Turn Christmas Lights Into Something Magical With Holiday Specs + Giveaway 11/17 US/CAN

My daughters always look forward to Christmas. Why? Because we get to decorate our Christmas Tree and set up our Christmas lights. This year, they're in for a very special Christmas because of the Holiday Specs. These are really cool 3D paper glasses and 3D viewers which takes looking at the Christmas lights to the next level.

Holiday Specs is manufactured by American Paper Optics, LLC. They are the world's leading manufacturer of 3D paper eyewear. They carry all the 3D glasses you'll need because they almost have every kind of 3D glasses available.

We received 2 Holiday Magic 3D Viewers and an assortment of 3D Holiday Specs. They also provided Christmas lights so that we can try out the Holiday Specs and Holiday Magic 3D Viewers.

We tried each Holiday Specs and the 2 Holiday 3D Viewers and my daughters were in for a nice surprise. Each Holiday Specs and Holiday Magic 3D Viewers made them see the Christmas lights differently. I tried to capture the images through our camera above but it's a little bit blurry. The images are really clear in person and our camera didn't do justice with the images.

My daughters had lots of fun looking through the different Holiday Specs and the 3D Viewers and they can't get enough of it. I personally like the Holiday Magic 3D Viewers because they are really cute. The handle and the design of these 3D viewers are more durable for little children. The Holiday Specs on the other hand has some cool images like the Gingerbread man, the Santa Claus and the Snowman above.

The Holiday Specs line has the following design: Snowflake, Candy Cane, Ornament, Elf, Christmas Star, Fluttering Angel, Santa, Snowman, Reindeer, and Gingerbread Man glasses.

The Holiday Magic 3D Viewer line has the following design: Snowman, Snowflake, Santa, Reindeer, and Christmas Star.

We loved the Holiday Specs and the Holiday Magic 3D Viewer and we'll definitely be enjoying watching our Christmas lights more this coming Christmas. :)

You can visit the American Paper Optics, LLC WEBSITE to learn more about their different assortment of 3D glasses.

Who wants to win a Holiday Specs and Holiday Magic 3D Viewers Prize Pack?! I am so excited to share this with you because you can enter below for your chance to win it! :) Enter the giveaway through the rafflecopter form below. Good Luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLAIMER: 1 Winner will receive a Holiday Specs Prize Pack (20 Holiday Specs and 5 Holiday Magic 3D Viewer). My giveaway would start November 1, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST and will end November 17, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST. This will be open to US and CAN residents only. The prize cannot be shipped to a P.O. box address. Winners will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. I am not responsible for prize fulfillment. My role is to give the sponsor the information of the winner and they will directly ship the prize to the winner. I have received a product/s mentioned above to in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I do not share or sell information and all information shared with me will solely be used for prize shipment. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

VIP Album by Manic Drive Review + Giveaway 11/11 US/CAN

ABOUT THE BAND:

Manic Drive has been widely known as a Canadian band who always delivers a great show, but over the past few years and project releases, they have added to their extensive touring of Canadian and US markets multiple Billboard Top 10 & 20 singles on CHR & Christian Rock Radio. Manic Drive is clearly very intentional about reaching their generation and inspiring them to pursue a deeper walk with Christ and to get involved in changing the world they are inheriting. And they are uniquely equipped to do so. The band members, all in their early-mid twenties, have made sacrifices to pursue God’s call on their lives. Their life experience, spiritual maturity and ministry have opened doors to speak into the lives of their own generation and that is perhaps the most defining characteristic of this group of guys.

TRACKS INCLUDED IN THE VIP ALBUM:

01. Electric

02. VIP

03. Street Lights

04. King Of Mercy

05. Good News

06. I Hide You Seek

07. Song to Sing

08. Fire

09. Indestructible

10. Rhythym

MY REVIEW:

Honestly, this might be the first time I listened to Christian Music, aside from the songs we hear and sing when we go to church every Sunday, and I was a bit shocked at how good the songs were in Manic Drive's VIP album.

The melodies of each song is catchy and the lyrics of each song were captivating. The lyrics of every song from their album VIP is free from obscene and double-meaning lyrics which I noticed, is getting popular these days. Two of my favorite songs on their VIP Album are the Song to Sing and Indestructible. Manic Drive's VIP Album helped me appreciate Christian Music.

You can connect with Manic Drive on their:

Official Website- http://www.manicdrive.com/

YouTube Channel- http://www.youtube.com/manicdrive

Official Twitter-  http://www.twitter.com/manicdrive

Official FB- http://www.facebook.com/manicdrive

HAVE YOU LISTENED TO CHRISTIAN MUSIC BEFORE? 

