Thursday, July 31, 2014

NEW IT Cosmetics CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation, CC+ Ombre Radiance Bronzer and CC+ Lip Serums (Laugh, Love) Review + ($120) #ItsGotYouCovered Giveaway!--Ends August 18, 2014

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

 IT Cosmetics CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation.jpeg
IT Cosmetics CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation

If you want the look of immaculate, glowing skin but never knew how to get it, listen up because with the latest batch of IT Cosmetics that dream can be your new reality.  I’m talking about their new CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation, CC+ Ombre Radiance Bronzer and polishing that perfection off with their CC+ Lip Serums.

The CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation SPF 50 ($38) is aptly referred to as a cushion makeup, a cream foundation in compact form whereas the sponge stays “cushioned” deeper into the product so each time you press and use it, the foundation keeps flowing to saturate the sponge with anti-aging serum with ingredients like peptides, niacin, algae, vitamins A, C, B, E, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen to benefit skin as it works.

The foundation has a thinner type of consistency than what you normally find in a compact. At first, I thought the product might be messy with how fluid it is, but it adhered quickly to my skin like a glove.   The coverage was sheerer than the heavier Unlike Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+, but evened out my dry complexion and perfected it nicely without the look of any pores. Furthermore, this lightweight foundation was so super-natural looking, giving my complexion an inner glow at the same time that looked genuine–not like I was even wearing makeup.  

CC+ Cream.jpeg
You can never go wrong with Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream either, especially when you need more coverage.

I do want to point out that the shade will look darker than normal so do not be alarmed that you made a bad choice.  I went with Fair, but it lightened up once it went on my face.

Next, I sampled the CC+ Ombre Radiance Bronzer ($34) that arrived.  This tweaked that awesome looking complexion with some glistening, healthy warmth in its nourishing, anti-aging formula that also is waterproof. It didn’t look powdery in the least only more like I got a bit of sun.  If you prefer a matte finish over a shimmer one, you can concentrate on the section with that finish instead of the part with more glistening power.

CC+ Ombre Radiance Bronzer.jpeg
CC+ Ombre Radiance Bronzer
For my lips, I received two tubes of CC+ Lip Serum ($24) to complete my new summer transformation.  This is a very moisturizing gloss with nine butters and oils, collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid for anti-aging benefits for feeling so good while being lightweight to color lips with a pretty shine that lacks stickiness.  Laugh is an ideal pink nude while Love is a delightful rosy shade with some berry to it.

laugh lip serum.jpeg
This is Laugh.


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Here is Love.

I really do love IT Cosmetics even more now that they invented the CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation for making flawless skin an everyday reality.  Throw in the CC+ Ombre Radiance Bronzer and CC+ Lip Serums to subtly polish your look off and you won’t believe the difference in your beauty. 

Do try these products and you’ll understand why I’m so enthralled with them–and IT Cosmetics!  Buy them at IT Cosmetics, Ulta, and Ulta.com.

Thanks to IT Cosmetics, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the continental United States wins all four IT Cosmetics:  the CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation (shade of your choice), CC+ Ombre Radiance Bronzer, and both CC+ Lip Serums in Laugh and Love ($120 value)!

Its Got You Covered Giveaway Prize.jpeg
Its Got You Covered Giveaway Prize
#ItsGotYouCovered Giveaway prize products.jpeg
#ItsGotYouCovered Giveaway prize products.

Mandatory to Enter: 

You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count. INCLUDE your ***EMAIL*** with NAME in a comment even if you already follow! 


Extra Entries:

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


Tweet! #Win ComplexionPerfection! #ItsGotYouCovered @Itcosmetics ($120) #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/1s6AU0N  Ends 08/18 (Tweet up to 3 times a day, but at least 3 hours apart for each tweet.)--1 to 3 extra entries to leave in separate comments with proof.

Go to IT Cosmetics and tell me the foundation shade you want to win in another comment--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

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

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

Subscribe to IT Cosmetics email--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

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Follow Nuts 4 Stuff on Bloglovin'--10 extra entries to leave in ten separate comments

Boost on Blog Nation--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments with proof in one.

