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Murad Skin Care Review

February 23, 2010 by

At the age of 35 I don’t consider myself old but I felt my skin was looking dull and dry; it had lost its vibrancy and young looking appearance maybe. I turned to family-fun and trusted skin care brand, Murad to help get my skin back to where it had been a couple years ago.

I was sent the entire Vitalic Regimen which is meant to address clogged pores, premature aging and combination skin. I suffer from all of these things; the apples of my cheeks were prime real estate for clogged and enlarged pores and I’m noticing small lines around my mouth and eyes. Murad’s Vitalic® line features pomegranate extract to balance oily and dry zones, optimizing beautiful skin through the science of cellular water™.
The first step to my daily routine is a refreshing wash using Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser. This self foaming wash is light and smells great leaving behind squeaky clean skin. I find it even removes eye makeup without excessive scrubbing. I then proceed with the T-Zone Pore Refining Gel. This step is meant to be applied to the normally oily T-Zone but I’ve been going out onto my cheeks. This is where I’ve noticed the biggest difference, smaller, clearer pores. Next is my eyes, the Moisture Silk Eye Cream calms tired, puffy eyes. Just a little goes a long way, a tiny bit is all that is needed to pat on upper lids, brow bone and under eye. The end result is satiny baby powder smooth skin. A moisturizer is a necessity; the Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer with SPF 15 is light and quick absorbing with a fresh scent.

I finish my “maintenance” routine with Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector with SPF 15. Not only does it provide a moisture rich base for all-day long softness it shines like glass to act as a lip gloss with no further products needed. It may sound like a lot of steps but once you’ve washed and dried everything else takes seconds. Each product is absorbed quickly so you can move on to the next.
Murad is regularly recognized by top beauty experts and insiders  for their superstar line-up of skincare basics for women AND men but this company is also committed to beautifying the community from the inside out as well. Participating in organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Heal the Bay Aquarium are just a couple of the ways Murad is working to improve the lives of their neighbors. Murad Medical Group is another unique facet of their quality skincare reputation. Accredited and board-certified professionals are on staff to assist patients with skin-care dilemmas such as acne, allergies, skin cancer and other minor to severe issues.
Trust the experts, trust the name. Visit Murad and find the ideal formulation for your skin type and skin concern. Get matched with a regimen that will give you the results you are looking for or your MONEY BACK.

This is a sponsored post, I received product to test on my own home but all opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Alouette Cheese, Transform Dinner With Cheese Ingredient

February 20, 2010 by

Valentine’s weekend was last week but Rob and I celebrated a couple nights in advance. We went to a local restaurant for prime rib and crabcakes where the portions are HUGE. With the help of Alouette we were able to turn cold leftovers into something decadent and inviting.

Alouette is a soft spreadable cheese with added flavors and ingredients like Creamy Onion and Shallot or Garlic and Herbs. The cheese is fantatic just dipped with crackers (I prefer Wheat Thins) and even better slightly melted over a juicy hunk of prime rib or steak. A quick hot sear of our leftover prime rib and a dollop of Alouette Spinach Artichoke spread and the meal was transformed into something completely new.

Don’t be fooled into thinking leftovers is all Alouette is good for. Try any of these unique recipes for a fantastic spin on everyday ingredients.

Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Alouette® Mushroom Sauce
Serves: 2
Ingredients
2 beef tenderloin steaks, 1½ inches thick (6 to 8 oz. each)
3 tsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tsp. butter
½ large shallot, thinly slivered
2 cups sliced baby Portobello mushrooms
¼ cup Alouette® Garlic and Herbs, or Alouette® Savory Vegetable Spreadable Cheese, or Alouette® Creamy Onion and Shallots Spreadable Cheese
½ cup milk
1 tsp. minced fresh parsley, if desired


Directions
Heat broiler.
Coat all sides of tenderloin with 1 tsp. of the olive oil. Place on broiler pan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Broil 4 inches from heat for 6 minutes or until well-browned. Turn. Broil 6 to 8 minutes or until desired doneness.
Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil and the butter in small skillet over medium heat.
Add shallot; cook 1 minute.
Add mushrooms. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
Stir in Alouette®, adding milk to desired consistency. Heat just until warm.
Spoon sauce over tenderloins. Sprinkle with parsley.

