Reviews

I’m currently on the hunt for the next great product! Check back often to see what I’m reviewing next. If you have a product you would like me to review, please see PR Welcome for more information. Thanks!

Here’s my most recent product review:

Zeno Hotspot

Acne, I hate the word, and worse, I abhor the actual nasty, red and unattractive bumps. I’ve suffered since puberty and although it’s pretty moderate it seems there is no end in sight. I’ve tried just about every product out there and from all of my experience, the only thing that has helped me, actually cleared up the acne I had and prevented new breakouts, is Accutane. Accutane has since been pulled from the market and it was not a product that could be used all the time anyway.

I loved how my skin was not oily, not broke out in cystic acne or any acne at all and I could apply my makeup in the morning and not have to touch it up all day long. That was amazing!

Recently I was sent an acne treatment product called Zeno Hot Spot. This device is very small in size and can fit into a purse or pocket. I had honestly never heard of Zeno Hot Spot before until I was contacted to do a review. Zeno is intended for the treatment of individual blemishes in people with mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

The built-in computer that controls the treatment tip works by applying heat to a pimple. The memory chip is made to make sure that the right amount of heat is given. It also controls the amount of treatments given. Each Zeno Hotspot  is good for 80 uses each. Each treatment cycle is 2 1/2 minutes long.

To use Zeno Hotspot, you press and hold the button on the side of the device for 1 second until you hear a two-tone sound that indicates the device is turned on. Then place the device onto the pimple until a five-tone sound is heard. This lets you know the cycle is complete. If you would like to see the Zeno in action, you can watch a video on their site.

 

Zeno Hotspot is not recommended for acne such as:

• Subclinical acne – A few blackheads & whiteheads; visible only in close examination
• Comedonal acne – Blackheads & whiteheads with slight inflammation (red)
• Severe nodular acne – Inflammed (red) pimples & pustules (visible accumulation of pus in skin) with several deep nodular lesions (solid mass of skin like a knot, can be raised or felt under the skin)
• Severe cystic acne – Many nodular cystic lesions with scarring

If you have severe acne or a high number of pimples, Zeno is not intended for you. You should not use Zeno for skin lesions such as moles, warts, or ingrown hairs. Do not use on skin infections or for open sores or wounds because it may delay proper treatment or injure your skin. If your skin is sensitive to the sun, heat or chemicals, you should not use Zeno because Zeno uses heat to treat pimples and heat may damage your skin. You can test your skin by trying Zeno on your forearm first. Blackheads and whiteheads are not pimples and Zeno will not work on those. Do not use Zeno on pimples where there is visible pus accumulation in the skin or where you can feel a solid mass. Zeno should also not be used around the eyes or lips. These areas are very sensitive and the heat from Zeno can be painful.

The best time to use Zeno Hotspot is at the first sign of a blemish. And it helps to ensure that the pimple does not turn into a nodule, cyst or fill with pus.

Unfortunately Zeno Hotspot did not work for me. I was truly hoping to see good results but since I am so prone to cystic acne and pus accumulation, even at the start of a blemish, I honestly was not able to use the product as the instructions suggested because of the types of acne I suffer from. This gadget is more for those who suffer a breakout infrequently with small pimples. Although it did not work for me, I am sure there are others that may see different, if not better results.

The device comes in two color combinations: pink/white and blue/white. Each device retails for $39.99. Uses 2 AA batteries.

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive a Zeno Hotspot acne device to test.

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Helix BioMedix Skincare

Raise your hand if you don’t care about skin care or the quality of the skin on your face! Raise your hand if you don’t care whether you get wrinkles while you age? Yea, I didn’t think so. None of you are raising your hand, right? Well, I for one care about the quality, look AND feel of my skin and I don’t want to age quickly. I want to age gracefully.

I’ve been lucky so far, at the age of 38, to have a wrinkle-free face. Should I knock on wood now? And now that I’ve said that, I hope I don’t wake up tomorrow with a few fine lines. Actually I don’t think I will because in the past few weeks I’ve been using some wonderful, high quality products I’m about to tell you about. I think you’re gonna like them. They were made by a skin care company called Helix BioMedix. You may have already heard about them.

Helix BioMedix brings breakthrough solutions for specific skin care needs to help women discover healthier looking skin. They take a specialty approach, understanding the effects of hormonal aging and lifestyle factors on skin and they’re developing products to optimally meet the needs of specific skin characteristics. They also understand what makes your skin special and are dedicated to formulating products that deliver the fullest benefits of their advanced technologies.

Helix BioMedix  sent me 3 of their Striking Skin Care products (valued at $142) to try out. They consist of:

• Striking Multi-Peptide Serum 1.13 ounce bottle – ($65)
• Striking Reguvenating Eye Cream 0.5 ounce jar – ($35)
• Striking Restorative Moisture Cream 1 ounce jar – ($42)

Striking is different from any other skin care products that are on the market because they contain several of Helix BioMedix’s proprietary peptides, known as SmartPeptides™ (listed in the ingredients as Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, Heptapeptide-7, Hexapeptide-21). These peptides have been shown to stimulate collagen and increase fibroblast proliferation to build up the extra-cellular matrix.

In simple terms – it makes your skin look and feel firmer. Now there are a few products in the marketplace that contain these peptides in a few different lines, but Striking is the only line where you get three of Helix’s SmartPeptides working synergistically to make your skin look amazing. I know you ladies want to look your best!

Striking Skin Care products are free of parabens, fragrance, artificial colors, pore-clogging ingredients and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.

The Multi-Peptide Serum is fast absorbing and provides hydration for soft and supple skin that’s begging to be touched. Humectins provide moisture to protect dehydrated skin. 2 SmartPeptides are added to target against the signs of aging. This product makes fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable and it has made my skin feel firmer and look more radiant.  

The ultra-moisturizing Eye Cream hydrates the delicate skin around your eyes. And it also helps minimize puffiness and dark circles. The SmartPeptides target the signs of aging and my skin looks more resilient. I don’t look tired all of the time now. Love that!

Although I have pretty oily skin on my face I tried the Restorative Moisture Cream anyway because it contains age-fighting vitamins like Vitamins C & E that neutralize the nasty free radicals that cause aging in your skin. It also contains green tea which calms your skin and provides antioxidant protection. I couldn’t pass that up. This cream targets fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness by stimulating collagen production. Who wants to look like a basset hound anyway?

Whether you’ve diligently taken care of your skin all along or have ignored it up until now, Striking Skin Care with SmartPeptides can help nuture, protect and revitalize your complexion. These simple, yet effective products are a result of years of scientific research. Helix BioMedix specializes in dermatology and consumers skin health products. They strive to be the world leader in the identification, qualification and commercialization of natural and synthetic peptides. 

All of these products have been Dermatologist tested.

Now’s your chance to wake up to better skin because Helix BioMedix is giving one of you the opportunity to try out these products yourself.

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive a 3 piece skin care set to test.

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Crazy Dog T-Shirts

How many of you are jokesters? Or love a good laugh every now and then? That would be me. I’ve always loved to make people laugh. There’s just so much in life that can bring you down that it’s nice every now and then to laugh. It’s actually healthy, and hey, getting a really good belly laugh in every day is actually equivalent to doing some situps. So, if you wanna tighten those abs, just laugh. It’s easy and it costs nothing! hehee

What brings me to this topic is a company called Crazy Dog T-Shirts. They sell all types of t-shirts and my favorite are the funny ones. I got a good laugh while shopping their site recently when they offered to send me two shirts for a review. My 15 year old son sat along side me and chose one himself. He is a natural comedian himself. A total goofball at times.

