Showing posts with label Health and Beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health and Beauty. Show all posts

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Natural Skincare At It's Best---B&W Apothecary Review

I feel that when I find a great company to review, it's meant to be! B&W Apothecary is one of those great finds! I was at a trade show and getting ready to leave when I saw a little booth with one woman manning the station. I asked about her products and she proceeded to tell me that she made the products herself, with all natural ingredients. 


Brandi, the owner, makes her skincare line with just enough ingredients to make the products what they are intended for. There is actually a term for that. It's called, "NAKED" Skincare. The benefit to naked skincare is that it's all natural, and you can then dress it up with other natural or, heaven forbid, synthetic ingredients to make it specific to you! For instance, you may want a particular smell or color in your cosmetic. You may want an ingredient that reduces swelling, whereas another person may want something to minimize pores. 
I was provided product to facilitate the review of this company. No payment was received.  
B&W Apothecary offers a free consult to mix custom blends just for you! That's really exciting stuff! Think about it, no one is the same, and to make something that is designed for you in mind is a real treat! 

Commercial brand "natural" products have, on average, 3 or more unnatural preservatives or chemicals in their formulations. If you read on the ingredient list, you will find that 99.9% of those products will contain water as one of the top ingredients, which requires preservatives to keep the water from molding or growing bacteria. 

B&W Apothecary uses Aloe Vera instead of water which eliminates the need for water due to its antibacterial properties!

I had been looking for a good primer to use before applying foundation in the morning. Brandi provided me with the Hydration Primer, containing Aloe Vera, jojoba oil, cod liver oil, apricot kernel oil, rose water, raspberry seed oil, and orange essential oil! It was just what I had been looking for--my foundation goes on seamlessly! 

 Incidentally, the best way to use a primer is to put it on and then wait 1 - 2 minutes before applying foundation. I just do a couple other things in my morning routine to give it time to absorb. It gives the primer a chance to sink into the skin for the right consistency to accept the application of foundation.

B&W Apothecary is Veteran Owned, established in 2013, with all products made by hand, and no animal testing on on any product. They also provide free shipping with orders over $30! Their prices are very reasonable! 
 I'm so glad that I happened to find this treasure of a company, currently making the rounds at trade shows and other venues. I expect great things from B&W Apothecary, and hope they continue on the course that they are on! We need more of these types of companies so we can choose the things that go on our faces and on our bodies!

To find more of the amazing products that B&W Apothecary offers or to get your free consult, go to their website or visit their Facebook Page! 

Thursday, April 5, 2018

100% Organic Skincare #Giveaway by 'Hug Your Skin'



'Hug Your Skin' is a company with a mission to deliver the best 100% organic skin care products to you! "The organic way is the only one that protects both planet and the living creatures who live on it." They have chosen Dr. Mariana Speizia, the acclaimed 21st-century beauty alchemist at InLight Organic Skincare, a company in the U.K. as their main supplier. Although fairly new to the U.S., the product
is hugely successful and popular in Europe because there it became certified as the first truly organic product of its kind. It also has been awarded global Cosmos organic certification. The goal is to get the word out so that it will become as beloved here as it is across the pond.

Below is an infographic of exactly what 'Hug Your Skin' does!
 Read my review of the Inlight Under Eye Revive, which contains 100% organic ingredients to calm puffiness and discoloration. I was literally amazed at how well it worked. It kind of shattered in my own mind the myth that natural ingredients aren't as effective as chemical ingredients and, while optimal, they still need the chemicals to render them effective. Silly me! Use discount code Helena15 for 15% off all products!

Another product that tends to be touted more in chemical terms than in natural is the Chocolate Face Mask. Dr. Spiezia says, "I formulated this most intense nourishing mask to transform the appearance of the skin without the action of harsh, chemical peels, which damage the protective mantle of the skin, causing it to secrete extra sebum, making it appear oily and sensitized." 

