The cost at $16 is the only reason it comes in at 4.5 Cheers. Although you may be able to get it on Amazon for less:
Sunday, June 30, 2013
The Balm - All About Alex Eyeshadow - Product Review
Ladies, you know how you have those special, favorite products... the ones that you feel would be a devastating loss if they were ever discontinued? Well, this eye shadow falls into that never-to-be-understood-by-men category. Let me introduce you to the shade All About Alex by The Balm. Don't let the greenish color in the package on their site scare you - it actually goes on like a fantastic golden taupe. It's highly pigmented, very blendable, with just the right amount of shimmer (no glitterratzzi here). It's a wonderful shade for your crease and outer corner of the eye. Excuse the tattered look of the case, it just shows how much it's been lovingly used!
The cost at $16 is the only reason it comes in at 4.5 Cheers. Although you may be able to get it on Amazon for less:
The cost at $16 is the only reason it comes in at 4.5 Cheers. Although you may be able to get it on Amazon for less:
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tropical Colada Mango Smoothie
I don't know about you ladies, but I love Pina Coladas. And this is my favorite breakfast smoothie right now (without the alcohol of course). This makes one large serving (or 2 small) about 300 calories for the large or 150 calories each for the small.
Tropical Colada Mango Smoothie
- 1 cup Frozen Pineapple Chunks
- 1/2 cup Frozen Mango Chunks
- 1/2 cup Coconut Almond Milk
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Coconut Water
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice
- 2 tablespoons Ground Flax Seed
- Scoop of your favorite Protein Powder
- Handful of Shredded Coconut
- 1 cup Frozen Pineapple Chunks
- 1/2 cup Frozen Mango Chunks
- 1/2 cup Coconut Almond Milk
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Coconut Water
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice
- 2 tablespoons Ground Flax Seed
- Scoop of your favorite Protein Powder
- Handful of Shredded Coconut
Mix all ingredients in a blender and enjoy!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Something's Fishy (and that's a GOOD thing) Norwegian Gold Super Critical Omega - Fish Oil Product Review
Unless you've been living in a cave with no access to the outside world, you've probably heard that Fish Oil supplements are good for you. Some of the main benefits include:
This product is AMAZING! Here are my main two reasons why:
It can be purchased from Amazon with the link below or just check your local health food store - for me it's worth every penny. If you're looking for a high potency, truly burp-free Fish Oil supplement - I highly recommend you try Norwegian Gold Super Critical Omega.
It gets 5 CHEERS from me (the highest rating on this blog).
- Adding regular fish oil supplements can help promote better relationship between HDL and LDL cholesterol levels which helps to battle heart disease (we can all benefit from that!)
- Improving bone density - as we grow older, especially those of us who are entering the menopausal years (or like me, have been circling there for quite some time) we could begin to experience osteoporosis due to hormonal imbalances that affect our bone density. Studies have shown women who consume long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, along with getting enough calcium, tend to have healthier bones and decreased occurrences of stress fractures or other bone related conditions. (Amen to that - ladies, a cast or crutches does nothing for your outfit!)
- Balancing and improving our mood - fish oil consumption helps to increase the levels of serotonin in the body, which is often termed the 'feel good' hormone. (our significant others will certainly appreciate this!).
- Joint health - taking Fish Oil also helps lubricate our joints and reduce joint inflammation! (think about that the next time your knees are complaining about going up those stairs...)
This product is AMAZING! Here are my main two reasons why:
- Special enteric coating that really does make them easier to swallow and burp-free. Hallelujah!
- Very high potency in only one capsule!
It can be purchased from Amazon with the link below or just check your local health food store - for me it's worth every penny. If you're looking for a high potency, truly burp-free Fish Oil supplement - I highly recommend you try Norwegian Gold Super Critical Omega.
It gets 5 CHEERS from me (the highest rating on this blog).
5MABNSPEA3GM
Bikini Soft Shaving Oil - Review
After reading a few other posts in the blogosphere about Bikini Soft, my curiosity was definitely peaked. So I contacted the folks at Bikini Soft who were kind enough to send me samples of their products for review. Yes, I did receive the products for free, but it in no way affected my impression of the products, and what comes next is my unbiased, honest review. So ladies, let's get to it...
First - product photos:
Now, the review: I didn't want to try the products on a fresh razor blade - the blade would already be delivering a smooth, close shave out of the sheer fact that it was brand new. So when I tested these products, I intentionally used them with a two-week old razor blade that was on the verge of being switched out (I shave every single day without fail; let's just say those little moisture strips were a pale image of their former selves and it was taking multiple passes to get that close shave).
