Quorn Foods

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Another great brand that I had the opportunity to try out through Tomoson.  I had actually already tried the last product featured, but definitely wanted to include it in this review.  Quorn is a meat alternative that is soy free.  I was happy to finally see something that wasn't soy based because my GI can't handle a lot of soy products.  Even with a sensitivity to dairy, I still choose milk over soy milk in some of my coffee drinks since most of the bigger chains don't carry non-soy milk choices.  

Here is some info on Quorn that they provided in their product description.

Quorn Foods is the premier producer of meat alternative products worldwide. Based in the UK, our products have been sold in the US for about 12 years now. Quorn's products are made from a naturally occurring protein in the fungi family. The protein is harvested in the fermentation process similar to brewing beer. Because our products are soy-free, they're naturally non-GMO and have a superior taste and texture to other meat alternatives. Compared to meat, Quorn has about half the calories and fat yet is very high in fiber and protein. All products are frozen make a wonderfully easy, healthy substitution in all your favorite recipes. We're certain you'll love Quorn!

Emily from Quorn kindly sent me 3 coupons to choose the product of my liking.  I conveniently bought all the Quorn items at Target.

First up, the Chik'n Nuggets.  If you know me, my go to junk meal is a McD's Happy Meal with nuggets.  Aka Franken-nuggets.  

Take note that these products do contain eggs and wheat.  Not for those who are vegan and/or gluten-free.

I'm about heat and eat sometimes, especially if its a snack.  One serving is 4 nuggets.  That is a snack size to me!

Not the best to nuke your food, but its about convenience sometimes!

Not too bad looking.  The coloring is presentable and these tasted pretty good.  Mind you I did dip these in some ranch for flavor.  I would definitely purchase these again.

Next up, the Chik'n Cutlets.  I was so hungry when I prepared this, I decided to go the quick route again.  I think I would have had much better luck if I seasoned these and cooked them on the stove.

The coloring wasn't great after microwaving.  They had a cutlet appearance, but lacked a good brown coloring after.  The texture of these was a bit more spongier than the nuggets, maybe because of its larger size  

I added this to a salad mix and it was pretty good.  Gave me the protein I was looking for and to have a meat product to the plain salad.  I still have the other half of the package and will be testing this out again.

Last up, the Grounds.  Similar to ground meat, these can be used in a variety of ways.  Like I noted earlier, I had used these before in almost the same recipe.  Pasta with alfredo sauce.  I wanted something hearty to eat for lunch yesterday and now have leftovers for the week.

I did saute the grounds with some garlic prior to adding them to the sauce.  This gave the grounds a bit more flavor.

I also added 1/4 C of mozzarella cheese to make this creamier and it was delicious!  

Overall, I am definitely pleased with the Quorn products I tried.  I would like to see how these would work in some Filipino dishes and have my parents taste test to see if they like it.  While I do still eat red meat, poultry and seafood, this is a great product to include in mix.  Especially for my parents who should be eating less meat and be more plant based.  One drawback is the texture.  I don't mind it, but it may be something acquired to others.  Also, these products may not be easily found.  All the Targets around me carry these items and I have access to one 5 minutes away from me.  If you are having any issues or just want to check where you can find it in our area, take a look at their website http://www.quorn.com/.

#MyQuorn

This product was obtained through Tomoson.  I have not been monetarily compensated for this item. My write up of this product reflects my own opinion after a trial period and have provided an honest review. 

They have returned...

Clawz baby!

No kids, no Crossfit, no partner mean I can have my nails back for a bit. At least a few months until I decide I want to go back to crossfit and start liftin heavy, then back to short they go.  For now, RAWR!

Oopsy! Ipsy February Glam Bag - Emite Make Up Professional Eye Lash Curler

Thankfully I didn't have any issues with mine.  I actually really like it compared to my Kevyn Aucoin curler.

Hello, We’re reaching out because you received the Emite Make Up Professional Eye Lash Curler in your February Glam Bag. Some curlers appear to be damaged and the clamp may be broken or misaligned. Most subscribers have not experienced this issue but we wanted to reach out to all ipsters who received this item so you’re aware and can exercise care when using the curler. Please check that your curler aligns properly prior to use. If the red rubber strip is missing, or if the red rubber strip is misaligned causing the two metal clamps to touch each other, the curler could potentially hurt your lashes and you should not use it. We’re sharing photos below so you can identify whether your curler is correctly aligned vs. misaligned. And remember to apply mascara after curling your lashes to avoid unnecessary tugging of those delicate hairs!