Also, visit Hug Your Skin to look at the wide selection of 100% organic products, all of which are water-free, so a little goes a long way! They do wonders for your skin, from top to bottom! Free USPS Shipping to all U.S. orders! Use discount code Helena15 for 15% off all products!
A GAL NEEDS...has teamed up with 'Hug Your Skin' to award one winner their choice of 'Inlight Chocolate Face Mask' or 'Inlight Under Eye Revive'. Make sure to enter in the Rafflecopter below and enter daily for more chances to win! Ends 4/26/18!
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Disclaimer: Open to U.S. and Canada!  A GAL NEEDS...received product from this sponsor to facilitate the review of this product. Affiliate links may be present. No Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, nor any other social platforms are involved in any way!
Must be 21 or older to participate, 1 entrant per household, Winner will be contacted by e-mail
after 04/26/18.  Must respond within 48 hours.
After notification, winner will be asked to acknowledge their win by contacting sponsor on Social Media and letting them know of their win.
Entrants with invalid entries will be disqualified.
Sponsor, 'Hug Your Skin', is responsible for delivery of prize package.  

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Why I Chose To Get Ultherapy: My Experience, Part I


 The aging process is inevitable, and I started noticing a gradual loosening of the skin in my neck area several years ago, and contrary to my intense hope that it would just go away, it kept getting progressively worse. I saw my mother in me. She was such a beautiful lady, but her neck went before anything else. And when it went, it went pretty quickly. Of course, to me she was still beautiful, knowing what she had accomplished throughout her life, and the sacrifices she made for our family.

I believe that aging in a natural fashion is a good thing and a respectable thing. Anyone who has to depend exclusively on their looks to get what they want in life is not in a great situation, in my opinion. Looks are so fleeting. Where there is youth, there is physical attractiveness. Where there is age, there is wisdom, wit, and experience. And you can use those attributes to become even more beautiful than you were when you were younger!

Enter Ultherapy, a scientifically proven non-surgical facelift therapy proven to stimulate collagen production, specifically Types 1 & III, the types most often associated with aging. Studies prove that the rate of collagen production after treatment is 42% higher. No downtime. No intense pain. No knife, needles, or guesses. It's done with a very sophisticated ultrasound machine, designed to deliver bursts of ultrasound in very specific areas. The clinician who operates it must be trained and know how to interpret the collagen level readings and how deeply to set the ultrasound waves that stimulate the natural flow of collagen into the skin, creating a rejuvenated look. Because it stimulates the natural process of collagen healing, you won't see the final results for approximately 3 months. 

I knew this is what I wanted to experience for myself. It is definitely my kind of natural beautification. Is it affordable? It depends what you call affordable. It is certainly way less expensive than a facelift!

I got my treatment done at Xage Medical Spa in Provo, UT and I loved it. I got the neck-only treatment, which is normally $1800, but is deeply discounted through November! 

How It Went  Because there are different kinds of pain tolerances, there are a couple of options when getting the treatment. You can opt to get a simple pain-killer, like Ibuprofen, or you can get a stronger pain-killer. It's your choice. I opted to get the simple pain-killer and it was perfectly great. In addition, the back of my neck got a massage to take my mind of any unpleasantness. It was actually quite pleasant and I enjoyed talking with both clinicians while the treatment was happening. I felt very little discomfort at all! I was so relieved!

Thursday, July 6, 2017

5 Easy Tricks To Lose 10 Pounds Before The End Of Summer

It feels like summer is half over, even though it just started! Some of us are looking at school right between the eyes! If you didn't quite make your weight loss goals yet, add these 5 tricks to help you achieve that 10 lb. weight loss goal before summer's end! I'm right there with you! I'm doing it too!
This site uses both affiliate and non-affiliate links for reference purposes! Thank you for visiting!
1. Remember that slow and steady helps to win the race.
When you lose too quickly the body is tricked into thinking there is a crisis and will go into crisis mode until you start eating "normally", or at least how the body perceives is normal for you. The body will strive hard to get you back to that "normal" weight. Basically that is why it is so dang hard to keep the weight off once you get to your target weight. 

