Sunday, May 31, 2015

Recipe: Free Up Your Day With My Cheesy-Joes Recipe for An Easy, Quick Summer Meal!


Cheesy-Joes.jpeg
Save yourself time and hassle in the kitchen but still enjoy a quick, home cooked meal with my Cheesy-Joes.

Why confine yourself inside when you can be having fun outside to enjoy this beautiful warm weather now that it finally has arrived?  I can think of a million things that I would rather do than be stuck near a hot stove.  If you also feel that way, then you are going to love my Cheesy-Joes sandwiches!

My recipe is another variation of traditional Sloppy Joe sandwiches like I shared earlier with you with my Sloppy People sandwiches.  This one has a delicious and unique taste that you also will love.  Furthermore, it is as simple as cooking a quick meal from scratch can get and hardly takes much time to prepare.

Though it is extra work, I am rather spoiled when it comes to breads and buns.  I prefer the taste of homemade every time over a package of those spongy hamburger buns.  Since I get up very early any way to do my computer work, I take advantage and mix up a batch of buns while it is cool.  This way the dough grows while I do some work and be ready to shape before the heat sets in.  My buns can be baked and ready in time for lunch.

By the way, if you do have any leftovers, then I have a tip of a great way to use them for another easy meal.  All you need to do is open a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce and add this meat mixture to throw over some pasta. 

I hope you print this wonderful recipe out because it is a time saver when it comes to minimizing time in your kitchen, next to that HOT stove.

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My Cheesy-Joe sandwich

Mary’s Yummy Cheesy-Joe Sandwiches

1 pound of ground turkey or beef
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup
1 tablespoon of prepared mustard
1-1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
½ teaspoon of salt
½ cup of finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons of canola oil
8 hamburger buns


Brown your meat in the oil before adding the chopped onions to brown as well, then drain.

Add the rest of the ingredients and cook through.

Serve on your hamburger buns.

ENJOY!


Saturday, May 30, 2015

Keep This DIY Body Exfoliator Handy for Making More of Your Summer Beauty!

Bath Towels.jpeg
Warm weather beauty calls for more body exfoliation.


Now is the time that you are going to want to pay particular attention to your body with summer nearly upon us.  After all, summer and bathing suits go hand in hand so make sure your body looks its best with smooth, sexy skin.  Therefore, I have a simple DIY Body Exfoliator for you that might become your summer skin’s new best friend.

My recipe is a gentle way to get rid of dead skin without being overly harsh.  It also softens the skin quite well at the same time.  

I hope that you give it a try. You will appreciate  the wonderful benefits it can do, especially for improving the rough skin of elbows.

My DIY Body Exfoliator

one cup of plain table salt
one cup of Epsom salt
1/3 cup of baking soda
large enough piece of muslin to hold the ingredients
a tie or rubber band to secure the filled muslin bag 


All you do is cut a square of muslin that is large enough to hold the above three ingredients.

Mix the salt, the Epsom salt, and baking soda together in a container or mixing bowl before pouring into the measured piece of muslin.  

Gather the ingredients around the muslin and make a pouch.  Secure your bag with a tie or rubber band.

Once you wet it, you can start exfoliating.  

Friday, May 29, 2015

DIY Smoothing Foot Fix Recipe Your Tired, Sore Feet Will Love!



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Treat your sore feet with some pampering relief with my homemade skin care recipe for this Smoothing Foot Soak Fix.
We put our feet through the paces with all the walking, standing, running, and not to mention wedging them into shoes, which can be ill-fitting for the sake of fashion.  Why should it surprise us that by the end of a day our feet can hurt? Therefore, give those sore puppies some tender loving care and emerge them into this wonderful home foot treatment.

Allow yourself at least 30 minutes for these soothing and energizing ingredients to do their work. By the time that you finish, your feet will be softer from all the lactic acid and proteins in the milk as well as be thoroughly moisturized and cleansed thanks also to the gentle exfoliating power of the saponins in the oatmeal, released from finely grinding the oats in your food processor or blender to make colloidal oatmeal. In addition, the honey and baking soda also helps kill bacteria while the Epsom salt serves to revitalize since it is a pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate.

