Personal MicroDerm At-Home Microdermabrasion System Review

After trying product after product, I've been still looking for that one product that works with great results.  I'm one of those ones that want immediate results even though I know that the signs of aging and damage from the sun didn't.  I have learned to be a bit more patient while trying products.  I have tried some over the counter products that have a micro-abrasive quality to them and kept using them in an attempt to help offset those vicious signs that I don't like.  About three to four week's ago, I receive a complimentary Personal MicroDerm At-Home Microdermabrasion System.  This product has been on The Doctors in case you might recognize the name.

Unfortunately, I've never had a profession microdermabrasion service done so I can't provide my thoughts on a comparison.  However, I did watch the accompanied DVD that told me exactly how to set up and use the system.  The DVD was very clear how important it was to follow the direction to avoid damage to your skin.  I liked how easy it was to follow and felt that it was just the right information.  The system was beyond easy to use and I followed the directions exactly as stated.  The system uses the same aluminum crystals found in the professional systems in the doctor's office.  It's perfect size to fit in a small, medium or large hand and is powered by electricity so no need to stock up on the batteries.  It's perfect for travel and those on the go.

After cleaning your face, you select from one of the two exfoliating discs and start the process.  It's very easy as you use your one hand to help hold the skin firm while using the hand to utilize the hand held device.  The directions state to start slowly to ensure it's not too potent for your skin.  I did have problems using it on my jaw line as I wanted to see how well it would work on old acne scars.  Since I don't have a lot of fat or skin to hold firmly, it cannot lie flat against the curve of the jaw bone.  I have been using it on my cheeks, upper cheek area, lower face, forehead, chest (sun damage) and the back of my hand for comparison purposes.  I also used the accompanying M2 serum and moisturizing products which I LOVE!  Immediately, I noticed how soft my skin was in the areas I used the PMD.  It felt great and after continued use, I really did see a difference.

I'm hooked and will post an after picture after four more weeks when I'm hoping to really show off the results.  Priced at $179, it does seem to be a lot but if you pay for professional services, you know that this is nothing compared to that.  I will note that there are recommended products to use along with the PMD such as Boske Dermaceuticals Molecular Repair which I did not sample with this review but as I noted, I love the M2.

Nero Kwik Media: A Free Application for Photos, Music & Video Review

The modern age has provided us with a modern need for a solution to keep our photos, music and video in one easy to find format. Having them in various formats and locations can become a tedious task if you plan on using them for projects or just wanting to have an easier access. I recently reviewed Nero Kwik Media which is a free application with which you can organize, edit, and share your photos, music and videos. Since I'm a mom and a blogger, I have tons of pictures and videos along with some music. I want to be able to make photo projects, to write blog posts and so much more so the Nero Kwik Media proved to be ideal for my needs.


It's an easy to use program that is free and downloads pretty quick. To see if your computer meets the requirements, just click here for the minimum requirements. I had no issues with the download nor with the easy to use adding photo or library features.  You can easily add folders, import from devices and discs and burn music CDs from your collection. I added some of my music library and will be ready for Christmas!

The first project I made was a leather bound photo book. You can also create cards and calendars. The steps are pretty easy:

1. Launch the new photo project - photo book and your "creating photobook" screen opens after you name your new project.
2. Select your product from softcover, hardcover or premium covers.
3. Choose your size of book and photobook cover material (if premium is chosen).
4. Select from a theme provided or create your own. You can also choose photobook layout from "economic mode" to "design mode" depending on how much control you want on the layout.
5. Select your photos and edit photos if desired.
6. Arrange how you want and add text.
7. Preview and done.

I have made photo books from other places and although I had a couple of hiccups at first either due to the software with my computer or my computer, they ceased after I clicked a button that read something like 'send information to Nero.' After that one hiccup, it worked beautiful.  

Features I liked:

• Photos are easy to move, resize and to rotate to provide a scrapbook appearance.
• The photo editing software is easy to use and doesn't distort the colors in the auto correct feature like some other programs do. The features are perfect!
• When selecting your photos, you can adjust the size of the photos to ensure you are picking the correct photos for your project.
• Text can be easily deleted or added.
• Themes can be changed in your project without causing problems with your layouts.
• Extra features such as jewelry and other elements can be added to the pages to give it a more personalized or scrapbook appearance.
• Easily add more pages if you have many pictures.

