Saturday, June 30, 2012

My Zucchini Stuffed With Rice and Cheese Makes a Delicious Summer Dinner!

I used to grow a lot of zucchini until my garden became the headquarters of all the local wildlife.  For some reason, zucchini was always the first vegetable they targeted until I finally stopped planting it.  Now I'm lucky to put a few tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in, but when I had a lot of zucchini this is one of my favorite ways to make a main dish out of it.  

You can serve this zucchini topped with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese or your favorite spaghetti sauce for a delicious change.

Now whenever we get a taste for this recipe, I visit our local Farmer's Market.  I do hope you will try this dish because it is an excellent simple main dish.

My Zucchini Stuffed With Rice and Cheese Dinner

3 medium zucchini
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
3/4 cup of rice, uncooked
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1-3/4 cups of water
3/4 cup of peas
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup of Velveeta cheese, sliced thin or cubed in small piece
1/2 cup of Provolone cheese, grated or sliced thin
1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
Parmesan cheese 
spaghetti sauce (optional)

Cut zucchini lengthwise in half.  Scoop out and dice the centers while leaving 1/4-inch thickness of the shell.

Take the diced zucchini, onion, and garlic and cook in the oil over medium heat until onions turn golden brown and vegetables get tender. 

Add rice, salt, basil, and 1-1/2 cups of water to the vegetable mixture.  Heat to boiling before covering.  Then simmer for about ten minutes.  Add peas and simmer for additional ten more minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. 

Take the vegetable mixture off of the heat.  Now stir in the milk and the cheese and combine well.

In a large skillet, heat the zucchini halves in the remaining 1/4 cup of water to boiling.  Lower the heat and simmer this for about five minutes or until tender-crisp.  Salt the halves, if you wish.

Fill the halves with the rice-vegetable mixture.  Place back in your skillet, cover and cook over low heat just to heat through.

Top with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese or your favorite spaghetti sauce or both. 

Friday, June 29, 2012

Review of Melvita's Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream + Youthful Skin Complex for Eyes & Lips

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Melvita's Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream + Youthful Skin Complex for Eyes & Lips.jpeg
Melvita's Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream + Youthful Skin Complex for Eyes & Lips


I love the way my skin has been responding to France's number one certified organic beauty brand, Melvita.  All of their products that I have used have been exceptional in helping me achieve a more beautiful appearance from hair to skin.  Therefore, it was my pleasure to work with their Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream and Nautralift Youthful Skin Complex for Eyes & Lips for this review.

The Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream targets aging through the power of firming Hibiscus seeds, Camelina, and Beech buds to keep the complexion hydrated and more youthful.   

This gentle organic skin cream has a pleasant scent and is quickly absorbing.  Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream has been what I been relying on both days and nights for several weeks and already I noticed my skin flourishing.  Overall, my dry skin looks healthier with a revitalized, brighter tone and added softness with just enough moisture to keep the skin feeling clean in this summer heat.  My wrinkles do look much better with the more applications used like they are gradually fading. 

I really liked the pampering experience of how this anti-aging product works for comfort and performance.  Now I totally understand why Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream is the only certified organic moisturizer that won an award in the new Anti-Aging Beauty Bible in the Anti-Aging Miracle Cream category.  

I also have been using the Naturalift Youthful Skin Complex for Eyes & Lips with pleasing results.  You heard me mention the amazing benefits of algae when it comes to skin.  Well, this product has that to help fight dark circles by way of Chlorella plus acacia gum and buckwheat wax for dealing with puffiness around the eyes.  Honey and Stevia are incorporated in this formula for moisture delivery and raspberry and Shea butter aid in repairing fragile skin.

Having one product to use in two areas was wonderful instead needing to buy two separate creams.  For me, I noticed the dark skin under my eyes was brighter than before I started.  I still awoke with some morning puffiness, which is more of a problem for me with my allergies at this time of year.  However, the size was still improved since my swelling at times can resemble saucers.

I tried this product around my lips as well.  It smooths the area and banishes dryness for a fresher appearance.  

I really am loving these Melvita products and definitely want to try more from this company in the near future.  If you're looking for great certified organic anti-aging skin care, I really hope you look into trying both of these products for yourself.  

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchange.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Hard Candy Cosmetics Review and Six-Product Giveaway!--Ends July 17, 2012

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Hard Candy Moon Glow Illuminated Translucent Pressed Powder and Blush Crush.jpeg
Hard Candy Moon Glow Illuminated Translucent Pressed Powder and Blush Crush


When I found out that Hard Candy Cosmetics had some new products available, I was eager to investigate.  I picked out a few that recently launced along with some old favorites in the line to share with you for this review and a six-product giveaway!

The first thing I wanted to test was their new Glow Away-Bronzer & Highlighter Duo.  This is a great stick with a bronzer shade at one end and highlighter at the other.  I choose the lightest shade in Maui (a beige-bronze) of this line.

