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Dear Locks – My Journey To Happy Hair With Macadamia Professional Hair Care

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Dear Locks, 

After years of running away from you, I can finally embrace what you are and I love it.  No more are the days where I wish to wear you straight because I’m afraid of the torment and teasing your curliness brings.  Today – I am proud to have you, proud to say you are mine and happy to be your owner!

Love,

Honey

Macadamia Professional Hair Care

Spring is here… woohoo!  But, with the gorgeous blooms of spring come the repair of damage that Winter has done to my hair.  This particular cold season even had Hawaii experiencing the weather that does heavy damage to my ends and my lengthy locks.  In order to have gorgeous hair for Spring (which is the season I wear my hair down the most), I need to add in extra moisture to hydrate and repair the hurt that Winter has done.  This is no easy task and it is essential that the products I use nurture and revive my hair to the beauty it can be.

Macadamia Professional Hair Care

Macadamia Professional Hair Care products have been a favorite of mine for years and recently I incorporated some of the Nourishing Moisture line in my hair care routine.  The Nourishing Moisture Shampoo (net wt. 10 fl.oz. / 300ml), Conditioner (10 fl. oz / 300ml) and Oil Spray (4.2 fl.oz. / 125 ml) have provided my long locks with much needed moisture to combat the cold winter blues and adding lustre and softness that my hair desperately needed.  Perfect for Medium-Coarse textured hair, this product line provides much needed benefits like re-hydrating, restoring and re-balancing our hair and prepping it for the heat of summer months.  These products include their Pro Oil complex of Macadamia and Argan Oil blend which help to repair my hair giving it life once again.

Macadamia Professional Hair Care

Since I tend to use my hair natural now a days, no heat or styling tools in order for my curls to look soft and pretty, I need to ensure that the products I am using do not strip my hair of natural oils and provide my locks with much needed moisture to keep from frizzing.  All of Macadamia Professional Hair Care products are formulated to contain the highest amount of Omega 7 than any other oil out there.  This oil is the closest to resemble the human hair sebum and because of this, it mimics the scalps natural oil product, keeping my hair looking and feeling healthy, but also ensuring my scalp is protected to encourage good hair growth and a healthy hair shaft.  The products are created with a key value to repair the hair from the inside out, rather than just repairing the surface.  Honestly – it’s kind of like taking vitamins to encourage health, these products offer a similar concept and its goal is to renew your hair texture.

Macadamia Professional Hair Care

These products from Macadamia Hair are free of Sulfates, Parabens and Gluten, which further helps to keep my hair moisturized without the added chemicals that other products can include and I love that I don’t have to worry about my colored hair since this line is Color Safe.  Furthermore, Macadamia Hair is Cruelty-Free which is great for my fur and animal friends.  As I mentioned previously, I’m a long time supporter and user of Macadamia Hair Care and their line of products and after using the Nourishing Moisture line in my hair care regimen, I noticed my hair is softer, much more manageable and shiny.  With Winter waving Aloha and Spring getting started, I know my hair will be ready to show itself off.  I’m excited!

Dear Hair,

I’m excited to show you off!  

Don’t worry – I got you!

xo Honey

Have you tried any products from Macadamia Professional Hair Care before?  If so, what is your favorite?  If not, what products from the brand do you think would work for your hair needs?  Do you experience crazy hair like I do during the Winter months? What are your remedies for soft, gorgeous locks?

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FTC:  Products mentioned or discussed in this post were sent to me for editorial purposes.  While I did receive this product for free, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and 100% honest & unbiased.  This post includes Affiliate links through out.  You are under no obligation to click the links, but should you do and purchase, I may receive a small commission from your sale.  This is a collaboration post with The Beauty Council Network.

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Valentia Even Glow Serum Vitamin C 20% Antioxidant Treatment

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It’s absolutely no secret that I am a huge fan of serums, especially Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.  Serums have become a huge part of my skin care routine and have been essential in my youthful appearance.  One of my favorite serums comes from Valentia.  The Valentia Even Glow Serum Vitamin C 20% Antioxidant Treatment was added to my skin routine about a year ago and is still one of my favorites to use.

Valentia Even Glow Serum

The Valentia Even Glow Serum Vitamin C 20% (1.18 fl oz / 35mL) retails for $35 though the Valentia site and their Amazon store.  This serum smells like oranges and citrus which I love but I have to be careful to only use this serum in the morning since the citrus scent seems to keep me wide awake.  If I use this serum at night, then I tend to have a hard time falling asleep.

