Back for the Summer: Nestlé® Crunch® Girl Scout Candy Bars! Featuring Our Thin Mints® Taste Test

*Samples Provided

I have something really delicious to share with you today! These limited edition Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars in Thin Mints® arrived for us to try last week and we can confirm they are absolutely scrumptious!  Not only us, but also my troop of Brownie Girl Scouts, agree they get two big thumbs up and are a not to be missed treat of the summer.

Our stock of Girl Scout cookies has been long eaten up, including the packages of Thin Mints we had horded in the freezer.  Happily, we don't have to wait until cookie time to enjoy my personal favorite out of all the Girl Scout Cookie flavors.  Shown above and below are the single bars, each with a suggested $0.99 MSRP.

Back for the summer only, these limited edition candy bars are the perfect pairing of chocolate and mint.  Inside each candy bar package are two fun sized bars.

They may be little but a ton of flavor is packed inside.  I "gasp" might like these even better than the original cookie because each bar is like eating an extra thick cookie for even more intense minty chocolate goodness.  Seriously - yum!

If you have a crowd to share with, or if you want to have extra on hand for yourself, try these fun-sized bars in a new take home bag ($3.49 MSRP).

My Brownie Girl Scouts snacked on these when we went as a troop to paint pottery together.  The girls loved them; we ate the entire bag!

Hey look, my mani even coordinated with this review!  Bottom line, we love the combination of the Thin Mints flavors with the Nestlé® Crunch® airy crispies that give each bar a satisfying bit of crunch.  Delicious and refreshing at the same time, the combination of chocolate and mint is perfection.

Inspired by the three most popular flavors of Girl Scout cookies, there are three limited-edition varieties available this summer:

• Thin Mints®– Dark chocolate cookie wafers and mint chocolate crème, topped with airy crispies and a rich, dark chocolatey coating
• Caramel & Coconut – Cookie wafers layered with coconut caramel crème and chewy caramel, topped with toasted coconut and drizzled with caramel stripes
• Peanut Butter Crème – Cookie wafers layered with smooth peanut butter crème, topped with airy crispies and a creamy, chocolatey coating

But hurry, these yummy treats are only available through September, and when they're gone...they're gone!  Find them nationwide, wherever candy bars are sold!



Disclosure: these complimentary PR samples were provided for review, but I only accept review items I believe are a good fit for both my family and readership.  This is an unbiased review and shares our personal experience with this product.  Yours may differ.  

***I have been a Girl Scout troop leader for four years and support the Girl Scouts of the USA's belief in the power of every girl and mission of building girls of confidence, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  

While these limited edition products are produced under license from the Girl Scouts of the USA this in no way affects my opinion of the products. 

Sugar Paper Planner Comparison & Thank You to SweetSimplifiedLife

First, I wanted to quickly thank the really lovely YouTuber SweetSimplifedLife.  I recently began following her and was even fortunate enough to win one of her giveaways! She sent me this pretty pink and gold 15"x12" wall calendar (similar).  It's got nice big spaces to write all our activities in and plenty of room for notes too.  I love the pretty script font used for the months! Thank you so much!

The then new planner & calendar line by Sugar Paper at Target was how I found her channel, as I was looking for reviews.  Her video gave me a sneak peek at the new products for 2015, even though technically they had been released, they were late in arriving at my local Targets.  At first I felt 1) odd that I was the weird planner stalker lady and 2) somewhat relieved by the YouTubers sharing their Sugar Paper hauls.  I wasn't the only person anxiously awaiting these planners!

I used their pink 8.5"X11" planner last year and I really liked the size, basically it's like a spiral notebook.  I get so many schedules and notes from my kids' schools that it's easiest to clip them to the back cover for quick reference.  The plastic covers are sturdy enough to hold everything securely. I like having everything all in one place without having to cut down or fold any of the notes they bring home from their teachers.  While it is bigger than many other planners, since it's spiral bound I'd just fold it in half and still be able to see my entire week at a glance.

I also liked last year's format, shown above, which had the week all on one side and then a full page for notes on the other.  This was great for making lists and planning.  All in all, it was an inexpensive but well laid out planner that wasn't plain jane like other planners in the same price range.  For me, that's what made the Sugar Paper products such an anticipated buy for 2015.