As you can see many of the flavors complement some of the same ingredients. Don’t be scared to switch beef for chicken and mushrooms for asparagus, adding just a bit of Alouette in any flavor will brighten up any meal.

Alouette makes more than just soft spreadable cheese; check your local grocers for Baby Brie, Crumbled Cheese and others styles of cheese.

Want a chance to try Alouette for yourself? 2 winners will each receive 3 coupons to try FREE Alouette products just visit Alouette and tell me what recipe you would like to experiment with.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link, copy and paste this message: try Alouette cheeses for snacks or dinner, win 3 coupons for free products @lkwhtmomfound…@and_dad_too http://bit.ly/dtHEAc
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Alouette Cheese on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)
  • Come up with your own recipe that you think would go perfectly with any of the Alouette products, must be more than ‘roasted chicken and garlic and herb spreadable”. This is worth 5 extra entries, show me your creativity!

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Saturday, March 13, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.
This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




London Bridge Children Wall Art Recap

February 19, 2010 by

My children are the most important things in my live. Because of this I’m always finding ways to celebrate that love for them. London Bridge Children is an online children’s boutique that sells unique baby bedding, accessories and beautiful personalized artwork.
Please read about London Bridge Children and its beginning and inspiration.
Welcome to London Bridge Children! I’m Lori, the artist and owner. I create unique and fun personalized art for children. My own 4 kids, ages 1 to 11 are the inspiration for my art.
I originally started London Bridge Children to sell my acrylic paintings and prints. However, I’ve met other artists and companies that offer great items I think my customers will also like….so I’ve added other items to my store. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the products I offer!


I was given the opportunity to analyse Lori’s children’s wall art for myself. It took me a little while to choose what print I wanted, something to represent 1 child or just the girls, but I finally settled on something that showed me all of them. I chose this style picture with the 3 of them sitting on a swing. It’s hanging in my bedroom, in between baby pictures of the kids. It’s the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I go to sleep. It’s precious to me because it really captures them. I have Shae sitting in between Shaun and Sabreena because in real life that’s where she always wants to be; right next to her brother and sister.

Personalized products like this always catch my eye and take hold of my heart. No matter how old they get or bratty they can be my kids are my kids forever and I love them with all my heart.

Lori with London Bridge Children wants to offer one of our readers a 11X14 personalized print to giveaway. Visit London Bridge Children’s artwork and tell which design you would choose.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link, copy and paste this message: win 11×14 personalized kids wall art from LondonBridgeChildren @lkwhtmomfound…@and_dad_too http://bit.ly/9ekkOU
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and London Bridge Children Nursery Art and Kid’s Decor on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, March 12, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.
This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Panasonic 360 Quick Steam/Dry Iron made me a better housewife

February 18, 2010 by

One of my resolutions this year was to be a better housewife. Don’t laugh, I know it sounds silly but I’ve never been a fan of cleaning and other domestic duties. One thing I did used to do was iron Rob’s dress shirts. This was a day long process and I hated it but it saved us money at the dry-cleaners. I stopped doing it, ironing is just a horrible horrible chore.


I was given  a Panasonic 360 Quick iron to review and I have contemplated taking on that chore again. Ok no I won’t but I have been ironing other things, things I haven’t attempted in years. To tell you the truth I haven’t ironed anything in years.. The Panasonic 360 has actually brought me back to the ironing board many times over the last couple weeks, working out collars, smoothing wrinkles and pressing seams out of jeans and I’m excited to say they were all done easily and quickly.

