{REVIEW} STUDIO GEAR HYDRATING CC CREAM

Picture from www.studiogearcosmetics.com

 By now after reading my blog posts I am not really a make up /skincare expert but I do know when I use a product and it looks good I love to let everyone else know. I got try Studio Gear's new Hydrating CC Cream (color: wheat) for free compliments BrandBacker recently and it was a good experience. This was my first time trying out a CC Cream so I was excited to find out what it is good for. I first needed to understand the name 'CC' Cream, CC standing for Color Correcting or Color Control. Supposedly suppose to reduce redness and/or improve uneven skin tone.

I had to do my research so that I can know what to expect. Ofcourse visiting their website to see what the benefits are, which are stated below:

• Protects:  SPF 20 protects the skin, while Hydra-Extend technology provides moisture for up to 72 hours.

• Perfects:  Enjoy natural looking coverage while micro-encapsulated pigments perfects and fade dark spots and acne scarring.

• Corrects:  Anti-aging and collagen building ingredients help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

• Hydrates:  Hydra-Extend technology provides up to 72 hours of continuous hydration.

• Conceals:  Micro encapsulated pigments deliver a fresh dose of color that adapts to your own skin tone, creating the most natural looking coverage.

• Smoothes:  Skin nourishing ingredients help to correct and maintain youthful complexion.

Studio Gear has stated their benefits and I needed to test it out to see whether or not they meet my par. I used Studio Gear CC Cream for 2 days and was delighted to see what my face looked like while using it on its own and when used under my bronzer (some days I look rather pale). 

I think the results speak visibly for its self. I looked more awake, my uneven skin tone was not visible and my face felt and looked moisturized but not oily. The moisture lasted even after washing my face at night almost as if there was an extra layer of protection. I was complimented on my radiant and confident look. I used so little from the tube and it smooths so easily and evenly over my skin. I was not disappointed and I am now looking into the other products carried by Studio Gear Cosmetics. 

Studio Gear has so much to offer other than their amazing Hydrating CC Cream.. Here is a little history on the company:

"Founded by industry veterans Steve Rohr and John Avolio, Studio Gear Cosmetics is a prestigous cosmetics brand featuring a full collection of professional makeup brushes, revolutionalizing complexion formulas, and a wide selection of color products for the eyes, cheeks, and lips. Since 1996, Studio Gear has been on set at hundreds of professional photo shoots, in the beauty departments of Bloomingdales, Macy's, Dillard's, HSN and ULTA, and also in the everyday woman's makeup bag. This is a line created true to the concept that every woman deserves professional, high quality cosmetics at a reasonable price." - www.studiogearcosmetics.com

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Also I am pleased to be able to off my readers 10% off your shopping cart at www.studiogearcosmetics.com using code: bloggercc

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post, I received a complimentary product to use and gave my review based on my own and honest opinion.

{Review} LOVE YOUR SKIN - TONE BODY WASH

 

I have always heard of the brand Tone and I have seen it in stores but never once gave it a look or even wondered what it may feel like on my skin. It was never the price that deterred me because it is priced pretty reasonably for $3.50 18oz body wash at Walmart.
I recently got to try Tone for free thanks to Bzzagent and it made me look at this brand and I really mean look at it. Before going into to details as to why I enjoyed using it let me show you what I received.

I got Tone Body Wash Petal Soft with Pink Peony & Rose Oil to try and I used it for about 2 weeks straight before writing this post.

• Texture - silky smooth whether applied directly, to a rag or a loather. 
• Moisture - Indulging your skin with moisture from start to finish without the dry look afterward.
• Enriched - It has vitamin e which helps in your improvement of your skin.
• Packaging - comes in a sleek and feminine bottle which brightens up your display and has a great message on the back (makes for a good read & light in humor)
• Scent - floral and sensual, strong but not overpowering.

I think this is a good buy for the price and a body wash the entire family will love as did mines. Give it a try it is well worth it. Buy it here or at many retailers.

What is your favorite body wash?

Disclosure: I received a bottle complimentary to test out for free, but all opinions are honest and my own.