Smoothing Foot Soak Fix for Tired Feet

½ cup dry powdered milk
1 cup of uncooked oatmeal, finely ground
1 tablespoon of honey
4 tablespoons of olive oil
6-1/2 cups of warm water
1/4 cup Epsom salt
1 tablespoon of baking soda


You will need a basin large enough to accommodate your feet along with the water in which you added all the ingredients and combined before soaking your feet.  

After you are through, rinse off and dry before pampering the feet with lotion.

I hope you try it because it does work some magic on feet to make them feel better in no time.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

More Beauty Secrets That Will Keep Your Face From Revealing Your Real Age!



Pretty Woman with flower.jpeg
You will be smiling too once you also know these beauty secrets to keep that face as youthful as possible!


Despite all the best skin care, diet, and cosmetics, there will come a day when every face starts to show those ego destroying effects of time.  Instead of just settling for what you see in the mirror because you think that your face is beyond help when it comes to looking younger, then think again!  All that may be required is learning to adapt hair and makeup to work for your aging face–not call attention to lines and wrinkles.

One of the most important things to remember besides drinking six glasses of water is using an anti-aging moisturizer and eye cream since they help plump up the skin, including those lines and wrinkles for a smoother canvas.  Dehydrated skin is only an invitation for makeup to settle into those problems that you want to hide.  An eye cream will also prevent less stretching of that delicate skin to save you from deepening those fine creases.

If you are noticing more puffiness around the eyes these days, you should get into the habit of drinking this natural beauty tonic before breakfast.  Squeeze a section of fresh lemon a few times into a cup of water before eating or drinking anything.  You can use tap water, cold water or warm to add the lemon too, but do drink this every day.  What this does is to flush out the toxins and salt in your system from the night before while restoring your body’s proper pH.  This home remedy is quite popular in the Orient.  Once you try it, I guarantee that you will be pleased.

On the subject of eyes, another helpful recommendation is skipping mascara on your bottom lashes.  You also want to lighten up on dark liner on your bottom to ring your eyes with.  Why call unneeded attention to that crepey skin?  Concentrate on drawing the eye upward instead.  

Bangs can be a lifesaver for a wrinkle-plagued forehead.  Whether you choose soft, wispy layers or a thick fringe, they hide an aging problem.  At the same time, they can accent your features.

For additional makeup tips on how to look younger or saving yourself from hair mistakes that age. I hope you read the links because they do help. Learn how to subtract years using a blush.  Discover how to keep foundation fresh with settling into those wrinkles.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

RBX Active Brand’s Patterned Capri Legging Review

Disclaimer:  This post is based on a free product provided by a company as a press sample so that I may offer my own  opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours.
RBX Active logo.jpeg

Workout clothes can run into money, if you’re not careful.  However, RBX Active is a new brand that is quite sensibly priced and trendy with their fitness wear collection of tops, bottoms and jackets like the Patterned Capri Digital Camo Legging that I received. 

This Capri is mostly polyester (88%) with ample 12% spandex to give it stretch as well as a waistband pocket, which comes in handy for tissue or key.  It also has X-DRI technology with sweat-wicking materials to keep you comfortable.  Furthermore, it features fade resistant, machine washable fabric in its construction so you can keep on looking good.

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Check out RBX Active Brand's Patterned Capri Legging.  This is the Digital Camo Capri.

I selected the Small (fitting size 4/6) in Military Green  and liked the high-rise and flat lock stearns in this fit for smoothing.  It also comes in three additional sizes of medium (6/8), large (8-10) and extra large (fitting size 12-14) at a price of $29.99 with four other choices of colors in that camo pattern.  


RBX Active Brand’s Patterned Capri Legging (Digital Camo).jpeg
This is the SMALL of RBX Active Brand’s Patterned Capri Legging (Digital Camo).  It looks huge from this angle, but it is sized correctly.


You can find RBX Active in department and sporting good stores,  speciality retailers, or at the company’s website.  Do check them out.