While this serum is a tad bit stickier than most (kind of reminding me of the sticky you can get from orange juice), it still soaks into my skin quickly and does not leave the sticky feeling behind.  This serum is liquid like and application onto the face is comfortable and easy.

I have used this serum off and on now for the last year and have purchased several vials since it’s been such a favorite of mine.  I have noticed my skin is brighter after using it just a few days and smoother.  This serum offers me an increase in hydration which I really need, especially during winter months – since my skin is so dry.  Offering Hyaluronic Acid to help repair the skin, retain moisture and increase elasticity and firmness, this serum provides me with the key essentials I love in serums.

Valentia Even Glow Serum

Ingredients: Proprietary Organic Skin Tea, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Sodium Ascorbly Phosphate (Vitamin C), Methylsulsulfonylmethane (MSM), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (bontical hyaluronic acid), Globularia Cordifolia Callus Culture Extract (plant stem cells), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed Oil),  Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Citrus Paradisi (Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil), Carbomer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, d-Alpha Tocopherly Acetate (Vitamin E), Algae Extract, Carmellia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn Oil), Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

Because this product includes natural ingredients they may separate while sitting.  By shaking lightly for 1-2 seconds before use, your serum will be ready to use and the ingredients will be well combined.  Applying a small amount to your face and neck / decollete daily will leave your skin looking vibrant and bright.  I apply this serum before I apply my daily moisturizer.  Overall – I think this will remain a favorite for years to come and I think anyone would enjoy it.  Head on over to the Valentia Skin Care website to learn more about this product and more that they offer or stop by their Amazon store to purchase.

Do you use any serums that you enjoy?  Have you tried anything from Valentia Skin Care before?  Leave your thoughts below.  Read my original review on this product here.

Signature Honey

 

Disclaimer:  This product was provided to me for review consideration in collaboration with Brandbacker.  All opinions are my own and 100% honest and unbiased.

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Fall in Love With Yourself This Valentine’s Day – feat. LUSH

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I love being in love and I am lucky in that I have a great relationship with my husband… so Valentine’s Day usually consists of some time spent with one another.  But, I also whole-heartily agree that Valentine’s Day should be every day – not just once a year.  Flowers, sweet whispers and stolen kisses should be done more than just one day a year and I’m fortunate that my husband does that for me.  But, let’s face it, not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.  While I love the notion of being in love, I really wanted to focus on Falling in Love With Yourself this time around.  As a busy wife and mother, my days are bunched up into a whirlwind of trips to the store, to the schools, date nights with the dishes and pots and pans and sometimes I forget to take the time out and pamper myself.  So today we celebrate ourselves!  Today we are the Unicorns… objects of desire and mythical creatures to be honored – today, tonight… we take the time to fall in love with ourselves.

LUSH Unicorn Horn

I think the number one thing to do when trying to Love oneself is to take the time for a great pampering.  Now in some cases pampering could be a long warm bubble bath and if that’s the case, nothing says “You are a Unicorn” than a beautiful, glittery, sparkly Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar from LUSH.  One of my ultimate wind down and feel good bath essentials, the Unicorn Horn fills your tub with luxurious essential oils, colorful candy stars and sparkle with a soft Lavender scent to calm your being.  After a soak in this greatness, you’ll definitely feel inspired to take on the World.  Sparkle not your thing?  Well, don’t you worry because LUSH has you covered with their Floating Flower Bath Bomb.  Relax and take in the scent of jasmine and cypress oil and watch as the gorgeous colors dissolve into your water creating a colorful escape.

LUSH Floating Flower Bomb

If baths are not your thing, then how about a beautiful manicure to help give your hands some pampering and relief.  Here’s a quick recipe of what I use to give myself a personal manicure in the comforts of my own home.

  • Fill a bowl, big enough to fit all your fingers in at one time (I suggest two bowls) with warm water.  If you use two bowls, you’ll have one for each hand, but either way – one will work.
  • Add two to three drops of your favorite essential or moisturizing oil.  I like to use Coconut Oil or jojoba oil.
  • place your fingers into the bowl and soak them for about 3-5 minutes.  This will not only moisturize your fingers but it will also soften your cuticles so you can use a cuticle push to gently push your cuticles back.
  • After 5 minutes of soaking, remove your fingers and lightly dry your hands.
  • Go ahead and softly / gently push your cuticles back so they are out of the way.
  • Apply your favorite hand cream or polish and then hand cream.

Sometimes the oils can leave your nail bed too slippery to apply polish, so if you are planning to add polish to your nails, wash your hands to remove the oils.  You can add your favorite hand cream after applying the polish of your choice.  A favorite nail combo for me to add a little sparkle would be a soft nude cream polish and a textured polish that looks like diamonds.