If you believe your curler is damaged or if you have any questions or concerns about your curler, please contact ipsyCare. We’re always happy to take care of you!

Beauty Mail: Memebox

Soothingsista x Memebox quad is here! 

BakeItFun Baking Mat

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I was excited to finally try a silicone baking mat.  Through Tomoson, I was given the chance to try one out from Bakeit Fun.  This non-stick silicone coated fiberglass mat is oven, microwave and frezer safe.  You can also clean this off in the dishwasher.  This half mat size, 11"x16.5" fits a 13"x18" pan. 

I wanted to try out a homemade cookie recipe and a pre-made recipe.  I did two batches one morning.  The homemade recipe was a sugar cookie and the other was a pre-made pack was one I picked up from Grocery Outlet. The Target OneSpot had this cute sugar set and it was only $3!  I also grabbed a cute double heart cookie cutter.  

The mat fit perfectly in a standard baking sheet.  The circles on the mat are for measuring circumference to detail, especially if you are making French macarons.  The numbered marks on each side are helpful for specific measurements.

First up to bake were these.  And let me say, these cookies are hella good.  I kept this to just two cookies after I baked.  Haha! 

What I really liked about this mat was the cookies just slid right off!  Some cookie recipes call for baking on an ungreased sheet, but then they're stuck.  There's so much waste when it comes to using foil and parchment paper.  With the Bakeit Fun mat, you bake and just wash and dry when you're done.  

The next batch were cute and fun Vday sugar cookies!  I think I made them too thick, but they turned out delicious.  No stuck cookies again, I was able to transfer the cookies to a cooling rack easily and these were perfect!

Another plus to the Bakeit Fun silicone baking mats is that they are BPA-Free.  I'm all about finding items that are safe!  

You can find this mat and other sizes on Amazon and Prime is available!

#siliconebakingmat

This product was obtained through Tomoson.  I have not been monetarily compensated for this item. My write up of this product reflects my own opinion after a trial period and have provided an honest review.

Sunday Night Skincare

My face has been out of control lately. The random breakouts, dry patches and overall dullness. *sigh* Thankfully I always have new skincare on hand to try from Ipsy and other beauty boxes. The GlamGlow was from a Glam Bag and the Indie Lee Coq-10 toner is from a Beautylish Lucky Bag. 

Tying in to skincare, did you wash your brushes? Do it! I did mine while masking!

Island Vibrance Coconut Colon Cleanse

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As a preface - with any types of medication or supplements, please consult a doctor before you proceed, especially if you are already on any other medications.  I will note that I did not consult with a physician and tested this product out for 2 weeks.  In comparison to other procedures and supplements, I wanted to see how my body would react and if there was any difference in what was expelled.  

I don't normally test out supplements and it was on a whim that I applied for Island Vibrance Coconut Colon Cleanse and I was approved.  I thought it was worth a shot to see if I felt any difference in my gut.  I know I should limit the intake on grain and dairy, but cheese is a weakness of mine and I definitely feel the sickness from consuming after. 

The directions state to take 2 pills twice a day with plenty of water.  These are regular sized capsules and I had no issues swallowing since most of my supplements are already pretty large.  I first started out doing one dose in the AM and one in the PM.  One of the ingredients listed is senna.  If you have any sensitivity to senna, be warned.  My stomach is pretty sensitive to begin with so when I started with the twice a day dosage, I experienced sharp stomach pains which I linked to the intake of senna which left me feeling bloated.  Even after lowering the dosage to 1 pill a day in the second week, I was still having the painful bloating in my lower stomach and I decided to stop.  I did notice that I did have a couple more movements than normal, but no big change in feeling emptier or cleansed. Testing out this product was worth a try, but did not work well with me.

#IslandVibrance

This product was obtained through Tomoson.  I have not been monetarily compensated for this item. My write up of this product reflects my own opinion after a trial period and have provided an honest review.

FOTD: Lunar New Year - My Year!

So ready for this year to be on the up and up!  Had to wear red on Thursday to bring in the good luck! I made the mistake of washing my hair though.  Doh!  I hope I didn't wash any of the good juju.  I was able to try out some of my new February Ipsy Glam Bag goodies. :)

-Emite Make Up Professional Eye Lash Curler: This came with 3 extra pads!  I liked how this curler was longer than my Kevyn Aucoin and it had good weight to it.  The shape is very similar to my Aucoin and curled my lashes nicely.  

