Saturday, September 30, 2017

Why a Facial Mask Is Vital for Improving Your Complexion



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This beauty knows the secret to luminous skin, but do you? 


If you read me regularly, then you know how much importance I place on facial masks for beautifying a complexion.  Perhaps, you just think a mask is an extra step and hardly worth the trouble or expense.  However, the reason I regard them so highly is because facial masks can bring immediate concentrated help to a complexion compared to your regular products to speed up change or correct skin problems due to their potency.

The real trick of success with a facial mask involves several things.  Of course, you need to select one or turning to a DIY beauty recipe that is appropriate for what your complexion is currently experiencing.  This is just the start.

The second is not just randomly using one whenever you remember.  Schedule some time to pamper your face with your facial mask once a week. What I do is to schedule the date on my computer’s calender as a reminder.  This way I remember not to neglect my skin.  

The third rule is making sure that you cleanse your face first and after the mask is applied that you leave it on long enough.  Rushing to take the mask off because it starts to get messy or because there is something that you may want to do will not benefit your face.  In fact, you are wasting money or ingredients while shortchanging your complexion.  Seriously, we’re all busy but allowing at least twenty or thirty minutes for pampering won’t be the end of your world.  This little break will help you relax and provide the time for that mask to finally do what your complexion needs to become its best.

I promise that if you just follow my advice that you will be happier with your complexion than you’re been in the past.  

For more information on facial masks, you might want to read how to make the right decision on the mask type and facial mask shopping secrets.

Friday, September 29, 2017

A Pittsburgh Eatery That You Need to Visit–Bethel Deli!

*Disclaimer:  I was not compensated in any way to share this information with you.  I just had to tell you about it. This is my honest opinion.


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You really can taste the difference!



I happen to love stopping at these little, out of the way places to eat.  The other day I was passing this one place in the South Hills of Pittsburgh  and finally decided to stop for lunch after hearing about their amazing hoagies at Bethel Deli at 2407 South Park Road in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.  The place was voted as having the best hoagies in all Pittsburgh in 2011 by WPXI television.

You may think that I’m getting paid or free hoagies or something to write about this deli, but I assure you that I’m not.  I just wanted to make you aware of this Italian deli if you are a Pittsburgh resident because it is worth a visit for how incredible my hoagie was.  

It was so huge and packed with different meats and cheeses that the small size ($7.49) was impossible to finish at one time.  This  Italian hoagie was a meal in itself. I don’t see how this place can make a profit with all that went into this hoagie.  The large size ($10.99) would probably feed a family, if you want my opinion.  Trust me, but you don’t get a hoagie like I got at some chain eatery for what an incredible value it was. 

The next time I pop in there, I want to try one of their unique submarine sandwiches like the Widow Maker Sub with varieties of hot peppers.

If you’re driving by Route 88 and South Park Park Road, you definitely should stop in.  I suggest picking up a hoagie while the weather is still warm and enjoy it in South Park.

Once you taste something from Bethel Deli, I guarantee that you’ll want to go back.  If you want more details or directions, give them a call at (412) 835-6572.  You can also check out their Facebook page and menu.  Honestly, go and enjoy!  Tell them Mary sent you.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

PUR Cosmetics Vanity Palette (Dream Chaser) Can Simplify Your Morning Beauty Routine

*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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This is the Dream Chaser Vanity Palette.


If you’re trying to simplify your makeup routine, a well-organized palette is always a smart way to go.  Instead of rooting through all your cosmetics, everything you need to beautify is in one place.  A good one for days that I am currently using is PUR Cosmetics Dream Chaser Vanity Palette.  

The color scheme is natural with more matte peachy shades in an enriched skin-beneficial formula that has green tea, ginseng and vitamins. You get four brown-toned eye shadows from deep chocolate, warmer red brown, burgundy to a cream beige, a fresh peach-pink blush, golden-tan bronzer, and a pale peach-cream illuminator for a nice mix of colors to work with.  The colors in this palette were so becoming for my fair to light, warm complexion. 


