March 22, 2013

Champney’s Spa Indulgence, it’s Addicting

 0-34I’m addicted to Champneys Spa Indulgence, and I’m not sure how to stop . . .They say that the growing addictions these days have to do with social media addiction, text messaging addictions, and Facebook addition. Frankly, I don’t have time for those addictions but I am finding myself needing to go to Champneys Anonymous, although I don’t think there is a meeting that isn’t, like, two minutes from a spa that uses the product. My newest bath extravanagance, Champney’s Spa Indulgence, Mediterranean Bliss Bubble Heaven…is my favorite bathing pleasure these days…Why? Well……maybe it’s the light, airy potion that you scoop out of the cool little blue tub that has swirls in it and is all sparkly looking. Or perhaps it is the luscious smell that comes from the luminious pearlized liquid when you open the top….but more likely it’s what happens when you pour it into your bathwater that has me hooked. The whole bathroom is filled with the scent of blue heaven, honestly. Just pour it in under the water and swirl it around and it will take you to another place. Take a moment, light some candles, put out your fluffiest towels and enjoy.

The addictive part for me is that I have to admit, I am using this product almost daily. Even if I take a shower – at the end of the shower I close the drain, throw it into bathtub mode, swirl in the Champneys, and sit for a moment before I start my very busy day! With three kids (only one left at home but she’s 11 and you can imagine the ballet, dance, voice, and girl scouts that she has going on!) and a thriving business with client calls all day long, I am a busy lady. This incredible product gives me a moment of luxury every day that I ‘steal’ for myself…and it’s so worthwhile.

Here are a few other reasons why I love this product — First of all, unlike other products where you need to use half the bottle to get any bubbles, I only need about a tablespoon at most of Champneys and my bath is filled with the softest, smallest, cutest little bubbles ever…not to mention the aroma which takes me to a memory of a Mediterranean beach, complete with the hint of olive, fig and luxury.  Second, what it does to your skin is amazing. Unlike other bath products or bubble baths that dry out your skin, Champneys is specially formulated to soften and treat your skin. So, this isn’t just a bubble bath, this is a treatment from the world-famous Champney’s prestigious spas….and you can feel it in every inch of your bath and beyond.

They will tell you on the packaging that they traveled the earth to bring these wonderful therapies to you. And that this one was modeled after the first spa they opened, high in the sun-kissed Spanish hills. In reality, though, this smooth elixir is filled with Mediterranean sunshine, with a soothing summery blend of fig milk, green tomato, and olive leaf that really does softly moisturize, leaving your skin radiant. And who couldn’t use a dose of bliss?

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Guest Post by Julia Tanen

Julia is a writer, blogger, book author

and mom from Boston, Massachusetts

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March 13, 2013

Keep Warm, Hydrated and Calm With Kusmi Tea

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I have been looking for an amazing tasting tea, one that has a wide variety of different flavors and is healthy. I had the pleasure of sampling a box of Kusmi Tea Les Bien-etre which has 6 different samples. I am actually a tea nut, I not only prefer the taste but the scent, the health benefit, and the style of the bag! Every pack of tea comes in a beautiful, colorful, individually sealed envelope. Enclosed is a muslin bag that holds the tea which will stay fresh for ages, the way tea used to be back at the turn of the century.

My favorite is the Kusmi Tea’s Sweet Love.  It is a unique taste of candy in a cup with many health benefits added. Liquorice Root gives the tea sweetness so there is no need to add any sweetener, the spices improve digestion, and the Guarana naturally boosts energy.

My second favorite of my tea list is the Kusmi Tea’s Detox, a smooth tasting tea which rids your body of pent-up toxins, boosting your energy while lowering your stress levels. It has an earthy taste, not a bitter taste, and has an exotic flavor of lemongrass.  I love to add a little honey which makes the refreshing taste divine!!!

Next on my lists is Kusmi Tea’s Algothe, a blend of green tea, mint, and seaweed that restores as it replenishes minerals within the body. These three combinations makes this tea a healthy one. As we all know, Green Tea is well known for its antioxidants and the mint is aid to digestion that also boasts restorative properties.  It’s a great afternoon tea.

