Mar 19

When Super Lice Attack!

Mar 19

If you have spent some time watching the news lately then you probably saw the recent segment on lice infestations. It is thought that the popular “selfie” trend is causing an increase in these little critters. Who would have thought that taking a quick photo with a friend would actually be the gateway to bug swapping? It gives me the creepy crawlies thinking about it! I remember having lice as a kid and it was no fun. The only perk is being able to stay home from school for a few days until the six legged critters die off. Thank goodness Toodie has not come home with it yet. I know it’s bound to happen but until then I can take precautions.
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Nov 20

Discover Your Favorite Holiday Scents This Season! #SuaveScents

Nov 20

The holidays bring upon so many wonderful traditions, memories, and festive scents. During this time of year you will find a several fragrant candles and diffusers scattered within my house. I love anything Frosted Cranberry and how it fills each room with a soft touch of sweetness. It’s crisp and welcoming. As soon as guests arrive they walk into a delicious wave of sugared fruity-ness. When I close my eyes I picture a room full of family and endless smiles. This scent will always remind me of Thanksgiving dinner and setting up the Christmas tree afterwards. There is something special about holiday scents. It isn’t because of the cute packaging but more of how it allows us to reminisce and remember the important moments. Isn’t it amazing that a single scent can ignite a spark of vivid memories and happy thoughts? Our nose is one powerful tool!
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Oct 28

Have A TRESemmé Saturdate® With Beauty At Walgreens! #TRESemmeChic #spon

Oct 28

This is a sponsored post on behalf of TRESemmé & Walgreens. I received a TRESemmé product and compensation in exchange for my participation in this campaign with the Global Influence Network. All opinions are my own!

Fall is here, the weather is cooling down, and my hair is finally cooperating. This calls for a celebration, or maybe just a day of shopping. Whenever I have the urge to splurge on my beauty needs there is one place I am always sure to head first, Walgreens! With one right around the corner from my home I am there at least once a week and it’s usually on a Saturday. On the weekend you have the chance to chat with Walgreens Beauty Advisors on different topics and learn about the brand they are currently promoting. They also have a killer rewards program where you can earn points on your purchases and cash them in for additional savings. Never been to one of these “Saturdate” events? You are in luck. There is one coming up very shortly in two weeks and it’s going to feature the well known brand TRESemme!Continue Reading

Aug 25

My Holygrail Haircare Products: Va-Va-Volume Edition!

Aug 25

“The higher your hair, the closer you are to heaven.”

I know it’s a Jersey thing to say, but as a Florida girl who loves big hair, it’s a quote that has stuck to me after five years of avidly watching Jerseylicious. I’m not a fan of the outrageous poof, but I sure don’t mind having some extra lift. This year in particular I started to really take the time to nurture my hair. I took a break from the bleach and harsh chemical coloring. I grew it out, limited my trims, and started to pay attention to the products I was using. It’s finally healthy and long, just how I wanted it for years. The only downfall? Having length can cause you to sacrifice volume. The weight of the hair makes it hard to keep the crown fluffy, causing the “flat” look. After trial and error with many different products, I found a handful that I have added to my “Holy Grail Haircare” list. Seeking extra volume? Take a look at my favorites and what I love about each.

Organix Biotin & Collagen Shampoo & Conditioner: About a year ago I tried Organix on a whim after browsing through the hair section at Ulta. Now I can’t be without it. I have tried a few of the different formulas but this one delivers exactly what I am looking for- volume! Right now my hair is the healthiest it has ever been and I give all the credit to this duo. All of their products smell amazing and the scent lingers throughout the day.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo: The John Frieda Volume shampoo is designed for fine limp hair. I use this about once a week just to give me hair a boost. It cleans my hair without leaving it dry and brittle. Although, I wouldn’t suggest using it everyday because it does tend to create build up which will leave your roots flat.

Batiste “Paisley” Dry Shampoo: This has become my favorite dry shampoo since I received a sample in a past beauty subscription box. The paisley scent is soft, girly, and fresh. It has notes of Grapefruit, Lime, Raspberry, Apple, and Jasmine. Dry shampoo is a must have in my beauty arsenal. It’s suitable for all hair types and leaves my hair feeling fresh even after a long day. With a few bursts, my hair is bouncy and voluminous. Love this stuff! I have tried numerous dry shampoos in the past and this remains at the top of my list. They even have additional scents available including Cherry, Blush, and Wild.

