coloring books and lunchboxes. I asked my 3 year old what she thought of the book and she simply said: “I love it”.

Right now www.iseeme.com is having a Pirate Tale PROMO: Where you can get 15% off select Pirate Tale Product (My Very Own Pirate Tale book, gift set and placemat) using coupon code PIRATE, 9/1/2013 through 9/30/13.

You can sign up for discount promos and company alerts at this link: http://www.iseeme.com/preference-center.html

You can also find more info about them at the following links:
Facebook:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ISeeMe_Maia @ISeeMe_Maia

Pinterest: #iseemebooks

About Lynn:

G. H. Cretors Popped Corn 5 Different Flavors

May 11, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

Samples received: By Lynn!

As summer approaches I know we are all hosting, or being invited to, or just having our own little summer celebrations and people are always thinking of what snacks to bring. I think G.H. Cretors Popped Corn is a great idea. Take it with or just have it on your own, they’re quite tasty! Don’t forget it’s a nice little gift for the special Mom in your life!

I received a sample box of 5 different flavors, namely: “Chicago Mix”, “Just the Caramel Corn”, “Kettle Corn”, “Caramel Nut Crunch”, and “Just the Cheese”. The first bag to go in our house was the “Caramel Nut Crunch”. The popcorn was evenly covered in caramel, big puffy popcorn. The nuts were cashews and almonds and they were also covered in caramel, SO good! The next was the caramel one. I was a little surprised at how bright orange the cheese was, but it was nice that it didn’t seem to “powder off” the popcorn like some cheeses do. The one that I didn’t like too much was the Chicago Mix, it was cheese and caramel. I am sure people do love this, but it wasn’t for me. So all I did was eat the cheese popcorn first then enjoyed the caramel – the flavors didn’t rub off on each other so it was easy to do.

G.H. Cretors is a family run business. And in this case run by the moms! Claire Cretors (popcorn president) and her mom, Phyllis, are carrying on the corn popping tradition of great-great-great Grandpa Cretors who invented the popcorn machine in 1885.

The ingredients they use today are all natural: basically popcorn, sugar and sunflower oil – free of GMO’s, artificial colors and flavors. Bonus for me and my family is that there are no gluten ingredients either. And made by hand in copper kettles!

This variety pack containing one of each flavor is under $20 at ghcretors.com it’s a GREAT deal!!

Our sample arrived in a cute box that I know we will use again, it’s easy for the kids to put their toys in, or color on, or just generally play with. You know how kids are with boxes!

About Lynn:

Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo and Conditioner

May 9, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Samples Received:

Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo and Conditioner

By Lynn:

I was given the opportunity to try out a shampoo and conditioner by Philip B. Oooh what a lovely little product! I am often on the lookout for a shampoo and conditioner set that leaves my hair feeling soft after the wash and hey, let’s be honest I’m a stay at home mom, I need this stuff to last a few days WITH a workout here and there in between! It also doesn’t get oily too quickly which is surprising. I’ve had a few conditioners that make my hair feel soft and silky, but at the cost of getting oily too quickly.

My hair is super coarse and thick and tends to get oily, and this really has not been the case with this shampoo and conditioner. My hair feels clean too! I’ve used it a few times now, as sometimes my hair gets “used to” a product and doesn’t seem to work as well, but not true here. Another little “experiment” I did with the product is put it on my 5 year old’s super straight hair. It made her hair is SO soft! I don’t wash her hair that often, she’s clean and doesn’t get sweaty so I don’t find it necessary to have the added argument every other night but after A WEEK of washing her hair it is still not only soft but SHINY! Seriously.

Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine advertises that it defrizzes and this is something I noticed for me. They say it also has a “time released botanical hydrators” that keep your hair shiny for longer and like I’ve said I really noticed this.

It’s a little on the pricey side but I think it’s worth it if you are someone like me who has frizzy out-of-control-hair and needs to have good hair days from time to time! As moms we need to have some pampering times for ourselves! Get it for yourself or your mom, or forward this on to your hubby if he needs an idea of something extra to spoil you!

Oh and did I mention how SOFT my hair is?? Oohhh!