I'm not as happy with the new planner layout.  Now the days of the week are spread out over both sides and the weekend days only get half as much space as the weekdays.  There is only one full page for notes at the very end of the planner.  I think Sugar Paper might have switched over to this format for it's weekly layout because it does seem to be more of a standard layout and is similar to the one Kate Spade uses. Also, I preferred the dates to be extra large, like in 2014,  That works a lot better for the visually challenged, like me!  

After taking a look at the offerings this year I did select this design, because it came with a pink interior, but am not sure if I'll keep it.  I won't want to use it if the front gets all gunked up and the front piece is white with gold polka dots.  It's just cardstock weight and not laminated like the 2014 front page was, so I anticipate the white page getting bent up and stained.  Yes it's certainly beautiful, but will it stay that way even with the plastic over protectors?

The main points in favor of the 2015 planner are:

• Sturdy plastic covers - these are now a frosted & semi transparent versus the full opaque pink color so I'm already worried about them getting dirty looking.
• Laminated month tabs - same as last year
• Full month at a glance - nice large format that covers both sides of the page
• Daily entries now have lines to write on
• Size - slightly larger than 8.5X11, still perfect for adding notes and schedules that come from school etc without having to cut down or fold.
• More aesthetically pleasing but perhaps at the detriment of durability & extra reference sheets, see below for more on this
• Pink is the main interior design color - this is my personal preference versus navy blue or gold.  Glad they provided color choices!
• Inexpensive cost, $9.99

Drawbacks to the 2015 planner:

• Thin pages - bleed through and ghosting possible, this is the same as last year
• Front piece is no longer laminated - by this I mean the first page you see when you turn the thick plastic cover.
• White front piece - is likely to be easily damaged, bent, etc. mine came with a very slight blemish already on it and the other two at the store were already significantly marked up
• No "Yearly Overview" page - in the 2014 version an over view page of 2014 & 2015 was provided on the back of the front piece.
• No "Quick Reference" sheet for important addresses - I liked to add doctor & school information here, to make calling for appointments easier
• No "States, Capitals & Time Zones" page - I don't really need this but wanted to note that versus last year this feature is missing, without any thing really replacing it.
• No weekly full page for notes - only one full blank lined page in the entire planner
• Weekend daily entries are half the size of weekday entries
• Dates - printed in a significantly smaller size
• Font - again this is personal, but I wish they'd have used the same pretty cursive font as on the calendar I won, for the months instead of the all capital font they selected.  

All that being said, overall, the 2015 8.5"X11" Sugar Paper planner still delivers an on trend and attractive planner for a very reasonable price.  There is a lot to love, while still some drawbacks.  Not my perfect dream planner and I don't like it nearly as much as last year, but still a nice fit for just $10!

Scala Collezione Rainhat

*Complimentary Review Product Provided

Lately, we've had several days of rain here in the Midwest, including today!  It seems like I am constantly running in and out of places during school pick up and drop off and while running errands.  I don't really want to drag an umbrella with me, but I also don't want to end up with a head full of wet hair.  There is nothing worse than putting the time into styling your hair, only to see it ruined by bad weather almost as soon as you step out the door.  I recently received Scala Collezione's best selling Rain Hat in khaki to review and it's been the perfect rainy season accessory!

Made out of durable but lightweight nylon with a three inch brim, it also has the cutest black and white polka dot interior.  I also feel like there is a little padding or an extra layer between the lining and outer fabric of the hat, proving more protection against ending up with a wet head of hair!

There is also a stylish detail in the back.  This Rain Hat help keep my glasses and hair from getting wet and is especially helpful during light or misting rain as then I don't have to carry an umbrella too.  During heavier rains it's been nice to wear because trying to share an umbrella with a toddler or my daughter, without getting all wet, is nearly impossible.  Between the Rain Hat and umbrella, I have stayed a lot drier than in the past!

Scala Collezione's Rain Hat provides me a functional but still stylish solution during inclement weather and helps me avoid bad hair days!  Style LW281 is available in four colors: black, wine, charcoal, and khaki and the suggested retail price is $25.  It is available online through Hartford York.



Disclosure: A complimentary sample was sent to facilitate this review via a PR intermediary.  No other compensation was provided.  The experiences and opinions related within are both personal and unbiased.  Your experience may differ. 