This couldn’t be a better time to do some browsing at RBX Active since the company is currently offering Nuts 4 Stuff readers a coupon code where you can save 25% now through July 31, 2015 when you enter coupon code, Active25 at checkout.

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The Ultimate Hair Rescue With Six Keune Hair Care Line Products Review + ($195) Giveaway! (USA, Canada)–Ends June 14, 2015

*Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


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Here is what you need for the ultimate hair rescue with these six Keune Care Line products.

Beautiful hair does not just happen. It needs to be nurtured and fed just as you do your body with hair products up to the challenge of handling its constantly changing needs.  For those times when your mane is particularly unmanageable and damaged, I was sent some great products from Keune Care Line of products that were definitely up to the task of a hair rescue.

What I tried first was the Care Line’s Ultimate Control Shampoo.  This was a really gentle formula for anyone, but especially those with curls and waves for how it managed frizzy hair with its essential minerals, liquid keratin, silsoft, and provitamin B-5 for strengthening and control.

The Care Line Ultimate Control Conditioner is what I followed with once I dried my hair somewhat with a towel.  It has essential minerals, polymers, silsoft, and silk proteins.   I left this product in for less than five minutes before rinsing out of my hair.

Before I took out my hair dryer, I sprayed some of the Care Line Define Style Thermal Protector into my hair first.  With its shine enhancing and protective moisturizing ingredients like wheat protein and provitamin B-5, etc. this helped save my hair any further damage.  When I finished, the products did tame my unruly curls and waves and added softness with enough control to better style it.

I noticed an improvement in the behavior and feel of my hair, but I knew that my hair still wasn't as healthy as it should be. Therefore, I pulled out the big guns and gave my hair the Keune Ultimate Control Care Line Treatment for some heavy duty deep conditioning after my next shampoo.

The directions state keeping it on for about five minutes and wrap with a hot towel before rinsing it out.  I, however, wanted all its restorative power so I kept this intensive conditioner on an hour while doing my chores.  I wrapped some plastic wrap around my head before my towel, which helped lock in that activating warmth while preventing any leaking mess.

The Care Line Treatment is one excellent, powered conditioner with the way it strengthened and reversed the brittleness with its wheat micro proteins, kervis, silsoft, and silk proteins in its ingredients.  When I was through drying and styling, I loved the look and feel of my hair again.  

About a week later, I decided it was time to see how the Care Line Define Style Ultimate Shine Repair would work with its vitamin E and squalane.  You can use it on damp hair following your shampoo or on dry head to give it more brilliance.  The first time I experimented, I tried some on my dry hair and it turned up the wattage all right.  

On another occasion, I tried the Care Line Ultimate Control Silkening Polish.  This is geared specially for frizzy hair with silk proteins and essential minerals for shine, protection, and handling difficult hair.  I used it on my still damp hair.  After drying, my hair instantly had more gloss and added manageability, which I appreciated and saved me from bringing out my styling iron to refresh my style.

I really noticed a big difference in the condition and behavior of my unruly hair with these Keune Care Line products.  If you are not satisfied with your own hair, I highly recommend visiting the Keune website and picking up some of their professional hair products like this assortment for repairing and controlling frizzy hair because they won’t disappoint you!  

Thanks to Keune Hair Care, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada wins the above six full-size Keune Care Line products ($195 value)!


Keune Hair Care Line Six Products Assortment for Ultimate Hair Rescue.jpeg
Keune Hair Care Line Six Products Assortment for Ultimate Hair Rescue

Giveaway details and how to enter–

Prize: One (1) winner will receive the ultimate hair rescue set with six Keune hair care products–Care Line Ultimate Control Shampoo, Care Line Ultimate Control Conditioner, Care Line Ultimate Control Silkening Polish, Care Line Define Style Thermal Protector, Ultimate Control Care Line Treatment, and Care Line Define Style Ultimate Shine Repair ($195 total value)!

Dates of entry: 05/26/15–6/14/2015 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Eligibility: Open to USA and Canada.  The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Get That Perfect Shade of Nude Lipstick From What You Have!


