Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight 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.**

Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight

I was invited by SheSpeaks to review Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight.  Since I do have natural curls and waves in my hair, I thought this hair product might be interesting to try for taming the frizz that comes with it.

I found this product had a pleasant, light citrus scent.  Once applied to my towel-dried hair that I sectioned off, I am happy to report it did a wonderful job of smoothing.  

Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally StraighAveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight retails for $26.  If you have frizzy, unruly hair, I suggest that you look into trying this product for yourself.

New Strides in Skin Brightening--Lancôme's #DreamTone Customized Skin Tone Correcting Serum (Fair) 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.**

Lancôme's DreamTone Customized Skin Tone Correcting SerumAdd caption

Although I pride myself on having a very nice complexion, it still has minor flaws that I would welcome being erased.  Therefore, I was delighted to be invited by SheSpeaks to take part in a month long project putting Lancôme's DreamTone Customized Skin Correcting Serum to the test called #bareselfie.  After all, this is new, highly advanced skin care product scientifically engineered to handle dark spots, uneven skin tone, and color imperfection that has generated lots of global excitement from women studied and their astounding results with better complexions.

#DreamTone comes in three shades (Fair, Medium, and Dark) and meant to instantly match all skin tones.  I selected the Fair, which with my light skin was the best choice with the way it blended in.  My routine was applying this serum twice a day under my normal moisturizer and night creams during those four weeks.  

Although I don't have many dark spots, I do have a small discolored spot  and a mark from an old pimple that I was keeping my eye on.  I did not experience an overnight miracle the first time I put this serum on.  However, I did notice my complexion was glowing more than usual by the end of that first week of use.

By the end of the second week, my flaws were not as visible as they were prior to using this.  

The end of the third week made the discolored spot harder for me to locate.  The mark I had from that old pimple was lighter than ever, but it still wasn't perfect.

When the fourth and final week rolled around, my overall complexion looked smoother and more luminescent.  I still had that tiny scar that pimple left behind but it was hardly noticeable now that the area was considerably brightened.

I can't wait to see my own results of what #DreamTone is capable in another four weeks because it was pretty amazing so far! The 1.3 oz. serum retails for $98.   

If you have skin issues that plague you, then by all means do look into this product! To learn more, do visit the #DreamTone website. Buy at Lancôme.com or department stores nationwide.

NEW From L'Oréal Paris--Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup (Nude Beige) 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.**

L'Oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup

When I was invited by SheSpeaks to try the new Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup from L'Oreal Paris and tell them what I thought, I was eager to see how I would like it.  I requested the product in Nude Beige #316 that has SPF 18 protection and am happy to report it was a great match for my light warm skin.

This foundation appears a bit thinner in consistency than some L'Oréal Paris foundations I have used in the past, but it glides on wonderfully.    However, the real test is what happens once this product goes on.  I found that you had to work fast to apply it because this one dries rather quickly.   I got lightweight coverage that did dry to a nice powder-like finish.  In fact, I liked how this foundation seemed to blend so well into my dry skin without weighing it down. 

Swatch of L'Oréal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting  Nude Beige Makeup

I didn't need to touch up with any sort of translucent powder from morning until nearly dinner.  On most occasions, I follow liquid foundations with a light sweep of loose translucent powder and then touch up later if needed with the pressed form to look fresh.

I just wish the bottle would had come with a pump dispenser to lessen the risk of contamination.  Instead of using your finger to get this foundation out, I recommend keeping a few cotton swabs handy to stick in the bottle to pick up the foundation.  Blend or press those dabs in quickly with your makeup sponge or fingers and you will keep the foundation better protected from bacteria.

I thought Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup was a good product at a reasonable price for someone that doesn't need heavy coverage.  Visit the L'Oréal Paris website for more information or find this product at your local drugstore.

*Disclaimer:  Free products were provided from SheSpeaks and L'Oréal Paris to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Share, Love, Celebrate the Best of P&G (Review + Giveaway)!--Ends April 24, 2013

Disclaimer:  This post is based on free products provided by SheSpeaks/Procter & Gamble as a press sample so that I may offer my own  opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours.

Share, Love, Celebrate the Best of P&G product assortment

Procter & Gamble products are everywhere in my home.  In fact, I grew up in a household that also relied heavily on those brands because they were a great value, top performers, and often award-winning products.  