I ordered my book with no issues. It was easy and they offered the conveniences of paying with PayPal too. I will update this post on the quality of the book once I receive it.


If you need help using Nero Kwik Media, there are videos on YouTube to help.


Overall, there is nothing I can complain about as the software is easy to use and making the book was effortless. The only issue I had was choosing which photos to use!


UPDATE: I just received my personalized Nero Kwik Media photo book in record breaking time and LOVE it! The pictures are of the same quality that I had on my computer. I note that because I have ordered photo books from other places only to have a poor reproduction of the photos I submitted. The photos are clear, the colors are correct and of the right size. There has been no alterations to cause a poorer quality. The pages are heavy stock and the appearance is perfect. I also like the borders as it's not a poor imitation of a style rather it's elegant and very nice. I am very happy with the quality of the program in making the books, the ordering process was easy, shipment was quick and the overall quality of the book was exceptional. To date, the best looking photo book I have ordered and would definitely recommend!




This post is part of a SocialMoms product evaluation, for which I’ve been selected. One free photo book was made available to me for review purposes. I’ve been compensated for my time with a $100 PayPal payment. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of SocialMoms or Nero.

Mamavation Monday

I've finally had some good weeks with getting healthier.  I'm trying to stay away from the "I'm dieting" sentence as this is truly a need to change a life style.  Three week's ago, I challenged my family to join me in getting to this weight reduction/getting healthier mode and they have joined me.  Although there is one, my mom, who isn't committed, the others are.

In total, we lost over 23 pounds in the three weeks since we started so I'm very happy.  I've been using the Slim-Fast plan to help with counting and controlling my calories mostly because I can still choose healthy snacks and a healthy dinner comprised of vegetables and lean protein.

I still have a way to go with my goals but I'm making progress again.  The fit attention has moved into my young daughters which is good.  I want them to focus on healthy versus being fat or chubby.  They are neither but I don't ever want to have any attention, especially at their impressionable ages, to worry about their appearance in that manner.

This was our weigh in day photos of just messing around, having fun and not sitting around watching TV.

I've also been MIA but plan to kick it into gear.  The holidays will be tough but I will get here.  I'm down 11 pounds over the past three weeks and plan to finish my goals by the end of the year in terms of the weight I want to be.  The other goal is a life time goal of being healthy.

Skinn Cosmetic's Olive & Enzyme Rich Balm Cleanser Review & Giveaway 11/30

Keeping my face clean, healthy and youthful is important to me. I spend a lot of time finding the right products because I'm not going down without a fight. I want to try to stay as youthful for as long as I can and I truly feel if you do the right things, you can at least slow it down.  One of the products that I have tried in the past and have tried again is the Olive and Enzyme Rich Balm Cleanser from Skinn Cosemetics.  I'm always up for new products to see what will provide the most optimal effect and I can say that I like this product.


For starters, it's a lightweight cleanser that really goes a long way.  I have a tendency to forget and squeeze too much out but it just pushes me to protect and cleanse my neck and upper chest area as those are fragile areas that need protection too.  I love the smell as it's an orangey dreamsicle-like aroma with a hint of what I feel is vitamin C.  It goes on rich and rinses off easily.  No residues and my kin felt softer and clean.  I tried a cleansing pad afterwards to test how well it worked to remove make up and under eye eyeliner creep and it did a great job.

What I also like about the Olive and Enzyme Rich Balm Cleanser is the formula as contains polyphenols and skin enzymes, boosting collagen and fighting free radicals.  It's a great step to giving your skin the boost as it sleeps while having a free, clean feeling.  I also read that it can be used as a mask for the deep pore cleansing, super smoothing and resurfacing properties which I have not tried yet but will.

Not only is Olive and Enzyme Rich Balm Cleanser effective, it's made in the US and costs less than many leading department store brands.  Skinn's founder, Dimitri James can be found on various outlets on television if you want to learn more or purchase one of his products.  Just click here on Dimitri James.

Also check out Skinn Cosmetics on Facebook, Twitter and Dimitri James' blog Behind the Brush for more great information, features and more.

With Christmas coming, they also have some great gifts at the Skinn Cosmetics store.

  

Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

The Giveaway:

One reader will win their own Skinn Cosmetic's Olive & Enzyme Rich Balm Cleanser!

To Enter:

Complete the Rafflecopter form below.


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.

2011 Christmas Gift Guide - Seeking Sponsors

Click below or on the link to see our current 2011 Christmas Gift Guide.