How many times have you bought a shade of nude lipstick only to find it washed out your coloring with too much beige?  Instead of bothering to return it or stashing it away with your growing collection of bad makeup choices, I want to tell you how to customize that unflattering shade and turn it into the ideal nude.

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Experiment and blend to create a customized nude like this one!

All that is called for is looking through your lip gloss stash for a sheer pink gloss to layer over it.  You won’t believe how wonderfully you can transform the original dull shade just with an extra dose of healthier color to liven it up.  

If the end result of that nude-pink tone is still too ghostly for your skin, then reach into your assortment of lip gloss again and try a deeper pink gloss instead!

I hope you try this little makeup tip because you will solve this mistake easily and get a lot more mileage out of your makeup bag 

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Recipe: My Apple-Carrot Spice Cake Should Be on Your Make This Weekend Treat List!

My Apple-Carrot Spice Cake.jpeg
My Apple-Carrot Spice Cake stays fresh and moist for so long.

As you know, I am a lazy cook when it comes to slaving away in the kitchen. Why work so hard when you can make just as delicious of a recipe only with fewer steps?  This is my motto and it holds true like this incredible sheet cake that I have for you today with my Apple-Carrot Spice Cake

This recipe makes a moist cake with a tender crumb that has cooked apple, grated carrot and some yellow raisins mixed along with the spices and just a hint of unsweetened cocoa to nurture that incredible flavor along.  It also has extra protein from the addition of some oat flour to the regular flour along with an unusual Choco-Spice Crumb Topping.

You’ll love the taste, ease of whipping one up, and especially how well this cake stays fresh–that is, if it can last that long.  

Try it this weekend if you get a chance.  You love all those compliments that will roll in once it is served.


My Apple-Carrot Spice Cake


Cake Batter:

½ cup of cooked apples (microwave about two of any variety like Gala that I used)
1 cup of oat flour
1 cup of all-purpose flour
3/4 cup of brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup of white sugar
1 teaspoon of baking powder, leveled
½ teaspoon of baking soda, leveled
2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa 
½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
½ cup of canola oil
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon of milk

Choco-Spice Crumb Topping:

1/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
1/4 cup of flour
2 tablespoon of butter
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa

Rub the ingredients together as you do when making a pastry.  Set aside.


Peel and chop the apples into small pieces before cooking in the microwave for a few minutes or on the stove in some water until they are soft enough to mash.

Place mashed apples in your mixing bowl with the sugars, spices, eggs, oil, and milk before gradually adding the flour sifted with the baking soda and baking powder as you beat to combine.

Pour into a well greased baking pan about 12-3/4" x 9" x 2" and top with the Choco-Spice Crumb mixture. 

Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 25-30 minutes depending on how your oven is regulated.  Test with a toothpick, slender knife or cake tester to determine if it is done.

ENJOY!

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My Apple-Carrot Spice Cake is so simple to make and will please!

Friday, May 22, 2015

Celebrate ELLE Magazine's 30th Birthday---#HappyBirthdayELLE Surprise Gift Review

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ELLE Magazine is having a 30th birthday and kindly included me in their celebration.  Check out my gift in this #HappybirthdayELLE box I was sent.


The other day I got an unexpected surprise.  ELLE Magazine sent me a surprise gift box of products in celebration of their 30th birthday.  Here’s to wishing them another 30 years of sharing incredible beauty and fashion to inspire and excite us.

Inside I found a 6.8 oz. tube of Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum, which smells awesome even closed. The scent with ten times deep healing power cream is a beautiful rose floral with amber and vanilla that does feel silky, non-greasy and heals red, irritated hands quite well.  

Next, I got a packet of Farmer’s Market Berry Crumble that I made in the microwave for breakfast.  It has whole rolled oats, steel cut oats, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and quinoa in this ThinkThin protein and fiber hot oatmeal from Think Products.

I also was treated to a ThinkThin High Protein Bar in Brownie Crunch.  This was yummy, gluten-free with 0 grams of sugar and a whooping 20 grams of protein and 230 calories.  It tasted like a candy bar but was only better for you. 

There was also a 0.04 oz. sample of Calvin Klein’s Euphoria Eau De Parfum, which I adore in how those exotic fruits, black orchid and woods come together.