{Review} PINE BROS SOFTISH THROAT DROPS

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

It seems the winter doesn't want to go away here in New York. I am secretly wishing for spring to get started and stay and wisk me into summertime. I got Pine Bros Softish Throat Drops to try for free and it could not come at a better time. From the impending spring weather for a couple of days then back into the freezing weather has certainly been a monster on my throat.

A little  history on Pine Bros Softish Throat Drops:

Ulysses S. Grant was President, the population of America hovered at 39 million, and the telephone was still a pipe dream, when in 1870 J. Herman Pine hung out a confectionery shingle on 8th Street above Walnut in Philadelphia and, along with his brother, sold their first batch of what they called 'Pine Brothers Glycerine Tablets.' In an attempt to relieve his own sore throat and those of his family members, Mr. Pine, a former German confectionery maker, determined that by combining the soothing natural qualities of glycerin with the healing properties of gum acacia, he could sooth and mitigate the mild discomfort of a sore throat. Add in some natural flavoring and a sweetener and voila, Pine Brothers Softish Throat Drops were born. "I have discovered something," Pine wrote, "which will give quick throat relief to thousands afflicted as I was." He added,"Perhaps I won't make much money out of this. But I can make people happy, and that's more important than money." Mr. Pine was being unduly modest, as his "discovery" would become one of the most successful, most delicious and most unique throat lozenges in the world. Nor has the recipe changed appreciably since it was first introduced to the public over 140 years ago.

Now they are making a come back and this makes sense for me cause I/We are going to benefit immensely from this product. They come in 3 different flavors, Honey, Wild Cherry & Licorice. The drops texture are in between being not too hard and not too soft like gummy bears. The taste will not overwhelm you but definitely be enough to delight sucking on. They are also very convenient, you can either get the bag with 32 drops or the puck with 28 drops.

Besides all their attributes I must say that they work great and I can not complain. They melt away in your mouth slowly while coating your throat to stop the irritation while also lessening your coughs. I highly recommend this for comfort of those annoying sore throats. I left the best benefit for last "THEY ARE GLUTEN FREE & ONLY 5 CALORIES PER DROP", that just put the icing on the cake. Try them you will love them.

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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.

MADAME TUSSAUDS - ENTERTAINMENT

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There is always something to do when you are in New York City and visiting Madame Tussauds is one of them. Take yourself on an adventure that can be done over and over again. Become a star at MADAME TUSSAUDS with over 85,000 square feet of interactive entertainment in the heart of Times Square. There are millions of things to see and do in New York City, but there is only one place where you can get up close with over 200 incredible wax figures of celebrities, historical icons, sports legends and more.

From Marilyn Monroe to Barack Obama to Lady Gaga to Carmelo Anthony, there is a star for everyone! Don't miss the thrilling Marvel Super Heroes 4D theater featuring Marvel's legendary Super Heroes.

Visit nycwax.com for more information.

Save 15% Off Admission to Madame Tussauds in New York! - Valid for up to 8 people. Here

Will you be visiting NY?, then make sure you check out Madame Tussards

Disclosure: This post is sponsored but all opinions are honest.

{Website/Beauty Review} - GlamST.com

I loooooovveeee makeup.. I love the fact that it is meant to enhance how beautiful a person already is.... However I may not be the best person to give advice on makeup... I do perhaps know what looks good and what doesn't. GlamST has launched their website where you can do a virtual makeover in just a few steps and I love it. You get to try new brands that you would probably never dare to use or buy or even with your regular brands that have new products.

www.glamst.com

Now it is real easy to join and start your virtual makeover:

• Join by either Facebook or Google+
• Upload your own picture
• Start dotting your face and its features
• Then you are on your way to trying out your foundation, concealer, blush, eyeliner, mascara etc..

Now I know my picture may be a little raw and I do look tired (no explanation necessary you could clearly see in my before picture) but this is just to show you the before and after pictures.

If you are like me then you tend to stay with the brands and products you know and do not venture out unless you are almost absolutely sure it wont be a waste. GlamST will let you know what you look like before you buy and you can always invite your friends along and share your makeover pictures and ask them what they think about the looks over your social networks. 

