Stuff I Love | A Day in Mollywood

My “can’t live without it” beauty items

October 16, 2012 By Molly

I’ve seen this done before so I thought I would show you some of my “can’t live without it” items.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

I super duper pink puffy heart this lip stain. It goes on buttery smooth but doesn’t feel sticky. And the color lasts a long time because it is a stain. I have two colors, romantic and sweetheart. I love both.

Suave Almond & Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner

Okay, okay, I’ll admit it. I’m pretty cheap when it comes to beauty products. But believe me when I tell you I’ve tried A LOT of shampoos and this works better than any of the fancy brands. My hair is always so shiny and soft and it also tends to grow really fast, which I think means it’s healthy. I also love that I can just buy it wherever. Even at the grocery store! Love it.

Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment

I’ve mentioned this before but I have seriously dry skin. It’s really bad. My feet and hands crack especially in the winter. This is a really quick fix for anyone who wants to feel like they just got a pedicure. Wash your feet in warm water. Pat dry. Slather this stuff all over your feet. Put socks on your feet. In the morning your feet will feel brand new. It’s like magic! And do it three or four times in a row and the cracks are healed.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleanser/Mask

I use this morning and night on my face. I tend to get breakouts here and there. So I need a deep cleaning face wash. For someone who has dry skin, this never dries me out even though I use it twice a day. It also tingles while you’re cleaning. I think the longer I leave it on the cleaner my face feels. It can also be used as a mask.

GNC Ultra Mega Green Women’s Active Vitamins

I’m not usually one to buy things in specialty stores but this is a must for me. I love how on the back it shows what you’re getting with a centrum vitamin as compared to this vitamin. Lots more goodies in there for me. And when you’re sometimes lacking green in your diet a little extra goes a long way.

Lacura Day Cream and Night Cream

Hold onto your horses, friends. This is going to shock some of you. I buy my day and night cream from Aldi. That’s right. The cheapest grocery store on the planet. You see, I was reading a blog post about Aldi and someone did a review on their skincare line. I didn’t even know they had beauty products! They said that it is the generic of Olay just in different packaging and much cheaper. Same product but for $1.99 each. So I reluctantly found it, hidden between the toilet paper and dish soap. Guess what? It rocks. When I put on the night cream I wake up with a fresh, glowing face. I doubt I’ll ever spend full price at the pharmacy again. Oh, and I’m not the only one who thinks this. In fact, in other countries it is the #1 skincare line!

Well, that’s it for my “can’t live without it” beauty products! Hope you enjoyed!

Filed Under: Mommy Moments, Reviews, Stuff I Love 2 Comments

Ross Dress for Less + giveaway

October 11, 2012 By Molly

Last Friday I was invited to a VIP event at the new Ross Dress for Less store in my hometown. I gathered with about twenty other Kansas City bloggers on Friday morning. Most were fashion and bargain bloggers. Now we all know I am not either of those. But I love new clothes and a good bargain as much as the next person so I was excited to participate!

I got a chance to talk to my bloggy friend, Rachel as well as meet other bloggers, which is always a fun time.

They took us to The Big Biscuit for breakfast and it was all set up so nice. Flowers and a nice tote bag with a $50 gift card in the side pocket for me! Yippee!

There were a couple of Ross executives there to explain what their stores are all about. Women’s, Men’s, Children’s, Shoes, Home goods, seasonal products, furniture. You name it and they’ve got it! It was just a nice conversation about a store that I had been waiting a long time to come to our area.

Next up, we went back to the store to shop to our heart’s content. I headed straight for the scarves since it’s such a big trend and I only have one. This is the scarf I ended up buying.

It was truly a great shopping experience and I’ll definitely be back!

And now for the good news . . . I have a $25 Ross gift card to give away to my readers! Just leave a comment telling me what you would buy with the gift card and I will pick a winner in one week.

Good luck!

Filed Under: Giveaway, Reviews, Stuff I Love 32 Comments

Apple Picking in August

August 27, 2012 By Molly

We missed apple picking season last year. So this year I made a vow that we would go early in the season before the trees were picked over. Lucky for us the super hot summer had the apples ripening already. When I saw that Alldredge Orchards was opening up two weeks early we hopped at the chance to go apple picking in August! We were there the first weekend right as the barn doors opened for business! A smiling farm woman greeted us as chickens clucked in the background.

