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Monday, June 12, 2017

Designer Self Defense Keychain by MUNIO



Unfortunately, self defense is something we really have to think about these days.  I've watched enough Dateline to know that bad things happens even in the smallest of towns.
I love the concept of this Designer Self Defense Keychain by MUNIO.  It looks like a pretty keychain but in reality and because of the careful design it can become a weapon when you need it to.  It fits perfectly in my hand and would be really easy to grab in a struggle.  I hope I never have to use it but it does actually make me feel a little better knowing that I have it.
The Self Defense Keychain comes in a wide variety of styles and colors so there is something for everyone.  I choose the Damask design simply because it's one of my favorite designs.  After all, I need to defend myself it might as well be in style....am I right?

You can find the Designer Self Defense Keychain by MUNIO at munioselfdefense.com and over on Amazon.com...

 

 This is not a sponsored post. I received this product at a discount or complimentary in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also. All opinions are my own. 
This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!

Advanced Probiotic Extra Strength by HealthLabs Nutra



Probiotics are something that I take on a semi-usual basis.  I find that if I take a good quality Probiotic when I'm not feeling well, having stomach issues or when I've over indulged in sweets that they can really balance out my gut and help me feel better overall.
This Advanced Probiotic Extra Strength by HealthLabs Nutra is one of those good quality Probiotics that I like to take.  It's formulated with 11.5 billion organisms including bacillus subtilis per serving and it also includes 4 different potent strains of lactobacillus and 3 different strains of bifidobacteria.  Together these strains help promote a healthy balance of intestinal microflora which helps complement your own body's natural defense system.  I also notice that when I take Probiotics my skin will improve and I that my allergies don't seem as intrusive.
I also think it's important to take Probiotics during and after you've used antibiotics.  In most cases, antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria in your gut leaving your gut defenseless.  I find that taking Probiotics helps replenish the good bacteria and helps me recover faster.
Overall, I think taking Probiotics helps me stay healthy.  However, if you have serious stomach issues I would recommend that you consult your doctor before starting any vitamin or supplement regime.



You can find Advanced Probiotic Extra Strength by HealthLabs Nutra over on Ebay and over on Amazon.com...

 

 This is not a sponsored post. I received this product at a discount or complimentary in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also. All opinions are my own. 
This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Get that "Fixer Upper" Look For Under $100 Using Only Amazon

Get that "Fixer Upper" Look For Under $100 Using Only Amazon

If there is one thing I love more than beauty & skincare it's definitely decorating.  Decorating has always been a passion of mine.  Recently, I've been dedicating some of my free time to redoing some antique furniture and redecorating.  Don't worry, I plan on sharing some of those upcycled furniture pieces and some actual pictures of the rooms that I am redecorating here on my blog.  In the meantime I thought I would kick things off with this fun blog post! 
While I enjoy all types of architecture and decor I have always been drawn to a more rustic/vintage look.  Obviously, I am a huge fan of the show "Fixer Upper", along with most of America!  I've always loved antiques and mixing the old in with the new to create a comfy, cozy look that makes you feel right at home the moment you walk in the door and Joanna Gaines is a women after my own heart.  
Thankfully, that type of decor and style has become more mainstream and accessible and as an avid Amazon shopper I was surprised to find so many "farmhouse" decor pieces and at some pretty good prices.  While I am still someone who loves to go antique shopping and find authentic antique or vintage pieces to add to our home it's also nice to be able to find a reproduction piece that looks old but has a cheaper price tag.  However, I also highly recommend hitting up your local TJ Maxx, Ross and Thrift stores to find those unique, one of a kind items.
I was not only inspired to do this blog post after seeing so many fun items on Amazon but I actually took it a step further and created my own Amazon store filled with my favorite Farmhouse Chic items that you can actually shop.  Some items I have purchased myself and others are on my wish list!  
So, I hope all you "Fixer Upper" fans enjoy this blog post and feel inspired by some of the items here and in my Amazon store.  Hopefully, it will help you create your own "Fixer Upper" look!

Shop The Look
All prices include shipping



 These canisters are definitely on my wish list for my kitchen.  The metal would not only add that perfect accent but they have great texture as well, so cute!  These would also be perfect to use in the laundry room to store dry laundry soap or pods, dryer sheets and you could use the other one for a "lost & found". 




I probably would of already purchased this wall unit if I had the extra wall space.  Again, it would add great color and and the chicken wire provides the texture.  Not to mention it's a great storage solution!