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--8 extra entries (leave eight separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--6 extra entries (leave six separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--10 extra entries (leave ten 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 five more extra entries to leave in five separate comments)

Enter the Lavanila Vanilla Lavender Healthy Fragrance Giveaway--1 extra entry to leave in one comment

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Leave another comment on a second post--4 additional extra entries to leave in four 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

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 only USA-based street addresses are eligible.

**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 August 18, 2014 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, July 30, 2014

Review: L’Occitane en Provence’s NEW Roses et Reines Fragrance Line Is a Joy to Behold!

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

Roses et Reines Fragrance products.jpeg
Roses et Reines fragrance products

One of the sexiest new floral scents of summer happens to come from L’Occitane en Provence’s tribute to roses this year with Roses et Reines. The new take on their traditional line is a beautiful rendition by perfumer, Karine Dubreuil with a fresher rose fragrance that is moderately sweet and yet bright and velvety, making it chic and lavishly feminine.

Roses et Reines Eau de Toilette ($50) opens with attention-getting notes of sparkling bergamot and currant leaves. Soon rose surfaces through those initial luminous notes from pairings of Turkish, Bulgarian, Moroccan, and Grasse roses, adding a dewy floral sweetness that is delicate and unmistakably romantic in the heart. 

When paired with the notes of raspberry and blackberry that essence of rose becomes velvety and permeates through the layers, giving the fragrance even more of a warm appeal that is captivating and lusciously ripe from those berry juices dripping over the roses.

As the fragrance dries down, the notes in the base invite seduction with white cedar, heliotrope and musk. Wearing it will make you feel lavishly feminine and irresistible!

The collection includes Roses et Reines Roll-On Eau de Toilette Intense ($22) and the solid perfume ($12), which I highly recommend to take with you in your handbag because you will never want to be without these long-lasting forms of this enticing scent.   

Roses et Reines Solid Perfume.jpeg
Roses et Reines Solid Perfume


Roses et Reines Roll-on Eau de Toilette.jpeg
Roses et Reines Roll-on Eau de Toilette

Beautifying Body Milk ($25) helps prolong that bewitching rose scent while drenching your skin in pampering moisture.  I loved how silky it left my skin just like a rose petal itself.

The Roses et Reines Hand & Nail Cream ($12) that I also got to try was soothing and a delightful way to nourish dry skin and nails.  This was the 30ml size that is also perfect for packing in your handbag or suitcase when traveling.

Other products in the Roses et Reines line includes a bath & shower gel ($20), perfumed bath soap ($8), gentle bath salt ($24), fresh body & face mist ($14), pearlescent body gel ($25), pearlescent shampoo and conditioner ($20 each), and shower scrub ($20).

Anyone that appreciates that intoxicating beauty of rose should check out L’Occitane en Provence’s Roses et Reines.  It launched today, July 30, 2014 so take note.  Trust me, regardless of the form you choose wearing this scent will make you feel as lovely and precious as that flower itself!
*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Review: Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream.jpeg
Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

Washing your hands is necessary, but doing it frequently does affect the condition of your nails and cuticles. When you can’t thoroughly lubricate with a cuticle oil because you are working on the computer, perhaps, and want to avoid excess greasiness, then I know you would be interested to learn more about Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream that I’ve been using. 

This 2013 Latina Beauty Award winning product comes in a small tin that hardly takes any room in your handbag or a desk drawer. I found it had a great texture and fresh lemony scent.  However, what I loved the most was how this formula moisturizes dry cuticles and brittle nails exceptionally well with sweet almond, sunflower, and lemon oils, cocoa seed butter, and vitamin E so you can still work on the computer without leaving a greasy trail.

At around $6 a pop, you can afford to keep several on hand at different locations.  Do check out Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream because it does help with those dry cuticles and brittle nail problems without destroying your budget!