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First row starting on the left is Aspire, Utopia, Good Intentions, and ending with Fantasy.
Bottom row from left to right is Illusion, Visionary and Driven.

Something that really appealed to me is the design of this palette.  You can open and pull up the mirror so it will stand upright to place on your vanity for a better view, which is fantastic for getting closer when doing the eyes. 

These cruelty-free, vegan and paraben free powders have a nice pigment to them, blend well and build wonderfully. I also liked how the darker eye shadows can double as eyeliners just by a change of a brush.

My advice if you are looking to save time in the morning, PUR Cosmetics Dream Chaser Vanity Palette ($36) is something you might want to pick up.  Check it out!

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Korres Black Pine 3D Sculpting, Firming & Lifting Eye 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.**


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This eye cream will not disappoint when it comes to results.


Ever since I first tried Korres Firming Black Pine Night Cream and had success, I was curious how the Black Pine 3D Sculpting, Firming & Lifting Eye Cream would compare for the eyes. I must admit that I was not disappointed.

This eye cream is meant to target puffiness, dark circles, loss of skin firmness, and fine lines and wrinkles for all skin types.  It also is specially formulated without harmful parabens, sulfates and phthalates.  

The product is dispensed through a pump.  It has a light feel and is fast absorbing without causing skin to be sticky, heavy or greasy.  Furthermore, my eyes can at times get irritated, but I had no problems with this gentle formula.  

I noticed was that the area beneath the eye didn’t look like it was doing too much the first two days. By the third day though, I was starting to see changes in the darkness under my eyes.  My dark circles and typical morning puffiness lessened and appeared brighter.

Over the next few days, I also had to admit my fine creases beneath the eyes also seemed to have tightened up!  Could it be due to Korres special ElastiLift3D complex for skin renewal, black pine extract and black pine polyphenol epigallocatechin to strengthen, black tea active agent to brighten, and the spilanthes acmella active extracts for lifting and tightening?  I do not know, which of those ingredients to credit the most. 

All I can say is Korres Black Pine 3D Sculpting, Firming & Lifting Eye Cream ($56) has merit.  It smooths, tightens, reduces puffiness, and brightens dark circles.  If this product worked this well for me, I imagine it can do the same for you.  Check it out because the only way you’ll know if you try it, too. 

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Yuzen Autumn 2017 Subscription Box 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.**

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Yuzen Box Autumn 2017 brings bliss home with healthier options!


Those seeking natural beauty and healthy snacks need to take a look at Yuzen Box.  This is a quarterly subscription box to help bring a little zen into our complicated lives through each selection of superior natural beauty, organic personal care and snack products from about six brands that the company releases each season.  The cost of Yuzen is $35 per box or $132 for the entire year with free USA shipping.   So what might you find in a typical box?

Monday, September 25, 2017

Goodbeing Natural Beauty/Lifestyle Subscription Box September 2017 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.**



Our lives are busy enough, but subscription boxes like Goodbeing are a helpful resource to shop for beauty and natural products for my life. This way I can save time and get acquainted at home with new natural beauty and lifestyle products that I may be unaware of. 

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Orglamix Beauty Subscription Box September 2017 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.**


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This month has a $64 value of natural beauty.


The other day my second natural beauty and cruelty-free subscription box from Orglamix arrived with the September 2017 assortment.  This is a wonderful way to experience anywhere from four to six safer mineral makeup and natural skin care beauty products for a mere $29 a month box that includes free shipping. Some of these items you will be able to find in the Orglamix shop while others are custom ones from their company just for that particular box.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Recipe: My Chocolate-Chip and Oat Button Cookies Guarantee Smiles All Around

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These cookies keep well.


This recipe that I’m about to share with you is really a great one to add to your recipe box because it’s a delicious and foolproof. My Chocolate-Chip and Oat Button Cookies are soft, chewy puffs of cookies with plenty of oat goodness and slightly less sugar that is better balanced through chocolate chips.  

