Revitalize Your Skin with Exuviance {Review}

I'm finding as I get older my skin problems haven't necessarily gotten better, they've just changed to different skin problems.  Being a 30 something mom of 3 kids, I'm now noticing fine lines, wrinkles and age spots, so I'm constantly on the lookout for new products that will keep me looking young.

The Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque by NeoStrata revitalizes your skin while fighting the signs of aging.  It's dermatologist developed and was named an InStyle Best Beauty Buys winner.

• AHA's & PHA's for anti-aging benefits
• Stimulates cell renewal
• Vitamins A, E, and Pro-Vitamin B Complex moisturize
• Pro-Vitamin C defends against free radicals

So here's how it all works- the Alpha and Polyhydroxy acids offer full strength anti-aging benefits without irritation.  Gluconolactone decreases lines and wrinkles while improving skin clarity, luminosity, and pore size.  Mandelic Acid helps to visibly reduce wrinkled areas, while Vitamins A, C, E and Pro-Vitamin B Complex provide superior moisturization.

It's recommended use is once a week after facial cleansing.  You apply an even layer of gel all over your face and neck (avoiding eye area) and allow it to dry for 15- 20 minutes (you feel your face tightening up).  After it's dry, you can either peel off or wash with warm water.

>> For me, I liked how it felt going on- it was cool and refreshing.  Coming off, it didn't peel very easily- the masque kept breaking, making it a long process to actually peel the entire thing off.  I preferred to use a warm wash cloth- it was quicker and easier.  After it was all wiped off, my skin felt tighter, clean and fresh.  The appearance was smoother and brighter than before.  I didn't notice any change in pore size which was disappointing since that's one of my problem areas, but I'm hoping with continued use my pores will be minimized. <<

A 2.5 oz tube of Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque can be purchased online for $30 and you get FREE ground shipping!!  You also get 3 Free samples when you spend over $75 plus get a FREE GIFT when you spend over $100.

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Disclosure:  I was provided a product for the purpose of this review, no other compensation was received.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and yours may differ.

Project: Happily Ever After {Book Review & Giveaway}

Saving your marriage when the fairytale falters.  When your prince charming turns into a frog... can he really turn back into a prince?

This is the very real and very hilarious true story of Alisa Bowman, how she went from wishing her husband dead to renewing her wedding vows and everything in between.  Project: Happily Ever After is her story of going from an unhappy marriage on the brink of divorce to now being happily married for over 10 years.

Alisa's project takes place over 4 months where she devotes her time and energy to fixing her marriage.  She addresses the emotional aspect, the sex (or lack there of), the laundry, and there's even a bikini wax and a eulogy thrown in there, oh my!  She talks about the 12 marital improvement self-help books she read along the way, highlighting the points that worked for her and even gives a 10 step plan to start your own Project: Happily Ever After.

Now even if you've never planned your husband's funeral and you feel your marriage is a blissful paradise, this is an excellent read.  I found it totally relatable and found myself wanting to read more.  The writing style is very easy to read, making it hard to put down.  And Alisa is just so... well, open and honest... talking about things most married couples barely want to talk to each other about.  She may make you blush at times or think 'OMG, did I just read that' but it's all in the name of love.  ;)

Here's a snippet from the book that made me laugh out loud as I could totally relate:

If you are exhausted because you can't get your kid dressed, ask for help and ask for it out loud.  Your husband can't hear the words inside your head.  Only you can hear those!  Be as specific as possible.  "I need help," is good, but "Can you please get her dressed because I'm about to throttle her" is even better.

And check out this cute book trailer for Project: Happily Ever After:

Alisa Bowman is a former senior editor at Runner's World magazine and has co-authored and ghost written on more than 30 books of various topics.  She's been a guest on national television and radio programs and interviewed by many top magazines.  She also created ProjectHappilyEverAfter.com, voted one of the Top 10 Marriage Blogs of 2009 and 2010.

BUY IT:  Project: Happily Ever After can be purchased on Amazon for under $15

WIN IT:  1 lucky reader is going to get their very own copy of Project: Happily Ever After

WAYS TO ENTER (leave a separate comment on this post for each entry you complete):

• Subscribe to Project: Happily Ever After (you get a free 114 page eBook when you do)
• Like Alisa Bowman on Facebook
• Follow @AlisaBowman on Twitter
• Follow my blog publicly via GFC
• Subscribe to my blog via Email
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like my Facebook page
• Enter any of my other giveaways +1 for each
• Post about this giveaway (Facebook, Cafemom, Blog, etc.) +5 entries, leave link
• Tweet about this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link)

#Win your own Project: Happily Ever After from @SusieBHomemaker and @AlisaBowman http://bit.ly/fW3YTv #Giveaway ends 2/6

U.S. ONLY

This contest ends on 2/6/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to U.S. residents only.  The winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn.  Please make sure your email is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s).