The New Concept 360 Quick Steam/Dry irons have an innovative design that allows multi-directional movement without shifting materials around. Go from collar to cuff with one smooth snag-free pass of the titanium or ceramic soleplates. Auto shut-off is also a great feature for frantic moments when irons get tipped over or left one to tend to something else in the household. Iron, steam, press or freshen up your clothing, drapery and bedding with the multiple functions like steam, spray mist or dry ironing.

Ironing still isn’t my favorite chore but it has come up a few notches from the bottom with the new Panasonic 360 Quick. This is the coolest kid in that section of the department store.  One additional improvement I would personally love is CORDLESS.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Dyson DC25 Animal Ball Recap

February 17, 2010 by

With a home daycare and three kids of our own our rugs get pretty dirty from all of the traffic. We had an upright vacuum that we have used for the last three years that cost under $100 but it never really cleaned the rugs like I would have liked. In comes Dyson to the rescue.

I know I am a guy but I was excited when we received the Dyson DC25 Animal Ball for analysis. The Dyson DC25 Animal is designed for pet hair pickup but is also great even if you don’t have pets in the house. Currently we do not have pets but are planning on it in the future so this vacuum is going to be perfect once we get a cat or dog.
The ball technology that is part of the Dyson DC25 Animal Ball is a feature that is new to me and took me a few times to get used to since I have used fixed uprights my whole life. The ball allows you to maneuver the vacuum really easy around corners and furniture but I must admit the first few times I used the vacuum I hit the wall and furniture a few times but thankfully nothing was damaged. I also like the root cyclone technology that is patented by Dyson because you don’t lose suction power while you vacuum. Lose of suction was the number one problem with our old vacuum which really caused a lot of frustration.

All Dyson upright and canister vacuums are bagless which is awesome because there is no need to buy pricey replacements bags and the filters are also washable so no need to replace those either. Another cool thing is all upright and canister vacuums come with a 5 year warranty which covers parts and labor. All uprights, canisters, handhelds and fans bought online from Dyson.com are shipped for free.

Sabreena does most of the vacuuming in our house but since we have received the Dyson I have been doing my part in keeping the rugs clean. So far I am really impressed with the Dyson DC25 Animal Ball vacuum. The ball technology is really easy to get use to and the Quick-draw Telescope Reach wand with the mini turbine head makes it really easy to clean our two sets of stairs. The bin capacity is .31 gallons which allows you to vacuum for about a week without having to empty the dirt. The power cord wraps around the back of the vacuum but the one thing that would make this vacuum that much better would be a retractable power cord. Other than that small suggestion I have zero complaints about the Dyson DC25 Animal Ball. To tell you the truth this is the best vacuum that I have ever owned. I always wondered why Dyson vacuums were so expensive but after using one for the last few weeks this Dyson is worth every penny of its retail price of $549.00.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Potty Training Help from a Pirate and a Princess GIVEAWAY-CLOSED

February 16, 2010 by
Potty Training is a daunting task but the pride a child feels when they accomplish something as simple as using a toilet is rewarding. Pirate Potty and Princess Potty are books written by Samantha Berger geared to potty training little ones to help with rewarding this important milestone.


Princess Potty is the story of a royal baby in royal diapers learning to use the royal potty. “Hear ye, hear ye, I have to pee-pee!” The story continues with a successful potty training story and includes a punch out tiara and stickers to crown and reward your own little girl when she uses the potty on her own.

The Pirate Potty edition is very similar story with a swashbuckling twist! “Fi-fiddle-dee-doo, I’ve got to make a poo-poo” is this little pirates saying to his mateys when he feels the urge to go. With a punch out pirate hat and stickers you can celebrate with your little guy his toilet triumphs.

No matter if you have a boy or girl the potty training process can be overwhelming for them but these adorably illustrated by Amy Cartwright and sweetly rhyming stories will encourage your kids for positive potty training.