Even before my box of P&G products arrived from this SheSpeaks assignment, I made a quick inventory.  Secret Deodorant, Olay Regenerist, and an Aussie Hair Spray were on my vanity.  My makeup bag held quite a few Cover Girl cosmetics.  In my bathroom, I found Crest toothpaste,  Herbal Essences Shampoo, Oral B Brushes, Scope Mouthwash, and Charmin Toilet Tissue.  Traveling through the rest of the rooms, I noticed several boxes of Puffs Tissues on end tables and night stands were in handy reach.  A blue bottle of Dawn Dish Washing Liquid was on my kitchen sink.
  
I could go on finding their products if I took more time to keep searching; however, I would be here all day because I do buy a lot of them!  No doubt, their brands also play a large part in your own life as well.  Therefore, I hope you didn't miss all those money-saving coupons for some of P&G’s “Most Loved” products that went out as an insert in your March 31 newspaper.  Look for their brandSAVER^® coupon booklet because it can save you a bundle when shopping.  I already clipped mine and plan to restock.

Other wonderful news is that P&G now offering printable coupons on their website.  Take advantage and check it out.

Learn more about P&G and connect with them so you'll always be in the loop with good deals and update on new product launches.  Be sure to follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and do bookmark their website.

With hundreds of awards behind them, Procter & Gamble has iconic status with some of America’s “Most Loved” products so try them and fall in love for yourself! 

Thanks to P&G, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins a generous assortment of P&G "Most Loved" products!

Mandatory to Enter:

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

Extra Entries:

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

Tweet #Win #PGmostloved #spon Beauty and Household Products @PGeveryday #Giveaway! @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/16MXkYR  Ends 04/24 (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 Procter & Gamble and tell me what other product you would love to try or something else you learned from their site in another comment--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Procter & Gamble on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Follow Procter & Gamble on Twitter--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enter the ONE Styling Epic Lite Hair Dryer and ONE Diffuser ($270) Giveaway--1 extra entry   

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

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

This giveaway ends April 24, 2013 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.  

Torani Coffeehouse Flavored Syrups Review + My All-Time Favorite Chocolate Cake With Hazelnut Cream Icing Recipe!

*Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks and Torani.  Nonetheless, this is my own honest opinion.*

Torani

  

I was invited by SheSpeaks to take part in the Torani Syrups campaign.  The company makes more than 100 delicious flavors of these syrups to add to your coffee, drinks, sodas, teas, or lemonades in a formula with pure cane sugar or a sugar-free version.  However, I happen to love their products from prior experience and found not only are their syrups wonderful for heightening the taste of those hot or cold beverages to make them special, but also for baking and using in icing.

Torani Coffeehouse Flavored Syrups

I requested both of my Torani Syrups of Hazelnut and Pumpkin Pie in the sugar variety to compare it to the sugar-free, which is also excellent.    In fact, you may also want to try the Caramel Syrup sugar-free version because it too is fabulous and also works beautifully with very easy chocolate cake for another delicious   caramel cream icing. 

A teaspoon or two added to your coffee can make it taste like it came out of an expensive coffeehouse instead of out of the grocery store.  The Pumpkin Pie Syrup had just the right spice and made my coffee more festive for the holidays.   And trust me, when you add a few tablespoons to my icing, you will find that hazelnut or caramel flavor multiplies with so much more intensity with that Torani Syrup than any extract. 

I dare you to try my recipes to boost up flavor of icing or in your baking and you will be a Torani Syrup convert too!

You can a 10% off code to buy Torani Syrups online at the company's website when you enter the code: SHESPEAKS at checkout.  However, you need to hurry because this deal expires on 11/30/12.

One important step that I must point out is that you need to sift all the dry ingredients for the cake batter together for superior results. 

*Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks and Torani.  Nonetheless, this is my own honest opinion.*

My All-Time Favorite Chocolate Cake

2 cups of sugar
1-3/4 cups of flour
3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
3/4 teaspoon of salt
2 eggs
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup of canola oil
2-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla
1 cup of boiling water

My Hazelnut Cream (or Caramel Cream) Icing

3 cups of confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup of margarine (not spread)
1/4 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of Torani Hazelnut Flavoring Syrup or Torani Caramel Flavoring Syrup

Beat everything together with your electric mixer until creamy and spreadable. 

To Make the Cake Batter:

Sift the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla next and beat together with your electric mixer for a few minutes until well combined.

Now  stir in the boiling water, a little at a time, with a whisk.  Don't try to rush pouring that boiling water in all at once or you can cause the batter to form lumps and ruin your cake.  After the boiling water is added, the batter will be thin.

Pour your batter into two greased and flour or wax-paper lined 9-inch layer cake pans.  Bake this for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let your cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pans before attempting to remove them.  Trying to take them out too soon can cause your cake to fall apart.