This is also another easy recipe that just requires a minimum of effort since I hate spending too much time in the kitchen when it is not necessary.  In fact, I simplified my cookie even further by using a small melon scoop to drop the cookie batter onto the cookie sheet instead of using a spoon.  The secret for using a scoop is to keep a cup of water handy to dip it in after a fresh drop of batter.  

Friday, September 22, 2017

Korres White Tea Bergamot Eau de Parfum Spray Can Prolong That Summer Feeling

*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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This citrus-floral is not too brisk a fragrance that will can brighten your spirit.


If you want to keep the warm feeling of summer with you, then an easy way to do it is with clean, citrus-floral with just a hint of sweetness like Korres White Tea Bergamot Eau de Parfum. This 82% natural perfume is an ideal solution to happily energize the spirit with its freshness.

The opening is sparkling fresh with juicy bergamot, mandarin, neroli, and cyclamen notes to grab attention.  It is lively and charged with excitement.

As this scent warms in the heart, the floral notes of freesia, jasmine and violet along with tea accord finally announce their presence to subdue the dominant initial freshness. The effect is still fresh with just enough sweetness to make you feel good.  Think of it at this stage like a passing summer breeze carrying the scent of flowers in the air.   

As this fragrance dries down in the base, its notes of white musk, cedarwood and moss give it a soft sort of natural sexiness that is very appealing.

Korres White Tea Bergamot Eau de Parfum is a delight to the senses and quite different from what you may expect from when that citrus, floral, tea, musk and wood notes combine.  It is light fresh, but with a sweet uniqueness that keeps me so drawn to its magic. 

You can find White Tea Bergamot ($44.50) at Korres along with their other fine, natural fragrances.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy to Ensure Their Beauty

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This beauty doesn't take chances when it comes to the beauty of her eyes.  


We all want the most beautiful eyes possible.  Therefore, we always try to care for them with the best eye creams and serums to dazzling eye makeup.  Yet, this is more involved if you intend to keep them looking fabulous such as keeping them healthy.  

Check the whites of your eyes.  If they get bloodshot a lot, you may have a tendency to turn to eye drops to quickly get rid of the red, especially if you have allergies.  This quick fix constricts the blood vessels.   While a product like Visine can help temporarily, it is not a long-term solution.  Using this type of eye drop habitually can result in rebound inflammation, making the red lines worse. Instead, you might want to lubricate with eyes drops that are more moisturizing or natural tears like Blink to refresh them.  

More people than ever have developed dry eye problems.  One reason this is becoming more common is due to LASIK or cataract surgery.  Dry eyes can water, become red or appear glossy. Lubricant eye drops like Systane or Refresh and drinking more water can help.

Eyes are prone to ugly infection.  Avoid using eye makeup longer than six months.  Also, never share mascaras, eye liners, concealers, eye shadows, eye primers or any makeup because it is a collective breeding ground for bacteria.

If you wear contacts and hope to keep your eyes safe from irritation, you should give up metallic shades. The reason this is bad with contacts is due to its silica, which may find its way inside the lens to feel uncomfortable like something is wedged against your eye.

Something else that contact lens wearers need to think about is that cleaning the lens is vital, but so is cleaning their cases.  Clean your contact lens cases weekly can eliminate future problems.  Just keep in mind that water is not a sufficient cleaner for disinfecting the case.  You want to use a lens solution for this purpose.  Otherwise, you are risking your eyes.  Replacing the case in about six months is also a good idea.

Another way to help keep your eyes gorgeous is making it a habit to regularly wear sunglasses.  Buying a stylish pair with 100% UV protection can protect the eye itself from cataract growth and help fight wrinkling.

These are just a few suggestions that can help keep your eyes as healthy and captivating as they possibly can be.  After all, if they’re infected or irritated, they lose their beauty.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Meet the Holy Grail of Hairspray and My Current Hair Obsession: Keune Design Society Extra Forte

*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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Once you try this hairspray, you'll understand why this formula has been going strong for almost 100 years!


