Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Do You Want a Better Way to Minimize Facial Redness?

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A big synthetic brush can be your best friend.


Rosacea can be frustrating to deal with when attempting to minimize that redness.  Though I don’t personally have this condition, I know the difficulty it presents because my mother has it to contend with. However, she has found some great tricks when using color-correcting bases that she wanted me to share with others dealing with the same problem.

When she first started using a color-correcting product, she always used to put it on with her fingers.  Afterwards, she mentioned that it seemed to make the redness more noticeable.  Of course, the heat of her fingers as she worked that makeup in was what made the problem worse.  Then, I made a suggestion for her to try a synthetic brush.

My first thought was a foundation brush.  You would assume it would be ideal for this purpose, but it went on a bit too heavy in spots.  Finally, it hit us.  We just needed to use a bigger brush like a powder brush to apply the product.

If you want to minimize that redness with makeup and be happier with the results, you will improve your coverage if you try using a synthetic powder brush to apply it.  This size of brush really makes this sort of coverage so much better.

Another tip that honestly helps is Reviva Lab’s Spider Vein & Rosacea Day Cream with vitamin P.  (By the way, I don’t gain financially for telling you this, but what I do gain is helping you in the same way this product helped my mother).  It really lightens the red color and improves the texture of the skin while protecting with SPF.  In fact, it might even help you use less makeup to cover it as well.

Sometimes, the simplest changes can often help the most.  So here's to you staying beautiful instead of miserable!


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Review: Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion

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


I believe strongly in the benefits of regular exfoliation to encourage cell renewal for a better, glowing complexion.  Therefore, when iFabbo emailed about Dr. Brandt’s PoreDermabrasion, I thought why not see how this $58 pore perfecting exfoliator worked for this #iFabboMember.

According to the package, this product deeply cleans and refines the appearance of pores as it smooths skin texture through professional grade micro crystals and chemical exfoliator.

I followed the directions by damping my face first before applying a small amount of the Dr. Brandt #PoreDermabrasion.  I gently massaged the product on my face and away from my eyes for the recommended minute. Then, I gave it about two minutes as the box specified to activate the product’s ingredients before finally rinsing.

With my dry complexion, Dr. Brandt’s PoreDermabrasion left my skin feeling tight.  I did not experience redness or irritation, but I felt uncomfortable. Perhaps, those with normal to oily complexions would feel differently, but this is not a product for me.  

However, if Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion sounds like something that could benefit your complexion, this product ships free so use this link and share.  You can also earn X2 loyalty points with that purchase.  In fact, if you share with friends and they return to dr.brandskincare.com, you can both save up to $10 on your next purchase when you click here.

Monday, September 28, 2015

**5 WIN**Keune So Pure Moroccan Argan Oils Review + ($125) Giveaway!—Ends October 16, 2015

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Keune Moroccan Argan Oils.jpeg
Keune Moroccan Argan Oils are like having several hair products in one bottle.


One of my favorite hair products is argan oil.  Though there are tons of them out there, but not all are created equally as far as the purity and quality I have found out from own personal experience.  However, I really love how Keune’s So Pure Moroccan Argan Oils work to always bring noticeable shine and improved condition to my hair.

I have been using the original formula on my thick hair faithfully ever since first reviewing it.  The way I liked to use it is taking a few drops to my freshly washed, damp hair, starting at the bottom and patting my way upward before taking my dryer to it.  With all its vitamins and omega-6 in this oil, I found that I can cut some drying time besides just protecting my hair from heat damage.  Whenever I finish styling, my hair regains a healthy feel and admirable luster.  Even on those days when the humidity makes my hair misbehave with a frizz problem a few more drops of Keune’s Moroccan Argan Oil  to my dry hair are enough to tame it and give me control again. 

For those with fine, thin hair, I have exciting news to share.  Now Keune So Pure Moroccan Argan Oil Light is on the market. This formula also has apricot kernel oil along with argan, but in a lighter base than the original.  

The Argan Oil Light was a beneficial oil for my hair, but I still love the original more.  Nonetheless, the texture of your hair may make you just as passionate about this light version as I am about the regular.