I chose the I’m On A Roll tee and he chose the Mr. Rogers one. My son used to watch Mr. Rogers when he was little and so he chose that one. Although he’s grown out of the kiddie shows, he thought it was a funny shirt. The tee I chose is super soft. And I love the blue color. This one is a little more form fitting since it’s sold as a juniors tee and I love the shape. I don’t like loose, baggy tees. The length is long & gives a slimmer appearance.

Crazy Dog T-Shirts also owns Nacho Mama Tees. They have a similar variety of t-shirts to choose from as well. Have fun making a choice of which tee or tees you want because there are tons to choose from. Both sites offer deals all of the time so check them out often to see what they have going on.

I thought about choosing a tee for my husband but, oh my, over half of our walk-in closet is full of his t-shirt collection. I truly need my own closet because he’s collected so many. In solids and prints, he’s got at least one for every day of the year and I am not kidding.

The shirts we received have done well in the wash. I wash all of our tops in cold water and hang them up to dry so there is no issue with shrinkage. The cotton fabric in my shirt is very nice. Very soft & comfy! I love it.

You can keep up-to-date with Crazy Dog T-Shirts through their blog too. How cool is that? I love it when companies have a blog. It allows you to really get to know them better and you can get inside information as to when new sales will be coming up.

If you’re looking for new t-shirts and want a variety of colors and prints, you HAVE to check out Crazy Dog T-Shirts. They sell tees for Women, Men, kids and believe it or not clothing for dogs. Yes, dogs! Your dog can be dressed in style in a new costume for every day use or an upcoming holiday.

Prices vary. The shirt I chose retails for $22 and the shirt my son chose retails for $18. Shipping was very quick!

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive two t-shirts to test.

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Aetrex Zoom Runners Athletic Shoes

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I’m sure you’ve heard that before. And a pair of good fitting shoes is essential when you advance. Walking is a great way to exercise — it’s easy, doesn’t need any fancy equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes. But what about running? Although you require a well made shoe for walking, you need extra support for running because it creates more friction on your joints and your feet can take a real beating causing different foot conditions and pain.

I received a pair of Zoom Runners athletic shoes in Cranberry from Aetrex a few weeks ago and have been wearing them every day since to get a good feel for how they hold up. The Zoom Runners offer Supportive Cushioning for medium & high arch feet which is great for me and a wide bottom sole which is a great base for running. You can really move in these shoes. The heels are a little stiffer than I would like but they have great support.

Another great thing is there are removable insoles that allow a 5/16″ removable depth and fitting flexibility for a custom orthotic. It’s like getting customized athletic shoes. I tried them out with the insoles and then removed them to get a feel for which I liked best. Being able to customize your comfort and support with the removable insoles is also great because the more you are on your feet, the more your feet swell so when the insoles are removed, your feet have more room to move and breath. And that helps prevent soreness. If you suffer from poor circulation and or water retention, you will love this feature.

The Sky™ midsole for soft, long-lasting cushioning has a nice arch and thick padding for your heels. And the Mozaic layer, which is removable offers pressure relief for a more customized fit. The Mozaic layer bends in different sections and moves as you take each step.

This style comes in wide widths as well for those who need a little extra room and an extra wide toe area. Although the bottom sole is thick the shoes are very light and the Aeromax™ mesh upper breaths very well.

More shoe specs:

• Web Suspension Footbridge for reinforcement & support
• PRS™ Midsole Technology for pressure relief

Sizes range from 5 – 11, 12
Widths:  Medium (B/C), Wide (D/E)

The Zoom Runners come in 3 color combinations: Cranberry/Silver, Blue/White, and Black/White/Gray. I would love to see these in all white!

Prices vary per store.

Here’s some tips on choosing the right shoe:

If you want to choose the right women’s athletic shoes you need to make sure they are comfortable no matter what sport you participate in and offer the most support. Most people prefer to choose an athletic shoe for how it looks, but in fact you should choose shoes that are comfortable and very supportive to prevent injuries or other foot conditions.

Over time your feet become wider and longer as the natural padding under your heel and forefoot thins. As you age, your arch flattens and your ankles and feet tend to stiffen. So how does this affect the type of athletic shoe that you need to use? Always do the following:

· Avoid short and narrow shoes.

· Try on shoes later in the day as feet tend to swell as the day goes on.

· Fit the shoe in your largest foot, as your feet are not equally matched.

· Leave tight shoes behind.

· Make sure your heel does not rise up when you walk.

· Make sure that there is half an inch of space between your big toe and the end of

the shoe.

Wanna try your hand, or should I say foot, at how these athletic shoes hold up to your favorite sport?

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one pair of Aetrex Zoom Runners to test.

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TheFirstOne Bluetooth Headset & Accessories ~ Novero

Technology has taken off in all kinds of directions in the last few decades and there are so many choices. Sometimes choosing between electronic devices can be quite overwhelming. As is making choices between different brands, features, and the like. It seems if you don’t stay in-the-know, you can fall far behind pretty quickly. It pays to do your homework when deciding on which electronic device is right for you.

How do you choose between cell phones, mp3 players, video cameras and many others? Every business claims they offer the best there is. But do they really? Before I make a large purchase I do some research. I search by brand, features, price and even reviews because I’ve been burned before and I want the best for my money. Who doesn’t?

What is all this talk about technology and electronics devices about? Well, I want to let you know about a product that was sent to me recently. You may or may not have heard about it before. It’s very new to the market. The name? TheFirstOne. The manufacturer? Novero. Novero is a radically creative technology company. They have ripped up the rules of convention and genuinely believe that anything is possible if you push yourself hard enough to look at things differently.

What is TheFirstOne? Well, it’s not just another electronic gadget. It is a high tech bluetooth device. TheFirstOne is just that. The first in it’s class. It looks as good as it works. It is small in size, sleek, and is a cinch to use. When I first received mine I was in awe. It arrived in a nice, clear box that displayed TheFirstOne very nicely. It was almost like I was looking through a high class store window. It looked sexy in it’s sleek little box. I almost didn’t want to disturb it from it’s little display case. I held it up and turned it all around to get a good look.

TheFirstOne comes with everything you need for hands-free talk anywhere. Here’s what you get:

• TheFirstOne bluetooth headset
• Car dock with 2 glue pads
• Clip and necklace
• AC charger with exchangeable plugs
• DC charger
• USB cable
• 7 Interchangeable earpieces (to ensure a snug and secure fit)
• Desk stand
• Mini CD user guide
• Quick guide

That’s a lot of stuff, packed into one clear box. There’s nothing else to buy. Well, except a cell phone if you don’t already have one. With this kit, you have everything you need at arms length. The necklace, which I love, turns TheFirstOne into a wearable piece of smart technology that is useful, stylish, and handy. No more searching for your bluetooth. With TheFirstOne and your necklace or clip — which can be worn on your shirt or belt buckle, you won’t be digging through a purse or briefcase again. It’s right there and ready to use.

I’ve been using the necklace since I received it. When I first took it out of the box I was afraid that since TheFirstOne is so tiny I would wind up losing it. Nope, not gonna happen. The necklace is U-shaped and just narrow enough to hold TheFirstOne. Plus, the rubber necklace helps keep TheFirstOne in place. You can turn the necklace and device upside down and it won’t go anywhere.

