Saturday, February 28, 2015

Unboxing....Beauty Joy Box February 2015

Last month I learned about a subscription box that comes with 1 hand-curated jewelry item, 1 full-size beauty item & 2 - 3 deluxe samples. This is one of the newer subscription boxes & I just signed up in late-January so this is my first box. I've been really excited waiting for it to arrive because.....it's got jewelry!!

The first thing I see when I open the box is the card with the product information and prices. I picked it up & saw that the products are wrapped in tissue paper with a fleur de lis pattern. So cute!

I think all of these boxes are the same for everyone, but for those who are not familiar with this box or are not subscribers, here is what came in this box:

LipFusion Micro-Collagen Color Shine Lip Plumper in Fresh (Full Size) $38

Silver Plated Heart Locket Necklace from Pearls For Girlz on Etsy.com $20

Alexandra de Markoff Balancing Cleanser (0.5 fl oz) $3

Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer in Pink Peonies & Pears (1 fl oz) $1.75

The value of the items in this box is $62.75. The cost of this subscription is $15 per month & can be cancelled at any time before you are billed for the following month. Billing is done on the 1st of the month. Shipping is free for the U.S. & $5 for Canada.

So. I'm happy with the contents of my first box! I'm going to use all of the beauty products & I'll put photos of myself & my husband in the locket. I just wish the box that it comes in was a bit nicer or prettier like some of the others. 

I can't wait to see what comes next month!





Westminster Wall Clock, London (UK) Edition Review + GIVEAWAY! #Homaste

We moved into our house just over 5 years ago & I will admit that I'm not the best at making decisions about home decor. I love too much stuff! So I can never decide what I want on my walls. I've got photos, artwork & wall hangings but I've never put up a clock. I've looked at a LOT of clocks but just never could decide which one was THE one. So I jumped on the opportunity to review this Westminster Wall Clock, London (UK) Edition because I loved the look of it.


I don't really know what my decorating "style" is. I just want my home to be comfortable, casual & welcoming. So I buy things that I love to look at, make me happy & at least fit with the colors that are already in the room. And I like that way this clock looks!

It has a big over-sized face with Roman numerals that are very easy to see, even from the other side of the room. It has beautiful Victorian details. The face is made of glass & the case looks like wood but is actually a very lightweight material that is painted to look like wood. I was really surprised when I unwrapped it & felt how light it really is. It looks like it would be much heavier. But that's the great part! I don't need any heavy-duty hanger to put this clock on the wall. It can be hung with just a nail & anchor if you're hanging it on sheetrock. If you're nailing it into a stud, then all you need is the nail. Hanging instructions are included in the box.


Okay. Now is when I admit that my clock is not yet on the wall. We're repainting our living room so I am waiting until that project is finished to find the perfect place to hang it. Right now it is just propped up on the top of our piano. But it still looks great!


I really love the look of the clock face (sorry, that's the reflection of our ceiling fan in the photo). It's a warm beige instead of stark white like so many clocks that I've looked at. The hands & case are nicely detailed. It runs on 1 AA battery (not included) & is easy to set with a dial on the back of the clock. It has a nice quiet "tick" that is really quite comforting but not noticeable unless the house is quiet.

So. Here is what I think about the Westminster Wall Clock, London (UK) Edition: I think this is a beautiful clock. It is a really nice size & is going to look even better once it's actually on my wall! I love the design & style even though I don't have another Victorian piece in my home. It just blends in with my colors & makes me feel happy when I look at it.

So. Would you love to have one in your house?? One of my readers is going to win one!

GIVEAWAY RULES
You must be 18+ in order to win.
This contest is open only to Residents of the U.S.
This Giveaway will end on March 15.
One winner will be randomly chosen & will be notified by email.
The winner will have 24 hours to respond with their shipping information.
The prize will be shipped by the sponsor. I am not responsible for shipping.

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Homaste

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own.

NaturaliDerm Organic Facial Moisturizer Review #NaturaliDerm

Our weather here in North Texas has gotten a lot colder this past week & my skin always pays the price when the cold winds start to blow. We have the heater turned warmer in our home & the air is drier so my skin gets drier. So it has been the perfect couple of weeks to try NaturaliDerm Organic Facial Mosturizer.