I recommend the So Pure Moroccan Argan Oil (original) for best results  for those with normal to thick hair. The Moroccan Argan Oil Light is better suited for those with fine, thin hair.  

Regardless of the type of hair on your pretty head, Keune has the perfect formula of Moroccan Argan Oil to make those strands glorious with renewed condition and shine so do look into trying one!   


Thanks to Keune Hair Care, five lucky Nuts 4 Stuff readers in the United States or Canada win their choice of either a full-size 1.5 fl. oz. bottle of Keune So Pure Moroccan Argan Oil (original) or Moroccan Argan Oil Light ($25 value each)!



Giveaway details and how to enter–

Prize: Five (5) winners will receive their choice of either Keune’s So Pure Moroccan Argan Oil (Original) or Moroccan  Argan Oil Light ($25 value each). 

Dates of entry: 09/28/15–10/15/2015 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA and Canada.  The winners will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, September 27, 2015

If You Want the Best Finish, Give Some Thought to the Moisturizer You Use Before Makeup!


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This beauty can smile because she knows how to look flawless in addition to keeping her gorgeous skin comfortable.


If you’ve been in the habit of applying just any type of moisturizer instead of a primer as a base before your makeup and want to have a better finish, you need to skip the fancier, anti-aging variety for this purpose. Instead, a smarter choice is sticking to a basic SPF moisturizer.

The reason I suggest a basic moisturizer is because it can plump up the skin more effectively and even out your complexion since this simpler variety can lack all those extra active ingredients that can limits its hydration power.

A plain, non-greasy lotion works wonderfully, being lightweight and yet moisturizing enough for providing that smoothness and glow you need to give your face a great, primed surface.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Recipe: Fall Is a Great Time to Enjoy One of My Special Baked Tuna Sandwiches!

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My Special Baked Tuna Sandwich makes a great nutritious lunch.


Today I want to share a delicious take on tuna that makes for a part of a great hot lunch. Along with tuna, this sandwich is brimming with cheese, some black olives, hard-cooked eggs, bit of onion with a creamy, flavored up dressing that once baked and served on a fresh homemade bun gives this something extra that makes it incredibly delicious and hard to explain. 

What could be better than a quick, hot protein-packed lunch that doesn’t take long to throw together? I hope that you will print my recipe out and give it a try because even admitted tuna fish haters in my house seem to love this recipe.

Then again, this sandwich also tastes fantastic on warm days with this filling even unbaked!



My Special Baked Tuna Sandwiches


Special Tuna Sandwich filling.jpeg
This filling is a hit whether you want to enjoy your sandwich color or heat those ingredients through in the oven.

1 can of tuna, drained (6-oz. size)
1/4 black olives, sliced
½ cup of Velveeta cheese, cubed                              
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/3 cup of mayonnaise or salad dressing
3 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish
1/4 of cup of chopped onion 
1/4 teaspoon of prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon of salt
4 fresh baked buns 

Preheat your oven to 400-degrees.

Prepare and combine all the ingredients, except for the buns and mix together in your mixing bowl.

Spoon the filling mixture into your waiting buns before wrapping them in foil and placing on your baking sheet.

Bake these sandwiches for about 10 minutes to get them piping hot.  Once you unwrap that foil, they will be nice and bubbly.

ENJOY!

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This tuna filling always tastes even better served on one of my fresh homemade buns.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Adidas Born Original for Her Eau de Parfum Review + ($30) Giveaway!–Ends October 13, 2015

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Adidas Born Original for Her perfume.jpeg
Adidas Born Original for Her Eau de Parfum can help you get a fresh start for Fall!

Though we may just have started Fall, I know how you can easily make that Summer feeling last.  All it takes is a fragrance that helps you relive the season every time you wear it like Coty Beauty’s recently released fruity-floral, Adidas Born Original for Her that came out this Summer 2015.

This fragrance has notes of bergamot, apricot and orange zest to give it that fresh, happy burst of bright energy as it opens.  The blend is like experiencing that ideal Summer morning that is warm and breezy, and yet still clinging to its morning dew as it awakens for a new day.

As the fragrance warms further in the heart with notes of exotic coconut, candied apple and jasmine, the scent begins to beautifully soften as it steals some of that fresh citrus thunder.  In its place, those sweet fruits and floral notes give it a luscious, romantic element that captivates.  

