Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category

Introducing the New Proactiv! It is the same effective formula, but now enhanced with exclusive new micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide acne medicine designed to get acne fighting medicine into the pores fast, penetrating even clogged pores quickly.

So what else is new about Proactiv? They have added a new cast of celebrities (including Katy Perry & Avril Lavigne) and exclusive enhancements to their customer experience. Customers will receive unmatched access to round-the-clock guidance and support from trained Skin Care Advisors, as well as new online tools including Proactiv Day One – a comprehensive online support system to help customers get the best possible treatment experience literally from Day One.

As a former Proactiv user, I was excited to try the new formula to see how it compared. In the photo pictured above, you can see what came in the New Proactiv box. The packaging is definitely different and included some great bonuses including a nice laminated Quick Start Guide and a book by Dr. Rodan & Dr. Fields titled The Doctor’s Secrets to a Lifetime of Clear Skin (the orange book in the photo). The book is an easy-to-read guide that gives 30 doses of wisdom about skin and stopping acne. The product bonuses for my box was the Refining Mask and Green Tea Moisturizer.

After the first week of using the New Proactiv 3-Step System + bonus products, my skin felt more smoother, tight, clear & refreshed. I also noticed the new innovative formula works much faster than the previous one. The Green Tea Moisturizer was a real treat for my skin because it gave a calming/soothing effect. Overall, I have been very pleased with the results of the New Proactiv and plan to keep it in my skin regimen!

To try the New Proactiv, please call (888) 819-2019 or order online.

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Rembrandt has introduced its new Plus Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash. It is the first and only whitening mouthwash with fluoride that whitens and restores enamel.

When I tried Rembrandt Plus Peroxide Whitening mouthwash, it was the perfect companion to Rembrandt Intense Stain toothpaste. It is formulated with Bio-Available – which is a rapid-release liquid peroxide begins working immediately on contact to powerfully whiten. The mouthwash is also infused with a premium blend of mints that deliver a long lasting fresh mint flavor. It was gentle on my teeth and gums and the end result was a brighter and whiter smile for me! One thing to note is the recommendation that you do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using the mouthwash.

I will definitely continue using Rembrandt Plus Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash. It retails for under $8 and available at your local food and drug stores.

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Rembrandt recently introduced its new Intense Stain Toothpaste, which has an enhanced formula for powerful whitening and stain removal. It contains fluoride for enamel restoration and powerful stain-fighting ingredients to effectively remove deep stains – such as coffee and red wine.

I have been using the new Rembrandt Intense Stain toothpaste for about a month and I’m very pleased with the results. Within the first few days, my smile was noticeably brighter and whiter. The toothpaste was very gentle on my teeth & gums and had a long lasting minty flavor that I liked. The enhanced foaming ingredients created the perfect rich and creamy lather, too.

I highly recommend this product for coffee/wine drinkers or anyone looking for a powerful whitening toothpaste. Rembrandt Intense Stain retails for under $8 and its available at your local food and drug stores.

*Try Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste with Rembrandt Plus Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash.

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After years of strutting in stilettos, and complaints from boyfriends about their early departures from special events due to aching feet, sisters Jenifer and Sarah Caplan recognized the need for a portable, street walkable flat and Footzyrolls were born!

They designed the smallest “rollable shoe” that can be folded up and tucked into a clutch, so when your feet are throbbing after a long day or night in heels, you can have immediate relief and do a quick shoe change right on the street. The soles of the shoes are street-walkable, so they can be used over and over again, and they provide the comfort and relief of a slipper.

I received a pair of limited edition Footzyrolls this week and these chic ballet flats are super fab! I adore the concept of having these rollable shoes on standby for a long night in heels and to give your feet a comfy relief. Inside the box was the pair of Footzyrolls in Black as Midnight, a mini drawstring pouch to store the rollable shoes when heading out and a larger drawstring shoe bag for the heels you take off (all pictured below).

I wore my Footzyrolls in the office and they were absolutely great for everyday use. The rollable shoes were perfect when I needed a break from my boots and heels. They were also very street walkable and the soles were strong, waterproof and skidproof – you just have to be careful with sharp objects in the street (like glass, etc).