Last of all, I got a sample box of Tampax Radiant Tampons of three that always comes in handy.

Thanks ELLE Magazine for my making me a part of your birthday!  Congratulations again and here’s wishing your great publication many more birthdays yet to come.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Review: IT Cosmetics NEW CC + Vitality Brightening Creme Blush with Angled Radiance Brush to Dazzle Like You Were Born to!

Disclaimer:  This post is based on a free product provided by a company as a press sample so that I may offer my own  opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Vitality Brightening Creme Blush.jpeg
IT Cosmetics CC+ Vitality Brightening Creme Blush


IT Cosmetics really does understand how to enhance a woman’s beauty and work with an aging face.  With their new CC+ Vitality Brightening Creme Blush and Angled Radiance Brush for application that I have been using, you can’t help but notice how fresh and genuine of a glow emerges while fading some years off a face in the process.

This blush comes in only one universal shade called Naturally Pretty, an innocent pink that reminds me of an infant’s cheek with its tender flush.  Regardless of your coloring, I think this particular tone of the creme blush shade can compliment all complexions from how this illuminating influx of healthy color manages to seep through the skin. 

You do have an advantage of picking up just enough of this creamy blush with how well this airy, angled brush captures this smooth spreading pigment.  If you need more, you just need to dip your brush in again for another round of pigment.


IT Cosmetics Angled Radiance Brush.jpeg
IT Cosmetics Angled Radiance Brush helps better deliver that amazing glow.


With my dry complexion, I loved how the CC+ Creme Blush made my cheeks beam to look dewy and so angelic while keeping that beautiful look intact for hours.  The glow was more natural appearing than a powder with how thoroughly it merged with my complexion.  


IT Cosmetics NEW CC + Vitality Brightening Creme Blush swatch.jpeg
Here is a swatch of IT Cosmetics CC+ Vitality Brightening Creme Blush.

Thanks to IT Cosmetics amazing anti-aging technology that also hydrates with ingredients like with peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, niacin, algae, silk, anti-Oxidants, and Drops of Light Technology for brightening, this CC+ Creme Blush does a better job of distracting the eye from those fine lines and creases while it colors.  I call that remarkable.

Take it from this IT Cosmetics girl, try this CC+ Vitality Brightening Creme Blush ($24) and the Angled Radiance Brush ($48) and start subtracting some time of your face as well!   This one will be a keeper.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Discover Lilee Beauty and Lifestyle Subscription Box -- May 2015 Box Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Lilee Box for May 2015, opened.jpeg
Take a first glimpse inside Lilee Box for May 2015.


Subscription box addicts, there is a new beauty and lifestyle subscription that you may not be aware of.  Let me introduce you to the Lilee Box that comes to you from the same company that puts out Beauty Box 5--Snap Brands.

What exactly makes up a Lilee Box?  Well, you can find anything from cosmetics, jewelry, hair and skin care, stationery, coffee or tea, scarves or gloves, home accents, fragrances, nail care or beauty tools.  All the products in each box are full-size and estimated with at least a $120 value.
Lilee Box for May 2015, unopened.jpeg
Look at how nicely packaged the Lilee Box is upon arrival.


This cost is $49 a month with free shipping in the United States or $189 for a four-month commitment or $499 by enrolling for a year.


Lilee Box for May 2015 out of the box.jpeg
Here is everything from  Lilee Box for May 2015 up close.


Now that you have a better understanding about Lilee, I want to show you the May 2015 box.  The theme is “brunch” with all the items you need to do it right girl-to-girl style!