*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Monday, July 28, 2014

Review: Marika Magic Slimming Capri Legging

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


When you want to work out, you need active wear that will help you look great and still be comfortable.  If you have one and not the other, you will hardly feel comfortable enough for showing yourself in public in whatever strenuous activity you have planned.

Fortunately, Marika has been providing the solution since 1982 for active women in their line of workout clothes. I got a pair of their new Magic Slimming Capri Legging to try out for myself.

The item fit me well and gently held in my bad spots without any constricting hold so I could bend and stretch while appearing skinnier at the same time.  With contour seaming and a sculpting power mesh lining along the thigh area, this design helped slim the look of my thighs.  

Another plus is that this slimming capri comes in slenderizing shade of black in S-M-L-XL for $55.  It also features a 19-inch inseam, 4 inch flat waistband and a Coolmax gusset with a body construction of 89% cotton and 11% spandex.

If you’re looking for new pair, then this is the perfect opportunity to try Marika’s product. The company will give you 30% off the entire purchase of the product from now until August 31, 2014 when you enter coupon code MM30 at checkout on their website.  

Do check Marika out!  You can also find them at department and sporting good stores.


Sunday, July 27, 2014

Recipe: Summer Is Not Complete Without My Delectable Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies!

Those that planted a garden should be harvesting their zucchini–that is, if your local wildlife has not thought of yours as their own private salad bar.  I, however, was forced to buy zucchini at the store this year for my delectable zucchini brownies since those greedy beasts didn’t even wait for anything to form and made a meal of the plants themselves!

My Delectable Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies are moist and bursting with intense extra chocolate, nuts and raisins.  Sharing space with the trio and zucchini is just enough spice to bring out that dark richness of the chocolate to perfection.  

As I mention constantly, I like good food but hate to work at it.  I hate those complicated recipes that have a million steps to turn out one dish.  The most difficult part of this recipe will be assembling your ingredients that you’ll need to prepare this and grating your zucchini.  

I do hope you try my recipe because it is so delicious and a great way to use your zucchini.


My Delectable Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

1/3 cup of canola oil
1/4 cup of raisins
2-1/2 cups of flour
1-3/4 cups of sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa 
1 teaspoon of baking soda, leveled
½ teaspoon of cinnamon
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of salt
2 cups of grated zucchini
1/2 cup of chocolate chips
1/4 cup of chopped walnuts


All you do is peel and grate your zucchini before adding it to your large mixing bowl that also has the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  Beat with a whisk or your electric mixer to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

Next, sift the flour with the leveled spoon of baking soda. Add to that mixing bowl along with the cinnamon, cocoa, and salt before stirring in the zucchini, raisins, chips, and nuts.

Grease two 9 x 13-inch baking pans and pour in the batter.

Bake in a 325-degree oven for about 40 minutes or until when nothing sticks when tested with a slender knife, cake tester, or toothpick.

Cool before cutting into squares to keep it from breaking into pieces.

ENJOY!

Saturday, July 26, 2014

The Secrets of Beer Beauty 101!


Beer Bottle and glass.jpeg
Before you drink, save some of that beer for your skin and hair. because it is a great beauty aid!


You probably heard beer is great to put in your hair while you lounge in the sun to bring out your hair’s natural highlights. However, there is so much more beer can do to help you beautify.

Take your feet.  If you’ve been standing or running around all day and are in need some soothing relief, beer can come to your rescue.  Get a basin, large bucket, or foot bath if you have one that can accommodate the size of your feet and pour in a few cold bottles.  I suggest parking in front of your television if possible while you are immersing those tired feet because you will want to linger.  

Before you know what’s happening, those bubbles from the beer’s carbonation process will kick in and provide stimulating relief.  Since beer also has yeast in its composition, the skin of your feet will benefit and soften a bit because of that ingredient.

You can also use beer to condition and style your hair.  If you have oily hair, beer can help cut down on your oil production when used a final rinse after your shampoo.

Beer makes a nice setting lotion directly after washing your hair. Your hair will hold a set better.  