This moisturizer comes in a 1.7 ounce pump bottle with silver accents. I like the pump because I can control the amount of product that is dispensed so I don't waste any. The information on the box shows that the key ingredients in this moisturizer are Aloe Barbadensis to hydrate & restore skin moisture, Witch Hazel for tightening pore size, Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter to seal in moisture & D-Panthenol for skin conditioning & moisturizing.


This white lotion is rich, creamy & just what I need for colder weather. It has a subtle earthy scent & goes on smoothly. It absorbs quickly, does not feel greasy & works well even under makeup. I apply this moisturizer every morning after I have cleansed my face & applied a serum. I apply again every evening after I have washed my face & wear it while I sleep so my skin still feels hydrated the next morning. I have not had any irritation or redness from using this product. I have combination skin & it does not clog my pores or make my face feel oily.

This moisturizer does not contain any parabens, artificial color or artificial fragrance.

So. Here is what I think about NaturaliDerm Organic Facial Moisturizer: I like to use a moisturizer that is a bit heavier during cold months. This one is just what my face needs without feeling greasy or sticky. I like that my face feels hydrated even when I wake up in the mornings. I like that my skin looks & feels softer.

And this is one of my favorite things about this product....it's Made in the U.S.A.!

So. Bottom line. If you need a moisturizer that will keep your skin moisturized & feeling soft all day & all night, you should try this one. If you're not happy with the product, the company offers a 60-day money back guarantee.

This moisturizer can be purchased on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Facial-Moisturizer-Natural-Anti-Aging/dp/B00LTU134W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425095182&sr=8-1&keywords=naturaliderm+organic+facial+moisturizer

#NaturaliDerm

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own.

Friday, February 27, 2015

March Free Stuff Giveaways at Allure

It's giveaway time again! The March Free Stuff Giveaways at Allure start on Monday! Here is what you could win this month:







Monday, March 2nd: Jergens Natural Glow
Instant Sun in Deep Bronze















Tuesday, March 3rd: Soap & Glory
Pillow Plump in Nude In Town












Wednesday, March 4th: Rene Furterer Okara
Radiance Enhancing Shampoo













Thursday, March 5th: Revlon Gold Series
Lighted Tweezer





So be sure to go the Allure Free Stuff page at Noon ET each day to submit the form for your chance to win these great products. The first 500 to sign up each day will win! This is a great way to get to try new beauty products.

I'm ready! I hope we all win some new beauty products. Good Luck!

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Unboxing....Ipsy Glam Bag February 2015 #februaryglambag #ipsy

My very first Ipsy Glam Bag arrived about a week ago! I signed up too late to receive the January bag so I feel like I've been waiting FOREVER for this to arrive. I was excited to open the bright pink envelope to see what was inside.


I know that all of these bags are different & I love seeing what everyone else gets so I'm going to show you what I got.


This is my first Ipsy bag so I expected this card to have the product descriptions like the other subscription boxes that I have gotten. But it did have information about a chance to win a one-year subscription to the Glam Bag. I'm in!

So here are the products that I received:


Luxie Beauty Rose Gold Large Angled Face Brush and Pencil Me In Natural Eye Liner Pencil in Amethyst.


Cargo Cosmetics Mini Lip Gloss in Anguilla, ModelCo Blush Cheek Powder in Peach Bellini & EvaNYC Up All Night Volumizing Spray.


Here's a close-up of the lip gloss.







And a close up of the cheek powder.

I'm pretty excited about getting to try all of these products. They are all new to me! The face brush is sooooo soft & should be perfect for applying bronzer or blush. And the Peach Bellini blush is just my color! I love soft peach hues that go nicely with my skin tone. The lip gloss is pinker than I usually wear but will be a nice change of pace for Spring. I've never used a volumizing spray but I've got really fine hair that could use some volume so I'll give it a try. The only thing I'm not too sure about is the Amethyst eye liner pencil. But I'll try anything once!

And the makeup bag that all of this came in is really cute. I like the pink & gray pattern. I have a lot of makeup bags already but I'm sure I'll find a use for this one. I rarely get rid of one. Which is why I have so many....

So I feel like this was $10 well spent. I can't wait until next month!

What did you get in your Ipsy Glam Bag??