Guys, I know you may not want to wear a necklace so the clip would probably suit you better. It fits snuggly onto a shirt, sleeve, pocket, or belt. You can wear it as a fashion accessory. The great design and wide bluetooth multi-compatibility makes pairing up with your  phone and outfit effortless.

TheFirstOne offers high quality audio, dual microphones and best-in-class DSP technology that filters background noise. When you first receive TheFirstOne, all it takes is a charge for 1 1/2 hours and paired up with your cell phone, which for me was extremley easy, and you are good to go.

TheFirstOne is activated by a one-touch click of a button or on voice command. It has volume controls on the sleek side and the dual microphones guarantees the person on the other end of the call hears your voice quite clearly.

The device comes in two choices of colors: Lily White/Silver and Black/Silver. It retails for $149. It measures 0.9 x 0.6 x 1.8 inches. Very small in size.

Are you ready to own this little piece of luxury? Well, you can at no cost because Novero has offered it to one of you lucky readers.

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one TheFirstOne bluetooth headset to test.

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My Pretty Pink Box

Have you ever wanted to try a new beauty product but were too afraid to actually purchase a full size container for fear that you would not like it or the product would not do what it claimed? I know I’ve been there and actually been disappointed a few times in my purchases.

Well, surprise… you no longer have to do that with My Pretty Pink Box! Linda Granillo recently sent me the February box to give me an idea of what you might find in a typical My Pretty Pink Box. Each month is different. A new surprise every time. It’s like receiving a nice little Birthday gift of something you didn’t expect.

Wanna know what was in my box? Here, take a peek….

Ok, now I’ll tell you. hehee. My box contained:

A full size bottle of Simply Stylin’ hair product. This is a no-frizz styler that gives you longer, healthier, shinier hair.

Beauté Minéral Alluring Eyes Mineral Eye Color in Athena sample. Beauté Minéral creates makeup that looks and feels natural.

Dr. Michelle Copeland Skin Care Daily Moisturizer with SPF-30 and 2 packets of Rewind Eye Formula. Dr. Copeland’s skin care products are clinically tested and specially formulated to reduce signs of aging—helping you achieve and maintain supple, vibrant, healthy-looking skin.

Pin Up Cosmetics Glamour Mineral Face & Body Shimmer. Pin Up Cosmetics carries natural and vegan products which are always cruelty free.

Purus Cosmetics Shaliners in Cinnamon Tea and Leafy samples. Use these Shaliners as eyeliner, eyeshadow, face color, highlighter, blush, bronzer, mix in the nail polish, lip gloss, and more!

Lue Cosmetics Mineral Blush in Antique Rose sample. Lue Cosmetics brings you a truly natural blend of minerals with a color palette you will enjoy.

Each My Pretty Pink Box will contain at least 1-2 full size containers. Prices vary per month and is announced a few days before each release. The price of the February box is $11.99 + shipping.

My Pretty Pink Boxes go on sale once a month at 7:00 am Pacific time. If you would like, you can receive an email prior to each release. There is a purchase limit of 3 boxes per account, per month.

I honestly had never tried any of these products before and I had fun experimenting with each. The label on the Pin Up Cosmetics sample reminded me of a risque calendar my Grandpa had hanging in his garage. Va Va Va Voom! hehee. Though I don’t think I’ve become a huge fan of any of the samples in this specific box, they really were not bad.  I do love mineral makeup because it gives you a nice, smooth, matte finish so that would have to be my favorite of the mix. I’m very interested in seeing what next month will bring.

For more information about My Pretty Pink  Box check out their FAQ’s.

One of my readers will win 1 March box and 1 April box. Will it be you?

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one My Pretty Pink Box of samples to test.

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Kolcraft Contours 3 Wheeler Stroller

Have you seen the newly redesigned 2010 Kolcraft Contours^® Options^® 3 Wheeler? It’s sleek, stylish and affordable yet it does not skimp on quality. Kolcraft has added some really nice features — a removable child cup holder, a height adjustable canopy for growing babies and an easy-reach parent tray that’s wide enough to hold an iPhone. Parents now have deeper, dual ventilated cups for those sport bottles too.

The Contours^® Options^® 3 Wheeler is described as an all-terrain stroller yet it is SO light and steers SO easily. A Cadillac of a stroller in my opinion. And if you are an active parent who loves the outdoors you don’t have to stick with just a light stroll. This thing can really move. A great piece of equipment for the jogging family. Your baby will love the generously large canopy. It stretches out to hide the hot sun from baby’s sensitive skin. But there is a peek-in window so she/he can still see the white fluffy clouds and the soaring birds if she/he wants to.

One feature I really like is that the seat can be positioned in 3 ways or removed altogether to make room for your own infant car seat. You can set it to forward facing so baby gets a perfect view, reverse facing so Mom or Dad can keep an eye on their newborn and reclined which makes a comfy spot for baby when she/he wants to nap.

All of you parents know that when you travel with babies, there’s tons of necessary luggage that goes along with it. The Contours® Options® 3 has a huge basket underneath that will accommodate a bulky bag with no problem. If you have toddlers, this will be the place they’ll wanna be. teehee. Hiding from Mommy. You know how it is.

Taller parents will love the longer handle. No more hunching over to push baby around. Even if you aren’t tall, I’m 5′ 3″, this is still very comfortable to push. It has a wide, soft, foam covered handle that feels good to grip.

Installation was not hard at all. At first we couldn’t figure out how to take the seat out of the reclining position but after actually reading the manual, ahem, we figured it out. hehee. The seat and canopy was already put together so all that remained was the frame, handle and wheels. Speaking of wheels, the Contours® Options® 3 comes with an 8″ front wheel that can swivel in a full circle and 2 – 12″ rear wheels. This stroller glides over gravel very easily.

For safety, there’s a 5-point harness that is height adjustable not just a safe ride but also a comfortable one. The infant head rest is removable as well so when your baby grows, just remove it to give your child more room to move. And don’t forget the child cup holder. It opens easily for child access. Now parents and children are getting spoiled. hehee

This stroller has a wider wheel base that may feel a little awkward at first but it moves SO easily and smoothly you won’t even care. It comes with a rear 1-touch brake for when you want to rest or maybe even enjoy a picnic in the park. Storage is now easier with the redesigned model too. It has easy trigger levers and a free-stand fold. It stands upright to prevent getting dirty. That’s a huge plus in my book! It took me a few tries to learn the technique of folding but once you’ve done it a few times and gotten the steps down, it’s a snap!

You can find the Contours® Options® 3 Wheeler at Target, Babies ‘R Us, Amazon.com and ChitChatBaby.com. Prices may vary per store.

Check out the Specs:

• JPMA Certified
• Stroller weighs 25 lbs.
• Only use this product in the reclined position until child can sit up unassisted.
• 50 lbs. maximum child weight

Accommodates the following infant car seats (infant car seat not included):

• Baby Trend^® Flex-Loc
• Baby Trend^® Latch-Loc
• Chicco^® Key Fit
• Cosco^® Designer 22^® Series
• Cosco^® First Ride DX
• Evenflo^® Discovery™
• Evenflo^® Embrace
• Graco^® Snug Ride^™ Series
• Graco^® Safe Seat™
• Maxi-Cosi^® Mico™
• Peg Pérego^® Primo Viaggio SIP
• Safety 1st^® Designer 22™
• Safety 1st^® Starter™

The Kolcraft® Contours® Options® 3 Wheeler comes in two color combinations:

Cinnamon

Sangria

We have had so much fun with this stroller. It truly is great. It makes me want to be a kid again so I can go for a spin. hehee

Kolcraft is about to make one of you readers a very happy one. You can win one of these wonderful strollers that offers a balance of style and function!

