Sunday, February 25, 2018

Wintertime Skincare: What’s your #SkincareStatus now? #sponsored @Neutrogena #GoBeyondClean



I recently partnered with Neutrogena to share my thoughts about how to manage an effective skincare routine. As a busy mama who juggles family, fitness and work I need to keep myself looking pretty too. Time is always a balance challenge for me though. My skincare regimen has to be effective but simple.  It is possible to achieve radiant, healthy skin with a simple line of quality products. Ingredients are a key to it all. I have always believe healthy skin starts from the inside with a healthy diet and an active exercise regimen but....good skincare is critical as part of the whole picture.  It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive but don't take short cuts with your skin. It is easy these days to take care of your skin with the latest HydroBoost line from Neutrogena that address my skincare needs at a reasonable price point. HydroBoost is new line of gentle but effective skincare gel cream products that cleans and moisturizes at the same time with the advantage of hyaluronic acid.  I love the light textured products in this line but don't let the see through pretty gel cream formulas fool you. These gel cream based products are effective at cleansing and the creams absorb quickly into the skin to pump up the moisture to the nth degree. I received several products to try including the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion, Cleansing Gel, Exfoliating Cleanser, Multivitamin Booster and Water Gel.


This is a favorite of mine. I love the light texture but it really holds in the moisture. Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel instantly pumps up the moisture and keeps skin looking smooth all day long. This formula absorbs fast so it is great for busy morning routines. One of the key ingredients is ultra hydrating hyaluronic acid. This is actually naturally found in the skin but it gets depleted as we age. The extra boost is just what my skin needs. The hyaluronic acid actually absorbs up to 1,000 times its weight in water. My skin feels smooth and soft after I use it. It is free of oil  or alcohol too so it is perfect pre-makeup primer or on its own. Non-comedogenic too.  Apply evenly to face and neck after cleansing morning or night. 19.99


My skin gets dry in the winter and over the years this has become more of a challenge. Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster provides intense hydration and actually energizes your skin. It gets rid of that dull, tired look that can develop as you age and gives the skin a refreshed look. This face serum contains purified hyaluronic acid. This is an important building block for the skin. It helps to really pump up the skins moisture barrier against dryness. Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster Serum intensely hydrates and energizes the look of your skin. It adds hydration to improve the look of your skin each day. This ultra hydrating serum for dry skin is fortified with vitamin E and that critical purified hyaluronic acid. HA is a compound that occurs naturally in skin and it actually behaves like a sponge for dry skin and absorbs and retains all that essential water. Neutrogena recommends using this serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. Alternatively, you can add it to your favorite face moisturizer. 18.99


Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel is a gentle and light option to achieve a clean face while improving hydration and moisture in the skin. This is the perfect cleanser since it also boosts hydration for ultra soft skin. I like the way this lightweight gel cleanser transforms itself into a creamy lather that removes makeup and any kind of dirt quickly and thoroughly. This formula is also infused with that key ingredient, hyaluronic acid which we know boosts the skin's hydration. This cleansing gel cleans and locks in hydration at the same time. It left my skin soft and comfortable when I used it. Soap-free. Oil-free. Paraben-free. Hypoallergenic. Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) It is super easy to use too. Just wet your face, apply a bit to your hands and lather it up, wash and rinse well. 8.99


Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser is a great way to exfoliate your skin as you clean. I love 2-in-1 beauty and skin care because it saves me time. This gentle formula exfoliates whiles boosting hydration in the skin. It left my skin clean, soft and glowing after I used it. This one is very lightweight and it is also gel-cream based like the entire Hydro Boost line of products. It was created with naturally-derived skin smoothing agents to effectively get your skin ultra clean and smooth. It also contains hyaluronic acid which helps to bump up the hydration and lock it right it. This left my skin clean, soft and comfortable. I use exfoliating cleanser a few times a week but Neutrogena has shared that this one is actually gentle enough for daily use. It is also easy to use. Just wet your face, apply to hands, add a bit of water and lather it up. Massage it gently in, avoiding eyes and rinse really well. Easy peasy! 8.99


If you are looking for a fragrance free option to clean your skin thoroughly, Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion is a good one to try. It is mild and kind of melts into your skin to get rid of all the days dirt, oil and even makeup. It leaves your skin smooth and soft. Like the other Hydro Boost products, it has been derm tested for sensitive skin.  8.99

Neutrogena, has a long history in skincare going back to the 1930's. It says something about the company when you know that your dermatologist always recommends Neutrogena products as well.
I have known them since I was a teenager to be a company that I can rely on for premium skincare at a reasonable price. Check out Neutrogena to find out more about this great HydroBoost product line and all the other great products they have to offer.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, December 11, 2017

Nourish Organic Natural Face Cleanser #trynatural #gotitfree @socialnature @nourishUSDA



I am a real stickler about washing my face every single night before I go to bed. I wash my face and get my creams, serums and lotions on there because I know it makes a difference. Your face has to be clean for those healthy elements to absorb in there though. All those layers of CC cream and day creams have to be removed thoroughly. The reality is that so many face wash and makeup removal products out there have ingredients I don't want on my skin, even for a minute. So naturally I was excited to try a novel option that is free of fragrance and weird chemicals I can't pronounce. Nourish Organic Natural Face Cleanser is a new option that I really enjoyed using over the past few weeks and I will continue to use it.

This is a face cleanser that really works quickly to remove makeup and the everyday dirt and oil that accumulates on the skin. It gets right into the pores and dissolves all that icky stuff and washes it away. It has no fragrance and it washes the skin clean without drying it or causing any irritation. I love that it is filled with vitamins and antioxidants to help my skin look its best. This gentle cleanser washes away impurities without causing redness, drying or irritating skin. Natural cucumber hydrates and soothes skin as it cleans. It also contains watercress which is super rich in antioxidants. This helps support skin against free radical damage.

Moisturizing Organic Face Cleanser With Cucumber + Watercress
  • Fragrance-free formula cleanses without drying or irritating
  • Penetrates deep into pores to dissolve dirt, oil and makeup
  • Packed with vitamins and antioxidants to nourish skin
  • Natural Face Cleanser 
  • Try Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser 
  • USDA Certified Organic 
  • Fragrance-free formula 
  • Cleanses without drying or irritating
  • Penetrates deep into pores to dissolve dirt, oil and makeup
  • Packed with vitamins and antioxidants
  • Suitable for all skin types
Fragrance-Free. Gluten-Free. Vegan.
6 fl oz. / 177 mL

This really nice face cleanser is available at Walmart and Target along with other products from their skincare line. Let me know what you think.
    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

    Monday, December 4, 2017

    Flavabar chocolate for life is delicious and good for you too #sponsored #trynatural #chocolateforlife @socialnature @flavanaturals

    I was impressed by the quality of the FlavaBar chocolate and the variety of flavors.  I love that this is dark chocolate with a 62% level of cacao. It is an ideal blend of dark chocolate and healthy flavanols. The combinations of flavors in the different bars are fun and exciting to enjoy alone or with friends.  I like that these delicious and flavorful bars are GMO-free too.

    • Dark chocolate 
    • FlavaBar dark chocolate bars
    • 62% cacao bars, rich in cocoa flavanols (plant based antioxidants)
    • FlavaBars have 5X the cocoa flavanols of typical dark chocolate
    • Flavanols benefit heart & brain health
    • Gluten-free, GMO-free, kosher
    • Try all of these mouth watering flavors:
    • Blueberry + Green Tea Matcha
    • Roasted Almond + Pink Salt
    • Pure Cacao Nibs
    • Ginger + Saigon Cinnamon
    • Espresso Ground Coffee
    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

    Sunday, November 26, 2017

    Hormel Gatherings Party Trays help make any gathering a little more fun #ad #hormelgatherings #partytrays #alreadyready #hormel #gameday #gamedaygathering #party #appetizer #stressfreeparty #partytips #friends #football #tailgate @HormelFoods


    “I received free product in exchange for my honest review.”


    Fall means so many things to my family but most of all it means getting together with friends and family at least a few times a month. We always step it up even more between Thanksgiving, Game Days, Christmas and holiday parties galore. I love this season, don't you? What is more fun than having a houseful of friends and family while you are relaxing with some delicious food and drink? 


    Over the years I have developed a real system for making a party great. Do everything ahead of time and say yes to delicious and easy shortcuts.  Of course you love to include some of your favorite recipes and appetizers but take some of the work out of your gathering and you will enjoy it more. Check out some of these party tips to make hosting a cinch. Consider an easy appetizer or two. Think dips, crackers, cheeses and items that are easy to do ahead of time. You have to create stress free party planning to make it simple and fun for everyone. The easier it is, the more time you can spend relaxing with friends and family. Choose a few ready-made nibbles like a bowl of nuts that are ready to go and you will be happy you did so.  There are tons of ways to make it easy!

    We just had 20 people come for a recent Thanksgiving party and then this past weekend we had a big game party with another 15 guests. Both events were easy-peasy because I planned ahead and took my own tips on using ready made nibbles and easy appetizers. One item that really makes a party is meat, cheese and crackers. Everyone loves cheese and crackers plus those little extras like pepperoni and olives. Hormel has created a new option that simplifies all the shopping and puts many of those delicious snacks in one tray. There are several varieties so you can choose your favorites but wow, what a time-saver. You can use one of these trays by itself or supplement with additional appetizers. Either way it saves a bunch of shopping and prepping. Whether you love honey ham and turkey or adore hard salami and pepperoni, Hormel has a tray perfect for your next event. HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays make it fun and easy. 

    For Thanksgiving, I set out my HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays as part of the appetizers. Add a few hot and cold dips, some additional crackers and bread sticks and I was done in a flash. Hormel crafted these portable party trays to make party hosting easy since they are a cinch to use. You can unwrap and serve right from the clear tray or you can re-plate and get a little fancier. They are priced very reasonably too. These appetizer trays really are perfect for any event including a tailgate or fall football. These party trays are totable and certainly would make a welcome hostess gift. There are several varieties available so you can try one or more at your next event.  

    Get some ideas from other party people by following HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays on social too. I love getting tips and ideas from Pinterest, Facebook and Youtube, don't you? Life is about friends, family and making those connections so keep it simple and let yourself have fun this season with a little help from Hormel. 

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."