So. Here is what I think about....Activated Charcoal Konjac Sponge from La Lune Naturals #lalunenaturals

I have used a Konjac Sponge before but I've never had one with Activated Charcoal, which I have learned is to help the pH balance of your skin. So I was anxious to see what the Activated Charcoal Konjac Sponge from La Lune Naturals would do for my skin.


One of the things that I like about this company is that you get two sponges in each box. I keep one of them in the shower & the other one hanging near the bathroom sink. So I've always got a sponge handy whether I'm washing my face first thing in the morning or later in the day when I'm showering.


Since I've used a Konjac Sponge before, I already knew that they would look & feel like a piece of styrofoam when I took them out of the plastic. But all you have to do is soak them in warm water for about 30 - 60 seconds & they will plump up to feel really soft. Then just press it between your palms to squeeze the excess water out of the sponge & you're ready to use it.


You can see that the sponge is a bit over an inch thick & about 2 inches wide. It fits right into the palm of my hand. It feels really good when I massage my face & does not cause any of the redness or irritation like those gritty exfoliating scrubs. I have somewhat sensitive skin but have not experienced any problems at all from using this product. It makes my face feel really soft & smooth.

I sometimes use my regular cleanser along with the sponge but I have found that I don't need to use as much as I normally use. When I am finished, I just rinse the sponge, press it again between my palms to squeeze out the water & then hang it up on the suction cup hook that is included in the box.

The manufacturer's information says that this sponge is made from 100% Konjac Powder with added Bamboo Charcoal. That is the entire ingredient list! They recommend that the sponges be sanitized every 2 to 3 weeks. This can be done by placing them in water & microwaving for about 1 minute. The sponges should be replaced every 2 to 3 months.

So. Here is what I think about the Activated Charcoal Konjac Sponge: I like that these sponges are made from the sustainable konjac plant, are chemical-free & vegan. I like the way the sponge feels on my face & the way my face feels after I use it. I like that it can be sanitized to prolong its use so that I only need to replace it every few months.

And I love that this product is cruelty-free & biodegradable!

So. Bottom line. If you have combination skin like I do, the activated charcoal in these sponges will help balance your pH level & control breakouts. If you've never tried a Konjac Sponge, I think you will really like them.

You can find this product on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lune-Naturals-Activated-Charcoal-Cleansing/dp/B00LTEBEYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424967521&sr=8-1&keywords=la+lune+naturals+charcoal+konjac+sponge

#lalunenaturals

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

So. Here is what I think about....Air Comfy Travel Pillow from Travel Light #AirComfyTravel

It was just last November that I took my very first overseas flight. It was miserable! I thought that I was ready for it until I saw how small the seats back in the Poor Folks section actually are. They definitely were not designed with any sort of comfort in mind! But I thought I would be okay because I had bought one of those U-shaped pillows for my husband & myself so we could sleep. I was wrong! When the pillow was around my neck, it pushed my head forward & made my back ache. When I put it behind me to support my lower back, it pushed my back out too far & made my neck & shoulders ache.

I wish I had this Air Comfy Travel Pillow when we took that trip! But the next time I'm on an airplane, I will definitely have this one with me.


It comes packed inside of a drawstring pouch with an attached carabiner so that you can clip it right onto your carry-on bag so that you don't risk losing it in the airport. It is very light & not bulky at all.


I opened the pouch to see what the travel pillow looks like. It is tightly rolled up to fit into the pouch, so I unrolled it. On one end is the air valve that will self-inflate the pillow.


And there is an elastic band attached to the back of the pillow so that you can slip it over the back of the seat or headrest to keep the pillow in place.


I opened the air valve & the pillow self-inflated. I like that this pillow can be adjusted to your own comfort. If you like it a bit less firm, just open the valve & squeeze some of the air out. If you want it firmer, just blow more air in through the valve. Then when are ready to store it again, just open the valve & start rolling the pillow from the opposite side until all of the air is out. Then close the valve to lock it & put the travel pillow back in the pouch. If it ever needs to be cleaned, you can just wipe it with a damp cloth.

I've used this pillow a lot since I've had it. I use it for lower back support when I sit at the computer for extended periods of time or when I'm driving a long time in the car. If I'm the passenger on those drives, I attach it to my headrest so I can relax & maybe have a nap. I use it for my neck & shoulders when we're sitting at home on the couch watching a movie marathon. This pillow comes in really handy in a lot of everyday situations, not just travel.