The further the fragrance continues to dry down in the base, its notes of tonka bean, cedar and olive wood add that warmth and a certain appealing charm that make Adidas Born Original for Her delightfully intriguing as well as easy to wear.  

If this sounds like your type of fragrance, do check out Adidas Born Original for Her Eau de Parfum ($30) and get a whiff.  I know that you will love the scent once that you sample it in person.

Thanks to Coty Beauty and Adidas Originals, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States will win a one-oz. bottle of Adidas Born Original for Her Eau de Parfum Spray ($30 value)!


Giveaway details and how to enter–


Prize: One (1) winner from the USA will win a one-oz. bottle of Adidas Born Original for Her Eau de Parfum Spray ($30 value)!

Dates of entry: 09/25/15–10/12/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA residents only.  No PO Boxes. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Review: L’Occitane en Provence’s Almond Supple Skin Oil

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil.jpeg
If angels wore a scent, I think L'Occitane en Provence's Almond Supple Skin Oil could be it.


With colder weather ahead, you may want to start thinking about moisturizing your body more often to protect your skin before dryness has a chance to set in.  My favorite way is indulging with a wonderful hydrator like a luxurious oil that also has an amazing fragrance such as L’Occitane en Provence’s Almond Supple Skin Oil that makes me smell almost delectable as it does satiny smooth all over.

This is a clean, inviting, but gentle scent that instantly appeals to your senses as much as it does to the touch with the softness if leaves behind.  This product absorbed beautifully once applied to still damp, freshly showered skin, scenting as well as nourishing every inch of me with that luscious fragrance and its rich almond oil, omega 6 and camelina oils in the process.

If you want lasting moisture to maintain your skin to its ultimate beauty advantage along with one that makes you smell heavenly, I recommend L’Occcitane en Provence’s Almond Supple Skin Oil ($44).  Check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Why You May Want to Give Your Complexion a Break When Using Alpha Hydroxy or Beta Hydroxy Acids

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This beauty knows the secret of safeguarding her flawless complexion--and so will you once you read this.

Though we can’t control the aging process, we can do something about those visible signs of aging through healthy living, diet and our skin care.  Unlike years ago, newer skin care products have come a long way for making real improvements due to the advances in technology and active ingredients.  

Besides, the wonders of exfoliating ingredients like retinol, other organic exfoliators such as alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid or a fat-soluble beta hydroxy acid like salicylic acid is also commonly used for encouraging collagen growth.  

However, your complexion can run into trouble if you rely too heavily on skin care that has exfoliating ingredients without giving your complexion a break.  Just remember, any exfoliant like the alpha hydroxy acids are meant to help shed old skin and stimulate fresh cells.  

Therefore, you don’t want to overdo.  Read the packaging because it is there for a good reason.  If that anti-aging product specifies to apply once a day, by all means, this is all you need to keep your skin healthy. Otherwise, you risk irritating the skin if you use nothing but day moisturizes, brighteners, night creams that all have exfoliating acids even if they are organic in origin.  

Instead, you might be better off with looking for a plain day moisturizer with sunscreen and alternating with an anti-aging AHA night cream.  Another suggestion is rotating one day with your AHA products and then alternate the next with your non AHA skin care. 

Trying to hurry your skin’s repair process is not going to end well.  If you want to save your face that extra redness and possible damage, then be patient because improvement comes in time since all skin heals to renew itself at a different rate.  

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Review: Korres Black Pine Night Cream Could Be the Next Best Thing to Having Work Done on Your Face!

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

Many anti-aging products make promises that may or may not live up to our expectations.  However, I got to try a new night cream that PR sent from Korres that truly did deliver in erasing time off of my face.  The product I am referring to is their Black Pine Night Cream ($68) from their new anti-aging skin care collection.  
The unique skin advantage that Black Pine offers is its natural hexapeptide-11 for its help in increasing the complexion’s collagen and elastin production along with black pine polyphenol’s for its exceptional firming capabilities while protecting the skin from free radicals.  It also has other active ingredients like spilanthes acmella extract for further helping lift, contour, and support the collagen, giving skin renewed volume.

