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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Organic Hair Care  

I discovered a new hair care line, that I absolutely love and must share with all of you!! Of course, I am still into the "sulfate free" shampoos, but not really excited about paying $20+ for an 8 ounce bottle! I was at Harris Teeter (VA grocery store) browsing through the grocery store brand shampoos...when I happened upon the organic hair care section. That is were I discovered Giovanni Hair Care. I took at chance on it, because it was $7.99 for the shampoo and $8.99 for the conditioner. I figured, not a huge loss if it is terrible.
I tried it and LOVED it. I use the Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Shampoo for color treated hair and the 50:50 Balance Hydrating conditioner. It makes my hair so shiny and soft, but not too soft, where it is limp. 


Here is the description for the shampoo:





For normal to dry hair. Enriched with certified organic botanicals.
  • Protects chemically enhanced hair color.
  • Adds moisture and manageability.
  • Infuses shine every day, all day.
  • Contains no laurel/laureth sulfates.


When hair is dry, it needs a drink. Give it the hydration it needs, and wants, with a balance of ingredients that infuse moisture while locking in color. 50/50 Balanced Shampoo balances the art of clean with supreme protection. Gentle enough for every day, superior shine is on the way. Smile. This is happy hour…for your hair.



Ingredients: Aqua (purified water) with *rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil, *nettle (Uritica dioica) oil, *thyme (Thymus vulagris) oil, birch leaf (Butela alba) oil, *chamomile (Anthemis nobilus flower) oil, *clary (Salvia sclarea), *lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), *coltsfoot leaf (Tussilago farfara), *yarrow (Achillea millefolium) oil, *mallow (Malva sylvestris), *horsetail (Equistetum arvense) oil, *soybean protein (Glycine soja), C12-14 olefin sulfonate (coconut derived), cocamidopropyl betaine, tocopherol (vitamin E), trace minerals, citric acid (corn), sodium hydroxymethyglycinate, sodium chloride (sea salt), grapefruit seed (citrus derived).

Certified organic in accordance with California Organic Foods Act of 1990.




From website:
Arthur Giovanni knew that his company would take flight to bring beauty to the world. After all, he had started as a hairdresser himself before blossoming into a leading hair stylist and a Beverly Hills salon owner. His "On Sunset" salon attracted some of the most influential people in Southern California while his quest to forever create simply beautiful hair led him on journey that would take him beyond Southern California, to the most natural corners of the world searching. His quest led to a partnership with a pioneering physician, and the birth of something truly extraordinary; a new company with newer formulas. By tapping into nature's vast resources, the company that bears his name soon came to represent beauty from the elements as well as beauty from within. It still does. It's quite an extraordinary feat. 

Giovanni Cosmetics uses formulas that incorporate vitamins, herbs, minerals, proteins, nutrients and the purest of essential oils. The patented Giovanni PureOrganic Technology™ represents an exquisite blend of exotic organic oils, ripe-harvested from renewable plants at the peak of their freshness. The oils are cold pressed and refrigerated immediately to ensure maximum purity. The result is a change for anyone who chooses to indulge in. 



Giovanni Hair Care. Beauty from the Elements.
The elements of earth, wind, fire and water represent a unique combination of certified organic botanicals and incredible style. Shampoos, conditioners, treatments, stylers and finishers.

Giovanni Body Care. Dream a little dream of you.
The fantasy of glorious skin can be yours. All you need do is close your eyes and allow yourself to be transported via body washes, body lotions, body butters and body scrubs.

Giovanni Cosmetics remains a family owned company. We are committed to creating only the purest formulations, packaged in the most original bottles and marketed with an extraordinary showing of photographs and concepts. 






For more information and retailer info check out: www.giovannicosmetics.com


This is where to find it on the internet:
www.vitacost.com 45% off
www.amazon.com about 10% off
www.drugstore.com has free shipping on $25 or more
www.mothernature.com 23% off

Monday, January 25, 2010

Reusable Bags!  