So. Here is what I think about the Air Comfy Travel Pillow: I like that this pillow self-inflates & is adjustable. I like the elastic band that holds the pillow in place. I love the attached carabiner because I'm the worst at laying something down & walking away without it. I like that this pillow supports my head & neck but doesn't keep me as immobile as those other travel pillows - I like to be able to turn my head from side to side & chat with my seatmates & this pillow allows that.

And I like that the company backs this product with a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

So. Bottom line. If you've tired of those "other" travel pillows that make you feel like your head is in a whiplash collar & you can't look from side to side, then this low-profile travel pillow is what you need. I wish I had known about this before I endured my long flight, but I'm ready now!

You can buy this travel pillow on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/AirComfy-Travel-Pillow-Inflatable-Lightweight/dp/B00NRA8RZA/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424906124&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=Air+Comfy+Travel+Pillos

#AirComfyTravel

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own.



Monday, February 23, 2015

So. This time it's a Product Review....plus a GIveaway!! Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream


I'm so excited to be hosting my first Giveaway!! Anavita offered me the chance to test & review their Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream plus one of my readers will have the chance to win a jar of this wonderful cream.


This product is a bit heavier than the creams that I normally use, but it is Winter so a thicker moisturizer is what my skin needs during these colder months. And this product is made in Canada so they know something about cold weather!

This Anti-Wrinkle Cream comes in a 1.7 fluid ounce jar. It can be used both morning & night after cleansing. Just massage it gently onto your face & neck until it absorbs. It only takes a dab about as big as a pencil eraser to cover my entire face & neck so this jar will last quite a long time.


This cream goes on smoothly & has just a faint floral scent which is really nice. It absorbs quickly & does not feel sticky or greasy. I have somewhat sensitive combination skin & the last thing I want is to use a product that makes my face oily. This one does not. It makes my skin feel smooth & soft. As of the time that I am writing this, I've only been using this cream for a week so I'm not seeing drastic results yet, nor did I expect to in this short time. But my skin definitely feels more hydrated & not dry from the effects of the dry winter air.

Some will see results from this product in as little as 2 weeks, but most will experience results after about 4 weeks of use & some not until 10 or 12 weeks. Everyone's skin is different & so everyone will not have the same results. But you will see them if you continue using this cream!

Anavita is not only going to give one lucky reader their own jar of Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream, but is also providing everyone else with a $5 discount coupon which can be applied at checkout on Amazon.

Use this code: FEBBAC28 when you purchase right here on Amazon. This code expires on March 22, 2015.

So. Are you ready to win?

GIVEAWAY RULES
You must be 18+ in order to win.
This contest is open only to Residents of the U.S., Puerto Rico & U.S. Territories.
This Giveaway will end on March 10.
One winner will be randomly chosen & will be notified by email.
The winner will have 24 hours to respond with their shipping information.
The prize will be shipped by the sponsor. I am not responsible for shipping.

GOOD LUCK!

Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own.

So. Here is what I think about....Adeline Anti-Aging Moisturizer #adeline

Adeline Beauty is a brand that I had never tried until I had the opportunity to review their Anti-Aging Moisturizer. My skin begs for extra moisturizing during these colder winter months so this was the perfect time to try a new product.


I like the packaging for this moisturizer. It comes in a 1 ounce pump container with silver accents. It is made with Matrixyl, Witch Hazel, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C & Vitamin E to reduce fine lines & wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. And I don't know any woman who doesn't want to look younger!


I have been using this product twice each day after I wash my face & apply a serum. It is a light silky lotion that feels really cooling when I apply it to my face & neck. And it has a great peppermint scent which I love! It absorbs quickly & there is no sticky or greasy feeling. The main reason that I have stopped using some other moisturizers is that they feel heavy & greasy on my skin after applying & seem to never absorb completely.

This moisturizer is good for all skin types. I have combination skin & it doesn't irritate or cause any redness. It feels a bit tingly for about a minute after I use it which tells me that it must be working. And it only takes one pump of this product to completely cover my face & neck so this will last me for quite a while.

So. Here is what I think about Adeline Anti-Aging Moisturizer: I like how silky smooth it feels on my face & how soft & smooth my face feels after I apply. I love the scent. I like that it doesn't leave my skin feeling oily or greasy.