Monday, October 31, 2016

An Array Of Naturally-Based Pain Relief Products

Have you ever had bursitis? You'd know it if you did! It's a muscle injury that is very painful and if it's bad, you won't be able to sleep without medication because any position you take is painful. The best way to treat it is with an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen and cold packs. The first time I got it I didn't know what it was and I did all the wrong things. It was in my arm. I put heat on it, I took aspirin, and I kept using the arm hoping that it would just go away. It didn't. It got worse and worse. I just got another bout of it recently and fortunately, now I know what to do. Out comes the ibuprofen and the cold packs!
This site uses affiliate and non-affiliate links for reference purposes. Products or monetary compensation may be accepted in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are in no way influenced by sponsor affiliation. Thanks for your support!
I was so fortunate to have been introduced to Zim's Max Freeze Products. They are absolutely the best to relieve pain in muscles and joints! So, my pain is in my right upper arm, where the joints are. It is a dull ache that I know could get much worse if I let it. I applied the Max Freeze Roll-On, a greasless, vanishing scent formula, with organic ilex, aloe, arnica and tea tree oil. It felt wonderful. I waited until it absorbed and then topped it off with one of the Max Freeze Patches in medium. I peeled off the backing, and put the moist adhesive cloth soaked in lidocaine and menthol on my arm. It was so soothing and helped my pain immensely! I know to keep my arm still and not to over-exert it for awhile. This time my bursitis will not be so bad and certainly not as painful, thanks to Zim's Freeze Products!

Two other amazing products in my treasure chest of Pain Relief Products are the Max Arnica and the Max Aloe.
Arnica is a known pain reliever and Max Arnica comes in a convenient roll-on or gel! It's great for muscle aches and sprains when your work out pain needs some help. Whatever your normal routine is for minor aches and strains, adding Max Arnica is a wonderful adjunct to the healing process!
Aloe Vera has been highly praised as a soothing remedy for burns and cuts for years. Max Aloe contains Acemannan gel, which is hospital grade aloe vera. It is amaaazing! It feels so good and cool! And especially when you have a painful burn or cut, that you don't want harsh chemicals on. My dad used to love to put hydrogen peroxide on anything and that stuff hurts so much. Aloe Vera Gel is so much better and Max Aloe is the best of the best--right now buy one and get one free!! You can also join their e-mail list to get 15% off your next order! 

Zim's started over 60 years ago because of a need. In Austintown, OH, local cement workers came to the local pharmacy complaining about their dry, cracked hands and feet. The cement was very drying and there was nothing around that helped soothe the discomfort. The pharmacist saw the need and started working on an all-natural, herbal based lotion and when it was finished, named it Cement Workers Lotion. However, it was so effective that it took off and soon developed a loyal local following. After many years, it was renamed Zim's Crack Cream and sold on a national level. As a matter of fact, Zim's Crack Cream can be found in nearly every major retailer in North America, along with their full line of healing, naturally-based products that work!
Follow them on Social Media! Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest Also, stay tuned for an awesome giveaway coming up soon!!!
Question: When you are injured or sore, do you reach for pills, natural remedies or both? Why or why not?

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

What Your Gums Could Be Trying To Say To You!

Let's talk about the health implications of the mouth shall we? I'm not talking about the whiteness of the teeth or the minty freshness of your breath. It's the oral bacterial climate in the mouth that is an indicator of your overall health and predictor of future problems that may erupt. 


Gums Can Tell You Things. Your gums should be considered one of the key indicators of your health. They really do tell a story, if you have the information to interpret it. First of all, have we all heard that gum disease not only means your teeth are in danger, but that you may have inflammation in other areas of the body? When your mouth is out of balance, you are at risk for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's, to name just a few. Advanced gum disease can raise your risk of heart attack by 10 times, AND if you get a heart attack stemming from gum disease, 9 out of 10 times it will be fatal.

