My Dove Daily Beauty Routine

Hey guys! Today I have partnered with Dove to tell you all about their New Dove Dry Oil Collection featuring their Dove Dry Oil Beauty Bar and Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash. I have been so excited for the final install of our collaboration because these two products have quickly made it to my favorites.

With the Summer and my nuptials fast approaching, I have been in desperate need of making sure my skin is absolutely flawless. I am on a mission to get the world's softest skin, all while planning the wedding of my dreams, and not missing beat in between. Is it possible? I think so. That's where Dove Dry Oil Beauty Bar and Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash come in.

I have always been a huge supporter of Dove products, and when I heard of their new product release I was over the moon to try it. The new Dove Dry Oil collection helps nourish and protect skin from dryness in the shower by effectively cleansing without leaving skin feeling dry and features a nourishing formula infused with Moroccan Argan oil beads to gently cleanse while helping to replenish nutrients to the skin. So what does this mean for us ladies? It means that the beauty bar and body wash do all the work for you. You don't have to do all the extra "after steps", they're pretty much already taken care of in one shower session. 

I have been working out more than usual, so my routine has definitely changed. I have to make sure that I am cleaning my skin in the best way possible. The new Dove Dry Oil Collection has helped me keep my skin soft, smooth and radiant. My favorite part of the product is definitely the scent. I am a woman who loves things that smell amazing, and the beauty bar and moisture body wash do just that. They both leave a lasting aroma that stays with you pretty much all day. Softer, smoother skin is something every woman desires, however 1 in 3 women suffer from dry skin and 98% of women feel more confident when their skin is moisturized vs. dry. 

My secret for maintaining healthy and soft skin, is to make sure that the Dove Dry Oil Collection is in my everyday routine, and also make sure to use the best products that work for YOUR skin. I also try to exfoliate regularly, and I also use a high quality razor to ensure that I keep my skin in its greatest condition! Since I shower in the morning usually, Dove has helped me accomplish my skin goals for the Summer, and we haven't even gotten through Spring yet! I am hoping that if I continue to take care of my skin, everything will fall into place for the big day, and I will feel more confident than ever!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove, but all my opinions are my own. #DoveDifference #ShowerAwayDrySkin #DovePartner http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Working Out & Dove Dry Spray

Hey guys, so excited to be partnering with Dove again today to talk about their Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant . For someone who is constantly running from the gym to work, to home, I need to feel fresh all day long. Once I leave in the morning, I pretty much don't make it back home until it's dark out, so I need to make sure I am good to go from place to place. Working out has always been a huge priority to me, so I usually try and make it to the gym 4-5 days a week, at minimum.

I tried Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant before I left for work, and then wanted to see how I felt while running to the gym after work. I was pleasantly surprised that I felt fresh and comfortable all day- even after sweating and putting in work at the gym! I love that the spray is clear, and doesn't come off on your skin. I love that there is no visible residue to be seen, that's a huge plus.

My favorite part of this product, is how quick it is to use, and how amazing the scent is! Even the original scent is so light and airy, perfect for a busy woman who is always on the go.

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is the latest beauty trend you don’t want to be the last to try!  It goes on instantly dry with no visible residue while providing 48 hours of odor and wetness protection and Dove ¼ moisturizers for softer, smoother underarms. Go to Dove.com/trydry to learn more. #TryDry

 

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #instantlytrending #DovePartner #TryDry http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Groomsmen Gifts | Master Your Blend

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Scandinavian Tobacco Group, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #masteryourblend  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Thinking about our wedding gets me really excited and is putting me in full on planning mode! Even though I haven't planned gifts for my bridesmaids yet, I have already started putting things together for Ryan's groomsmen. 

Prior to planning our wedding Ryan and I knew that cigars would be a huge part of our special day because it's something my Dad and brother in law really love, and a lot of our guests also enjoy it on special occasions. 

That's where Cubero Cigars come in. I love being creative when it comes to gift giving, so this is no different. I wanted to give the groomsmen something that they can all use and love, and I feel like wrapping it all together in a basket is perfect. I love the idea of using different ribbons to decorate, and I love these hand etched boxes for each groomsmen to use after the wedding is over. I love useful gifts, and these are gifts that they can enjoy at the wedding, and after!

To sign up for free coupons and to find a retailer near you visit Cubero Cigars website here. 

If you're curious about the flavors, here is some more information on how they pair well.