And it's Made in the U.S.A.!

So. Bottom line. If you're not getting the results that you're looking for with the anti-aging products or moisturizer that you are using, you should give this one a chance. It might be just what you are looking for! And if you don't think it's awesome, this company backs this product with a 100% Money Back Guarantee!

Here is where you can get one for yourself on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Anti-Aging-Moisturizer-Cream-Antioxidants/dp/B00KVEEVNW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424716441&sr=8-1&keywords=adeline+anti-aging+moisturizer

#adeline

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own.

Friday, February 20, 2015

So. Here is what I think about....Stretch Marks & Scar Defense Cream from Body Merry #bodymerry

I'm a fan of the skincare products from Body Merry. When I have the chance to try any of them, I am more than happy to do so. This time I got to try their Stretch Marks & Scar Defense Cream. And the company also sent along a second product for me to try. I also received their Pro-A Serum. But first let me tell you about the Stretch Marks & Scar Defense Cream. I've not used a product like this before & wasn't sure what it would do for my rather old stretch marks. Or the scars from a childhood bike wreck. Or my scar from my tubal ligation. But I was willing to try. Most of us have stretch marks or, even if you've never had kids, at least have a scar of some sort whether it is from surgery or an accident.


This comes in a 4 fluid ounce container. It is intended to fight stretch marks & scars with a unique hydrating formula made with wonderful things like Organic Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Pure Plant Oils & Vitamins E, C, B3 & B5. It will nourish your skin to visibly reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks & scars.


It is a white cream that has a wonderful earthy scent. The directions say to gently massage this cream onto clean & dry skin until it is completely absorbed. Once it dries, there is no sticky or greasy feeling. I use this cream twice each day on both my stretch marks & old scars. I've used it for about 3 weeks now & they seem to have faded a bit & I am hoping that, with continued use of this cream, they will continue to fade.

The other product that I used is the Pro-A Serum which is 2.5% Retinol serum to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, along with Hyaluronic Acid for hydration & Green Tea antioxidants. It is in a 1 fluid ounce amber dropper bottle.


This is a product that I use every morning after I have washed my face & used a toner. Then I use it again in the evening after I have washed my face before going to bed. It is a cloudy serum with a subtle scent that I like. I use it all over my face & neck areas. It feels soft & smooth when I apply it & absorbs quickly & feels dry with no stickiness. I have somewhat sensitive combination skin & have not experienced any irritation or redness using this serum.


So. Here is what I think about these two skincare products from Body Merry: This is a brand that I trust & I love their skincare line. I like that these products make my skin feel so soft. I like that these products do not contain any harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates or phthalates.

And you probably get tired of hearing me say it, but I always love when products are cruelty-free and Made in the U.S.A.!

So. Bottom line. Whether you're looking to reduce the appearance of stretch marks or a scar or the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, then one of these products is for you. And Body Merry offers a 90-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on all of its products. So you've got nothing to lose!

You will find both of these products available on Amazon.

Stretch Marks & Scar Defense Cream: http://www.amazon.com/Stretch-Marks-Cream-Prevention-Guaranteed/dp/B00OTZ28DE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Pro-A Serum: http://www.amazon.com/Retinol-Serum-ANTI-WRINKLE-Hyaluronic-Satisfaction/dp/B00NQGWFCQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424389311&sr=8-1&keywords=body+merry++pro-A+serum

#bodymerry

I received these products in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I personally use & believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own.

So. Here is what I think about....BrightBulb Dimmable LED Bulb #BB13WDIM1

I'm not a big fan of those new CFL light bulbs. You know those curlicue bulbs that get bright gradually? We had some but I've gone back to the good old light bulbs that I'm used to. I know they aren't good for the environment & they don't last as long, but I can see when they're on! But when I read about this BrightBulb Dimmable LED Bulb, I thought I'd give it a try. My husband & I have looked at LED light bulbs in the home improvement stores but, even though I know they will eventually be cost effective, I just don't want to pay that much for a light bulb.


I have tried this bulb in one of the floor lamps in our living room, the bedside table lamp in the bedroom & in the light fixture in the laundry room. In the living room & laundry room, it replaced a regular incandescent light bulb. In the bedroom, it replaced a CFL bulb which I already hated. In each room that I tried this bulb, I liked the warm light that it put out much better than what was already there.