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one Kolcraft Contours Options 3 Wheeler to test.

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Black Labs Spreadheads

My kids think that the crazy-faced Spreadheads and Toothpaste Heads sent to us from Black Labs Products, LLC. was the funnest products we’ve tried so far. I have to agree. Before trying the Spreadheads, I had never seen anything like them before.

Although the ketchup and mustard Spreadheads are kind of gross, teehee, the Toothpaste Heads are really cute and I have to say that this is the first time our toothpaste tubes have had caps in a long time. Normally I would find them laying on the bathroom floor somewhere, in the trash or laying somewhere else in the house after one of our cats played hockey with a vengeance. There’s nothing fun about dried up toothpaste.

Thank you Black Lab Products, LLC. for sending the Spreadheads AND the Toothpaste Heads. Now our toothpaste tubes are not clogged with dried up toothpaste. We can easily spread the toothpaste on our toothbrushes now. And even though that is one of my pet peeves, it can be quite frustrating when you are attempting to brush your teeth in a hurry and no matter how hard you squeeze the tube, nothing comes out.

I wasn’t expecting to receive all 4 products but I’m glad we did. They were all fun to use. As a matter of fact we are still using them. My 15 year old son loves Ketchup Charlie and Mustard Marvin. Ketchup Charlie appears to have a nose bleed as the bottle is squeezed. The opening is two “nose holes”. And Mustard Marvin must be feeling ill, maybe he don’t like mustard at all because when the bottle is squeezed, he “upchucks”. Bleh! Not so pretty. Hehee.

Toothbrushing has become a more favorable chore with my kids. Toothpaste Pete is a cute black and white dog who releases toothpaste through his mouth and when he’s not in use, you put his paw to his mouth to close the tube. It’s almost as if he is blowing a kiss. Toothpaste Oscar is a cool cat who has the same function as Pete. And he’s just as loving. He “blows” kisses too. These two replace your original caps. They are easy to open and close. Just gently pull on their paws and you’re in business.

Spreadheads Charlie and Marvin should be cleaned out after every use and replaced with the original caps to keep your condiments fresh and prevent contamination. Charlie and Marvin do not have hole covers though they are very easy to clean. I just run hot water through them, then hand wash them with a baby bottle nipple brush. I store them in my kitchen drawer until we are ready to use the condiments again.

Have fun with your condiments and toothpaste for just a few dollars. I think the Toothpaste Heads truly are worth a lot more since it gets my kids to brush their teeth more often and they will never throw the caps on the floor or in the trash. It sure will save on our dental bills. Hopefully there will be no more cavities!

Ketchup Charlie and Mustard Marvin fit most US condiment bottles. And they are dishwasher safe. Spreadheads retail for $3.99 each and Toothpaste Heads retail for $4.99 each.

Each Spreadhead/Toothpaste Head is made out of hard plastic. Ketchup Charlie measures 2.25 inches wide x 1.75 inches tall. Mustard Marvin measures 2 inches wide x 1.25 inches tall. Toothpaste Pete measures 1.5 inces tall x 1 7/8  inches wide. Oscar measures 1.5 inches tall x 1.75 inches wide.

Wanna have some fun of your own? Black Labs Products LLC. has offered one of each. So one of you lucky readers will receive one Mustard Marvin, Ketchup Charlie, Toothpaste Pete, and Toothpaste Oscar. How cool is that?

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one set of 4 Spreadheads to test.

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Affordable Scarves

Boy is it a great time to check out Affordable Scarves! Our winter started out pretty mild compared with most we’ve had in the past but it seemed like after I started telling everyone it was mild, we got buried with snow and it has not let up since. Bad omen or what? From now on I think I’ll keep my positive comments to myself. Hehee.

Well, all is not bad. I received the Paige Celebrity Scarf from Affordable Scarves and I absolutely LOVE it!!! I love everything about this scarf. The colors, the fabric, the thickness, the length. I can’t boast enough about the scarf.

There are so many ways you can wear this scarf because its a great length. This one is not just for winter. It can be worn all year long because it’s such a popular style and it looks great. I seriously would love to own one of these in every color Affordable Scarves sells. The Paige Celebrity scarf comes in these wonderful colors: Purple, Green, Pink, Red, Black, and Brown. Each one actually has a blend of 3 different shades of color. The purple that I received is a blend of dark purple, light purple and white. Very nice!

You can match these up with just about everything in your wardrobe. Knot one around your neck as an all-day fashion accessory, or pair it with a sweater for a cool fall morning. The possibilities are really endless with the Paige Celebrity.

It seriously took me quite a while to decide which scarf I truly wanted to test because I love all of them. Affordable Scarves has something for everyone and in every color of the rainbow. And their prices are SO affordable. Their name doesn’t say enough about their quality. Don’t let the name fool you. Yes, they are affordable but you truly have to try them out and see for yourself just how great their scarves are. You’ll be hooked. I guarantee it! If you love scarves, and not just for winter, then you’ll LOVE Affordable Scarves!

Their website is so easy to navigate and you can search for scarves in many different ways — by color, material, season, shape, size, or even trend. Have you ever wondered where the idea of a scarf came from? Check out the History of Scarves: A Timeline. Affordable Scarves has provided some really interesting info there.

I know some of you may be clueless as to how to style your scarves to get a chic look with your outfits so I found some helpful videos that Affordable Scarves has to offer as well.

A winter sale is currently going on sitewide. You’ll enjoy 15% off on any scarf available. Stock up now on all of your favorites! If you’re not completely satisfied with your order, which I am quite sure you will be, Affordable Scarves offers a 100% money back guarantee.

One of you are going to win a scarf of your choice from Affordable Scarves. They are offering one to a lucky reader. Hurry up and enter now!

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one Affordable Scarves scarf to test.

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UrthBags

What could be better than a new handbag ladies? How about one that is made out of materials that would make you feel good about owning it? That is what UrthBags can do for you. They are hand-crafted from recycled & biodegradable materials by the Fair Trade Women’s Organizations and Artisans. Now those are purses with a purpose!

When you own an UrthBag, you are not only helping to protect the environment but also providing an opportunity to underprivileged women world-wide. I LOVE that! UrthBags are eco-friendly and ultra stylish purses and handbags that are made from all-recycled juice boxes, coconut and sea shells, newspaper, fashion magazines and telephone books. I am quite sure you would fall in love with at least one. They come in different styles and sizes.

UrthBags sent me the Jessica clutch to review. The clutch is 10″L x 6.5″H and is yellow and orange in color.  The material? Recycled juice boxes. Cool, huh? It includes a removable strap that comes in handy when you are shopping and have other items, or should I say, other bags to carry? I know you ladies don’t like to go home empty handed.

This clutch is very unique and I love it. I’ve taken it out with me several times and have received many compliments as well as questions as to where it came from, what it is made of, how it was made and how much it costs. Not to mention lots of double takes. In it I can fit my small wallet, lipstick, compact and probably a few other trinkets. 

The braided styling of the clutch reminds me so much of when I was a preteen. I used to take gum wrappers and fold them up several times to make links and turn them into bracelets. Maybe some of you remember doing that as well. I guess you could say I’ve been recycling for many years now. Hehee. I’m actually inspired to get back into turning those gum wrappers into something more. I don’t think I’d be talented enough to make a purse but we’ll see just how well my imagination works. You never know!

