A Journey With Jenna

Always take the scenic route

My Experience Whitening My Teeth with Smile Brilliant Plus a Giveaway!

Read through to the end of this post for details on how to win your own whitening kit!

When Smile Brilliant reached out to partner with me, I was excited to give their at-home teeth whitening kit a try! While I had used popular drugstore teeth whitening strips in the past, they always made my teeth really sensitive, and the minimal results I was getting just weren’t worth the sensitivity, so I gave up on them a while back. Smile Brilliant assured me that they have kits that help with sensitivity and that I would be happy with my results, and they were right!

So, why did I even decide to try teeth whitening again? Well, as we age, our teeth naturally become less white. Factor that in, along with the fact that I drink coffee nearly every day now (I didn’t up until I started working at my current job), but I do limit myself to only one cup and I like a good amount of cream in it. I also tend to eat foods that stain teeth, like blueberries and beets. So, I wanted to see if Smile Brilliant could brighten my smile!

Smile Brilliant mailed a kit to me that includes everything needed for the entire process. When it arrived, I got to work making my impressions for my custom trays. They give you simple instructions on how to do it and some extra material in case you need to re-do one. I did have to re-do the mold for my top teeth because I still have my wisdom teeth and didn’t get back quite far enough when I made my first mold. But it wasn’t a big deal. I popped my impressions in the pre-paid mailer they sent and shipped them off. Their lab sent my custom trays to me within a week or so, and then I was ready to begin whitening.

First, I had to brush my teeth with water only and floss, then I put the whitening gel in my trays and popped them in for about an hour. You can leave them in up to three hours, or do a little less than an hour, but I found that an hour, or slightly over worked best for me without causing too much sensitivity. After removing the trays, I rinsed my mouth and dried my trays. I then put the desensitizing gel in them and popped them back in my mouth for about 30 minutes. After that, I took them out and went to bed. You don’t want to rinse or eat or drink after the process, so it’s best to do it at night time.

The great thing about this kit is that there’s no slippage while you’re whitening because the trays are custom made to fit your teeth, unlike conventional whitening strips. I started seeing results after just a few treatments. I spaced my whitening sessions out and did them every other night or every couple of nights, depending on how my teeth felt. What little bit of sensitivity I had was very minor. Basically, I would only feel it if I breathed in sharply through my mouth, but I had no issues eating or drinking hot or cold things.

I loved that I could be multi-tasking while I whitened my teeth. And I still have enough of the gels to continue whitening. I’m planning to give it another go after a few months to maintain the progress I’ve already made. See photos for my before and after.

Before

After

If you have any questions about Smile Brilliant at all, please leave me a comment or reach out to me with anything. You can also check out these FAQs. I would definitely recommend this kit to others and am so glad I gave it a try!

As a bonus, you can enter to win your own Smile Brilliant whitening kit here! And even if you don’t win, you will receive an additional discount just for entering. You can also get 15% off an order by using my code: ajourneywithjenna15

How Much Is Teeth Whitening

Blueberry Muffins

I have been using this base muffin recipe for the past few months and have made carrot nut muffins, blueberry muffins, and peach muffins. So, feel free to switch out the blueberries for whatever you like, or do like me and try several different kinds!

This recipe is really easy, healthy, and even vegan! It makes 6 muffins, but you can also double the recipe to make a dozen.

Ingredients
1 C all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 C maple syrup
1/2 C milk (I use almond milk)
3 Tbs. peanut butter or other nut butter, like almond
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 medium ripe banana, mashed
3/4 C blueberries

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray (you only need to spray half the tin for 6 muffins).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
3. Next, mash your banana in a large bowl.
4. Add maple syrup, almond milk, peanut butter, and vanilla to the mashed banana and whisk together until smooth.
5. Stir in the mixture of dry ingredients – careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the blueberries.
7. Spoon batter into 6 muffin cups (they will be pretty full).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. For me, 24 minutes is just right, but it will depend on your oven.
9. Let cool slightly and enjoy!