We all need to do our part in saving the planet. The average American uses 500 plastic bags per year! That seems like a crazy amount to me! I started, a while ago, to use the reusable bags sold at the grocery store, for my food shopping. But recently, I thought, why not use reusable bags for gift bags?! They come in such great prints and colors, I thought they would make the perfect gift bag, that keeps giving. I found some really fun ones at Home Goods. They were $3.99 for 2 bags. Here are some cool ones that I found on the internet. I think the Valentine's bag is especially fun! Why not show your special someone that you not only care about them, but the environment too!!








T-Sack Bags- www.amazon.com
$6 for 12 bags







Reusable Gift Bags- www.amazon.com
$8- for 6 bags



















Fashionable and Functional Bags- www.waste-less.com
3.99 Each- These come with a case to carry the bag in!!





Friday, January 22, 2010

My Artistic Impressions  





Many of you know that my mother is an artist. For those of you who do not, I want to share this with you!!
About a year ago, I decided to promote my very talented mother. Cindy Wallace, my mother, specializes in acrylic art on canvas. Her paintings are a happily-ever-after marriage of vibrant colors, bold brush strokes and a vivid imagination, creating whimsical, eye-catching and often thought provoking work. Primarily self-taught, her work is represented in a growing number of American galleries, and has been acquired in corporate and private collections in the United States and abroad.



Her "people" are what make her paintings so unique and personal. For my wedding, my mother, created a masterpiece that was not only on dispay at our cocktail hour, but is and will hang in my home for years to come! After my wedding, a few of my friends loved this idea, and commissioned my mother to paint an original piece that they too would cherish for a lifetime.



I guess it took being laid off, and having some time to think, that made me realize I need to promote this very talented lady! This is how My Artistic Impressions came about!





Examples shown are commissioned pieces that hang in homes across the U.S. 
If you are interested in a personalized piece of art check us out for more details:

www.myartisticimpressions.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

More ways to energize naturally!  

As promised, here are a few other ways that we as moms can energize, naturally throughout the day! 


1. Get your day started with the help of a stimulating citrus oil in your shower-
A few drops of lemon or grapefruit oil will do the trick. You can add drops to your bath water(like anyone has time for a bath), add a few drops to your shower floor (more realistic), or to your sponge/cloth and rub the oils all over you. Breathe in deeply as you lather. The aroma will help wake you up!

I suggest:
Honey and Lemon softening oil from L'Occitane- $14













2. When you are feeling tired, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a tissue and inhale frequently- The stimulating scent will give you the boost you need!


I suggest:




Now Peppermint Oil- $6.99 for 1 oz bottle
Located at GNC stores, or on www.amazon.com




3. Scrubbing your skin in the shower will will boost circulation and energize your whole body.


I suggest:

Kiehl's Gentle Exfoliating Body Scrub (Grapefruit)- $25
Located at www.nordstrom.com



Information from "Energize" by Carol Morley and Liz Wilde

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Energize!  

My mom has been begging me to read this little book that she gave to me called,
"Engerize- 100 Natural Ways to Recharge". I guess she feels I need a little energy boost! What mom doesn't right??!! I got a lot out of the book, and thought I would share a few helpful tips each day this week!
So here we go:






1. When stress is zapping the energy right our of you, counteract it with energy-giving foods. This means you should fill up on food in it's natural state. Examples: raw fruits and vegetables, whole-wheat bread, nuts and seeds.







2. Bananas are the ultimate "feel good"food. They are a starch, rich in fiber. They offer quick-release, slow-acting energy, and also contain mood-enhancing ingredients like B6. Grab a banana instead of a chocolate bar the next time you need to "feel good"!!


3. Had an exhausting week? Treat yourself to a Japanese meal! Seaweed is known to boost energy levels. SO, grab a seaweed salad and your favorite maki and you should start to regain some energy for your weekend!!