What I noticed immediately was the Black Pine Night Cream was lightly scented, which was a nice change to see from Korres face creams that can be quite scented.  The texture was rich and luxurious, melting into my skin with its gentle and hydrating moisture.  Over the many weeks of use, I saw my fine creases disappear while my two, deeper laugh lines, sealed up in an astonishing way so they are barely visible!  

I say Korres Black Pine anti-aging skin care is the next best thing to having some work done on your face. If you don’t believe me, then try this product and discover what I shared from my own experience for yourself. I really am in love with Korres Black Pine products and now want the entire line.  

If your face could benefit from a bit of firming, do visit Korres and check out their Black Pine Skin Care Collection.  Once you do, you will be excited that I turned you onto this great product with that Black Pine Night Cream

Monday, September 21, 2015

How to Get More Sexy Effects From ONE Eye Shadow!


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You can easily amplify your beauty and get multiple looks from  practically any color with this little tip.


With all the beautiful eye shadows out there, it is hard to resist those tempting shades of shimmering, metallic, or matte colors.  After all, the pigments we chose can dress our eyes as magnificently as fine jewels when the right products are in our hands. However, you don’t necessarily need tons of different shades or palettes to pull off several looks.  Instead, you can still create quite a few gorgeous effects with one eye shadow–-only by changing the application and the brushes you use.

For example, if you want a soft, daytime look, then take a dry, fluffy long-bristled eye shadow brush and dust the eye shadow from your lashes to the creases, blending until the pigment is practically sheer as you work your way further up on the eye.

Of course, you could want a more dramatic eye for nights using that one cosmetic. All you need to make that happen is to slightly dampen your brush before swiping over your eye shadow.  You’ll get stronger, bolder color since a bit of water intensifies the pigment.

With the help of a shorter-bristled eye shadow brush that has some stiffness to the bristles, you can even do more with the one eye shadow.  This type of brush, using some of that moistened shadow, gives you that needed control for lining the eyes and providing the definition you want.

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Recipe: When You Want to Bring Out Smiles, Then Bake Up My Delectable Coconut-Orange Drop Cookies!



Coconut Orange Drop Cookies.jpeg
Instant smiles appear when these cookies are baking.

As I mentioned, I hate involved, complicated recipes when you can have the same delicious results for whatever you cook or bake.  Today’s recipe for my Delectable Coconut-Orange Drop Cookies fits that bill because they are easy to put together and taste sensational from all the requests that I had from my friends after tasting these cookies.

My Delectable Coconut-Orange Drop Cookies is a fairly soft cookie that is abundant with plenty of grated coconut mingling with some chocolate chips in the batter.  What is different about these is that I use almond extract and some grated orange peel to coax more of the chocolate flavor as it marries with that almond extract.  The result is scrumptious once you get a taste.

If you don’t have any fresh oranges on hand, you could substitute a teaspoon of orange extract in a pinch. Instead what I like to do is to grate some orange rind when I have the ones with thick skins, wrap in some plastic wrap to store in the freezer for later use.  This is handy for whenever I need the rind for other recipes because it is already prepared.



My Delectable Coconut-Orange Drop Cookies


½ cup of butter
3/4 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 cup of shredded coconut flakes
½ teaspoon of almond extract
1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange rind
1 cup of sifted flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder, leveled
½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips


Cream your softened butter with the sugar thoroughly with your electric mixer in your mixing bowl.

Beat in your egg, almond extract,  and the grated rind next.

Use a wooden spoon to stir in the coconut flakes and mix in with the above ingredients.

Sift your flour with the baking powder, gradually as you continue to beat through your mixer until all the ingredients are incorporated and combined.

Grease at least two cookie sheets and drop by rounded teaspoons with some space between them, leaving room for them to grow on those sheets.

Bake in a 375-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, depending on how your oven is regulated or until the edges start getting a light golden brown.  

ENJOY!

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Spice Up Your Look This Fall With Fresh Hair Color From Roux Fanci-Full + ENTER the #RouxFanciFullContest!

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post.