I'm not sure what's more popular Tobacco Baskets or Olive Buckets when going for a "Fixer Upper" look. .  They both add that vintage feel to any space and the Tobacco Basket looks especially nice with a Boxwood Wreath (see below) hung in the middle of it.  Classic.



Trays are definitely something you need to achieve a Farmhouse look.  Luckily you can find them just about anywhere these days and are usually fairly inexpensive.  The shabby look of these trays are exactly what you want to look for.  If you find the perfect tray but it's not the right color just throw some chalk paint on it!  (I'll show you how I style my trays in an upcoming blog post!)





I think it's really important to add a little whimsy when decorating and what better way to do than some cute, rustic pigs!  These are perfect for adding some character, color and texture to a wooden tray or a Galvanized 2 Tier Tray.




Adding a rustic ladder to your decor is another way to get that Farmhouse look and they can also double as storage.  Place a ladder in your bathroom and use it to hang your decorative towels.  Or, place it in the living room to hang your throw blankets on.  You can even hang it on the wall like a piece of art!
Tip: Head to TJ Maxx or Ross to find unique towels in your color scheme that have different textures.  Hanging towels in the same color scheme but with different textures can give your bathroom a more designer look & feel.





You have to have some Burlap!  I have two of these Burlap Table Runners and I LOVE them.  Using Burlap is a simple and affordable way to add a rustic touch to your space.  Plain. Simple. Beautiful.




Nothing says cozy like a candle!  These chippy, aged Candle Sticks are the perfect example of what I look for in decorative pieces.  They have that old, worn look that I love and the color and texture of these are beautiful!  These are definitely on my wish list.  I have some similar ones but I say one can never have enough candle sticks!


I've seen these Post Boxes everywhere but I've never seen one for $29.00!  That's a steal!  Long gone are the days when the mailman actually delivered the mail to your house (at least where I live).  However, I think these would still look cute hung up on your porch for decoration or in your home office for extra storage.




You can't decorate "Fixer Upper" style and not have a few signs!  These rustic signs are easy to come by these days and I personally have several scattered throughout our house.  I love the simplicity of this "Be Grateful" sign and the wood, brown and cream colors can easily be worked into any farmhouse style decor. 




I would say metal 2 tiered trays are another staple when decorating for farmhouse design.  One of those cute, Rustic Pigs would look adorable on this tray!  The key to designing a 2 Tier Tray is to add different textures.  I also like to keep within a certain color scheme as well (I will also be doing a blog post on how I style my 2 tier trays).  When putting together items for a Metal 2 Tier Tray I think it's important to add a mixture of wood items, greenery and ceramic and glass for the perfect balance.

This cute Tea Table has been on my wish list for awhile.  I would like to use it as a bar table but you could use it for tea, coffee or you just put some plants on it and use it as a plant stand.  I would be tempted to paint the metal with some white or cream chalk paint and distress it up a bit but it's also beautiful just the way it is.



I've been collecting antique pitchers for about 15 years so I have a nice collection of some charming pitchers of various designs and colors and I use them throughout my house.  Some of them I've planted plants in, some I use to put fresh flowers in and others I use just by themselves as decorative pieces when styling a tray.  This Ceramic Pitcher would look so cute placed on a wooden or metal tray on the kitchen table surrounded by plants and other decorative accents.




I love these Chicken Wire Pendant Lights!  These are on my wish list for our master bedroom.  I want to replace our existing table lamps that currently sit on our nightstands with these.  Not only would they add that farmhouse charm but they would free up a ton of space on out nightstands.  However, I would also order Burlap Cord Covers to hide the ugly cords, plus the extra touch of Burlap would just add to the whole farmhouse look!





If your on a serious budget I find just adding little touches can make a big difference.  One of the simplest ways to decorate on a budget is to change out your kitchen and bathroom towels.  This Tea Towel adds just the right amount of charm & whimsy!






One thing that I will never use in my decorating is fake/plastic plants.  I only use real, live plants or dried/preserved plants like this Preserved Garden Boxwood Wreath.  I know a lot of people and professional designers use fake plants in decorating and it looks great, but it's just not for me.  Live plants add a special touch to a space that a fake plant never could.  Plus, they help keep the surrounding air clean!
This "Our Nest"pillow is another way to add a touch of whimsy and charm to your space.  You can use it to add that special touch in the living room but I prefer to use this specific pillow in the bedroom.  With the bedroom representing the "nest", it's perfect!




