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.***

Burt's Bees® Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin

Looking for a gentle, effective way to cleanse, moisturize and care for your sensitive skin? One with ingredients from nature? Forget all your frustrating attempts and look no more. Burt's Bees® Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin is a new line of natural skin products distinctly formulated to cleanse and moisturize your vulnerable skin without causing redness or irritation. Sounds almost too good to be true!
Infused with the softening properties of Cotton, Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin replenishes skin in a way only nature can. Tap into the gentle power of natural ingredients, like Cotton, Rice, and Aloe, with clinically proven formulas to hydrate and help shield skin from potential irritants and help replenish skin's outer layer. And since these products are from Burt's Bees, you can be confident they work. After all, Burt's Bees has been creating the best in natural personal care products for over 25 years.

With Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin, your days of trying product after product, hoping for a solution to your sensitive skin woes are over. Because all four products – Sensitive Facial Cleanser, Sensitive Daily Moisturizer, Sensitive Eye Cream, and Sensitive Night Cream – take care of your sensitive skin naturally so you can look beautiful, feel beautiful, and confidently face the world.


I received the Burt's Bees for Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser & Daily Moisurizer as part of a Bzz Campaign. I had the opportunity to try it for myself and my daughter did as well.

I liked the products for myself regardless of my skins sensitivity. Both the cleanser Y the moisturizer are mild and have a very light scent. I like that it is made with mostly natural ingredients. What would give it a 5 star rating from me would be the addition of an SPF of at least 20 if not more.

My daughter also liked the products. Her skin flares up pretty easily. The products were gentle on her skin and did not cause any redness. She has a hard time finding affordable products for her skin. She like the price point as well as being able to purchase at Target. Since we live in Florida, she would also like to have sunscreen in the moisturizer.

Burt's Bees for Sensitive Skin Line

* Is naturally gentle and skin-friendly for daily use
* Contains Cotton Extract to soften and shield from potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers
* Is Fragrance-Free and Hypo-Allergenic
* Is Dermatologist-Tested and Allergy-Tested
* Can be found in mass retailers (like Target or Walmart), drug stores, grocery stores, and natural health food stores nationwide
* Is 99% natural

Sensitive Facial Cleanser

* This soap-free facial cleaner is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin while gently cleansing away dirt, oil and makeup without over drying or causing redness or irritation. Also, it:
* Contains Quillaja, which is extracted from the bark of the Soapbark tree and provides a natural foaming lather
* Contains Yucca, a desert plant high in saponins, which have traditionally been used in cleansing
Retail Price $9.99

Sensitive Daily Moisturizer

* This all day, nourishing moisturizer is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin without causing redness or irritation. Also, it:
* Contains Rice Extract to moisturize
* Contains Aloe to soothe
* Is Non-Comedogenic (it won't clog pores)
Retail Price $14.99


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

P.V.D.

Post Vacation Depression. Not a myth. The depression kicks in when you have to start un-packing, doing laundry, house cleaning and just your every day life in general. Gone are the days of traipsing around foreign countries, eating delicious foods and being pampered on a cruise ship.

So yes. I am back. And a tad bit depressed. I have reviews lined up that are begging for my attention and those will hopefully be up soon. I will also be posting tips and reviews of my recent trip to Paris, Barcelona & a trans-Atlantic cruise aboard the Norwegian Epic.

So stay tuned!

FREE Lunch at Macaroni Grill

Free lunch at Macaroni Grill on Friday October 7th

Here's how:
* Go to Macaroni Grill's Facebook Page and click "Like"
* Go to the Dash Tab on the FB page to print your coupon.
* Enjoy your FREE lunch on Friday, October 7th.

That's it. Easy Peasy!

Gadget Gear Earbud Headphones (Value $29.95)

Go check these out. I just ordered up a pair. I hope the noise cancelling really works. I can really use these for our upcoming trip.

The Gadget Gear Earbud Headphones are $14 til the end of the day  tomorrow, 9/22. If you are a new SaveMore Member, you get $10 credit right off the bat so you pay only $4! Oh, and shipping is FREE!! Score! Click here to check these earbud headphones out!  There are 4 to choose from. If you miss out on these, just save your $10 credit for another deal.

Happy Shopping!

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: Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles

I have been parading around in high heels my entire life. At just an even 5ft nothing, I need all the help I can get. After my accident and Tib/Fib surgery, I spent A LOT of time in flats & sneakers. Now that I am slowly getting back to normal, I wanted to get back to my beloved heels. I have always had issues with heels and the ball of my feet since most of my shoes have absolutely zero padding. Plus, I guess that the not wearing heels for 6 mos, is not helping much either.

 I am a BzzAgent and I recently received a pair of Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles to try. They are clear gel insoles designed to make you feel more comfortable while wearing heels. For the most part, I was very happy with the insoles. They worked perfectly with my strappy sandals and with some of my pumps and closed high heels. I also liked that they are clear and you can't see them when I wear my high heel sandals. I wore my sandals with the insoles to a party the other night. For once my feet were not begging for mercy in the middle of the festivities. Usually after a few hours, the ball of my feet are on fire. Literally.

I did have to play around with placement, but once I got it right, my feet thanked me.

  FEATURES 

 Helps prevent foot aches and pains caused by high heels 2" and up 

Unique ultra-soft gel arch shifts pressure off ball of foot 

Provides guaranteed all day comfort 

Discreet cushioning, even in strappy shoes 

Massaging gel in the ball of foot for added cushioning 

Ultra-slim design won't crowd toes or make shoes feel tight 

Fits comfortably in all high heels 2" and up 

The only problem that I did have was with pumps that are exactly my size. The insoles made these shoes feel tighter in the front, which in turn caused me to get blisters on my toes. Since I do like these Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles, I will probably take a pair with me next time I go shoe shopping so that I can get the appropriate size. These insoles will definitely be a must for me from now on. Now, I don't know how long each pair will actually last. I guess it varies from person to person, depending on weight and use. I'm guessing that the actual gel part in the front will eventually flatten and the insoles will need to be replaced.

 I wear a size 6 shoe and the insoles were perfectly sized for my shoes. I can't comment on how they would work with larger sizes. If you wear high heels I would recommend that you do your feet a favor and try the Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles.


The Dr. Scholl's® Guarantee:  If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, mail in the original UPC code from the package along with your sales receipt to Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc., PO Box 377 Memphis, TN 38151

***This post was written for Dr. Scholl's® & BzzAgent.com that supplied the product for review in exchange for my honest opinion***