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Roux


Now is the perfect time to reinvent your look with a fresh, new hair color to go with Fall fashions.  If you have been thinking about a change but didn’t know where to start, then temporary hair coloring products from Roux Fanci-Full Color Styling Mousse and Rinse are the ideal solution to begin that beauty transformation, especially when you can save and possibly win a $3200 designer handbag or be one of 10 lucky people to win a year of Roux Anti-Aging Hair Care!


Roux Beauty Designer handbag prize.jpeg
Look at this gorgeous grand prize--a $3200 designer handbag from Roux Beauty that might be yours.

Whether you want to  warm up your current shade, tone down some brassiness that Summer caused, darken that mane enough to intrigue or add more light to wake up a dull color without any lasting commitment like a permanent or semi-permanent hair coloring, a Roux Fanci-Full Color Styling Mousse or Fanci-Full Rinse can help you do it while conditioning your hair at the same time.  


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Roux Fanci-Full Color Styling Mousses 

Switching shades of your hair color can be done as often as you like to suit your mood just as do your makeup.  With the Fanci-Full Color Styling Mousse, you have 11 exciting, inexpensive color possibilities that are affordable, easy to apply just by pumping some of that conditioning foam color to your clean, towel-dried hair.  Just like taking off your makeup off, you can shampoo the next day and that color will be gone.  You are in control of your look, not some product. 

Perhaps, you just want to test out a new shade of hair color like a trendy “Granny Grey” and live with it for a few days before going permanent or just extend the time before your next hair coloring?  In that case, the 13 Fanci-Full Rinses may be the choice for you.



Roux Fanci-Full Rinses.jpeg
Roux Fanci-Full Rinses 


So what are you waiting for? Head to Sally Beauty and pick up that fancy, new shade of Roux Fanci-Full Color Styling Mousse ($10.49) and/ or the Fanci-Full Rinse ($6.49) and embrace the thought of what some sensational conditioning color can do for YOU to spice up your look.  Use coupon code 555165 at Sally Beauty to save $4.00 off either the Fanci-Full Color Styling Mousse or Fanci-Full Rinse before you go.  

Also, be sure to visit RouxBeauty on Facebook and enter the #RouxFanciFullContest before it ends on October 31, 2015. Even if winning is not in the cards for you, all entrants receive a free sample of Roux Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner along with a BOGO coupon!  Now what can be more fun than saving money to look beautiful with the chance of winning great prizes?  I can’t think of anything I like more, can you?

Roux Fanci-Full Contest banner.jpeg
#RouxFanciFullContest

Friday, September 18, 2015

Review + Swatches: Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance Full Coverage Liquid Foundation (Light)

**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 Ultimate Performance Foundation and box.jpeg
Mally Beauty Ultimte Performance Full Coverage Liquid Foundation


Over the Summer, I relied more on tinted moisturizers than foundations.  Now that Fall is on our doorstep (September 23), I usually turn to foundation for a bit more coverage.  One that I had a chance to explore was Mally Beauty’s Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation in Light.

If you hate that heavy sensation that some liquid foundations can have, then you would love how lightweight this one feels upon your skin.  The Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation dispenses from its metal container, which is excellent for keeping it more sanitary.  At the same time, it does pump out with somewhat of a thin consistency, but it blends very smoothly to even out the complexion with medium/full coverage, depending on how much of it I used.  

This foundation did a nice job on me.  It hid my pores and did not gather in my laugh lines as some others can do on occasion.  In fact, this foundation stayed in that beautiful state on me all day until I took it off hours later.
Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation Light swatches.jpeg
On the top is how this Light shade of this foundation looked blended while  the bottom was how it appeared when first dispensed.

The only problem was the shade of Light, which was slightly too dark for my skin even though my face still has extra color from the Summer sun.   I think Fair would have been a better shade for me after sampling Light.  

If you’ve been wanting to try one of Mally Beauty’s foundation, I say the Ultimate Performance Full Coverage Liquid Foundation ($40) won’t disappoint you.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Are You Keeping Your Pencil Cosmetics Sanitary Enough?



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Eye pencils are especially important to sharpen.



Cosmetics in pencil or crayon forms are wonderful, especially for what they can do for beauty when you keep them sharp for the best application.  Sharpening helps with drawing a better line, but it also serves another purpose–-getting rid of bacteria. 