Kusmi Tea’s Euphoria is a flavor full of orange and chocolate which is a great way to satisfy those chocolate cravings.  The flavor of the chocolate and the orange are very present and extremely delicious.  Adding milk and a  sweetener, this tea could be made into a great autumn latte without the calories or the fat!

Kusmi Tea’s Be Cool is a blend of rose hipseed, apple, verbena leaves, peppermint, anis seeds and liquorice roots.  There is no caffeine in this tea blend so you can enjoy a cup late at night.

Kusmi Tea’s Boost naturally stimulates the body and the mind.  This tea is high in caffeine, so it is a great first cup of the day tea.  I also enjoy making this blend cold into an ice tea which I can store in my water bottle and take to the gym for an extra boost to handle my hard workouts!  It is not recommend to drink this tea in the evening or if your doctor says you must limit caffeine intake.

I must say, I enjoyed cup after cup of Kusmi Tea Les Bien-etre and would definitely recommend all the flavors to everyone!  I checked out there web site  us.kusmitea.com and found an awesome selection of accessories, gifts, and sampler boxes with a wide variety of teas in boxes and in tins.  If you are unsure of what flavor you would enjoy or is right for you, I suggest you try the Kusmi Tea Les Bien-etre which is 24 tea bags with 6 different flavors!   You will not be disappointed!

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Guest Blog Post by Laurie Carcieri

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March 8, 2013

Neutrogena Rainbath Shower & Shave Body Wash – Foamy, Yummy, And Moisturizing

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Neutrogena Rainbath Shower & Shave Body Wash – Foamy, Yummy, And Moisturizing –  Finally, the Real Deal….

Oh my gawd (I have to say this in my Boston accent)…this product is yummy. First, I have to make an admission.  My shower and bath are lined with shower gels and scrubs of all shapes, sizes, smells, colors and consistencies.  Finding a great shower gel is a passion because you not only need to have the right combination of consistency and smell, but you also have to determine how it’s making your skin feel at the end of the day.

Honestly, as much as I love ALL of these products and will probably never be cured of my addiction to bath and shower products, I have to say – that – I’ve never really come out of the shower with my skin feeling softer than when I went in. I suffer from horrible eczema, and very sensitive and allergic skin…I mean, my skin is really really dry and icky scaly in the winter time. I can’t wait for the summer only because the humidity finally gives me a little bit of relief. When I use my usual combination of shower gels – the same thing always happens. About an hour or two after I shower, my skin begins to dry and flake. By the end of the day it’s scaly. I mean, it’s gross!  Because that is what soap actually does – no matter how you slice it, soap dries the skin.

Not so with Neutrogena shower gel.  First, when I found out that I would be able to review this product, I was excited. You see, I’ve got a long history with this product.  In fact, I have been a fan of Neutrogena products since the 1980s.  When I saw the first commercial about Neutrogena soap, I rushed to the pharmacy to buy it because my skin is sensitive, and Neutrogena was specifically formulated to be non-allergenic. Started using the facial soap then and still love it to this day. So, I’m a huge fan.

However I had never, ever even tried the Neutrogena Rainbath Shower and Bath Gel.  Well, I think I’m addicted. This morning I showered and used the gel for shaving. Not only does is smell yummy and feel great but it’s an amazing shaving gel (and I don’t even use shaving gel—like, ever!!) but it leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft. After my shower, I did apply my usual non-allergenic moisturizer to my dry winter legs (which I do every day). However it is now 12 plus hours since I showered and my legs are still moist, not dry, not flaky and they actually feel softer than ever before!  I believe this is because the gel has a unique blend of spices, herbs and fruits to moisturize and clean…and yet miraculously it leaves no heavy residue.  The ads for the product say that your skin is left in better condition – feeling smooth, soft and renewed—and this is absolutely the truth.