Open publication - Free publishing - More beauty

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 DVD Giveaway 11/30

Who hasn't seen Harry Potter? It's been an eventful ride and starting today, the new DVD is ready for purchase! The final face-off between good and evil is finally upon us as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 just in time for the holidays! Join Harry, Ron and Hermione as they do battle against Voldemort in the epic conclusion to the film series everyone is talking about!  


With the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, there is this really cool widget available that you can take part in a trivia quiz to see how much you know about Potter. Challenge your friends or just see how much you don't know or maybe how much you already know! You can also discover the Harry Potter Buzz Portal and get real time updates on trending on Facebook and Twitter about Harry Potter. You can even get involved by sharing your top three tips in having a Harry Potter party! Sounds like fun doesn't it?


Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

*Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post.

Smiles that Rock with Crest 3D White Giveaway 12/3

Did you know that Crest 3D White is the number one awarded whitening brand recognized by top beauty magazine editors and my family?  Everyone in my family uses Crest 3D White and I use the whitening strips because they work.  My eight year old's teeth weren't as sparkly as they could be and then I switched her to the Crest 3D White and her teeth are so much whiter now.  I have tried the more expensive brands a couple of year's ago but once I found that Crest 3D White worked so well, I haven't looked back.  I've also tried many whiteners and none work as well as the Crest 3D White strips.  They are also nice in that they affix to your teeth better and you can actually talk with them in.  The other brands move and you can't do anything otherwise they move. 


What is also new with Crest 3D White is they have partnered with Billboard, the number one music brand, to launch and exciting new contest called Smiles that Rock.  Here is the kicker on the contest, the grand prize is a trip for two to the 2011 Women in Music Event where ...drum roll.....our favorite entertainer Taylor Swift will be named Woman of the Year on December 2nd in New York City.  Isn't that the coolest?  Well it is if you are a Taylor fan or like to see us women rise!


Now for the details:

ENTER THE NEW WOMEN IN MUSIC “SMILES THAT ROCK” CONTEST

Crest 3D White, the #1 most awarded whitening brand, and Billboard want to see you at the Women in Music Event in New York City on December 2^nd!  For your chance to win VIP treatment at this star-studded, ultra-exclusive event, enter the “Smiles that Rock” contest before November 18^th by showcasing your smile in a creatively designed Billboard magazine cover featuring YOU!  

BEFORE YOU ENTER – WHITEN! 

Ensure you are putting your best “smile” forward by showing off a bright, white smile in your submission.  A little tip…when used together, the Crest 3D White Collection can help you achieve a noticeably brighter smile in as little as just one day!

CONSIDER THESE CREST 3D WHITE WHITENING PRODUCTS!

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips with Advanced Seal Technology

• Most efficacious concentration of Crest’s whitening ingredient available at retail – the same enamel-safe ingredient that dentists use
• Advanced adhesive formulation that temporarily molds the strip to user’s teeth for secure fit
• $50 per kit, 20 whitening doses

Also from Crest, try the Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste:

• Features a patented dual-action silica system that helps gently polish away surface stains
• Provides up to 80% surface stain removal for a whiter smile in 14 days
• Toothpaste-gel hybrid formulation offers the cleaning of a toothpaste and the freshness of a gel, helping teeth feel smooth and clean
• Radiant Mint flavor, 4oz $3.25; 5.8oz $3.75; 7.6 oz for $4.25

Visit Crest at http:/www.Facebook.com/CrestWhitestrips and on Twitter @Crest.




Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!


The Giveaway:


One reader will win their very own Crest 3D Whitestrips with Advanced Seal Technology kit!

*Disclosure: I was not provided compensation for this giveaway or post.

Don't Miss this Giveaway: Ficklets Twinkle Eyes Eye Glass Gift Pack Giveaway Coming Soon!

Are you ready for some fun and creativity?  

Starting from November 21st through December 5th, you can submit a photo of yourself or your child(ren) wearing their eye glasses to win that sensational gift basket above.  From December 6th through December 13th, just tell your family and friends to come over and like your photo and the photo with the most likes will win!

-5 Ficklets 

-Youth eyeglass frame

-Eyeglass plaid purse case with front pocket to hold your Ficklets collection. 

-Microfiber cleaning cloth

Giveaway value: $65 - $70

Winner will be announced December 14th just in time for Christmas!

