And So It Goes - Movie Screening

I am a member of Gofobo.com, a site that offers it's users the opportunity to screen films prior to their release and requests reviews in return.

Photo used from Gofobo.com

I was not really excited for this film before going and didn't do much in terms of research on the film either. I suppose I was not disappointing by the film either but I really wasn't wooed by this retirement-age romance film.

The title of the film, “And So It Goes” seems to be a much intended hat tip to the inevitable detours and potholes of life, and the movie all but surrenders — to the kind of geriatric burlesque that seems to be the only game in town for stars of "Social Security age".

When we first meet him, Oren (Michael Douglas) is trying to unload his own estate before retiring — something that would please no one more than the fellow tenants of the lakeside fourplex where Oren lives. Among the residents is widowed lounge singer Leah (Diane Keaton.)

Orens own troubled relationship with son Cameron gives him an estranged adult son (Scott Shepherd), who turns up out of the blue on the eve of a nine-month prison sentence and asks Oren to take care of 10-year-old Sarah (Sterling Jerins), the granddaughter he didn’t know he had. And from there, you can imagine the rest of the film, Oren’s shriveled-up heart enlarges by the requisite two sizes, etc.

Watching “And So It Goes,” it's not hard to become bored with the film and it's easily replicated themes. Whenever the film feels like it might be on the verge of such a turn, it reliably opts for the cheap punch line or easy pathos. In all of the films 93 minutes, you never feel anything significant is at stake for anyone.

Cottonelle’s Summer Clean Care

Earlier this month I received a Cottonelle sample including:

• 3 on-the-go samples of their bum wipes
• 3 one dollar off coupons for Cottonelle products
• A four pack of their Clean Care toilet paper
• A full sized sample of their Cottonelle Fresh Care bum wipes

These samples came from Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site that I am a member of.  I was really excited to receive this sample and share opportunity because Cottonelle is a brand that I trust and I love their new #LetsTalkBums adverts and I was hoping to create my own buzz around the topic of clean bums. 

New sampling from Cowdtap and Cottonelle! My Instagram

In this sample and share opportunity, users were given these samples and asked to share the the on-the-go sized packs with two friends. Of course, being the savy sampler that I am I shared all three of the on-the-go packs with friends on the condition that they share their experiences with me. Why do I need to keep one for me when I get the real deal?

After having an opportunity to sample this amazing duo, I'm convinced. How could anything else work so well together? My bum has never felt so clean! I really liked that they leave you feeling much cleaner than just toilet paper.

These freshening cloths are an essential to any bathroom, as sometimes, toilet paper is simply not enough. These cloths are soft and wet and easy to use and even flushable -- with limits. It's recommended that you only flush one or two at a time. These cloths have chemicals as most products do these days but they have not irritated my bum and they are non-toxic.

Keeping it under the sink My Instagram

I love having this duo in my bathroom! The wipes have a great container that make it so only one comes out and make me feel very fresh down there. It's also nice that they are flushable, so they don't just sit in the bathroom trash can. I've even had guests comment on how great they are which seems like the ultimate good review!


These wipes are unlike other products that can be as dry and abrasive as twigs and leaves, Cottonelle moist wipes left me fresh, refreshed, and wanting for nothing! They're thicker, they're better cleaning, and they don't have the same tendency to break up while using them. From the bottom of my, well my bottom, I can't thank Cottonelle enough!

How do you feel about the Cottonelle clean care routine for clean bums? Post about them in the comments!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  

Kleenex brand tissues on-the-go packs

Earlier this week I received a sample of Kleenex brand tissues on-the-go packs from Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site. I was really excited to receive this sample and share opportunity because Kleenex is already a brand that I use and enjoy, so why not create more buzz for this great brand?

My Instagram

In this sample and share opportunity, users were given either a full box of Kleenex or an on-the-go pack, like I received and we were asked to make it a part of our home. So here's a picture of that first, but really.. Wouldn't it be so much more at home in somewhere that it can be on the go with me?

These tissues are in the perfect sized packaging to keep in your purse, pocket, bathroom, car, stroller, diaper bag, backpack, boat, really the possibilities are endless. 

The first tissue that you remove from the package can be a bit difficult to get out but, unlike the packaging of other brands or types of pocket packets of tissues, the fact that the package closes so well means that tissues won't fall out!

Not only does the durable plastic packaging and resealable flap keep the tissues clean and moisture out, the tissues do the same with your nose! 

Each flexible plastic package has fun designs on it, mine was a city scape but you can find them with patterns to fit any style!  Favorite color blue? There's designs in blue. Favorite pattern zig-zags? There's designs for that.

What else can I really say about Kleenex? They are the best, they are easy to put in your pocket or purse and are soft, reliable and just great. All-in-all I love this product and would highly recommended it to anyone who is on-the-go regularly, or isn't but loves cute packaging and could sometimes use a tissue!