The Jessica clutch is available in these color combinations: red, silver, orange/yellow, yellow/blue, pink/purple, and multi-color/silver. And it retails for $50.

UrthBags was founded to inspire more people to become environmentally conscious & to help reduce the amount of waste generated every day. Monica Ralli, founder of UrthBags Eco-Chic Handbags, has created a one-of-a-kind line to help inspire people to develop a stronger sense of eco-consciousness and help reduce the amount of waste generated everyday in our overly disposable world.

She wanted to create a line of stylish and planet friendly purses made from recycled materials that were Eco-chic, smart and green. What resulted was a distinct handbag line that is not only making its mark in the world of avant-garde fashion, but also in the environmentally conscious community.

UrthBags uses recycled boxes & packing supplies whenever possible to ship their handbags too.  The shiny new cool hangtags are made from recycled stainless steal.  Hey, let’s all try to think twice before throwing anything away and ask ourselves if it can be used again.  Imagine the difference we can make together.  Cheers to recycling!

If you haven’t recycled a single item, a day in your life, I hope this review will inspire you.

Here are a few tips to get you started. There are lots of innovative things you can do to help reduce the amount of trash & waste in your life and on our planet. You just may find something that you never thought of before:

• Do you receive lots of deliveries from UPS or Fed Ex? This time of year brings loads of large plastic bags along with the goodies they deliver. And I keep these on hand to use for outdoor trash pick up. Our yard accumulates other peoples loose trash for some reason. I don’t know why but it is a magnet for the flyaway grocery ads, styrofoam packing peanuts & many other things. These free bags come in handy for those weekly pick ups.

Here’s some other uses for other plastic bags you may have lying around your home:

• Use them as trash bin liners.
• Place them in the bottom of plant pots and hanging baskets – they act as great drainage systems.
• Children can use them for carrying PE gear to school.
• Use them when packing for a vacation to keep dirty/wet clothes and shoes away from dry clothing.

Do you have unwanted paper? Of course you do!

• Old calendars, colorful pictures, etc. can be used to make your own envelopes. You can unstick a used envelope and use it as a template for making envelopes.
• After children’s drawings and paintings have been displayed for a while they can be used to wrap presents – this also makes the present special.
• SPCA and pet shops appreciate old newspapers.
• Doctors & dentist offices always appreciate unwanted magazines. And so do motels. Or maybe your friends or family would love to take a peak at them before you find another use.

There are many other uses for unwanted plastic, paper, aluminum & more. It’s only limited by your imagination. Get your kids involved in helping to come up with other uses for your unwanted items. I’m sure they’d have loads of fun turning trash into treasure and it would create fun family togetherness.

Want to win your own clutch? UrthBags has generously offered one Brooke clutch to a lucky reader. Here’s your chance to own something that’s not only stylish but helps the environment & underpriveleged women as well. That’s cool in more ways than one!

 

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one UrthBags clutch to test.

 

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Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Skin MD Natural and they offered me one of their products to test & review. The product, Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. I don’t know about you but during the winter months the cold, chilly air really dries out my skin and gives me that creepy, crawly feeling like I’ve rolled around in a pile of insulation. That is the most uncomfortable and annoying feeling.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try this product. It came in a full size bottle and I can’t boast enough about it. I tried it for 4 weeks to give myself enough time to actually get a feel for how it absorbed into my skin, how long it lasted and if it got rid of the itches. It does what it says it will do. I’m sad to say that my bottle is nearly gone. But happily I can always get more.

A small amount goes a long way and is completely absorbed into the skin leaving a really nice, silky soft feeling all over. My husband keeps telling me how soft I feel and won’t quit touching me. Is that great or what? I’ve tried many other lotions and this is the only one that does not leave a sticky or waxy feeling. It just feels soft and smooth. And it lasts a long time.

Skin MD Natural Shielding lotion is an all natural product that not only enhances the feel of your skin but it hydrates and protects as well. It also helps to fight the aging process. I’m 38 so that is a plus.  The older we get the older our skin gets and we lose elasticity. Keeping your skin hydrated helps to prevent unwanted wrinkles.

There are no irritants in Skin MD Natural products either. It does contain Aloe, Vitamin E, and Chamomile that help to heal dry skin caused by harsh winter weather. The shielding lotion acts as a barrier to protect your skin and hold in it’s own natural moisture.

When you have dry, itchy skin you should know that the protective outer layer of skin has been stripped away. In the winter, without that protective layer you get very dry skin. Shielding lotions are great for anyone who is exposed to chemicals in their work environment. And even if you don’t work near harsh chemicals your skin is exposed to irritants and chemicals almost every day, even in a normal household environment, so a shielding lotion can be a useful dry skin care solution for most people. And it won’t create the negative moisture message skin can get from conventional lotions.

All of Skin MD Natural’s products are eco-friendly, used & recommended by dermatologists, and hypo-allergenic. They are also made in the US by 21st Century Formulations using high quality natural ingredients making it over 90% all natural. All ingredients are considered to be of food grade and are also on the FDA’s most safe list. They are free of harmful fragrances, parabens, and colorants making them hypoallergenic. Another great thing is Skin MD Natural does not participate in animal testing nor does the lotion contain any animal products. I really love & appreciate that!

I really think it’s time you throw away those conventional lotions and give Skin MD Natural a try. You will love their products. Especially the Shielding lotion.

Skin MD Natural products can be found in stores near you such as Giant Eagle, CVS, and Walgreens or by placing an order online. Online pricing consists of $18 per 4 ounce bottle. Check your local brick and mortar stores for special pricing.

If you’re not sure you want to buy it just yet you can get free samples and try before you buy. Or if you are lucky, you can win it here.

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one full-size bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding lotion to test.

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Worlds Best Cat Litter

Thanks to Worlds Best Cat Litter my two cats have been using some very good, natural cat litter in the last few weeks. They were generous enough to provide me with 2 bags of their Multiple Cat Clumping litter.

As a cat owner who’s been around cats all my life, I’ve tried every cat litter out there. From the cheapest to the most expensive and from the tradition litters to the clumping and I have to say that Worlds Best IS the best in providing a natural, chemical-free, bio-degradable litter. The funny part is that it is made from a food that you more than likely eat for dinner at least once per week. Corn! Can you believe it? Whole kernel corn.

I’m not sure how they do it but the result is a micro-porous, product that is able to control odors, absorb moisture faster, clump tighter, and last longer than other litters. Plus, it’s safe for the environment, our pets and of course humans.

One thing I never liked about other litters is the dust that is omitted when poured into the litter pans. I have allergies so this was a huge turn off for me. I was always inhaling that stuff no matter how hard I tried to hold my breath and I got tired of the mess it made on my floor after pouring. Worlds Best Cat Litter does not make a dust when poured. I love that! And I know my cats appreciate the fact that they do not have to inhale dust when they are using their boxes.

Another thing about this product is that even though it clumps, I am not finding matted up fur between my cats toes or on their behinds like I do with clay litters. As you probably well know, when the clay litters get wet, they get sticky. That’s why the excrements are scoopable.

Yes, that’s what makes them appealing comparing them to traditional litters but they have the negative side of matting in cats fur. And of course it makes matters worse when kitty tries and tries to lick the clay off because the more they lick, the more saliva there is that is mixing with the clay and that does not help. That was SO annoying having to bathe my cats when they were unable to lick the mess off. But I know they are happy about not having to get a bath. lol. Yes, Mommy is the “best” now.

