Category: Product Review

Colors /

Keep Clothes Bright and Less Fading – Laundry Secrets from Downy Ball

Surveys show that Americans spend a decent amount of money on clothing. Women spend about $59 and men spend about $25 a month. The average family bringing in an income of $50,000 spends about $2,000 a year on new outfits. On top of the money being invested in new shirts, pants, sweaters and other garments, laundry can be a real pain in the neck. Stain removers don’t always eliminate the entire mark left behind by spilled coffee or mystery smears, and color-enhancing detergent only extends the lifetime of clothing for so long. To help prevent having to purchase new clothes there are tips to help keep darks from fading, sneakers from tumbling into pieces in the dryer and white shirts from having ugly armpits.

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Downy Ball has compiled some of the best laundry secrets and shortcuts since the invention of the modern washing machine and dryer to help consumers look their best with minimal effort. These tips include:

  1. Buy a sneaker dryer bag to eliminate the loud banging from your shoes.
  1. To prevent color fading, toss your clothes in the wash with a teaspoon of salt for a brighter look.
  1. Wash dark clothes inside out to keep them from fading. The detergent won’t drain the color and this easy trick will keep favorite shirts and pants looking newer longer.
  1. Save time, energy and money by throwing a dry towel into the dryer with wet laundry – this will reduce moisture in the machine and speed up the drying process.
  1. Remove underarm stains with a homemade recipe instead of bleach or stain sticks. Mix Dawn dishwashing liquid, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda to create a scrub that gets stunning results.
  1. Remove grease stains with a piece of chalk. Even if you have already washed a garment hoping soap and water would do the trick, that stain isn’t a permanent part of your wardrobe and chalk can still save the day.

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About Downy Ball

No more waiting for the rinse cycle. No more cleaning out the dispenser. With the Downy Ball, fabric softener is automatically released during the rinse cycle. To enjoy the convenience of Downy Ball just pour the Downy fabric softener of choice up to the right fill line in the Downy bottle cap, pour into the ball, seal it, and drop it in at the start of the wash on top of fabrics. Downy Ball will release the softener on its own, making laundry less complicated.

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Lifestyle Tips /

Sparkling Ice Cocktails and Cupcakes – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Today is St. Patrick’s Day and I wanted to share some refreshing cocktails (and a tasty green cupcake recipe) from Sparkling Ice – a great tasting, lightly carbonated, zero-calorie beverage which combines sparkling water, fruit juice, vitamins, antioxidants, and BOLD natural flavors.

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Ingredients

1 ounce vodka
1 1/2 ounces Sour Apple Pucker
1 1/2 ounces Sparkling Ice Crisp Apple
2 cups of ice
Apple wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions

1.Fill a martini shaker with ice.

2.Pour in the vodka, sour apple pucker and juice into shaker.

3.Stir ingredients

4.Garnish with an apple wedge

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Ingredients

Cake

1 box of white cake mix
12 oz of room temperate Sparkling Ice Lemon Lime
Icing

1 can of vanilla icing
4 drops of green food dye
Instructions

1.Preheat your oven to 350°

2.Line muffin pan with liners.

3.In a medium bowl combine your Sparkling Ice and cake mix, stirring with a whisk until most of the lumps are gone.

4.Fill each liner ½-2/3 full of batter.

5.Bake for 18-20 minutes until cupcakes are springy and toothpicks comes out clean.

6.Let cool completely before frosting.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Transitional Sweaters – Dryel Home Care Tips

When it comes to fashion, the laundry does not stop!  One discovers (very quickly) the proper care and treatment of garments is vitally important.  Each article of clothing has its own label that includes the fabric percentage, content and suggested laundry needs.

I have a few sweaters that I’ve started wearing to help with the transition of seasons.  In this region, the weather fluctuates; one day it’s cold enough to wear a cashmere tunic and the next day I’m searching for an open-front cardigan.

Dryel is such an important product (for your wardrobe) because it’s easy to use, inexpensive, and less damaging to your clothing.  The product contains 6 cloths and for hard to clean stains, the company provides a booster spray.

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From my personal experience, the kit was simple and resulted in my sweaters smelling great.  I opened the Dryel ultra cleaning cloth and placed inside of the bag (with my sweaters.)  After tumbling in the dryer for 30 minutes, I removed the sweaters and put them on a satin hanger.   This was an easy laundry process for a lady on the go!

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Check back with the site (over the next few months) and I will share additional tips from Dryel At-Home Cleaner. 

 

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Beauty /

Elizabeth Arden Skincare Products and Beauty Brand

Beauty Brands couldn’t be more excited to share two new multi-tasking products from Elizabeth Arden.

SUPERSTART Skin Renewal Booster works holistically to restore a healthy appearance to your skin’s surface layer. But that’s not all it does. This skin care superhero helps skin renew itself, retain hydration, and boosts the efficacy of your overall skin care regimen. Best of all, it is proven in just four weeks to make skin look and feel smoother, more radiant, hydrated and resilient, and to boost natural collagen and elastin. We’re wondering – is there anything this product can’t do?