Would you like to win a copy of Manic Drive's VIP Album? Just head on over to the rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

DISCLAIMER: 1 Winner will receive a copy of Manic Drive's VIP Album (CD). My giveaway would start November 1, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST and will end November 11, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST. This will be open to US and CAN residents only. The prize cannot be shipped to a P.O. box address. Winners will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. I am not responsible for prize fulfillment. My role is to give the sponsor the information of the winner and they will directly ship the prize to the winner. I have received a product/s mentioned above to in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I do not share or sell information and all information shared with me will solely be used for prize shipment. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

 

Dave's Killer Bread Review #momsmeet

My 6 year old daughter LOVES bread. She can eat 3 to 4 slices in just 1 sitting. If the bread is fresh, she just gets a plate and spread cream cheese or Nutella on her bread and she's good to go. If the bread is from the freezer, I help her toast the bread and then she'll, again, spread cream cheese or Nutella and she's good to go.

I like to eat toasted bread and butter (I'm happy with that), sometimes peanut butter or Nutella so my 6 year old and I are happy campers when we received the Dave's Killer Bread. Here's a short story on how Dave's Killer Bread started.

Here are some facts about Dave's Killer Breads:

• Available in 12 varieties in major grocery chains across 17 states and parts of Western Canada.
• Dave's Killer Bread packs a punch with delicious flavor loaded with seeds, ancient grains and whole grain nutrition.
• Each slice contains as much protein as one egg.
• A loaf retails between $5.00 to $6.00.
• They recently added a 100% Whole Wheat bread to their product line. It's the perfect seedless bread with a smooth texture and a touch of sweetness.
• The Seeded Honey Wheat is the first Non-GMO Project Verified honey wheat beard on the market. It has 56 of fiber and protein with a sweet taste and crunchy texture.
• The 21 Whole Grains and Seeds Thin-Sliced is loaded with grainy texture and hearty flavor. It only has 60 calories per slice.
• The Good Seed has the boldest texture and sweetest flavor of all Dave's Killer breads. It's packed with 6g of protein and 4g of fiber per slice.

We received the 21 Whole Grains and the Good Seed. My 6 year old daughter saw it and was excited to try it.

I like the 21 Whole Grains and Seeds Thin-Sliced as a snack because of the lower calories. I like the grainy texture very much and I love it toasted with butter or straight out of the plastic with peanut butter. I love how I can chew bits and pieces of crispy seeds (I can't identify which seed is which) but this took toasted bread and butter to the next level.


The Good Seed is perfect for breakfast because it's packed with proteins and fiber. It also has the grainy texture which I like very much. It has a very rich taste and a hint of sweetness which I think is great. My daughter liked this better because she said it's sweeter.

HAVE YOU TRIED ANY DAVE'S KILLER BREAD BEFORE?

Connect with Dave's Killer Breads online:

WEBSITE
TWITTER
FACEBOOK

DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet Blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product. All opinions are honest and my own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received.

4K HDMI Cable Ultra Premium Series by Solid Cordz Review

I'll be honest. I'm not a professional when it comes to setting up cables, PCs, TVs and other electronic gadgets but I know the difference between an okay picture/video quality and a clear picture/video quality.

I reviewed a Solid Cordz (28 AWG) HDMI Cable before (read my review here) and that's when I realized how different the video quality are when using AV cables versus the HDMI cable.

Recently, Solid Cordz sent me their new 4K 2-pack HDMI Ultra Premium Series Cable. Here is the specification for this cable:

6ft High Speed HDMI® Cable with Ethernet 28 AWG

HDMI® provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as set-top boxes, Blue-ray Disc players, DVD players, video game consoles, AV receivers and an audio and/or video monitor, such as digital television or plasma monitor, over a single cable.

Our High Speed HDMI® cables with Ethernet have been designed to meet the performance standards set by HDMI 1.4 and have passed stringent Category 2 testing. They are backward compatible to all previous versions.

Below are the major enhancements introduced in the HDMI 1.4 specification

• HDMI® Ethernet Channel - The HDMI 1.4 specification adds a data channel to the HDMI® connection, enabling high-speed, bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature can send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for any IP-based application.

• Audio Return Channel - The new specification adds an audio channel that will reduce the number of cables required to deliver audio "upstream" from a TV to an A/V receiver for processing and playback. In cases where a TV features an internal content source, such as a built-in tuner or DVD player, the Audio Return Channel allows the TV to send audio data upstream to the A/V receiver via the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.

• 3D Support - The 1.4 version of the specification defines common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices, enabling 3D gaming and other 3D video applications.

• 4K Resolution Support - The new specification enables HDMI devices to support extremely high HD resolutions, effectively four times the resolution of a 1080p device. Support for 4K allows the HDMI interface to transmit digital content at the same resolution as the state-of-the-art Digital Cinema systems used in many movie theaters.