Kushyfoot's Fall 2014 Collection

*Complimentary Review Product Provided

Fall is here to stay, the flip flops have been packed away and the shorts stored for next year too.  With the change in seasons, I've been sorting through my socks and leg wear collection and it was time for some new options.

The arrival of four pieces from the Kushyfoot Fall 2014 Collection to review, was quite timely for me!  Kushyfoot is known for its chic, well-made, yet affordable tights that are a wardrobe essential for millions of women that are both durable and comfortable.  There is also the added benefit that both their leg wear and socks have their exclusive massaging, reflexology inspired sole that enhances the wearing experience.  It's designed to relieve tension & fatigue.

This is the Opaque Knee Length 2 Pairs Value Pack.  On the left are the Fishnet style and on the right is Plain.  In this picture, and all of the following, I have positioned the sole facing up so you can see what makes Kushyfoot leg and foot wear stand out,

The fishnet allows for wears to be a little daring, by letting a bit peek out between your shoe and the bottom of your pant leg.  I guess I'm a little more daring than most because I think they are super cute when worn with ballet flats and to be honest, I tend to overheat easily so those fishnets also equal a little extra breathability to me!  Also, I like the fishnet design on socks, but a set of tights would probably be too much for me, it's nice to have this option.

I also received two sets of tights.  These Fashion Tights are in the Rib style, a very nice way to have a little extra detail on your legs.  I like how the vertical ribs also help give the illusion of leaner, longer legs.  These are thicker tights, so I think they'd provide some real added warmth during the colder months, and I think they'd look great worn with a skirt and boots.

The Shaping Tights help streamline your figure and enhance your legs.  I usually find the word shaping to equal tight and uncomfortable, but I was quite pleased to find these are much more comfortable than expected.  I will actually wear these!  That's saying a lot.  I hate to feel squeezed into anything, and these do not make me feel that way at all.

The Microfiber Crew sock was my favorite item from what was sent.  To me, this is the work horse for your collection.  They are super wearable, comfort band is great because there is almost no pressure around your leg.  You know what I mean, how after a long day when you take off your socks there is sometimes an indentation where the band was sitting against your skin?  Not that case here!  In my opinion, the only drawback to Kushyfoot's trouser socks is that their care directions say to hand wash and line dry.  I prefer the ease of machine washable!

I enjoyed doing this Kushyfoot review because their products offer a unique sole and with so many different styles that range from chic to edgy to more conservative, there are so many options!  Plus they are affordable, suggested prices range from $6.99-$9.99, and can be found at these retailers and are also available in multi packs on their site.  I hope you'll check them out!



Disclosure: A complimentary sample was sent to facilitate this review via a PR intermediary.  No other compensation was provided.  The experiences and opinions related within are both personal and unbiased.  Your experience may differ. 

The Queen of the Tearling

*Review Copy Provided

I am so pleased to once again be participating in a TLC Book Tour.  This one is for very special title, that I think is poised to become the next big fantasy series.  It hasn't even hit the shelves yet, but it's already set to be adapted into a movie, in a version that will reunite Emma Watson with Harry Potter producer David Heyman, no less!  The Queen of the Tearling has all the elements of a page turner: a young woman in peril, an evil sorceress, a mysterious past, betrayal, seemingly insurmountable challenges, an unspeakable bargain, and magic.

Book Description:

Magic, adventure, mystery, and romance combine in this epic debut in which a young princess must reclaim her dead mother’s throne, learn to be a ruler—and defeat the Red Queen, a powerful and malevolent sorceress determined to destroy her.

On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.

Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.

But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend . . . if she can survive.

This highly anticipated novel is worth the hype.  Author Erika Johansen deftly conveys the sense of urgency, fear, and tension felt by her characters right from the start.  I found myself feeling stressed as Princess Kelsea travels in secret with her band of Queen's Guards to the capital of Tear, shocked along with her when she first sees the lottery her people must endure each month, and mystified as we're slowly introduced to the horror that is the Red Queen.  It's a well paced story that leaves the reader wanting more, that answers each question with several more, and draws you further into Johansen's richly layered tale.