Information from "Energize" by Carol Morley and Liz Wilde

Friday, January 15, 2010

Fish oil for skin...  

I thought I would stick to skin care this week, cause it's really on my mind!
I was talking to a friend the other day at a play date, we were discussing our terrible "winter skin"!
I told her about my discovery of Juice Beauty, and she brought up "fish oil".
She said that she takes fish oil supplements to help her skin. 





I did some research on this and found out the following:
 Fish oil containing the Omega 3 essential fatty acid EPA is said to help prevent wrinkles and can delay the ageing process of the skin according to recent research published in the Journal of Lipid Research in 2005. Scientists have also found that fish oil containing EPA can limit the damage to the skin caused by overexposure to the sun and helps to reduce the negative effect of UV rays. 

Essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are known to play a critical role in promoting healthy skin.  They help to regulate cellular function and maintain elasticity and suppleness in the skin.  Consequently, a fatty acid deficiency will show up as skin problems. Most of us do not get enough of the Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet whereas Omega 6 fatty acids are in plentiful supply. Symptoms of Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include skin problems like eczema, dandruff, dry and flaking skin and poor wound healing.

Dr. Liz Miller

So basically, fish oil slows the process of getting those unsightly, and dreaded wrinkles! It also helps stimulate the enzymes to produce structural proteins needed for the formation and maintenance of collagen and elastin. When you provide those to your skin, it will look much younger and rosier, and who doesn't want that?!


I am going to get some this weekend! I will write back in a few weeks to let you know how it's working!
If you try it too, post a comment and let us know if you see results!

The Nature Made brand shown above is on sale now at www.drugstore.com for $11.24 for 180 softgels.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Juice Beauty  

I don't know about you all, but my skin is a MESS lately. Between the dry air outside and the heat in my house...I am a hot mess!
I could not seem to moisture my face enough to combat the dryness! As a result, I started to break out, and I was getting blotchy. I am telling you a mess!
I asked a friend of mine, who is very into taking care of her skin, what skin care products she uses.
She told me about the Juice Beauty line of products, sold at Sephora.




Juice Beauty is an organic skin care line, that uses the purest organic ingredients that our world has to offer, to create products that offer optimum age-defying results.

From the site:
"Juice Beauty... Innovative organic beauty solutions masterminded by a team of women who are passionate about organic and healthy lifestyles and whose organic products are backed by powerful science. Karen (Head Juicer - 25 years pioneering healthy lifestyles companies) and Melissa (Product Juicer - 15 years pioneering organic beauty formulations) are the organic wellness innovators driving Juice Beauty's success. These California women are on a mission to bring pleasurable organic beauty solutions to people worldwide. They believe that a healthy, organic lifestyle not only applies to what we eat but also, what we put on our faces and bodies. That, in fact, it is fun and satisfying to take care of ourselves and the planet. These passions and beliefs are shared by everyone at Juice Beauty, a company full of people committed to providing effective organic solutions for healthy, radiant skin" 




I started with the Nutrient Moisturizer and I LOVE it! This nutrient-rich organic moisturizer blends certified organic grape juice, vitamin-rich carrot juice and nourishing essential fatty acids to replenish and protect for smooth, healthy skin. It not only feels amazing, but smells fresh and clean.
When I apply the moisturizer in the morning and at night, I feel like I am doing something great for my skin! I am extremely impressed with this product line, and plan to purchase the Smoothing Eye Concentrate VERY SOON!!



 The price points are pretty reasonable too. The Nutrient Moisturizer is $36.00 for a 2 ounce jar.


For more information and to check out the whole product line go to : www.juicebeauty.com.
I promise you will love it!

Friday, January 8, 2010

to bang or not to bang??  