Did you know that beer also adds protein to your hair? Therefore, it makes a fine volumizing conditioner.  You don’t have to use fresh.  If you have any stale beer on hand, pour some to your freshly washed hair as a final rinse.  Work it into the scalp thoroughly for about a minute before rinsing with cold water.  This little trick builds body and glossy luster.

Clear mascara is the standby to control wild eyebrows. Another area where beer can help you out is to tame eyebrows because it has just enough sticking power to hold those misbehaving hairs in line.

Milk baths are so pampering and fantastic ways to soften the skin.  Then again, have you ever tried lounging in a tub that you just added two bottles of beer?  You might be surprised at how smooth your skin will feel when treated to such an indulgence.  The darker variety is my preference since it has the more yeast for extra softening capability. 

Finally, there is one last beautifier that I want to share with you.  This one, however, is for shining up your gold jewelry, only the pieces without stones.  Beer can also make wonderful jewelry polish when used with a soft cloth to wipe a stoneless gold piece to care for it.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Time to Shine! LAQA & Co. Nail Polishes (Tweedledee, New Fangled, Bounty Hunter) Review + SWATCHES!

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


When it comes to a gorgeous range of nail polish shades, you can always count on LAQA & Co. to deliver some stunning looks for fingers and toes.  This month I received three spectacular colors that can help you set the summer scene on fire.

Tweedledee ($13) is a bright, eye popping coral-pink color that covers well with just one coat.  Just as stunning is the artwork of the box by artist, Paul Price.

I am partial to Tweedledee.  The shade looks good with practically everything.

New Fangled ($11) is a reflection of a beautiful sky blue. Wearing this one can add that finishing touch to set off a particular outfit.  The artist behind the equally attractive box is Grégoire Guillemin.
 LAQA New Fangled Nail Polish.jpeg
LAQA New Fangled Nail Polish

Here is the edgier shade of New Fangled.

Bounty Hunter ($13) is a trendy, bold fuchsia.  This color definitely grabs attention.  Give yourself a pedi and sport this shade with your sandals to steal the show.  The artwork featured on the box is by Charles Wilken.

LAQA Bounty Hunter Nail Polish.jpeg
LAQA Bounty Hunter Nail Polish


 Bounty Hunter is great for flirting with your hands.

There is a lot to like about LAQA & Co.  Let me start with the polish first.  They provide a nice brush that helps you apply the product as evenly as possible.  Also, their formulas wear well without needing to run to redo in a day or two.

Equally impressive is the company gives a small portion of the sale back to the upcoming artist that designed the box to help them benefit financially as well as get public recognition in their field. Kudos, LAQA & Co.!

I highly recommend checking out LAQA & Co.  You’ll love their wonderful collection because whatever your style or personality dictates, and they have shades to reflect it!

*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Review: Just Natural Organic Skin and Hair Care Products

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

Just Natural Organic Skin and Hair Care Products.jpeg
Just Natural Organic Skin and Hair Care Products

The more nutritious your diet, the better your chances of staying well.  The same principle applies to your complexion. Feeding your skin in the same fashion as you do your body with natural organic ingredients to nourish it instead of a chemical cocktail can help a complexion thrive as well since you are giving it the elements it needs to stay healthy.


Just Natural Organic Products has the same philosophy in the pure products that they produce with no GMO’s, parabens, or sulfates.  Everything is made fresh in small batches here in the United States.  The company sent me several of their skin and hair care to see what I thought.  

The Anti-Aging Day Facial Cream ($49.99) was the first product I experimented with.  This is a wonderful, lightweight anti-aging moisturizer that includes sea buckthorn, rosehip oil, borage, camellia seed oils, as well as aloe vera to intensely moisturize and rejuvenate skin.  I used this regularly in the mornings after I washed to start my day. 

This day cream felt comfortable, didn’t make me greasy, and allowed my skin to breathe instead of weighing it down with heavier, pore-clogging ingredients.  It gave me a petal soft complexion and did seem to lessen some finer creases over time.  

The second product that I want to tell you about is their Anti-Aging Renewal Serum ($37.99), which is packed with beneficial natural anti-oxidants and other soothing, restorative oils from ingredients such as jojoba, sea buckthorn, macadamia oil, hazelnut oil, squalene, and carrot oil.  