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.  No other form of compensation was received.  The opinions and thoughts I’ve shared are 100% my own and yours may differ.

Ancient Stones Mineral Makeup {Review & Giveaway} Ends 2/3

Launched in September 2003, Ancient Stones Nurturing Naturals is jointly ran and managed by Gloria Webb-Williams (CEO) and Cathlene Michaels-Brader (CFO).  Gloria and Cathlene bring many years of holistic, beauty, sales and marketing and technology knowledge allowing them to collaborate on the products and services of their company.  Their mineral makeup uses only pure colors from the earth's natural mineral source and they have no additives, fillers, preservatives, dyes, perfumes, or talc in them... truly all natural.

Ancient Stones' Mission Statement:
Our mission is to beautify and nurture the human body through our makeup and holistic products. By promoting the understanding of ourselves as compassionate beings to the world through holistic teachings, we intend to educate the mind, strengthen the body and lighten the Spirit. Our goal is to facilitate these things through improved living, universal prosperity and life appreciation.

When I tried the makeup the containers were a tad messy so I had to lean over the sink while applying it to make sure I didn't get any on the floor or my clothes.  You start with the Super Soft Focus (SPF 50+ and gives a slight glow) as your base coat and then apply the mineral foundation, I was sent Jean's Jewell.  I thought the foundation felt a little heavy on so gently blotted with a tissue to remove any excess.  I am not one to wear much makeup though and do also have a dry complexion so that could've created the feeling.

For eye shadows they have over 50 shades to choose from- and you can also blend colors to create your own.  I received the Butter Cream and Sheba's Sigh, both colors were beautiful and shimmery.  I used the lighter shade as the brow highlight and then the darker color on my eyelid and crease.  When I first saw the Sheba's Sigh I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as I've never used a shade that color, but I absolutely loved the way it looked.  I thought the complete look was fresh and natural and just enhanced my face.

(click to enlarge)

After applying your desired makeup, they also have 10 different blushes for your cheeks and 16+ lip shadows for beautiful lips, you finish it all off with the Ancient Elixir Setting Spray.  The spray seals in the makeup and gives an airbrushed look.  It's meant to set your makeup so that even after working out, swimming, or just daily activities it won't smudge or run off.  I'm not sure I really noticed a difference with or without it, as the makeup stayed on all day without wearing off either way.

Key Benefits 
1. Gives the skin a beautiful glow 
2. Seals the makeup 
3. Prevents makeup from coming off the face 
4. Antibacterial (silver is an anti-bacterial) 
5. Elasticity (the copper gives the apperance of more elasticity to the skin) 

Ingredients: Distilled water, silver and copper

**EDIT:  The Ancient Stones Mineral Makeup website is a tad confusing and hard to use (as commenters have noted) so I wanted to add a few things.  From their homepage, if you click the link that says How Do I Select My Colors, it gives recommendations based on skin tone and color.  Then to view the foundation and concealer colors, you click the tab at the top called 'All about the Face' and scroll thru the pages until you find the one that was recommended for you and it'll show you a picture, though not that great of quality.  Also before they sent me my samples she asked for a recent photo of me so they could see my face and skintone.  I think if you were unsure of what colors to pick, you could email them at ancientstonesmineralmakeup@yahoo.com and they'd be more than happy to help.  They also have a money-back guarantee if you were unsatisfied with anything.

WIN IT:  3 lucky readers are going to win a Super Soft Focus & Ancient Elixir Setting Spray

Ways to Enter (leave a separate comment for each entry):
•  Visit Ancient Stones and tell me a shade you'd like to try

•  Like Ancient Stones on Facebook
•  Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
•  Subscribe via Email
•  Like my Facebook page
•  Follow me on Twitter
•  Enter any of my other giveaways +1 for each
•  Post about this giveaway (blog, Facebook, Cafemom, etc.) +5 Entries, leave link
•  Tweet about this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link) may copy and paste the following:

Enter to #Win Ancient Stones Mineral Makeup @SusieBHomemaker http://bit.ly/go5nW1 #Giveaway ends on 2/3

U.S. ONLY

This contest ends on 2/3/11 at 11:59 pm EST.  Open to U.S. Residents ONLY.  The winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn.  Please make sure your email is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s).

Disclosure:  I received a free product for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and yours may differ.

The Talk vs. The View

Did you watch The Talk at all last week?  It aired on CBS for it's first full week, 2pm ET 1p PT/CT, and is co-hosted by Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Reminy, and their 'street reporter' Marissa Jaret Winokur who are all mom's, with kids ranging in age from infant to adult.  The concept for the show was actually Sarah Gilbert's idea, stemming from her questions and confusion as a new mom.

I happened to catch it on in the middle of the week and thought it was pretty good.  My first reaction was surprise, because I had never even heard about it before this, and my second reaction was 'oh, it's just like The View, just different hosts'.

I've watched The View quite a few times before, but not regularly, and found it to be a little uncomfortable to watch- a bunch of women sitting around, usually talking over each other, and more often than not talking politics... I've turned the channel to something else quite a few times while watching it.  The Talk was a little awkward to watch at times also, the chemistry between them just isn't there yet, and it was a lot of 'oh you go ahead' being repeated as they tried not to all talk at once several times.  But I think I'll be watching it some more, it seems to be based more for moms than The View.

So if you've seen The Talk, what's your take?  Is this better than The View, worse, pretty much the same, or do you think it's a whole new concept with just the same 'talk show' platform?  Or could you care less about either?

'Treasure Your Chest' Video

Check out this video, Treasure Your Chest, with Guilana Rancic and Lindsay Avner.  Guilana is a host of E! News and Lindsay is the founder of the national breast and ovarian cancer non-profit Bright Pink.

Watch live streaming video from TreasureYourChest at livestream.com

Bright Pink is a national non-profit organization that provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.  Bright Pink arms young women with knowledge, options and a great attitude, and offers companionship and empathy during their journey.  The organization empowers young women to take control of their breast and ovarian health and in turn, grants them the freedom and peace of mind to live a beautiful and fulfilling life. 

Bright Pink is currently the only national organization with an exclusive focus on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in high-risk young women. With ten chapters, nine educational and support programs and a community of more than 25,000 supporters including 10,000 who benefit from Bright Pink’s programs and support, Bright Pink continues to experience record growth and is inspiring thousands of women nationwide to be proactive with their health.

For the third consecutive year, Orbit White Bubblemint gum is participating in a national cause-related partnership with Bright Pink.  Orbit White partnered with Bright Pink again to continue its dedication to spreading the importance of making health and wellness a daily priority; being proactive about breast health should be as routine as regularly chewing gum to brighten your smile.  Orbit White looks forward to continuing to make a difference with Bright Pink in 2010 and further helping the organization provide education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.  For every pack of Orbit White Bubblemint sold during September and October, the brand will donate 10 percent of sales to Bright Pink, up to $75,000.

So go out and buy some Orbit White and sign up at Bright Pink for Underwire Alerts or text PINK to 59227 (texting rates apply).  You'll be sent a monthly reminder to think about the girls and 'check your tatas'.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Click to Give FREE Mammograms!!

I seen this over at Ziggy's Blog and after watching this video, knew I just had to share it.

So go visit The Breast Cancer Site now, it only takes one click to give a FREE mammogram!  While you're there don't forget to sign up for a daily reminder to click- each day you click is another FREE mammogram for someone who needs it.

Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Shampoo Spray {Review}

Invisible?  Impossible you say!  Dry Shampoo?  An oxy moron perhaps!  Sound like something for a Superhero?  Actually, it's more like for a Supermom or a working gal, or for anyone who camps or travels... basically anyone who likes to feel refreshed in between hair washing... just spray in and brush out Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Shampoo Spray!

Powdered or dry shampoos have actually been around since the 1970's.  And although they may have been a great alternative to shampooing every day, they would typically leave behind an undesirable white powdery residue.  With Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Shampoo Spray it leaves your hair feeling clean without the residue.  It's safe for all hair types and can even help extend the life of your hair color.  The shampoo absorbs the oily buildup on your scalp and gives your hair a fresh, clean look.

I have used this product several times now, and even had one of my sister's use it also- I have straight hair and my sister has curly.  For me it did seem to help take away the oily look at the roots, which was great for when I hadn't recently shampooed.  But for my sister with curly hair, it wasn't very ideal as she doesn't like to completely brush through her hair when it's dry, since it just tends to makes it frizz.