Bed Head “Superstar” Blow Dry Lotion: An essential part of getting that desired volume in my hair is starting off with what I like to call a “hair primer.” We put primer on our face before foundation, so why not prep your hair before you blow dry or straighten? I’ve been using Bed Head “Superstar” for a month now and have been extremely pleased with how full my hair is. It only takes a quarter sized amount to get massive volume. I put a little bit in my roots and run it through the ends. After blow drying, my hair is really soft and bouncy. It smells like fruit punch too!

Beauty Without Cruelty Volume Plus Shampoo: For those of you who prefer all natural products, this is one shampoo that I use on a daily basis. It doesn’t contain any parabens or chemicals. I can see a visible difference in my hair immediately after I blow dry it. It’s softer, stronger, and cleaner. Also, the brand doesn’t do any sort of animal testing which makes me love it even more.

Suave Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream: After the styling, teasing, and molding (as my mom would call it), a lightweight cream can help fight the frizz or fly-aways. The Suave Sleek Cream doesn’t make your hair oily and it isn’t as heavy as others. I use it mainly on the ends of my hair and to smooth out any stragglers. It’s great for the Winter months when there isn’t a lot of humidity in the air. My hair tends to get a lot of static when the weather changes and I always have this on hand in my purse!

I hope that my va-va-volume recommendations help those of you who are indecisive or looking for new products to try. I know I personally HATE going to the store and spending the money on a total dud. Before I make a purchase I Google reviews on what I am considering and it’s always helpful reading other’s experiences. Again, this is only a short list of my favorite voluminous hair products. There are SO many out there that I have yet to try. If you have any favorites to share, please leave me a comment below!

Mar 25

Making Bath Time Fun With Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash + GIVEAWAY!

Mar 25

For 65 years, the Dial brand has spent their time developing trusted personal care products for clean and healthy skin. While Dial is typically found in our kitchen and bathrooms, they are excited to announce their entry into bath tubs! Focusing on children’s personal care, a new segment known as Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash is offering specialized products. It offers age appropriate variants developed to address specific skin needs of children. It is available in two formulas, one for children ages 2+ and the other for those in the 6+ category. Both have been developed by pediatric dermatologists who have made sure that each is gentle on our little one’s skin. The 2 in 1 formulas combine shampoo and body wash for a multi use product that makes bath time fun and simplified. The Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash is tear free, hypoallergenic, and also PH balanced. It also does not contain any artificial dyes or added parabens.

As a toddler, Toodie has outgrown the traditional infant body washes and shampoos. But at the same time, her skin has always been sensitive and some products are too harsh for regular use everyday. The Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash meant for children ages 2-5 is ideal for those who fall right into this category. It comes in a Peachy Clean scent and provides ultra gentle cleansing with a fun, fresh, and light scent. I like that the fragrance is not over powering but it is still noticeable after bath time is over. It doesn’t irritate the skin and it leaves it feeling soft and moisturized. This is exactly the type of product I prefer to use on my daughter‘s skin because I know that it is safe and formulated for her specific needs.

For children that are ages 6 and up, Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash offers a mild cleansing wash that will not dry out their delicate skin. This product is available in two scents, Watery Melon and Berry Cool. Both bottles come in bright vibrant colors and the scents take bath time to a whole new level of fun. Even though Toodie falls into the age range of the Peachy Clean wash, I am still comfortable allowing her to use these because they are a gentle formula. Watery Melon smelled sweet, fruity, and clean. It also lathered nicely on a loofa and wash cloth. Not to mention, it created a heap of fluffy bubbles in the bath tub.

The Dial brand is hosting a sweepstakes to accompany the release of the NEW Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash. One grand prize winner will receive $1000 and 250 additional winners will receive a coupon for a free bottle of the Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash. Also, I am giving away (4) FREE product vouchers in which 2 winners will receive 2 coupons each. Enter below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Kids Body and Hair Wash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Sep 26

Soothing Gentle Skin With AVEENO Baby

Sep 26

Diaper rash, eczema, and discomfort are all things that parents are familiar with and also struggle to treat effectively. We scour the aisles of the drugstore looking for the best products to make our children more comfortable and put us at ease. AVEENO Baby provides skincare solutions and comfort to parents who have children suffering from diaper rash, eczema, or any sort of irritation. They are designed to offer solutions with the expectant and experienced mom in mind.

There are two products in particular that I would like to share with you today. The Aveeno Daily Moisture Lotion along with the Wash & Shampoo can be found within their permanent line for babies or toddlers. I have personally used both of them on my daughter and have had successful results in treating her dry skin. When Toodie born we were living on the West coast in Colorado where the air is very dry and lacks humidity. At 6 months old, I started to notice dry patches of skin on her back and torso. She was itchy and I did everything I could to prevent her from scratching. Soon after, I was told she had a mild case of eczema and was given a list of trusted brands to treat it. On the top of list was Aveeno Baby.

The Baby Wash & Shampoo is made from natural oat extract which helps to make a rich lather that cleanses the skin without drying it out. You can use this to wash your child’s hair and body because it’s gentle enough for everyday use. It leaves behind a very soft fragrance so your little one will smell clean and fresh. The formula is hypoallergenic and tear free making it safe to use on infants. After a warm bath with the Baby Wash & Shampoo their skin will be moisturized and silky smooth. I love the baby smell! Even though Toodie is a toddler, it reminds me of when she was an itty bitty baby in my arms. That scent is something I will never forget.

After bath time, the Daily Moisture Lotion helps heal and protect delicate skin for a full 24 hours. Like many of the products within their baby line, it contains a natural colloidal oatmeal blend with rich emollients. If you are not familiar with colloidal oatmeal, it is made of finely ground oats. You will find this in other treatments designed to relieve itchy dry skin, eczema, chicken pox, bug bites, and even poison ivy. Since it contains Vitamin E it also acts as an anti-inflammatory. It keeps your child’s delicate skin soft and moisturized without any greasy residue left behind. I have always preferred using this lotion on my daughter because it is fragrance free and since it does not contain alcohol, I never had to worry about it drying out her skin. When she was first diagnosed with a mild case of eczema, the Aveeno Daily Moisture Lotion was on the list of recommendations provided by her doctor. It always relieved the scattered dry patches and kept her from itching away at them.

Another part of the Aveeno Baby line I wanted to add is the Eczema Therapy Soothing Bath Treatment. This is a favorite of mine can can also be found in its older packaging titled Soothing Relief Bath Treatment. I have used this so many times for many different reasons. When we began the potty training process Toodie was very hesitant and refused to have her pull up changed. At three, it’s all about independence and control. She would run and hide making it impossible to even get it off! The moisture would sometimes cause a rash leaving her skin red and bumpy. These bath treatments would not only soothe the affected area but heal it in the process. Each box comes with 5 packs of the colloidal oatmeal in which you pour into warm water and allow to dissolve. This is great for diaper rash and also eczema. We have even used it to soothe irritation from constipation. You can find these bath treatments along with others in the Aveeno Baby Line as well.

For more information on the Aveeno Baby Line you can visit their site or connect on Facebook. Here you will find pictures, video review, and answers to any skincare questions you may have.

Disclosure: I received the products above for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this post. As always, opinion are my own!

Sep 03

HBL Hair Care Review + GIVEAWAY

Sep 03

I consider myself to be a hair junkie. While I do have a short list of favorite hair care products, I am always open to trying something new and innovative. When a box of HBL products arrived on my doorstep, I was ready to give them a test drive. HBL hair care was developed by Patrick Dockry who was determined to create a new experience encompassed in 13 premium products. They are free of any harsh sulfates or parabens that often strip your hair of its protective layer. All of the HBL products are pH balanced and formulated with high quality ingredients to keep the hair healthy. These hair care products offer gentle, color-safe cleansing, conditioning and styling solutions for EVERY hair type. The taller sleek packaging makes the products easy to store and tuck away in your shower or cabinet. Here are a few of the products I was sent and their description.

Jul 29

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ Review

Jul 29

I am no stranger to the new CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY shampoo and conditioner system so I was glad to see the generous sized samples in my Influenster Summer Beauty voxbox. For the past two months I have used both the shampoo and conditioner duo on my daughter and myself. This line is designed to change the way that we take care of our hair, giving it back it’s strength starting at the scalp. While getting the hair clean it is also helping to nourish the follicles from root to tip. This prevents breakage, split ends, and overall texture by providing a rich blend of vitamins and nutrients.

Having color treated hair can be very damaging and it can also be hard to find products that will bring your hair “back to life.” I have colored my hair for years and have always noticed it is harder to keep soft and conditioned. With the CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ I no longer have this issue. My hair does not feel dry or brittle and is now smooth, fly-away free, and bouncy!

After using the CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ on Toodie’s hair for a week, I noticed a huge difference in the overall look and texture. Toodie has very curly hair that can be difficult to manage and comb through. It’s also very soft making it prone to tangles and knots. Using the shampoo and conditioner allowed me to comb through her hair easily and prevented frizz after drying. The conditioner is probably my favorite of the two products because it leaves the hair very moisturized without making it oily.

For more information and updates from CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ products are available at several mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

The suggested retail price is anywhere between $4.99 – $5.99.

Disclaimer: I received the product in this post compliments of Influenster for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.