In some respects The Queen of the Tearling is a coming of age story.  Readers join the Princess as she begins to unravel the story of her past, learns how to rule, and unlocks the magic of the Tear Sapphire.  Ruling seems almost like an impossible task.  She is faced with a poverty and a poor economy, a county with weak resources and an even weaker Regent in the form of her uncle.

It is refreshing to find a strong female protagonist at the center of all this, and one that isn't waiting to be rescued.  While she does have help, sometimes from unexpected sources, Princess Kelsea remains firmly in charge.  She's no waif either, nor the typical flawless beauty.  She must go from secluded country girl to ruler, and figure out how to save her people from the powerful Queen of the Mortmesne.

The Red Queen presents several mysteries.  Who is she?  How has she managed to rule for so long?  What is the source of her dark magic?  She is a dark and enigmatic woman, one that we have only begun to learn about.  But she's far from the only one with a past we've yet to uncover.  It seems like all of Johansen's characters have their own narrative, one that we've only begun to delve into. This is only the start of the series and The Queen of the Tearling provides more than enough intrigue, excitement, and suspense to this avid reader already looking forward to the stage of Princess Kelsea's story.

The Queen Of The Tearling
List Price: $26.99
Hardcover: 446 Pages
Publisher: Harper (July 8, 2014)

Available at local bookstores next month, as well as these retailers:
Goodreads
Amazon
Indie Bound
Barnes & Noble

This post is part of a book tour on behalf of The Queen of the Tearling, organized by TLC Book Tours.  For the full schedule see this post.

Product Review: New Weight Watchers Ice Cream, the Perfect Addition to an Active Lifestyle

Disclosure: Complimentary samples were provided.  No other compensation was received.  The experiences and opinions related are personal and unbiased.

I love spring and the return of the sun, blue skies, and fresh air after a long winter.  The past one was especially harsh with record making low temperatures and snow fall here in Michigan.  It feels like we've been stuck inside for way too long.

The first few days it hit the fifties it seemed like the neighborhood came alive.  Everyone was outside riding bikes, walking dogs, playing in backyards, and getting active after way too many heavy winter meals and days when it was too cold to go anywhere but the couch to watch television.

My two and a half year old little guy wants to be outside all day, every day and I've been chasing after him as he scoots along in his little vehicles.  I know as the days get nicer and nicer that trend is just going to continue as we head to parks and beaches on our state's famous lakes.

Warm weather also means I start craving some sweet treats and that since I'm so active I'm more apt to give in and indulge in some ice cream!  Now, as many of you know, I am Type II diabetic so you may be thinking, "Now wait a second, ice cream?"  Yes, it can be part of my meal plan with a careful balance of physical activity, portion control, and overall healthy food choices.

This is where Weight Watchers ice cream fits in perfectly for me.  These portion controlled cups of their new low fat ice cream cups and Greek frozen yogurt cups are great ways for me to indulge a little, as my dietitian stresses is very important, so I don't feel deprived and then go overboard.  As long as I balance my treats with some activity my blood sugar levels stay within target.

The new Weight Watchers Low Fat Ice Cream Cups have been released in two classic flavors, both favorites of mine!  The Chocolate Fudge Brownie combines creamy chocolate ice cream with brownie pieces, yum!  It really satisfies my chocolate cravings.

The carbohydrates per serving of this flavor is 22g and when you take off the 3g of dietary fiber that brings it to 19g per single serving cup.  That's only slightly more than the 15g of carbohydrates that counts as one of my servings I keep track of per day.  I love being able to indulge without feeling too guilty and with about 20-30 minutes of activity I can even "earn" my serving of carbohydrates back.

Now as a diabetic, I am mostly concerned about how carbohydrates aka sugars affect my blood sugar levels for good diabetic control.  That's the first thing I check when looking at nutrition facts for a product, but I know for good overall diet other things like calories, fat and protein are also important.  Both the Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Mint Chocolate Chip varieties have just 100 calories and 1g of fat for a 3 PointsPlus value per cup.  It's so nice to know that while I concentrate on carb counting, Weight Watchers has taken care of keeping this a sensible treat that won't mess up my diet!

Mint Chocolate Chip is one of my very favorite ice cream flavors so I was ecstatic to find this Weight Watchers version.  I have to confess, I let myself eat one of these without any guilt at all!  I love the cool, creamy, and refreshing taste!  I used to try not to keep this flavor at home for fear of binging so I'd only get it out at ice cream parlors and the like, but the amount I'd get was always way too much.  These single serving cups are a much better way for me to have ice cream in my life and help me keep better track of the nutritional value of what I'm putting in my mouth!