I believe if you own a pair of heels, you need to own a pair of Footzyrolls! They come in a variety of colors and finishes to match every outfit and retail from $25 – $30.

Use the code SOLEMATE and receive 10% off your order if you place it before Valentine’s Day!

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Radio City Rockettes and NYC families help welcome the newest member of the Coca-Cola family, the 90-Calorie Mini can. (David Goldman/AP Images for Coca-Cola North America)

Who’s the new smidge in the fridge? It’s Coca-Cola’s 90-calorie mini can, a new stylish way for consumers to open a little happiness and manage the calories they drink!

Nearly half the size and more than twice the fun of a standard can, the 7.5 ounce mini can is packed with small bursts of the same great flavor and refreshment of Coca-Cola. The new packaging, part of Coca-Cola’s on going commitment to support a healthy lifestyle, contains a portion controlled 90 calories, which can be incorporated in any diet.

“The Coca-Cola mini can is a great option for smaller thirst occasions, and for calorie conscious consumers,” said Hendrick Steckhan, president and general manager, Sparkling Beverages, Coca-Cola North America. “Our new sleek mini can supports the idea of moderation and offers people yet another way to enjoy their favorite Coca-Cola beverage.”

I received samples of the new 90-calorie mini can from The Coca-Cola Company. The new mini tasted great and it complimented my new healthier diet. You get taste, refreshment and hydration all in one can. I’m sure you will definitely enjoy these!

Mini options will include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Cherry Coca-Cola and Barq’s Root Beer, among others. Residents in Washington, D.C. and New York will get the first glimpse of the mini cans. They will be available nationwide in April 2010.

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Did you know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air indoors may be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside and it is estimated people spend 90% of their time indoors?

The one investment that can dramatically improve the quality of the air you breathe is an air purifier. In fact, here’s a list of the immediate effects of having one in your room:

  • Purify the air by removing allergens including pollen, dust, animal dander, mold and smoke. Also effective in controlling germs like bacteria and viruses.
  • Rid the air of unwanted odors from smoking, cooking and pets.
  • Clean the air by removing toxic fumes from common household products and cleaning agents, including chemical emissions from new carpet, paint or wallboard.
  • Get a good night’s sleep from breathing fresh, circulated air.
  • Get a cleaner house and do less dusting!

Therapure is the perfect solution because it is a three part cleaning system that removes allergens and pollutants including mold spores, pet hair and dander; kills bacteria and germs such as mildew and viruses that can trigger asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments; and removes toxic fumes caused by such agents as household cleaners, toxic paint, and new carpet.

With its unique three step system, including UV light, the Therapure air purification system helps to keep the house clean of dust and other pollutants. In addition, Therapure’s permanent HEPA type filter never needs replacing (it only requires periodic vacuuming), it is low power consumption-energy efficient, and it has a built-in ionizer to revitalize air as well as a twelve hour timer.

The purification process begins with the HEPA filter, which removes allergens and pollutants. Next, the UV lamp kills bacteria and germs on contact. The final stage belongs to the Photocatalyst filter, which removes VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) such as household chemicals like toxic paint, chemical emissions from new carpet, and indoor air pollution. This Triple Action Purification Process provides maximum protection and instant clean and breathable air.

My family and I suffer from allergies so I was delighted to try out the Therapure air purification system recently. I have been using it in our home for about a month and I definitely noticed a difference in the quality of our indoor air.  In the family room, the air was noticably fresher and I found myself using less deodorizers/plugins.  In our bedrooms, it was great because pollutants were being removed and I wasn’t sneezing as often.

Therapure was lightweight, extremely quiet and very easy to operate. It was also economical because there are no HEPA filters to purchase or replace and cleaning was simple. We look forward to using Therapure for years to come! 

Price: $49.99 and up.  It is available at your local retailers – like Costco, Fred Meyer, Shopko, Target, and Walmart.

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Want to go green without giving up great style? Not sure how to make changes — or why they matter? Then Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style is just for you!

