Review

National Pumpkin Day at Tropical Smoothie Cafe Review & Giveaway

Oct 26, 2019

*I received free smoothie cards for review purposes only. All opinions shared are my own.*

National Pumpkin Day-October 26th

Today is National Pumpkin Day. A perfect day for me to try the seasonal smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. I have a confession I am not a fan of pumpkin pie. However, the pumpkin pie smoothie is a refreshing surprise.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie for National Pumpkin Day

The smoothie is made with real pumpkin, Ghiradelli white chocolate, cinnamon, and non-fat yogurt. The smoothie is blended smooth and is very refreshing. The blend of real pumpkin and white chocolate adds the right amount of sweetness. Cinnamon adds the right amount of spice. I always try to stay on track with calories over the weekend. The calorie count is 261 calories, 21 grams of sugar, 835 g of potassium, 52 grams of carbs, 1g of fat. I love the fact that adding pumpkin to foods provides a good dose of Vitamin A. Go in soon as this will not last long.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

This cafe is a hidden gem in my backyard. If you are like me I am always in search of really good quick casual food on the weekends. In addition to smoothies, the cafe offers a menu filled with a variety of foods. There are breakfast entrees, flatbreads, wraps, quesadillas, sandwiches, and side. The menu has something for everyone. In addition to the featured smoothies for the season, there is a full menu of smoothie flavors, supplements, and add-ins. I will definitely return again for a quick lunch or a smoothie recharge after a workout. You can check out the menu here Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Giveaway

One winner will receive a card for “free smoothie” at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. How to win are listed on Instagram. Good Luck to you! Happy Autumn.

Sylvania Smart Bulbs Review with Android phone and Alexa

Sep 23, 2019

*the bulbs were received free of charge for review purposes only, all opinions shared are my own*

Sylvania Smart Bulbs

How do Sylvania smart bulbs works? I see smart products everywhere and wondered how they work and with which devices. The Sylvania smart bulbs are a perfect addition to a living space especially if good lighting is required. The Sylvania smart bulbs I selected were the BR30 LED Light Bulb which is a 65-watt equivalent. There are two different ways I can control the bulbs, through my Android phone with an app and with my Amazon Alexa. In order to test the Sylvania Smart Home app, I added to my Android phone using Google Play. The app allows me to change the color contrast of the smart bulb and turn it on or turn off. Next, I tried to link the bulb to my Amazon Alexa to control with voice activation. The Amazon Alexa app has the skill Sylvania Smart Home to link the smart bulb to Alexa. I shared below how my feedback with the Android app and Amazon Alexa.

Pros and Cons of the Sylvania Smart Bulbs

Pros:

Adjustable lighting for living space
Bluetooth compatible
Links with Android phone with the Google Play app -Sylvania Smart Home
Can also link with Samsung Smart Things app, (must purchase a hub)
Links with Amazon Alexa using the Sylvania Smart Home skill for voice activation
Links with Apple devices with Home Kit and Google Assistant
Can schedule and automate lighting

Cons:

Amazon Alexa app did not link to the bulb which prevents voice activation
Size of BR30 bulb limits the type of lamp you can use with this bulb
Higher in price than a standard bulb
Connecting to the Samsung Smart Things app requires an additional purchase

Sylvania Smart+ App with Android

I love the idea of adjusting the lighting of the Sylvania Smart bulb in each room where the bulbs are installed. It was disappointing when I tried to link to my Alexa app. After multiple attempts, it did not link with the Amazon Alexa.

From my android phone, I added the Sylvania Smart Home app:

Connect to Wifi

2. Add a device which is the location of the bulb, from the phone the bulb can be turned on, off, and the hue of the bulb adjusted

The groups are the locations of each of the bulbs

Amazon Alexa set-up

From the Amazon Alexa app, I went to Skills and Games and searched for Sylvania Smart Home. This allows the Sylvania smart bulb to work through voice activation.