4 Things Friday (May 1, 2020)

We’ve made it to a new month! I hope everyone is doing okay with life at home. I know it’s probably not the popular opinion, but I have been just fine with things. I actually really like being at home and have enjoyed having more time to do things I normally can’t. Not having to commute to and from work every day has helped significantly with that! Anyway, I thought it was time to share 4 things I’m loving right now, and they’re all things perfect for quarantine life:

  • Misfits Market. I had been wanting to try this service for a while, but I’ve also always liked picking out my own produce. So when quarantine hit, I signed up since I knew I wouldn’t be going into any grocery stores. All their produce is organic and the boxes are very reasonably priced. I get the smaller box for 1-2 people and I receive it every week. With the shipping, it costs me $27.50. I have not had anything that wasn’t good, and it’s been fun receiving things I normally wouldn’t buy. I can also say that I eat lots of veggies, and this is still way more than enough for a week! If you’re interested in checking it out, I have a code for 25% off your first box: COOKWME-HP0JMT.
  • Kindle Paperwhite. I used to read a lot as a child, but of course when life gets busy, it’s hard to find the time. I decided I wanted to read more during quarantine, so I got a Kindle Paperwhite. What I love about it is that I can check out books for free through my library, even new releases, and I can request books, too. Sometimes there is a wait, but it lets you know how long. You don’t have to have a Kindle to use this service if your library offers it (and most do). You can also read on your phone or iPad. I just prefer the Kindle since it’s easier on my eyes. Most libraries use the Libby or Overdrive app, so check those out!
  • Magnolia Table, Volume 2. This cookbook is so good! I’m a huge fan of Joanna Gaines, and everything she does is great, but the recipes in this cookbook are even better than her first, in my opinion. I’ve already made her macaroni salad twice!
  • Copycat Starbucks medicine ball drink. I’ve been making these as a pick-me-up in the afternoon sometimes, and I think they taste better than Starbucks. Just pour 1/2 C hot lemonade (I like Hubert’s because it has a lot less sugar) and 1/2 C hot water over a cup with two teabags in it – one bag of Teavana jade citrus mint and one bag of Teavana peach tranquility. They squeeze a drop of honey in and stir.

That’s all for now. I hope everyone has a great weekend. I’m planning to make homemade tomato soup and get some cleaning done. Thanks for following along, and I’ll see you back here soon!

4 Things Friday (March 13, 2020)

Happy Friday, the 13th! It’s been a while since I’ve posted and I’m well overdue. I’m sure everyone else has had a busy start to the year, too. Are you sick of hearing about the Coronavirus yet? I know I am, so let’s get to the good stuff! Here are 4 things I’m currently loving:

  • Sticky sesame cauliflower. If you love Chinese food, but don’t want to get takeout right now (cough, cough), this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie will satisfy your craving. I thought it was actually better than what you could find in a restaurant, and it was so simple and healthy, too!
  • Aha sparkling water. I’ve mentioned before how I liked the Bubly sparkling water, but now there’s a new can in town. Aha was just released to stores last week, and as soon as I saw it, I grabbed some. It’s made by Coca-Cola and all the flavors are combinations, which I really like! I’ve tried three kinds so far and they’re all really good.
  • Glass food storage containers. I ordered these from Amazon to replace my plastic containers, and I really like them. The set includes 12 containers and 12 lids, all different sizes and shapes. They’re BPA-free and oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, but I’ve been hand washing the lids just so they don’t get misshapen from the heat of the dishwasher.
  • Easter kitchen towels. I picked up the cutest kitchen towels at Target and have already had them out for a couple weeks now. Hard to believe, but Easter is just a month away!

Stay healthy, drink lots of water and enjoy your time at home if you’re planning to hole up and avoid germs like I am. Have a great weekend, and thanks for following along!