Win both Pirate Potty and Princess Potty to keep to gift to a special little one who is learning to potty train. I have 5 pairs of books to giveaway to our readers here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Review, Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link, copy and paste this message: potty training is fun with Pirate Potty and Princess Potty books, win @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/9a43hD
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday, March 9, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Harlem Globetrotters, Philadelphia and Delaware game tickets-GIVEAWAY-CLOSED

February 14, 2010 by

Do you remember we told you about our awesome family fun watching a Harlem Globetrotters game? If you didn’t read our review post of the game we attended in Baltimore I’ll tell you it was a blast. We had a day of pure wholesome family fun full of laughter, pranks and other friendly people.

The Harlem Globetrotters have been entertaining fans all over the world for 84 years. With more than 25,000 games under their belts they have been honored to play for Presidents, the Pope, Nobel Peace Prize winners and diplomats as well as being named America’s Ambassadors of Goodwill in 1974.

The Harlem Globetrotters experience will emotionally connect to and thrill every guest at their events. They pride themselves on providing their fans with the greatest entertainment possible and to ensure everyone leaves the games with fond memories bringing them back over the year and to carry on family experiences and memories.

WIN

We have game tickets to giveaway for 2 upcoming games:
Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA Sunday, March 14th 2010 5:00pm 4-pack
Bob Carpenter Center, Newark, DE Monday March 15th 2010 7:00pm 4-pack

Have you ever attended a Harlem Globetrotters game? Do you remember their cartoon from the 70’s? Visit the official Harlem Globetrotters website; tell me something about their community work or history.  All entries are being collected in the below form, please be sure to complete all required questions.  If you are having a problem with the form email me melinda at lookwhatmomfound dot com.  This contest will end Sunday March 7th, plenty of time to receive tickets by mail.
We will have 2 winners, 1 winner for each game. Please complete the form below with all of your contact/mailing information including which game you prefer to attend. Your information WILL NOT be shared with anyone else (except for the winner). All collected information is kept private and used only for this giveaway.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.





Shop Farm Rich for wholesome tasty meals and snacks

February 13, 2010 by

We’ve been snowed in for a few days. That means we did nothing but watch TV and eat and eat and eat. Sometimes it was a nutritious meal sometimes it was a satisfying snack. Farm Rich has been a part of our nibbling ways this week.

Our mornings often started with French Toast Sticks. These are usually meant for the weekends but with all the time in the world to do nothing we let the kids indulge in warm fulfilling breakfasts. Lunches were kept simple with cheese sticks or paninis and Tuesday’s dinner was family favorite Pasta with Meatballs, mozzarella and tomatoes. I never realized how much we actually shopped Farm Rich foods until we were sent coupons to try out free products and checked out their list of foods.  Alot of it looked familiar.

Farm Rich® products have been setting the standard for delicious, easy-to-prepare food the whole family loves. Farm Rich® foods taste like nothing else because they’re made like nothing else – with 100% real ingredients like real cheese, high-quality meats and fresh vegetables. Their snacks, appetizers, and breakfast foods are quick-frozen and carefully packaged so busy families can prepare great tasting food within minutes.

Visit Farm Rich for yummy recipes, new snack ideas and entertaining tips.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Eli’s Cheesecake Dessert

February 12, 2010 by

I scream, you scream, we all scream for cheesecake. Hmmmm, I don’t think that is how the saying really goes but in this case it does. Cheesecake is one of those desserts most people enjoy every once in a while so when you do finally enjoy a slice you want to make sure it is quality. This is where Eli’s Cheesecake comes in with a huge selection of quality all-natural no preservatives cheesecakes.  They have so many different cheesecakes to choose from that you will be able to find one that will suit your taste.