Monday, August 1, 2016

'Nutty For NeoCell' $50 eGift Code Giveaway

 Welcome to the 'Nutty For NeoCell' $50 Giveaway!! This is an awesome opportunity to stock up on NeoCell's famous 'Beauty From Within' Products that truly work! Why watch your looks diminish as you age or become run-down from work, pregnancy, or stress? Keep up the beauty that only good health can give you!

Famous for their outstanding, award-winning collagen supplements, NeoCell continues to research and develop new products, and recently introduced their Derma Matrix, and Glow Matrix products, with additional nutrients to complement collagen's effectiveness even more!

A Little Bit About Collagen
One of the most fundamental things a person can do to prevent premature aging and promote youthful vitality is to prevent collagen loss by supplementation.
Collagen production slows down at a rate of 1.5% every year after the age of 25, which over time starts to reveal the tell-tale signs of aging such as loose, flacid, skin, wrinkles, tendon and ligament injuries, and osteoporosis.  NeoCell implements the highest quality collagen, with the highest absorption rates. 

Read the Review about my results with the Derma Matrix and Glow Matrix, the newest products from NeoCell! 

Now, win yourself a $50 eGift Code for your choice of NeoCell beauty supplements! For U.S. only! Sign into the Rafflecopter below, Good luck!! 
This site accepts product samples and/or compensation. Affiliate links may be used to help support this site. All text and opinion is 100% my own and is not swayed by sponsor affiliation! Thanks for your support!







a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, April 8, 2016

7 Health Benefits I've Gained With 'Essentrics' Workouts!


Daily exercise is essential--most people know that exercise is important and acknowledge it. But daily? Yep, the new recommendations are: in order to keep optimal health, daily exercise is essential! 

 

This blog uses both affiliate and non-affiliate links for convenience. A GAL NEEDS...is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program

When I first learned that there was a 30-minute program on PBS that actually translated into just 24 minutes of stretching and strengthening, including a warm-up, my lazy self was already sold. At the time, I believed that the only true way to get a fit and attractive body was to train for hours in the gym doing spinning, lifting, or aerobics. But I was sick of it. I didn't want to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to fitness. As a matter of fact, I was ready to concede that if it took that much time, I was ready to put it on the alter and sacrifice fitness in my life. I just didn't have the motivation. But I was willing to do 3 hours a week and 'Classical Stretch' by Essentrics was my answer. And so every day I did a 'Classical Stretch' session.

It's been several years since then and if I've failed at everything else, I have at least managed to stay on point doing at least 5 days a week of 'Classical Stretch' by Essentrics. Sometimes that is the only thing I have managed to do towards my fitness. At other times, I actually do things like biking, light lifting, walking, or playing disc golf in addition to 'Classical Stretch' sessions.

'Classical Stretch' is a dynamic stretching and strengthening program, designed to simultaneously do those two things in just 24 minutes per day. The program is done to relaxing or upbeat music that subliminally causes one to increase their own efforts without realizing that they are actually doing so. Another great bonus is the certified instructor--whether that be Miranda Esmonde-White on the T.V. series, dvds, or a certified 'Classical Stretch' trainer in your own city. The instructor goes through extensive training to understand the physiology of the body, the philosophy of the program, the correct mechanics of the exercises, and the proper sequence and flow of the workout. They are there to model the exercises for you and to also help you at your level of fitness with the goal to increase your fitness at your own pace.

Miranda Esmonde-White, creator of  'Classical Stretch'
 In my own fitness journey with 'Classical Stretch', I have managed to stay injury-free and heal injuries that had occurred earlier in my life. For example:

1) My chronic, periodic back pain that used to leave me immobile for several weeks each year, has completely gone. This means that I now have 3 weeks of extra time that had previously been spent bed-ridden and incapacitated.

2) My frozen shoulder, of which condition is inherited from my Dad's side, has been dramatically improved. It turns out that we have an unusual spur on our shoulders that, as we age, gets calcified and grows even more, because of build-up, becoming extremely painful. Both my Dad and brother have gone through shoulder surgeries to have the calcification removed that causes painful bursitis and to replace the sockets that had become useless. I had started to get this condition, but Classical Stretch has completely erased that problem by keeping the shoulders properly lubricated and activated so that unwanted sediments don't collect in that area!