Top with my Hazelnut Cream Icing or Caramel Cream Icing.
Serves 8-12.
ENJOY!

Torani Coffeehouse Hazelnut Flavored Syrup

My All-Time Favorite Chocolate Cake With Hazelnut Cream Icing

Here's a piece of my All-Time Favorite Chocolate Cake with Hazelnut Cream Icing.

What a Beautiful Concept! Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails 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.**

Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails

I'm not a heavy drinker, but when I do indulge usually it is with a glass of wine or a wine cooler.  So I was glad to review the new Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails when asked by SheSpeaks to sample their three varieties of Blackberry Merlot, Strawberry White Zinfandel, and White Pear Pinot Grigio.

Each flavor is in its own 10-ounce pouch to freeze until use.  Start about five hours before needed  and then squeeze the contents into a glass for a delicious frozen slushy brimming with fruity flavor and 6-percent of alcohol.

I really liked the concept of freezing a pouch and having just enough for a glass at a time instead of being saddled with an entire bottle that once opened can go bad if left untouched for to long.  In addition, this was so easy to use with no mixing or corkscrews to fuss with.

The Blackberry Merlot is a wonderful combination of fragrant blackberries and guava swimming in merlot.  I had never tried merlot alone but this had a nice balance to be savored without being overpowering.

Another time I sampled the Strawberry White Zinfandel, which was delightful with how the slight tartness complimented the stronger zinfandel.  I do think this particular one was my favorite.

The last flavor was the White Pear Pinot Grigio.  I also enjoyed this one as well that had white pear, apple, and tangy citrus added to the pinot grigio.  

If you do like wine coolers, I know you would like all three flavors of Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails because they were so fruity and refreshing!

Connect with SheSpeaks on Twitter @shespeaksup and Arbor Mist @enjoyarbormist.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  Free products were provided by SheSpeaks and Arbor Mist to facilitate this review.*

Discover Designer Style for Less With Vente-Privee (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.**

Recently, I was invited by SheSpeaks to review Vente-Privee, the new online shopping site in partnership with American Express where you can save up to 70-percent off on all your favorite designer fashions, watches, accessories for women, men, and even children.  Besides those high end styles you crave, you can also find bargains in their home and lifestyle categories to keep your surroundings as beautiful as you as well.  If this sounds as enticing to you as it did for me, then let me tell you more.

You must become a member before you can shop first.  All it takes is a few seconds to register and join the site for free to take advantage of these slashed prices, which change daily at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time.   Those featured daily deals are limited and last only for 72 hours before they disappear so you must be prepared to pounce.

For instance, today you can find some great buys on designer fashions from such names as Elie Tahari, Nina Ricci Paris, and Calvin Klein for starters.  Take a look at this gorgeous Calvin Klein Classic Bomber Leather Jacket in black that originally sold at $1360 but now is offered for only $358.  Can you believe it?

Customer service is available if you need help or some expertise to make your buying decision easier.

If you happen to be an American Express Cardmember, you are in for even more value such as free shipping over orders of $100 to special offers.

The site was founded in France in 2001 by Jacques-Antoine Granjon as a way to help brands liquidate excess inventory using these limited time shopping events.  The concept worked so well, you can now reap the benefits and save a bundle of all those things you need for work, school, or home.  Just check out Vente-Privee YouTube Video for yourself to see how this site works and you'll be hooked. 

Connect with Vente-Privee and SheSpeaks
Follow Ventee-Privee on Twitter: @ventepriveeUSA
Follow SheSpeaks on Twitter: @shespeaksup

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  SheSpeaks and Ventee-Privee provided a free product to facilitate this review.*

Simple Skincare Smoothing Facial Scrub 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.**

Simple Skincare Smoothing Facial Scrub Review

I had never tried any of the line of sensitive skin care products from Simple Skincare until this review when I was provided with the Smoothing Facial Scrub to try out.  

Packed with pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E, this scrub uses rice granules as the exfoliating agent without dyes, artificial perfumes or known irritants. The granules are rough textured and just enough to remove dead skin cells on a daily basis without being too rough for sensitive skin.

In my opinion, I liked how gentle Simple's Smoothing Facial Scrub was to stimulate facial circulation while leaving a nice glow behind.  However, if you're looking at this scrub to rub out deep acne scars, then this is an unrealistic expectation since this scrub wasn't designed as such with harsh abrasion.  

Normally, I use a scrub about once or twice a week.  On the other hand, I have been using Simple's product every day without any undue irritation from overuse.

I happen to like this scrub and will continue using it.  If you're considering daily exfoliating, you might also like to pick up a tube of this scrub to keep you pretty without causing redness.