Here are the Your Minerals Blush and Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow.jpeg
On the left is the Your Minerals Rose Hip Rouge Blush with the Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow on the right.
Lilee Box May 2015


1.  Lilee Invites (Set of four) ----------------------------------------------------------$10.00

2.  Texas Coffee Trade (Lilee Coffee 2.5 oz. Bag)------------------------------$6.99

3.  Knotty Floral Chain Bracelet/Hair Tie----------------------------------------- $14.99

4.  Your Minerals Rose Hip Rouge Blush ----------------------------------------$26.00

5.  Lilee Tea Towel----------------------------------------------------------------------$22.99

6.  Rachel’s Plan Bee Facial Oil (1 oz.)--------------------------------------------$20.00

7.  Perk Naturals Coffee First Body Scrub (7 oz.)-------------------------------$19.63

8.  The Perth Soap Co. Sparkling Champagne Cleansing Bar (6 oz.)------$10.00

9.  Lilee Champagne Stopper---------------------------------------------------------$15.99

10. Bonus Gift (Marsk Mineral Vanilla Frosting Eye Shadow)-----------------$22.50

11.  Bonus Gift (Love Life Skin’s Hand & Body Cream (1 oz.)---------------- $5.00



Total Value:    $174.09


The Lilee Invites features four cards with coordinated pink envelopes.

The bag of Lilee Coffee is Lilee’s Brunch Blend in Medium/Dark.  You have enough ground coffee to brew one half gallon.  I had some for breakfast and it was delicious.

The Knotty Floral Chain Bracelet that can be used also as a hair tie is a yellow floral ribbon with a small brass colored section of chain with a Knotty symbol dangling from it.  This is not my style, but it is lovely if you go into that sort of thing.

The Your Minerals Rose Hip Rouge Blush is a nice pink shade that is fresh looking and quite natural when applied.  It gave my cheeks a healthy glow to them.

The Lilee Tea Towel has a cocktail recipe printed on it.

I didn’t try the Perk’s Natural Coffee Body Scrub yet, but coffee as an ingredient in this type of product does help in the war against cellulite.  This looks like a wonderful body care aid yet to discover.

The Rachel’s Plan Bee Facial Oil is for normal to dry skin.  It has vitamin E, olive squalane, apricot kernel and cranberry seed oils among other plant-based ingredients.  This also looks like a product that I am going to love using once I finish with my current skin care testing.

The Perth Soap Co.’s Sparkling Champagne Cleansing Bar has an incredible fragrance that greeted me as soon as I opened this box.  It also has argan oil to make it extra moisturizing.

I have used the Marsk Vanilla Frosting Mineral Eye Shadow before after finding it in a Beauty Box 5.  I liked getting another one because it always comes in handy for highlighting.

The Love Life Skin Moisture Reservoir Hand & Body Cream comes sealed.  This is a rich formula that is fragrance, paraben, and sulfate free.  I did like how this stuff handled dryness on my hands.

The Lilee Champagne Stopper will go into a drawer for now.  It will come in handy for special occasions.  

Overall, I did think it was an impeccably packaged box that made a beautiful presentation from the design of the outside of box, the bow to how it was gift-wrapped with a black tissue and gold seal.  Though the products were very nice, I do think some of the products were overestimated in value for their worth like $22.99 for a tea towel? Nonetheless, Lilee is still a great box that you should check out.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Monday, May 18, 2015

Review + Swatches: Behold the Unfolding Beauty of L’Occitane en Provence’s Pivoine Flora Fragrance/Body Care and Sublime Line Collection!

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

L'Occitane's new Pivoine (Peony) Collection.jpeg
Discover the magic of  the peony flower with L'Occitane's new Pivoine Collection.


L’Occitane en Provence expanded their bewitching Pivoine Flora (Peony) Fragrance and Body Care line with an official launch on May 11, 2015 and will now include peony-based skin care and cosmetics with their Pivoine Sublime products. 

The scent of their Pivoine Eau de Toilette is something exquisite for how fresh and green this fragrance fully showcases the sweet floral beauty of the peony. Read my review to feel how its notes of black currant, bergamot, pink pepper, peony, freesia, white sandalwood, musk and peach work so perfectly together.  

I had reviewed other Pivoine Body Care products like the Pivoine Flora Beauty Cream and the Shimmering Oil, but I never got to try the Bath Gel until it recently arrived with the products for this review.  I do warn you that when you get into the tub with the Pivoine Flora Shower Gel ($20), then you will not want to get out. The scent is so intoxicating that you will keep on lingering until others pound on the door of the bathroom to check if you have, indeed, drowned. This should tell you how long you may be tempted enjoying those captivated scented bubbles that leave skin hydrated and delicately scented, making the ideal base for that Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette ($55).