What I did was to swirl the cream bronzer stick around the sides of my face in a large number three shape.  I started at the temples and worked down to my upper cheekbones all the way to the jawline.  Then I applied and carefully blended the shimmering highlighter over it to accentuate my cheekbones followed by the Blush Crush--Baked Blush in Honeymoon (dusky pink with pale violet threads immersed in the color).

I dusted this Honeymoon shade on the apples of my cheeks next and was left with a glistening sweep of pure soft pink light.  This paler shade really helped play up my cheekbones to the max when using this technique with bronzer.   This technique with the lighter bronzer and pale shimmering blush really helps contour facial structure without looking artificial, especially for those with wide cheeks.

The That's How Eye Roll Shadow Stick & Loose Shimmer was another perfect choice.  This is a creamy pencil on one end with primer infused shadow for lasting wear and the other sports loose shimmer in a rollerball.  I picked the Drama shade, which was a coppery shadow that can brighten eyes subtly while the shimmer in a peachy-beige further lit my lids up for quite a stunning natural effect.

On the other hand, I also picked out a Kal-eye-descope-Baked Eyeshadow Duos in (Rock n Roll).  Think of a shimmery dark plum with some black thrown in for impact on one half with the other a pale violet.  With dark brown eyes, this is a great choice to make them smolder with smoky eyes.

Hard Candy Cosmetics Kal-eye-descope Baked Eyeshadow Duo, That's How Eye Roll Long Wear Shadow Stick and Loose Shimmer, World Balmination Glossy Tinted Lip Balm, Glow Away Bronzer and Highlighter.jpeg
Hard Candy Cosmetics Kal-eye-descope Baked Eyeshadow Duo, That's How Eye Roll Long Wear Shadow Stick and Loose Shimmer, World Balmination Glossy Tinted Lip Balm, Glow Away Bronzer and Highlighter

This is a highly pigmented  baked formula that really uses color to its best advantage from using wet to make it bolder to dry to keep it softer.  To me, the dry application stays put for hours and is all I need to create beautiful eyes with mystery.

The Moon Glow Illuminating Translucent Pressed Powder was wonderful for finishing my makeup.  This product gave my face a luminous glow, which was especially fitting for summer.  

Last of all, I just had to sample the World Balmination Glossy Tinted Lip Balm.  I selected the Miss Independent shade, a juicy pinkish-grape that moistened my lips with a provocative sheer yummy raspberry shine.  

I am now obsessed with a few more newly discovered Hard Candy Cosmetics and will be adding them to my shopping cart when I run out.  I suggest checking these products out  because they were all simply wonderful performers to me.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Hard Candy Cosmetics, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada wins all six Hard Candy Cosmetics listed below:  

1.  That's How Eye Roll--Long Wear Shadow Stick & Loose Shimmer (Drama)

2.  World Balmination--Glossy Tinted Lip Balm (Miss Independent)

3.  Blush Crush--Baked Blush (Honeymoon)

4.  Kal-eye-descope-Baked Eyeshadow Duos (Rock n Roll)

5.  Moon Glow Illuminating Translucent Pressed Powder

6.  Glow Away-Bronzer & Highlighter Duo (Maui)



Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then INCLUDE your ***EMAIL*** with name in a comment!

2. Go to Hard Candy Cosmetics and tell me what other product you would love to try or something else you learned from their site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

(Provide proof once with email when doing each form of entry and number the rest):

Tweet Get Gorgeous! #Win @HeresHardCandy #Cosmetics #Giveaway!  @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/:NFqePo Ends 7/17 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Hard Candy Cosmetics on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Follow Hard Candy Cosmetics on Twitter--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Hard Candy Cosmetics on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments)

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--3 extra entries to leave in three separate comments

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--3 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in three separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--3 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in three separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it with proof in one of them)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Enter the Mally Beauty Lip Color Products  $100 Assortment Giveaway--1 extra entry   

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.

***Any entries that contain a link or website address for redirecting readers to your site to sell your products will be deleted when found.  I am giving you a chance to win, not advertise for free.*** Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends July 17, 2012 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Crabtree & Evelyn's Nantucket Briar Eau de Toilette Spray and Hand Cream Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Crabtree & Evelyn's Nantucket Briar Eau de Toilette Spray and Hand Cream.jpeg
Crabtree & Evelyn's Nantucket Briar Eau de Toilette Spray and Hand Cream 


You don't have to leave home to experience the island beauty of Nantucket.  All you need is to close your eyes and smell Crabtree & Evelyn's Nantucket Briar Eau de Toilette Spray and instantly you can escape.  Before you know it, you breathe in that warm salty sea air from above a cliff as you petal past stretches of lush green and the sweet perfume of wild briar roses overlooking the sea. 

A twist in the narrow path takes you to biking past a quaint cottage and freshly laundered linens with something delicious baking once  those scents merge together with a hearty gust of wind to be etched in your mind like a permanent marker.  This is the essence of Nantucket Briar and the beautiful way to travel there thanks to Crabtree & Evelyn.