I really talked this experience up so the boys were oh so ready to get started. As expected they had a blast. Daddy lifted them up so they could pick their own scrumptious gala apples. We love doing new things with the boys. Especially when fresh air is involved. I’ll be the first to admit that the end of summer always makes me a little sad. But this year I am anxiously awaiting the cool crisp air of autumn. Our apple picking day gave us a beautiful sneak peek of what is soon to come.

Filed Under: Brigham, Landon, Stuff I Love 8 Comments

sunshine-y winter

February 8, 2012 By Molly

I keep waiting for Old Man Winter to blow in and bring us snow. To force us inside for the remainder of the winter. But it’s not happening this year. And I am oh so thankful for the amazingly mild weather we’ve been having. We’ve had 50 degree (and a couple of 60 degree!) days in January. Unheard of for a Missouri winter. I am so grateful for the chance to get out of the house without tiny runny noses and little cloud puffs hovering outside our mouths when we breathe.

We stepped out for a little sunshine one Sunday in January. I had to pull the boys’ spring jackets out of the storage bin. Their winter coats were too heavy for this beautiful day.

Landon, always wanting to climb high on everything and give his mama a heart attack.

Brigham’s smile and dimple are just the best ever. He runs and plays with reckless abandon.

There are big tunnels at this park and the boys were racing each other. Brigham was winning this time.

Being able to play outside in January is a welcome change. Both boys were soaking it up.

I know it would be better for the polar bears if we had an icy winter like usual.

But I can’t help loving a sunshine-y winter. It has been good for our little family’s soul.

Onward and upward!

Filed Under: Brigham, Double Trouble, Family, Landon, Stuff I Love, wordless wednesday 6 Comments

A few of my favorite winter beauty products

January 17, 2012 By Molly

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/.

It seems like every New Year I swear I will have a better beauty routine. January through March are the worst months for me when it comes to my skin. Problem-skin doesn’t even begin to describe it. I have had severe dry skin for as long as I can remember. Sometimes when people see my hands they will comment, “Ooooh, that looks like it hurts.” Yes. Yes, it does.

I’ve seen dermatologists and been given medicated lotions. But I’m cheap. And over the years I have found some great products at my neighborhood drugstore that help relieve my dry skin. I just need to be better about using them!

I don’t have the luxury of buying the smelly-good lotions. I have to buy heavy duty creams and body butters that are very thick. Sometimes I buy lotions that are medicated because my hands and feet will crack. It’s the only thing that will keep my skin hydrated. Even if I apply during my morning routine my skin is depleted of any moisture by the afternoon. It’s the kind of dry skin that you can feel all over your body.

I *heart* Burt's Bees products

Burt’s Bees Shea Butter and Vitamin E, fragrance free lotion is a new favorite of mine. I love that all of their products are natural. It never feels harsh on my skin. It hydrates well. I just wish it didn’t run out so quickly! I want to try their make-up as well.

try this for severe dry skin!

This stuff might as well be liquid gold. Aquaphor healing ointment is not pretty nor does it smell like flowers in the spring. But if you have severe dry skin you need to have this. I never use this product during the day because it makes me feel a bit greasy. I use it on my feet at night and then put socks on. My feet feel totally different in the morning. I also use this at night for my poor little chapped hands. Old man winter just does not like me.

there are no cows involved

Now promise you won’t make fun of me, okay? I still use udder butter sometimes. Really, guys. Sometimes I run out of options. When my skin is cracking and bleeding and I’m in pain, well, I’ll use anything to make it stop. Originally developed for cows who are in the elements all winter long, it works like a charm. I started using this in high school and at the time they were not scented. Seriously, it smelled so bad. But now it’s lightly scented!

hair, skin and nails vitamin

This is something new I’m trying out. A vitamin supplement for hair, skin and nails. I can honestly already see a difference in my skin. It has a bit of a glow, which is actually good for me because my face often looks dull in the winter. And my hair, which is also quite dry in the winter, well, it’s shiny as well. I’m hoping that it only gets better from here on out.

So what about you ladies? What products can you not live without during the winter? And seriously, if you have a recommendation that you think I should know about, let’s hear it!

Filed Under: Blogging, Stuff I Love Leave a Comment

A Dress to Dream About + giveaway

December 21, 2011 By Molly

Close your eyes and pretend that it’s spring. I know it might be a stretch seeing as how today is the first day of winter. But come on, you can do it. Now imagine yourself wearing this lovely dress on a perfect spring day. Nice thought, yes?