Need some creative ideas?  Think holidays and have some fun with adding festive backgrounds or whatever your creativity finds!

Head over and like Ficklets on Facebook so you won't miss out on this great giveaway!

Shiva Rea More Daily Energy Yoga Review

I've tried yoga and marvel at how they can move like a toddler with flexibility.  I tried and struggled with the complicated moves and of course I know that once you keep at it, you'll learn them but I would always give up.  I received a complimentary DVD of Shiva Rea More Daily Energy and love it!  It's a set of seven 20-minute practices that allows you to create your own plan or choose what they have already planned.  It's set up for many different skill levels which makes it ideal for the novice like myself.  Each are broken into sequences:

• Three beginner (lunar)
• Four intermediate (solar)

The customized Yoga Matrix is what I like so I can keep up at a pace I want and then expand as I want.  It's flexible, easy to use and she is just motivational.  I enjoyed listening her to her speak and instruct and absolutely love it.  I have been telling others to check it out especially for those that are resistant to yoga.  It left me with more energy and more motivated.  You can select up to two hours of customizable sequences.

As stated in a news release, doing yoga daily, even for 20 minutes, can help you achieve power and serenity, strength and composure.  I found it was calming after a hectic day or a good jump start to the beginning of the day.  

If you know a bit more about yoga, I feel it's the DVD for you too.  It includes 20-minute Practices: Foundation Sahaja, Foundation Heart Flow, Foundation Standing, Prayer Wheel, Evolution Flow, Evolution Heart Flow, and Evolution Standing Balance

About Shiva Rea:

Hailed by Vanity Fair as “one of the world’s greatest yoga masters,” yoga visionary Shiva Rea is the creator of several top-selling workouts, including her innovative Creative Core series, Fluid Power—Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Flow Yoga for Beginners, Surf Yoga Soul, Yogini, Power Flow Yoga, and AM Energy. Shiva has taught yoga to a diverse range of creative movers and shakers from actors Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Pierce Brosnan, and John Cusack, to cutting-edge artists Bjork, Michael Franti, and members of the Kennedy family. 

Overall, I can not say enough about this DVD and is a definite must have!  Check out a clip here.

Shiva Rea's More Daily Energy will be available November 15!

*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this product.  The opinions are of my own.

Sharing for Christmas Charity Giveaway Event: Tek Nek's Rockin Lacey Riding Lacey Review and Giveaway 11/8 - 11/15

 

Hauling and Trucking & Makobi Scribe present Sharing For Christmas where we gathered together to donate to Parker’s Pals, which is an organization that helps children who are diagnosed with cancer under the age of three. The bloggers hosting the event donated just under $200 to go towards a Parker's Pail. The cost of a pail is $240 so we came really close! Please check out this worthwhile organization!

Tek Nek's Rockin Rider Lacey Deluxe Spring Horse

This was an amazing show stopping gift to receive in the mail.  I had the chance to review this with my two children and grand baby and I can honestly say that they love her!  She is not like the rocking horse I remember my brother having that you sat and bounced or rocked.  Lacey does much more from singing, to making clopping noises to having a mouth that moves.  


It's adorable, entertaining and full of fun.  Tek Nek Rockin Rider Lacey Deluxe Plush Spring Horse is a must have an excellent idea for Christmas for that special little one in your life.


She had a great time on it but was always video shy as soon as I pulled out the camera.  She couldn't decide if she wanted to rock on her or dance with the music.

The other nice features of Lacey is her body is plush so no busted lips or hurt heads if they get a little overly excited and slip.  The stirrups are in three sizes for the various levels of children wanting to ride Lacey and the battery switch can turn the sound off and control volume.  It was very easy to put together but it does require some assembly.  The very cute patented mouth singing to I'm a Little Pony is well worth the assembly.   My four year old and even my eight year old lit up when they saw Lacey.  Recommended age is 24 months to five years.  As you saw with the video and picture, her mom was right next to her to prevent a fall.  Lacey takes three AA batteries (included).  Tek Nek definitely has a hit with Lacey in our house.  

Check out our other giveaways too!

The Giveaway:

One reader will win their own Rockin Rider Lacey Deluxe Plush Spring Horse! 

To Enter:  

Complete the Rafflecopter form below.

*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary product for the purposes of this review and giveaway.   The opinions are of my own.