Do you have uses for Kleenex other than blowing your nose? Cleaning your mirrors? Washing / drying your face? Removing makeup? Crafts? Post about them in the comments!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  

Kiss everlasting French Manicure

I was given the opportunity to try this product through the @Influenster #SpringVoxBox

I'm not usually one for fake nails, especially since I stopped biting my nails about a year and a half ago, but I really enjoyed sampling this product. It was a nice change of pace for me to not have to paint my nails for a while.

My Instagram

The package comes with about 22 nails in different sizes, numbered with a tab at the top that is. The number system makes it really easy to find the same size for on the other hand. The package also includes a small nail file (emery board), a small tube of nail glue, and a wooden cuticle stick.

The nails, themselves looked amazing on me and french tip nails were nice to have for a while too. With these nails, the white tip is fuzed with the base of the nail and not airbrushed on so there's no chipping at all! It also makes it easy to shine them up or buff the shine off of the nails. Also, getting a set of nails like this allows you to add your own colors on top and remove the colors again and again as acetone will not remove the white tip.

When I tried the product I read the directions carefully and applied the nails to my own but I accidentally used the wrong size on one nail and it was really uncomfortable. The directions for removing the nails were easy to follow as well and I just soaked and popped off the nail and reapplied a new one. That was one of my favorite parts about the nails, easy removal when I wanted it.

I have found since my first application that you should clean your natural nail with acetone before applying the nails to make sure the glue really holds and, though the directions say to use the glue sparringly, make sure that you cover your nail bed entirely with a good coat of the glue. If you do not use enough glue, it is possible to see air bubbles through the nail and there is a chance that they will pop off early.

The box says that the nails can be work for up to seven days (one week) and mind did just about that. Unfortunately, while I was out on a date, I scratched my head and a nail popped off and was lost forever. I was a bit embarrassed that one nail was now naked but a week was long enough for me. I'm going back to my natural nails now.

These nails would be perfect for a special event or a long weekend getaway, they're easy to apply, cheap to buy, and available in different designs too!

Begin Again - Movie Screening

I am a member of Gofobo.com, a site that offers it's users the opportunity to screen films prior to their release and requests reviews in return.

Before seeing this film, I did my research and looked for trailers as I had not heard anything about the film until I was invited to screen it. The trailers told a slightly different story but the film did not disappoint! I loved it!

Photo used from Gofobo.com

In New York city, Dan (Mark Ruffalo) stumbles into a bar, drunk after a long and trying day in which he loses his job. There she is, Greta (Keira Knightley), a songwriter whose music and singing do not evoke interest from the crowded bar. But the lyrics of a broken love affair speak directly to Dan's own life experiences. Dan tries to convince Greta into a record deal but her experiences with ex-boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) leave her hesitant.

Begin Again's story line was easy to follow and the broken love stories that were portrayed in both Greta and Dan's lives were easy to relate to. I was expecting amazing music from this film but I was blown away by every track. I surprised myself even with my interest in purchasing the sound track, something I have never done.

Not surprisingly, this film uses music to define a love that is platonic. On a bench, ear buds in and lost in the music, they forge an intimacy you can't pin down. Luckily, the love was nothing more than platonic and Ruffalo's marriage is saved, not sure I could handle seeing Knightley and Ruffalo together anyways. This film really wiggles it's way directly into your heart.

Actors: Keira Knightly, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Cathering Keener, James Corden, Ceelo Green , Aya Cash, Yasiin Bey, Hailee Steinfeld, Mos Def

Playtex® Sport® Fresh Balance™ - Regular Absorbancy

I was given the opportunity to try this product through the @Influenster #SpringVoxBox and @PlaytexSportandGentleGlide #PlayOn

Photo credit: Playtex

First of all, I'm REALLY not a fan of scented period protection. I understand the draw and I like the idea of a product being able to neutralize odors down there, but while I like the idea I also know that the additives that make that happen are not a good idea for use down there for me. And really.. It just smells weird and is usually too overpowering for my taste. 

My only other qualm with this product is that I received a regular absorbancy box while I generally use super tampons. Most companies only send samples of regular absorbancy because, I'm assuming, the majority of women use that size but it really ought to be an option to receive the super absorbancy ones. 

Even though I did not receive the size I usually use, I was surprised at how well they worked, even for my heavy flow! While I found myself changing my tampon far more frequently, I did not feel as if it was leaking and didn't ruin a single pair of panties!

The best feature of these tampons is the 360 degree protection which allows the tampon to really conform to fit you. It protects leakage even if you're out running or playing sports like I often do. My period shouldn't slow me down and this product really helps me make sure that doesn't happen. 

I really liked the plastic contour applicator for these tampons as it was comfortable and easy to use, I know that the cardboard applicators are better for the environment but they're uncomfortable and difficult for me to use.

To read more reviews on this product visit their Facebook Reviews Page.