One of the reasons that Keune Haircosmetics has been a leader in the hair care industry is due to their innovative, quality products.  One example is their Design Society Extra Forte Hairspray, which happens to be one of the best formulas in my opinion that you can trust your hair too.    

I have reviewed a lot of hair care products and hairsprays, but this is one that I can always count on for keeping my hair in place.  This hairspray dries fast, has UV protection and keeps your style without turning the hair hard, sticky or limp on humid days.  You can even run a brush or comb through it without worrying your hair will fall flat.   

It is no wonder that this hairspray formula has been around for 95 years with how ideally it works.  The only way that you’ll be convinced is if you try Keune’s Design Society Extra Forte Hairspray ($22) for yourself. Right now, there is an illustrated Limited Edition can by Amsterdam-based fashion illustrator Sjoukje Bierma that is just as lovely for your dresser or vanity as it is useful for your hair.  Check it out or visit the company's website to learn more!

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Orglamix Beauty Subscription Box August 2017 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.**


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You get four to six vegan and cruelty-free beauty items in each box.

Using makeup and skin care products shouldn’t give us reason for concern.  Yet, it is not a highly regulated industry in the United States as it should be like it is in European countries.  Instead, the consumer is left at the mercy of manufacturers to trust whatever chemicals are used will not possibly adversely affect our health.  Mineral makeup and natural skin care can be a safer alternative.

A perfect way to experiment with healthier beauty is through a natural beauty box subscription.  One that I recently discovered is Orglamix that offers vegan and cruelty-free beauty products using purer ingredients than their chemical counterparts without harmful synthetic dyes, parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, phthalates, preservatives and known irritants.  For $29 a month plus free shipping, the company sends between four and six full sizes of their beneficial makeup, skin and body care to fragrance items. Below is what I found in my first box.  Check it out.


Orglamix Beauty Box August 2017

1.  Organic Beauty Balm Prep & Prime------------------------------------------------$21.00
2.  Cardamon Rose Coconut Milk Lotion Spray--------------------------------------$8.00
3.  Bohemian Chic Perfume Roll-On----------------------------------------------------$18.00
4.  Wild at Heart Natural Eyeshadow---------------------------------------------------$12.50
5.  Karma Lip & Cheek Gelee------------------------------------------------------------$18.00


Total Value: $77.50!


Their Organic Beauty Balm Prep & Prime can double as an anti-aging moisturizer or primer before foundation.  I even mixed a little with my mineral powder foundation and loved the results.  It smoothed and covered my dry skin beautifully without ending up in any lines or creases.

The Cardamon Rose Coconut Milk Lotion Spray is wonderful to apply after you step out of the shower or bath.  This is a silky lotion that has a delicate floral-coconut scent that softens skin nicely.  I don’t pick up too much of any rose, but love the slight spice notes that I detect.

The Bohemian Chic Perfume Roll-On is a charming, fruity-floral fragrance that is perfect for handbags and traveling.  The scent has satsuma and sugarcane essence to the fresh citrus notes, which is lovely.

Wild at Heart Natural Eyeshadow was a limited edition shade.  It is a soft taupe with plum and gray that is so practical with how neutral the color is.  I, as well as most people, can get a lot of wear out of this shade.

The last product I found was different from what was described in my info sheet that came with the box.  I got a Lip & Cheek Gelee in Karma, a great take on a plum.  It glided on and provided moisturizing coverage with minerals and sweet orange essential oil to nourish as well as color in an attractive fall shade. I especially liked this product for lips, though it was slightly dark of a color for cheeks with my fair skin.

This was my first experience with Orglamix, but I really liked their approach to beauty.  If you are trying to steer away from chemicals in your beauty products, then I suggest giving Orglamix Beauty Box a try to acquaint yourself with a healthier approach.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Fuego Hot Sauce Subscription Box September 2017 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.**

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Hot sauce can a dieter's friend.  It helps speed up metabolism.