You can read more here:

Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo:

Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine Conditioner:

TRU Fragrance – Hip Notes Summer 2013 Limited Edition Orange Blossom

April 20, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

TRU Fragrance – Hip Notes Summer 2013 Limited Edition Orange Blossom

By Lynn:

I’ll be honest I am not one on the forefront of fashion, at all, I am not even in the race, but I can never say no to trying a new fragrance! Tru Fragrance, a leading boutique fragrance development company, has announced that their fragrance for this summer is Orange Blossom.

Something I never realized is that oranges are one of the few plants that bloom and bear fruit at the same time, and ALL parts of the orange tree are used in a fragrance – the flowers being the most fragrant. Hip Note Orange Blossom is extracted from these white flowers to create a “creamy, rich, floral sent.”

Amy Braden, director of product development at Try Fragrance says: “Full floral notes are making a comeback. Orange blossom is a sensual floral that invokes so many emotions and memories.”

I was surprised when I read this quote as I had been spending part of yesterday walking around sniffing this fragrance because it DID remind about something from my childhood. I couldn’t remember exactly what, some lotion or shampoo at my aunt’s house that I really liked (The aunt AND the shampoo, lol).

It is a lovely gentle fragrance that I can imagine wearing to summer evening barbeques and park play dates.

This Hip Notes was created by Patricia Choux, a perfuner of fragrance house Takasago. She has a career in perfumery spanning 20 years! Having a hand in creating fragrances, including Marc Jacobs Orange Splash, Michael Kors Very Pretty and Jo Malone Blue Agava and Cacao, amongst others.

Tru Fragrance predicts that “Nostalgic Floral” will be among the top fragrance trends for summer 2013.

Even if you don’t follow fashion trends this fragrance is one I am sure most women can wear and enjoy. It is subtle, yet noticeable –something I like in a fragrance. Tru Fragrance description of it is as follows: “Opening notes of peach blossom and freesia combine with a driftwood accord. The orange blossom essence is expressed through a special Guimauve accord that blends warm marshmallow and gardenia notes. The base notes blend a unique sand accord, delicious almond milk and amber…”
I include this because it describes the fragrance so well and all the “notes” you can detect. I get the orange blossom for sure, and even the driftwood!

Definitely a fragrance to consider, but not think about it for too long as it is limited edition!!

Check Out the TRU Fragrance on Facebook.

Popcorn Indiana Dark Fudge Chocolate Chip and Drizzled Cinnamon Sugar

March 3, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

By Lynn

I hope you all got to celebrate a super sweet Valentines! As you may know, I have two lovely sweeties to celebrate with and my hubby who spoilt me, too. And we had something extra tasty to share…

Popcorn, Indiana has made some fabulous tasty flavors of kettle corn for the sweet ‘n salty taste. I am pretty sure everyone who has ever tasted popcorn can agree there is something about it that makes them want to eat it again and again. Well Popcorn, Indiana has taken it “over the top” as they say – right on the bag!

We got to try two new flavors: Dark Fudge Chocolate Chip and Drizzled Cinnamon Sugar. Oh my gosh! YUM! They use all-natural, hand-crafted Kettle corn, “drape” it in dark fudge and then drizzle chocolate chips over the popcorn. I have no idea how they keep the popcorn crunchy good with the chocolate drizzled over it. And it’s a generous amount of chocolate. I’ve said before I’m a chocolate snob, and this is GOOD chocolate. There’s something about the sweet and saltiness that’s just so good!

My 5 year old who is currently going through a “I don’t like chocolate” phase (I’m thinking it has something to do with the fact that her sister LOVES chocolate) was THRILLED to try the cinnamon sugar flavor. And she wasn’t disappointed. It was really tasty! It had a white chocolate drizzle over it with the cinnamon sugar, again generously, on the popcorn.

The added bonus for me was what was NOT in it. Of course, feeding it to my kiddies this is important!

There are NO preservatives, NO trans fat, made from Non-GMO Corn and of course, personally for my 5 year old the pop corn is gluten free (you’d think this goes without saying because it is corn, but so many companies still feel the need to add so much to their foods, unnecessarily at times, and these additives include gluten).

Popcorn is always a great snack and now it’s EXTRA tasty!

(Oh and in the pictures I only took pictures of the cinnamon sugar popcorn in a bowl because, ahem the chocolate one got finished… very quickly…)

Samples received

About Lynn: