eSalon, Color Me Pretty (Review)

Here's the thing. Once you start coloring your hair, you just can't stop. Especially since my hair grows so freakin' fast and dark roots just don't look sexy at all. Plus once the greys start popping up, that just adds to my woes. The trouble with having to touch up my roots every 3 weeks is that going to the salon every 3 weeks or so, is just not in my budget. So I usually end up buying a box of one size fits all at Target. Plus, if you're as lucky as me, you will purchase a box that someone decided to switch the color as joke, and end up with jet black hair like I did one time. Trust me, it was not fun at all!

So the other day, I joined a BzzAgent Campaign for eSalon. So how does eSalon work? It's easy peasy. You log on, answer a few survey questions. A colorist will go over your answers and custom blend a color just for you. You can even submit a photo of yourself if you'd like. Then you sit back and wait for your package to arrive.

My box arrived within a week. In addition to my hair color, I received a few extra goodies thanks to BzzAgent.

The photos above include my extras, but a regular eSalon order includes the following:

~ Your individually crafted hair color.
~ Developer
~ A packet of Stain Guard
~ A packet of Stain Remover
~ Two Pairs of Gloves (non-Latex)
~ A Packet of Shampoo
~ A Packet of Conditioner

The shampoo & conditioner are Sulfate-free and packed with beneficial amino acids and proteins to nourish hair and seal in color. I love that!

The process is easy. Just like store bought stuff, only better because it's custom blended for you.


So how did I like it? Well, the color was perfect! It was easy to apply and the scent was not horrible. After all was said and done, my roots matched the rest of my hair and my hair felt soft too. Grey coverage was pretty good too. Just a couple of shiny stragglers. I like the gloves that they supply, professional quality. The ones that come in the store bought box are like cellophane and sized to fit a large bear or maybe Mickey Mouse. I also like that they supply stain guard and stain remover.


I also want to make one quick comment about customer service at eSalon. When I submitted my order, my coupon was not applied. One quick call and it was taken care of. No long wait, no run around. You speak to a real live person and the call is not re-routed to a foreign country.

You can get your own custom color blend plus get 50% off your recurring order via this link to eSalon.

*** I am a BzzAgent. I received complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion. This is not a paid or sponsored post ***

Review: Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

Forty-Five! Forty-Freakin'Five years old. I can't even believe that I am admitting this in public. So now that I am this age that I will not mention again, skin care is of the upmost importance to me. I will be fighting and hiding any signs of aging til I die!

I have been lucky so far. My only complaints are a few sun spots (I refuse to call them age spots) and a few broken capillaries around my nose. I HATE (and do not wear) foundation. I may use a bit of concealer if necessary along with my tinted moisturizer.

I recently received a tube of Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream to sample from BzzAgent. I was really excited to try this product after reading about B.B. creams. This is a perfect fit for me! The coverage is way better than that of my tinted moisturizer plus it evens out my skin tone and hides imperfections. I have been using it for over 2 weeks with no break outs or complaints.

B.B, Short for Beauty Balm, Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream combines intense hydration with tinted minerals and Vitamin C, so you can ditch that drawn-out beauty routine for naturally more even, radiant and smooth skin in minutes.
Used as often as you want to refresh your look, Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream instantly delivers big results:


Renews radiance
Brightens your complexion
Evens skin tone and blurs imperfections
Hydrates for 24 hours
Protects against UVA & UVB rays with SPF 15

Works on all skin types with two shades: Light/Medium and Medium/Deep
Contains mineral pigments which melt instantly upon application to even out skin tone for a lightweight, flawless finish
Formulated with the antioxidant Vitamin C to help renew your skin's natural radiance, creating that healthy glow every gal wants
Available at mass retailers (such as Target and Wal-Mart) for a suggested retail price of $12.99

I only need a tiny pea size drop to cover my entire face. I also wipe up any additional cream left on the opening of the tube and add it where I need a little more coverage. It does have a slight scent, but it's not a bad scent. Just putting it out there for anyone that may be sensitive to scents.

Now, like with almost everything, the Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream has both pros and cons.

Pros:
* It provides good coverage and evens out tones
* Feels light, not heavy
* Contains SPF 15
* Price is decent at about $13 plus you can find coupons

Cons:
* Feels a bit greasy/ shiny at first until it dries
* SPF 20+ woul be ideal

The pros outweigh the cons. The price is great when compared to other B.B. creams and seems to work just as well. I, for one, will continue using it. Like with anything else, results may vary from person to person. But at this price, it will not hurt to try it out and see if it's for you.

"Like" Garnier on Facebook at facebook.com/GarnierUSA

*** I am a BzzAgent. I received complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion. This is not a paid or sponsored post ***

Review & Giveaway: Sea-Band

I just recently returned from a Trans-Atlantic crossing on a cruise ship. Generally, I do not suffer from motion sickness on these mega liners but this sailing was very different. I noticed many crew members wearing these bands on their wrists and thought that it must be a fashion statement or a sign of solidarity. I later learned that they were Sea-Band wristbands for relief from motion sickness. They actually sell these on board the ship as well. Early on in the cruise, we met a couple and the wife offered to lend me a pair of Sea-Band wristbands. The verdict? They worked. Although we were walking zig zag or bouncing around, up & down and up & down, I never felt sick. The only problem that I did have was that the bands felt kind of tight on my wrists and I have really thin wrists. About the only part of me that's thin nowadays! But they worked and that made my cruise all the more enjoyable. Plus I didn't have to worry about getting drowsy or not being able to enjoy a froo-froo umbrella drink because it might interfere with motion sickness meds.

Now, thanks to Sea-Band, I have my own pair. I received a pair to try along with Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum. I have not had the opportunity to try the gum but I plan to soon. I will be using my Sea-Band wristbands when I'm forced to sit in the backseat of a car, on a plane, on a boat... just about everywhere that I get motion sickness.







Nausea induced by busy and stressful days, filled with traveling and migraine triggers, are unfortunately hallmarks of the holidays. This year, stop nausea in its tracks with Sea-Band Drug-Free Nausea Relief Wristbands. It doesn’t matter whether you suffer from motion sickness, morning sickness or need nausea relief from a migraine, even chemotherapy treatment or post-surgery; it’s time for you to join the “band wagon” for drug-free nausea relief from Sea-Band!

How Sea-Band Works…
Approved by the FDA, Sea-Band is the leading drug-free remedy for, motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy nausea and post-operative nausea. Most recently, a 2010 study, carried out at a German clinic specializing in migraine and headache therapy, showed that Sea-Band wristbands significantly reduced nausea and vomiting: 83% noticed perceptible reduction and 44% found their symptoms markedly reduced.

Sea-Band works by exerting constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist known as the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point. It brings effective relief within five minutes of being applied and can be used before or after the onset of nausea. The all-natural, drug-free, latex-free Sea-Band does not cause the side-effects often associated with anti-nausea medication such as drowsiness, disorientation, dry mouth or possible interactions with other drugs. It’s safe for pregnant women, children, and patients taking prescription medications. Packaged in a convenient carry-case, they are washable and reusable, and available a variety of colors in sizes for adults and children.

Click here to watch an informative video about how Sea-Band wristbands work.  In addition, the company also offers Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum, for fast nausea relief with fresh, uplifting flavor. Each piece of the great tasting gum contains 25 mg of ginger oil (equivalent to 8 grams of fresh ginger root).

Sea-Band products are available in the U.S. in Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, as well as in Canada in Overwaitea, IDA, Familiprix, Guardian and other independent drugstores or pharmacies throughout North America or online at drugstore.com and at http://www.sea-band.com/shop.

Suggested retail price is $10.99 per pair in the US , and $12.99 in Canada .

You can also connect with Sea-Band on  Facebook


This post was written for Family Review Network & Sea-Band who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinion.


WIN A Pair of Sea-Band wrist bands and a pack of Anti Nausea Ginger Gum


**Note: You can enter using Facebook OR e-mail**

Review: The Zero Scale

For the last 10 years or so, I have been in constant battle with my weight. I generally get frustrated with the actual weight and just give up. Sometimes I can be dieting for a few days and I don't see much change in the number. So why deprive myself of that piece of cake since I am not losing any weight anyway. I actually may be losing and can't really tell by looking at my scale.

I recently received The ZERO Scale™ to review. I was curious enough to want to try  it. Quite honestly, I wasn't sure how I felt about the concept of not seeing my actual weight. I've been using the scale sporadically since I received it, quite frankly, I'm not actually dieting right now. But immediately after the holidays, I'll really be getting serious about losing the weight. I hope!

But I digress, I really liked this scale. Say you're dieting, and day one you weigh in at 125 lbs. Day 2 of practically starving you're still at 125. Day 3 comes along and the freakin' scale still reads 125. If you're like me, you quit because you do not see any results. BUT, with The ZERO Scale™ on day 2 you might see that you actually lost 8 oz and day 3 you lost an additional 7 oz. But since you didn't actually hit the full 1 lb lost,  on a regular scale the number would remain the same. In reality, you're on track to a healthy 2lbs per week weight loss.

Same goes with weight gain, if you weigh in on The ZERO Scale™ and it reads 2oz gain, you more than likely will just figure that you can pee it out! But if you weighed yourself on a conventional scale and weighed in at 125 and you didn't actually know that your actual weight was 125 & 14 oz, those 2 extra oz would weigh you in at 126 and freak you out! When I say you, I actually mean me!

If you just HAVE to see your actual weight, you can also weigh in on guest mode.

The ZERO Scale™
The original and unique scale designed to help you achieve your fitness goals whether it's to lose, gain, or maintain your weight. The advantage is that you NEVER have to see your weight again! Our scale shows small increments of gain or loss, plus the number of days since your last check and your very first check so it does all the tracking for you!
All you need to see is your "Results without the weight"! As you may have experienced, seeing your weight can derail the best of intentions to get in shape. In the past you might have worked hard on your diet or exercise programs but you still had a big number facing you. Our clients have discovered that when you ONLY see small manageable numbers of gain or loss, it's easier to stay motivated and on-track!

* 4 Users & a guest mode
* 1.3" LCD display
* Fast & Easy set up
* 397 lbs/ 180 kg weight capacity
* Sleek Modern Design
* 12.5"x12.5" platform
* Pounds or Kilograms
* 10 year warranty


The ZERO Scale™ retails for $69.95. Right now on their website their offering the scale for $59.95 PLUS a FREE pedometer. They are also offering my readers an additional 15% discount just enter promo code "Zero".
You can also follow them on Facebook and on the blog Zero Excuses Fitness

This post was written for Family Review Network & The Zero Scale who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase®

Living in S. Florida can be a blessing and a curse. The humidity can leave you melting on the sidewalk like the Wicked Witch of the West. However, the same humidity can leave your skin looking and feeling younger than your years.

I am quite fortunate when it comes to wrinkles. At 45 the only visible signs of wrinkles are tiny lines around the eyes. After trying the Under Eye Recovery for a few weeks, I did notice a bit of improvement. Lack of sleep causes a bit of puffiness and dark circles under my eyes. The Under Eye Recovery seemed to minimize the puffiness and made the area around my eyes seem brighter. The dark circles are still there but do seem slightly lighter.

As part of a BzzAgent Campaign, I received the Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase® Under Eye Recovey & the Anti-Winkle Daily Cream

Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase® product line

• Consists of 10 anti-aging cleansers, moisturizers and daily treatments
• Combines exclusive clinical strength kinetin with potent cosmeceutical ingredients
• Awarded Prevention Magazine's 2011 "Defy Your Age" Beauty Award – Best Eye Cream for the DLK Lift & Resculpt Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
• Available exclusively at select Walmart and Walgreens stores as well as at all Duane Reade locations for $25-$35

DLK Anti-Wrinkle Daily Cream SPF 30

• Softens lines and wrinkles
• Brightens skin and makes it more vibrant
• Makes skin feel soft and hydrated
• Helps skin stay youthful with fewer wrinkles and dark spots
• Protects against sun damage – the number one cause of aging

DLK Under Eye Recovery

• Uncovers fresh, energized and beautiful eyes in 14 days*
• Soothes and deflates puffiness
• Decreases dark circles as it brightens
• Boosts collagen to smooth the signs of wrinkles
• Minimizes future eye bags by stopping liquid accumulation and inhibiting loss of elasticity

The Wrinkle Repair Cream was too heavy for my taste, I do not like using heavy creams on my face, I prefer sticking to lotions that are easily absorbed and do not leave my face shiny. I tried it on my face for a few days but it just felt too heavy and my complexion looked too shiny. It did not cause breakouts though. I did, however, use the cream on my décolletage, primarily the cleavage. This area, although not wrinkled, did appear to show the beginning signs of aging. After using the cream, that area appears smoother. I do love that the cream contains an SPF of 30 which is an every day absolute necessity for me.

I would definitely consider using the Under Eye Recovery in the future. My eyes did look brighter and less puffy. The Anti-Winkle Daily Cream is just not for me. But I do see it possibly working out for those that have more wrinkles and/ or live in harsher, dryer climates.


**I am a BzzAgent. I received the products free of charge to review, share, and provide my honest opinion.***

Review: Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician® Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner

Through the years, I have abused my hair to no end. I have permed, colored & highlighted. I blow dry, curl iron & flat iron. I'm always looking for a way to keep the signs of abuse from showing. BzzAgent recently sent me the Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician® Color Care Shampoo & Conditioner to try. I was also sent samples of the Glossing Cream™.

Products within the Fekkai line:

• Have luxurious textures and refreshing, invigorating scents
• Help maintain the healthy look of your hair
• Have all been tested in the world-renowned Frédéric Fekkai Salons
• Are developed to meet the standards of Fekkai's A-list clients
• Address specific needs of different hair types
• Include shampoos, conditioners, masks, glazes, mousse, creams, lightweight hairsprays and shine mists.

With four high performance collections available, beautifying your hair is easy:

Glossing™
With olive oil
Helps restore shine to normal or dull hair

Shea Butter
With shea butter
Helps restore moisture to dry, unruly hair

Technician® Color Care
With Triple Color protection complex
Helps prevent fading and guard against UV rays

Full Volume®
With botanicals
Adds body and volume to fine, limp hair

Glossing Cream™ – The Fekkai Finishing Touch
This award-winning, frizz-fighting, soft-seeking shine cream works for nearly every hair type. With olive oil, it reboots shine. This superstar formula is a secret from the runway to the red-carpet for that finishing touch.
The trick is using just the right amount – a pea size is enough to add that perfect finishing touch. Rub in your palm and run through your hair – avoiding the roots.

I really, really didn't want to like these products, and I'll explain why later. But I did. The shampoo has a nice, soft floral scent. The conditioner had a slightly bolder scent that leaned towards the fruity, but not bad plus a little goes a long way. I did not have to use huge globs. They not only leave your hair feeling super soft and healthy, but my color has not changed or turned brassy. You can also feel the difference as you are using. With some other shampoos, my hair feels like a blob of knots as I shampoo, not so with Fekkai. The Glossing Cream is AMAZING! At first I thought that a cream would weigh my hair down. Nothing could be further from the truth. After styling, my hair was soft, beautiful & shiny. I am my own worst critic and I loved looking at and touching my hair.

Now, for the downside. The product is very pricey. That is why I did not want to like it. At all. I mean the small 8 oz bottles are $22 at Target slightly less on Amazon. And I wash my hair practically every day! Can I afford myself that luxury? I have debated that question over and over. And although I really can't, I do love how my hairs looks & feels. So after a long debate with myself... shut up! yes, I do talk to myself!... I decided that I would use the Fekkai shampoo and conditioner every 3rd wash and the glossing cream every day! Might as well put truth behind my husband's claim that I am high maintenance! ;-)

**I am a BzzAgent. I received the products free of charge to review, share, and provide my honest opinion.***

Review & Giveaway: Konsyl Fiber Supplement

This is not the usual type of product that I normally post about about, but it definitely is something that I was interested in trying to promote digestive health. I was sent the following products to review from Konsyl.

Konsyl Orange Sugar Free Packets 30'sKonsyl Orange Sugar Free Fiber Supplement Packets contain psyllium fiber with a refreshing, sugar-free orange flavor and smooth texture for a convenient and pleasant tasting way to increase daily fiber intake. The packets are effective in relieving occasional constipation and restoring regularity, producing a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours, as well as providing many other digestive health benefits.  This product’s heart-healthy formula helps to lower cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. 



Konsyl Balance 300g
Konsyl Balance Fiber Supplement is a blend of psyllium fiber and inulin, a soluble prebiotic fiber designed to stimulate growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. The combination of the two fibers helps to maintain a healthy digestive balance.  Sugar free with a refreshing orange flavor, the innovative blend can reduce the risk of heart disease as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Konsyl Balance helps to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels and helps manage body weight by helping to feel full and curb food cravings.*
. 


Both products mixed well with water and it wasn't clumpy. I was also sent a shaker cup. It is definitely better shaken, not stirred.  Just like my Martinis! It didn't taste bad with plain water but I also tried it with Crystal Light Sunrise. I usually drink CL Sunrise in the morning to make myself believe that I am having OJ without all the sugar. The Konsyl Balance (Orange Flavor) actually enhanced the taste of the Crystal Light and reduced the after taste. Go figure.

The Konsyl Orange Sugar Free Packets 30's is really great for on the go and for travel. I, for one, am the type that has a "difficult time" while on vacation.

Instead of supplying you with TMI, I will just post the facts directly from Konsyl. If you would like to try the same 2 products (described above) that I received, including a shaker cup, just leave me a message below. Konsyl has generously sponsored this giveaway.

We’ve all heard about the digestive and other health benefits of having enough fiber, but in addition to helping promote regularity and good digestive health adequate soluble fiber intake offers an abundance of health benefits, ranging from a reduced risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, to reducing blood sugar absorption, thereby assisting in the management of Type-2 Diabetes. Fiber can also aid in weight loss by making you feel fuller longer.


Psyllium fiber, such as the fiber found in Konsyl Fiber Supplements, is a bulk-forming soluble fiber derived from the outer coating, or "husk" of the psyllium plant's seeds. Because psyllium does not come from wheat it is therefore gluten free and safe for celiac patients. Konsyl products are also safe for pregnant and nursing women. Just one serving of Konsyl Original Formula 450g provides 6 grams of psyllium fiber (equal to 3 grams of soluble fiber), 75% more than the leading brands.


How do we know if we are actually getting the recommended daily fiber intake? The American Dietetic Association recommends getting between 25-38 grams of fiber each day. Konsyl Psyllium Fiber Supplements, along with a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber rich foods, will help you achieve your daily fiber goal.
38 grams for men under the age of 50 to 21 years of age
30 grams for men over 50 years of age
25 grams for women under the age of 50 to 21 years of age
21 grams for women over 50 years of age


Many of Konsyl Fiber products are sugar and gluten free and are all natural. The full Konsyl Fiber Supplement line is:
Made with 100% pure psyllium, a soluble plant fiber
Safe for celiac patients, diabetics and pregnant and nursing mothers
Available in powder, capsule and single-serve packets


Who should take Konsyl products?
Konsyl is for women and men of all ages who want to:
· Relieve constipation and induce regularity (even while pregnant)
· Get relief from various gastrointestinal disorders, such as diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, acid reflux and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
· Reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol
· Follow a heart-healthy diet
· Enhance weight loss
· Help decrease blood cholesterol levels and help maintain healthy blood glucose and insulin levels
· Reduce the chance of developing hemorrhoids


The featured Konsyl product line includes:
* Konsyl Original Formula 450g (SRP $19.00)
Konsyl Original Natural Fiber Supplement contains 100% pure natural psyllium fiber, with each teaspoon dose containing 6 grams of psyllium, 75% more than the leading brands. This product’s heart-healthy formula helps to lower cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.  Each container holds a total of 450 grams, 15.9 oz, 75 teaspoons. Konsyl Original Formula contains no sugar or sugar substitutes, is gluten free and safe to take while pregnant. Konsyl Original Formula is effective in relieving occasional constipation and restoring regularity as well as providing many other digestive health benefits
* Konsyl Psyllium Caps 100's (SRP $9.50)
Konsyl Psyllium Fiber Capsules contain no sugar or sugar substitutes and are convenient to use and easy to swallow.  They are effective in relieving occasional constipation and restoring regularity as well as many other digestive health benefits. This product’s heart-healthy formula helps to lower cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. 
* Konsyl Orange Sugar Free Packets 30's (SRP $9.50)
(Described above)
* Konsyl Balance 300g (SRP $13.50)
(Described above)


Konsyl Original 450g – the number one doctor recommended all natural psyllium fiber supplement- is available in retail stores; other Konsyl products, as well as Konsyl Original, are conveniently available for purchase on www.konsyl.com and on various e-tailers, such as drugstore.com, walmart.com, Amazon.com.


Psyllium actually absorbs the water around it very quickly, which makes it a bit more difficult to stir. That is why we provided you with a FREE Konsyl Shaker Cup to facilitate easier mixing. Both powdered fiber supplement products may be mixed in a variety of beverages. We do not recommend carbonated drinks because carbonation is not desirable when shaking the product. Some popular choices for mixing include pulpy fruit juices, iced tea, milk, lemonade, or, for those looking to control sugar intake, diet beverages (e.g. Crystal Lite, etc.).

Connect With Konsyl via Twitter & Facebook

***Konsyl & Robin Leedy & Associates provided me with the free products to review in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own ***

Review: Downy Un-Stopables

I do not LOVE doing laundry. Actually, the actual doing it doesn't bother me. My machine does all the work. The part that I HATE is folding & putting away.  I love having clean & fresh smelling clothes though. So yes, it's a LOVE/HATE relationship.

I received a sample bottle of Downy UNSTOPABLES™ in wash scent booster from Vocalpoint a couple of weeks ago. First of all, let me say that I love scents. I love candles,warmers, plug-ins, sprays...well, you get the picture. So this product definitely appeals to me.

I find that using just a little bit gives my laundry just the right amount of scent. You use as little or as much as you like. I have yet to use it together with fabric softener though. I'm not quite sure how both scents would meld. I may just switch to the Downy unscented softener or just stick to dryer sheets instead. I do love scent, but I don't like to mix scents. I also like that Downy UNSTOPABLES™ is safe to use in my HE washer.

Now, it's not all butterflies & roses. There is one downer. I find the price point to be a quite high. I saw it at Target for about $6 per bottle. Considering that I will be using Downy UNSTOPABLES™ in addition to everything else that I use in the wash, I have to ask myself; "Is the added cost worth it?" It is just scent after all. A 'want' not a 'necessity'. Will I buy Downy UNSTOPABLES™ in the future? That is yet to be determined. It depends on how long the bottle will last and how many coupons & sales become available.

Funny Story. When my girls were little, we were visiting a friend and my girls went in the pool. My friend brought out towels for them, and my sweet, polite girls embarrassed the heck out of me. When they dried their face, the both... at the same time... exclaimed that the towels smelled bad! As I turned every color of red, I bent down to tell them to stop and realized that the towels did not smell bad. They just did not smell like Downy.


If you are anti-scent, then this product is not for you. But if you LOVE scent like I do, then grab yourself a  bottle and try it for yourself.

Hungry Jack® Premium Hashbrown Potatoes Review & Giveaway

I have this weird habit of checking out other peoples shopping carts while at the grocery store. I was doing just that when I spotted these little milk containers in someones cart. But the containers weren't milk. They were Hungry Jack® Premium Hashbrown Potatoes. Potatoes in a milk container? I have to try that. I made a mental note to pick some up next time I went grocery shopping.

As luck would have it, the Hungry Jack® Premium Hashbrown Potatoes came to me first. Not just the samples to try but a box including a "Hashbrowns Making Kit"! How cool is that?

So what's a girl to do? Well, get right down to hashbrowns making of course! I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical. But let me just say, that it was great. First of all, I love that it is shelf stable. For one thing, no frozen bits popping up and splattering me. No frost bitten potatoes either. It's much more portable and great for camping trips. It is super easy to prepare, although it can take a bit longer than the frozen stuff. Since it doesn't have to be kept frozen or refrigerated, it's a great addition to my hurricane supplies too.

First you fill the container with hot tap water and let it sit for 12 minutes. While you wait for that, you can be prepping the rest of your meal, no biggie. Then you heat 2 tbs of oil in a large skillet. Drain any excess water from the container and add the potatoes. Pan fry to golden brown. Salt and/or pepper to taste. Then enjoy. Easy peasy.

My family & I enjoyed the Hungry Jack® Premium Hashbrown Potatoes. I will definitely be buying it again the future. Now, the packaging states that it makes an entire pound of hashbrowns to serve 6. I would say that realistically it will feed four normal eaters.

Each carton typically retails for $1.79 That's about $0.45 per serving for a family of four. Another plus, it is made with 100% Idaho® Potatoes. There are some great recipes on the Hungry Jack® website. It's not just for breakfast! I particularly like to mix in some fresh bacon bits, shredded cheddar, some green onions and top with some sour cream. Yummo!

GIVEAWAY! (Closed)

The folks at Hungry Jack® have generously offered a "Hashbrown Making Kit" for not one but TWO of my readers. The kit is just like the one pictured and includes a pan, spatula, apron and samples of Hungry Jack® Premium Hashbrown Potatoes. 

To enter simply visit the Hungry Jack® Premium Hashbrown Potatoes recipe page and tell me which recipe you would like to try. Or if you have your own recipe, please share.

Extra entries are optional and only in addition to the mandatory entry above. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.
~ Like Hungry Jack® on Facebook ( Leave your FB name)
~ Follow me on Twitter (Leave me your Twitter handle)
~ Tweet the following: "I just entered for a chance to #win a Hungry Jack Prize Pack from @Just4YouReviews. You too can enter here: http://is.gd/qndFID  #Giveaways " (Link to your tweet)
~Subscribe to my feed
My giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on July 26th. I will then draw my winners via a random number generator. Open only to U.S. Residents 18+. Void where prohibited.

Contest
You also have a chance win a $3000 kitchen shopping spree by entering the “My Happy Hungry Jack Family Photo Contest” Contest ends on July 31st, so act quickly! Let me know if you win!

This post was written for Family Review Network & Hungry Jack® Premium Hashbrown Potatoes who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for honest opinion.

Review: TRESemmé® Color Revitalize

I have been coloring my hair for over 10 years. It all started when I spotted the first gray and I started to panic. I was not going to accept the grays! I started with reds and I LOVED the color. But red fades really fast. I couldn't afford keeping up with it. It would actually fade before the roots started to show. So I gravitated towards lightish auburn with blonde highlights.

I am a BzzAgent and I recently received samples of TRESemmé® Color Revitalize shampoo & conditioner. I figured, what better way to try it than by going back to red? So I did. After using both the shampoo and conditioner for 4 weeks, my color remained pretty much the same. It was still shiny and not as dull as it normally would be 4 weeks after coloring. After rinsing the shampoo off, my hair felt like a mass of knots but thankfully the conditioner de-tangled well and did not weigh down my hair. I did notice that although my hair did not feel weighed down, I did have a difficult time styling it. Even my curling iron did not give me the desired waves that I'm used to. Also, my hair did not feel as soft as I like.

All in all I would give the TRESemmé® Color Revitalize Shampoo & Conditioner 3 stars because it did maintain my hair color. It did, however, seem to make my hair less manageable. It is not sulfate-free which may be a concern for some. The price point is very reasonable.It is worth a try for those with color treated hair.

So, have you tried TRESemmé® Color Revitalize? What did you think about it?

**I was given a coupon/products for free from BzzAgent.com. Opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid for this review***

Review: George Foreman GRP4B Next Grilleration™

In my house, Summer generally means cook outs and pool time. My husband has a fancy schmancy outdoor grill which he considers his baby and uses it quite often. But what happens when it rains? The BBQ is out in the open, so it usually means that we have to bring the stuff in and mess up my kitchen.  Because of this, I was so happy to receive the George Foreman GRP4B Next Grilleration™ Removable Plate Grill to try.

When I first opened the box, I was thrilled to see that the unit is sleek and black. The grill surface (72 sq.in.) is smaller than I expected though. The biggest plus is that it comes with removable grill plates! My old George Foreman Grill did not have removable plates, and clean up was a chore. I remember saying that they should invent something that could be removed. Well, now they did and I love it!

This is a spacious yet sleek 72" grill that offers easy clean up grilling for the whole family.

* 72 square inch grilling surface lets you cook for 4
* 2 dishwasher-safe removable grill plates for easy clean up
* Temperature indicator light indicates plates are at grilling temperature
* Integrated handle is ergonomic & compact
* George Tough™ Triple non-stick coating is durable & eliminates need for oil
* Patented sloped grill design knocks out the fat
* 1 ½" floating hinge works to accommodate thick cuts of meat
* Embedded heat elements provide consistent heat & rapid recovery time
* Dishwasher-safe removable plates with cool-touch handles for easy clean up
* 2 Plates included: 2 ribbed grill plates
* 2 drip trays catch run off liquids for no-mess clean up
* 2 spatulas are customized for grill

Knock Out the Fat™ new fat-reduction claim:
New results of independent testing show that the George Foreman Grill removes up to 42% of fat from quarter-pound burgers made with 80/20 ground chuck beef, translating to a reduction of approximately 89 calories per burger!

Learn more about the Knock Out the Fat™ claim


Of course, I put it to the test.

 What was in the box

 About to grill the burgers

 Look at all that nasty fat!

What I liked:

* The removal grill plates. Clean up was a breeze. So much easier than with my other GF Grill!
* The sleek design
* The amount of fat removed.

What can be improved:

* The grill surface. They say that you can cook for 4, I say 2 maybe 3.
* The cord is very short. Just a few more inches would be nice.

All in all, I liked George Foreman GRP4B Next Grilleration™ Removable Plate Grill. I will continue to use it like I did my old GF Grill. I love making chicken breasts and pressed sandwiches on the grill. Now I won't hesitate in using the grill just because I don't want to go through the hassle of cleaning it. I still have to clean it, but it's so much easier to do now.

This post was written for Family Review Network & George Foreman Grills who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for honest opinion.

Review: Perfective Ceuticals

Perfective Ceuticals is allied with renowned biochemists, medical specialists and doctors in developing the finest and most advanced anti-aging formulas to provide comprehensive solution targeting the aspects of aging.

Growth Factors are naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cellular growth and proliferation. They participate in skin rejuvenation at various levels such as stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin and promoting growth of keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts and other cells with decreased prolific capacity due to aging. Medical studies indicate that Growth Factors are unparalleled in enhancing dynamic and rapid cell activity.


Perfective Ceuticals comprises holistic wisdom with cell biology technique to provide aging skin the most extensive compensation ever experienced in a skin care formulation. Famed Growth Factors, proven anti-aging ingredients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are included in our anti-aging creams and wrinkle treatments to reverse the ravages of time. Apply once in the morning before the sunscreen and at night after cleansing. Sleep on it and after 6 weeks you'll notice a smoother, plumper, younger complexion.



My Thoughts

I recently received samples of Perfective Ceuticals to review.  The following is my personal opinion, based on just under two weeks of use.  The products that I received included the Divine Age Guardian Serum with Growth Factor ($128) & the Divine Age Guardian Cream with Growth Factor ($96) . The instructions suggest using them in tandem  2x per day.

Let me point out that I am fortunate enough not to have many noticeable wrinkles... yet. I do have a few lines on my forehead and tiny crows feet. Plus, I live in in South Florida where the humidity is the death of my hair but the salvation for my skin.

First of all, let me say that I LOVED the packaging of the products. They are pretty enough to display on your vanity and not thrown in a drawer.  Also, the serum comes in a pump which retracts and locks. This is great for traveling!

Although, the suggested use is 2x per day, I found the creme to be a bit heavy for me for daytime use. I used the serum in the morning & before bed. I only used the creme at night though. Just a few pumps of the serum was enough for my face, neck & décolletage. I would venture to guess that both products should last me 1 1/2-2 months of continuous use.

After just 2 weeks of use, I do find my skin feeling smoother & more toned. It also looks brighter and healthier. I did use the serum around my eyes and the baby crow's feet are less visible, which is great. Aside from the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), the ingredients include peptides and retinol  which are scientifically backed ingredients. I also love that it contains Emu oil because...well, I love Emu oil! One thing to point out,  is that these products do NOT contain sunscreen. Be sure to use your sunscreen after applying the products. If they could find a way to incorporate sunscreen into their formula the products would be just perfect.

Pricing is a bit high and can be prohibitive for some. But it may be worth it to invest in these Perfective Ceutical products instead of an arsenal of many different products with sub-par ingredients. You can also tweak your regimen to make the products last longer.

All in all, I was very pleased with the products.  I probably will be tempted to purchase in the future, simply because I like the way it makes my skin look and feel. I would also like to see how it works when the real wrinkles start to make an un-welcomed appearance. I will, however, be tweaking my own regimen. Maybe by using it every other day instead of every day. Unless I win the lotto of course!


This post was written for Family Review Network & Perfective Ceuticals who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

REVIEW: Wilson La Davine Capri Pant

The Wilson La Davine Capri Pant is a compression fit Capri that is lightweight, breathable, and flattering. The premium technical fabric and design allow for maximum moisture wicking and comfort. The Capri has versatile functionality whether training in the gym, playing on the tennis court, or just out and about running errands.

As some of you may already know, I am a bit disabled right now due to a severe tibia & fibula fracture.  Unfortunately, I won't be hitting the court anytime soon.  I'm talking about the tennis court. I am no pro-tennis player by any means, but I do enjoy going out and playing with friends for fun. Although, for the most part, I am running around chasing errant balls. But I digress.

I had volunteered to review a pair of Wilson La Davine Capri Pants.  That was before the accident. I just received the pants a few days ago. I did try them on, and they fit perfectly and are very comfortable. Especially the waistband. I have even worn them to physical therapy a few times. But, that is not a real work out.  At least not a real, sweat my rear off workout. So, I recruited my daughter to try the pants for a spinning class.  That might have been a huge mistake on my part. Primarily because she has not returned them to me. She loved that after an hour of spinning, it didn't feel or look like she had wet her pants. She liked how they looked on her too. You know that looking cute is always a huge plus!

I can't wait to put them to the test myself! Hopefully I'll be walking again soon and eventually, back to actual workouts. In the meantime, I have my eye on the Wilson La Davine Tank & Skirt and the Monarch Tank & Skirt too! Those can be my reward for all the painful PT sessions!


**This post was written for Wilson Tennis who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions. No payment or compensation was received for my review**

Review: Système 41 Rejuvenating Masque

"Growing older may be inevitable, but looking older doesn't have to be!" 

                                                                                                                                                                       ~ Système 41

Système 41 combines 100% natural ingredients along with cutting-edge science for dramatic age defying results. It uses the latest micro-encapsulation technology to condense it's vitamins, marine extracts, and other active ingredients into tiny molecules, similar to those on the surface of your skin.


As a result, every active ingredients in the Système 41 formula acts as a deep-penetrating delivery system in and of itself. Together, they work synergistically  to defeat lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of aging down to the deepest levels of your skin.

The Système 41 Rejuvenating Masque exfoliates while restoring radiance. Amazon White Clay decongests pores and lifts impurities while Olive Squalane helps your skin hold moisture and suppleness. Natural Pomegranate and Papin Enzymes gently remove superficial dead skin cells. The special skin Probiotic Complex shields skin from harsh elements while supporting overall skin health.

My Thoughts


I received a sample of the Système 41 Rejuvenating Masque ($29.95) At my age, I am always looking for products that combat the signs of aging.  Short of surgery, I plan on fighting til the bitter end. One huge plus about the Système 41 products is that they contain all natural ingredients.  No animal testing, no artificial colors or ingredients, no chemicals or acids PLUS it's manufactured in the USA!


The texture of the masque is a bit odd and it doesn't go on smooth like other products that I've tried. You can just use it as a scrub and rinse off right away. Or you can leave it on for up to 20 minutes and use as a masque. I chose to do both.  I first applied it to my face while gently exfoliating. Then I left it on for 20 minutes.. You can immediately feel the slight tingling which, to me, is a sign that it's working.  It does not rinse off easy though, so I had to use a washcloth to wipe it off. My skin did feel cleaner and smoother. I am considering possibly investing in the complete line, just to see how everything works together.  The main selling point for me is that it contains absolutely no chemicals or acids. They offer a no risk "bottom of the jar" guarantee, so it's worth a try!


**This post was written for It's a Glam Thing & Systeme41 who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions. No payment or compensation was received for my review**

Review: CardiWrap by Kymaro

Travel much? We sure do try. And every single time, I attempt to travel light. I may not always succeed, but I do way better than my DH! He's worse than a girl! Come October, we are booked to fly to Paris, then to Barcelona and finally end up on a trans-Atlantic cruise back to Florida. With baggage fees the way they are, we definitely need to pack light. So I was really excited to get the opportunity to review the CardiWrap by Kymaro.

The CardiWrap is single multifunctional wrap can be twisted, tossed, tucked and slung to create 50 different figure-flattering styles and is an indispensable wardrobe addition.

I received a black CardiWrap, which is perfect since it goes with every color. I tried a few different ideas and some worked well for me, while others didn't. But it's nice to experiment and see what works well for you. The sleeves did feel a bit snug around the armpit area on me, but that may be because I am carrying a few extra pounds. Hopefully, by October, I can wear more styles. I had my daughter try some styles and they looked great on her. I'm sure that the average person can find at the very least 10 styles that they can work with. It can be used as a loose cardigan, a shawl, a wrap and even a scarf. I particularly liked the loose draped styles and the belted styles too! It will definitely be my go to item for our trips!

I'm still in my wheelchair, so my photos would not do the product much justice. The Cardi Wrap comes with a booklet with 56 styles for you to try. You can also check out the CardiWrap by Kymaro website to see the many style options plus you can come up with some of your own.  The possibilities are endless.

The Kymaro Cardi Wrap is available in seven colors and two sizes and comes with a Style Book illustrating how it can be worn in a limitless number of ways. Use it to go to the office and then change its style for a night out on the town. The Cardi Warp is made from light-weight fabric labeled 100% Viscose and is machine washable. Fantastic! Because I hate paying for dry cleaning! I have never heard of viscose, but it's a soft material like rayon and it drapes really well.

It is available  in two sizes. Misses & Plus Size. And comes in seven colors... blue, black, red, gray, pink, purple and tan. The price is $49.99 including shipping.

About Kymaro

Kymaro is owned by BJ Global, a pioneering company in affordable and practical consumer products. For more than 20 years, the Irvine, Calif.-based company has engaged in all aspects of the direct-response industry from designing, marketing and distributing products to producing infomercials. Founded and run by BJ Fazeli, BJ Global sells dozens of products under the Duragear and Kymaro brands. The latter takes its name from Fazeli’s three daughters: Kyara Fazelli, Mahdice Fazeli and Romy Alahmari. The sisters are behind such popular products as Body Shaper, Bust Up Cups, Cardi Wrap and Rhythm Rocker.

This is not a paid post. This post was written for Family Review Network & Cardi Wrap who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: At Last Naturals

Is it hot in here? Or is it just me? This is something that I continually ask my husband. For the most part, the answer is that it is just me.

Hot flashes, mood swings and generally periods of being a witch with a capital B! I am 44 and have been dealing with this on & off since I was 36. If you have been a follower on my personal blog, you know that I had a heart attack when I was 35. The following year, I had another huge medical scare when they found a 13cm cyst on my ovary. Since they had to cut to remove the cyst I decided to just remove the ovary & my uterus since I had been having problems in that department as well. So, I was left with one ovary to at least help with the hormones. So all this led to surgically induced menopause. Man, being a girl is not easy! Since I have a cardiac history, I am not supposed to take any HRTs unless they are homeopathic. I have tried another product in the past, but never really felt a difference.

I recently was sent a collection of products to try and review from At Last Naturals. Over the last two weeks,I have been using the At Last Naturals Wild Yam Extra Strength Gel and the At Last Naturals Meno-Herbs2®. I really can't give a thorough review since I've only been using the products for 2 weeks, BUT I have not had a hot flash since I started. I have also noticed that I haven't been feeling the fluttering in my chest, which had also been attributed to menopause. I would also like to think that I am not being quite as witchy too :-)) But I'm sure that my husband would beg to differ. Now, I'm hoping it will help with the weight gain that tagged along as well. I will update once I have had the opportunity to use the products for at least 3 months. I also like that it is not strictly for menopause, it also helps with symptoms of perimeno and PMS.  Wish I had At Last Naturals back when I had PMS.  And I'm sure my family does too!