Besides the Mint Chocolate Chip my other favorite flavor of the new varieties that come in a single serving cup were the absolutely fantastic Weight Watchers Greek Frozen Yogurt Cups in Strawberry Swirl.  Since these are frozen yogurt they still have the benefits of Greek yogurt such as active cultures and 5g of protein but are still just 100 calories with a PointsPlus value of 3.

The hint of strawberry is what makes these so delicious.  Strawberries equal summer to me so I'm sure I'll be snacking on these all season long.  These have 19g of carbohydrates, minus the 2 dietary fiber that's down to 17g and the 5g of protein balance out the difference between the 17g and my target 15g of carbs per serving.  This means for me, this is perfectly portioned carbs!

The Weight Watchers Greek Frozen Yogurt Cups also come with a black cherry swirl  These were my least favorite flavor from this tasting.  It's a personal thing, I don't really like black cherry flavor unless it's really faint but this tastes pretty full bodied to me.  This is really is a good thing for black cherry fans, I'm sure they'll be really happy with them.  After all, if you try out a particular flavor you want to actually taste like it!

All this deliciousness is waiting for you!  The new Weight Watchers low fat ice cream cups and Greek frozen yogurt cups are now available at grocery stores nationwide and have a suggested retail of $4.99

Before I move on, I think I should point out and you may have noticed it in my photos, the swirl that is evident in the packaging photo on the Greek frozen yogurt doesn't really show up as much in the actual product.  This didn't bother me, it's much more subdued and not as evenly distributed in real life.  I know food packaging usually shows ideal conditions, but I've always found images on Weight Watchers Ice Cream varieties to be very true to life, the exception being this one.

Besides the single serving sized cups of ice cream and frozen yogurt that are so perfect for me, as I can guarantee I could never scoop up a perfectly portioned sized one on my own, I also got these.  To be completely frank, I wasn't too excited by the idea of them because due to my lower sodium diet I find most food with "Salted" in the title way too salty to be palatable.

Wow, not the case at all with the new Weight Watchers Salted Caramel Candy Bar!  In fact, they are hands down my favorite from this shipment of samples and might just be my all time favorite Weight Watchers ice cream ever, a title formerly held by the Dark Chocolate Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Bars followed by the English Toffee Crunch Bars, currently in my freezer, as well for a close second.

I mean how could anyone not be into this!  The saltiness of the caramel is balanced so perfectly by the creamy ice cream for one awesome truly decadent tasting treat.  I ate all of these but one before taking the pictures for this post.  I managed to save just one but as you can see from above, it's now history, and at the top of my shopping list for our next trip to the grocery store!

These do have a slightly higher calorie count at 120 versus 100 but the cars are only 16g per bar and by now you know my magic number is 15 so we're so close before taking into account the dietary fiber (2g) and protien (2g).  It's like these Weight Watchers Salted Caramel Candy Bars were destined to be eaten by me!

Are you also planning to incorporate Weight Watchers ice cream into your active lifestyle this spring and summer?  You totally should, as the weather gets better and we're all out there moving and playing these are a great tasting way to have your sweets without worrying they'll be counterproductive to your diet and exercise regimen!  Check out all the Weight Watchers ice cream to find your new favorite treat!

Julep Review: April 2014 Maven Box, Classic with a Twist

This post contains referral links.  Translation: If you click through and join, I earn points and those = free stuff.  Thank you!

My very first box from Julep as a Maven subscriber arrived on Monday!  I was so very excited because it was awesome how quickly it came, April's box actually arrived on the very last day of March.  New nail color is a fantastic way to start off the month.  This month the colors are all a part of The Vivid Collection and I opted to stay with my default style, Classic with a Twist.

My goodies came all nestled in teal shredded paper that contrasted nicely with the yellow tissue and purple box.  It was not only a vivid collection of colors but a colorful presentation.  Inside were the two polishes, a blush, two candies, and the polish I added on for an extra charge, about $5.  Since a nail polish and a subscription service especially is a bit of a luxury purchase, I am glad they take the time to make it a nice experience with their presentation.