So give your pencils a quick twist or two in your sharpener before reusing them again.  You won’t be wasting all that much in what is shaved off, but will be staying safe in the process. 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Bioken’s New Enfanti m72 Ceramide Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask for Damaged, Chemically Treated Hair Review + ($90) Giveaway!–Ends October 5, 2015

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

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Bioken's Enfanti m72 Ceramide Shampoo, Treatment Mask, and Conditioner


Weak, damaged hair has a new friend with Bioken’s Enfanti botanical hair care’s recent expansion of the line that now includes their m72 Ceramide products.  The remarkable thing about this new system for damaged, chemically treated hair is that the products  are specially formulated with USDA certified organic extracts and 72 essential trace minerals with lipid binding ceramides and moisturizing oils for more thorough absorption into the hair’s cuticle for restoring health and strength to less than pretty hair.

I was sent the shampoo, conditioner and mask to experience for this review and giveaway.  The Bioken Enfanti m72 Ceramide Shampoo was rich, luxurious and foamed nicely while also starting that repair process with its blend of oils including safflower, grapeseed, coconut, palm, and macadamia.  It had a pleasant aroma and also rinsed out well.

The Enfanti m72 Ceramide Conditioner was thick and made it easier later when I needed to comb it.  My hair is prone to knotting, but I liked how this product handled the challenge it can present.

By the time I finished drying, I did notice more softness and shine to my hair that wasn’t there before I started.  

The Bioken Enfanti m72 Ceramide Treatment Mask was what I tried later in the week after shampooing to my still damp hair.  The directions specify to keep this deep conditioner on for three to five minutes, but I always like to keep intense hair treatments on at least a half hour before rinsing to give my hair every opportunity to benefit. 

I think the m72 Ceramide Treatment Mask was the star of the three for what it did for healing that remaining damage.  My hair looked even better and had a healthier bounce to it.  But the most amazing difference was that my hair seemed stronger when brushing and taking my styling tools to it, judging by the reduction of hairs I usually find in my brush when I finish.

You don’t have to have fine, thin hair to shed more than you like.  My hair is thick and I don’t miss the strands that fall out, but I do find my hairs all over the place when it should be attached to my head.  The m72 Ceramide products did seem to help in that department as well as getting rid of dullness and replacing with softness. 

Do check Bioken's Enfanti m72 Ceramide hair system of products if your hair needs some serious help too.  
Thanks to Bioken, one lucky winner in the United States wins all three Bioken Enfanti m72 Ceramide products of Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment Mask ($90 value)!



Giveaway Details and How to Enter–

Prize: One (1) winner will win the following Bioken Enfanti m72 Ceramide Shampoo (10-oz.), Bioken Enfanti m72 Ceramide Condition (10-oz.), Bioken Enfanti m72 Ceramide Treatment (10.2 oz) for a total value of $90!

Dates of entry: 09/16/15–10/04/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility:  Open to USA.  No PO Boxes.  The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Try This Easy Fix When Your Feet Are Killing You at Work

Golf ball.jpeg
What does a golf ball have to do with painful feet?  Read on because this little ball may hold the clue to relieve your suffering. 



As women, we tend to be drawn to beautiful, but sometimes painful shoes just for the sake of looking stylish. Yet, this obsession to look good can affect our feet through the day with heel or arch pain and even foot cramps once in the office.  However, I found a quick way to get some relief that comes in handy when you’re suffering at your desk.

I suggest bringing a golf ball with you to work and keep it in your desk drawer.  When you feet begin to kill you, take out your golf ball and place it beneath your desk.  Now slip one shoe off a time and start slowly rubbing your foot back and forth over the golf ball to massage it.  Do this simple exercise for a few minutes and then rotate with the other foot.  Working these tight muscles in this way helps relieve the tension and lessen that torturous pain.  

Even if you work in an open office with others, you can still be discreet and benefit without disrupting your duties or attracting attention.  I do I hope that you try this trick because it does help and will definitely put you in a better mood.  

Later at home, you also might want to try soaking those feet in my wonderful DIY foot fix recipe and before bedtime read my earlier post for additional soothing.  If you have swollen feet also to contend with, do read this other piece I did as well because it does make a wonderful difference. 