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, peri-menopause or PMS and would like to try a natural alternative to HRT's, try At Last Naturals! Always check with your doctor before starting any type of therapy, natural or not. Giveaway follows.


At Last….Products That Understand What Women Need

You're hot and cold, up and down and you can’t find your libido. Sounds like the lyrics to a really bad country song but unfortunately these feelings are very real to the millions of women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause, perimenopause and/or PMS.

Finally, there is a product that offers you a natural solution to help you get back to feeling like yourself. Introducing At Last Naturals, a line of all, natural products for women –  developed by a woman  – who are experiencing the bothersome symptoms of menopause, peri-menopause or PMS. At Last Naturals, available in topical creams, gels and herbal supplements, was primarily developed to help women embrace all the changes in their life, and restore their body to optimum balance. So, whether you’re 20 or 40 or 50 or any where in between, At Last Naturals can help you keep your body and spirit in balance through each of life’s transitions.
The product line includes the following (detailed descriptions are noted below:)

At Last Naturals Wild Yam Cream (2-ounce tube: $17.75) – This natural cream is rich in diosgenin, a plant compound derived from wild yam that is structurally similar to those found in the body that can naturally help support women gently and effectively during times of imbalance. This, together with its exceptional moisturizing properties, the Wild Yam Cream assists the body in fighting hot flashes, mood swings and other menopausal, perimenopausal and PMS related issues. Suggested retail price: $16.95

At Last Naturals Wild Yam Extra Strength Gel (2-ounce tube: $22.50) – Formulated for women experiencing more bothersome symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings and other menopausal, perimenopausal and PMS related issues, the extra strength gel offers a higher concentration of diosgenin (derived from wild yam). At Last Naturals Wild Yam Extra Strength Gel assists the body in fighting more severe symptoms related to menopausal, perimenopausal and PMS. Suggested retail price: $21.00

At Last Naturals Vaginal Gel (5-ounce tube: $9.75) – The non-irritating, water-based gel formula with Vitamin E provides naturally soothing relief for vaginal dryness and to help restore a women’s natural lubrication. Use every day, during
sexual activity or as frequently as needed. Suggested retail price: $8.95

At Last Naturals Wild Yam Meno-Herbs^® (90 tablets: $17.75) – An all-herbal tablet formulation containing not only diosgenin, a plant compound derived from wild yam, but also a proprietary blend of key botanicals, such as red clover, dong quai,
black cohosh, raspberry, chaste tree berry and other important herbs for women.  It works synergistically to help balance and support the female system. Suggested retail price: $16.00

At Last Naturals Meno-Herbs2^® (with Protykin^®) (90 tablets:$26.95) – An all-herbal, proprietary tablet formulation made with 10 botanicals, as well a Protykin^®, a standardized Trans- RESVERATROL high potency 200:1 extract of Polygonum cuspidatum (root). This powerful antioxidant and cardioprotectant contains 50% phytoestrogens (natural plant estrogens). As a phytoestrogen, Protykin^® helps provide natural menopause relief by helping maintain normal estrogen activity, reducing hot flashes, balancing mood swings and promoting healthy bone density. Derived from the root of Polygonum cuspidatum, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, Protykin^® contains more than 1,000-times the amount of the same antioxidant ingredient in red wine that is believed to promote cardiovascular health
and reduce the effects of premature aging. In addition, the formula contains red clover, black cohosh, dong quai, wild yam, raspberry, chaste tree berry and other important herbs for women that work synergistically to help balance and support the female system. This unique, extra-strength herbal combination provides a rich source of isoflavins and natural plant estrogens.  It can be taken alone or as a safe and effective adjunct to the entire At Last Naturals^® topical line.Suggested retail price: $24.50

At Last Naturals Equigest^® Progesterone Cream (2-ounce tube: $26.00) – This external cosmetic progesterone cream is applied to specific areas of the body to deliver just the right combination of quality ingredients to help maintain a healthy hormonal balance. At Last Naturals^® Equigest^® Progesterone Cream contains USP micronized progesterone (the process of micronization allows for steady, even absorption). USP classifies the progesterone as the highest quality available.  It is formulated in a cream base that also contains vitamin E, vitamin A and pure aloe vera. Suggested retail price: $26.00
Look for At Last Naturals on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/atlastnaturals,
to enter the At Last Naturals “Stay Sexy” sweepstakes for a chance to win a great prize package or to learn more about the products and get fun, informative tips for breezing through body changes brought on by menopause, perimenopause and PMS.

At Last Naturals products are available online at http://www.atlastnaturals.com, as well as at fine natural food stores nationwide.


GIVEAWAY!!!!
At Last Naturals is offering the complete set of products (everything pictured above) to one lucky winner! That is a $120 value!!


To enter, simply leave me a comment telling me which product(s) you are most interested in trying. This is the only mandatory entry. The rest are optional but will increase your chances.

You can also get additional entries by doing any or all of the following (Be sure to leave a separate comment for each):

* Follow me on Twitter

* Follow At Last Naturals on Twitter

* LIKE At Last Naturals on Facebook

* Tweet to your followers: "I just entered to #Win  @AtLastNaturals #GIVEAWAY worth $120 You can too http://is.gd/yfO1Be"

* Subscribe to my feed.
Sorry, this one is only open to U.S. addresses
Contest ends at 11:59 PM on March 28, 2011.
I will use a random number generator to pick the winner.  Winner will be announced on here and on Twitter on March 29th. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or an alternate winner will be drawn.

***"This post was written for Family Review Network & At Last Naturals who provided the complimentary product for review (and giveaway) in exchange for my honest opinions."***