4 Things Friday (January 10, 2020)

I hope everyone’s New Year is off to a great start! It’s been a while since I shared some of my favorites, so I thought I’d jump right in and do that now! Here are 4 things I’m currently loving:

  • Virgin River. If you have Netflix, you HAVE to watch this! I’m not a big tv or movie person, but I got hooked into this show a week ago and have already almost finished the series, which is huge for me! It’s already been renewed for a second season, if that tells you anything, and it was just released last month.
  • Mediterranean quinoa and kale salad. We had the Panera version of this salad catered in at work a couple months ago and I thought it was amazing, so of course I set out to find a copycat version I could make at home. This recipe from Greens & Chocolate is spot on! It has become my new favorite salad and it holds up really well! I can make it on the weekend and eat on it for lunches all week!
  • Primally Pure charcoal deodorant. It took me a while to find a natural deodorant that I liked, and I’m a tough test subject because I sweat profusely, and I do mean that literally! I actually have hyperhydrosis, so I didn’t think any of these natural deodorants would work for me, but this one passed the test. I’ve been using it for a couple months now and just ordered my second one.
  • The Shop Forward Australia fire relief efforts. I’ve shared about The Shop Forward several times before, and I’m sharing once again because they just released some cute new products, and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these products will go to help Australian fire relief efforts. It’s so sad to see what the Australians are going through, and they really need help!

I hope everyone had a great first full week of the New Year! It was like reality set in this week and it seems like a long stretch ahead before any more time off, but at least the week seemed to go quickly for me anyway! Enjoy the weekend, and thanks for following along!

Spokane, Washington

Washington is one of the prettiest states I’ve been to, so I’m really excited to share about Spokane in the eastern part of the state. I’ve not been specifically to this area, but that’s where Laurel from Darn Good Veggies comes in. Laurel is one of my favorite food bloggers. In fact, I just made her Italian Balsamic Vegetable Soup over the weekend, and it was amazing! I asked Laurel all about Spokane, the area where she’s from, and she had so many great things to share!

Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Laurel Perry and I am a Washington native! I own several businesses. I have an online food blog, a line of lemonades, and a creative agency where I create video and photo for fellow bloggers and companies. I’m married, and my husband and I have a sweet 9 month old baby boy and an Australian Shepherd. 

How long have you lived in Washington?
My whole life! Minus the two years I lived in San Diego.

What do you like best about living there?
I love that I am close to family and that there are four seasons. Washington is also so incredibly beautiful, and a lot of areas are still uncrowded.

What area would you recommend people stay in? Any certain hotels?
The Davenport is my go-to. It is an old hotel in the heart of downtown Spokane. It was about to be torn down when an area investor purchased it and restored it to its former glory.

What are your favorite restaurants in the area?
Where do I start?!?! I have so many favorites:

  • Zona Blanca  – a fast-casual, counter-service Mexican ceviche bar
  • Wild Sage – locally sourced, award-winning cuisine
  • Mizuna – seasonal, locally sourced Northwest cuisine
  • Luna – locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine
  • Veracci Pizza – gourmet, wood-fired pizza
  • Queen of Sheeba – Ethiopian cuisine
  • Indaba – coffee

Where are your favorite outdoor spots?
I love Riverside State Park (pictured below) for great hiking with beautiful river views; Manito Park for a nice stroll and beautiful gardens; and the Centennial Trail at Kendall Yards for city views.

How about if the weather is bad – what indoor places do you enjoy?
It depends on what you consider “bad.” We get a lot of snow in eastern Washington, but we tend to embrace it and go outside anyway! If you do want to stay cozy indoors, we love going to coffee shops. There are some amazing spots in the area that roast their own beans. Indaba, Vessel, and Thomas Hammer are our go-tos.

If you had visitors coming to town, what’s the first place you would take them?
Out to eat! 

Let’s say you want to get out of town for the day. Where would you go for a short drive’s day trip?
There are so many amazing lakes within a short distance just over the state line in Idaho! Coeur d’Alene Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, and Priest Lake are my favorites. Palouse Falls (in Washington) is also a short drive and is a nearly 200-foot waterfall. 

Thanks so much to Laurel for sharing all the best things in Spokane! It truly looks like a winter wonderland, and the food scene sounds incredible! I basically want to try every restaurant on the list, go hiking at Riverside State Park, and visit all the lakes in nearby Idado!