Elizabeth Arden

Features:
· Boosts the results of your skincare products

· Helps repair outer skin layers

· Increases skin’s natural defenses and ability to renew

· Enhances skin hydration

· Supports skin’s natural moisture

· Reinforces integrity of skin barrier

· Contains probiotic complex and extracts of botanical glasswort, sea fennel and flaxseed

· Makes skin look and feel more smooth and radiant

· Clinically and dermatologist-tested

· Suitable for all skin types

Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara gives you gorgeous, stand-out lashes. The glossy formula separates, defines and lengthens lashes, while adding super volume, lift and curl. The long-wearing mascara is rich in vitamins to give you healthy-looking lashes, and it resists water. Plus, it won’t flake, smudge, clump or dry out. The innovative precision application brush grabs and coats every lash, and the brush’s push-up tip lifts and curls.

Elizabeth Arden Mascara

Features:
· Creates longer, fuller lashes

· Provides separation and curl

· Glossy, vitamin-rich formula

· Water-resistant

· Features precision brush with push-up tip

· Won’t smudge, flake, clump or dry out

Beauty /

LOreal Paris Makeup Case – Infallible Pro Collection and Tips

LOreal Paris is a premiere cosmetics brand.  To my surprise (and excitement) I received a package in the mail.  I opened the box and there was a huge makeup case.  Enclosed was a card that read, “LOreal Paris is thrilled to share our latest cosmetics launches with you.  From contour palettes to matte glosses and brow essentials, each new product combines fashion-forward makeup trends, encouraging every woman to be her own makeup artist.”

Every item in the box was gorgeous and showcased the new Infallible Collection. Timeless beauty is the theme of this product line and I could not agree more!  The Infallible Collection is suggested to give customers a longer-wear with high-intensity colors.  What does that mean?  The pigmentation in this particular product line’s extremely rich (true to color) with a velvety, matte finish.

Also, how many times have we applied foundation only to appear “unpolished” after a few hours?   LOreal wants to keep us beautiful all day and night with a liquid foundation (and press powder) that matches our skin tone.  The Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is light-weight with a demi-matte finish.

 

 

I have very small eyes and constantly seeking techniques to accent my lids.  Also, there’s a little secret, I actually wear contact lenses.  Due to this knowledge alone, I like to wear eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner for an attractive look.  LOreal Paris included (in this makeup case) the Voluminous Superstar Red Carpet Mascara, Infallible Matte-Matic Liner, Infallible Black Velvet Liner, and Colour Riche Eyeshadow.

 

  • Tip:  Avoid eyeshadow flaking by applying with a brush!

 

Aside from seeking new eye techniques, I have a tendency to obsess over my eyebrows because they frame the face.  Thankfully, LOreal included the Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro-Kit along with the Stylist Definer.  I am not a fan of over plucking eyebrows but a nice grooming can do wonders for the bone structure!

Lastly, it’s no secret that I’m a lipgloss lover and fill my makeup bag with various shades.  LOreal shared the new Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss (available in ten amazing shades.)  I recently learned that having a matte lipgloss is the latest trend.  The idea is to convey a velvet-matte finish on your lips for an “Old Hollywood” appearance.  This lipgloss is priced at $9.99 which is a good deal considering the higher-end cosmetics brands.

Visit your local drugstore (or Target) to pick up items from The Infallible Pro Collection!

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Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Fashion Tips with Dryel At-Home Dry Cleaner

Dry cleaning your wardrobe can be costly!  We love to wear cashmere sweaters, wool coats, and boucle’ slacks but the care for such garments are expensive.  One can purchase these items on sale but must calculate the price of dry cleaning in their shopping budget.

As a Style Expert, I always share that fashion girls (and guys) must properly care for their clothing to maintain a stylish wardrobe.  It’s more than dressing fabulous and owning several pieces.  In this day and time, we have to take our budget into consideration and be realistic about our clothing expenses.

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On-set for The Scandal Shopping Series
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Hanging out with the clothing rack

Truthfully, I also like to mix and match my own clothing.  It’s a personal preference for several good reasons. Number one, I am obsessed with closet organization. Number two, I like to come up with various ways that I can style one item. Number three, I’m a mom and my shopping list consists of additional household products.

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Love my Velvet Hangers

I was excited to be selected as a Brand Ambassador for Dryel At-Home Dry-Cleaner. Over the course of the year, I will share product reviews and cleaning tips! As a reader, you will also have the opportunity to follow my journey via Twitter Chats, Pinterest Boards, and so much more.  Let’s get ready to learn more about the special care of our clothing with the help of Dryel.

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Dryel Starter Kit

 

disclosure: I’m a compensated Dryel Ambassador – all opinions are my own. 

Beauty /

Black Opal Cosmetics – True Color Perfecting Primer

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I have been a fan of Black Opal Cosmetics for many years.  To start, I like my foundation to match the exact color of my skin tone.  I also seek to wear a foundation that provides moisture and full coverage.

For the last two months, I have been using True Color Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation.  The liquid foundation’s amazing and my face has never looked better!

Now that we’re in the winter months, it’s time to change my moisturizer, foundation, and primer.  Black Opal has created True Color Perfecting Primer  which has extra emollient ingredients to hydrate the skin and refine the appearance of pores.