Blend 35- Sweet: fine tobacco with rum, a hint of mint and sugar cane for a sweet finish 

Blend 07- Wine: naturally sweet tobacco with a distinct taste of grape and an oak-like nuance 

Blend 12- Mocha: medium bodied tobacco that provides a smooth taste with chocolate and coffee overtones

Asparagus and Lemon Refreshing Gluten Free Pasta Salad

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GlutenFreeBarilla http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV 

I am so excited to be teaming up with Gluten Free Barilla Pasta today to bring you a healthy and refreshing pasta salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner. As you all know I am the queen of pasta salads, and this recipe is a little different, but still delicious! If you haven't checked out my other recipes with Barilla, you can see my strawberry basil pasta salad here, and my meditteranean pasta salad, here. This recipe is a little different for a few reasons. The main reason is because I am using Barilla's new Gluten Free pasta for this recipe. It's also a dish that you want to serve warm due to the ingredients, and olive oil drizzle. 

I really love preparing different dishes around the holidays. My family always chooses me to make any of the pasta dishes, and I try to focus on staying healthy, and preparing a delicious meal that everyone will love. Gluten free pasta is great because it has non GMO ingredients, it's healthier and tastes just like regular pasta!

For my Gluten Free pasta I shopped at BJ's wholesale club and got a 4 pack of pasta for a very reasonable price. Since I come from a big family, this is perfect for the parties to come in the next few weeks. You can also visit BJ’s Wholesale Clubs on December 22nd and 23rd to see an in-store Barilla Gluten Free pasta demo at select clubs. You can also visit Pinterest to see other delicious Barilla  Gluten Free pasta recipes!

Making this pasta is very easy! Here is how to make your own at home.

First, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil.  

Once the water is boiling , salt the water and add your Gluten Free pasta. 

While your pasta is cooking, you'll want to sautee your asparagus and brussels sprouts. 

Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a pan, cut up your asparagus, and sprouts and then squeeze a full lemon on top, and season with salt and pepper.

You'll want to cook your asparagus for about 10 minutes on the skillet. When that's finished, add the cooked asparagus and sprouts, and squeeze half a lemon into the pasta. You'll also want to drizze olive oil on top to avoid a dry pasta.

Enjoy!

Dove Hair : #LoveYourCurls

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #LoveYourCurls #pmgdove http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

When was the last time you looked at your hair and said "hey hair, thanks for being you!" Not often I'm sure.  It took me years to truly understand and appreciate my hair for all that it is. I always had wavy/messy curls that never looked right, and for years it frustrated me. I have never been the girl who can get out of the shower- and air dry with no issues. It's always been a work in progress for me. I would constantly wear my hair up because I couldn't deal with how my hair handled humidity or any kind of rain situation.

I finally decided to start loving my hair and realizing that there are so many great things about it. I love how thick and wavy it is, and I also love the wavy curly ringlets that come along with it. Even though they aren't tame like I want them to be- I wouldn't have it any other way. I know most women want what they can't have, but it's time we all start embracing what we were born with. Loving something about yourself can seem difficult, especially when you don't feel like it's what you want. My best advice? Learn to roll with it. If your hair is wavy in the wrong ways- start using products that help keep it looking shiny and great. 

In the last few years I have learned how to tame my waves, and it's made so much of a difference for me. Although my hair may not be perfect- I think it's pretty perfect for me, and that's all that matters.

I am so excited to be teaming up with Dove Hair today, and to be able to share that they have an awesome Dove Love Your Curls Emoji keyboard! It's so awesome to be able to customize what your hair looks like in emoji form! Curly hair for the win!

Download the Dove Love Your Curls Emojis in the App Store and Google Play Store to show you #LoveYourCurls!

To follow along and keep up with Dove, make sure you follow them on all their social channels! 

Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest

Strawberry Basil Pasta Salad

If you guys have been following along for a while, you'll know that I love Barilla Pronto! A while back I made a Mediterranean pasta salad , and fell in love with Barilla Pronto pasta. This time around I wanted something a little different, but still delicious. My schedule has been very intense lately, so making meals in advance is extremely crucial. This pasta is so easy to make, and requires only about ten minutes of your time. It never needs to be drained, and uses minimal water- which is awesome because by the time you put it in a pot, it's time to take it off! 

I shopped for my groceries and pasta at Stop & Shop. Here's what you'll need for this delicious strawberry salad. 

In the salad you'll need:
Yellow Grape Tomatoes
1 box of Barilla Pronto (your choice of what kind!)
Basil Leaves
Peppers (tri color)

Cook the pasta following the directions on the box, and then allow it to cool off for approximately 20 minutes. Once it's cool add your peppers, tomatoes, and basil.

For the strawberry vinaigrette:
Strawberries (frozen or fresh)
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 of A Lemon's Juice
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 Tbsp Olive Oil

Combine all ingredients and blend in a food processor. It is extremely easy and simple!

See how easy it is? I love that it tastes better and better as I eat it throughout the week. Sometimes the simplest recipes are best!