-City Color Creamy Lipstain in Flirtini:  This lipstain felt light and creamy when applying.  Had full matte coverage and left my lips lightly stained after this wore off when I ate and drank.  Not that great of lasting power, but this is a comfortable matte lippy that didn't leave my lips feeling really dry.  Curious to check out the other 5 colors and may look into purchasing in the future.

-ModelCo Blush Cheek Powder in Cosmopolitan: I knew this was going to have great color payout when I swatched.  The little bit that I dabbed with my brush was more than enough and had to diffuse it with the blush brush.  Came out super bright, maybe a little too bright, and will need to have a lighter hand next time.  As far as wear, this was still pretty vibrant at the end of the day.

Eva NYC Up All Night Volumizing Spray:  While this smelled nice, I didn't have much hold to my hair.  I'm thinking I didn't use enough of it and will try this again after curling my hair.  It smelled really nice!  It did fade to a lighter scent after awhile, which is good because I can't stand my hair smelling too heavily of hairspray.  

On another note, my brows are not in the best shape.  :(  I got them waxed recently and I told the technician to just clean it up.  She trimmed them too short and waxed them too thin.  Grrr.  Even when I fill it in, there are still gaps that don't look right.  Just when they start filling in pretty nicely after another incident a few years ago when I got them threaded, now its back to being thin.  Halp!

Inside Smarts Delicates Laundry Bags

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I was given the opportunity to try Inside Smarts' Delicates Laundry Bags.  Before I received the bags, I checked out the video to find out more about the laundry bags and virtually met the owner Nikki.  Its great to see a face to the brand/product sometimes.  :)  This set includes 4 sized bags, 3 in white and 1 in black.

Covered zipper protects other clothes from being snagged

Large black bag - roomy enough for several items

TMI, but this is how I mainly use wash bags.  To wash my delicates!  Combination of foundation garments, light fabrics, knits and a knit bikini thrown in there.

 Since I wash all my delicates in cold, I can wash them all together without the risk of bleeding.  That whole pile fit nicely in all 4 bags.  One white medium I put a beanie, the other white medium I put the bikini and a brighter colored bra, the large white I put the nude colored bras and the large black I put the dark colored bras.

In they go!  I ran this on a small, cold, delicate cycle using a gentle detergent.  Most foundation garment tags state to hand wash, but it doesn't feel clean to me without some agitation and a good rinse & spin.  I don't have to worry about any of these items being pulled or stretched because they are secure in the wash bags.

I have had some other wash bags before, picked up from retail and discount stores, but they just did not last.  The Inside Smarts Laundry Bags are better quality and constructed well with heavier mesh fabric and sturdy zippers.  There is one drawback and that is the pulls are plastic which may break.  Since it does have the extra piece of fabric that covers the zipper when it is fully closed, this will protect it from impact in the wash.

Lastly, I hang everything up to dry.  A good portion of my closet is hang to dry, which can be a pain, but having a folding drying rack is convenient.  I drape the laundry bags to dry on the corners.  

Cost: $15.95 via Amazon and Prime is available

#laundry

This product was obtained through Tomoson.  I have not been monetarily compensated for this item. My write up of this product reflects my own opinion after a trial period and have provided an honest review.

Unboxing: February 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag - #ipsyLOVE

I celebrated Valentine's Day this year celebrating a friend's 40th birthday!  Of course, the theme was V-day, but also something more, All You Need Is Love And Justice.  Catchy and meaningful for the work that she does with the community.  

This month's Glam Bag was sweet in all aspects.  From the cute magenta and graphic designed bag to the products included.  

What I got:
-Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil
-Eva NYC Up All Night Volumizing Spray
-Emite Make Up Professional Eye Lash Curler
-ModelCo Blush Cheek Powder in Cosmopolitan
-City Color Creamy Lipstain in Flirtini

I love everything I got!  I can't really pinpoint a single one that I absolutely love, but I was able to try out each item and was happy with all.  I plan on switching out my make up bag in my purse for this one right now!  Did you enjoy your Ipsy Glam Bag this month?

Soothing Sista x MEMEBOX Eyeshadow Quad - Available Now!

One of my fave YouTubers has her own eyeshadow quad from MEMEBOX!  Stephanie Villa aka SoothingSista talked about her quad in her Best of San Francisco vid and it is finally here!  Launched yesterday, she talks about the process in her video yesterday.  I am so happy to have snagged one and can't wait to try this out.  For $17, this is a great deal for a palette that is paraben and cruelty free.

SoothingSista x MEMEBOX Eyeshadow Quad - purchase here!