Worlds Best Cat Litter can be used with the self cleaning litter boxes too. The litter comes in a Clumping Formula and Multiple Cat Clumping Formula for homes with two or more cats. Neither of these contain perfumes so there is no strong scent. If you are used to litters that provide scents such as Mountain Forest or Lavendar, you won’t find that in Worlds Best. They do not add perfumes or dyes. They are 100% natural.

Keeping the litter box sifted daily helps cut down on the stronger odors. Leaving a soiled box for days will create a stench no matter what litter you use. And it’s not healthy for kitty and your cat will eventually not use a dirty box and find somewhere cleaner to potty. Cats are pretty meticulous in their grooming. Some are extremely picky about their “toilets” and won’t use them again if they are not sifted pretty frequently. Other cats may be a little more tolerant. I for one do not want to find little “surprises” under my bed or behind my tv. And I don’t want to see my kitties playing “ring around the rosie” before squatting on the floor to do their business. Every potty time should be done IN the litter box, not outside of it.

Because of the soft texture of Worlds Best Cat Litter your cats will more than likely love it more than their usual litter. And, if you are someone who declaws your cats, a procedure that I am not endorsing here, this litter would be much better for kitties healing paws than other types that may contain toxins which could irritate their sensitive skin.

If you haven’t tried Worlds Best and aren’t sure you or your cat(s) would love it, they offer a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. So you lose nothing. Where can you buy it? You can find it online and instore. And it’s available in 7 lb., 17 lb., and 34 lb. bags. Prices may vary per store.

The views & opinions expressed in my review are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive two 7 lb. bags of Worlds Best Cat litter to test.

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.

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Pediped Flex Children’s Shoes

I was so thrilled & honored to be offered a pair of Pediped® shoes for my little one. Pediped® offers some really beautiful and trendy shoes for kids. They use the latest technology, plus the highest quality materials and craftsmanship to create shoes for children that are designed to care for their feet from crawling, to those amazing first steps and into the toddler years.

The philosophy of Pediped® has always been Comfort, Quality and Style, which is why Pediped® was one of the first children’s shoe companies the American Podiatric Medical Association awarded their Seal of Acceptance for promoting healthy foot development.
Pediped® has 2 lines of shoes – the Originals™ and the Flex™. The shoes I tested were the Pediped® Isabella Flex™. If you are not familiar with the new Flex™ line you are missing out on some great children’s shoes. They have the same great quality as the Originals™ but they offer rubber soles that are still soft yet flexible, providing for healthy foot development.

The Originals™ line for pre-walkers was designed to most closely mimic barefoot walking and the natural foot shape of a child. The leather insoles are slip resistant and protect babies feet indoors and out. The Flex™ line combines everything you want – a rubber soled shoe; high quality, fine leather and a soft flexible rubber sole.

One great feature of the Pedipeds is that they come with an extra set of insoles to help your child’s shoes last much longer and provide a better custom fit. The insides of shoes wear out so quickly and Pediped® has offered a solution to that. Each insole is 2 mm in thickness and can easily be removed to extend the length of time your child can wear their shoes.

The flexibility of these shoes support the natural motion of the feet. The heels have a shock absorbing cushion, beneficial arch support, ultra pliable flex zone and flexible, skid resistant rubber soles. I love that the shoes have a velcro strap rather than shoestrings to tie or sharp fasteners to jab babies feet.

As soft & comfortable looking as these shoes are, I couldn’t help but almost wish they made them in my size. Too bad they weren’t around when I was a little girl. I remember getting lots of blisters as a child from uncomfortable, poorly fitting shoes. I was very active, a tomboy actually, so I was very hard on shoes. If I had grown up wearing Pedipeds, I know my feet would have thanked me. Pediped® does have some classic styles such as the Isabella. Anyone remember Mary Janes? I’m sure you do. They look cute with any clothing style; dresses, skirts, dress pants, jeans, capris, shorts, you name it.

Sizes for the Originals range from 0-6 (0-24 months). And sizes for the Flex shoes range from size 5-12 (12 months – 5 years). Prices start at $17. These high quality shoes are well worth the cost.

The views & opinions expressed in my review are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one pair of Pediped® Flex shoes to test.

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.

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Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care Kit

Weleda, one of my favorite skincare lines, offered to send me their newest collection – the Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care kit.

The kit contains Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream which helps promote skin renewal with antioxidant-rich, organic pomegranate seed oil that helps prevent the premature formation of age spots. Pure natural plant extracts render your skin supple and smooth and protect from moisture loss.

Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil which helps slow the aging process and leaves skin supple and smooth.

And, Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash which invigorates you with cleansing moisture and antioxidant-loaded, organic pomegranate seed oil to reveal nurtured skin that is soft to the touch.

Like all of their products, the creamy body wash and body oil have a vibrant, eye opening and juicy scent. It’s divinely juicy red fruit is followed by a lasting trail of sweet mulled wine. They both work very well on winter damaged dry & itchy skin. The anti-oxidant rich organic Pomegranate seed oil works deep & softens as it leaves a light yet pleasing scent.

The body wash may surprise you if you are not familiar with it already. It does not foam up like other body wash brands I’ve tried. But it does work! And it works very well. A little bit goes a long way too. All of Weleda’s products are all-natural so they are unlike your typical store brands. They never incorporate foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate.

Once you’ve massaged in the body oil, it leaves your skin so smooth, glowing and well-nourished. It gives your body an all over perk of vibrancy with it’s intoxicatingly fruity aroma.

Finish off with the hand cream by applying a small amount to your hands and massage until completely absorbed. It firms and renews while offering a sweet pomegranate scent. After covering your body in all 3 steps you’ll be smelling so good you’ll crave that red juicy fruit and want to taste it. I don’t recommend it though. So go buy the edible fruit at your local grocery store or farmers market. lol

The travel size containers make this a perfect addition to your suitcase or carry on bag. Take them wherever your journey takes you or use them right at home to prevent and reverse the premature signs of aging, such as dryness, diminished elasticity in the skin and age spots. The 100% organic Pomegranate seed oil helps to promote skin renewal, protects against skin-damaging environmental influences and enhances your skin’s vitality and natural radiance.

Pomegranates used in the new Weleda Regenerating Body Care Kit are harvested at their peak from organic farms on fertile shores and mountainsides of Turkey. The precious oil is extracted by the cold pressing and filtration of the pomegranates seeds. Cold pressing limits the amount of oil extracted but yields the highest quality with the full potency you will desire.

Weleda has very clear standards for their products:

• No synthetic preservatives
• No synthetic fragrances
• No synthetic chemicals
• No synthetic anything

When they say “all natural” they mean it. And only use the purest, wild-crafted, organically and Biodynamically cultivated ingredients for their products. Toxins, additives, and raw materials from mineral oils simply won’t do and they don’t test their products or ingredients on animals. Period. You know what you are getting each and every time.

Weleda has been the cultivators of beauty and 100% natural skin care since 1921.

Each Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care Travel Kit sells for $10 each at www.usa.weleda.com.

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.

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If you have not heard of Precision Time you are missing out on a great company who sells some awesome, high quality watches at affordable prices.

Affordable does not mean cheaply made either. And to prove it, Precision Time has opened nearly 100 locations across the United States. They’ve also serviced 7 million+ watches since 1982. They offer professional, accessible, high quality watch repair. Expertise and experience are a part of the Precision Time family owned business. When they say they’re “The Watch Experts”, they mean it.

Time surely stood still when Precision Time sent me a really nice looking London Underground watch to review. The Men’s Barnet #LU201014A. This watch looks great and my husband was thrilled to be the one to get to wear it. He loves it!

