Winning!

Remember my post about how I win stuff? Well, I won some new things lately. I promise I don't enter giveaways all day long. I might enter once a week, maybe. It takes about 60 seconds and I don't look for giveaways, I mainly enter if they are posted on blogs I'm already reading and its a giveaway for something that I'm interested in. I never enter jewelry giveaways for example since I always wear Stella & Dot. I also don't enter giveaways where I know there will be a TON of people entering (like if the giveaway is for a $100 gift card to Amazon).

So a couple months ago, I won this cream (valued at $48):

L'Occitane 'Almond' Shaping Delight Gel Cream

And last month, I won some skin care from Darphin Paris valued at $150! Here is what I got:

Defying Lip Balm

Intral Soothing Cream

Azahar Cleansing Micellar Water

I haven't tried the products yet but I am excited to test them out!

And in the spirit of free stuff, I just heard that Julep has a promo code where you can get your first month of nail polishes for one cent. Enter promo code PENNYINTRO here: http://www.julep.com?r=21824697

I just did it and will probably cancel my membership on July 24th so I'm not charged on the 27th for July's box.

Hope you got some good deals lately, too!

Perhaps I Need Breast Pads?

Just got back from the mall and Rob pointed this out to me. Oopies.

Birchbox - April 2012

This month Birchbox used products that take inspiration from nature.

What's inside...

Pangea Organics Lip Balm
Retail: $12

What Birchbox says: Organic oils, vitamins, and essential fatty acids sink into your lips to provide a moisturizing shield.

What I say: I was happy to get a full size lip balm and this stick is big. I have full lips and with regular sized balm or chap stick I have to swipe it over my lips a few times to get full coverage. I like it but I don't love the scent enough to make me buy it after it runs out. I will definitely use it though.

BENTA BERRY G-1 Exfoliating Facial Cleanser               
Retail: $16

What Birchbox says: This creamy gel exfoliator gives pores a deep cleaning while leaving skin’s natural defense barrier intact. Miniscule ground apricot seeds banish tired cells, revealing the new, youthful skin underneath. BENTA BERRY’s signature botanical complex of burdock, jasmine, and mandarin helps regulate oil production, while white dead-nettle and zinc leave skin smooth, matte, and better able to absorb moisture.

What I say: I really liked this. I will probably purchase a full size. I like that it did exfoliate my skin and left my skin softer but it wasn't harsh and abrasive like some of these scrubs can be.

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift              
Retail: $60

What Birchbox says: The fragrance is a gourmand floral; a charming and sparkling surprise of vibrant fruits, kissed by a bouquet of soft petals and a touch of sweet indulgence.

What I say: Its light and youthful smelling. I do wear it but I don't think I'd buy a full bottle. I feel a little tween-ish wearing it. If I am to buy a sweet smelling scent, like for Mother's Day (Rob), I would opt for Candy by Prada.

Weleda Pomegranate Firming Day Cream               
Retail: $33

What Birchbox says: Organic pomegranate seed oil is rich in antioxidants and punicic acid, a compound known to speed up cell renewal. Together with golden millet seed extracts, pomegranate helps increase skin’s firmness and elasticity while shielding it from free radicals. An infusion of organic argan and jojoba seed oils softens skin. Plus, this nutrient-rich day cream doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives, and its subtle fragrance comes courtesy of natural essential oils.

What I say: I couldn't really tell a difference in my skin. Will not be buying but will use my sample.

I also received a couple other Pangea Organics as a "bonus" but the samples were so small that I didn't get to see if they really work so I won't write a review. Overall, this month I was happy to get a full size sample of the chap stick and happy to find a nice exfoliator.

Learn more about Birchbox here:

https://www.birchbox.com?raf=qk3m9

Pregnancy Quiz - Week 25 Baby #2

How far along are you? 25 weeks (actually, I'm 27 weeks but this post was supposed to be done a couple weeks ago)

Total weight gain/loss: 21 lbs (I gained 9 lbs in 4 weeks. The nurse said "that must be a mistake" and I said "I'm pretty sure its not" :(

Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: I know I'm not supposed to sleep on my back but I keep waking up on my back. I did this with Charlie, too, and would just roll over to my side. I still do this but now when I wake up on my back, I feel gross and nauseaus. Not good! I know its my body telling me to roll over but its kind of scary that I always feel like crap when I wake up on my back.

Best moment this week: The best moment of week 25 was when I passed my glucose test. I do have low iron like I did with Charlie.

Movement: Yes! He is very active.

Food cravings: No huge cravings right now.

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? In

What I miss: I've pinning some cocktails on pinterest that look amazeballs

What I am looking forward to: Our 3D/4D ultrasound on Saturday

Other Updates: We spent Sunday morning cleaning out the garage so we can move stuff from the baby's room to the garage so we can then start the nursery! It should be done by this Sunday then we can start painting, etc.

At 25 weeks, Calvin was 1.5 lbs (about the size of a rutabaga), length 13.5 inches

Another Successful Pinterest Recipe.

Last night we went to our friend Sarah & Mike's house to have a playdate with their daughter Anna & Charlie. They made a yummy dinner and I offered to bring dessert. There are a ton of recipes on Pinterest I'd like to try so I try to take advantage when there is an opportunity. Everyone liked them which made me happy. :)

Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Recipe: http://www.ldsliving.com/story/64185-food-dish-cookie-recipe-contest-winner-recipe

Source: LDSLiving Magazine

New Recipes to Try.

I've been trying to cook more and thought I'd post some recipes I've made that I found on pinterest. There were a couple duds so I won't waste my or your time writing about those.

Orzo with Chicken & Lemon
This one was really good - my sister told me about it then she pinned it and the rest was history.
Recipe: http://www.cookinghealthyforme.com/2012/01/orzo-with-chicken-and-lemon.html

Source: Cooking Healthy For Me

Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole

Total comfort food and total delishness.

Recipe: http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/1881796-Chicken-Crescent-Roll-Casserole

Source: Tastebook

 

Happy cooking!

Help Me Pick a Wreath, Please!

For our front door, we have a Valentines Day sign, Easter wreath, 4th of July sign, Halloween sign and we get a REAL (fancy!) wreath for Christmas each year from a family friend. We do not hang a wreath or anything on our door for the off months and I've been keeping my eye out for one but haven't found any I love...except for today!

I stumbled upon an etsy store named Wreathink Gifting. I'm a big etsy fan but haven't bought anything from etsy in many months. So anyway, I found some super cute wreaths on her shop that I want but I only need 1. Please let me know which one you like the best!

#1

#2

#3



I think I'm leaning towards #1.