The 4K HDMI Cable Ultra Premium Series by Solid Cordz comes in a 2-pack and I think that's nice because I can use 1 in our Roku and the other one for our laptop when we connect it to our TV. This would save me the hassle of transferring the HDMI cables back and forth. The cables are also very thick and looks durable. Instead of looking like a regular black cable (the one with a smooth feel), the 4K HDMI Ultra Premium Series has a rough and tough feel which prevents the cable from twisting and coiling. It is a bit heavier though but a lot more durable. The length, which is 6 feet, is nice because it's just the right length to connect our roku to the TV. It has a bit of an allowance but it's not a hassle at all.

The picture and video quality seems better than our previous HDMI cable. The video/picture quality looks crystal clear and brighter and I love it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hopes that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Stretch Mark & Scar Cream by InstaNatural Review

Stretch Marks. I've been open in my previous posts that I have stretch marks and it's in my genes. I'm not ashamed of them because I got them during my 2 pregnancies with my daughters. I kind of know stretch marks are permanent (I've heard about the expensive laser treatments and honestly, no budget for that!) so the solution? I try my best to keep my tummy (where most of my stretch marks are) hydrated and moisturized in hopes that in my next pregnancy, I would avoid getting new stretch marks.

InstaNatural has sent me a number of their products and almost all of the products they sent me worked great. Their products are gentle yet effective. I was glad to be able to try their Stretch Mark & Scar Cream and I wanted to share my experience with you.

Before we go into my full review and thoughts, let me share with you something about InstaNatural and their Stretch Mark & Scar Cream.

InstaNatural started as a small local business in Florida and stepped up into online distribution after they received positive feedback from their customers.They launched their first product in 2013 and after that, they've never looked back. They have over a dozen nature inspired beauty and cosmetic products and these are one of the top sellers on Amazon and can also be found in leading spas, salons and aesthetic center in UAE, UK, Asia and Canada.

InstaNatural’s Stretch Mark & Scar Cream is an effective treatment to minimize the appearance of current marks, while also preventing the formation of new ones. Stretch marks and scars are created when collagen is weakened and skin is stretched or torn beyond its limit. Our cream heavily moisturizes affected areas – such as hips, stomach and arms - delivering nourishment and hydration to enhance elasticity of your skin and help restore a youthful look and even appearance.

Key Ingredients:
+ Vitamin C (15%)
+ Cocoa Butter
+ Rosehip Oil
+ Mango Butter
+ Grapeseed Oil
+ Evening Primrose Oil

The Stretch Mark & Scar Cream by InstaNatural arrived in a white bottle with a green label and a black cover. I honestly think the bottle looks nice and classy. The cream is dispensed using a pump. The cream has a white, creamy texture and it smells really nice. It has a light and fresh scent with a hint of a floral/fruity scent which I really liked. It absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy at all.

The InstaNatural's Stretch Mark & Scar Cream is effective to keep my tummy hydrated and moisturized. Because I liked the scent, I don't have a problem with applying this twice a day. I honestly don't think my stretchmarks would completely disappear with any stretch mark cream (maybe the expensive laser treatments will but as I've said, no budget for that!) BUT I think they're effective to prevent more future stretch marks.

I also tried the InstaNatural's Stretch Mark & Scar Cream on the surgical scars on my tummy for my cholecystectomy (due to having gallstones during my 1st pregnancy. Read all about it here.) The scars due to the tube hanging from my tummy (the tube is now gone don't worry) has some patches of dark-colored skin on the border of my scar. After using the InstaNatural's Stretch Mark & Scar Cream on my scars, I noticed a slight improvement on the dark patches. They've become lighter than before but still darker than my skin tone. I'm hoping with time, InstaNatural can make the dark patches the same color as my skin.

HAVE YOU TRIED STRETCH MARK AND SCAR CREAMS BEFORE?

You can visit the InstaNatural's WEBSITE to learn more about their other products. You can also visit Amazon to purchase the InstaNatural's Stretch Mark & Scar Cream.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hopes that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Kiva Organic Stevia All Natural Sweetener Review + Giveaway 11/8 US/CAN

I've tried Kiva's Organic Cacao Powder before and I love it. Recently, I was given another chance to try their Organic Stevia All Natural Sweetener and since I like trying out healthier alternatives to products I usually use (like sugar), I was excited to try it.

Before we head on to my review, let me share with you something about Kiva and their Organic Stevia.

Kiva Organic Stevia is a multi-purpose tabletop sweetener made from Non-GMO stevia plants grown in the USA and is a perfect substitute for sugar and artificial sweeteners. Our organic stevia has zero-calories, no bitter aftertaste, and a low glycemic index, making it ideal for those managing calories and blood sugar. 
We blend our high purity stevia extract with erythritol (e-ryth-ri-tol), a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol found in fruits and vegetables to create a delicious blend that's easy to serve. Enjoy!
About Kiva: At Kiva, we strive to provide you with innovative food from around the world that is great tasting, healthy and of the highest quality. We are committed to using only ingredients that are sourced directly from local farmers that practice sustainable and eco-friendly methods.