Monday, September 14, 2015

Review + Swatches: Mineral Fusion Neutral Concealer Duo

Mineral Fusion Neutral Concealer Duo.jpeg
Mineral Fusion Neutral Concealer Duo

Though my under eye darkness has improved since discovering Mineral Fusion’s Brightening Eye Cream, I still need concealer to cover what remains.  PR sent along the brand’s Concealer Duo in Neutral so that I may try.

This 100% vegan concealer has pycnogenol, sea kelp, vitamins C and E, and licorice root for protecting and soothing the skin.  What it does not contain is paraben, phthalate, SLS or fragrance to concern yourself with. Nor does this brand test on animals, which is also to this company’s credit.

The consistency of the product is thick and creamy.  Though you can apply with your finger to beneath moisturized, primed eyes, I recommend using your concealer brush for doing your best work.  This concealer covers shadows nicely, but remember to lightly powder over where you laid the product down to keep it lasting longer.  Otherwise, it could travel to your creases, if you have them.  


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Here I swatched both shades of this Neutral duo.  See how deep the one side is.

Only one of the two shades in this Neutral pan was light enough for me to use.  The other was too dark, a peachy-beige for it to do my fair coloring much good. 

There are three other color choices available besides Neutral from Cool, Deep to Warm at a cost of $24.99.  Visit Mineral Fusion’s website to learn more.  You can also find their Concealer Duos at Whole Foods.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Why the Time You Apply Night Cream Matters to Get the Most Benefits Out of it!

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What you learn in this little post could explain why your complexion wasn't responding as you had hoped.  

Every woman’s goal is to have a beautiful complexion that we can be proud of.  The reality, however,  is most have one skin issue or another to address before that is always possible.  Though we might use different skin care products based on our individual needs, each of us benefits from night creams. Yet, how many of us give any thought as to the best time to use it?

According to some skin care experts, we should apply our night cream about 20-30 minutes before retiring or we could be shortchanging ourselves from the benefits the product offers. This amount of time allows the product sufficient opportunity to penetrate and thoroughly absorb into the deeper layers of our skin instead of our pillowcase! 

For more information on how to the most out of your night cream, I hope you read my earlier post on the subject.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Recipe: My Banana Coconut Cream Pie With Coconut Crust Couldn’t Be Easier Or More Delicious!



My Banana Coconut Cream Pie With Coconut Crust.jpeg
This recipe makes a big 10" pie!


Today, I want to share one of the tastiest and foolproof pies that will ever touch your lips with my Banana Coconut Cream Pie With Coconut Crust.  This recipe uses a simple crust of melted butter and coconut that you brown until golden and then press into your greased pie pan and bake first.  While that lusciousness is baking, you are making a velvety pudding filling that instead of pouring over bananas later in that baked shell, you will be mashing them into the hot pudding, intensifying the banana flavor even more!

I do hope that you try my recipe because it is a sensational treat.  It is especially wonderful to make when you have lots of ripe bananas that you need to do something with.  



Mary's Banana Coconut Cream Pie With Coconut Crust



Banana Coconut Cream Pie With Coconut Crust with me.jpeg
My Banana Coconut Cream Pie With Coconut Crust  will be a keeper!

Coconut Pie Crust:

3 cups of flaked coconut
7 tablespoons of butter 

Pie Filling:

3/4 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of flour
3 tablespoons of cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1-1/2 cups of undiluted evaporated milk (1 can)
1-1/2 cups of water 
3 medium, ripe bananas
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract


To make the crust:

Melt the butter in a pan.  Then add the flaked coconut and saute until golden brown.  Reserve two tablespoons because you’ll use them to later top the pie.  Press the remaining browned coconut mixture into a greased 10-inch pie pan and bake at 350-degrees for about seven minutes until it starts browning.


To make the filling:

Add the yolks, flour, sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, water and cook in your pot until the mixture bubbles and thickens.  

Use your potato masher or electric beater or a fork to thoroughly mash the ripe banana and then add to the cooked pudding.  You will be surprised at how this mashing releases more banana flavor than just slicing.
Take off of the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Pour into your baked shell and top with that remaining coconut.  

Chill thoroughly before serving.

ENJOY!