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Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Collection

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It’s taken me many years of masking my curly hair before I finally learned to embrace it and it has been a long journey of learning about my curls and how I should care for them.  Between dealing with split ends, dry hair due to years of coloring, bleaching, hot tools or sun damage, my curls and hair have definitely seen the depths of crazy hair hell and I’m always looking for a fix-all cure-all product to use.  Let’s face it, Women crave beautiful, silky hair but don’t want it weighted down by heavy products that claim to nourish and add shine.  The struggle… is definitely REAL, until now!

Dove Pure Dry Oil Collection

Long curly hair is not the easiest to style or even deal with on the daily, but it’s the hair I have and I have been doing everything I can in my power to embrace my natural “curly goddess tresses”.  I have spent a lot of money trying to find products that will offer my hair great body, enhance my curls and keep my hair feeling and looking luxurious and it’s been a long hard battle.  But, after just one use of the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil collection, I knew I had found a new friend for my hair.

Dove Pure Dry Oil Collection

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil collection is ideal for all hair types and delivers five times silkier hair (after just one wash).  Five times silkier hair when using the system of shampoo, conditioner and treatment vs. non-conditioning shampoo.  These products nourish hair without making it feel greasy or heavy.  Proven to absorb quickly, the dry oil features a blend of African Macadamia oil and coconut oil.  Let me just say my love for Macadamia oil and coconut oil in hair products was intensified with this product.  It smells… mmm mmm wonderful, I couldn’t stop smelling my hair and instantly I felt my hair feel so soft even after a color treatment that had my  hair feeling coarse, this took my hair to a softer silkier feel than I have had in a while.  Let me just say… I can’t keep my hands off my hair – lol.

Dove Pure Dry Oil Collection

Being a huge fan of Dove products I knew I would enjoy these and I think I found a new favorite for my hair arsenal. Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Nourishing Treatment with African Macadamia Oil is a lightweight oil treatment that is non-greasy with high nourishing properties.  It instantly helps to replenish lipids, softens and adds shine.  This stuff absorbs into your hair so quickly without that funky heavy weight oily feeling you can get with other products and it leaves your hair soft and luxurious.  Honestly, as much as I love using pure organic oils directly, I think I found a new love.

Dove Pure Dry Oil Collection

 

Looking for that touch-ably soft, silky, gorgeous hair? We dare you to try Dove Pure Care Dry Oil and fall in love with the touch and feel of your hair or your money back*

  • Share your silky results at #silkyhairdare
  • Share your silky results at #silkyhairdaresweeps for a chance to win** $20,000 in prizes up for grabs
  • Visit Dove.com for more information
  • Purchase in Mass, Food and Drug retailers nationwide

Dove Pure Dry Oil Collection

Dove Hair is daring women everywhere to try Dove Pure Care Dry Oil, risk-free now through December 31, 2014.

*If you are not completely satisfied with your Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Oil system, Dove will refund your purchase (from 9/21 – 12/31).  Visit hairmoneyback.com for all the details.

**No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The Dove Silky Hair Dare Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 & older. Begins 12:00 p.m. ET on 9/25/14 and ends 12:00 p.m. ET on 11/20/14. For Official Rules, visit http://www.dove.us/Products/Hair/Advanced-Hair-Series/rules.aspx

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Signature Honey

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Dotmine – Dutch Treat Family Time 17 Month Planner

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When it comes to organization and keeping dates in order, I’m a stickler for planners and keeping track of dates and appointments on paper or via technology.  Sometimes I’m told it’s a bit repetitious… but needless to say – it is a rare occasion that I’m late or missed an appointment because I keep my dates organized.  With three children who all have a schedule of their own, it is a requirement to keep my life planned out.

Dotmine - Dutch Treat Family Time 17 Month Planner

 

PRESS SAMPLE

Dotmine is a company that offers Family and Student planners that help you organize your busy schedule.  Each planner offers 17 months worth so that your planner can accommodate both school and regular calendar years without you having to sacrifice your organizational needs.  I rather like the 17 month year because I plan both for myself and my children and this allows me to not have to use a plethora of organizers for each of us in my family.

About Dotmine

 It all started with a simple “dot” back in 1999–Sarah, Lisa, and a commitment to reclaim our lives while helping you do the same.  A serendipitous meeting in a London pub had given us the idea. Our corporate days — one of us pitching underwear and the other pitching laundry detergent — were far behind us. And for 15 years, backed by supportive husbands and seven fabulous children, our planners became favorites throughout the world.

Family Time 17 Month Planner

This planner is great in organizing a busy family but also loved by teachers and nurses as well as bloggers such as myself.  Developed by a group of moms, the Family Time planner is there to help you juggle multiple schedules all in one place.  Those of you who have children or juggle more than one job I’m sure will definitely appreciate this.

The Family Planners are available in 3 designs (Dutch Treat, Free Bird and Petites Fleurs) and each retails for $24.99.  Each planner is 8.5 x 11 inches and includes dates from August to December.  Adorned with their fashionable designs that are printed on durable plastic, these cool planners include monthly and weekly pages on crisp white paper.  I especially love that they include inspirational and humorous quotes each week, which is probably one of my favorite features of any planner as those that know me know that I look for daily inspiration before starting my day.  Plastic coils keep this planner spiral bound and there are back pockets to hold important papers in place.  Perforated margins for “tear-out” lists and note pages help to make your daily planning and errands a breeze.  In my opinion, if you are looking for a quality Family or blogging planner without spending the hefty costs that some may offer – this planner will be a great addition for you.

Family Time 17 Month Planner

What I love the most about this planner is how easy it is to use.  There are pages that offer seasonal schedules which is awesome since my children are all involved in sports which often has practice and games on repetitive dates so listing these make it an easy reference for myself, my family or the sitter should I need one.  Speaking of sitter… there is a babysitter page where you can easily insert a sticky note each time you go out so that the sitter knows exactly where you are or how to reach you each time.

BabysitterPage_10_54448169-fa21-45a1-9795-092e805c3240_large

I also love that Family Time offers a guide and tips on how to use the planner… simply take a look at the first few pages where it outlines exactly what to do and how to utilize the planner.  From adding sticky notes to special dates or weeks to planning out “family business”… every detail you may have questions on can be found on the “Using family-time.mine Everyday” pages.

family time dotmine

Overall – the price point is great considering I have paid well over $100 for other planners on the market in the past.  While it is simplistic, it offers a wide range of organizational tools for you and your family.  I love the perforated tear sheet options because this allows me to write down my grocery shopping lists or notes, etc. and tear them out should I need them on the go. The note sections are large enough for me to list a good amount of information as are each week and day.  If I had to critique the planner in general, I wish there was a way to add on pockets to keep pencils or post-its or a book mark that will allow me to easily turn to my page of the day.  I can definitely DIY these options, but it would be great if Dotmine offered something like this.  I’m all about accessories and add ons and I think that those would be awesome options.  I do definitely give this planner a 5 Sparkle rating because the options are wonderful considering the price point.  For those of you that love reading my “Mommy Survival Guide” posts – this is definitely something I would add to a Mommy Survival Necessity. 🙂

Have you heard of Dotmine Planners?  Could you see this meeting your families’ organizational needs?

Signature Honey

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.

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SOBO Ultra Age Repairing Cream with Resveratrol

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It’s no secret that I am addicted to skin care.  Considering I am in my 30s, I think I have taken care of my skin over the years allowing me to still look fairly youthful and good for my age.  Come on now – 30s is the new 20s… right? Well, I’m all about trying out new skin care products that promise great results, but I was really intrigued to finally be able to try out something with Resveratrol and this one from SOBO offered just that.

anti-aging-cream-resveratrol-2T

 

PRESS SAMPLE

I received a sample of the SOBO Ultra Age Repairing Cream with Resveratrol for review and received about a week’s worth of the cream (Sample contained 0.16 fl oz / 5ml) and came in a pump type container versus the jar (pictured above) that the full size product you receive would arrive in.  I would love to see SOBO offer this product in pump form since I’m not a huge fan of jars.  Having not used anything with Resveratrol before, I was excited but also a bit hesitant since I have sensitive and eczema prone skin.  After the first use, I noticed that I really did enjoy this product.  It applied nicely and absorbed quickly into my skin which I loved.  I was able to apply this both day or night without any sensitivities and I really enjoyed how it felt on my skin.  Immediately after the first application my face felt firmer and taught, but not so that it was uncomfortable.  I also loved that this cream didn’t have much of a scent which is a great benefit for my allergies and sensitive nose.

The Full sized jar of SOBO Ultra Age Repairing Cream with Resveratrol retails for $64.00 and includes 1 oz of product / 30 g.

anti-aging-cream-resveratrol-2T

Due to the size of the sample and quantity I received, I cannot attest to the long term benefits of this product and how it worked for me.  But, after using this for just a week, I did like the initial results and the product itself.  The product was easy to use, light weight (which I love since I live in a hotter climate) and I did notice my skin felt moisturized and soft. I would love to be able to try this product out for at least a month to see the benefits of longer use, but overall in the short time I did use it, I was quite impressed.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba Oil), Apricot kernel Oil, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, laureth-7, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylamide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin.Purified Water, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba Oil), Apricot kernel Oil, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, laureth-7, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polyacrylamide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin.

This Anti-Aging Wrinkle Cream has: No Parabens, No Sulfates, No Phthalates, No GMOs, No Synthetic Dyes or Fragrances, No Triclosan, No Animal Testing.

sJVofVaT3OGuHoQ9HFaA_SOBO-Complete-Group042SOBO offers a skin care line aimed at Anti-Aging and repair.  The skincare line includes the following products:

SOBO has been generous enough to offer my readers a discount code for your order.  The code applies to the entire first purchase and not valid with any other coupons.  Use CODE: TRYSOBO and get 25% off your order.  Simple visit: http://www.soboskincare.com/ to check out their line and place your order.

Have you tried a skincare product that contains Resveratrol before? If not, is it something you may be interested in? I know I didn’t get into much of the benefits of Resveratrol in this post but I’m still researching more about it… hopefully in the future I can bring more information.

Signature Honey

This post is sponsored by Brandbacker and I received products to test out and try in return for my honest opinion.

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PhantomFit Resistance Loop Bands

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I’m all about exercise and staying active, cardio and weight resistance, but I also love using resistance bands to help strengthen my ankles.  About 6 years ago I sustained a bad injury to my left ankle, resulting in a class 3 sprain.  Now, I would have rather my ankle break completely so that it would heal properly, but due to the fact that it did not, my injury is a burden constantly.  Having had several physical therapy appointments over the years, resistance bands has become a part of my lifestyle.  I have tried several different types and brands and found that the PhantomFit Resistance Loop Bands have become a favorite of mine to use.

phantom fit resistance loop bands

The PhantomFit Resistance Loop Bands ($12.99) is an affordable way to get in your exercises without all the strain of weights.  The sets include a total of four bands and one nylon carrying bag.  The bands included are:

  • 1 Blue “Light” Band
  • 1 Red “Medium” Band
  • 1 Green “Heavy” Band
  • 1 Black “X-Heavy” Band

After injuring my ankle, I have been using resistance bands to strengthen my ankle.  While most bands do work well, I like the fact that the PhantomFit bands come in four different strengths, allowing me to start my exercises with a light band and when I’m comfortable, work my way up to the X-Heavy band (black).  I also like that my husband and sons can use the bands as well.  My husband, who can easily use the Black band, enjoys using the bands to strengthen his shoulder (which he had surgery on about 6 years ago).  As a family, we also love using the bands as a form of exercise in place of our weights.  Using the bands work well form arm, leg and ankle work outs and I love that they are durable, light weight and portable.  If we are traveling, this can easily be tucked into our luggage or overnight bag without taking up any room.

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PhantomFit also offers a 100% lifetime no-hassle free replacement guarantee.  If it breaks, they will replace it.  Overall, I am impressed with these bands and my family and I have enjoyed them over the last month.  We incorporate them in our daily work out routines as well as use them to strengthen the parts of our body that need Physical Therapy.  This will definitely become a brand we will use moving forward in the future.

Signature Honey

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.

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The Japanese Konjac Sponge Citrus Fruits Puff

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About 8 months ago I was introduced to my first Konjac Sponge and I’m not gonna lie… I took it out of the packaging without reading the directions on how to use it and stared at it for a good 5 minutes, trying to figure out how something so hard could be useful to cleansing my face.  My husband stopped and looked at me oddly until he finally asked “What’s wrong babe?”  I explained to him that I didn’t get what all the hype on this product was about… it seemed way too hard to be rubbing on my face.  He chuckled and then said… “Um, I think you need to soak it in water and it softens and expands.” lol Needless to say, I laughed so hard after trying it out, I couldn’t breathe.  Now months later and I have used several different sponges similar and it is now a part of my daily skin care regimen.  To say I love them… would be an understatement.

Japanese Konjac Sponge

PRESS SAMPLE

So now I introduce you to the Japanese Konjac Sponge with Citrus Fruits.  This is a 100% natural facial cleanser konjac sponge, eco friendly, vegan and made of natural vegetable fibers of konjac.  This is the fourth konjac sponge I have tried over the last 8 months or so and definitely one of my favorites.  Retailing for $11.65 on the Japanese Konjac Sponge website, the sponges are available in a variety of selections… bamboo charcoal, cherry blossom, green tea, mint, pure white and the citrus fruits which is what I am discussing today.  I have not had the opportunity to try the other selections – but my goal is to try them all, but I’m very pleased with the Citrus Fruits puff.  This is the first sponge I have tried from this particular brand and I think I may have found my favorite brand of Konjac sponge so far.  While I do have very sensitive skin and there are some places on my face I must be very delicate when using this sponge on, this sponge helps my face to feel clean, soft and exfoliated without a harsh feeling like exfoliating scrubs can do.

Japanese Konjac Sponge

The Japanese Konjac Sponge is made out of Konjac plant root grown in Japan.  the Konjac sponge has been used as a cleansing sponge for babies and adults, first by the Japanese for more than 100 years.  When the sponge is wet, it has a pleasantly soft texture that makes it safe and gentle for the skin.  The unique alkaline layer of wet Konjac sponge neutralizes slightly acidic grime, which helps to break down dirt and oil, leaving the skin fresh and clean.  It also contains positive ingredients that help to nourish and smooth the skin naturally.

How to use:

Using the sponge is easy… simply rinse and soak the dry sponge with warm water until it is fully softened and expanded.  You will notice that the sponge almost doubles in size.  You will then cleanse your face with the water soaked sponge.  You can use this daily with your favorite cleanser to compliment and create a rich lather for an incredibly therapeutic experience.  I like to massage my face with the sponge.  You also do not want to rub the sponge harshly on any areas where you have acne, break outs or sensitive areas.  Rinse the sponge well after use and then gently press the sponge between your two hands to drain the water out.  Do not twist/squeeze too hard as you may damage or tear your sponge.  Keep your sponge in a dry place when not in use and you can replace the sponge every 4-6 weeks.  

I hang my sponge up in my shower with the attached string and keep it in an area in the shower that is dry.

Japanese Konjac Sponge
This is the Japanese Konjac Sponge when it is dry.
The sponge is made from 100% Konjac Glucomannan, Japanese Citrus Fruits Extract and Yellow Clay.  Infused with Yuzu, a Japanese Citrus fruit extract, which helps to sooth and keep the skin hydrated, moist and soft.  This product helps to remove blackheads, oil and dirt and softly exfoliates the skin.  Thoroughly cleanses pores and hydrates and balances skin pH.  This sponge helps to eliminate excess sebum, is 100% biodegradable and has no harmful chemicals.  I also love that is is fragrance and preservative free.
This is what the Konjac sponge looks like when it is soaked in water and wet.
This is what the Konjac sponge looks like when it is soaked in water and wet.

As you can see from the photos above, the Konjac sponge increases in size when it is wet.  It also becomes very soft and feels wonderful to the touch.  Since I have super sensitive and eczema prone skin, while I do use this sponge all over my face, I must be very soft in places I am known to have flare ups, because even if the sponge is soft and feels wonderful on my face, any little thing can cause a flare up.  Thankfully – my flare ups have been minimal and I have been able to keep them at bay.

Overall considering the price and the longevity you will get out of this sponge, I’m not only impressed but it is definitely a must-have in my skincare routine.  I have noticed my skin feels softer and even looks brighter, but most importantly it feels really clean.  Make sure you remove as much makeup from your eyes and face as possible prior to using your sponge so that you do not have the residue from your cosmetics left on the sponge so that it will last longer.  I love that this sponge is suitable for dry skin, which is definitely a plus with my eczema and most importantly to me, it is made in the USA.  At the price point it is being offered, I am very excited to try some of the other sponges they have available and I know this will be an essential part of my skincare regimen for years to come.

Have you ever tried a Konjac Sponge before?  What are your thoughts on this product?  I know that it has been around for some time, but it’s fairly new to me and I’m really enjoying this product.

Signature Honey

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.

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