Besides supplementing any dish with some extra great flavor, I adore hot sauces because they help the body burn more calories.  An ideal way to get my fix is through a hot sauce subscription like my favorite, Fuego Box.

Each box brings an assortment of three hot sauces from small batch artisan producers to your door.  You would be hard pressed to find any of these in your local grocery store for just $29.95 per quarter with free shipping. Also included in each box, you get an informational card for the foods and dishes the choices are best suited for. 

Their hot sauce selection is as unique as you can imagine with exotic touches such as September 2017's Spicy Curry Sauce from Volcanic Peppers.  This delight uses aleppo peppers along with coconut milk and a secret curry powder combination to thrill the taste buds.  I just had some with chicken and a side dish of rice, which made for a delicious nippy change.   

The next was an olive-colored hot sauce with medium heat called Thai Green from Seed Ranch.  It possesses a fresh twist from lemon grass, Thai ginger, basil and cilantro amongst green chilies.  This was tasty in my garbanzo bean dip that I whipped up, but use it on eggs as well or whatever else you normally use hot sauce with.  

Endless Summer from Heartbreaking Dawns has a tropical influence with some sweetness from pineapple-spiked rum, spearmint, red habaneros and ghost peppers, onions, garlic as star ingredients along with spices.  This perks up any salad dressing or burger with its zesty brightness.  

If you are like me and love hot and spicy foods or looking for a way to speed up your body’s metabolism, I think that you would love Fuego Box.  Stop over at their website and sign up.  Thank me, later!

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Have You Been Considering Self-Storage As an Option to Solve Your Clutter Problem?

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Have you weighed the pros and cons of seeking self-storage for your treasures?

Most of us seem to buy more than we need.  This might be great for the economy, but it is not necessarily a good thing for our homes.  Too much of anything presents a problem of clutter if you don’t have enough space to store.  Therefore, you eventually have two options of downsizing some items or storing possessions elsewhere to keep stress levels down.

Of course, no one likes to part with their treasures, especially if they have sentimental value such as your grandmother’s set of china or a sizeable teapot collection from your dearly beloved aunt.  Ask yourself though how often or if you ever you plan to use those things first or just keep them on a shelf or packaged in a box.  After all, grandmothers’ china may be beautifully ornate and a part of your family’s history, but do you trust the glaze to be lead-free to be safe to eat from now? As to your favorite aunt’s teapot collection, you might be admiring them in a china cabinet, perhaps, but ask yourself if you’re really a tea drinker or mostly prefer coffee or soda?  These are the questions that you need to consider when examining your belongings, if you intend to keep your sanity.

My recommendation is to pick and choose items based on their practical use in your life.  Gather what you can’t live without in one section of the room and then place the other items on the opposite side.

The hard part comes next.  From the items you want to keep but don’t really have room for, try to sort out the essentials from the nonessentials but keepsake items.  Some of the nonessentials are ones that aren’t really important to you that may want to donate to charity.  Others are ideal for a garage sale.

Now ask yourself the importance of each nonessential keepsake by hanging onto it.  Is the cost of monthly storage justified or would it be cheaper and more to your benefit to sell it?  

Memories are one thing, but they also can be costly for self-storage or looking into buying a larger home. Saving one item from that cherished, departed relative over many may be more practical for your budget and stress reduction. 

By now, the pile of items that you’re keeping has decreased.  The items still dear to you that do not fit in your home will need self-storage.  Write down every piece and then start calling self-storage facilities to compare their prices.  Depending on the business and the square footage of space that you’ll need, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $400 per month.  Furthermore, you might even need to have additional  insurance beyond your homeowner’s or rental insurance for theft, water damage, fire, etc.  

The price might be within your budget.  Yet, can you afford this monthly fee regularly in the future?