3) My quads are completely stretched out and have lengthened out and have become leaner to match my hamstrings. I started out already being able to do the splits, but not being able to bend my leg back further because my quads were tight. Now, I am able to bend my leg all the way back because my quads are longer and leaner.


Before Classical Stretch

After Classical Stretch

4) My waist has become leaner and has lengthened out to house my organs, allowing my stomach to be flatter and stronger.

5) My posture has become better and I walk with my shoulders back and my head up!

6) My seasonal depression is much better and I am more motivated and able to accomplish much more than before.

7) My focus and memory has improved because of the increased blood flow that happens each time I practice 'Classical Stretch'.

You judge--Is 24 minutes a day worth it to keep yourself young and vibrant at any age? My own answer is a resounding YES! Whether you are at a beginner level or at a more advanced level, 'Classical Stretch' has something for everyone.

Visit the Essentrics website to get the perfect workout dvd for your own fitness level. You can also sign up for online work-outs. Also get the New York Times bestseller, Aging Backwards, by Miranda Esmonde-White! 


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Longer Lash And Cash #Giveaway + 40% Discount Code

           Welcome To The Longer Lash And Cash Giveaway!
                                 Open Internationally
 Have you ever thought about using one of the many lash-lengthening methods out there but haven't yet? Now is your perfect chance! Green Esthetics has created a premier lash-lengthening serum that is the best in the industry. It is natural and contains the perfect blend of vitamins, polypeptides, and proteins to foster eyelash growth that is amazing. What it won't contain is propelyne glycole, phenoxyethanol, or parabens! (Yuk!) It encourages lashes to grow longer and thicker within 4 - 6 weeks. Longer Lash is an over-the-counter product, non-prescription, and made in the U.S.
Simply swipe the wand over the base of your eyelashes morning and night after make-up has been removed. Results are shown to occur within 4 - 6 weeks. It lasts about 2 - 3 months. Read the review HERE and make sure to also visit the Green Esthetics Website to find out more! Use the Discount Code below for a 40% discount on all products plus free shipping through March 14th!

Follow Green Esthetics on Facebook and Twitter
And Now For The Giveaway!
1 winner will receive a tube of 'Longer Lash Eyelash Conditioning Growth Serum' (ARV $69.95 US), along with $20 PayPal or Visa Gift Card! Open internationally, age 21+ and one entrant per household. This is a Rafflecopter Giveaway and winner will be selected through random draw! Also, many thanks to the great bloggers participating in this giveaway! For more information about this giveaway, please refer to disclaimer on the Rafflecopter Form.
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Friday, January 8, 2016

Weight Loss Incentives After The Holidays

Everyone wants to get back down to that optimal weight now that the holidays are over, and the diet and weight loss companies know that. They are offering great deals right now to encourage you to try their weight loss plans! With that in mind, try checking out the companies that are most appealing to you for New Year's deals and steals! Here are 2 great deals from reputable weight loss companies to help you get to the weight you're hoping for!

Nutrisystem - Made popular by spokesperson, Marie Osmond, where they guarantee that you can lose 10 lbs. & 5 inches overall in your first month! Sign up to get a free shaker bottle and free tips and weight loss info. For a limited time, get 40% off every order + free shipping! Get the details here!



Daily Burn - An online resource full of diet tips, recipes, and workouts. Try it for 30 days free. I'd personally get it just for the workouts! Choose from yoga, Inferno, Move dance, and much more!
 
With these two programs, you could find yourself in a very good position to head into spring in better shape than you've been in awhile! Good luck! I know I will be looking into some of these great companies and making some strategies! 

This site accepts product samples and/or compensation. Affiliate links may be used to help support this site. All text and opinions are my own and are not swayed by any sponsor affiliation. 