 

Make sure you grab some New Barilla Pronto Pasta next time you shop at Stop & Shop, Giant Food Stores, or Martin’s Food Markets.  Barilla Pronto Pasta is also available through Peapod!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #AnytimePasta http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Healthy Snacks & Favorite Movies

You know that feeling of rushing to the store to get your favorite movie? I still love doing that! I rushed to Walmart to get Pitch Perfect Two and couldn't wait to have a girls night to watch it with my friends. As I get older "girls nights" are few and far between. We're all so busy living our lives, so catching up is extremely important. I love hosting fun nights, especially when a  good movie is involved. 

Since healthy eating is so important to me, I make sure that I create the healthiest snacks for us! I like to make a few different dishes so that way every one has a choice of food to eat. One of our favorite go to easy snacks is steamed edamame with roasted almonds. 

Between all of us, we're usually snacking the whole time- but when it's something healthy you definitely don't feel bad polishing the bowl off! 

This appetizer is extremely easy to make, and will be an awesome snack during the movie. 

Purchase edamame, and steam for approximately 4 minutes on the stove. Salt to taste, and then add the roasted sliced almonds. I usually purchase the almonds pre-sliced, and then roast them in the over for about 20 minutes. I love the crunch it adds to the edamame, and it's a great combination of flavors. 

I really loved this movie, and the first one is one of my favorites too. I wish I could sing like these girls, and I definitely wish I could dance like them too. My favorite character is Amy mainly because she is hysterical, and pretty much makes the movie the best.

If you want your own copy-head to Walmart to grab the exclusive Pitch Perfect Blu-Ray/Soundtrack combo pack. Soundtrack includes some of your favorite songs from Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2 (while supplies last).

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #ThePitchesatWMT http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

Healthy Living Recipes: Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #OnePotPasta http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Spring and summer are the perfect seasons for pasta salad! I love pairing a good pasta salad with some chicken or steak at a BBQ. I also love having it in the fridge as a little snack during the day. Since my family is Greek I try to add a mediterranean twist to everything! I basically picked my top favorite things and added them to this salad. 

Today I teamed up with Barilla Pronto pasta to bring you a quick and easy mediterranean pasta salad.  This is my first experience using their Pronto line, and I picked my box up at Shoprite. They also have spaghetti, penne, elbows and linguini. (Right now you can buy any FOUR (4) Barilla® Pronto™ pasta products for $5.00 or $1.25 each available until 5/16/15 while supplies last.) I picked the rotini for this specific recipe because I love the spirals for a pasta salad. Since I love meal prepping, this is perfect for those of you who are on the go, or like to plan their meals for the week. This pasta tastes the best, the longer it sits! The flavors really soak up in the pasta once its made, and the italian flavors really come out! 

What you'll need:

• Barilla Pronto - Rotini
• Olive Oil
• Italian Salami
• Feta Cheese 
• Cucumber
• Tomatoes
• Diced Olives 
• Pepper & Salt

This pasta is amazing! Not only do you not have to wait for it to boil, but you also don't have to drain the water. It's awesome, and saves so much time. Here's how I made my pasta salad, and I hope you enjoy it!

Instructions:

1. Cook the barilla pronto pasta according to the box, and once it's finished put into a bowl and pour over your olive oil. Use as much or as little as you'd like, it's all about personal preference.

2. Chop your ingredients on the side and add your feta crumbles and then place in the refrigerator for approximately 4-6 hours. (The longer the better)

3. Serve cold. 

Healthy Living Recipes : Mango Salsa

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Del Monte, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #makemangosalsa http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

With Super Bowl around the corner it's important to create recipes that everyone can enjoy. My family usually throws our Super Bowl parties at home every year, and this year is no different. Although I spend my Super Bowl Sundays working, I always manage to bring snacks with me, or make snacks to add to the family fiesta that's going on at home. 

For me, time is of the essence. I like being able to have a recipe, that is quick and to the point. This recipe is the easiest salsa recipe you'll ever need. If you're like me and like to make a lot of appetizers for parties, you want to make sure that you keep some things simple. This recipe is simple, delicious and great for adults and kids alike. The best part is, it only takes two minutes to put together! 

For this 2 minute salsa recipe you'll need Del Monte diced mangos in light syrup and the Walmart brand (Great Value) chunky black bean & corn salsa. My secret ingredients are cilantro, lime juice, and extra black beans! It's super easy if you just chop everything up and mix together. Having the chunky salsa pre-made is a huge game changer when you're trying to make a quick recipe. I squeeze the juice of a whole lime into my mix, and I am ready to entertain!