After setting up an account for Sylvania Smart Home I proceeded to link with Alexa. For some reason, the link did not work for Alexa and the Sylvania Smart Home skill. This was disappointing because I looked forward to scheduling the light.

Just in time for Fall organizing. If you are interested in buying the bulbs, you can find at Amazon, Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Foodie Review of Kumano Avocado Sauces for Different Dishes

May 21, 2019

received samples free of charge; all opinions shared are my own

I love avocados on everything. From my burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and eggs. This sauce is made from avocados in three different flavors: regular, mango, and hot. I sampled all three and love them all. The mango has a hint of sweetness while the hot flavor is a mild kick that is not overpowering.

The sauces are perfect for almost anything you add put sauce on. I added to my ground turkey tacos with my other toppings.

I also added to scrambled eggs for another flavor boost. Now, that grilling season is upon us I can’t wait to use on some of my grilled foods as well. The sauces are easily stored in the refrigerator after opening.

If You’re Planning Graduation Events, Check Out My Review of Basic Invite

May 17, 2019

My teen graduates on June 12th and I found some great ideas from Basic Invite for announcements, party invitations, and thank cards. The Basic Invite site allowed me to customize the colors, font, and font size of each sample.

Graduation Announcements, Invitations and Thank You Cards

I ordered samples of a 2019 photo card, a graduation party invitation, and a thank you card in my son’s school colors.

Why Basic Invite?

I ordered samples and they shipped within seven days. The idea of customizing my invitations makes it very unique to my style and taste. The first thing I noticed when I opened the samples was the paper quality. It was very easy to customize each item, specifically with my son’s school colors. The color palette offers a hue to fit all designs. The website is very easy to navigate for designing and editing.

I ordered the envelopes in white. Basic Invite envelopes are available in over forty different colors. Another added bonus with the envelope is they are peel and seal. There is no unpleasant taste from licking envelopes. Basic Invite will print envelope with guest information and return addresses at no charge. There is an additional charge per envelope with the return address only.

Basic Invite offers an address capturing service. The service allows the sender to share a link on social media platforms for guests to submit their addresses. Basic Invite will store the addresses under the sender’s account. During the design of the invitation, the sender can select the addresses from the list.

For an added design touch, some invitations are available with silver, gold or rose gold foil that is either flat or raised.

If you are hosting graduation festivities and in need of invitations, Basic Invite offers designs to fit every occasion. Congratulations to the Class of 2019.

Placing an Order

You can find all the links below for various invitations:

high school graduation invitations

graduation party invitation templates

graduation photo invitations

If you place an order, you can save 15% with the code 15FF51

Notecards

I could not resist designing additional stationery for my blog with notecards. My design includes my blog colors. The paper stock is great quality and I plan to order more.

Birthday Invitations and Thank You Cards

I designed birthday invitations and thank you cards for my 50th.

All the stationery is perfect for all events.

“This blog post was sponsored by Basic Invite”

Copper Mugs Review with Moscow Mule Recipe

Mar 18, 2019

I received the mugs free of charge for review purposes only. All opinions shared are my onw.

Copper Mugs

I received the copper mugs from (CopperMugs) and immediately impressed with the quality of the mugs. The mugs are 100% pure food-grade copper with a nickel lining. Due to the acidic nature of cocktail ingredients, the nickel lining prevents any of these substances from reacting with the cooper and leeching into your beverages. I knew the quality of the mugs as I removed the mugs from the box. The welded on handles makes a sturdy handle with no issues for leaks. I washed the mugs with a drop of dish detergent and warm water; dried thoroughly. The mugs will be a nice addition to serving beverages while entertaining.

Serving Guests

Copper mugs make a striking statement when serving either cocktails or mocktails. I wanted to find another way to use them so I decided to use as a serving mug for chocolate caramel blondie gelato. If you are hosting a dinner party, these mugs will be the center of the tablescape.