I knew someone that has a passion for collecting cookbooks.  Cookbooks dominated every room of her home, including the garage.  Their cars and boat eventually had to be parked outdoors until moving them to self-storage.  One unit soon became two and a good part of this woman’s monthly salary went toward self-storage of these cookbooks, packed in boxes that were so jammed in these storage units that once inside, rarely saw the light of day.  Yet, what others may consider a money pit was worth it to this particular woman. Can you say the same?

Personally, I think self-storage is better as a temporary solution.  You could be remodeling your home, moving, going through a divorce, etc. that calls for changing your life. How do you feel on the subject?
  

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Recipe: You Need to Try My Delicious, Cheesy Garbanzo Bean and Mushroom Casserole!

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Meatless never tasted so good!


Going meatless never tasted so good until you have a chance to sample my Cheesy Garbanzo Band and Mushroom Casserole.  My recipe can even change the mind of a reluctant meat eater, if my guy is any indication.  

What makes this recipe so delicious is the creamy cheese sauce accented with oregano, chili powder and ground cumin to coax maximum flavor when uniting with the garbanzo beans, mushrooms and elbow macaroni.  

Though you can buy canned beans to use in your recipes, I buy them in dry form and soak before cooking. This is much cheaper than the price of those cans.  However, if you want to save time, then using the cans may be a better option.

I hope that you try this casserole because it one of my best meatless recipes to date!


Cheesy Garbanzo Bean and Mushroom Casserole


1 small onion, finely chopped
1 8-oz. package of fresh mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
3 tablespoons of corn, canola or olive oil 
1-1/2 cups of cooked or canned garbanzo beans
1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
½ cups of milk
1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
½ teaspoons of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
1-1/2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups of dried elbow macaroni



Brown chopped onions in the oil until golden brown.

Add the chopped mushrooms to the onions next and continue frying.

Then add the cooked or canned beans, mushroom soup and milk, spices and cook on the stove top to heat through.  

Stir in cheese to the mixture and the cooked elbow macaroni.

ENJOY!

Friday, September 15, 2017

How to Prevent Your Hair From Revealing Too Much About Your Real Age!

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These hair care steps can hide age. 



Aging shows us little mercy when it comes to our appearance.  Besides faint lines deepening just a little each year or suddenly adding to your wrinkle collection, the hair also undergoes unwanted changes. Graying is one thing, but the hair also gets much drier.  It also seems to lose its former shine.  In order to keep your hair more youthful, there are some steps that you need to take.

Since older hair is thirstier, you need to help it drink.   However, you don’t want to wash it daily because it will only steal more moisture from those already hungry strands.  Instead, wash older hair only every other day.

In addition, give the hair plenty of moisturizing nourishment by feeding it a protein-rich or antioxidant-rich conditioner or treatment following that shampoo.  Doing so, strengthens those dry, weak strands and helps return the shine.

If you already use hair coloring, you probably stick to a schedule when to refresh the color.  The chemical process does change its texture, but it also can be damaging done too soon, especially the longer-lasting permanent variety. Another approach may work better to your advantage.  Try stretching the time for your next hair coloring out a bit by only  retouching color at the roots where new growth appears over doing the entire head. This lessens the chemicals that you are exposed to that also can harm your hair.

Your choice of color might need to change and lighten somewhat.  Try a softer shade of hair color because the darker color that you may have been born with now may appear too harsh against an older version of you with wrinkles and paler skin.

A new style with more movement over a stiff hairdo can also help people guessing about your real age. Page through magazines, check online beauty sites and ask your stylist for recommendations for what would best compliment your facial structure.  Maintaining the same style through the years keeps you in a time rut that can signal others to a particular decade.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

How to Handle Large Pores and Minimize Their Appearance



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Perfect skin like this beauty has needs to be taken care of.
Some people are more prone to having larger pores than others due to heredity or skin type.  However, others may notice that their smaller pores may appear larger at some point in their lives. If you have been noticing your pores seem to have enlarged, it is not your imagination.  

On the contrary, there are reasons for this unwanted change to the texture of the skin such as aging and how our unique genetic code handles the process. Sun damage also can alter the opening enough of each of those hair follicles to make a pore appear larger. 