Win Reese Witherspoon’s Water for Elephants DVD & Avon Make Up Kit 11/14

Witness The Epic Tale of Forbidden Love Starring

Academy Award^® Winner Reese Witherspoon and

Robert Pattinson Now Available On Blu-ray and DVD


Take a journey back in time with the romantic tale based on Sara Gruen’s New York Times #1 Best-Seller novel of the same name, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, available now on Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Starring Academy Award^®-winner Reese Witherspoon (Walk The Line), Robert Pattinson (Twilight series) and Oscar^®-winner Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds), the film presents an epic tale of forbidden love in a magical place filled with adventure, wonder and great danger. 


Showcasing the decadence of a bohemian circus and the majesty of its animals against the backdrop and beauty of a bygone era, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS makes the ideal holiday gift idea for your favorite film buff, fashionista or book-lover!

I haven't seen Water for Elephants yet but it won't be too long as I suspect my oldest and I will be watching it tomorrow night.  I'm a Reese Witherspoon fan and she's 23 so you know who she's a fan of in this movie.  There is something about movies and stars from the day.  The women were flawless and beautiful. Sexy yet respectful.  They were glamorous yet were the moms next door.  In this film, Reese captures the essence.  

Reese looks right at home in this time period.  Her flawless skin, blonde hair and perfect make up have her looking the part.  

If you want to see how to do this look, there is a great video here:








The Giveaway:


One reader will receive this great Avon kit and a copy of Water for Elephants DVD and one runner up will receive a copy of the Water for Elephants DVD.

 To Enter: 

Complete the Rafflecopter form below.


Check out our other giveaways too!

*Disclosure:  I did not receive compensation for this giveaway.  The opinions are of my own.

Pre-Paid Cards: Use Them?

Have you ever needed a credit card and for some reason couldn't or didn't want to get a major bank type card?  There were a couple of times where I wanted to give my daughter or even my father a card that could be reloaded without all the drama behind bank credit cards?  I have looked several times in the past and never actually took the step because they seemed like more work than I wanted.  I did find one that peeked my interest.  It's the Green Dot credit card since it's a card that you can use any place that takes Visa or Mastercard debit cards.  This is a great way to carry money without actually carrying cash.  I thought this would work out great for my parents.

I also found having another card to purchase products online is probably a good idea.  This way, if someone tries to process something you didn't bargain for, if the balance is low, it won't go through.  Reoccurring transactions sometimes trip me up too.  If I had something like this, I might be able to control it better as I would keep my balance lower versus coming straight out of my checking account.  I definitely see many conveniences in having one and giving one.  I know my college aged daughter would benefit as well with being able to have members of her family give her money here and there to help support her education.

During the holidays, I usually send money to my family because it's the one thing they truly need.  I don't like sending checks and I definitely don't send money.  I like gift cards but I also feel they are restrictive on the receiver.  I want to give them the gift that they can use however they want.  I feel like it's the way to go and even the Treasury Department launched a pilot program to use Prepaid Cards.  With the holidays fastly approaching, I think I will ditch the boring checks and send them prepaid cards that I can reload when I want for each occasion and give them something to smile about.  I also like the fact that if I want to give them something unexpected, I can just throw some extra money on it and surprise them later!

Have you used pre-paid cards?  If so, what do you recommend?

The Steam Team: Carpet Cleaning

Carpet is a dreaded feature of the house we are in at the moment.  Mostly because it's not our house so I have to ensure it stays clean and stain free.  The house is carpeted in the main living area, the dining room and two bedrooms so that is a lot of area to cover.  I have tried the at home rug cleaners and they do a decent job in between but I truly cannot get a better overall result without having them professionally cleaned.  I've not heard of the Steam Team until now and checked them out http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-carpet-cleaning.  Unfortunately, they are not in my area but I was impressed to see the multiple areas behind their cleaning expertise from carpet to green services from leather cleaning to draperies from water extraction to air duct cleaning and more.  They really seem to be an all in one place to get your house in tip top shape.

With the holidays coming and family gatherings, it's probably a good idea to go ahead and hire the professionals to get that job done.  I know my Oriental rugs need a touch up after having them for over five years.  With all the baking and preparation needed for the holidays, the last thing I want to do is worry about the cleaning let alone the air ducts since winter is upon us, it's good to get those checked out.  My youngest has severe allergies and asthma.  This is one area I don't compromise on since her health depends on it.  If you are in the Dallas or Austin area and need the Steam Team, check them out.   Carpet cleaning in Jollyville is just a phone call away.