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Youthful You #Giveaway by youtheory



What is youth? Is it a number? Or is it the feeling of health and vitality that flows through your veins?  If it is the latter, you know that it doesn't just magically happen. It takes some work and planning! youtheory has products that can help to increase your energy and the health of your joints and immune system so that you can work on the other stuff, like exercise, good food and enough sleep! youtheory is a company that believes that "whether you're 25 years old, 37, 52, or 60, your age tells a story. So proudly claim it and age beautifully." Youtheory bridges the gap between the very best that nature and science have to offer. They utilize the best of both worlds to offer products that have revolutionized how people think about beauty.

Products like Joint Collagen, Collagen, and Turmeric--all cutting edge and with maximum absorption--help you feel your best.

You can read more about these supplements in my review.
Available at over 50,000 retailers nationwide, they are readily available at your convenience. Online retailers include Amazon, Puritan's Pride, Vitamin World, Vitacost.com, Swanson Health Products, and others. Major Retailers include Rite Aid, GNC, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Costco, Walgreens, Sprouts, and Albertsons.
Giveaway: One winner will win a trio of youtheory youth promoting products--collagen, joint collagen, and turmeric, a month's supply with an average retail value of $70.00.
Open to U.S only, age 21+, one entrant per household. Remember the more entries you complete, the better your chances are for winning!

Thank you to the great bloggers who are participating in this giveaway. Please consider liking all the participating bloggers on Facebook. They work hard to bring you this event and others like it! You wouldn't want to miss out on any future events! Sponsor is responsible for delivery of prizes, not participating bloggers. This blog received no monetary or other compensation for the facilitation of this giveaway. Enter the giveaway in the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway runs from 9/5/2015 - 9/23/2015. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, February 15, 2015

5 Natural Hair Products With Proven Effectiveness #Aveda

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I have been a fan of Aveda Products for years. It started out when Aveda decided that my town Provo, UT would be a great place to insert an Aveda Institute. We are so lucky! There are only approximately 30 of these in the entire U.S.
When you get a service at Aveda, the students use only Aveda products. I have used many of their hair and skin products and absolutely love them. They are as natural as you can get, they smell wonderful and they work! The instructors are great and I know I'll be getting a great service because they always keep track of what their students are doing. Plus there are a lot of really talented students, who are there because they want to make people happy! Below are a few Aveda products that I think are the bomb! First you want to wash your hair with a great shampoo. Because I have naturally dry and curly hair, I love the Dry Remedy products, as well as the Smooth Infusion products to tame my curly hair!

Aveda - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo For Dry, Brittle Hair (Packaging) 250Ml/8.5Oz

Aveda - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo For Drenches Dry, Brittle Hair ( Packaging) 250Ml/8.5Oz
This shampoo restores moisture to extremely dry hair. Use as directed.
Aveda - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo For Drenches Dry, Brittle Hair
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Aveda - Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray 200Ml/6.7Oz

Aveda - Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray 200Ml/6.7Oz
I love to embrace my curls when I'm styling my own hair and this spray is the way to do it!
Aveda - Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray 200Ml/6.7Oz
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Aveda - Women's Aveda 'invati' Thickening Conditioner (33.8 oz.) ($128 Value)

Aveda - Women's Aveda 'invati' Thickening Conditioner (33.8 oz.) ($128 Value)
Want thicker-looking and thicker-acting hair?
Aveda - Women's Aveda 'invati' Thickening Conditioner (33.8 oz.)
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Aveda - Full Spectrum Hair Color Deposite-only Color Treatment 6Natural dark blonde

Aveda - Full Spectrum Hair Color Deposite-only Color Treatment 6Natural dark blonde
Aveda hair color is the most natural of any hair color I know. It is actually healthy for the hair!
Aveda - Full Spectrum Hair Color Deposite-only Color Treatment 6Natural dark blonde
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Aveda - - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner - 200ml/6.7oz

Aveda - - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner - 200ml/6.7oz
This formula is amazing. Sometimes I even use it as a leave-in for extra protection.
Aveda - - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner