Keep Momming

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Shire. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

The relationship that exists between mothers and daughters is unlike any other. It has many unique moments, memories, and yes, even challenges along the way. The relationship dynamic can be even trickier when your daughter is in those tween-age years. What can be even more difficult is when some people dismiss certain behaviors as “typical tween girl behavior” when those behaviors can be symptoms of something more serious. Research suggests that girls are more likely than boys to report having mostly inattentive Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Since inattentive symptoms can be less noticeable than hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, it is important that moms know what to look for.

I’m proud to be joining forces with Shire, CHADD and Holly Robinson Peete to announce the launch of keep momming, a new public service initiative geared towards the moms of tween girls to raise awareness of ADHD.

The campaign is anchored within a new digital hub, KeepMomming.com, where you’ll find tips, tools and other go-to resources for moms, including a checklist to help recognize the symptoms of ADHD – inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity – and then encourages moms to talk to their daughter’s doctor. The keep momming initiative can help moms learn about ADHD and provide ideas on how to spark a conversation and stay connected with their tween.

Don’t miss Holly’s message about the keep momming initiative http://goo.gl/3tqd5q, and be sure to check out the website at Keepmomming.com.

Boost Your Etsy* Sales Review + Giveaway #etsymarketing

Do you love Etsy and how easy it makes it to sell your products? It is such an amazing marketplace but it is crowded. It can be a challenge to get your product out there front and center.  You might be struggling like I was and many others out there still are. There are ways to improve sales though that are easy and simple.  There are so many hidden loopholes which can boost your sales but you don't know until you try them. I recently checked out one option on how to Boost your etsy sales, learn Etsy SEO, Etsy marketing, Etsy branding and photography.  It even shares simple and easy to replicate tips on how to maximize your use of social media, and keywords though an easy PDF Tutorial, ebook and video. Now you have the answer to that question. I used to wonder how top etsy sellers drive constant traffic that converts into sales. I thought it was really complicated but it is not.  You can get your Etsy store in motion. If you are confident and ready to bring life to your personal Etsy shop and increase sales and productivity, this is exactly what you have been looking for!

You learn many of the hidden loopholes in Etsy.  There are simple ways to lower your costs and increase your traffic.  Do both of these and you can significantly boost your Etsy shop sales really fast like I did.  Alot of the terms like SEO optimization sound complicated but this tutorial makes it easy to understand. I never quite understood the ranking thing with Google. Now I do and I got my rank way up too.  I know much more about the best keywords to use too.

You will learn just like I did how to sell on Etsy, SEO optimization, keywords, branding, and even how to stand out from the direct competition. Learn how to create etsy treasuries in less than 2 minutes flat too. You can quickly write a great pitch and win the hearts of top bloggers so they can help you too. You learn how to write a great press release and where to send it for free.  Even more, you learn how to bring massive traffic using Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn, Flickr, Squidoo and social bookmarking sites such as Digg, Delicious and StumbleUpon. Increase your productivity allowing you to create more and sell more.

What materials are included?

• A 77 page PDF Ebook

• 4 videos that will teach you everything you need to know to improve your Etsy Branding, Photography, SEO and How to make treasuries in less that two minutes

You will learn all the key facts that you must know to improve your branding and photography. (Examples of Etsy banners and photography)  You will learn how to create a complete Etsy SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to rank fast on Etsy and Google, how to get found by the people that is searching the products of your niche, and complete shop optimization including optimizing your products title, descriptions and even tags. Not to mention the correct use of keyword phrases.

Enter my Rafflecopter giveaway to win your own Boost Your Etsy Sales!  a Rafflecopter giveaway


*The term Etsy™ is a trademark of Etsy,Inc. This ebook is not endorsed or certified by Etsy™, Inc. 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.

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.