Just Natural Anti-Aging Renewal Serum.jpeg
Just Natural Anti-Aging Renewal Serum

Immediately, I did notice my complexion took on more of a peachy, healthier color after I started applying two drops after cleansing each night for nearly three weeks now.  I liked that this oil did not sit on top of the skin, but absorbed somewhat as it went to work.  This concentrated serum left my skin extremely soft and wonderfully hydrated.  The best part was how it kept brightening my skin tone.  

I also received a bar of their handmade Paradise Soap ($11.99).  This lathers up beautifully with somewhat of a citrus scent and gently replenishes skin with plant oils and butters like macadamia and coconut oils, tacuma butter and guava leaf extract for its healing benefits. You might even want to skip following up with your body lotion after bathing with this soap. 

To see how their hair line worked, I requested their Extreme Dry Hair Shea Butter ($28.99). This product is rich in nuts butters and plant oils to rectify suffering hair and bring it back to life.  With my medium length of hair, I only needed to use a small amount (nickle size) of this leave in conditioner.  After I styled, I was greeted to hair that was softer, shinier, and more manageable without bogging my hair down.

I really liked this sampling of organic products for the beauty it brought out in my skin and hair.  In fact, I was so taken with these that I plan on trying more in the future.

Anyone looking for a more holistic, natural approach to skin and hair care should visit Just Natural Skin and Hair Care Products and try some, too!  

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Review: Beauty Box 5 July 2014

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

Beauty Box 5 July 2014.jpeg
Beauty Box 5 July 2014

I love getting surprised every month with a box of beauty items from Beauty Box 5.  Anticipating what may be inside is always thrilling.  The only thing I hate about this monthly beauty subscription that includes four to five products from full to sample sizes for just $12 a month is the wait until my next box arrives!

If you haven’t signed up yet, you are denying yourself some real fun besides great skin, hair and makeup. This month’s beauty assortment from Beauty Box 5 centers around defining moments with products that might have helped you celebrate those important events in life. To give you an idea of what you're missing, take a look inside the current box.

Beauty Box 5 July 2014:

1.  Revlon "Bold Lacquer" Mascara (001 Blackest Black)-- Full Size ($7.99)

2.  HASK Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment--Full Size ($2.49)

3.  Body Drench Candy Licious Lips--(Peppermint) Full Size ($3.99)

4.  Anna Naturals Glowing Mama Walnut Face & Body Scrub--(Unspecified Sample Size–FULL SIZE sells for $10.99 for four fl. oz.  I estimate the value between .68 and $1.37 from the size of the jar.)

5.  Starlooks Lip Liner (Tipsy)--Full Size ($12.00)


Total Value:  $27.15 to $27.84


I always love finding mascara.  This new Revlon Bold Lacquer is a formula for lengthening and adding volume. I didn’t get to use it yet, but I soon will.

Yesterday, I gave my hair some tender loving care with the HASK Argan Oil Deep Conditioner.  Instead of ten minutes as directed, I kept it on an hour while I also gave myself the full treatment.  When I was through and finished styling, I can say this product did my hair proud with returning extra shine and softness.

While my hair was benefitting, I thought my skin should also. With that thought, I followed with the Anna Naturals Glowing Mama Walnut Face & Body Scrub.  This vegan exfoliating scrub had a nice texture to gently remove dead cells.  It left my face with a rosier glow.

The lip liner from Starlooks was in a shade called Tipsy and it glided on beautifully.  It was a wonderful pink-brown color that could work with lots of my lipsticks and glosses.   

Last of all, I got a moisturizing lip balm from Body Drench Candy Licious Lips in Peppermint flavor.  I can’t imagine a yummier solution for dry lips than applying peppermint lip balm.  It does help provide some tasty lip comfort while repairing the problem.

I thought this was a great value when you add it all.  Do check BeautyBox 5's website and do some browsing.  You can also connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.  I think you will love their subscription box program as much as I do once you start experiencing what they have to offer.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

How You Care for Your Sponges and Loofahs Can Mean the Difference Between Good and Bad Skin!