The fragrant scent provides you with a clean burst that awakens your senses and refreshes your entire body. The gel has a rich moisturizing lather that rinses clean, Neutrogena Rainbath® Revitalizing Shower & Bath Gel softens and conditions skin without any leave-behind residue. Enjoy a refreshing light fragrance of grapefruit and natural herbs as you wash yourself clean!   http://www.neutrogena.com

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Guest Post by Julia Tanen

Julia is a writer, blogger, book author

and mom from Boston, Massachusetts

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March 4, 2013

Curls…Curls…Curls…Ouidad

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My hair has always been my crowning glory.  Since I was a little girl, people have always complimented my dark brown curly hair.  My friends always disliked when I tried to straighten my hair.  The beauty regime for my hair for many years consisted of air-drying my hair, shaking my head and applying hairspray.   I never fully understood all the hype about products helping to add volume to hair.  For many years, I was very lucky until things started to change radically with my hair in my mid-thirties.  My pregnancies changed the texture and curl, while my age started to change the color.  I began to realize I had no idea what to do and went to many hairstylists, including celebrity hairstylists, to regain my dark, shoulder length ringlets. My hair started to regain its former luster until we moved and well water completely ruined my hair.

I tried hundreds of conditioners to regain the curl and moisture but was continuously disappointed.  My new hairstyle consisted of a ponytail and sunglasses on my head-thinking people would not detect the fatal flaws.  A friend recommended a conditioner for curls called Ouidad curl co-wash.  In one day, my hair resumed its natural curl and volume.  The compliments began coming and I once again, for the first time in many years, felt youthful and happy my crowning glory came back. Ouidad was very easy to use and is sulfate, silicone and and paraben free. The conditioner is a low-foam cleansing conditioner used for all textures. After all these years, the only product in my beauty regime required is Ouidad.

Visit http://www.ouidad.com and check out other sensational products from Ouidad, the Curl experts.
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February 25, 2013

Have Beach Babe Hair All Year Long With Lee Stafford

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If you are eager for that tousled textured look after swimming in the sea, then Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray is for you! Your hair will feel soft to the touch but with added bounce, definition and body for that gorgeous surfer look.  This look is not only for the summer, natural looking wavy hair is in style for even in the colder months. The natural textured look under a woolly cap or hat is a rocking style.  When I want to give my hair a rest from the straight iron, I love using this product!  After washing and conditioning my hair, I spray in Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray. The spray comes out in  very small controlled bursts, so you can spray more or less depending on how beach babe you want your hair to be. I went on my way, letting my hair dry naturally. I truly fell in love with this product. My hair was a defined look of non greasy, gorgeous, girly waves with no frizz!!!! The scent is a cheerfully, pleasant fragrance of raspberry, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, woods and musk!

I also like to use it on my dry hair for the in between wash days. Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray contains a ProMineral Complex of Dead Sea Salts and 26 minerals with added sunflower extract to help give moisture and shine to your hair and will also help to protect and repair against free radicals. I always loved Lee Stafford Products, they never disappoint me!!  I would recommend Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray 110  percent!

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I have been doing a lot of research on Moroccan Argan Oil, I came across a lot of benefits to using this for a result of healthy hair. I chose to try Lee Stafford’sNurshing Miracle Oil as I have been using many of their other products recently. When I tried it for the first time, I only used a tiny amount which I am glad I did because a little goes a long way!! I put a few drops of this product into the palm of my hand then massaged it into my hair. Lee Stafford’s Nourishing Miracle Oil made my hair feel so glossy and soft. It felt smooth and so nice to the touch. It gave my hair a beautiful shine and others really took notice!!! After using this product, I definitely feel this oil has helped improve the condition of my hair. My hair is much stronger, looks healthier, less dull, and no frizz!!! Lee Stafford Nourishing Miracle Oil has brightened my hair with moisture and shine for an expensive look!!!  Don’t be fooled by the word Oil — this product is lightweight and won’t result in any product build up and it’s suitable for all hair types!