Want to try the Del Monte Diced Mangos? Select Walmart locations are having samplings 1/22-1/25

With three young nephews it's hard to enjoy the football game without making sure the kids are spoken for as well. We have a playroom for them that's perfect for them to have their own little "Super Bowl" party. They've been dying to see the Book Of Life and since the DVD comes out the weekend before Super Bowl (1/27 at Walmart), I promised them they could watch it, while we all watch the game. The main character's name is Maria and everyone keeps telling me she looks like me too, which I think is pretty funny.

What will you be cooking this Super Bowl? Do you have little ones at home? If so, how do you plan on keeping them busy during the big day?

Making "Me" Time With My Favorite Magazines

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and PEOPLE®, PEOPLE StyleWatch® but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NewYearMeTime  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I think the most important thing that happens after the holidays for most of us is figuring out our goals, and redirecting our bad habits. For me, the new year provides a chance for a new set of inspiration and rebalancing my life. I find that a great deal of my inspiration comes right after the holidays and into the new year. I find my inspiration through the things around me, and this includes magazines, books, and of course pop culture. 

For as long as I can remember, I have turned to magazines for instant inspiration and motivation. Don't know what outfit to wear? gotta check my favorite magazines. Lost on what to make for dinner tonight? Quick and easy recipes, are in my favorite magazines. Who's wearing what, and who lost all that weight with a new fitness program...gotta check my magazines! I am pretty old school when it comes to the internet, as funny as that sounds. I would much rather read something and hold it in my hands, rather than browse through my phone or computer.

It's safe to say that this has been something I have done for years. It changed slightly when I started blogging, but overall I still have the same quirks. Two of my favorite magazines are PEOPLE® and PEOPLE StyleWatch®.  In January's edition of PEOPLE® I really loved their recipe section. Not only do they have recipes, they also have a section dedicated to throwing get togethers, and picking out the best decor for your home. These are all things I am always wanting to try, so I love their "Great Ideas" section. 

PEOPLE StyleWatch® is for the blogger in me. Sometimes the internet becomes too overwhelming for me, and I need separate time to devote to staying inspired. I like thinking outside the box and sometimes that includes gaining inspiration through celebrities, and of course seeing what's in right now as far as trends and style setters. This magazine is perfect for me when it comes to style inspiration. They really focus on trends while making sure the prices are perfect for any budget. Their sections help you make the perfect choice, and they collage everything so beautifully. They also spotlight celebrity style (this month is Taylor Swift) and show you how you can mimic specific outfits or trends the celebrity is wearing during certain times. 

For my two magazines I shopped at Walmart, and right now you can save $1 with this digital coupon available 1/14/15-2/16/15 (while supplies last). This coupon includes PEOPLE®, InStyle®, PEOPLE StyleWatch®, All You®, or Real Simple® magazine. 

What do you guys do to stay inspired, or gain any kind of inspiration in your own life? This year is focused around my goals and finding inspiration to make this happen. Making sure I have time to myself is become a number one priority nowadays. This includes making time for fitness, but also taking the time to prioritize my daily to-do's. We all need time to do the things we love, so it's important to make time!

The Perfect Top Knot

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Goody, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GoodyGorgeous http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Hey guys! I am so excited to team up with Goody and to share this easy top knot tutorial with you today! For a lady always on the go this look is perfect! I always find myself running out the door with no time to tame this crazy mane. A top knot is a fashionable and classy way to dress up a simple outfit. I love this look, especially when I am going shopping or heading to work. 

First, tie your hair up in a high ponytail using an elastic band. The Quikstyle Paddle brush is perfect for this look because it is great at removing the water out of wet hair fast. If you have a lot of hair (like me) you'll know how frustrating it is to wait for your hair to dry. It takes me a really long time to dry my hair and even blow-drying can be exhausting. The microfiber bristles keep the brush fresh, and the brush itself is lightweight which helps while styling.

Next start twisting your pony tail and wrap it around where you hair is tied. Once you've gone all the way around, start using your bobby pins to keep everything in place. Easy peasy right?

I also want to talk about the BOGO offer going on right now at Walgreens. Right now if you purchase the Goody Tanglefix you can get the Quikstyle hairbrush for free! The offer is going on until 11/01/2014 (while supplies last) and all you need to do is make sure that you have a Walgreens Balance Reward Card. All you have to do is sign up in store if you aren't a member already!

The TangleFix brush is perfect for tangles in your hair, and will help get all of them out! It helps eliminate knots and is 70% more gentle. This brush is perfect for kids and adults alike. Between the two of these brushes you can tackle all of the tangles your hair throws at you.

If you want to see some hair tutorials or to keep up with Goody, check out their tumblr.

Also be sure to follow Goody on Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest .