The Summer of Skin Perfection with my new little secrets and tips #VLBlurfection @SheSpeaksUp @LOrealParisUSA

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/L'Oreal.  

I am a nut about skincare if you haven't already figured that one out. I love the spring and summer but I am a fanatic about protecting my skin.  My momma is 80+ and she could pass for 55 in a heartbeat.  Why?  Years of careful tending to her skin from her head to her toes.  I learned from the ultimate teacher early.  One of things she always taught me is to protect and moisturize. If you are on a budget I have a quick trick for post shower moisturization.  You can simply put olive or safflower oil in a small spray bottle and spritz on your body. Easy and effective.  My mom prefers to use a thin layer of petroleum jelly but that is too heavy for me. Her skin is gorgeous though so it is something to consider.

Neither of us ever neglect the sunscreen on our face and body either.  Even when I am working I make sure my face is protected. There are so many products out there though and I don't have time for multiple steps.  I was excited to hear about a new product from L'Oréal Paris that does triple duty. Perfect for a busy working mom or anyone really.  My mom thought it was a winner too!  

L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation SPF 18 is the first makeup with exclusive "blur technology" formulated to instantly blur lines and wrinkles.  Up until now I was using a separate blur product under my foundation. Plus the separate SPF facial product. It took extra time that I don't really have every day between work, making lunches and getting the kids ready. When I was rushed I would forget or just forego a step. Oops...not good.  Before L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation SPF 18 I was using 3 products to get the results and protection I needed. I love that signs of aging disappear as Visible Lift Blur Foundation hides my annoying little dark spots and large pores. It also smooths any uneven texture all I see is a flawless finish that feels light and natural. 

L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation is super easy to use and blends into my skin in a flash...which is about what I have for time! I like to apply my foundation or base with my fingertips, blending in an outward motion as needed. Some of my friends swear by brushes or cosmetic wedges. Just make sure you keep your tools clean and wash and air dry them regularly.  The finish is light and the coverage is similar to a CC cream in my personal experience. It provides good coverage for everyday use.

You can follow L'Oreal on all your fave social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  If you want to get all the scoop on the colors and detailed information you can check out the Visible Lift Blur Foundation SPF 18 on the L'Oreal website too.

L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation contains SPF 18 and is available in 12 shades. I bet you can find the shade that is perfect for your skin tone. It retails for approximately $14.99 for 1.4 fl oz. and is available at mass food and drug retailers nationwide starting July 2014.

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."

A+CTIVE Premium Facial Serum: a blogger review #protegebeautyactive

I am always looking for innovative products to help my facial skin look the best it can. I'm not a 20-something but I exercise, eat healthy and take good care of my skin.  That includes SPF every single day under my makeup. Still. I need help.  Everyone does. That is why I was excited to try the powerful combination of Retinol, Sea Kelp, Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid in A+Active Premium Facial Serum. The company shared with me that this is a completely advanced elixir that was formulation to nourish, moisturize, smooth and protect your skin. It is a unique anti-wrinkle serum that combines retinol, coral-derived nutrients and active ingredients to provide you with excellent results.

A+CTIVE is a luxurious skin care serum developed to hydrate, nourish, smooth and even protect against visible signs of aging. The company shares that you can see wrinkles and even fine lines reduced after using it. The formula combines the best ingredients including Vitamin A, collagen and coconut endosperm which work in synergy to smooth out your skin and restore elasticity for a softer look and feel every single day.  The ingredients can actually speed up the cell turnover which is amazing to me.  A+CTIVE is enriched with Sea Kelp Bioferment to nourish the skin and combined with hyaluronic acid with sodium PCA moisture penetrates deep into the skin.  I definitely noticed a glow and the dry spots disappeared.

I love that A+CTIVE protects my skin too. Porphyridium, Fucoxanthin and Guiaizulene work in synergy to provide a protective barrier for my skin. I really like that Protege guarantees that A+CTIVE can help you look younger and prevent signs of aging.  In addition, I love that this product contains no Parabens, Sulfates or Phthalates. It is made in FDA certified facilities and no animal testing is ever conducted. It contains 95% Natural Ingredients. and it is effective for all people of all ages and skin types. Even sensitive skin.   The company shared with me that if you use the product faithfully every night, you can see results within 4 weeks.

I have been using it every night as the company suggested.  I am out in the sun often for work in and out of offices and I didn't want to experience any sun sensitivity so I followed their advice and did not use it during the day. I cleansed my face and applied a few drops.  I did not see irritation but they said it is possible during the initial application period. If this occurs you can apply every other night until the skin adjusts to it.  Then you can go back to every night.  I always apply sunscreen with 30+ on my face. They suggest 15+ to reduce possibility for photosensitivity. They also suggest a good day moisturizer like Protege Beauty's EmFACEize Fortified Daily Defense Cream.  They suggest continued use of A+CTIVE until you see visible results.   Depending on your skin type and level of skin damage it might be anywhere from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Some results may be visible earlier like smoother skin while wrinkles and fine lines may take longer. I noticed smooth skin by week two and I am hoping to continue to see more improvement as the weeks go by. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Summer calls for BBQ's and al fresco dining the perfect foil for any meal is the Ozeri FreskoDuo Salt & Pepper Grinder

Disclosure: I received the Ozeri FreskoDuo Salt & Pepper Grinder complimentary in order to review it. As always, my opinions are my own.

It is barbecue season.  I just love eating outside and cooking on the grill. We cook almost daily either me or the hubs!  We both have our own personal styles and cook totally different kinds of things too.  Whether it is kabobs, grilled tofu or hotdogs and burgers, it has to be properly seasoned.  My FreskoDuo makes it easy whether we are cooking on the stove or on the grill. One thing the hubs and I have in common  is that we both love to add own own spices to everything that we cook….from fresh ground salt and pepper to more funky and interesting ones.  One of my favorite things about the FreskoDuo Salt and Pepper Grinder is that I can grind my pepper fresh into my dish in a flash. It works so smoothly too.  We eat outside on the deck so often and entertain that we just leave it on the table ready for the next meal.

I can't wait for my next dinner party or summer bbq which is almost weekly this time of year.  My guests are going to be impressed. The FreshkoDuo grinder is an elegant and modern accessory for any dinner table or buffet.  I think my guests will really appreciate the beautiful design and ease of use.  The FreskoDuo Salt & Pepper Grinder was designed with an adjustable ceramic grinding mechanism to operate smoothly and easily.  Spices of your choice come out with a few light twists. You can even fill it with your own special blend for a party or event.  

The FreskoDuo separates easily so you can refill it in a flash too. I love the sleek design, you can tell it was designed in Europe...Germany actually. Ozeri shared with me that this FreskoDuo grinder is made of high quality stainless steel. It is constructed with powerful ceramic gears so it grinds easily....even my child can do it. I use peppercorns and salt but you can choose different spice blends to suit your taste.  I feel reassured that both the salt and pepper chambers are BPA-free and it definitely saves space. You can even adjust the grain size from fine to coarse with the adjustable knobs.  It makes me feel so professional.  The chambers are transparent so you can see your spices grind and also tell when a refill is necessary.

You can buy it on my favorite spot...Amazon. 

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."

How to eat healthy on the go with CLICK Espresso Protein Drink®: a Giveaway and Review

Disclosure:  I received samples of CLICK complimentary for review purposes as a Bulu Brand Ambassador. Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically CLICK protein supplements. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition.  Keep out of reach of children.

You know me by now.  I am one healthy girl. I work hard and work out hard. I really try to eat a clean diet. It gets challenging sometimes when I am on the go though. Geez, that is practically all the time. I keep a few healthy snacks in my purse and in the car but when I heard about the opportunity to review a new espresso protein drink called CLICK I was thrilled. This seemed like a perfect solution for my busy mornings and afternoons.  Sometimes I just have to get to appointments so early all I have time for is coffee with skim milk. It just is not enough. CLICK would be the perfect antidote to this problem. The reason is that CLICK Espresso Protein Drink®, known as the coffee lover’s protein drink™, is a frappe-licious, nutritious, all-in-one, coffee protein drink mix that boosts your energy, burns fat and curbs your appetite so you can keep CLICK’n or running or whatever your do throughout your day! That works for my busy days which is pretty much every day.

I received a large canister of Mocha Click, a branded shaker and several sample packs of Vanilla Latte this past week and the timing was right. Another craaaazzzy week at work…gee what a surprise. Pre-holiday and post-holiday is always nuts. The other morning all I had time for was that coffee and skim milk. Well, you know what, I added in a scoop of my CLICK and ran out the door. I was really happy because I knew I was doing my body some good to get that healthy protein packed in. Protein helps keep you feeling full longer.  A nice fresh cup of coffee full of caffeine plus CLICK protein kept me going all morning long. I am pleased with my new option that works great even when I am super busy.  I tried CLICK another day when I had a few more minutes to spare and blended it with ice, a frozen banana and a spoonful of peanut butter powder. Think back to those yummy chocolate covered frozen bananas of your childhood. This was super delicious and I made a mental note to try this combo again. Take a peek at the  CLICK fan recipe page which has some amazing ideas. You can try it out with the CLICK-Sample3 pack which includes a sample of CLICK Mocha, Vanilla Latte, and Decaf product.

Nutritionally CLICK is an excellent option for busy people that don't want to go off track.  It tastes great, is low in fat and calories but high in protein. It even has vitamins and minerals too.  Protein helps makes you feel full longer, we all know that too. Each serving of CLICK is totally packed with nutrition. Each serving contains 15 g. of protein, double-shot gourmet espresso coffee and 23 vitamins/minerals and has a decadent taste that is a taste contender with those big coffee house drinks. Way less expensive too when you crunch out the numbers.

CLICK is great as an all-in-one breakfast meal replacement, mid-day, appetite curbing, pick-me-up snack. You can blend it with water, water and ice or add it to coffee or another beverage.  Consider CLICK’s unique coffee protein combination as your pre or post workout support drink.  They even have CLICK decaf for those who are sensitive to caffeine or want to enjoy CLICK as an after dinner, protein-packed dessert drink.  CLICK protein drinks are so versatile, you can drink it hot as well as cold or blended.  CLICK comes in a 14-serving canister and is available in 3 coffee-house delicious, coffee-house flavors; mocha, vanilla latte and new yummy caramel!  You can pick up and buy CLICK easily on Amazon or buy it at tons of other spots around the country and have it at your doorstep in a flash too.

How did I find out about CLICK? Through Bulu Box! I was so excited that Bulu Box is going to feature the CLICK brand in an upcoming Bulu Box. You have to check out Bulu Box healthy monthly subscription boxes plus you get an excellent discount for joining now. They are amazing and a super deal...besides the great products from Bulu Box helps you stay fit all year long  ...not just summer. You can choose your plan but the annual plan is the best value.  I am going to be sharing the CLICK brand with my fitness buddies. Bulu Box finds all the best fitness brands for me and they come right to my door.  If I love them, they make it easy to buy a full size version. It is an easy way to find new ways to stay healthy and keep things fresh all year long. You have a few options for purchasing them to make it really easy too.

CLICK has generously offered a CLICK Starter Pack to one of you lucky ladies or gentlemen. Enter below on my easy Rafflecopter giveaway and good luck to all.a Rafflecopter giveaway