This month's colors were all gorgeous but I had to go with my favorite color, pink and pink.  Yeah, I guess no one is surprised by that!  I wasn't too sure about the orange.  I'm still not as it is indeed, quite vivid, and I think orange is something I'm more comfortable sticking with as a pastel.  I don't think it will look super fabulous against my skin but my sidekick and I will totally be rockin' it when we go cheer on our beloved Detroit Tigers!

Caitlin is THE reason I didn't jump ship from the Classic with a Twist box.  It's described as a "Shocking hibiscus with gold shimmer" and it's hot pink.  I'm very excited to wear more it, besides the little swatch I did on my toe.  It's super pretty, went on smoothly, and completely opaque in two coats. The shimmer is subtle in the bottle and on the nail.  It's bright but still classic.

So like I said before, Mariska is very vivid and full of bold color, with a lovely hint of shimmer.  I may not love it on my fingers but I am all about it for a pedicure.  It really is the perfect bright hot orange.  While this one has a shimmer finish like Caitlin, I thought it dried with a more matte finish.  You will need a top coat to get a really shiny look.

I actually think it was a smart move on Julep to make it that way.  This finish makes the orange a little less of a shocking bold color and better for those, like me, who might want to try out a true orange as opposed to a safer peach tone, without being over the top. It will look fabulous with sandals this summer and I think I will get a lot of wear out of it on my tootsies.  I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like this Mariska, especially since I thought it was going to be a dud for me.

Described as an electric bubblegum sheer with blue sheen, Maren was so pretty in the preview of the month that I thought it would be my favorite from the whole collection so I just HAD to add it on.    Yes, I ended up with yet more pinks but they are actually quite different.

This is a much more subdued bright pink because of the sheerness.  Three thin coats and it was not quite opaque, but I didn't really want it to be.  Sometimes I like the less done but still a lot of color look, if that makes any sense at all.  It's quite pretty with just two light coats, you get quite a bit of sheer pink color and shimmer but it's just more subtle.  I would feel comfortable wearing this to Easter mass, as a bright versus a pastel and not feel it was perhaps a bit too loud for the situation.

Since I had just done my nails the day before my box arrived, I did the swatches on my toes.  This way I could see how the formula applied and looked.  I will spare you all from having to see my feet, they are not camera ready! If anyone is just dying to see the polish on the nails, let me know and I will Instragram each one, as I wear them :)

I believe this is the debut of their new line of Glow Pore Minimizing Blushes and Bronzers.  I was a lot more interested in a bronzer as I almost never wear blush but I've also never had one in such a pretty peach shade either.  Unfortunately for me, a bronzer was not an option in my box.  I had hoped it would be a choice between blush or bronzer and then shades.  Okay, that's just my two cents...I am actually quite happy with my blush but that's how I felt going in.

I could not capture the color of this Peach Bellini shade very well at all.  It's much prettier in person and less pinky.  It has a subtle shimmer that the camera didn't pick up, which must be the white diamond powder it contains and that give cheeks a luminous glow.  It's also supposed to diffuse the appearance of pores, I think that is code for minimizes, and has age-defying Power Cell Complex that will over time promote softer, smoother skin.  That seems like a lot for a blush to do!

Whether or not it lives up to all the things it's supposed to do, it is so so pretty, that I kinda want to rub it all over, it's that gorgeous.  I did manage to restrain myself, but I'm really excited about the subtle flush of color it gives my cheeks.  I felt it was very wearable and such a good color that it would be hard to mess up the application and come off looking like a peach colored clown.  Yes, I kinda sorta worried that might happen!  I've always gone for pink blushes before and never liked them, now that I have this one and like it so much I'm wondering if previously having the wrong color was the reason I never "got" the whole idea of blush in the first place.

Final Verdict: Very happy with my first official Julep Maven box!  Click here if you'd like to check it out for yourself!



PS: I am wearing the nail color Monica, also by Julep, in all of the photos in this post.  I bought it during the end of season sale, but I do not recommend it.  It was unbelievably hard to work with, very very thick :(  The color and glitter is amazing so worth the hassle it took for me to get it on, since I already have it but not worth the frustration if you don't.  This one application took a shocking amount of polish to achieve and there is a noticeable dip in the amount in my bottle.