Diamond Sparkle featuring Zoya

Of course, what Unicorn doesn’t want to be showered with gifts, flowers or even a glass of bubbly.  All of these things can easily be accomplished all on your own.  Pick flowers from your garden, or head out to your local florist or farmer’s market and grab a bunch of the most colorful flora you can get your hands on and put them in a vase and on display.  Don’t forget to stop by your favorite store and pick up a bottle of the best champagne and pour yourself a glass, sit on the porch, by a window or near a fire place and just take five minutes to yourself.  If hanging around is not your thing?  Well, grab your purse and do some shopping… this is about pampering yourself and loving yourself – so do what makes you feel wonderful.

Bouqs Affordable bouquets

At the end of the day, each and every woman, whether married, single, with children – whatever the case may be, deserves to pamper themselves.  That extra five minutes you take in the tub soaking in a bath filled with LUSH goodies is that time for you to unwind and relax, tape a deep breath and celebrate who you are as a woman.  No matter what the occasion be… Valentine’s Day, Birthday, Mother’s Day or just because – you are a Unicorn and deserve to fall in love with yourself.  Now you know that Unicorns DO EXIST! 

Wishing you a fabulous Valentine’s Day whether you are celebrating with the one you love or just taking time out for you.

Avec Amour – With Love!

Signature Honey

 

One last thing loves… if you are looking for some feel good music while you are relaxing – check out my playlist here.  Keep in mind that this is music that gets me inspired and motivated so it is not necessarily going to calm everyone down – but it may get you in a good mood.

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Be sure to stop on by the links below and see what other ideas the lovely ladies of The Beauty Council have got for you for Valentine’s Day.

Disclosure:  Some of the products mentioned were sent to me from LUSH for this collaboration.  All opinions are my own and honest.

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Keeping Warm in Hawaii Weather With Hanes Fleece

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Contrary to popular belief, Hawaii does get cold during the winter months, in fact – some of our islands even experience a little bit of snow fall.  While you can find me bundled under a heavy comforter most of the year since we live on a mountain, my sons and husband are quite the Eskimos and normally love the cool, crisp air.  This year however, we have been experiencing mid to high 50s which is not the normal for us and because of this, keeping warm is essential for my household, especially in the early morning when the boys are off to school.  A favorite for my family are Hanes Fleece jackets and hoodies.  They are comfy, easy to throw on and light weight to allow for layering so my guys are warm, but not hot.

hanes fleece

Kevin, Luke and Isaiah love a jacket that will keep them warm in this cozy cuddly weather, but not make them too hot.  With a fun graphic design, hood and zipper that moves easily, the boys love their hoodies over a heavy jacket and the Hanes hoodies and crew sweatshirts are warm without being too bulky.

Hanes Fleece

Having active little ones means they need to be able to move freely and these are awesome for that.  This is quite possibly the boys favorite item to throw on in the morning while on their way to school because it’s so comfy.

Hanes fleece

I love that Hanes sweatshirts are great looking and are comfortable wardrobe staples for my entire family.  Whether out running errands or just lounging around the house, these sweatshirts are so cozy.  Most importantly I find that I can find a sweatshirt or hoodie to match my fashion sense, available in basic colors like grey, black and blue but also bright shades like pink, orange and green.  You don’t have to have just the basic heather grey shades any more and the colors all look great after washing.  Check out that blue in the photo above, no fading and absolutely awesome color after a wash and dry.

hanes fleece

Since my days normally consist of errands or mommy duties, it is absolutely essential that I am able to wear clothes that will keep me warm but allow me to be agile.  But these are also favorites of our family to lounge around the house and keep warm.  Since the weather has been chilly, this is great for just hanging out in the yard and spending family time with one another.

hanes fleece

The perfect addiction for keeping warm while on a Starbucks run – I love that throwing on a Hanes fleece sweater or hoodie is fast, fun and still stylish.  To embrace my girly side, I can throw on a pink sweater and still have a little dressy flare.

hanes fleece

Lightweight, but still soft after many washes – these are the perfect addition for any person or family to keep warm without overheating.  Hanes fleece sweaters and hoodies are definitely perfect for warm weather climates that are experiencing a chill during the Winter months or those looking to layer their warm clothes for the cold season.

hanes fleece

These make simple fashion statements but I love that they are just so simple to throw on.  If you are a fitness lover, you will surely love these to put on right after a work out to keep your muscles warm.  Check out the styles and colors available at Hanes.com and at mass retailers near you.

How do you and your family members stay warm during the colder months?  Are you a Hanes lover too?

Signature Honey

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

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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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