Ok, I know that title sounds extremely perverted, but what I am actually talking about is cutting bangs!!
It's the new year, and it's time for a new look!
I am a big fan of bangs! Not only do they cover up my unfortunate frown line...but I just think they look fresh and on trend!
Bangs are not the right move for all hair styles but, when done right can really add to your existing do!
There are a few different styles of bangs:
  • Straight Bangs- The hair is combed straight down slightly around the brows.
  • Parted Bangs- Parted either down the middle or off center slightly.
  • Choppy Bangs- Uneven and choppy and add flair to the hairstyle.
  • Side Swept Bangs- Swept to one side usually in a sleek fashion.
  • Wispy Bangs- Slightly sprinkled lightly over the forehead
  • Blunt Bangs- Cut in a blunt manner and come down over the forehead
  • Wavy Bangs- Curled or waved before being swept over the forehead
I suggest talking to your hair stylist before cutting bangs to find out if it is the right look for your facial features! If it is, GO FOR IT!! You can always grow them out if you do not like them. But, if you never try them, you will never know how fabulous they really are!!
GOOD LUCK!!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Go Plate  

Ok, so I am not a huge fan of all of the "AS seen on TV" Products. However, I found one that I thought is actually very useful, especially with the Super Bowl approaching!
Check out these "Go Plates"!


There is nothing better than gathering with friends and family to watch the big game(especially when the Steelers are in it)!! Inevitably, you are going to be serving some sort of chips and dips and you do not always have enough table space for everyone to place their plates and beverages. Now you can use this very functional plate to avoid the messy clean up after the game. It allows you to separate your food (so that your blue cheese from your wings doesn't mix with your guacamole!) into the dividers and carry your beer or soda all at the same time! No more juggling your plate and your beer, and spilling in the process! I know as a mom, the last thing I want to be doing is cleaning more than I already do!!
These plates can also be used at a tailgate, picnic, or on a boat!
GREEN!
The Go Plate is made from recycled plastic and can be washed and re-used.
The price is right too! For 21 plates $19.99.
check out www.thegoplate.com for more details.
They can also be found at www.amazon.com


So, order some Go Plates and enjoy the Big Game!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Skin Brightening...  




I thought I would stick to the "cheap beauty products" theme for today.
I used Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash for years, and LOVED it! However, the "recessionista" in me did not love the $22.00 price tag.  So, I started to look elsewhere for my face wash. I thought about what I really loved about the Bliss face wash, it was the cleansing beads, that made my skin so soft. So, that is where I started my search at the grocery store.

I did not search long, when I came across Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub.
I read the description and thought, this is exactly what I wanted in a face wash. So, I gave it a try.
I LOVE the product and it's $7.99 price tag!

The Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub helps improve skin tone and texture and gives you brighter, more radiant skin. It is perfect for sensitive skin and for everyday use because, it is oil-free, soap-free and hypoallergenic.
I have found that my skin is softer with this product than with the $22 Bliss face wash. 

Give it a try and let me know what you think!!

Monday, January 4, 2010

De-Puff  






I am all about the high-end cosmetic industry, but lately I have played around with some of the grocery store brands, and I have got to tell you, I am impressed. I was especially interested in a way to get rid of my puffy eyes, in the morning!! I think I have tried every eye cream that Kiehl's makes and nothing was helping. My mom suggested that I try the Garnier Skin- Renew  Anti- Puff Eye Roller. I was skeptical at first, how could something that costs around $12.00 really work??!
Well guess what, IT WORKS! I have used it morning and night, for about 3 weeks now and I have seen results! My eyes are not as puffy and my dark circles are diminishing! With continued use, my puffiness should further be reduced and my dark circles will hopefully vanish!!




From Garnier USA:

    Is it right for me?
    While you sleep circulation slows down and causes fluid to collect in your lower eye area. Dark circles and puffiness appear. Skin Renew anti-puff eye roller is right for you if you gently want to stimulate micro-circulation around skin's delicate eye area to decongest excess fluid for diminished dark circles and puffiness. 

    How do I use it?
    Gently roll Skin Renew anti-puff eye roller under the eye from the inner corner to the outer corner, one to two times.
     

For more information check out www.garnierusa.com

Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think!

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