Check back here in two weeks, I will be testing the beauty product and sharing on my Youtube channel.

Beauty /

Luster Premium White: Smile Whitening Kit and Stain Eraser Toothpaste Review

It’s a new year which means we have health and beauty goals.  I am always an advocate for exercise and fitness but we can’t forget about the state of our dental hygiene.  Luckily, Luster Premium White has some great products that will remove surface stains, enamel safe, and peroxide whitening.

I had the opportunity to review both the Smile Illuminator Instant Whitening Kit and Power White Deep Stain Eraser Fluoride Toothpaste.  The products made my teeth look amazing!  I truly noticed a difference (in my teeth) after three days of application.

Luster Premium White Smile Illuminator Kit
White Smile Limmunator Kit

The fluoride toothpaste directions state, “brush teeth thoroughly at least twice a day.”  I would suggest taking this to the next level by flossing the teeth/gums prior to brushing.  Also, I prefer the use of a spinning toothbrush for additional polish and stain removal.  In regards to the instant whitening kit, please remember that each product in the box has specific steps to achieve results.

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Power White Fluoride Toothpaste

The last tip is to combine both of the products for an even brighter appearance.  The best way to boost your confidence is with a great smile!

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Holiday Smile
Accessories /

1907 by Fromm Copper Core Thermal Round Brushes – Product Review

Everyone knows that core strengthening is good for the body. But it’s also great for beauty tools, and that’s why the contemporary beauty tool experts at 1907 by Fromm have given their round brushes a metal makeover. Beauty Brands is proud to introduce 1907 by Fromm Copper Core Thermal Round Brushes.

Featuring a unique copper core barrel, these brushes take style to new heights with unparalleled advantages over brushes with traditional aluminum ceramic coating. The copper coated barrel isn’t just pretty to look at. It also ensures even heat distribution to dry hair 30% faster, while reducing hand and wrist fatigue and minimizing hair damage. Copper is also naturally antimicrobial, destroying 88% of bacteria, preventing dandruff, itching and flaking. And the brushes also provide superior shine.

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Product Review –

The 1907 Copper Core Thermal Round Brushes are truly beautiful in sight.  They’re a great addition to your beauty entourage and the bristles feel very sturdy.  Personally, I like the handle grip which is important in terms of blow drying the hair for a total look.  The brushes also come in 4 different sizes depending on the hair length; adding volume and shine to your tresses.

My hair is in a natural (chemical free) state and I like to blow dry for a length check and trim.  The 1907 Copper Core Thermal Round Brushes made the at-home process easier.  I was able to hold my blow dryer in one hand, along with the 1907 Copper brush and was done in a matter of minutes! Visit the social media handles below to purchase and learn more about 1907 Copper Core Thermal Round Brushes.

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Facebook: @beautybrands

Twitter: @beautybrands

Instagram: @beauty.brands

Hashtag: #beautybrands

Fitness /

Hyleys Slim Tea Lifestyle Option – Product Review

Hyleys Slim Teas –

Hyleys Slim Teas are 100% natural Green teas made with Senna leaves, and fruit flavoring that promote body cleansing, detoxification, and a healthy digestive system, all in a delicious cup of hot tea! Mild and pleasant in both taste and texture,the weight-loss enhancing properties of the Slim Teas offer consumers a safe, pound-shedding alternative to risky pills and surgery. 

Using only the highest quality ingredients, Hyleys Slim Teas are available in flavorful options like Acai Berry, Blueberry, Goji Berry, Pomegranate and Raspberry as well as a Five-Flavor Assortment. MSRP $5.99 for 1-pack of 25 foil envelope tea bags.

See www.hyleysteaonline.com for their entire collection of 100% herb- and fruit-infused, wellness teas along with Wooden Gift Boxes and Gift Tins perfect for holiday gifting.

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Product Review: 

Let’s be honest, I enjoyed too much comfort (and fast) food during the summer months.  After facing this harsh reality, I had to actively start my weight loss program.  Number one, I take pride in being healthy and monitoring my diet.  Number two, I’m petite and must be mindful of those “few extra pounds.”  Number three, it’s the holiday season and my wardrobe requires fitted a dress.

I received the assortment of Hyleys Slim Tea in the mail and honestly, didn’t know what to expect.  I am proud to share (with the use of moderate exercise) I have seen results from drinking the Slim Tea.  Yes, I lost a few pounds!

I would suggest reading the directions on the box which indicates the best time frame to drink the tea along with consumption.  This tea not only helps you lose weight but it also has a nice flavor.  I could taste the fruit infusion in each bag.

Remember, the tea also serves as a mild laxative but if you’re eating “clean” you should not have severe stomach cramps.  I am pleased with the results of the tea and encourage everyone to try it.  This is a great option if you’re seeking to lose weight without extreme measures.  Hyleys Slim Tea is affordable and can also be purchased online.  If you decide to try the tea and see results, please share in the comments box below!

Lean Diet

Moderate Exercise

Drink One Cup of Hyleys Slim Tea Before Bedtime