Now, I don't know a lot about light bulbs or wattage or lumens or how long they are supposed to last, but what I do know is that this light gets bright as soon as I turn it on. I don't have to wait for it to "warm up" like those CFL bulbs. And it doesn't get hot like the incandescent bulbs. And this LED bulb is dimmable! That was another thing that I didn't like about the CFL bulbs, that I couldn't use them in a room that has a dimmer.

So. Here is what I think about the BrightBulb Dimmable LED Bulb: It works! I like that it comes on brightly as soon as I flip the light switch or turn on the lamp. I like the amount of light that it puts out. I like the way it looks.

So. Bottom line. If you're like me & just can't see spending a whole lot of money on LED light bulbs even though deep down you know you should, then try this one. It's reasonably priced & come with a 100% No-Questions-Asked Lifetime Warranty.

Here is where you can purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/LED-BrightBulb-LightBulbs-Efficiency-Incandescent/dp/B00JPN54Z4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#productDetails

#BB13WDIM1

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I use personally & believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own.

So. Here is what I think about....Day By Day Beauty Luxury Facial Blotting Papers #beautytips

I have combination skin so I'm always looking for a new & better way to control the oiliness & shine that appears like clockwork when the weather gets warmer or the humidity goes up. I've used some facial blotting papers in the past but have never found any that are my favorites. So when Day By Day Beauty offered me the chance to try their Luxury Facial Blotting Papers, I was ready!


When they arrived, I opened the package to check out the actual papers. These are 100% natural fiber. The ones I had been using felt more like a thin plastic sheet. These feel thin but sturdy, not flimsy.


Even though it is winter, here in Texas we have a lot of warm days. Even though we're expecting freezing weather with a sleet/snow mix next week, it's been 75 for several days in a row this week. So when it's warm & the sun is shining, that's when my skin starts getting shiny. So I tried one of these blotting papers on one side of my face & used one of my other brands on the other side. I was really surprised that this paper picked up much more of the oil & shine than the other brand did. And it did not remove any of my makeup.

These come in 2 packets of 100 blotting papers each. I keep one in my purse so I'll always be prepared no matter where I am. I keep the other one in the bathroom cabinet so that I can grab one anytime I need it.

So. Here is what I think about Day By Day Beauty Luxury Facial Blotting Papers: I like that these blotting papers are a big enough size that I only need to use one sheet each time. I like that they are not powdered. I like that, if I use them when I am wearing makeup, they do not disturb or remove any. And I like that there are 100 sheets in each packet so they will last quite a while.

So. Bottom line. If you get that oily shine on your face & are tired of those other blotting papers that just don't get the job done, then try these. If you are not satisfied for any reason, return the product for a 100% refund.

You can buy these Luxury Facial Blotting Papers right here: http://www.amazon.com/Blotting-All-Natural-Absorbing-Controls-Freshens/dp/B00PBGK440/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424403250&sr=8-1&keywords=day+by+day+beauty+facial+blotting

#beautytips

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I personally use & believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above 100% my own.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

So. Here is what I think about Youth Expess Eye Gel from InstaNatural


InstaNatural is one of the skincare products that I have grown to love in the past few months. So whenever I get the chance to try another of their products, I do not hesitate to say "Yes, please!". This time I am trying their Youth Express Eye Gel. And, as they always are kind enough to do, the company sent along a couple of extra products for me to try as well. I also received their Youth Express Eye Serum & Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer.


Since the original product that I am supposed to review is the Youth Express Eye Gel, I'll tell you about that product first. It came in a 1.7 fluid ounce white pump container. It is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Plant Stem Cells, Amino Acid Complex, Peptide Complex, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil & Matrixyl 3000. It is intended to reduce the look of dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles & sagging skin around the eye area, increase elasticity & provide a firm, plump appearance.


The directions say to dab this product gently around the eyes & on the forehead & cheeks. I have other products that I use so I just use this product around my eye area, both under my eyes & on my eyelids. But this gel could be used over your entire face. The gel feels very cooling when I apply it. It doesn't have a scent & it absorbs fairly quickly without feeling sticky. I like the pump container so that I can control the amount of gel that is dispensed so that I don't waste any.