Moscow Mule

This was my first time trying a Moscow Mule. I chilled the mug in the freezer before I prepared the cocktail. Also, I like to store my vodka in the freezer. After a bit of research, I found this brand of ginger beer at Target.

The recipe includes the following:
1 1/2 ounce premium vodka
1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
3/4 cup ginger beer
lime wedge for garnish

This cocktail is great for serving with light snacks before dinner. The cocktail pairs well with grapes, cheese, and crackers.

Dessert in Cooper Mug

I think every dinner should end with a dessert and chocolate is one of my favorite ingredients. The copper mugs make any dessert look more delicious and appetizing. I decided to use the mugs for serving chocolate caramel blondie gelato, chocolate syrup, and pirouette wafers.

Unboxing and Review of CleverMade Crates for Organizing Your Stuff

Feb 4, 2019

*received free of charge for review purposes only. All opinions shared are my own.

Declutter and Organizing

Unboxing crates for organizing my closet. January is a good month to start organizing before spring arrives. After I watched “Tidying Up” with Marie Kondo on Netflix, I learned some valuable tips for de-cluttering and organizing my living space. My first project was de-cluttering my bedroom closet with the help of my twelve-year-old. After I eliminated my excess stuff, I donated a bag to charity and consigned the rest of the items. If you are trying to de-clutter consider donating to charity or consigning for extra cash. In addition to Goodwill, there is GreenDrop and they allow you to select a charity of choice.

CleverMade Crates

Once I started decluttering my closet I thought about how to organize the stuff. The CleverMadeCrates are ideal for storage.

They are durable and fully collapsible for storing away. The crates assemble within seconds and are available in 15.8 L and as large as 62 L. The crate prices start at $13 or in packs of 2 or 3 starting at $30. The interlocking nesting system allows easy vertical stacking. My limited storage space makes these crates perfect for storing out of sight in bedroom closets or storage closets. The interior is deep enough to stack numerous items. For cleaning the crates hosing off or wiping down with a wet cloth is sufficient.

Unboxing

You can find the crates at Amazon, BedBathandBeyond, and Home Depot. Happy Organizing.

The Best Way to Prepare for a Good Night’s Sleep for My Tween

Jan 2, 2018

* received the mattress and accessories for review purposes only. All opinions shared are my own.

Sleep with the Right Mattress

I was in the market for a new mattress for my tween’s twin bed. There are so many brands and types of mattresses on the market to make shopping overwhelming. When I was given an opportunity to review the TomorrowSleep mattress, I was so excited. As a full-time working parent, our days start early and end late. I knew this was the perfect surprise for my tween. She struggles with getting a restful night’s sleep, especially after a weekend. I have resorted to unplugging the wifi and having her remove her phone from the room. Technology is the crux of her sleep issues. My goal is to try to make her room as relaxing as possible. Hopefully, the new mattress will encourage her to make her bed each morning. A well-made bed looks more inviting than one that is unmade. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Tomorrow Sleep Mattress- Unpacking

Just in time for the new year and after a long holiday break, it is perfect timing for unpacking my tween’s new mattress from Tomorrow Sleep. The TomorrowSleep hybrid mattress is available in medium soft or medium hard, my tween wanted the medium soft. We also received a mattress protector and 500 thread count sheets. I love the fact the mattress is packaged in a heavy-duty plastic so it is well protected before unpacking. The box also includes instructions for removing the mattress and unwrapping. There is no need to search for scissors to remove the exterior plastic because a cutter is provided to easily remove the packaging. The mattress is inside of a vacuum-packed bag, as soon as the bag is cut open, the mattress expands to its actual size.

The mattress protector was very easy to put on and is a perfect fit for the mattress. I love the fact it is waterproof and will protect the mattress from dust and dirt. My tween is always complaining about being too hot or too cold. The mattress protector helps to pull temperature from the body and work with the cooling system of the mattress to regulate body temperature. The 500 thread count sheets are extremely soft and were really easy to put on within a few minutes. Some of our old sheets were such a hassle to put on and none of the sets stayed on overnight. I really like the design of the fitted sheet with the elastic on each corner to ensure the sheet fits securely on the mattress.

She could not wait to test it out……..

Some of our Ideas to Prepare for a Good Night’s Sleep

Cozy pair of pajamas
Diffuser with lavender oil
Freshly laundered bed linens
Comfortable pillows(replace every 6 months), I buy hypoallergenic pillows for my tween due to her asthma
Eye mask if comfortable
Glass of warm milk
Unplug, remove all devices for the night
Nightlight, adjustable
Make the bed each morning

An afternoon nap on the new mattress, I guess she gives the new mattress a huge thumbs up!

What is your bedtime routine to get a good night’s sleep?

STYLE with STITCH FIX

Oct 31, 2016

*this includes an affiliate link which means I will receive a commission if you click and purchase* #affiliate

I finally decided to try Stitch Fix to determine if it worked for my styling needs. Based on my style profile created online, clothing items were selected by a stylist and shipped to my door. In addition to setting up my style profile, Stitch Fix also suggests creating a Stitch Fix Pinterest board. My Pinterest board made it very easy to show the stylist additional style ideas for my personal taste. As a customer, you set the frequency of shipments. I elected to receive my shipments once a month. Once the package is received you can decide to keep or return the items. There is a $20.00 fee for each shipment. A return bag is included in each box to return the items. It is also necessary to go to your online profile to check keep or return the items. If you choose to keep the item(s), the price of each item is charged to your payment method. There is a discount applied if you decide to keep all of the items. Each shipment has a personalized note from the stylist as well as ideas for styling the items in your box.

Stitch Fix offers a convenience for those who have minimal time for shopping. Personally, shopping is difficult for me with kids in tow and a hectic weekly schedule. Stitch Fix is a great way for full-time working moms to have the convenience of someone else shopping for them. Setting the frequency of each shipment helps to build a wardrobe with the delivery to your front door. One thing I noticed from the items I received was the need to accessorize in order to create multiple outfits. Some additional items may include jewelry, jackets/blazers, outwear, scarves, shoes, boots, booties, and handbags. If you are challenged with styling ideas, the insert helps with ideas.

This is my a look at my second shipment:

Henriete Suede Trim Knit Top
Adorra Skinny Jean
Shiloe Textured Knit Dress
Cecilya Peep Toe Bootie
Telane Faux Leather Detail Knit Top

Style Ideas:

The holidays are right around the corner, you can give gift cards to Stitch Fix:

Power: Season 3, Sunday, July 17th

Jul 17, 2016

It’s Here: Power Premiere!!!!!

Power, Season 3 starts in 46 days!!!! Power is the #1 reason I subscribe to STARZ is POWER. This nail-biting drama series starring Omari Hardwick and Naturi Naughton is hands down the BEST series since THE WIRE. Kudos to executive producer Curtis “50cent” Jackson and show creator Courtney Kemp Agboh. POWER is filled with intrigue and sexiness that will have you on the edge of your sofa in the first 3o seconds.

My #1 to watch POWER is OMARI HARDWICK. The first film I saw with Omari was Linewatch with Cuba Gooding. I am not sure if you know who Omari Hardwick is well if you are a Being Mary Jane fan he was a central character in Season 1. As a fan, I have caught him in these films as well Middle of Nowhere, and Things Never Said. If you were paying attention in the movie, Beauty Shop he lands on the ground in one scene. In POWER, he is James “Ghost” St. Patrick, a drug kingpin who is strategic with hiding his real business.