Not familiar with London Underground? This is where classic meets modern, old meets young and fashion takes an exciting twist in an array of innovative designs, colour and individuality. This is London Underground.

It features a solid, stainless steel case, and band with classic silver detailing. If the band is a little too large for your mans wrist, the links can be removed easily to get that perfect fit. There is no pinching or hair pulling with this band either. My hubby has hairy arms and that’s been a problem with other watches he’s tried in the past. Not with this one.

There is also a date window on the dial. My husband no longer has to ask me what day it is. lol. Each of London Undergrounds watches come with a 3 year limited warranty and is built with quality materials so they will last for many years to come.

The black facing with the silver casing and band looks very classy but yet it is so sturdy that men can wear it any time. It’s rugged looking enough that it can be worn with any fashion style, not just suits. My photos do not do this watch justice. It is a very nice mans watch. It is not as huge as it appears in the photo below. I took a close up to show you the nice detailing. I’m obviously not a professional photographer.

Other features of this handsome watch are: a fold over push button clasp, analog display, 42 mm case width, hands on luminous, push in crown, and water resistant up to 50m.

The weight of this watch is perfect too. It is not too heavy but just heavy enough and does not look or feel cheap. It also keeps perfect time. No constant resetting with this one. Overall, it’s perfect. Looks nice, feels nice and works perfectly.

The London Underground Barnet retails for $75 but is currently on sale for $52.50. It is very well worth the price!

I truly recommend Precision Time for your next watch purchase. You won’t be sorry! Check out their great watch selection, helpful buyers guide for those frequently asked questions, and more. Oh, and if you aren’t in need of a watch at this time, they also sell jewelry such as rings, bracelets, and cufflinks.

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.

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e.l.f. Cosmetics

I seriously do not know anyone who has not tried or at least heard of e.l.f. Cosmetics. If any of you have not heard of them or tried their products yet you really need to check them out. With the economy the way it is and so many people losing their jobs we are all finding we have to find ways to stretch our pennies as far as they will go.

For most women & teen girls, cosmetics is one staple that we just don’t want to do without. Women love to feel beautiful but with e.l.f. Cosmetics you don’t have to break the bank. They have lots of cosmetics and bath & body care items to choose from and they are very affordable. Most items they sell are priced at just $1. That’s amazing! The most expensive products on their site are the bath kits that sell for $15 but those contain a nice variety of bath & body products and are packaged in a lovely basket. They make a nice gift.

e.l.f. sent me 4 full size products that consist of Mineral Foundation makeup (light powder) with SPF 15, Hypershine Gloss in Sugar Plum, Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Plum and Nail Polish in Medium Red.

e.l.f. Mineral Foundation

The Mineral Foundation powder is made of 100% natural minerals; Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide and not only covers well on your skin but works as a sunscreen as well. There are no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes. It lets your skin breathe for a beautiful experience you can see. I have very oily skin so the lighter the feel of the makeup, the better for me. Other products really feel cakey and clog my pores. With E.L.F. Mineral Foundation, I didn’t get that icky feeling. e.l.f. Mineral Foundation comes in 5 shades: Fair, Light, Warm, Dark and Deep. Priced at $5. (Does not include applicator).

e.l.f. Nail Polish in medium red

This nail polish offers a color-lock technology that creates a chip resistant shield for long lasting color. It’s infused with active Vitamin E for stronger, healthier nails. It is Toluene Free, Formaldehyde Free and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) Free. The formula is a little thin so I applied 3 coats with each use because I like a thicker appearance and long wear. It does dry quickly for a no mess application. You can use a top coat for added shine or just by itself. Since it’s key ingredients give nails a natural shine a top coat is not necessary unless you like a wet appearance. e.l.f. Nail Polish comes in 29 hot shades. Priced at $1 each.

e.l.f. Hypershine Gloss in Sugar Plum

I really loved the Hypershine Gloss. The applicator makes it extremely easy to apply to your lips. It contains a brush on one end and a turn-to-apply mechanism on the other end that pushes the gloss into the brush. The gloss is hypoallergenic and glides on smoothly. It gives your lips a wet, glass-like shine that is beautiful, and sheer. The sugar plum tastes yummy too. This can be used alone or over other lip products. e.l.f. Hypershine Gloss comes in 10 fabulous and juicy shades. Priced at $1 each.

e.l.f. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

If you like a clean, straight line eyeliner, you’ll love this product! It glides on smoothly with it’s narrow pointed tip. Don’t worry about smudges with this one. It gives you a clean line that does not budge. It’s waterproof and I love that. Who wants to have raccoon eyes? If you have a problem with watery eyes or need a liner that is strong enough to withstand tears, give this one a try. You can have the finest lines by applying with a light touch or a much bolder line by applying more pressure. Removal is easy, use a water based makeup remover. e.l.f. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen comes in 5 different shades: Coffee, Black, Midnight, Ash, and Plum. Priced at $1 each.

Check out e.l.f. Cosmetics online. Have some fun by giving yourself a virtual makeover. Upload a photo and try on different hairstyles & cosmetics. Create your beauty profile. You can get recommended products and see specific looks that are created just for you. How cool is that?

e.l.f. Cosmetics are now available at Target and Zellers stores near you!

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.

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QTICA Sugar Scrub Spa Kit from Art of Beauty

Art of Beauty was so gracious to send me not 1, not 2 but 3 of their wonderful QTICA Sugar Scrub Spa Kits. Each kit comes in a clear zip pouch that holds 2 exfoliating gloves, 1 jar of sugar scrub, 1 bottle of hair & body wash and 1 bottle of body lotion.

QTICA Sugar Scrub is the best exfoliating product ever created-that’s why it’s a BEST-SELLER. The non-drying and non-irritating formula is easy on delicate skin. Takes hassle-free to a new level; no mixing or stirring needed, ever! The key word is sugar-that means that it’s a clean-dissolving exfoliant that will never leave a sticky residue behind or harm/clog spa jets. This is a spa-quality product for both manicures and pedicures, and also a convenient all-over body polish, perfect for daily use all over the body in the shower.

These kits are perfect for travel or just a luxurious at-home special treat. If you are like me, when you travel with family you tend to do a lot of walking which can really tire your feet, legs and back. What a relaxing way to pamper yourself while on a vacation. They’re great for removing rough, uneven, dry skin. Hotels don’t provide you with luxury like these little kits.

The scents I received are Vanilla Wild Plum, Mandarin Honey, and Grapefruit Surprise. Each bottle of hair & body wash lasted through approximately 5 cleanings. I did not use these on my hair.

I started off with the body scrub. It’s best to use both gloves together because you can get those hard to reach places such as your back and shoulders much easier when both gloves are worn rather than having to use one per side and switching off and on. It works great on the rough skin that tends to build up on the bottoms of your feet. I followed that with the body wash. Just a dab the size of a nickle was all I needed with a pouf. A little goes a long way. Poufs really make a shower gel or body wash last longer than an ordinary wash cloth. After bathing & drying I used a small amount of the body lotion and I have to say this little kit makes my skin feel soft, smooth & well moisturized. My husband could smell the scent from the products before I entered the room.

The Vanilla Wild Plum has a sweet Plum scent that smells good enough to eat. The Grapefruit Surprise has an eye opening citrus scent. I have not tried the Mandarin Honey as of yet but I am quite sure it smells divine.

The spa kits retail for $18 each and last for about 5 uses. The gloves are reusable.