Of course, you mustn’t forget trapped bacteria and oil from makeup, products and traces of grime that cleansing left behind. Clogged pores distort their smaller, original size, only to swell and emphasize them.

When you don’t exfoliate on a regular basis, you’re allowing dead skin cells to accumulate.  Those old, useless cells have no place to go but become also buried to exaggerate pore size.  

You can spend tons of money on expensive skin care regimes and cosmetics, but one of the best things that you can do to ensure the beauty of your complexion is to exfoliate–-only not be overzealous.  Once a week or every other week is enough to remove hidden debris and stimulate fresh skin to emerge without harming skin.  

Honestly, exfoliation can work miracles.  The process can turnaround a complexion more than all the best skin care and makeup that you can layer on.  Besides improving your skin’s texture, you also will be helping your skin care products work harder to best deliver the benefits they were designed for.  
   
Though it may sound impossible to reverse the size of larger pores, you can gain more control of their appearance.  Learning to protect and keep your skin healthy can make a  big overall difference for your face. 
         

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Rouge Bunny Rouge Feline Gaze Eye Khols (Selene, Vera and Delilah) 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.**


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Any pencil can line, but these add a surreal look to the eyes with their color.



A lot of people love the look of heavy eyeliner, but I prefer a softer emphasis to play up my eyes.  Luxury beauty brand, Rouge Bunny Rouge, must have been reading my mind because their Feline Gaze Eye Khols accomplish that goal beautifully.

There are six shades in the line, but I was particularly drawn to the riveting, frosted blue-violet (Vera), deep forest green (Selene) and the aubergine-plum (Delilah) over basic black, gray and brown.  

The Feline Gaze pencils are creamy, but not excessively so like some kohl pencils can be.  They glide over the eyes well without tugging, smudge nicely for blending and really brought out the darkness of my eyes, ringing them with almost a dreamlike quality.

I didn’t experience any problems with these eyeliners disappearing or smearing while I wore them. I had them on from morning until late afternoon and everything was good.

I am totally pleased with Rouge Bunny Rouge Feline Gaze Eye Khols ($23) because they do what I need to show off my eyes with style.  If you’re looking to keep your lining subtle, but sophisticated, I highly recommend visiting their website and trying the colored varieties of Vera, Selene, and Delilah!    

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Glossybox September 2017 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.**


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The September box is geared for runaway chic beauty!


Beauty fanatics that can’t get enough beauty would adore a subscription box.  Instead of constantly checking out stores or shopping online, a great beauty box like Glossybox can simplify your life by doing the hard work without you leaving home.

For a mere $21 a month and free USA shipping, Glossybox does all that legwork by finding at least five full and larger sample sizes of the latest luxury beauty brands of makeup, skin, body and hair care, nail products to fragrances and tools to discover.  Each box also comes with a sheet about that month’s selection of products and any special deals with a coupon code.

Monday, September 11, 2017

Some Helpful Tips for Those Sensitive Complexions Out There!



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This beauty keeps her flawless complexion calm by knowing how to properly care for it.

Some of us react to products more than others.  If you count yourself as one, then you know it can be hit or miss when you try new skin care.  Being the case, you can further avoid the likelihood of irritation if you are aware of certain ingredients that may trigger skin sensitivities.

The number one skin offender for those prone to react easily is fragrance.  Your complexion doesn’t benefit in any way so do look for a fragrance-free facial product.

Equally risky are preservatives in skin care products.  Some common culprits known to cause problems are ones such as parabens, lanolin, quaternium 15, sodium benzoate, fruit acids such as alpha or beta hydroxy acids, dyes, and PABA.  Denatured and benzyl alcohol also cannot be ignored. You might not think essential oils can possibly do your skin any harm.  Nonetheless, they have been known to cause problems for some people.  

