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

Target Style – Red Cable Sweater and Faux Leather Leggings

There are so many reasons why I adore this holiday outfit.  Number one, I had no idea what to wear while visiting my family for the holiday season.  Number two, I was striving to look stylish and comfortable.  Number three, I’m a mom of two boys (and stepson) and my holiday budget consisted of several additional gifts.

Kim West Target Style

I was pressed for time and needed to finish packing!  On a last-minute shopping trip (for wrapping paper) I spotted this gorgeous red cable pull-over sweater in Target.  It was on sale and paired nicely with my faux leather leggings.  I also wore my Guess booties for a chic, edgey look.

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Both pieces can be worn with a variety of different items; such as a classic button-down shirt, denim jacket, or fur vest.  The possibilities are endless!  I love it when a great fashion moment happens on a budget.

Women's Ripe Red Cable Pullover Sweater - Merona

Dr. Brandt 3-D Filler Mask at Sephora

[youtube height=”720″ width=”1280″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DYfVRoBfKw[/youtube]

brandt® skincare is excited to announce its collaboration with Kristofer Buckle, a celebrity makeup artist beloved by Hollywood’s A-list. To kick off­ this exciting initiative, Buckle – one of the most sought after contour experts in the business – will star in a how-to video that highlights the newest trend in beauty: contouring without makeup. A game-changing technique made possible by dr. brandt skincare’s latest innovation, needles no more™ 3-D Filler Mask, it allows you to reshape, revolumize and fill facial contours, for a more youthful look.

THE INSPIRATION: Dr. Brandt believed that the convexities and concavities of the face – and the way light reflects off them – play a major role in revealing our true age. By changing the way light bounces off the face, needles no more™ 3-D Filler Mask makes it look naturally younger and more attractive. The formula melts into skin to enhance cheekbones and create dewy highlights. It’s what the art of contouring is all about, yet works without layers of product.

THE TECHNOLOGY: A unique, skin-plumping formula inspired by the latest injectable fillers, needles no more™ 3-D Filler Mask restores lost volume and fills in wrinkles and folds for a softer, lifted, more youthful look. Packed with Adipofill’in a revolutionary plumping complex, combined with hyaluronic acid (the key ingredient in dermal fillers, which absorbs its own weight in water to pull moisture into the skin), and rejuvenating peptides, the self-sculpting blend counteracts the classic downward droop that comes with age. Use it daily for a noticeably smoother, softer, more refreshed look — or anytime you want to lend your face youthful dimension and a healthy glow.

JUST IN TIME FOR THE NEW YEAR: Filled with invaluable contouring and anti-aging tips that anyone can use, the new Kristofer Buckle/dr. brandt skincare video will premiere on youtube and at drbrandtskincare.com. Now available at drbrandtskincare. com, needles no more™ 3-D Filler Mask will launch at Sephora in January 2016.

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Enoch Pratt Free Library: Food for Fines 2016

The Enoch Pratt Free Library is partnering with the Maryland Food Bank in the month of January for Food For Fines.

From January 4 to January 31, donate a canned food item at any Pratt Library location and receive a $1 off any library fine.

There is no limit on the amount of cans that can be donated. For example, 5 cans = $5 off of your library card fines. Canned goods must be unopened and unexpired to qualify. To participate, just drop the cans off at the Circulation Desk of your local Pratt Library branch.

“We are encouraging our library patrons to help fight hunger in the Baltimore area. This campaign helps our neighbors and helps you reduce your library fines,” said Carla D. Hayden, Chief Executive Officer of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. “The holidays are over but the need is still there. Baltimoreans and Marylanders stand by each other and this campaign is a way to continue the holiday spirit into the new year.”

In January 2015, the library collected more than 10,700 pounds of food for the Maryland Food Bank feeding more than 7,000 meals.

“The Food for Fines campaign is an inspiring example of how communities can come together to prioritize hunger,” said Deborah Flateman, President & CEO of the Maryland Food Bank. “It’s a win-win for everyone, and it’s a helpful reminder that hunger is a year-round struggle, one that doesn’t end once the holidays are over.”

Enoch Pratt Free Library

The Enoch Pratt Free Library, the nation’s first free library system, opened its doors in 1886, the result of the generosity and imagination of businessman and philanthropist Enoch Pratt. Mr. Pratt envisioned a public library where “races, ages, and socio-economic classes mingled and people could educate themselves – without cost,” and his passionate belief continues to guide the organization. Today’s Pratt Library – Baltimore’s public library and the Maryland State Library Resource Center – consists of the Central Library, an anchor library, 22 branches, two bookmobiles, Pratt Centers for Technology Training, and the Regional Information Center. The Library’s mission is to provide equal access to information and services that support, empower, and enrich all who pursue knowledge, education, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning.

Maryland Food Bank
About the Maryland Food Bank: The Maryland Food Bank is a nonprofit hunger-relief organization, leading the movement to end hunger throughout Maryland. For more than 35 years, the Maryland Food Bank has partnered with communities across the state to distribute food to individuals and families in need. Through carefully-crafted programs, the food bank aims to meet the immediate needs of Marylanders while simultaneously working to find long term ways to reduce hunger statewide. Currently distributing more than 120,000 meals per day — nearly 44 million meals annually — the Maryland Food Bank will continue to expand its efforts until hunger ends. To learn more about the Maryland Food Bank, visit mdfoodbank.org.