An antique milk can basically represents the Farmhouse look.  I am still on the hunt for an authentic, full size antique milk can but until then this cute reproduction would look perfect as a vase for fresh flowers or some dried cotton stems!



A chippy wall shelf is also a must have to really pull that farmhouse look together.  The shabby chic look of this one would add a nice antique look to any space.  I would add a nice Creeping Jenny plant in a neutral or Terracotta pot along with some decorative finials and maybe a nice picture in a rustic frame to complete the look.





This Farmhouse Bench is also on my wish list and is something I will probably end up purchasing within the next month or so once I complete a few other projects.  A bench adds country charm and extra seating!  You can add a nice plant or a couple fun, decorative pillows to give it a more homey feel.  I also plan to take a piece of sand paper to mine and rough it up a bit to give it an even more vintage feel.



This Cake Stand is perfect!  It would look so cute with a nice plant on it, candles in various sizes or some other accents like Decorative Spheres.
These Galvanized Pots are a great way to incorporate some more metal accent pieces to balance out your overall look.  I already have some similar pots that I planted some Herbs in and strategically placed them throughout the house to add little touches of metal where ever needed.  They not only look great but add that antique element.




Another touch of whimsy!  Even though we have dogs and cats and we love them all we are probably more partial to the dog lovers at heart.  This Tin Dog Sign not only gives that extra bit of whimsy but the colors blend well with the look and feel we're trying to accomplish.  I have a fun gallery wall and this sign is practically made for it!




Macrame has made a come back and I'm secretly loving it!  I have already purchased these and I'm in the process of chalk painting some Terracotta pots that will look fantastic in these Jute Plant Hangers!  This is yet another inexpensive way to get a vintage, homey feel.





Last but not least are these Custom Tin Letters,  I love the idea of having a letter custom made and I think it would give an extra special touch to any space,  We have a white-washed wood letter that I love but I might need to get one of these too!



I hope I gave you a few ideas to start your own "Fixer Upper" journey!  Make sure to click on the link below and see what else I have in my Farmhouse Chic Decor Store and maybe you'll get even more inspiration.
 


This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!

Monday, June 5, 2017

Foaming Glycolic Wash by NeoStrata ~ A Must Have For Smooth, Even Toned Skin


This NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash has been a go-to face wash of mine for a couple of years now.  Anytime I feel like my skin is starting to look dull, pigmented or feeling congested I know it's time to break out the NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash!  After just a few uses my skin starts to look more clear and even toned and feels more smooth.
This Foaming Glycolic Wash is formulated with 18% Glycolic Acid and 2% Lactobionic Acid which helps exfoliate dead skin cell, unclog congested pores, smooth out skin texture and stimulate cell renewal which also helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking and feeling clean, clear, rejuvenated and even a little glowy!  It's also soap-free, fragrance-free. dye-free and pH balanced which is always a good thing!
I like to use the NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash as part of my morning and evening skincare routines when my skin is looking and feeling less than desirable.  I prefer to use it for a week or two and then take a break for another couple of weeks before I start back up again.  Or, I'll also use it if a breakout pops up.  I usually apply just one pump to wet, makeup free skin, massage in and let the product sit on my face for about 15-20 seconds before I wash it off.  I feel like letting the product sit on my skin for those extra 15-20 seconds allows the Glycolic Acid and Lactobionic Acid to really work their magic.  If you have sensitive skin this product may not be for you and may cause undue irritation.  However, if you don't have sensitive skin this product IS for you and I highly recommend it!
The Foaming Glycolic Wash retails for $40.00 for 3.4oz. so it is a little pricey but since I don't use it everyday I find that one bottle lasts me several months, besides I think you should always invest in good quality skincare.
I love NeoStrata products! Their skincare products are clinical strength and deliver clinical results!  You can never go wrong with NeoStrata!