Green Chic offers dozens of tested, practical ideas that can help readers sustain the environment and look gorgeous, travel in style and feel amazing at the same time.  Author Christie Matheson explains how readers can easily make a difference with realistic and accessible ways to be green.  A few examples are:

  • Take shorter showers and let hair air dry before you blow dry– Save hundreds of pounds of carbon and get softer skin and silkier hair.
  • Sip water from a cool reusable bottle — Reduce waste and score an accessory that looks so much sweeter than a disposable plastic thing.
  • Support sustainable restaurants — Opt for places that use local, organic ingredients and offer a chic, intimate dining experience.
  • Go polish-free when you get a mani/pedi– Expose yourself and the planet to fewer toxins and end up with a fabulous, long-lasting, chip-free look.
  • Get plenty of sleep! — Look extra-gorgeous with a lot less effort and fewer products.
  • Before you shop, edit your closet — Use this stylist-tested technique to get a wardrobe you love without buying anything new.

Included in this fun green guide is a glossary filled with frequently used environmental terms, how to have a green home, ecofriendly food, beauty care, fashion tips, why green women don’t get fat, green websites and so much more!

Green Chic is the perfect resource for women who want to start making a difference in their environment, but think that it may ruin their chic lifestyle. In fact, this book shows that going green is inherently stylish.  So embrace the fabulousness of green living, by picking up your copy today!

Price: $12.95 (but Amazon has it discounted)

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Gigi Blanki

I absolutely adore the new gigi blanki from The Gigi Blanki Co.! They are designer baby blankets, custom-made with the most luxurious fabrics. Just the right size for little hands & tiny cheeks, one side is soft, fuzzy and nubby — and the other side is silky and comforting. The gigi collection also includes stylish tooth fairy cases (toothi) and fashion-forward burp cloths (burpi).

Our gigi blanki (pictured above) has a Chocolate color nubby side and a Chocolate Latte pattern for the silky side. The blanki was super soft & looked amazing. I was very impressed with the richness of the colors and how easy it was to clean.  Brianna loved snuggling & toting “her blanki” around our home as a security blanket.

Every gigi product is unique and bears a distinctive logo patch. Best of all, the collection is designed by you and custom-made to meet your color specifications, which is great for matching a favorite color or outfit. View the gigi gallery of favorites here.

The Gigi Blanki Co. collection also makes perfect baby shower and baby welcoming gifts. Get yours today!

Price: Gigi Blanki starts at $25

Stylish Factor: Handmade especially for your little angels with the most stylish and divine fabrics!

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Luggage Charms by My Charmed Life are the perfect accessory for identifying your luggage, backpacks, diaper bags and golf bags. Brianna and I had fun using them on a recent family trip and for labeling her items at daycare.  There is even space on the back to write your name, address and phone number in permanent marker. View selection options by clicking here.

Price: Starts at $6

Stylish Factor: My Charmed Life will make a donation to the American Heart Association for every purchase made during February!

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Custom Made For Kids has introduced its first personalized children’s book entitled The First Adventures of Incredible You. It is an award-winning keepsake storybook I know you and your child will love!

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You start by inserting over 20 personal facts about your child and the people & places that are most important to your child on their website.  By personalizing these experiences, the storybook highlights the connection between children and the people & places that are special to them in their young lives.

When Brianna’s storybook arrived a few weeks ago, I was delighted to see the rich & colorful illustrations found on the hardcover and throughout the book. We cuddled up for several evenings to read her personalized storybook and she enjoyed every moment.  She was quick to point out familiar references like zoo animals, the beach, the park and her favorite colors.

It was fun for both of us to read a charming story all about Brianna! The actual story line starts by describing the incredible day your child arrived on earth through the many exciting adventures your child will experience in his or her first few years of life — from tasting a favorite food to cheering on a beloved sports team to visiting a special vacation spot or park, this rhyme-based book celebrates the first adventures of every young child that “stars” in it!

The First Adventures of Incredible You is perfect for birthday gifts, holidays or as a special keepsake gift.  It would also make a great non-sugary gift for the kid’s Easter baskets in March.  There is also a dedication page where you can provide a personal message so that the child will always remember that this thoughtful gift came from you. Visit their website today to create your copy or to take a Virtual Book Tour!