Lee Stafford Products are available at ULTA Stores and at  http://www.ulta.com

426346_2615090938519_1292450244_32037462_1878770512_n - Version 3 Guest Post by Laurie Carcieri

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February 19, 2013

Revitalize Your Hair – Right At Home With John Frieda

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Anyone who looks at my photos sees that this is the case. One of the biggest challenges, in my opinion, is maintaining shine and moisture to the coif. The hairdressers are all pushing a new thing called the Glaze – and it’s a great thing to do. But there’s no need to tag on an additional fee when you get your hair cut or colored…just use the John Frieda product Clear Shine in the convenience of your own home. You get amazing results without the cost.

“Your hair is your most important accessory,” says Barbara Walters, who never goes anywhere or is photographed without her hair perfectly coiffed. There’s nothing more true in my book, and The Clear Shine formula doesn’t contain color, so everyone of any hair color shade, whether natural, highlighted or color-treated, can experience clear, dazzling shine every day.

I tried Clear Shine on my hair – which is highlighted and very blond (with some grey underneath but Shhh, don’t tell anyone!), and my 12-year-old daughter tried it on hers (non-color treated). The results were stunning.  With my hair, I found it shinier and clearer than ever – and its ammonia-free, dye-free formula didn’t change my color or alter anything – just made it has a nice shiny ‘sheen’. On my daughter’s hair, the result was even more dramatic – her hair has an auburn tint naturally and it brought it out even more. Her hair is also fairly course and the Clear Shine made it less porous and beautiful than before.

The Clear Shine patented formula is versatile enough to include in your everyday morning routine or you can use it as a once-a-week shine surge treatment. We prefer to use it once every week or every two weeks. Shine results intensify over time, so the more you use it, the more you shine.

In combination we also tried another amazing John Frieda product – Root Awakening which we loved even more than Clear Shine! My daughter’s hair is course and we have an extremely hard time finding a product that will hydrate her hair without making it greasy. My daughter also has a horribly dry scalp and we have been searching for a solution for it and the dandruff shampoos don’t really help much.

My hair is extremely dry so it goes without saying that I benefit from any moisture, but hers is a bit tricky. We both tried this product for a week, and in combination with the Clear Shine, found our hair moist, shiny and amazing. She now uses it every time she washes her hair and I cycle it in between another product I use. This hydrating and nourishing conditioner infuses the hair and scalp – smoothing your hair while hydrating parched strands of hair with Eucalyptus, and energizes with a dash of Peppermint! Root Awakening is basically the perfect thing for breakage prone hair or dry scalp – and we have both in my family!   http://www.johnfrieda.com

Jan. 2012 025Guest Post by Julia Tanen

Julia is a writer, blogger, book author

and mom from Boston, Massachusetts

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February 11, 2013

Get Into the Spring of Things with Avon Eyeshadow Quads

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I love the colors in the Avon Eyeshadow Quad!  I tried the “Freshcut Greens” and the colors blended smoothly with no dividing lines or creases.  The colors are perfect for me which helps me to really love this quad.  Four compatible colors come packaged in a locking compact with a nice mirror that is large enough to actually see what I am doing.  Avon was thoughtful enough to put a small diagram on the back suggesting how to use the four colors most effectively.  Never hurts to have a little guidance for those of us that are used to only wearing one or two colors.  Of course, it is always nice to read “Made in the USA” on a product when I am spending my hard earned money.  Thanks Avon for a really nice product!

Shop Avon products at www.avon.com or contact your local Avon representative.

Guest Post by Sharon Hatcher

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February 7, 2013

Give the Gift of Romance With Krigler Perfume

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Ever since my New York City Trip last May, I have been addicted to Ultra Chateau Krigler 212. I decided to return to the New York City’s Plaza Hotel to sample Krigler Perfume Splendid Gold 211.  Krigler Perfume Splendid Gold 211 is unique and a captivating fragrance which whisks you away to escape a little adventure. It is pure elegance and delivers a sumptuous interpretation of gold (rich, strong, soft and delicate) that is perfect for any season.  It is $165.00 for a 1.7 ounce bottle at Krigler.com and at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, .  The scent is highly concentrated, so you only need to use the tiniest drop to rejuvenate the escape. The scent last all day with a delightful fragrance of Australian Amber and Pineapple notes from Costa Rica, mingled with Bergamot, Peach, and Star Jasmine.  The notes of Lily, Tobacco, Sandalwood, Musk and Vanilla will lavish you, stirring a spirt of exotic strength.  It is truly one of my favorites!

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I also had the  pleasure to indulge in Krigler Oud Azur 75212 which is timeless!  The scent transports you to the outdoors of the French Riviera with White Pepper from Sumatra, Ginger from India and Rose from Provence mingle with notes of Sicilian Papyrus Wood and Oud from South East Asia, finishing off with Musk, Australian amber, Oliban and Leather. It’s glorious oriental fragrance that fuses the Far East with sophistication!  The cost is $235.00 for a 1.7 ounce bottle also at Krigler.com  and at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Well worth the richness!!! To my surprise this impeccable quality luxury brand, Krigler, also offers custom fragrances, bath and body products!

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February 7, 2013

Heidi Klum Introduces Her Seductive New Fragrance SURPRISE!

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For Heidi, surprise is a way of life.   Her extraordinary joie de vivre inspired the creation of Surprise!, a tantalising fragrance that captures Heidi’s fearless spirit, sophisticated glamour and irrepressible sense of fun.   Pull the ribbon to unveil the surprise inside…“Surprise will excite your senses!  It’s vibrant, playful and sexy,” says Heidi.  “You’re in for a Surprise!”

Explosive Yet Sexy Floral:  Reflecting Heidi’s multi-faceted personality, Surprise! is built around explosive, elegant and sensual notes, creating a sexy floral fragrance with an unexpected exuberance.  It opens with a joyful burst of juicy mandarin extracts and spicy pink pepper for a luminous and dynamic top note.  At the heart, an ultra-feminine bouquet of rose petals and magnolia creates a refined radiance.  Finally, the magnetic drydown of benzoin and milk of sandalwood delivers a warm, sensual and unforgettable trail.

Surprising Design

Heidi has ensured that the surprises keep coming… Surprise! is presented in a striking rectangular bottle that looks as if it’s been wrapped up by beautiful black, gold and pale pink ribbons. Through the clear glass, we see the pink juice inside, giving a gorgeously glamorous and feminine feel.  Most dramatic, however, is the oval-shaped black cap, which adds a playful element of surprise thanks to its open-sides.  The bottle is packaged in an elegant, glossy pink box decorated with the same exciting ribbon design.  As a finishing touch of luxury, the words ‘Heidi Klum Surprise’ are written across the front of the pack in a gold, bold, contemporary font.  The overall effect is utterly compelling – this fragrance is just waiting to be unwrapped!

Are you ready to be thrilled?   Revel in Heidi’s playful sensuality with Surprise!, her fiercely feel-good fragrance.

Price: 1.0 fl. oz. – $28 Available: Mass Retailers and Drugstores Nationwide

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February 4, 2013

Bring Out Your Adventurous Side With Lancome Gel Liner

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Normally I am not very adventurous with makeup. I typically go for very natural colors that I know look good on any eye color. Yet after years of using every shade of glittery brown, I mixed it up in a very subtle way.  In addition to my neutral brown eye shadow I lined my top lid with a nice, thick line of Lancôme gel liner. But not just any Lancôme gel liner, the one I use is GREEN! It is a gorgeous green-blue color, number 500 called Emerald Seductive! And it sure is seductive! It does not look obnoxiously green on the lid, which is great for the everyday look I want to achieve. What I love most about this liner is that it makes my green eyes really stand out! I get complemented on my eyes every time I wear it! Besides making my eyes standout this liner is great because is smooth to apply and does not smudge throughout the day! It is both smudge proof and waterproof! Over all it is a great, easy to use, gel liner that can add some seduction to any look!
Find yur adventurous side at http://www.lancome-usa.com3605970183837_500EMERALDSEDUCTIVE_LINERDESIGN
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 Guest post by Rachel Aiello
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