In order to best protect our skin, we need to do more than simply shower and bathe. Remember those bath sponges and loofahs that you bathe with need just as much attention in keeping our skin healthy.

A good idea to stave off any potential infections from harboring bacteria in that moist environment is to soak those sponges and loofahs weekly in one part bleach to ten parts of water to sterile.  

Keep them immersed for a few minutes before rinsing with water. Allow those sponges and loofahs to air dry thoroughly and hang them somewhere other than your moist, hot bathroom.

A few minutes devoted to giving those sponges and loofahs some tender loving care can only help keep your skin as beautiful as possible! 

Monday, July 21, 2014

Review: Perlier’s Shea Butter White Lily Hand Cream-- #PerlierOnHSN

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

Perlier’s Shea Butter White Lily Hand Cream.jpeg
Perlier’s Shea Butter White Lily Hand Cream 

Beautiful, soft hands can never go out of style.  When you are shopping for a new hand cream because your current brand isn’t doing as much for you as it should, I think you would like Perlier’s Shea Butter White Lily Hand Cream that I was sent to review from iFabbo.

This hand cream has 100% organic shea butter and white lily extracts.  The product comes out fairly thick with a lovely floral fragrance that perfumes as it treats the skin.  It does absorb easily enough into the hands and leaves skin silky, not greasy.

The formula is advertised to help improve the elasticity and firmness of hands.  Yet, I have seen skin sag skin elsewhere on a body but don’t recall witnessing that particular issue when it comes to hands.  All I can say is it did right by my hands for the way it relieved dry skin and made them velvety and pretty again.  

Buy #PerlierOnHSN.  In fact, watch Perlier on HSN on July 24 and 25 because for some special package deals featuring this hand cream that you don’t want to miss out on!

*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Recipe: My Apple Cream Pie Is a Deliciously Different Treat That You Need to Try!

Today, I have a wonderful recipe that I want to share with you for my Apple Cream Pie. Unlike a traditional apple pie that is brimming with apples and spices, this tasty version has an unusual ingredient of sour cream added to the mix along with a pastry-like crumb topping instead of a normal top crust.

You’ll find that the sour cream gives those apples and spices a luscious texture and such delectable flavor that you’ll fail to understand why you never tried sour cream before with your fruit pies.

As always, I do hope that you will use my oil-pie crust for this recipe.  Honestly, it is foolproof despite the oily ball you will form. It is the easiest, flakiest, and simply the best pastry recipe that you will ever want for dessert crusts, pot pies, or even quiche.

My Apple Cream Pie

one 9" pie crust or one recipe of my oil-pie crust
1 cup of sour cream
2 tablespoons of flour
3/4 cup of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 large egg
3 cups of diced tart apples
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Topping:

1/3 cup of flour
½ cup of firmly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 cup of butter

Mix the sour cream, flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt together first and then add the egg and vanilla and combine thoroughly.

Stir in the apples to the mixture next and mix through.


Pour the ingredients into the pie crust and bake in a 400-degree oven for about 25 minutes.

While the pie is baking, prepare the topping as you would a shortening type pastry by rolling the ingredients together with your hands to form large crumbs.  

When you take the pie out, sprinkle the topping mixture over it and return to the oven and continue baking for about 15 more minutes.


ENJOY!

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Review: The Beauty of Recording Over the Air Broadcasts With Mediasonic’s HomeWorX HW-150 PVR and HW-210AN Flat HDTV Antenna!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Mediasonic’s HomeWorX HW-150 PVR.jpeg
Mediasonic’s HomeWorX HW-150 PVR 

Cutting the cord for cable TV can present problems. For me it was recording television shows I want to watch later. VCRs were great before HDTV and DVRs are fabulous. However, VCRs can’t record current TV signals because they have no tuners.  Another issue is that DVRs can record multiple channels at the same time only if you pay a service fee to companies like TiVo.  But I found a way to record TV inexpensively-- it’s a little PVR (personal video recorder) from Mediasonic.