Directions from Bikini Soft instruct you to:
1. Generously wet the area to be shaved.
2. In a moist palm, massage 8-10 drops of Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil.
3. Massage into the area to be shaved and wait 5-10 seconds.
4. Shave as usual (be sure to rinse and clean your razor often)
One thing you need to know about me, I have been using liquid soap that lathers up nicely to shave for over 35 years. To say that I'm engrained in that habit would be the understatement of the century. So I wasn't crazy about shaving just with the oil. I did try it, but I wasn't a fan - it just seemed like I needed a ton of oil that way to get the smooth glide I was used to, and I gotta be honest, I missed my coconut-scented lather. However, in their "helpful hints" section, Bikini Soft suggests to get a really close shave to also put a few drops of the Smooth Shave oil directly on your razer, including on the lubricating strips. So next I tried lathering up with my regular liquid soap by itself and then only putting the oil on my razor before shaving. Wow! Now this I loved! I kid you not, my ready-for-the-trash blade suddenly felt like it was brand new. In fact, I would go so far as to say it actually shaved better than new - let me explain. I use the Schick Quattro women's razor and have for years. I actually prefer the closeness of the Venus razors, but I always (and I mean ALWAYS) cut myself with that razor. When I use the Schick Quattro, the shave isn't as close, but at least my legs aren't covered in dozens of "tissue bandaids" when I'm finished, so that has always seemed like an acceptable compromise. ENTER Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil and viola - my Quattro blade now performs like a Venus blade - but I'm not getting any nicks or cuts. This is a very good thing!
Their other product, the Razor Saver Oil, is used to preserve the life of your blade - after thoroughly rinsing your razor and gently dabbing it dry, you just brush on a thin coat of the Saver Oil and let the razor sit. I haven't been using it long enough to know exactly how long it preserves your blade, so I can't give empirical data on that. However, this is what is stated on their website: "Shaving doesn’t dull your razor, oxidation is the culprit. The combination of water and air on steel causes oxidation (or rust). In fact, the period between shaves does more damage to your razor than the shave itself. Exposure to moist air corrodes blades quickly, leading to a jagged edge resulting in nicks and cuts. Bikini Soft Razor Saver Oil has been shown to slow the effects of oxidation and extend blade life up to 300%." So the science behind it seems to make sense.
Here are the claims from their website and my reactions:
"Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil gives you the smoothest, closest shave and leaves your skin silky soft." Absolutely true, it was pretty amazing.
"You’ll be amazed at how comfortable your shaving experience will become along with the disappearance of nicks, cuts and razor burn." It was definitely comfortable once I switched to applying the oil only to the razor itself - definitely no nicks, cuts, or razor burn.
"Your razor will literally glide over your skin as if it is floating." Definitely true, especially combined with my normal lather.
They also offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
Cost: $14.95 - Kit includes a 1 oz. bottle of Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil as well as a ½ oz. bottle of Bikini Soft Razor Saver Oil with applicator brush. Your kit also includes a step by step instruction guide for both oils along with a Bikini Soft Recycling guide.
And I really love how they encourage their customers to recycle by providing the Recycle Return Label - not just for their empty product bottles, but for old razors and cartridges as well. Bravo!
So this product gets 4.5 CHEERS (almost the highest rating available on this blog). The only reason it doesn't get a 5 is because for some the cost may be a factor, although a little goes a long way. Personally, after trying the complimentary sample for 3 weeks, I will definitely be placing an order - I don't think I want to shave without it!
If you're interested in trying Bikini Soft you can learn more on their website at: https://www.bikinisoft.com/index.html. If you've tried it, I would love to hear what you thought about it, so feel free to leave your comments.
First - product photos:
Now, the review: I didn't want to try the products on a fresh razor blade - the blade would already be delivering a smooth, close shave out of the sheer fact that it was brand new. So when I tested these products, I intentionally used them with a two-week old razor blade that was on the verge of being switched out (I shave every single day without fail; let's just say those little moisture strips were a pale image of their former selves and it was taking multiple passes to get that close shave).
Directions from Bikini Soft instruct you to:
1. Generously wet the area to be shaved.
2. In a moist palm, massage 8-10 drops of Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil.
3. Massage into the area to be shaved and wait 5-10 seconds.
4. Shave as usual (be sure to rinse and clean your razor often)
One thing you need to know about me, I have been using liquid soap that lathers up nicely to shave for over 35 years. To say that I'm engrained in that habit would be the understatement of the century. So I wasn't crazy about shaving just with the oil. I did try it, but I wasn't a fan - it just seemed like I needed a ton of oil that way to get the smooth glide I was used to, and I gotta be honest, I missed my coconut-scented lather. However, in their "helpful hints" section, Bikini Soft suggests to get a really close shave to also put a few drops of the Smooth Shave oil directly on your razer, including on the lubricating strips. So next I tried lathering up with my regular liquid soap by itself and then only putting the oil on my razor before shaving. Wow! Now this I loved! I kid you not, my ready-for-the-trash blade suddenly felt like it was brand new. In fact, I would go so far as to say it actually shaved better than new - let me explain. I use the Schick Quattro women's razor and have for years. I actually prefer the closeness of the Venus razors, but I always (and I mean ALWAYS) cut myself with that razor. When I use the Schick Quattro, the shave isn't as close, but at least my legs aren't covered in dozens of "tissue bandaids" when I'm finished, so that has always seemed like an acceptable compromise. ENTER Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil and viola - my Quattro blade now performs like a Venus blade - but I'm not getting any nicks or cuts. This is a very good thing!
Their other product, the Razor Saver Oil, is used to preserve the life of your blade - after thoroughly rinsing your razor and gently dabbing it dry, you just brush on a thin coat of the Saver Oil and let the razor sit. I haven't been using it long enough to know exactly how long it preserves your blade, so I can't give empirical data on that. However, this is what is stated on their website: "Shaving doesn’t dull your razor, oxidation is the culprit. The combination of water and air on steel causes oxidation (or rust). In fact, the period between shaves does more damage to your razor than the shave itself. Exposure to moist air corrodes blades quickly, leading to a jagged edge resulting in nicks and cuts. Bikini Soft Razor Saver Oil has been shown to slow the effects of oxidation and extend blade life up to 300%." So the science behind it seems to make sense.
Here are the claims from their website and my reactions:
"Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil gives you the smoothest, closest shave and leaves your skin silky soft." Absolutely true, it was pretty amazing.
"You’ll be amazed at how comfortable your shaving experience will become along with the disappearance of nicks, cuts and razor burn." It was definitely comfortable once I switched to applying the oil only to the razor itself - definitely no nicks, cuts, or razor burn.
"Your razor will literally glide over your skin as if it is floating." Definitely true, especially combined with my normal lather.
They also offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
Cost: $14.95 - Kit includes a 1 oz. bottle of Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil as well as a ½ oz. bottle of Bikini Soft Razor Saver Oil with applicator brush. Your kit also includes a step by step instruction guide for both oils along with a Bikini Soft Recycling guide.
And I really love how they encourage their customers to recycle by providing the Recycle Return Label - not just for their empty product bottles, but for old razors and cartridges as well. Bravo!
So this product gets 4.5 CHEERS (almost the highest rating available on this blog). The only reason it doesn't get a 5 is because for some the cost may be a factor, although a little goes a long way. Personally, after trying the complimentary sample for 3 weeks, I will definitely be placing an order - I don't think I want to shave without it!
If you're interested in trying Bikini Soft you can learn more on their website at: https://www.bikinisoft.com/index.html. If you've tried it, I would love to hear what you thought about it, so feel free to leave your comments.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Watermelon - Oh How I Love Thee!
I'm so looking forward to the first bite of this delicious, delectable treat that I'm about to dive into. This beautiful bright red fruit is one of my all-time favorite foods. When it's in season, I eat it every day, typically as a nighttime snack. There's something so wonderful about that crisp, crackly sound the knife makes when it cuts through the green rind that tells you it's a "good one". But this fantastic rotund fruit isn't just tasty, I was surprised to learn all the health benefits it offers:
How fantastic is that? So the next time you're at a summer BBQ don't pass up that slice of watermelon!
Nutritional information taken from Discovery Health "Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon"
- Watermelons are full of nutrition, they hydrate with a high water content, and they're low fat. (Gotta love that!)
- They are an excellent source of Vitamin A, which helps maintain eye health and is an antioxidant, and
- Vitamin C, which helps strengthen immunity, heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy teeth and gums, and
- Vitamin B6, which helps brain function and helps convert protein to energy. (Who knew?)
- When you think of Lycopene - a powerful antioxidant that helps fight heart disease and several types of cancer - prostate cancer in particular - tomatoes always come to mind. And while tomatoes have long been touted as a great source for Lycopene - watermelon actually has the highest concentrations of Lycopene of any fresh fruit or vegetable. (Pretty impressive!)