With an extra sensitive complexion, it is always wise to avoid too hot or too cold temperatures of water when cleansing.  Instead, stick to lukewarm water and just cool water to close the pores because extreme temperatures can provoke the skin to react.

Another way to protect sensitive skin is not to abuse it with harsh scrubs with rough, abrasive grains, overly strong chemical peels or cleansing brushes with hard bristles to exfoliate.  

Toners often can be to blame.  Their ingredients like witch hazel or denatured alcohol can be too drying for this type of complexion.  A better choice is to look for one free of any alcohol, if you feel that you must use one.

Keep these suggestions in mind before you buy your next skin care product.  Hopefully, the information presented here will keep your complexion beautiful and free from ugly, red irritation and swelling!

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Are You Prepared for Surviving When Under an Emergency Situation?

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Are you ready for facing a disaster?



The number and severity of hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes are on the rise due to global warming, which is sad for both the planet and the rest of us.  Therefore, every one of us should have our homes properly stocked to survive just in case of an emergency. 


Food and Water Can Help You Survive


Food and water are number one.  According to the government, each member of your household needs one gallon of water per day for drinking and washing.  Yet, how many gallons is enough?  

This really depends on the weather’s predicted severity headed in your direction. I talked to someone that went through hurricane Katrina.  They recommended at least three weeks worth of water per person for a situation like that. 

Nonperishable food is important.  Stock up on plenty of peanut butter, tuna, granola bars, sardines, canned ham, crackers, powdered milk, liquor such as alcohol or wine, and nuts can help you survive. 

Basic Essentials for Daily Living and Medications Are Important to Have On Hand


You also need a manual can opener, paper plates, flashlight, batteries, utensils, paper cups, and a few basins to wash your dishes and more for your personal care in case you have no  plumbing or electricity.   


Emergency Radio, Books and Games Help to Pass the Time


At the first warning of impending dangerous weather, be sure to have all medications refilled. You also need toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soaps like moist cleansing wipes and hand sanitizers, first aid kit, toilet paper, pain relievers,  tissues, games for the children, paper, pens or pencils,  an emergency radio and books to pass the time.  

Garbage Bags and Twist Ties for Sanitation Help During an Emergency


Something else you might want to keep handy are garbage bags and twist ties for sanitation purposes.

Cell Phones and Batteries Are Vital for Obtaining Help 


Don’t forget your cell phone with chargers and back up batteries.  

A whistle around your neck for each member of the household can also be helpful to alert rescue people if you are ever trapped.

This is far from a complete list of recommendations if you ever find yourself stranded in your home due to severe weather, but it is a good place to start.  

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Recipe: You Must Try My Devil’s Delight Chocolate Cake If You Love Chocolate!



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You won't work hard making this extra rich, chocolate cake.


Those that can’t enough chocolate will love this delicious chocolate cake that I want to share.  My Devil’s Delight Chocolate Cake is every chocoholic’s dream with extra chocolate in a moist, big cake.  To play against that deep, rich chocolate flavor, top with your favorite creamy, white frosting, which compliments it so well.  

Another thing that you’ll appreciate about my recipe is that you won’t spend a lot of time working on this cake.  There is a minimum amount of creaming involved,  just basically mixing the dry with the wet ingredients.  

I hope that the next time that you’re in the mood to bake that you’ll print out my recipe and try it at your house!

Friday, September 8, 2017

What to Look for when a Problem Rash Baffles Doctors!

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Let my experience help you.


I am going to tell you a frightening story of what happened to me two years ago just in case you're ever in the same situation.  I developed this strange rash all over every part of my body.  Honestly, I had so much facial swelling with puffy eyes to duck-like lips that I was afraid my distorted face and body design would frighten people. However, I had no choice than to make an appointment with my internist because my antihistamines weren’t helping.

I tried to figure out the possible cause.   I knew that I was eating the same foods, using the same soaps, laundry products and didn’t really add anything new to my life except switching to a different brand of vitamins.  Naturally, I ruled out vitamins.  

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This is how my nightmare began.