The Youth Express Eye Serum came in a 1 fluid ounce amber dropper bottle. It contains an advanced Peptide Complex along with Plant Stem Cells, Matrixyl 3000, Caffeine, Passionflower, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C & Vitamin E. This serum is intended to restore a youthful appearance to the under eye area by decreasing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles & puffiness.


The directions for the serum say to apply a small amount to your fingertips & gently press under each eye from the inner corner to the outer corner. It is an orange serum & I think it smells like orange juice! I pat it onto my clean face after I use a toner. It also absorbs quickly with no sticky feeling. Once it dries, I apply the Youth Express Eye Gel.


The other product is the Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer. This came in a 3.4 fluid ounce white pump container. Some of the ingredients in this moisturizer are Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Sunflower Oil, Retinol, Organic Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter & Wildcrafted Green Tea. It is designed to transform older, damaged skin into a more healthy & youthful appearance.


This moisturizer can be applied to both your face & neck areas using upward circular motions. The directions say that if you have sensitive skin, this product should be used only at night. My skin is only somewhat sensitive & I've been using it twice a day with no irritation or redness. It is a light silky lotion with a nice subtle scent. It absorbs nicely & can be used under makeup.


If you choose to use a Retinol product during the day, you should always follow with sunscreen as Retinol may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

I've been using all of these products for about 3 weeks now & my skins looks & feels great! As I said above, I have somewhat sensitive combination skin & have not had any irritation or redness at all after using any of these products.

So. Here is what I think of these skincare products from InstaNatural: I really like InstaNatural products & trust this brand. I like that these products contain so many of the same ingredients so that they work well when used together. I like that the products come in pump containers to that I can control how much of the product is dispensed. I love the way my skin looks & feels!

And I always love products that are cruelty-free and Made in the U.S.A.!

So. Bottom line. If you've never tried the skincare line from InstaNatural, do yourself a favor & try them. They are one of my favorite brands & I think you will love them too!

You can find the Youth Express Eye Gel right here: http://instanatural.com/collections/skin-care/products/youth-express-eye-gel. And while you are on the website, check out all of the other great products that they offer!

I received these products in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I use personally & believe will be good for my readers. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own.

So. Here is what I think about....Yumms Burger Press #yumms

Whenever we're going to have hamburgers, I just mix the meat with whatever seasonings & sauce that I'm going to use & then form the patties by hand. So I was happy to try this Yumms Burger Press. It would be nice to have burgers that were the same size so they would all cook evenly.


I opened the box to check out my cool new gadget. The burger press is 3 pieces: the main base, the hamburger lifter & the hamburger press lid. It also came with a User Manual that is printed in both English & Spanish. The burger press is pretty self-explanatory, but I always appreciate when a company includes an instruction sheet.


So, let's make dinner! I mixed some ground beef with some ground chuck & added some Worcestershire sauce, chopped onions, ground mustard & black pepper. Then I started making the burger patties. For each one I pressed the meat on top of the hamburger lifter & pressed down with the lid. Then I lifted the patty from the press & removed it from the lifter. I repeated this process until I had used all of the meat & I had a platter full of uniformly-sized hamburger patties. Easy peasy!


You can adjust the thickness of your burger patties from 1/4" to 1/2" with this press. You could even make those awesome stuffed burgers if you wanted to. And this press is non-stick so it's no problem removing the patties from the lifter. This burger press is made of sturdy plastic & is dishwasher-safe.

So. Here is what I think about Yumms Burger Press: It is so easy to use. I like having all of the burger patties the same size. I like that it puts the little "grill marks" on each burger. I like the thumb press on the handle that makes it easier to press down with. I like that it cleans easily & I can put it in the dishwasher.

I especially love that now my burgers are all the same size, cook evenly & are all ready at the same time! It saves me from having to jump up from the dinner table to keep an eye on any burgers that might still be cooking.

So. Bottom line. If you want to save yourself some time, try this burger press. It is so quick & easy to form the patties & they will all cook evenly. This will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen gadgets!

You can purchase the Yumms Burger Press right here: http://www.amazon.com/Burger-Hamburger-Non-Stick-Lifter-Yumms/dp/B00O3DIF0M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424358903&sr=8-1&keywords=yumms+burger+press

#yumms

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I personally use & believe will be good for my readers. The opinions express above are 100% my own.