I’m excited to tell you that I am giving away this gorgeous Shabby Apple dress to one lucky reader. You’ve heard about Shabby Apple, haven’t you? If not you need to go take a look around their site. Their clothing is amazing! Here’s an excerpt from their website.

We’re an online dress boutique selling women’s dresses, casual dresses, skirts, and women’s apparel. We recognize that finding the perfect dress can sometimes be challenging, which is why strive to design highly fashionable dresses for all types of women.

They gave me a choice of dresses to give away and I picked the Spanish Steps dress. It seemed like it would be the most flattering and comfortable for all body types. You know, a little treat for you at the end of the year!

Wanna win? Here’s how:

Like Shabby Apple on facebook and leave a comment telling me that you did.

For extra entries (please leave a comment for each):

Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect
Like me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter

I will choose a winner on Wednesday, December 28th! Good luck!

As an added bonus Shabby Apple is also offering my readers 10% off their order with code:

mollywood10off

This couldn’t have come at a better time as shipping is FREE during the month of December!

Filed Under: Giveaway, Stuff I Love 65 Comments

chicken noodles for the sick toddler soul

December 19, 2011 By Molly

Briggy was a sickie yesterday. He woke up on Saturday night with a high fever and an upset stomach. Some type of virus, I guess. He was not himself the next morning. He would not budge from my lap and just wanted to be cuddled. It was cold and windy outside so we nuzzled into each other and sunk into the couch.

He wouldn’t eat or drink anything, which was obviously worrisome. I figured I might as well try to fix him something for lunch. And then I remembered that I needed to review a Marie Callender’s meal. I had both a pot pie and the chunky chicken noodle meal. Well, who couldn’t use some chicken and noodles when they’re sick? I also wasn’t feeling great since I was up all night and it was the only thing that sounded yummy to me. You can either microwave or bake them in the oven but I decided to microwave it because it’s less time and work.

Sure enough, my sick toddler was scarfing down the warm noodles! Brigham loves to eat and it made me feel much better to finally get something in his stomach.

I ate mine pretty fast too. It was the perfect meal for a cold (and sick) Sunday. I shouldn’t have been so surprised. I’ve bought Marie Callender’s pot pies before and they are wonderfully scrumptious. Naaman is a pot pie kind of guy.

Just look at all the different pot pie varieties they have:

Chicken Pot Pie
Turkey Pot Pie
Beef Pot Pie
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pot Pie
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pot Pie
Honey Roasted Chicken Pot Pie
Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

So on a cold winter’s day, Brigham went down for a long nap with a full tummy and woke up a little happier. I think the sentiment is correct. Comfort foods like chicken noodles really do help you feel better when you’re sick.

Filed Under: Brigham, Reviews, Sickies, Stuff I Love 4 Comments

The cutest little iPhone case and app ever

December 12, 2011 By Molly

God knows I love my iPhone. I think this love for my phone has rubbed off on my children. Because they often want to play with it too.

Of course this poses a problem. They are tough phones but Brigham thinks it’s edible and they could both drop it at any time. I hate to say no to them. So when Infantino was offering up their new HappiTaps Beary Happi Case for review, I jumped at the chance!

The case makes your phone look like a fuzzy teddy bear! You slide your iPhone down in it. Then you download the free HappiTaps app from the iTunes store. Once you have the phone in the case, click the app and bam – you just created a really fun toy!

The bear sounds like he is talking directly to the kiddos, which is what keeps their attention. He blinks and sings and eats and laughs. They forget it’s your phone and won’t let you have it back.

There are seven games and activities to choose from. But if your kids are too young they have what’s called the “toddler” mode where it automatically keeps going to keep the kids happy. This is hands down my favorite feature.

I don’t think I rave about too many items on here. But I’ve tried a lot of apps for kids and this is by far the most creative and fun one I’ve found. Landon is obsessed with it. Wanna see some evidence?

The bear told him a story and he listened to every.single.word while sitting completely still. Unheard of.

Brigham got curious about it too but Landon did not want to share.

Brigham finally got a chance to use it while Landon cried “Bear! Bear!” in the corner.

He got it back and all was right with the world.

Any app that can make my son do this is a winner in my book!