For more information about the Pratt’s Food for Fines campaign, visit our website at www.prattlibrary.org. Also look for the Pratt on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.

Remember at the Enoch Pratt Free Library:  “Your journey starts here.”

 

 

 

prattlibrary.org  400 Cathedral Street  Baltimore, MD 21201-4484  p 410-545-3115  f 410-396-8134

RIMMEL LONDON LAUNCHES THE LONDON LOOK INTERNATIONAL CONTEST WITH RITA ORA

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From 21st December 2015, Rimmel London is inviting make-up addicts everywhere to reveal their vibrant personalities and make-up skills by creating their own London Look via video or picture. Entrants could win a once-in-a-lifetime experience – the opportunity to jet to London to meet Rita Ora and work with her team of Rimmel London experts in the YouTube Space, a state-of-the-art video production studio. Winners will use the latest YouTube technology to film the ultimate beauty tutorial. And if they impress Rimmel, they could become a global Rimmel ambassador, continually creating new online content for the brand. Celebrity status beckons!

Entering is simple: create your best London-inspired make-up look and upload your video or picture on RimmelLondon.com, or follow Rimmel and tag your entry #LONDONLOOK on Instagram and Twitter. Experience in creating videos, pictures or vlogs isn’t necessary, the judges are looking for original ideas, style and attitude.

Rimmel’s Top Tips For Creating The Perfect Entry

Mix It Up: Look at what’s been done before, try to be different and stand out from the crowd.
Have An Idea: Phone box red lip? London eyes? Create a fun theme and title to help viewers understand your #LondonLook.

Set The Stage: Find the perfect backdrop with everything you need at hand.
Lighting: Make sure your face is well lit so it’s easy to see the details of your make-up creation.
Product: Let viewers know which Rimmel London products you are using so they try the look themselves.

Attitude: Be as descriptive as you can and show-off your fun side.
Edit: Cut out any mistakes or boring bits to make your video entry flow more smoothly.

The London Look International Contest With Rita Ora is open from 21st December 2015 until 22nd January 2015. For entry details and contest rules, log onto RimmelLondon.com.

BJs Wholesale Club – Top Ten Toys Holiday Segment

On December 12, 2015 I hosted a Lifestyle Segment at Fox 45 WBFF news station. The purpose of the segment was to share this year’s Top Ten Toys from BJs Wholesale Club.

As the Spokesperson, I was able to discuss the following items:

Doc McStuffins Take Care of Me Lambie

Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile

Princess and Ice Castle Dollhouse: A BJ’s Exclusive

Star Wars Episode VII Jedi Master Lightsaber

Care Bears Sing-a-Long: A BJ’s Exclusive Bundle

Disney Frozen Ultimate Olaf

Miposaur with BONUS Recharge Kit

BJs has a variety of products for all age groups and delicious array of food items.  This is the perfect time to renew your membership before the new year.  Visit a local BJs Wholesale Club for your last-minute holiday needs!

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

Christmas in Baltimore and Festive Activities

Baltimore city is an amazing mixture of the historical and the modern and would be a great end-destination for any time of the year, but during Christmastime, it is something special. The community in Baltimore comes together in harmony during the holidays and offers some of the most charming and entertaining festive events. From residents creating a world-renowned light show to bringing in traditions and entertainment from across the Atlantic, Baltimore, Maryland is the place to be during Christmas. We’ve compiled a list of the many ways to enjoy the holiday season in this captivating seaside city” from the BLT.com

Click on the link to read more:  Christmas in Baltimore

Packing Tips for The Everyday Girl – Infographic

It’s no secret that I’m a Pinterest addict and this week would be no different!  I’m packing for a holiday trip and want to ensure that everything’s organized.  My biggest obstacle is planning my attire for the entire week.  There’s nothing worse than realizing I left something at home and instantly start to locate the nearest Target.

Regardless, there are some girls that get it right (in terms of packing.)  We all know them and recognize them in the airport. They’re the ladies wearing dark sunglasses, a Tory Burch Carry-On, bottled water, and portable cellphone charger.  This elite group of women are effortless, cool but most importantly have not left anything.

To help the rest of us (that are like myself) with packing tips, I want to share the infographics below.

Click on the photos to visit the site that provides more details for proper packing.

Holiday Travel Essentials – Must Have Products

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what essentials you need to bring for your holiday travel needs.  Pack light by bringing only the most important essentials.

Your 6 Holiday Travel Essentials

Travel Essentials
1. The Refresher: During this crazy time, you want to clean and refresh your face AM and PM. For one that refreshes skin and foams away makeup and impurities –

Lumene’s Bright Tough Refreshing Cleansing Foam ($10.99, CVS)

2. The Best Face Base: You want to look airbrushed, who doesn’t? For an optical line and pore minimizer with instantly beautifying effect –

Lumene’s Bright Now Line & Pore Minimizer ($19.99, CVS)

3. The Perfect Brows: For easy shaping and filling go to the all-in-1 helper –

Smashbox Brow Tech To Go ($28, Sephora)

4. The Winter Glow: Get the perfect rush of color with a silky powder blush –

Smashbox Blush Rush ($24, Sephora)

5. The Perfect Red Lip: Pucker up with the perfect pout in your favorite holiday shade –

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick ($20, Sephora)

6. The Secret Weapon: Through all the highs and lows of the holiday season, make sure you have a spot treatment on-hand to fight against any surprise breakouts –

DDF Acne Control Treatment ($46, DDFSkincare.com)