Conversion: Sugar to Kiva Organic Stevia
1 Tsp (sugar) = 1/8 Tsp (Kiva Organic Stevia)
1 Tbsp (sugar) = 1/3 Tsp (Kiva Organic Stevia)
1/4 cup (sugar) = 1/2 Tbsp (Kiva Organic Stevia)
1/2 cup (sugar) = 1 Tbsp (Kiva Organic Stevia)
1 cup (sugar) = 2 Tbsp (Kiva Organic Stevia)

I've tried several natural sweeteners before and I noticed they taste different than regular sugar. Yes, it's sweet, but there's a bitter after-taste which I can't seem to get used to.

The Kiva Organic Stevia All Natural Sweetener came in a white and green jar. It's sealed inside for added protection. The sweetener looks like finely grounded granulated sugar. Using the Kiva Organic Stevia, I only needed a small amount of the Stevia compared to what I need to use with a regular granulated sugar.

I tried the Kiva Organic Stevia on my oatmeal and it tasted nice. To be honest, I tasted a bit of an aftertaste but I'm sure that it's because I have sensitive taste buds. How do I know? I gave my daughters their oatmeal sweetened with Stevia and they didn't complain about the oatmeal's taste.

I also tried this as a sweetener for my coffee and it tasted fine to me. Just a little amount of the Stevia made my coffee really sweet so, it's true that a little goes a long way.

The jar contains 8 oz. of Stevia Sweetener and since I only need a little amount of the Stevia Sweetener, this jar would last me a long time.

I'll try to substitute our sugar with the Kiva Stevia little by little. Since my daughters didn't really notice the change, I'll start with our oatmeal. Once I've grown accustomed to the after-taste, I'll move on to use this as a baking ingredient too. :)

HAVE YOU TRIED ANY SUGAR SUBSTITUTE BEFORE?

Would you like to win a jar of Kiva Organic Stevia? :) Well, you're in luck because Kiva has offered a giveaway for jar of their Organic Stevia! Just head on over to the rafflecopter form below to enter. Good Luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

GIVEAWAY: 1 Winner will receive a Kiva Organic Stevia All Natural Sweetener (8 oz.). Giveaway will start October 30, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST and will end November 8, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST. This will be open to US and CAN residents only. The prize cannot be shipped to a P.O. box address. Winners will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Mygreatfinds is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hopes that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

InstaNatural's Age-Defying Skin Clearing Serum Review

I've tried several products from InstaNatural and each of the products I've tried works great for me. This time, I've had the opportunity to try their Age-Defying Skin Clearing Serum.

InstaNatural's Age-Defying Skin Clearing Serum is unique from other serums I've tried and used before because it contains 4 key ingredients.

• 20% Vitamin C and 2.5% Retinol - help skin fight against aging, helps treat acne and hyperpigmentation which includes age spots, discoloration, and acne scars.
• 3.5% Niacinamide and 2% Salicylic Acid - soothes irritated skin and treats blemishes. These 2 ingredients unclog pores to remove redness and inflammation, resulting in a clearer, brighter complexion.

The Age-Defying Skin Clearing Serum by InstaNatural came in a dark blue bottle, a reddish brown label and a dropper. The serum has a yellowish color and a slightly thicker than water consistency. It also has a nice and subtle tangy/orange-y scent which is quite nice.

I read the directions first and it was very easy to understand. I decided to apply this at night. Similar to other new beauty products I try, I always put a drop on my hand first to make sure that my skin wouldn't react to the serum. It's very light, absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy.

For each application on my face, I only need to put 3 drops of the serum on my palms. I would rub my palms and gently pat the serum on my face and neck. 3 drops of the serum is enough for my whole face.

The InstaNatural's Age-Defying Skin Clearing Serum is gentle on the skin. It's effective but doesn't cause any harsh changes on my skin like peeling or over-drying. Everytime I apply it, I feel a slight tightness on my skin. It's not painful and actually feels nice because it makes me feel like my skin is tightening. It didn't clog my pores so I didn't get any breakouts. I also noticed that the BIG pimple on my chin has started to subside and looks less inflamed.

What I love about InstaNatural is that they have a manufacturer's guarantee. Meaning, if you're not satisfied with any of their product, they have a Lifetime Money Back Guarantee. No matter where you buy their product, they'll issue you a full refund if you're not satisfied with their product. I think that's a big help for me because I know the company wouldn't sell their products and offer a full money back guarantee if they're not sure about their products. :)

WHAT KIND OF SERUMS DO YOU USE?

You can visit the InstaNatural's WEBSITE to learn more about their other products.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

New Sugar-Free and Dye-Free Children's Advil + $1 Off Coupon #Smiley360

When my daughters are sick, I almost always know when they have a fever even without getting their temperature. How? Because when they're sick and have a fever, they are not their usual selves. They would just sleep on the bed and wouldn't eat.

