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Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Press Drive

July 29, 2012 By

A few weeks ago I attended the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class press drive in Santa Fe, New Mexico to learn more about their 2013 line of SUVs that will have Moms everywhere swooning over the safety, space and elegance. I will go into more detail about the specifics of the GL-class, but I first wanted to share a little about my time test driving in New Mexico.

This was my first time in the state and I was amazed at the landscape- far different from flat Iowa! We stayed at the beautiful Four Season’s Rancho Encantado which was a peaceful resort with no neighbors as far as the eye could see. We sure had a peaceful view, but our days were jam-packed with test driving the Mercedes SUV, the new GL-Class.

Our first morning involved a press briefing where we learned in detail about the new GL-class and heard from the CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, Steve Cannon.

From there we headed out on our own for the 3 hour trek to Taos Ski Valley, a ski resort in the beautiful New Mexican mountains. I was able to hop in a GL-350 with Zippy from Champagne Living and Liza from Buy-Her so you can imagine how fun our ride was.

We had a pit stop at Earthship, a community of radically sustainable buildings made with recyclable materials. This was a very interesting place and apparently there is at least one Earthship house in every state!

Liza was our driver up to Taos Ski Valley and let me tell you… this girl has no fear! Swerving around those twists, turns and gravel roads, we really got a feel for how equipped the GL-Class can handle rough terrain. Even though we were speeding around mountain corners and mud pits (true story!) the ride was one of the smoothest I’ve been on.

But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t the scariest! As you can see Zippy and I were holding on for dear life as the mountain road we were on looked right over a huge cliff!

We made our way to the Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant in Taos Ski Valley for some lunch and a break from driving. This was my first time at a ski resort and the view was stunning! I’m sure it looks even more breathtaking when it’s snow-covered.

The night ended with a relaxing dinner. Here are the few mom bloggers (in a sea of auto bloggers and magazine writers) that went on the press trip. (From left: Alicia from The Mommy Insider, Liza from Buy-Her, Me!, Zippy from Champagne Living, Stacie from The Divine Miss Mommy and Desiree from Stress Free Baby, not pictured)

It was an interesting experience for all of us Moms, being given the keys to a Mercedes for a 6 hour trip up mountains, around cliffs and through the gravel and mud. I think because we were thrown into this new experience we gained a greater knowledge of the car then if we were to be driving around a test track.

So stay tuned for my thoughts on the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class!

I was invited on an all-expense paid press trip to New Mexico to test drive the new GL-Class but received no compensation. Thoughts are my own.

Filed Under: Promotions, Reviews, Shopping, Travel 6 Comments

Birchbox Deluxe Beauty Sample Subscription Service

March 19, 2012 By

I saw talk of Birchbox on twitter and Pinterest and was intrigued. Birchbox is a subscription beauty box service that sends four to five deluxe beauty samples to your door each month for only $10. I wanted to try it out so I bought myself a three month gift subscription. Part of the excitement in receiving the beauty box each month is that it seems like every month is your birthday! Each box comes packaged beautifully with tissue paper and ribbon.

I typically don’t buy many beauty products, partly because I don’t spend a lot on myself and because I just don’t know what to buy. I’m not too beauty savvy and that’s the reason I like Birchbox.

For $10 a month I can try out all of these different beauty products and find out what products work best for me. Now, instead of going to the store and grabbing a full size (and full price) eyeshadow, face wash or other beauty product and hoping I like it, I can purchase full size products of those I know I like.

Here is my March box:

This month my box included:

  • Deborah Lippmann Stripper To Go (for removing glitter nail polish)
  • Orofluido Elixr (A hair serum that can help achieve a tousled look or a straight and sleek look)
  • Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser
  • Eye Rock Designer Liner
  • Hollywood Fashion Tape
  • Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien Perfume

I’m most excited to try the Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser because even though I’m out of those teenage years I still get stubborn acne.

I’m lovin’ my Birchboxes and I think I’ll buy myself another gift subscription! If you’d like to treat yourself or someone else to a Birchbox, you can sign up for a monthly subscription or a 3, 6, or 12 month gift subscription in which you pay up front.

You deserve it!

Filed Under: Beauty, Blog, Gift Ideas, Shopping 5 Comments

Fine Featherheads Clip-In Feather Extensions

March 13, 2012 By

I like how simple feathers can dress up a hairstyle and create a fun, interesting look. The feather trend started last year here in Iowa and I was a little bummed to find out everyone got theirs done in a salon. As a mom, extensions wouldn’t be a look I could wear everyday, but rather with certain outfits and hairstyles.

I was delighted to find Fine Featherheads- the original feather hair extensions that you may have seen in salons, now carries clip-in extensions. I can try out different styles and only wear them when the occasion is right, all without having to go to a salon.

I am wearing a Natural Quill clip which you can buy on Fine Featherheads’ website for $39.95. They also offer a shorter extension for $27.50. These feather extensions would be perfect for gifts and are a fun accessory to add to any look!

I received this product for review

Filed Under: Blog, Fashion, Gift Ideas, Shopping 6 Comments
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