Other available scents are Eucamint for stress relief, Cherry Bing, Papaya Star, Lemon Dream, Cool for a fresh minty splash, Exotic Mango that’s a blend of mango and tropical temptations, Lime Zest, Pomagranate Lime, and White Tea that gives a soothing relaxing white tea escape.

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.

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SRS iWOW PREMIUM

SRS Labs was gracious enough to offer me the opportunity to try out the SRS iWOW™ Premium for iTunes advanced software.

SRS iWOW™ Premium is an advanced software plug-in for iTunes that provides the ultimate listening experience for music, movies and podcasts over headphones, desktop or laptop speakers.

What are the features of this product?

Immersive 3D Audio~

A Patented solution in iWOW Premium greatly improves the playback of audio by creating an expansive sound stage, putting you, the listener, in the center of the performance. iWOW Premium also restores audio cues that are buried in the original source material so your music and videos files sound more natural and more detailed.

Rich Surround Sound From Headphones or 2 Speakers ~

 

Envelope yourself in a theater-like 5.1 surround sound experience when watching DVDs or other multichannel content over headphones or just 2 external speakers.

Presets for the Ultimate Flexibility ~

 The preset dropdown menu lets you choose the music or video preset that best fits your audio files. Select from a number of different presets for your videos and music, like rock, classical, blues, jazz, country and more!

Intuitive and Attractive User Interface ~

The highly intuitive and aesthetically designed iWOW Premium user interface provides you with easy-to-use presets and a stylish graphical representation of your music.

*System Requirements:*

Standard headphone, desktop or notebook speakers
iTunes 6 or later (Mac and PC)
Mac OS X 10.4 or later (Mac users)
Windows XP service pack 2 or later (PC users)

SRS iWOW Premium MSRP: $49.99 ~ $39.99 retail box (cd) ~ $29.99 download

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I was really unsure what to expect from this product but I was pleasantly surprised. I was WOWed! No wonder they chose that name. It truly fits. It made me say “WOW” the first time I heard it. You really can tell the difference while using this software. It makes a huge difference. I played around with it, flipping between Classical, Custom, Jazz, Rock, Blues and other features to find the sound I liked the best. You can actually hear the sound change each time you change the preset settings. Turn it off and you will see, the cheap tinny sound comes back. Or at least it did on my cheap speakers.

Can’t afford expensive speakers for your desktop or laptop computer? No problem. SRS iWOW makes even the cheapest speakers sound as though you paid a lot more. It gives them a heftier sound. Crisp and clear. It makes your music sound more natural, immersive and detailed.

Put some meat behind your music! Try SRS iWOW Premium for your iTunes collection. You’ll wonder how you lived without it!

SRS iWOW Premium can be used with a PC or Mac. What a plus! And it’s compatible with Apples Snow Leopard.

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.

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ECOSTORE USA

EcoStore USA has been gracious enough to send me some of their environmentally friendly household cleaning products. Everyone knows that purchasing natural and organic products can be quite expensive but EcoStore USA has found a way around this by safely super-concentrating each formulation. That means a little goes a long way thus saving all of us money by significantly cutting down our cost per use. Now isn’t that amazingly wonderful of them? They also stand behind their products and are committed to offering the best in eco science.

If you are unsure of what “GREEN” means, check out this helpful information that EcoStore USA has posted on their site. http://www.ecostoreusa.com/what-is-green.aspx

Here’s some of the wonderful products I tested:

Ingredients

• Palm and coconut based non-ionic surfactants
• Silicates and carbonates including sodium meta silicate (simple mineral salts)
• Citrates and natural citrus oil
• Cellulose (plant based)
• Fatty acid derivative

• Palm and Coconut based non-ionic and anionic surfactants
• Fatty acid derivative
• Mineral hydroxide
• Certified organic Eucalyptus oil

I was given the opportunity to try the Laundry Liquid & the Auto Dish Powder and I have to say these are great products!  The Laundry Liquid detergent has a fresh pine scent that lasts even after the wash and dry cycle. It leaves your clothes smelling so clean. I have hard water and it’s hard to find a product that actually leaves our laundry smelling fresh and clean after washing. EcoStore USA Laundry Liquid definitely does that. I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting it to work so well but I am pleasantly surprised by the results and I believe you will be too.

Many people second guess eco-friendly products and feel they lack the cleaning power of other products because eco-friendly products are made with natural ingredients. Well, they will be pleasantly surprised when they use EcoStore USA products. I was surprised and I am very happy that I had the chance to try them. Don’t let the price turn you off either. A little bit goes a long way here. You only need  1 1/2 – 3 tablespoons of the Laundry Liquid (depending on how soiled your laundry is) for your front load washers & 3 – 5 tbsps. for top load washers in order to get clean, fresh smelling laundry.

The second product I tried, the Auto Dish Powder, worked just as well as other harsher products but without all of the toxic chemicals. Now why wouldn’t you want to use a safer cleanser that not only cleans your dishes well but protects your family from unwanted, possibly life threatening side effects? And it is gentler on the environment. I can feel good about having clean dishes & laundry, a healthier family and better earth by using EcoStore USA products.

These products were used in conjunction with other products I typically use during the wash/rinse/dry cycles of my clothes washer/dryer and dishwasher such as fabric softener, bleach and or a rinse agent. These items were not supplied.

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.

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Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Cream SPF 15
~ WOW, an amazing product!!!!

It is a powerful combination of the Reconstruction Complex and Pro-Xylane™  and has been shown to improve the condition around the stem cells, and stimulate cell regeneration to reconstruct facial skin to a denser quality. It launched in the US in October, 2009.

Some of the awesome benefits of this product is that it restores density, reduces wrinkles and regenerates radiance. Ladies this product really works and is so worth the cost.

Check out what current studies have shown:

Women see visible signs of younger skin:

90% skin seems denser
87% looks smoother
87% looks more radiant
95% has a more uniform complexion

I don’t know about you but at the age of 38, I want to preserve my skin as much as possible. It leaves my skin so soft, smooth and radiant. You only need a small amount, no “piling it on” to see results. If you have dull, dry skin, this product is for you! I highly recommend this product. A+

Absolue Precious Cells’ Day Cream with SPF 15 retails for $145,  Night Cream $145, and Eye Cream $95.

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.

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Bright Starts™ Pretty In Pink™ Cradling Bouncer

Features a musical flower toybar soft fabrics and soothing vibrations.

* Flower toybar plays 4 fun melodies and is easy for baby to activate. Plush Flower also lights up with music.
* A Butterfly and Bumble Bee toy with fabric crinkle wings keep baby engaged in the fun
* Soothing vibrations help to soothe your baby
* Soft seat fabrics provide a comfortable place for your little one to relax

Additional Features:

* 3 point harness keeps baby secure
* Seat pad is machine washable

Age/Height/Weight Requirements:

Weight/Height: 6 lbs to 25 lbs
Age: Birth & Up

Battery Requirements:
3 AAA (Not Included)
2 C (Not Included)

This adorable bouncer is all about the play! A baby activated toy bar keeps her focused on the fun with lights and melodies that play from the large plush flower. Two additional toys also entertain your little one along with soothing vibrations. Cradling seat design and 3 point harness keeps baby secure and comfortable. Toy bar is removable for easy access and seat pad is machine washable. The only negative thing I can say about this product is that the lights & music do not run long enough. If baby does not pull on the self-activating toy he/she may get bored pretty quickly with this product. I would like to see a possible timer setting option for this feature. It would certainly be a major improvement & baby would love it even more!

© 2009 – 2010, Bella So Savvy. All rights reserved.