I am familiar with the Children's Advil because my mom used to give my brothers the Children's Advil suspension when they were younger. Now, they have a New Children’s Advil® Sugar-Free Dye-Free in Berry flavor.

I like to give my daughter the Children's Advil when they have a fever because Children's Advil acts fast and it keeps their fever down for up to 8 hours. It's also effective to relief toothache pain which my 6 year old daughter experiences because she has some cavities. My daughters like the taste so I don't have a hard time giving them Advil when they have a fever or a toothache.
 

CLICK HERE TO PRINT A $1 OFF COUPON FOR THE NEW CHILDREN'S ADVIL

*I am a member of Smiley360 and I've received a sample of the New Children's Advil (as shown on the picture above) for me to review. All opinions are honest and based on my own experience. No other form of compensation was received.

Ageless Derma Oil Free Purifying Facial Cleanser Gel Review

A facial cleanser is one of the most important product I use for my face. I sometimes forget to put on a serum or a moisturizer but I CANNOT forget to start my day or sleep at night without washing my face. Maybe this is because I have an oily skin type and acne-prone skin that's why I want my face to be always clean.

I've tried a couple of Ageless Derma products already and they have a nice quality and were nice. Recently, they sent me their Oil Free Purifying Facial Cleanser Gel and I switched it with my current cleanser, so I can try it, as soon as I received it.

Before we head on to my review, here's a little product description for the Oil Free Purifying Facial Cleanser Gel from Ageless Derma.

Ageless Derma Oil Free Purifying Natural Facial Cleanser Gel is an energizing cleansing product that freshens and can be used every day to deeply cleanse skin and pores.  This advanced formula will remove impurities and toxins that make skin dull-looking and aged. Make-up, grime and surface oils will be wiped clean as skin is prepared for the application of advanced treatments with other Ageless Derma products. This oil free cleanser gives your complexion a clean slate without stripping skin of the precious moisture it needs to retain.

With Ageless Derma Oil Free Purifying Facial Cleanser Gel, you can be assured of a quality product that contains Certified Organic Aloe Vera and Chamomile Extracts.  Organic Aloe Vera is the pure derivative of the succulent aloe plant.  It has strong anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm irritated skin, especially skin that has been exposed to sun and exhibits photo-aging symptoms. This organic aloe vera ingredient also stimulates new cell growth and can repair damaged skin tissue.  The healthy glow and added moisturizing benefits only add to its amazing attributes.

The Chamomile Extract is another organic ingredient that comes from a daisy-like flower. This power-packed ingredient helps regenerate skin cells and aids in skin healing. It, too, contains anti-inflammatory powers in addition to being an antioxidant that aids in the reduction of free radical damage. Chamomile extract will reduce skin puffiness and aid in deep-cleansing the pores.

The Oil Free Purifying Facial Cleanser by Ageless Derma came in a black box with green and silver details. I like the simple yet elegant design of the box. The bottle has a similar design to the box. The directions are both printed on the bottle and on the side of the box and were easy to follow.


The cleanser has a white, pearly color and doesn't actually have a gel-like consistency. It has a creamy texture and doesn't really create a lather/sud but I feel my face cleaner after washing my face with this. It's unscented and easy to rinse off.

The Ageless Derma's Oil Free Purifying Facial Cleanser Gel cleansed my face but didn't make the sides of my nose and skin flaky. I have an oily skin type but the sides of my nose and my chin are always flaky/dry. I'm not sure why but this cleanser made the dry parts of my skin hydrated. I also saw improvements on my acne breakouts. I use this cleanser twice a day and it didn't over-dry my skin.

The Ageless Derma's Oil Free Purifying Facial Cleanser Gel is gentle on the skin yet effectively removed dirt and make-up on my skin. It's effective to control my skin's oiliness and makes my skin less oily throughout the day.

You can visit the Ageless Derma WEBSITE to learn more about their products.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Salicylic Acid 2% Peel by [re]fresh Skin Therapy Review

I'm open about having an acne-prone and combination leaning-to-a-more-oily skin type. I'm also open about having big pores specially on my nose and the area around my nose. I constantly look for products which will help me with my acne, oily skin and big pores.

I've never tried any peels before because I am scared of the term "peel". I imagine my skin peeling off in a bad, sunburned-looking way. [re]fresh Skin Therapy sent me their Salicylic Acid 2% Peel and it's meant for oily and acne-prone skin. I was kind of scared and at the same time excited to try it. I don't know why but I had a feeling it wouldn't make my skin peel in a sunburned-looking way.