I am so taking this to the salon this week when the boys get their hair cut! I also wouldn’t mind using it for longer car rides. If you still need a stocking stuffer or a gift for someone else please check this out. I promise your child will LOVE it.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Infantino HappiTaps and received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Filed Under: Landon, Reviews, Stuff I Love 5 Comments

Our Thankgiving Clothespin Wreath (yes, I did a craft)

November 24, 2011 By Molly

Last week I decided to do a craft with my kids. Something that would help them understand what it is to be grateful for the upcoming holidays. I got the idea for a Thanksgiving wreath from the Chica & Jo website. When I pinned it to pinterest I was like, yeah, whatever. I’m sure I won’t actually do it (Thanksgiving confession: I haven’t tackled a single pin since I started on that website). But I’m in a follow-through-with-stuff-mood right now.

So, newsflash, you’ll need some stuff to complete it:

fun paint colors
some type of paint brush
ribbon
a little wooden heart
clothespins (a crap ton of them)
wreath wire thingie
felt tip pin

Have your kid(s) help you paint one side of the clothespins and let them dry. Paint the little wooden heart while you’re at it.

I had a Jon & Kate + 8 moment with Brigs dropped paint on our new carpet! So he got to hand me clothespins instead of paint them.

Once the paint is dry, clip each clothespin on the wire wreath. Tie the ribbon from bottom to top and glue the little painted heart in the middle. Have a black felt tip pin ready to go and start asking your child what they are thankful for. Talk about some wonderful moments! I loved listening to Landon tell me who he was thankful for. It was all people he loves, which is pretty awesome to hear as a parent!

The great thing about this wreath is you can take the clothespins off at any time, write on them and clip them back on. We’ve had quite a few “what are we thankful for” sessions since we made it. I kind of love it.

I am thankful for many things in my life. Who knew doing crafts with my kids would be one of them

Have a lovely Thanksgiving, everyone.

Filed Under: Holidays, Stuff I Love, trying to be crafty 7 Comments

Hallmark Moments + giveaway

October 20, 2011 By Molly

Last month I was invited to attend a wonderful event at Hallmark Headquarters called Moments Between the Milestones. Hallmark has a brilliant campaign right now where they are helping us to appreciate the small moments in life. And if someone summons me to Hallmark? Well, I’m definitely there. In fact I was actually early which never happens.

I seriously felt like a rockstar

They want us to see beyond the birthdays and graduations and anniversaries. We all make it a point to celebrate and send cards for those. No, we’re talking about those unique moments that only happen to us. They make us smile. They make us laugh. And sometimes they even make us cry like I’m about to show you in a *somewhat* embarrasing video.

This was a special gathering of about 20 bloggers (local blog buddies, yay!). We had breakfast and heard some of Hallmark’s creative minds speak about their jobs and little moments. Then we were asked to share our favorite moments between the milestones. Oh, the pressure! We were sitting in front of some awesome Hallmark creatives!

They gave us purple t-shirts and we were supposed to fill it in with a word that described our moment. I filled it in with “I forgive you.” They recorded each blogger speaking and if you want to watch me talk just click the link below:

here is me trying not to do the ugly cry face.

trying to hold back tears

Who knew that my most difficult moment as a parent would end up in the Hallmark Moments Mosaic? Not this girl! But I now see that it was a lesson I had to learn. My son taught me the importance of forgiveness.

p.s. I made everyone else cry too so it wasn’t just me, okay?
p.p.s. I realize I use the word awesome more than once in this post.

After that we did a writing exercise and put together a collage. I felt like I was back in my college creative writing courses, which were the most awesome classes for me. This was the first day that I actually felt good about myself after coming home from BlogHer. Since I wasn’t able to handle the pressure of that conference I wondered if I would freeze up at this event too. But it was the exact opposite. I felt like this is where I really fit in. This small intimate group of bloggers and creative minds. It was perfect and dare I say it, the best opportunity since my blogging debut five years ago. Yep. It was that good for me.

A HUGE thank you to Hallmark for giving me a chance to get my creative confidence back.

Don’t fret, readers. I’m not leaving you guys out! I’ve got a nice little Hallmark package to giveaway. Here is what’s included:

Cooper’s Big Bear Hug – interactive story book and bear
Guess How Much I Love You – recordable storybook
An awesome collection of Hallmark cards – a part of Life is a Special Occasion
Your very own “____ is a special occasion” t-shirt

In order to win simply follow my blog through google friend connect (if you’re not already). Then comment with one of your favorite moments between the milestones. I will pick a random winner on November 3rd! I will contact you if you’re the winner!

This post is in no way sponsored by Hallmark. These opinions are my own. I was invited to the Hallmark Tour but received no monetary compensation for my time. I did, however, have an awesome experience. See, there’s that word awesome again.