All beauty lovers, amateur or professional can use this site and feel a little bit more comfortable with your online buys especially.. Join and lets get to doing these makeovers and have fun with it. 

Follow GlamST on Facebook

Cannot wait to see what looks/makeovers you come u with..

What was your favorite feature on the website?

SoxxyAir - Support a Cause, Support your Legs

Everyone hates standing at work for long periods throughout the day or night ... we all know the pain you get from muscle soreness especially... I run up and down stairs all day long and it takes me a little over an hour each way to go to work and back and it can take a toll. SoxxyAir socks are compression socks that gives back. Now I know when you hear compression socks you think of may I say the elderly people trying to provide added circulation to their legs and help with the veins that have formed around their legs throughout the years.. However they have many benefits such as increased blood circulation, reduced muscle sorenesss while looking stylish from these socks created by Sarah Stabile. See below why SoxxyAir is different from ordinary compression socks.

With outstanding fit, comfort and made from breathable LycraFx only means not only do they look great but also feel great. To elaborate on the fit, they do not budge and stay in place all day look while looking rather cute. Meet the creator:

SoxxyAir - Support a Cause, Support Your Legs from sarah stabile on Vimeo.

I have mentioned the benefits but if noted I said that they give back (socks with a cause). There are 5 gorgeous designs and they give back to 5 amazing charities. That may even be better than the benefits that they provide. 

Design 1 - Bob Woodruff Foundation Sox: The Bob Woodruff Foundation sock has a mission is to ensure injured veterans and their families are thriving long after they return home.

Design 2 - Jesse Lewis Choose Love Sox: It is about developing programs to teach children about the power each of us has to change our thoughts and choose a life without fear and hate.

Design 3 - Kristen Ann Carr Foundation Sox:  (KACF) provides grants for cancer research and seeks to improve all aspects of cancer patient life with an emphasis on adolescents and young adults.

Design 4 - Orion Sox: The Orion sock benefits the Michael Stabile Memorial Scholarship Fund at Trinity Pawling School. The fund provides financial assistance to students in the School’s Language Program.

Design 5 - WhyHunger Sox: WhyHunger is committed to the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious, affordable food and that together we can truly make a difference.

All links and more information about those charities can be found here

Try them out today and see what difference it can make in the way you feel while working, jogging or whatever else that can create problem with your legs especially. Soxxy.com not only carry compression socks but you can purchase a variety of ankle, knee, thigh socks and even leggings in different designs. 

Buy SoxxyAir from onboard airlines, Soxxy.com, fitness retailers and hotel boutiques.

Get 20% off your purchase using coupon code: SoxxyAirs

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“Support a Cause, Support your Legs”

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Soxxy and Brandbacker however all opinions are my own. 

Save Like A New Yorker

We know how expensive it is to live in New York but these short list of tips can help you anywhere. Ok, so we know that New York can be outrageous with the standard of living compared to everywhere else in the US so the saying "If you can make it here you can make it anywhere" goes without explaining. Most live in apartment buildings where the space is small but the expenses are high. So here are a few tips that I use to help get us through:

1. Know/Improve Your Score -  now you may think why is she telling me about credit score? Well lets say that will determine the interest rates on any loan (car, mortgage etc) and can determine whether they ask you for an extra rent deposit/security when trying to get your first apartment.
2. Got Credit Cards? - If you have credit cards, what is your APR%? You can always call your financial institute to get your APR% lowered at any time unlike asking for an increase that can only be done at most twice a year.
3. Ever heard of the Retention Dept? - Your cable/internet/phone provider has a department called retention that you are transferred to if you want to cancel your service. They are the persons who want to know why you want to cancel your service and if there anything they can do to persuade you to stay. Well they are my favorite people to speak to. I call ever so often (atleast every 2 months) to find out what promotions they have going on and see what better deals they can offer me especially being a good and loyal customer. 
4. Make on-time Payments - With reference to tips 1,2 & 3, it is good to always make on time payments to better your experience with companies. They trust that you will pay and would do more to want to keep you as a good customer. It also improves your credit score over time. Plus how will you be able to request incentives or credit if you do not show that you are a trusted person to make payments and make them on time.
5. Use Coupons - NY may not be the state with the best coupon matchups especially in the city where they do not double your coupons (sigh) but it can help with savings that can be put towards something else. There are lots of coupon deals websites that can help you match up the in store deals with coupons from your sunday newspaper, magazines and online. You may even get some items for free.
6. DIY (Do-It-Yourself) - There are many products that help you make stuff your self and I am not necessarily speaking about a sewing machine. Sodastream helps you make your own soda and all you have to do is get the flavors and the CO2 can. It works alot cheaper and alot healthier for soda lovers. Magic Bullets makes a variety of blends including your own baby food, at least that way you know exactly what your baby is eating. Water Filters are perfect also because it reduces the amount of plastic bottles and the cost plus no more lugging cases of water up those apartment building stairs.
7. Have an Electronics Free Night - Turn off the tv, unplug the video games and do charge up your phone. This saves electric cost and promotes more family together time.

Hope these tips help. Do you have any tips that can be added?

BOOK REVIEW - Sky1 - Post-Apocalyptic Thriller

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Thriller/266 Pages

Post Apocalyptic thriller that keeps you glued to your sit. It follows Nick Burke 'journalist' trying to get his family out of the current ground they live on because things are changing and changing for the worst. Based 700 years in the future, where the world has grown that it builds cities (grounds) upward. The higher you go the better the living circumstances and of course the lower you are the more unbearable it becomes.


 The reason I love this book because the author (William Amerman) keeps you wanting to know more about life after hundreds of years and guessing will it ever come to this. Has the worlds population expanded so much that we need to build up into the sky? We meet characters that are involved with Nick Burke, members of this group that he has trusted to help and ensure him and his family to get emigrated to another level. Quarantine takes over his level to control this 'Malady' (sickness) that has taken over and walls are being put up all over the ground barricading people in.
Every moment  throughout this book is so descriptive that you feel as if you are right there along side Nick, running, dodging and attempting to help each circumstance with valor and praying he doesn't get caught.

Follow the roller coaster of events that come about through out the book with flashbacks of how they all came about and got to this point. Meet Nick, Jane (his wife), Simon (his son) and many more. They are all intertwined with each other and you get to meet each one and understand their story. One goal in mind for everyone - to get to higher ground by any means possible. 

I hope you the readers enjoy it as much as I did... Enjoy!!

You can also purchase it on the following sites:
Smashwords
Amazon - Sky1 - Foundation (The Sky Series)

Be Blessed

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.

'SHE' Got Sick -- My Steffi K

My Daughter

She got sick.... 

I know that this is with every kid so it isn't a surprise that kids get sick. I have a son who is about to turn 5 years old in May so I know a little something about dealing with a sick kid. The thing is, every child is different and you just never know what to expect. I always think I am able to manage and control the situation but I cannot which I also know. My daughter is now 16 months as of today and she has been sick for over a week now. She has a viral infection. From what? I have no clue.. How? I do not know.. When will it go away? I am hoping soon.. The way this virus is attacking her is not life threatening but it has caused her to be so miserable and sad and always tired. The doctors said that she is in pain but her immune system is fighting it just needs sometime. 

I do not like a sick kid or my kid being sick and no matter how many times you go through it or how many kids you take care of each one is always so different. I tend to blame myself sometimes, just wondering what did I miss, what did I not do or what could have been done better.

Note to self ---- Do not beat yourself up about it. Kids get sick and when they are small they are unable to let you know exactly what is wrong but it gets better. You are able to read your kid and understand just by the gestures they make. You are mommy, you are their hero... you are their comfort no matter what.. Daddy is their strength and also their hero.. Always take the necessary steps to make them feel and get better. Not every time they are sick an emergency room run is necessary (I tend to forget).

This is the first time she was really down and out and not my little trooper as usual but she is getting better. Kids are our rock and they keep us grounded. Love them. Cherish them. Care for them.