Eli Schulman was the mastermind behind Eli’s Cheesecake. Hailing from the West Side of Chicago, Eli started two restaurants before hitting the jackpot with his version of cheesecake. In 1977 cheesecake dessert hit the menu at Eli’s the Place for Steak. Following up on a suggestion from a customer about his dessert, Eli spent several weeks coming up with a recipe that would please everyone. Eli’s Cheesecake quickly became a marquee offering at Eli’s the Place for Steak. During the July 4, 1980 Taste of Chicago, Eli made his debut of his now-famous Chicago cheesecake.

When our Candy Crazy Cheesecake Sampler arrived I was pretty excited but nowhere near as excited as my kids. They wanted to know what kind of cheesecake we got, why we got it and when they could start to eat it. Later that night after dinner we finally opened the cheesecake and Shaun, Sabreena, Melinda and I each had a slice. Shaun and Sabreena went right for the chocolate peanut butter while Melinda and I each had a slice of the turtle trio. I am not a huge cheesecake person but I must admit this was a tasty piece of cheesecake. It was creamy, rich and tasted so delicious. Since last Friday I have eaten two pieces of cheesecake and for me that is a lot of cheesecake to eat in a weeks’ time.

If you want cheesecake that will not disappoint and live in Chicago visit Eli’s retail store at 6701 Forest Preserve Drive (at the corner of Forest Preserve Drive and Montrose). If you are like myself and not close to Chicago you can still enjoy a tasty Eli’s Cheesecake all you have to do is go online and have it delivered right to your doorstep. Trust me people you will be glad you did.

Okie Dokie people time for an awesome giveaway. Eli’s Cheesecake is awesome and is offering one lucky Look What Mom Found…and Dad too! reader a chance to win a 9″ Original Plain Cheesecake.  All you have to do is go to Eli’s Cheesecake and tell me what cheesecake you find to be the most delicious and would love to try.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Join Eli’s Cheesecake Fan Club.
  • Join Eli’s Cheesecake and join their mailing list
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Eli’s Cheesecake on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link, copy and paste this message: Enter to win a delicious 9″ Original Plain Cheesecake from @elischeesecake and @lkwhtmomfound…@and_dad_too! http://bit.ly/99UrZZ
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Eli’s Cheesecake on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, March 5, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Sabreena’s First Try With E.L.F. Cosmetics

February 11, 2010 by

 

I love all things girly, cosmetics, shoes, jewelry, clothes. Sabreena is becoming just like me at least with the cosmetics. She’s been asking for about year for make-up but I just didn’t think she was old enough. Her 14th birthday I thought would be the perfect time to introduce her to E.L.F. Cosmetics.

e.l.f.’s philosophy is that beauty comes from within and it’s their goal to enable every woman to look and feel her personal best through the perfect blend of both the inner and outer person. With that goal in mind, e.l.f. cosmetics was born – a line of simple, luxurious, problem-solution tools that allow each woman to showcase and believe in their unique, personal beauty. e.l.f cosmetics are designed to improve and accentuate the individual, not hide her away.

I was able to pick and choose an assortment of products which included eye colors, liners, cheek colors, lip glosses and tools as a great start. Sabreena and I have very different complexions; she has a year round tan while mine dulls in the winter. I was able to us their Virtual Makeover to get colors that were just right for her color. The process is simple, upload a picture and paint away with the different make-up choices. I gave my photograph of Sabreena a makeover that was tasteful, young and healthy and then added all of those products to my list.

Her first attempts at applying liner and eye shadow were a bit messy but after a few tutorials from me and the web she’s really getting the hang of blending and smudging. She seems to be a lot like me in that the focus of makeup is on the eyes instead of the rest of the face. Some liner and gloss and she’s done.

e.l.f. Cosmetics is available online and participating Target stores with starting prices of $1. That may sound ridiculous but I find that the staying power is really good, the colors are vibrant and the tools are holding up to regular use. I have yet to find e.l.f. products in my Targets but I just got word from @askelf that they become permanent members of all Target cosmetic departments in March.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




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