I got the Mediasonic HW-150PVR HomeWorX ATSC Digital TV Converter Box with Media Player and Recording PVR Function/HDMI Out (Black).  They sell this on Amazon.com for around $37.  
This converter box will output a 1080 HD signal via an HDMI cable to your HDTV or a standard definition signal through component cables or standard RCA cables.  You can watch a HD picture or a standard definition signal depending on the cord used and, of course, the TV.  

The set up of this unit was very easy.  All you need is to plug in a USB external hard drive or use a USB Flash Drive to record something.  TV programs in HD are big so I would recommend the hard drive.  

The cost for a bigger thumb drive makes the hard drive approach less expensive. Furthermore, you can save more programs.  

You can use the HW-150PVR to watch TV through the box or stick a USB compatible drive right into the port in the front. Recording is as simple as pressing the Record button or by setting it up to record something later just by hitting the Timer button just like a VCR would do. You can also use the built in program guide to select a program you want to record and by clicking on that program the unit schedules it just like a DVR.  All this will go to your USB drive.

By the way, this unit is actually made with metal too.  I have had a lot of electronics lately that came in plastic cases.   This looks like better quality.

I have to say I spent some hours looking for a device to record over the air television.  I looked in my local stores and the sales reps in my local big box stores kept pushing TiVo. They had no DVRs on the shelf except for that one company. When I looked at all the VCRs none had digital tuners!  I’ve heard of DVD recorders with tuners and hard drives but none are being carried in stores around me.  

This Mediasonic HW-150PVR unit jumped out at me as solving a problem.  They make other units as well.  I have to try some of those too.  You should look at these also because they are all inexpensive and that’s what I wanted!   Best Buy and other big box stores better crack open some shelf space for Mediasonic.  Had I seen one of these six months ago I would have snapped them up sooner. For just a little more than $37, they also make great gifts. 



When you do finally decide that you had enough of those cable fees but still need a way to pick up a good signal for HDTV, then you should try the Mediasonic’s HW-210AN Flat HDTV antenna that I also got to review.  This product works like a champ!

HW-210AN Flat HDTV Antenna.jpeg
HW-210AN Flat HDTV Antenna


The antenna is small, just a bit bigger than a wash cloth.  I liked the fact that it’s flat and can hide behind stuff and still get a great picture.  

They even designed it with a white side and a black side so you can flip it if you want to make it less visible by having the color blend in with the surroundings.  They do give you some hook & loop pads to help stick the antenna to something.  They even give you some pins and there are some holes in the antenna to pin it if you chose that route.  Mine is just propped up and in an unobtrusive spot.  

Mediasonic gives you a nice coaxial cable to attach your antenna.  Usually when you get cables with a device they are adequate but cheap.  Mediasonic’s cables are high quality with nice long firm connectors guaranteeing you a good connection and the signal you are looking for.  You don’t want to buy a great antenna only to lose the signal through a poor cable or a connection that isn’t complete. 

Nowadays HDTV signals are broadcast for free over the air in an uncompressed format. Cable TV can be compressed to squeeze more channels through the cable “pipe” so you are paying ever increasing amounts to the big cable providers. Why pay for something you can get for free?  And if all you want are the networks and some local stations go with a good antenna like Mediasonic’s HW-210AN and you’ll save a bundle. Even if you’re happy with cable, you better buy one before it goes out so you have something to watch while waiting for the cable repair guy.  

The HW-210AN is a simple and clean design. Face it antennas should be something you don’t notice and this one accomplishes that easily. What you want an antenna for is a clear picture and Mediasonic delivers that at a fair price.  

I can get all the programming I want over the air.  And for the cable shows I want...there’s always DVDs, streaming, and my local public library.  I don’t starve for quality TV.  I cut my cord and have more money in my pocket.

With my new Mediasonic HW-150PVR and HW-210AN antenna, I am not missing a thing that I want to watch.  Do yourself a favor and check out these products and save while beautifying your viewing experience!
*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*