How fantastic is that? So the next time you're at a summer BBQ don't pass up that slice of watermelon!
Nutritional information taken from Discovery Health "Surprising Health Benefits of Watermelon"
Welcome to the Beauty Section!
This section is devoted to all things that help us be even more beautiful than we already are!
Welcome to the Lifestyle Section!
This section is devoted to anything that can help make our lives easier, help us enjoy life more, help improve our relationships, and just help make us better women!
By the way, if you're dying to know where to get one of these cool purse organizers, visit this Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BABCIM (more to come on Etsy in a future post - if you haven't discovered it yet, you'll be amazed at all you've been missing!)
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Privacy Policy and Disclosure
This blog is a personal blog with content written and edited by me. This blog sometimes accepts forms of compensation from cash advertising, affiliate links, sponsorship or other forms of compensation. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I do sometimes receive compensation for my posts via affiliate links, I always give my honest opinion, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question, and through your own research & investigation.
Affiliate Marketing & Advertising
I participate in affiliate marketing programs where I receive a small commission when products are purchased through links on my blog. I appreciate when you click on those links because they help support me so I can keep writing Fifty Shades of Fantastic. As I said before, I'm very picky about what I recommend and link to. I'll only suggest things that I think will help improve your life in some way, whether it's looking & feeling more beautiful, getting & staying healthy, or creating more fulfilling relationships. Any advertisements on my site will always be in the right side bar and never part of any actual posts.
What information does Fifty Shades of Fantastic collect?
Fifty Shades of Fantastic collects information from you when you subscribe to the email list or fill out a form. That’s it.
Does Fifty Shades of Fantastic use cookies?
Yes. Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfer to your computer hard drive through your web browser (if you allow) that enables the site or service provider system to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information. The cookies are only used for the affiliate links. I don’t see them (and I certainly don’t eat them, although that would be nice if I could!)
California Online Privacy Protection Act Compliance
Because Fifty Shades of Fantastic values your privacy I’ve taken the necessary precautions to be in compliance with the California Online Privacy Protection Act. Fifty Shades of Fantastic therefore will not distribute your personal information to outside parties without your consent.
Online Privacy Policy Only
This online privacy policy applies only to information collected through this blog/website, not to other sites that you may access via any links on this blog/website.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
If I decide to change the privacy policy, I’ll post those changes on this page, and/or update the Privacy Policy modification date below. This policy was last modified on June 1, 2013
Contacting Me
If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy you may contact me using this email address: helen_laibach@yahoo.com
This blog is a personal blog with content written and edited by me. This blog sometimes accepts forms of compensation from cash advertising, affiliate links, sponsorship or other forms of compensation. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I do sometimes receive compensation for my posts via affiliate links, I always give my honest opinion, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question, and through your own research & investigation.
Affiliate Marketing & Advertising
I participate in affiliate marketing programs where I receive a small commission when products are purchased through links on my blog. I appreciate when you click on those links because they help support me so I can keep writing Fifty Shades of Fantastic. As I said before, I'm very picky about what I recommend and link to. I'll only suggest things that I think will help improve your life in some way, whether it's looking & feeling more beautiful, getting & staying healthy, or creating more fulfilling relationships. Any advertisements on my site will always be in the right side bar and never part of any actual posts.
What information does Fifty Shades of Fantastic collect?
Fifty Shades of Fantastic collects information from you when you subscribe to the email list or fill out a form. That’s it.
Does Fifty Shades of Fantastic use cookies?
Yes. Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfer to your computer hard drive through your web browser (if you allow) that enables the site or service provider system to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information. The cookies are only used for the affiliate links. I don’t see them (and I certainly don’t eat them, although that would be nice if I could!)
California Online Privacy Protection Act Compliance
Because Fifty Shades of Fantastic values your privacy I’ve taken the necessary precautions to be in compliance with the California Online Privacy Protection Act. Fifty Shades of Fantastic therefore will not distribute your personal information to outside parties without your consent.
Online Privacy Policy Only
This online privacy policy applies only to information collected through this blog/website, not to other sites that you may access via any links on this blog/website.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
If I decide to change the privacy policy, I’ll post those changes on this page, and/or update the Privacy Policy modification date below. This policy was last modified on June 1, 2013
Contacting Me
If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy you may contact me using this email address: helen_laibach@yahoo.com
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