What if I told you that L’Occitane managed to harvest even more beauty out of that flower with their new line of Sublime skin care and cosmetics?   I received a few of those new products for this review as well.


L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime CC Cream (left) and Perfecting Cream (right).jpeg
L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime CC Cream (left) and Perfecting Cream (right).

These products utilize peony extract with their specially developed Perfecting Peony Complex along with mineral-based pigments and pearlizers, hyaluronic acid, chestnut extract and natural powders. 

I got the Pivoine Sublime CC Cream ($34) in Light.  This is a white, hydrating cream base that develops its color once on the skin.  I wasn’t sure how much coverage it would provide, but it smoothed and radiated such a lovely, natural glow that it distracted the eye from fine lines and wrinkles. With the way this can brighten and illuminate, you can wear it under your makeup or just alone and it will perk up a dull complexion beautifully!

Another joy to use was the Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream ($42).  With my allergies, my complexion is extra sensitive at this time of year.  However, I am happy to report I had no problem with any irritation because it left quite a comforting feel that felt silky and nicely moisturized when I stroked my face.  


L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime Lip Balms.jpeg
 Here are two of L'Occitane's new Pivoine Sublime Lip Balms.  Rose Plum  is one the left and Rose Nude is on the right.

My lips were not neglected either.  I got to test out two of the new Pivoine Sublime Lip Balms ($16) in Rose Nude ( sheer glowing, soft pink)  and Rose Plum (deeper pink-plum).   This product quenches dry lips with soothing hydration and a sheerer wash of color.  It does have a slight peony scent as well.


L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime Lip Balms swatches.jpeg
I swatched the Pivoine Sublime Lip Balms for you.  The Rose Nude is on the left and the Rose Plum is on the right.


There is also a Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Essence ($48) and a Perfecting Mist ($24) in the line, which sound worth checking out.  Do visit L’Occitane and browse the new Pivoine products because they are quite nice!

Sunday, May 17, 2015

An Easier Way to Clean Your Hair Brushes and Combs!


Hair brush.jpeg
You will be surprised at how well this simple recipe cleans brushes and combs.




The next time you plan on cleaning your hair brushes and combs, I have a wonderful shortcut that you should try for a better way to clean and disinfect them.

Soak your stying tools in a container with two tablespoons of baking soda, one tablespoon of mouthwash and a tablespoon of dish detergent to enough warm water to cover them.

You will like how much better this simple trick will deep clean and reduce the amount of time you need to soak them.  

Later, you just rinse those tools off with water.

I hope you try it because it does work very nicely!

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Review: NEW Renuzit Pearl Scents

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


Renuzit Pearl Scents Blue Sky Breeze.jpeg
Renuzit Pearl Scents in Blue Sky Breeze has a subtle sweetness to its freshness that  is more welcoming than overpowering.

As a Purex Insider, I immediately signed up to try the new Renuzit Pearl Scents when I had the chance.  As one that truly appreciates fragrances whether to wear personally or to beautify my home, I thought it would be interesting to see how much better scented pearls would be to my current room freshener since I had never tried their product before. 

When my box arrived, I received the Blue Sky Breeze scent. There are After the Rain, Tranquil, Serenity, and Seductive Pineapple also available of this air freshener that is meant to keep its fragrance for up to 30 days.

I debated over whether to leave this in my game room or bathroom, but decided to make this product really work. Therefore, I took off that protective inner seal and parked it in the bathroom.  Instantly, that small space was blooming with the fresh scent of a summer day with a bit of floral sweetness mingling in the mix. 

It has only been a few days, but my bathroom still smells just as lovely as when I first opened that blue jar. By the way, the cap has an intricate pattern that stays open once that inner seal is removed to help release and circulate the fragrance.

I don’t know how many days it will keep radiating that same strength of its fragrance, but it did a beautiful job so far in this small room.  Now I am anxious to pick up the Tranquility and Seductive Pineapple scents next.

Check the new Renuzit Pearl Scents the next time you go shopping!