We both thought it was a lot like putting hairspray on our hair, and smelled similar too (made me think of AquaNet).  Additionally, after brushing it out it felt a lot like having hairspray in also- slightly crunchy/hard hair.  Overall, I'm still a little on the fence with this product- I think it worked ok for me though nothing beats being able to actually wash my hair.  And for someone with naturally curly hair I'm not sure it's the best product.  I do plan to keep it around and use it for those days when my girls are keeping me busy, and I just haven't been able to get in the shower and wash my locks.

You can find Salon Grafix products at these retailers:

Disclosure:  I received a free product for the purpose of this review, no other compensation was given.  All opinions are 100% my own and yours may differ. 

Bronzed Envy- Can Tan {GIVEAWAY} ends 8/14 (U.S. ONLY)

**CLOSED**

With the end of summer nearing, it becomes harder to maintain that bronzed glow and keep a tan throughout the winter.  Your tan always eventually fades, unless you're constantly going to the tanning salon- but who wants to do that with a foot of snow on the ground?  And tanning in the sun, as we all know, isn't good for our skin anyway.  Well here's a great company, with awesome products to keep that summer glow all year long and in a safe way- Bronzed Envy.

Here's more info. on the company and it's creator, Blakeley Smart- a Certified Sunless Specialist:

My name is Blakeley and I live in Austin, TX.  I am a stay at home mom of two boys.  I always knew I wanted to start my own business, but I didn't quite know what.  After doing some researching for a family member about safer, quicker ways to tan I came across Airbrush Tanning.  I instantly fell in love with the idea and wanted to start my own Mobile Airbrush Tanning Service.  I started Bronzed Envy in October 2008 and the rest is history.  People were calling right away!  I make my own hours, and am able to be home for my kids during the day.  After 4 months I had to hire my fist "helper" and after 6 months, I was so busy I couldn't believe it!

This service is so popular and women all over the place are attaching the word "addicting" to this service.  All it takes is ONE tan and you are addicted!  The results are a natural toasted almond bronze, with NO orange or red undertones in the solution!  I know, because I've developed the color myself.  I knew exactly what my clients were looking for, and what I couldn't find in a solution.  I have clients coming to me after trying other places and stay with me mainly because they adore my color!  I want to share this great opportunity with other women as well.  I believe its the perfect business for stay-at-home moms wanting some extra income, or someone just like me, looking for something unique to start of their own.  Its a fun, easy, low investment and high profit business!  Make your own hours, be your own boss, and stay as busy as you would like!  I can help you with everything you need to get started.  Please feel free to check out my website or email me for more information!

One of Bronzed Envy's most popular products is their Can Tan- it's just like a "Tan in a can"!

• It's the next best thing to an airbrush tan!
• It gives you instant tan/color right away AND also develops into a darker tan over the next few hours!
• This stuff Rocks and is a best seller!!
• Your very own jump start on Healthy looking beautiful skin!!

Blakeley has offered a full size bottle of her best-selling Can Tan to 1 lucky reader!!

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Bronzed Envy and tell me something else you learned or a service Blakeley offers.  Or  Tell me 1 of her sunless tanning tips.

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each one you do, +2- leave 2 separate comments):

• Follow my blog publicly via Google
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• Add my NEW button to your blog (if you have the old one please update it)
• Like my Facebook page
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• Follow Bronzed Envy's Blog publicly via Google +3 entries
• Join Bronzed Envy on Facebook  +2 entries
• Follow Bronzed Envy on Twitter  +2 entries
• Add the Bronzed Envy button to your blog  +2 entries



<a href="http://bronzedenvy.com/shop/homekit.html" target="_blank"><img border="0 /" src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj227/ewhites/BLOG%20FAIRY/hometankitbutton.jpg" height="165" /></a> 

• Post about this giveaway (Blog, Facebook, Cafemom, etc- leave link) +5 entries

• Tweet using retweet button or copy & paste the following (can be done daily, leave link)-

RT Want a healthy glow all year long? WIN a Can Tan from @bronzedenvy & @susiebhomemaker http://bit.ly/dgi0U5 US ONLY (ends 8/14) #Giveaways

U.S. ONLY

This contest ends on 8/14/10 at 11:59 pm EST. U.S. residents only. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before I draw another winner. Please make sure I can find your email on your profile or leave with your comment(s).

Disclosure: I did not receive any product or compensation for this post.