Nantucket Briar became an instant hit soon after it launched in 1985.   This classic oriental floral evokes a feeling of sheer beauty that is uplifting.  

With top notes of fresh greens and bergamot to mimic warm days along the seaside along with a powdery softness from wild briar roses and vanilla, the scent is very feminine and well suited for summer to keep you dressed, but comfortable.  Think of white cotton and lots of lace.  And yet, the same wearer is unafraid to take off those white leather sandals to walk barefoot in the sand just to feel the warm sand massaging her feet because it is impossible to resist. 

The more the scent warms with amber in the base, the airier and more hauntingly sweet those wild briar roses make it so uniquely  captivating and special like a precious summer vacation memory that you can recapture only in fragrance form.

I also was sent a tube of their award-winning Nantucket Briar Hand Cream.   This is another way to you continue that powdery fragrant pleasure rush while soothing and moisturizing hands with their intensive Shea butter treatment.  I found that you only need to use very little to heal dry, rough skin in this long-lasting formula, which stays on even through many hand washs.  

In my opinion, this is an ideal long-lasting summer fragrance, especially for those that appreciate a powdery clean scent touched with rose and amber, airy enough that it seems to float softly with bergamot and fresh greens once it becomes airborne. 

Wearing Nantucket Briar is like experiencing the timeless beauty of an endless summer and I adore it.   I honestly think you should experience this classic scent and wonderful hand cream for yourself to fully appreciate it.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Set Aside June 28 at 8:00 p.m. EST for Mally Beauty Bridal USTREAM Event of Tips & Prizes!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Mally Roncal of Mally Beauty.jpeg
Mally Roncal of Mally Beauty


Brides Magazine's Beauty Director, Dana Wood, will be joining Mally Roncal, celebrity makeup artist and president of Mally Beauty, for a very special Bridal USTREAM on Thursday, June 28 at 8:00 p.m. EST! To kick off the bridal season, Mally is so excited to be sharing the screen with wedding expert, Dana!

Mally and Dana will share their "fave" celeb weddings, top bridal beauty tips, and much more! Also, they will be giving away exclusive prizes, products, deals, tips and tricks! You don't want to miss out on the fun -- please see details below:

Day: Thursday, June 28
Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: USTREAM:
http://www.facebook.com/mallybeauty/app_196506863720166

Mark your calendar, Nutsters, because this will be a blast!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Mally Beauty Lip Color Products Assortment Review and Giveaway ($100 value)!--Ends July 16, 2012

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick and Shine Liner.jpeg
Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick and Shine Liner


Sensational is how your lips will look once you start wearing Mally Beauty lip color products like the ones sent to me for this review and giveaway.  I got to test out a High Shine Liquid Lipstick, a Go the Distance Lip Color, an exquisite Lip Magnifier Duo, and a Shine Liners Pencil and think you will be interested to hear what I have to say.

The first thing I tried was the Shine Liners Pencil in Nude Light to outline my lips.  You can use it to keep your gloss and lipstick perfect from spreading like I prefer or alone for some shiny pink-brown color.  

The High Shine Liquid Lipstick is a great way to give your lips precise definition with a convenient built-in brush applicator. All you do is twist the base to release alluring color.   In addition, this formula is richer and more opaque in color than a typical gloss. 

I was sent the Super Natural shade that is a pink-plum with a bit of copper shimmer for a flattering shine that felt creamy and adhered wonderfully.  This particular shade is so practical and can easily suit so many skin tones. 

Mally Beauty's Lip Magnifier Duo is truly remarkable and comes with a sharpener.  You get one thick pencil that works for creamy color and another that can deliver amazing glossy color.   I was sent the Nude Rose (a darker pink with brown) and Pink Petal (darker than a tulip pink mellowed with a tad of brown for more natural pink) in these two pencils.  These are comfortable to wear and leave your lips feeling soft and pampered in the process

Mally Beauty Lip Magnifier Duo.jpeg
Mally Beauty Lip Magnifier Duo

Go the Distance Lip Color has a lip gloss on one end and a lipstick at the other.  I got the Pinky Beige for Days that has a brown-beige lipstick and an accompanying bright creamy pink gloss.  You can wear each separately or apply the lipstick first and then the gloss for extended lasting wear for sexy beautiful color able to keep up with your busy life.  In case you prefer a more muted pink to bright, I liked how wearing the lipstick underneath toned the shade for a striking balance with polish.

Mally Beauty Go the Distance Lip Color.jpeg
Mally Beauty Go the Distance Lip Color

I never had tried Mally Beauty lip products until this review.  Nonetheless, I found them incredibly unique and fun to work with.  My particular favorite is a cross between that Go the Distance Lip Color or the High Shine Liquid Lipstick.  Then again, the Lip Magnifier Duo and the Sheer Liners Pencil were wonderful beauty aids as well. Do check these products out.

Thanks to Mally Beauty, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins all four of the fabulous lip color products from Mally Beauty, which include:  High Shine Liquid Lipstick in Super Natural; Lip Magnifier Duo in Nude Rose/Pink Petal; Shine Liners Pencil in Nude Light; and a Go the Distance Lip Color in Pinky Beige for Days ($100 total value)!


Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then INCLUDE your ***EMAIL*** with name in a comment!

2. Go to Mally Beauty and tell me what other product that you would love to try or something else you learned from their site in another comment.


Extra Entries:

(Provide proof once with email when doing each form of entry and number the rest):

Tweet Stunning Lips Await! #Win @mallybeauty #LipColorProducts #Giveaway ($100) @Nuts4Stuff
http://bit.ly/KyRw8S 7/16 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Mally Beauty on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Follow Mally Roncal (Mally Beauty) on Twitter--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Mally Beauty on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

Follow Mally Beauty of YouTube--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

to Mally Beauty's Email--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments)

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--3 extra entries to leave in three separate comments

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--3 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in three separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--3 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in three separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it with proof in one of them)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Enter the Optics Lab Sun & Swim Eye Care Products and Tote Giveaway--1 extra entry   

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.  No PO Boxes just USA-based street addresses.

**Any entries that contain a link or website address for redirecting readers to your site to sell your products will be deleted when found.  I am giving you a chance to win, not advertise for free.*** Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends July 16, 2012 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Yummy, Yummy for The Tummy Are My Chocolate Sea Foam Bars!

Today, I have something that will drive chocolate lovers wild with delight.  One bite into these marvelous fudgy bars topped with a fluffy cloud of meringue and lightly sprinkled with a dusting of finely chopped nuts and you will instantly be hooked. 

Not quite a brownie or a cake, these candy-like baked bars fall in between and are hard to resist even for those with strong willpower.  Therefore, I am giving you advanced warning and proceed with caustion because these are sinfully good.

Do remember to keep your eggs at room temperature before attempting to separate them.  Bad things happen when you try to crack eggs straight from your cold refrigerator.

I do hope you try  because these are special and I want you to enjoy them as well!

My Yummy Chocolate Sea Foam Bars

1/2 cup of margarine (not spread)
1/2 cup of sugar
1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa
2 egg yolks
3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extra
1 cup of flour

Meringue Topping:

2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of brown sugar (light or dark)
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Cream the margarine and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. 

Add the egg yolks and vanilla and beat until blended.

Next add the cocoa, sifted together with the flour and mix thoroughly. 

Spread this mixture into an ungreased 8 x 12-inch baking pan.

Now prepare the topping:  beat the egg whites with the salt until they hold soft peaks.   Add the brown sugar very gradually and beat until the meringue is stiff.

Spread this meringue topping over the unbaked cookie dough and sprinkle with the finely chopped nuts.

Bake at 325-degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

My Patch Cake With Fruit Filling Is Scrumptious to The Last Crumb!


Here's the perfect treat for when you can't decide if you're hungry for a pie or a cake.  Imagine almost a pastry-type of dough filled with your favorite filling like cherries, apples, blueberries, etc. with crossed strips of dough on top only with almost a cake like texture.  Regardless of how yummy this sounds, I promise you that this tastes even better!

You can use two cans of pie filling or cook up your own from fresh fruit sweetened accordingly and thicken with some cornstarch until it resembles the commercial filling consistency. 

I used to have an apple tree until it became diseased and needed chopped down.  Those were the days of peeling lots of apples for applesauce, pies, and cooking my own filling for this fabulous recipe.  If you are lucky enough to have fruit trees, then this recipe is something you'll treasure.

I can't tell you how many times that I made my Patch Cake.  It is just one of my favorite recipes of all time--and I hope it soon is one of yours too!

My Delicious Patch Cake

4 cups flour
1 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of vegetable shortening
3 teaspoons of baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3/4 cup of milk
2 cans of your favorite pie filling (cherries, blueberries, apples, blackberries, crushed pineapple, etc.)


Preheat your oven to 350-degrees.

Sift together in a large bowl all the dry ingredients.

Cut in the shortening as you would do for pie.

Make a well in the mixture and add all together the vanilla, eggs, and the milk.  Mix only until blended.

Divide the dough into two parts.  Grease a baking pan approximately 15 x 11 x 2-inch size.  Now take one portion of the dough and pat down inside the pan.  (Keep some flour out to pat your hands with just in case you get sticky.)

Spoon the filling over the dough.

With the rest of the dough, you are going to make a lattice for the top of this cake.  Cut into small pieces and roll on your floured surface into strips.  Make as many as you like from thick to thin to form a design to cover.

Bake at 350-degrees for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick or small knife inserted comes out clean.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Melvita Argan Oil Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Melvita Argan Oil.jpeg
Melvita Argan Oil 


If your hair and skin are crying out for some beauty help, then I have just the thing from French certified organic beauty brand, Melvita.  You need to try their Argan Oil that I was sent for this review because it is amazing for what it can do for you with just one multipurpose product.  

Melvita's Argan Oil is the first cold-pressed organic oil from Fair Trade Sources and it is as pure of an organic Argan oil that you can get with ECOCERT and Cosmebio certifications.  You may not know this, but not all Argan oils can meet such rigorous standards and often have other ingredients in their formulas.

One or two drops of this outstanding lightly scented oil can do wonders when you rub some into your freshly washed, slightly damp hair.  This will revitalize and leave a face-flattering shine and add softness.   This product's pure fatty acids and bounty of antioxidants will perk up the dullness and leave your hair with a new vitality whenever it starts to disappoint you.  My hair is shoulder-length and one drop is enough.  However, if you happen to have very long hair, you probably will need more.

I love what this stuff can do for the ends of your hair.  Sometimes, I put a dab extra on that vulnerable part of my hair to help fix those split ends.

For hair that suffered a lot of damage, you could use more of this oil for a deep hair conditioner.   One time I gave my mother's hair an overnight treatment.  I pumped out enough until her short hair felt adequately  saturated.  We wrapped her head in some plastic wrap before I made her a turban out of a towel.  When she shampooed the next morning, her badly permed hair looked and felt like human hair again instead of the frizzy, fried mass that she sported only twenty-four hours earlier.

Then again, I found this oil can do equally fabulous things for your complexion.  I like to apply a few drops after washing my face and neck while it is still damp.  You might think applying an oil would make you greasy but it quickly sinks into your skin leaving only soothing moisture behind with a slight sheen.

When I spend a lot of time in the sun, I like to rub a few drops over my damp body after I step out of the shower.  This extra step really seems to help the skin feel healthier.

Those that haven't tried Argan oil yet, then I do recommend Melvita's.  Their pure formula can save you money on two fronts as both a hair and skin aid in one.  Furthermore, you'll love the fact this oil comes in a bottle with a pump unlike most others.  

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received was a free product to facilitate this review.*

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Dazzle Perfume by Paris Hilton Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Dazzle Perfume by Paris Hilton ad.jpeg
Dazzle Perfume by Paris Hilton



Glamorous celebrity, Paris Hilton, dazzles like a star wherever she goes.  Her newly launched fragrance for Parlux Fragrances of summer 2012, Dazzle, is a bright inner reflection of the style icon's personality that will make any woman shine with a feeling of total beauty and confidence from inside and out in this very special scent.  

Working with perfumer, Frank Voelkl, this sparkling fruity-floral oozes with femininity and romance that make it truly irresistible. 

This sparkling fragrance opens with pink lady apple, maraschino cherry, and juicy peach nectar for a lively burst of playful fun and happiness.  Those beginning notes balance from sweet to tart until that peach flows into the mix to add a delicious flirting aspect to it for that girly pink allure. 

The heart is where the magic happens as it becomes luminous from bright violet petals, glistening with the hidden temptation of pink calypso orchids and bewitching with an intoxicating bounty of sun and orange blossoms gathered at their peak for a sense of warmth.

The base embraces all that makes Dazzle so delightful  with whipped vanilla to give it that light, dreamy quality and yet once the sensuous white patchouli and crystallized musk emerge, the still luminous fragrance takes on genuine passion that haunts.
Dazzle Perfume and box.jpeg
Dazzle Perfume

Created by Henry de Monclin of HDM Design, the bottle itself is a true reflection of the precious ultra feminine fragrance. Inspired by a pink diamond, the round bottle is pink and faceted to house the precious ultra feminine fragrance with a silver cap glittering with a ring of pink jewels for an elegant touch.

Of all the Paris Hilton Fragrances, I am particularly fond of Dazzle most of all.  If you want a light fruity-floral that definitely leaves a beautiful romantic impression, then I recommend experiencing this fragrance.   All it takes is a direct contact with this scent and you'll be a fan, too!


Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Kenra Professional Hair Styling Products Review--Part Three

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


six Kenra hair styling products (Curl Glaze Mousse 13, Matte Texture Putty 10, Creme Paste 20, Recovery Polish, Platinum Working Spray 14, and Platinum Finishing Spray 26).jpeg
six more amazing Kenra hair styling products


Celebrated singer, Fergie, and I happen to share something in common.  I wish that I could say it was the same tremendous talent.  Unfortunately, it is a low forehead and the problems that arise with keeping hair where you want it.  However, she has top hair stylists at her disposal to keep her looking perfect.  On the other hand, we have Kenra Professional to keep us looking good!

As I have mentioned previously, I am not blessed with a perfect head and have down-growing hair that drives me crazy with how forceful it is trying to keep it out of my face.   In addition, I have lots of thick hair with waves and curls that can have issues of their own and also limits how you wear your hair.  Once you throw in a low forehead to the mix, you would understand why I am so excited about what I can do with my hair now that I have found Kenra Professional.  Let me share some of the new products that I recently tested. 

I decided to make most of my curls.  Therefore, I experimented with their Curl Glaze Mousse 13 on my layers and used the Creme Paste 20 on my long bangs.  This mousse really plumped up those curls and waves to bring them out magnificently whereas the paste was excellent for control on my problem bangs.

Another time I worked with their Matte Texture Putty 10 on those horrible bangs.  This did a nice holding job once I found the right amount with more flexible hold, but I found the Creme Paste 20 worked better for my bangs. 

Later, I used the Matte Texture Putty 10 in my layers along with curling iron and loved the staying hold it allowed me.  In fact, my style using this product lasted until I next shampooed. 

My hair was elevated to a more beautiful status once I sampled their Recovery Polish.  I applied some of this leave-in treatment to my freshly washed hair before styling products and was blown away at the results.  This is like the ideal hair food for starving hair with lots of vitamins and nourishing botanicals in this awesome formula that will intensify glossiness, silkiness, and even help strengthen.

I also got to test two different types of their hair sprays.  Their Platinum Working Spray 14 is something I also adored for delivering nice flexible hold.  Your hair is not stiff, crunchy, and moves but keeps the style.  If you brush it, it will bounce right back in place.

Next, I sampled the Platinum Finishing Spray 26.  This is a rock star of a hair spray in my book.  I got super hold even in the humidity and a gorgeous shine from this one product as well. 

Trust me, if you think there are no hair styling products that could make such a big difference on your own hair,  then I must disagree.  Solving those disgusting hair problems like mine are only a few clicks away.  Do try these products or some of the others from Kenra Professional because beautiful hair awaits you!  I can say this with all sincerity because their products have done wonders for me.



Monday, June 18, 2012

Tona Michelle Cosmetics and The Glamour Mill Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

six Tona Michelle Cosmetics together.jpeg
Tona Michelle Cosmetics

I had never experienced the wonders of Tona Michelle` Cosmetics until being sent eight of her products to review.   Soon I discovered ways to dazzle with metallic lids, glossy lips, flawless foundation coverage in several different forms and experimented with a new product that adds instant radiance to liven up cheeks with the most incredible soft pink light for beaming blendable color suitable for all.  As you can imagine, I am eager to tell you why you will love these natural and cruelty-free cosmetics that launched in 2011 along with the Glamour Mill for fashion apparel and beauty services as well!

Their Cream-to-Powder Foundation (N3) I received was a luxurious soft creamy beige that disappeared into my light skin as an exact match.  This fabulous compact provides nice medium coverage that leaves your complexion silky and practically flawless.

Tona Michelle` Foundations.jpeg
Tona Michelle Powder Foundations
I also was sent a bottle of their Liquid Face Foundation (N3).  What was really unique about this particular product was the housed spatula-like applicator under the lid.  This was wonderful for keeping the foundation sanitary.  Instead of dabbing your fingers into the bottle like others, I chose to drop some onto my palm and work from there.  

This is an oil-free formula that has a vitamin E and wheat germ as a part of its ingredients.  My skin tends to be on the dry side but I found this foundation glided on easily with light to medium coverage while evening out my skin tone nicely.  Even in hot, humid weather, I found this foundation kept me looking fresh without any makeup melt down for hours.  

Although you can use the Loose Powder Foundation (N3) alone, I did finish with this product over the liquid foundation.  This was a finely milled powder that left a velvety layer to set the foundation in place. 

Something that really excited me was new Shimmer Lotion Brilliance Translucide #3 Glo Pink from Tona Michelle`Cosmetics.  This remarkable product gives a luminous pink to light up cheeks with a natural rosy glow that seems to come from within.  I loved the way this shimmer lotion made my cheekbones pop. 

In regard to lip products, I got to try their lipstick and lip gloss.  The Creme Riche Lipcolour Lipstick in Rudi was a gorgeous orange-toned shade.  This medium gingery coral can liven lips with a smack of sheer and lasting comfortable color that is pretty as well as functional.  

The Kiss Moi Glosswear in #169 was a sure way to charge up your pout for impact with shiny, sheer fuscia pink.  This also was great formula without any sticky feel that drenched my mouth with juicy gleam.

Eyes were next on my agenda.  First, I got to play with a container of their pressed Eyeshadow. This variety of eyeshadow comes in either matte or pearlized.  The one I got to try was Single, a striking pearlized deep ultra violet that can give you a riveting gaze.   With my dark brown eyes, this shade played up my eyes with an intense shimmering violet hue that really made the most of them.

I also got a pot of their Mineral Eyeshadow #362 in Mellow.  This is a wonderful loose powder of gleaming vivid acid yellow that you can do a lot of different things with from using it on your eyes to mixing with your lip gloss or just to bring more attention as a highlighting powder for your cheeks, temples or shoulders.  

What I did was to use the #362 Mellow Mineral Eyeshadow as a highlighting eye shadow shade.  This made my eyes really rock with bold electric color against the intense shimmering violet Single Eyeshadow.  Better yet, these shadows adhered to my lids and wore without settling into any creases for hours.


Tona Michelle Cosmetics Mellow Mineral Eyeshadow and Single Eyeshadow.jpeg
Tona Michelle Cosmetics Mellow Mineral Eyeshadow and Single Eyeshadow

For those of you that haven't found this company yet, then I definitely advise checking Tona Michelle` Cosmetics and the Glamour Mill to help you explore more beautiful options.  I really did love these products and will be returning to get more soon!

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Do Try My Make My Day Chocolate Chip Orange Muffins!

With a delicious combination of chocolate chips, grated orange peel and a tad of cinnamon, these moist muffins are the perfect treats to serve with your Sunday brunch.  They don't require much effort and are sure to please. 

If you don't have any oranges to grate, you can always substitute a teaspoon of orange extract for the grated orange peel.  This will taste just as wonderful.

The next time you want to try a new muffin, I do hope you will attempt to make my recipe.

My Make My Day Chocolate Chip Orange Muffins

1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup of sugar
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 egg
1/2 cup of milk
1/4 cup of canola oil
3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 teaspoons of grated orange peel or 1 teaspoon of orange extract

Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.   Beat the egg and add to the flour mixture. 

Add the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and the oil, stirring only until the flour is moistened.  Mix in the chips and peel or orange extract. 

Fill the greased or lined muffin tips and bake at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick or small thin knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

You Haven't Lived Until You Tried My Chocolate Cream Pie! 

I must confess that I am a hopeless chocoholic.  Like a powerful drug, I am drawn to the dark sweetness and usually require a weekly fix.  For those who happen to share my delicious addiction, then you will love this velvety chocolate pie because it is even made better with a fluffy cloud of meringue topping. 

All that is involved is cooking a homemade pudding like filling and turning out into a baked crust and crowned with baked meringue before chilling for a perfect weekend treat.    One piece of this dark delight and you will feel happy again.

You can use your favorite pie crust recipe for a nine-inch pie.  However, I really hope you will try my absolute favorite oil pie crust recipe because it is foolproof.   I have tried many recipes and this is truly the best in my opinion!

Be sure to leave your eggs at room temperature first for an easier task of separating the yolks from the whites.   Attempting to crack cold eggs usually ends up with a bit of yolk in the whites that will deflate the meringue.  

My Best Chocolate Cream Pie

9-inch baked pie shell
1-1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon of salt
3 cups of milk
4 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
6 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons of margarine (not spread)

Bake your pie shell first.

Stir together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, and salt in your saucepan.  Blend the milk and yolks together then gradually add to the mixture in your saucepan.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and boils. 

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and margarine.

Pour into your baked pie shell and top with the Meringue Topping below.

Meringue Topping:

4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar
1/2 cup of sugar

Take out your electric mixer and beat the whites with the cream of tartar.  Gradually add the sugar to the whites while you continue beating until stiff peaks form and all the sugar is used.  Top on filled pie shell and bake at 425 degrees for about five minutes.

Serve chilled.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Paris Hilton Passport Fragrance Collection: South Beach Eau de Toilette Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**



Paris Hilton South Beach Eau de Toilette.jpeg
Paris Hilton South Beach Eau de Toilette


The PASSPORT Collection that launched in spring 2011 for Parlux Fragrances was celebrity, Paris Hilton's way to share her extensive global jet-setting and favorite glamorous locales through fragrance with the world.  Paris, Tokyo, and South Beach were the original trio of this line followed later by her St. Moritz fragrance.  In South Beach Passport, you can feel that undeniable sexy heat of fun in the sun with this vibrant fruity-floral.

With top notes of juicy nectarine, lotus flower, and white freesias, you feel the lively energy and fresh confident beauty of this fragrance as it starts to shine. 

This conjures up images of young, shapely bikini-clad bodies parading on a sandy beach with a gentle warm breeze blowing long blonde hair once the bright, golden marigold flower and the summery jasmine sambac in the heart emerge to steal the spotlight.  And yet, there is an authentic warmth that slowly awakens as well from the floral-fruity essence of Osmanthus. 

You begin to feel the change from day to night in the dry down with notes of blonde woods, Australian sandalwood and captive musk that seduce effortlessly and softly lingers.

I really do love all of this Passport collection because each scent is special and can call to you in a different way.  To me, Paris Hilton Fragrances South Beach Passport is a great summer fragrance to excite with lots of sparkle and a happy shine while it also embraces with romance.  Look for it and pick up a bottle and you'll soon understand the irresistible appeal it has!



Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Kenra Professional Moisturizing and Color Maintenance Shampoos and Conditioners Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

enra Professional Moisturizing and Color Maintenance Shampoos and Conditioners.jpeg
Kenra Professional Moisturizing and Color Maintenance Shampoos and Conditioners


What if I tell you that I discovered the secret of salon-beautiful hair?  You can call it Kenra Professional.  The reason I say this is because ever since I began reviewing their wonderful styling products and now shampoos and conditioners, I have been getting more compliments on how beautiful my hair looks. Wait until you hear what these innovative products can do.

Anyone that colors their hair knows how dry and brittle it can become.  I am always switching shampoos and conditioners trying to preserve the color as long as possible while striving to keep it looking soft and healthy.  Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to see how both their Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner fared compared to their Color Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner.

The Color Maintenance Shampoo produced luxurious lather with a pleasing scent that didn't strip any of the color from my hair.  I followed with the Color Maintenance Conditioner and allowed it to remain in my hair for about a minute before rinsing out.  This conditioner also did a splendid job of cutting down on the tangles my hair gets every time I shampoo.

Before trying any of the heavier conditioners, I needed to apply my usual styling products and blow-dry my hair to see the results.  My hair was full of volume with a shiny bounce to it.

The next day I used the same Color Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner but added the Platinum Recovery Masque to my routine.  This is the workhorse of conditioners that deeply penetrates with natural oils and proteins while safeguarding your hair color to leave you with the most brilliant highlights and lustrous locks that cry out to be touched.  I used this as recommended once per week. 

Although I was happy with my hair as it now was for more than a week thanks to these new Kenra Professional products, I switched to the Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner after spending the weekend outdoors at our local flea market, which had slightly hardened  and dulled my gorgeous strands due to the strong sun. 

Nonetheless, my hair was in good hands once I finished with Kenra Professional's ultra-rich Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner.  My hair felt so much softer and healthier than it did due those hours in the sun. 

Since it was more than a week from my last deep conditioning treatment, I thought my hair could look even better.  Therefore, I opted the next time I washed to skip the Moisturizing Conditioner and tried the more intensive Nourishing Masque.  I left this product for about ten minutes to benefit most from its hair repair capabilities. Leave this masque on for as little as a  minute or longer and in several different ways depending on your hair problem.

With this star product in your corner, I found how quickly you can defeat dry, damaged hair and return it to beautiful and gleaming with their unique blend of proteins, vitamins, water soluble silicone, and sunscreen.  This is serious hair help you need if you fried your hair and turned it into straw from chemicals, sun or harsh styling tools.  

I honestly will keep using these great products and will be rotating between the two lines.  Believe me, if you want your hair to get noticed, then start here with Kenra Professional and get these excellent products!

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Melvita's New Rose Nectar Skin Care: Review of Moisture-Replenishing Facial Gel and Moisturizing Rose Nectar

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

two Melvita Rose Nectar Skin Care products.jpeg
Melvita Rose Nectar Skin Care 


France's number one organic certified beauty brand, Melvita has just come out with their new Rose Nectar  Collection that harnesses the power of roses into a line of truly hydrating skin care products.  What makes this collection special is the company's formulation with wild rose extracts obtained through an all-natural process that preserves the most active ingredients derived from that flower to benefit for ultimate hydration.  Two of these excellent products were sent to me to review and you will soon understand the kind of lush reawakening your thirsty skin can receive. 

The Moisture-Replenishing Facial Gel that I have been using lately is a lightweight gel for normal to combination skin with rose floral water, rose seed milk, and wild rose petal extract to keep your skin petal soft  along with rice powder to block any shine.  This is a perfect choice for summer compared to  heavier moisturizers that might clog your pores.  

Once you pump a few drops of this fragrant gel into the palm of your hand and apply this to your freshly washed face, you will see how quickly this precious formula relieves any tightness as it drenches the skin with soothing moisture that lasts until you wash it off.  Your skin will take on a fresher, dewier appearance the more you use this gentle organic product.  

Those with normal to dry skin would also love the Moisturizing Rose Nectar, which is enriched with essential fatty acids as well as rose floral water, rose hip oil, and wild rose petal extract.  This cream covers the skin like a luxurious veil that absorbs nicely and leaves the complexion feeling silky and nourished.

Both of these moisturizers are recommended for morning use.  However, I have been using the Moisture-Replenishing Facial Gel in the mornings and the richer Moisturizing Rose Nectar at night.  In the short span of time that I have been working with these two moisturizers, I have watched my skin flourish and bloom with a dewy radiance.  

If you pin me down as to the one I preferred, I would be hard pressed to make a decision. For daytime in this heat, I did prefer the lighter gel form because it delivered just the right amount of the hydration to keep my skin comfortable and beautiful.   However, I must admit that I loved them both and would buy them.

Seriously, if dryness is your problem and you want to remedy that condition, then I highly recommend stopping at Melvita and ordering these two fantastic organic moisturizers from their Rose Nectar Collection!  Try them and your skin will thank you.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*