About the Product:

For acne-prone or photo-damaged skin

Our Salicylic Acid Peel is a powerful weapon against acne and signs of aging: shrinks pores, decreases excess oil production, improves skin’s texture and tone, decreases fine lines, and repairs photo-damaged skin.
Our professionally formulated peel penetrates skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells, oil, debris, and comedones. A natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, Salicylic acid kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces redness and irritation, speeds new skin turnover and collagen production for a brighter, more luminous, and clearer complexion

• Reduces pore size
• Treats problematic skin
• Paraben free
• Phthalate free
• No artificial colors, fragrance, or preservatives.
• Vegan Friendly – All botanically derived ingredients, never tested on animals
• Made in the USA

My Review:

The [re]fresh Skin Therapy's Salicylic Acid 2% Peel came in a white and green box. The vial/bottle came with a dropper to make dispensing easier. The salicylic acid 2% peel has a clear, water-like consistency and is unscented.

I read the directions and ingredients before trying the product. The directions were very simple to understand. I incorporated the Salicylic Acid 2% Peel on my evening routine.

I start of with cleansing my face with my usual cleanser. I pat my face dry and put a half-full dropper filled salicylic acid on my facial cloth. I buff my face by doing circular upward motion with the facial cloth with salicylic acid for about a minute. I then rinse my face with cool water to neutralize the salicylic acid. I then follow with my serum and sometimes a moisturizer.

I've been using the [re]fresh Skin Therapy's Salicylic Acid 2% Peel for almost 2 weeks now every night. I'm glad that I don't see any peeling or unusual dryness in my skin. The salicylic acid 2% peel doesn't sting and feels like water. I noticed my skin has become less oilier. I also stopped using my acne spot treatment cream and my acne haven't been acting up at all. I've had less acne breakouts and my pores appear clearer too. My skin also looks brighter and radiant.

WHAT KIND OF SKIN PEELS HAVE YOU TRIED?

You can visit the [re]fresh Skin Therapy's WEBSITE to learn more about their products.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Eagle ProFitness Weightlifting Wrist Wrap Combo Review

I'm not a pro of weight lifting and the heaviest I can carry is more or less a 40 lb. weight BUT I know that carrying heavy weights can take a toll and injure my wrists. I do workout with light/medium weights (about 4 to 8 lbs) and sometimes, my wrists would feel sore after doing a toning and cardio workout.

Eagle ProFitness sent me their Weightlifting Wrist Wrap Combo and I tried it on my next toning workout. Here something about their Weightlifting Wrist Wrap combo:

• This combo pack is ideal for anybody who works out with weights at home or at the gym. Both the wrist wraps and lifting straps provide much needed support and will allow the uses to increase their weights and reps. This added endurance and heavier weight builds muscle faster and tones the body quicker.
• 18" Competition Weightlifting Wrist Wraps come With Fully Adjustable Extra Wide Velcro Closure and Thumb Loops For Easy Wrapping.
• Used in Gym Training - Weight Lifting - High Intensity CrossFit - Bodybuilding - Olympic Lifts.
  Wrist Wraps will Support and Stabilise Wrists to Reduce Fatigue and Injury whilst exercising.

The Weightlifting Wrist Wrap Combo has a red and black color. The weightlifting wrist wraps are a bit stretchable so I can make sure the wrist wraps are tightly secured around my wrist. The velcro snaps work and snap well.

Although I don't carry heavy weights, the weightlifting wrist wraps by Eagle ProFitness has helped me stabilize my wrist while I do my toning exercises. My wrists never felt sore after my workouts and that is highly likely due to the weightlifting wrist wraps.

I can't really comment about how it works on bodybuilding and lifting heavy weights but it worked great for my toning exercises which require light/medium weights.

DO YOU USE A WEIGHTLIFTING WRIST WRAP? 

You can purchase the Eagle ProFitness Weightlifting Wrist Wrap Combo on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Teach The Value Of Money With Chet The Cat and Friends' Toddler Money #educationalinsights

My daughters love playing pretend. They have a small grocery store at the corner of our living room and a toy cash register. They have small paper bills and the super small plastic coins I bought from Target. The problem with these small plastic coins is that my daughters tend to lose the small plastic coins. With the paper bills, they tend to rip it or crumple it because it's made of paper. I would now and then buy them a new set of paper money bills and plastic coins so that they can continue playing with their pretend grocery store.

When they saw the Chet the Cat's Toddler Money, they were surprised by how big the bills and the coins were. Each set includes:

- 4 Jumbo coins (1 each of a penny, nickel, dime and quarter)
- 3 jumbo tear-proof bills (1 each of $1, $5 and $10)


My 3 year old daughter opened the pack of Chet The Cat Toddler Money.

The bills each measure 8" by 3.375". The bills felt smooth, is bendy and really tear-proof. The print of the bill is also very nice and clear. The coins are made of plastic. All the coins are made of plastic and measure 0.25" thick and each coin has the following diameter: Penny - 2.125", Nickel - 2.5", Dime - 2", Quarter - 2.275". All the coins have a nice, clear and embossed design.

With the Chet the Cat and Friends' Toddler Money my daughters grasped the ideas of:

• Sharing and Taking Turns - they learn how to share and take turns being the shopper and the owner of the shop.
• Money - my 6 year old knows how to recognize numbers already so she can tell how much a bill is. My 3 year old daughter can now differentiate a $1, $5 or $10 bill. We're still working on the coins but we're getting there. :)
• Value of Money - they may not know how to add or subtract money yet but they learned how to pay for the things they bought (from their pretend grocery) and how they can get change for something they bought.
• Good Manners - every time they pay, they would say yes please, no please, thank you and have a good day. They learned how to be pleasant and courteous.
• Cleaning Up - I think this is every child's nightmare. LOL. My daughters know that after they play pretend grocery shopping, they would have to clean up all their mess and to keep their Toddler Money in a specific place.

The Chet the Cat and Friends' Toddler Money is a great way to introduce toddlers and small children to money. The bills are big and tear-free and the coins are big and made of plastic. It's a great way to introduce little ones to the idea of money.

You can purchase Chet the Cat and Friends' Toddler Money on Amazon for $12.99 with free shipping if you have Prime.

 

You can also visit and connect with the Educational Insights' social media sites:

 

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Organic Unrefined African Shea Butter By Key West Health & Beauty Review

Have you seen beauty products with shea butter? Yes they've been added to shampoos, soaps, body washes, lotions and other beauty products because shea butter works. How do I know? Because I've tried a raw shea butter before and loved it.

Key West Health & Beauty sent me their Organic Unrefined African Shea Butter and since I've used a raw shea butter before, I already knew where I'd use this.

The Organic Unrefined African Shea Butter by Key West Health & Beauty is certified USDA organic. It is sourced from a local women's co-op in Ghana to ensure fair wages & ethical treatment. The jar is BPA free and is an FDA approved container to eliminate harmful chemicals from leeching into the shea butter. It's 100% natural and has no added dyes or synthetic ingredients.

I received the Key West Health & Beauty Organic Unrefined African Shea Butter in a white plastic jar. It has an off-white color and has an earthy and natural scent. I'll be honest, I'm not fond of earthy scents but the benefits of using the African Shea Butter weighs more than its scent so I use it. Since it's cooler, and this only my thought, the shea butter has a solid, waxy form. It melts quickly when I dab my fingers in a circular motion. When melted, it has an oily, greasy texture. Again, I'm not fond of products which has a greasy feel but the benefit I get from using the shea butter outweighs the greasy feeling.

I used the Key West Health & Beauty's Organic Unrefined African Shea Butter on my knees and elbows first because they're always drier than my arms and legs. My knees have a round, dark patch in the middle which has very dry skin.  The lotion which work on my arms and legs doesn't really work on my knees and elbows. The african shea butter works great in moisturizing my knees and elbows and instantly hydrates the dry, round patch in the middle of my knees. The greasy feeling and shiny look fades in about 30 minutes.

I also used the Key West Health & Beauty's Organic Unrefined African Shea Butter on my hair. If have dry, wavy, frizzy and puffy hair and the using the African Shea Butter once a week on my hair makes it more manageable. It makes my hair less puffy by weighing it down a bit, but not to the point of having flat, limpless hair. It also makes my hair shiny and softer. I use it as a hair treatment mask. I apply it 20 minutes before I take a bath and then rinse it off with shampoo. I don't need conditioner after since the shea butter works like a deep conditioner already.

One whole tub of the African Shea Butter by Key West Health & Beauty will last a long time because I don't need much to get a moisturized skin and healthy-looking hair.

As I've said, the only thing I don't like about the shea butter is the earthy scent and the greasy feel. I particularly don't like these in my beauty and skin products but again, as I've said, the benefits I get from the African Shea butter outweighs the scent and the greasy feel.

HAVE YOU TRIED AN AFRICAN SHEA BUTTER BEFORE?

You can visit the Key West Health & Beauty WEBSITE to learn more about their other products.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

3-Hook Bra Extenders by Coco's Closet Review

On my 2 pregnancies with my 2 daughters, I gain more than the normal weight gain recommended for pregnancy. I always have to buy new bras in my 2nd and 3rd trimester because my pre-pregnancy bras wouldn't fit anymore. After giving birth, I would wear the new bigger bras I bought but then, after a few months, I'd have to donate them because they'd be too big for me. I always choose to use my pre-pregnancy bras and endure the slight uncomfortable snug feeling until I lose the weight because buying new bras and use it for just a few months would be a waste of money.

Coco's Closet sent me a 3-pack of their 3-Hook Bra Extenders to try and I can't believe I didn't have this when I was pregnant.

Coco's Closet offers a solution to the problem of having a snug-fitting bra whether due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations or having that in-between phase where you fit in a smaller size cup but bra band is tight fitting.

The 3-Hook Bra Extenders by Coco's Closet is made of nylon and fits most major brands of bras. It has 3/4" spacing and has 4 rows of hooks. Each 3-pack includes a nude, black and white bra extender.