I think I was hooked from the first scene when he popped on the screen. His character James “Ghost” St. Patrick is a married, father of 2 handsome, ruthless and a power hungry drug kingpin. As twisted as his character is you will be hanging on his every word and glued to your seat for the next scene and episode. Oh, and his wardrobe is impeccable in taste and style. The crux of his character is loyal but we quickly learn how emotionally torn he is with his past.

photo credit: https://www.starz.com/series/power/photos

Naturi Naughton, his wife Tasha St. Patrick is just as power hungry who will go to any length to protect her family. She is street smart and but she begins to doubt her husband’s love especially with his need to be at the club. Her loneliness leads to some questionable behavior. Although she thinks they have everything there is a level of insecurity with the perfect lifestyle. Her wardrobe and accessory closet are nothing short of PHENOMENAL! Can you have it all? A closet full of material possessions cannot fix how she feels about the possibility of being betrayed. I love her character’s loyalty, however, watch your back if she feels threatened or if you betray her.

photo credit: https://www.starz.com/series/power/photos

My binge watching of Season 1 was worth every minute. The twists and turns are beginning to unravel just as an old classmate from “Ghost”s” past comes into the club. The old classmate is on the other side of the law and has yet to reveal who she is to Ghost. Ghost’s empire is precious to him, however, his ties to the past may turn his entire world upside down. Season 2 was just as mesmerizing and left me on the edge of my sofa. The entire cast supports all the drama in every season with stellar performances.

On Sunday, July 17th do not call or text me because I will be in front of my tv anticipating the start of Season 3.

Skincare Loreal Paris Revitalift Volume Filler Products Review

Mar 21, 2016

Disclaimer: “I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.” All opinions shared are my own.

Skincare Regimen

Skincare can be expensive and time-consuming however the results are long-term with the right products. My normal skincare regimen includes washing with a gentle facial cleanser for combination skin, toner with salicylic acid and a moisturizer with sunscreen. I do wear MAC N9 face and body foundation. It is a very light formulation and moisturizing. Because I wear makeup I have to be very diligent with removing each night. Typically I use makeup remover wipes and then follow-up with my cleanser and toner. I also use my Clarisonic twice a week for exfoliating.

Recently I started using an anti-aging serum, Avene Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream. This serum is effective with minimizing breakouts, even skin tone and anti-aging due to the retinol derivative. The cost was a bit pricey at $65 and, of course, being an Amazon fan I found it there for half of the price from the dermatological center. This product was recommended by my aesthetician I go to for waxing.

Now when it was time to review this product I looking forward to trying something new. I put using my anti-aging product on hold for 3 weeks. There is a Revitalift Volume Filler Serum Cleanser, however, this was not part of the review.

After cleansing and toning:

Skincare – Loreal Paris Revitalift

Step 1 – Revitalift Volume Filler Serum

Pros: Easy to dispense from the tube, you can dispense as much or as little as you need to cover your entire face and jawline. It has a very mild scent. A little of serum goes a long way so you’re not wasting the product.

Cons: Do not push down on the plunger to avoid wasting. It’s best to set it flat on a surface.

Step 2-Revitalift Volume Filler Eye Cream

Pros- Easy to dispense from the tube. You can dispense as little or as much as you need to the eye area. Mild scent.
Cons- There were none.

Step 3 – Revitalift Volume Filler Moisturizer

Pros-Light with a creamy consistency and very moisturizing. No sticky residue. Light scent that reminded me of lavender. A small amount is needed to cover the entire face.
Cons-No Sunscreen!!!! I used my regular moisturizer with sunscreen. Adding another product each morning was time-consuming.

Nighttime Product

Step 4-Revitalift Volume Filler Night Cream

Step 1, 2, and 3

Pros-Light and creamy consistency. A dime size amount is enough to cover your entire face. Mild Scent.
Cons-Time consuming for a nighttime skincare routine.

I used the products for 3 weeks. The best thing about the products was how smooth my skin felt within a few days and my skin was really moisturized. I also noticed my breakouts were minimized while using the product line. Fortunately, my skin is not experiencing any visible signs of aging so I cannot speak to the anti-aging properties. The morning and nighttime regimen was time-consuming with using three and four products. As an African-American woman, I feel it is necessary to protect my melanin with daily use of sunscreen. I would definitely reconsider using the moisturizer if sunscreen becomes a part of the formulation.