Price: $32.95

Stylish Factor: The First Adventures of Incredible You makes a memorable keepsake that both children and parents alike will cherish for a lifetime!

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My home is filled with popular games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Taboo, Clue & more – but what was always missing was games for my little preschooler Brianna. She would watch in curiosity on weekends as my family would play our classic games, but she could never get in on the action. So imagine my delight for her to try out the new Cranium Bloom educational games for kids 3 and up!

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The first game we played was the Seek & Find: Let’s go to the Zoo puzzle. There were 24 puzzle pieces and the first step was to put the colorful puzzle together. After we put the pieces together, Brianna had fun just pointing out the animals she recognized right away including her favorite two animals – giant pandas & elephants.

Next, we picked up the beginner book of cards (advanced cards are available also) and flipped to each one so that Brianna could search the puzzle for the items on the card. For example, the cards would either ask you to find something orange or find three tigers. Once you find it – you can use the erasable pen provided to circle the item.  Brianna actually did very well on both the beginner & advanced cards.

The best part is that you can extend the fun of the game by trying other activities – like taking the book of cards with you to the zoo to see how many things you can find or hunt for different shapes in the puzzle picture, etc.  All of the suggested activities fall under Cranium Bloom’s themes of discover, perform, create or connect.

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The second game we played was the Lets Play Count & Cook game. In the box was a game board, 18 tokens, 4 movers, a recipe book, die and a rules sheet. Brianna and I quickly set up the game and started playing. She had fun creating recipes for cheeseburgers, peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, fruit salads and more. The player who adds the last ingredient is top chef and opens the secret window in the recipe book for a special surprise. The recipe book also features kitchen tips for kids, how to set a table, various kitchen tools, cooking measurements and different noodle types. I even learned how to tell the age of an egg!!!

So, if you are ready to play fun & educational games with your child, try out award-winning Cranium Bloom products!

Seek & Find: Let’s go the Zoo retails at $9.99 and Lets Play Count & Cook retails at $12.99.  They are both available online or at your local Target store – have fun!

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When it comes to parenting challenges, finding a reliable, trust-worthy babysitter ranks up there with getting into a good preschool and potty-training.  Well MommyMixer helps make your babysitter search a whole lot easier!

Founded in 2003 by Mary Sullivan Cooper, MommyMixer connects busy families in need of part-time babysitting with high-quality college students.  It is an hour-long face to face meeting, so you can instantly make connections and scope out the candidates who would be the best fit with your schedule and children.

I was able to attend a MommyMixer event in November which was held at Fab’rik boutique in Atlanta.  As I entered and signed in, I was greeted by Juliane (MommyMixer City Manager) and her staff.  She was very friendly and explained the process of the event that night.  I even had time to mingle with other moms and browse the boutique before the mixer started.

When MommyMixer started, sitters gave a brief introduction of themselves, spoke about their experience,  the areas they served and their availability.  Next, parents gave introductions. We spoke about our children, their ages, the areas we lived in and our specific needs.

After all introductions were made, parents had the opportunity to meet each sitter individually and ask specific questions to the ones they were interested in.  Since I have a 2-year old toddler, I was interested in knowing what activities the sitters would engage in with my daughter (besides tv or movies).  For me, it was great meeting the sitters up close & personal to determine which candidates would make the best fit.

After you meet with the sitters you are interested in, you are free to leave or continue browsing the venue. Parents also receive a comprehensive copy of The Babysitter Book which is full of sitter résumés and pictures - so you can contact your favorite candidates to set up follow-up interviews!

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MommyMixers are definitely time-efficient and a cost-effective alternative to part-time nanny placement services, answering classified ads or using online sitter database services.  So whether you need help 20 hours a week or if you just need an occasional babysitter for a quick break, MommyMixer can connect you to an exclusive network of great sitter candidates who want to help you and your family!

Tune into Good Morning America tomorrow - Monday, December 31 to watch a feature on Mommy Mixer!

Stylish Factor: Sometimes there is a shopping discount at the MommyMixer venue (which is usually held at high-end boutiques or other hip locations).

Price: There is a $100 fee to enter your first MommyMixer and a $75 fee for each subsequent MommyMixer that you attend. Babysitters are Free.

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