This is not a sponsored post. I received this product at a discount or complimentary in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also. All opinions are my own. 
This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!  Powered by BrandBacker.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Lemongrass Essential Oil by UpNature



Lemongrass has recently become one of my favorite Essential Oils.  I have been doing research on Essential Oils in general and was surprised to find that Lemongrass Essential Oil has quite a few more benefits than I had previously thought.
The most common Lemongrass Essential Oil benefits and uses are insect repellent, energy booster, natural deodorizer, astringent and germ killer.  However, it can also be used for good hair health.  The Lemongrass Oil can strengthen hair follicles by just massaging a few drops of into your scalp for two minutes and then rinsing.  Or, next time you're feeling stressed, have a headache, neck or back ache try rubbing some diluted Lemongrass oil (I use Fractionated Coconut Oil) onto tensed, cramped or sore spots and feel your stress and pain melt away.  Another great benefit of Lemongrass Essential Oil is that is can support the immune system.  When the nutrients from the oil are absorbed into the body, it can be fundamental in restoring your immune system and can even help with the proper operation of organs.
Believe it or not there are many other benefits, all from one little Essential Oil (check out the list below!).  Lemongrass Essential Oil by UpNature is absolutely one oil that you want to have in your Essential Oil arsenal!  This oil is excellent quality, 100% pure, therapeutic grade, contains no additives, is unfiltered, undiluted and GMO Free!


Add this Lemongrass Essential Oil by UpNature to your Essential Oil collection today!  You can find it over on Amazon.com...

   

 This is not a sponsored post. I received this product at a discount or complimentary in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also. All opinions are my own. 
This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!

Hyla3D by Jan Marini ~ Age Rewind In a Bottle



I've been using Jan Marini products on and off for years and I've always been impressed with the quality of the products and the results they deliver.  The newest addition to the Jan Marini skincare arsenal is their Hyla3D and it's definitely a stand out product and I feel so lucky that I was able to test it out first hand.
The Hyla3D by Jan Marini is basically age rewind in a bottle.  Developed with impressive anti-aging ingredients like peptides, antioxidants and numerous forms of Hyaluronic Acid this serum is exactly what you need if want to look a few years younger than you do right now.  The powerful ingredients work synergistically to help increase hydration levels in the skin, boost collagen and also improve elastin.  All of which will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give skin a more plump, rejuvenated and youthful look.
This has been my go-to serum for my morning and evening skincare routines for the past couple of weeks.  I use the serum right after I have properly cleans and tone my skin and before I apply my moisturizer.  It's recommended to use all over the face and neck but because it's a little on the expensive side I've only been applying this super hydrating Hyla3D serum to the places where I am starting to see signs of aging which is primarily around my eyes, neck and decollete.  I've already noticed a significant improvement on my decollete, which is where I am showing the most signs of aging and also around my eyes.  After just a couple of weeks I've noticed that my skin looks more smooth, supple and dare I say....a little younger looking!!  I'm impressed!
Like I said this Hyla3D by Jan Marini is a little pricey at $125.00 for 1oz., but it works!  If you can budget the $125 then I would definitely get this serum in your skincare stockpile ASAP!



Go to janmarini.com for more information on this innovative Hyla3D Serum and make sure to take a look at what else they have to keep you looking younger, longer!

This is not a sponsored post. I received this product at a discount or complimentary in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also. All opinions are my own. 
This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!  Powered by BrandBacker.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Opalite Necklace ~ Wire Wrapped Pendant by DesignsbyNatureGems


This stunning piece by DesignsbyNatureGems quickly became a favorite of mine.  It's beautiful and goes with any outfit which makes it really easy to wear.  Elegantly handcrafted with silver wire wraps that encase a lovely faceted Opalite that can fluctuate between different pastel colors depending on how the light hits it.  
Opalite is known to be ideal for meditation and can help improve communication on all levels, especially the spiritual level.  Opalite is also used as a healing crystal.  It can help with fatigue, mood swings and some say it can purify the blood and kidneys.  Additionally, it's connected to the crown chakra and is believed to induce vision and psychic abilities.
This necklace would make a great gift idea for someone or even better, a gift for yourself!    
DesignsbyNatureGems has an impressive inventory of wonderful pieces to choose from.  If Opalite isn't your thing Laura, the artist, uses many other various types of gems and stones and even does custom orders!  Her prices are very reasonable and you definitely need to check out her charming shop over on Etsy....


This Opalite Necklace ~ Wire Wrapped Pendant retails for $23.51


This is not a sponsored post. I received this product at a discount or complimentary in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I will only recommend products or services that I enjoy using personally and that I think my readers would enjoy also. All opinions are my own. 
This post may contain affiliate links which will help support my blog and I thank you in advance for your support. If you do not wish to use my links, no hard feelings, just do a search for the product and or brand on the interweb!