I tried this on some of my bras and I like that it's easy to attach. It's also very soft and is adjustable. The 4 rows of hooks allowed me to adjust my bra band longer to achieve my bra's ideal fit (if I get pregnant again). The 3 colors available in each pack is nice because I can match the colors of the bra extenders to my bra. Although I'm not pregnant now, I will definitely be using these bra extenders the next time I get pregnant. I wouldn't have to waste money buying bigger bras during my pregnancy. :)

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT BRA EXTENDERS BEFORE?

You can purchase the Bra Extenders by Coco's Closet on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Key West Health & Beauty 2.5% Retinol Cream Review

This is the first time I've tried a product from Key West Health & Beauty and I must say I was impressed with their Retinol Cream. Why? Continue reading and I'll share it with you. :)

Retinol Cream is used to stimulate the regenration of skin cells while exfoliating dead layers of skin. Using a retinol cream has lots of benefits which includes:

- helping diminish or remove age spots, hyper-pigmentation and sun damage
- helps to deep clean and unclog pores
- helping skin to restore its bright and youthful look
- boost collagen production to help firm, plump and tighten skin which in time will help eliminate fine lines, wrinkles and diminish large pores.

Key West Health & Beauty has over 35 years of experience in the spa and beauty industry. They've limited their product line to include only the most natural, organic and results oriented products available.

Their 2.5% Retinol is an advanced formula with 97% natural and 71% organic ingredients. Their retinol cream is different than other retinol creams because most retinol creams contain heavy amounts of synthetic ingredients and fillers. The 1.7 oz. size they offer also is almost twice the size of most retinol products available in the market. The strength of their retinol cream is the strongest percentage available without a prescription.

The Key West Health & Beauty 2.5% Retinol Cream came in a nice bottle. It looks classy and expensive. I like the simple design of their label because I think that sometimes, simplicity is more.

I removed the bottle and the cream is dispensed through a built-in pump. The cream has a creamy texture, white color and is unscented.

I decided to use this once a day at night. I incorporated this into my regular bedtime routine which is cleanse face, pat it dry, apply a peel I'm trying out, apply my Vitamin C Serum and then apply the Key West Health & Beauty Retinol Cream. In between the different product I use, I let each product absorb first before applying another product.

The Key West Health & Beauty Retinol Cream has a creamy texture but absorbs very quickly. It is light and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy at all. I like how only 1 pump of the cream is enough for my whole face. It helped unclog my pores and reduced my acne break-out. I also like how it made my skin less oilier. The retinol cream neither dried up my skin nor did it cause any peeling.

I used this at night to reduce the chances of getting a reaction due to the sun. I am aware that retinol can cause sunburns specially with extended sun exposure. Applying sunscreen can prevent this but I'd rather use it at night since it's effective as well.

HAVE YOU TRIED A RETINOL CREAM BEFORE?

You can visit the Key West Health and Beauty WEBSITE to learn more about their other wonderful products.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Discover The Sky At Night With Nancy B's Science Club Moonscope #educationalinsights

I was super excited when we received Nancy B's Science Club Moonscope from Educational Insights. Why? Because I haven't really used a moonscope before and I wanted my 6 year old daughter to learn how to use it with me. :)

The Nancy B's Moonscope and Sky Gazer activity Journal arrived in a nice looking box. I was so excited to try it when we received the box.

The Moonscope needed to be assembled so I had to read the instructions first. The instructions were very easy to understand and I set the Moonscope up in about 5 minutes. It's lightweight and the tripod works well to support the moonscope if it's in a stable and flat surface. It almost toppled over when my 3 year old daughter accidentally hit it so I do suggest anchoring it for added safety.

I familiarized myself with the parts of the moonscope and how to use it. My 6 year old daughter was beside me and I explained to her what the moonscope is and how to use it.
 

I set up the moonscope on our front porch and following the tips on how to use the moonscope, I first tried to focus on the trees in broad daylight. I tried the 2 eyepieces included to see if I can focus them properly. The moonscope is easy to use in broad daylight and I had no problems focusing it. My 6 year old daughter though, wasn't ready to learn how to focus the moonscope yet. The suggested age for the moonscope is children age 8 and up so I had no worries with that. She can however peek through the moonscope and see what I focused on.

It's easy to focus the moonscope in broad daylight but at night, it's a different story. It's harder to focus the moonscope. We're waiting for the full moon next month to see if we can focus on the moon. My daughter is excited to view the moon through the moonscope. :)

The journal has lots of fun and educational activities and I can't wait to help my daughter finish it.

The built-in red light doesn't interfere with the moonscope and it's effective in viewing the journal in the dark.

I do suggest that they provide a container for the eyepieces to minimize the risk of accidentally losing the eyepieces and moon filter and to protect the eyepieces too.

You can purchase the Nancy B's Science Club Moonscope on Amazon.

You can also visit and connect with the Educational Insights' social media sites:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."