22 Oct 2014
by linettefm
in Beauty, Health and Beauty, Product Samples, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: #SanoSerum, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, 100% Money=Back Guarantee, 20% concentration, acne, acne marks, acne scars, aging process, Amazon, Amazon Prime, anti, anti-aging, Antioxidant Moisturizer, Antioxidants, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic acid; Dehydroascorbic acid, battle free radicals and decrease inflammation, beauty, beauty and health, beauty products, blemishes, blood vessels, Blueberries, bones, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Cantaloupe, Carbomer, Carrageenan Gum, cauliflower, Cell Damage, Citrus fruits, collagen, Cranberries, creams, crows feet, Cucumber Distillate, Diets, Dry Skin, dry skin repair, elasticity of skin, ETHYL HEXYL GLYCERIN, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin. Vitamin C Eye Gel: Organic Herbal Infusion, Fine Lines, fine lines & wrinkles - Provide UV protection - Neutralize free radicals, free radical damage, Free Radicals, fruits, Glycine, Grapefruit, Green peppers, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Health, High Potency Vitamin C, Highly concentrated Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, inflammation, inflammation reduction, Juices, Kiwi fruit, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, L-Alanine, L-ascorbic acid, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Histidine, L-Isoleucine, L-Phenylalanine), L-Proline, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, L-Serine, L-threonine, L-Valine, LArginine, leafy greens Sweet, ligaments, lotions, Mango, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), natural antioxidant, Orange, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), OrganicLicorice, oxidative stress, Papaya, Phenoxyethanol, pimples, Pineapple, Potassium Sorbate, puffiness, Raspberries, rebuilding, rebuilding collagen, red peppers, Reduces Oxidative Stress, reduction of fine lines, Repair, Repair and maintain cartilage, Sano Naturals, Sano Naturals Vitamin C serum, Sano Vitamin C Eye Gel+, scar tissue, scars, scurvy, serums, Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Skin, skin care, Skin care regimen, Skin Issues, skin problems, Skin Repair, Skincare, smoother skin, Sodium Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lactate, Spinach, Stimulate collagen production - Dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging, Strawberries, sun burns, Sun Damage, Sun Exposure, sunburns, supple skin, supplements, teeth, tendons, tomato juice, tomatoes, Topical Vitamin C, treating scars, turnip greens, Vegetables, vibrant skin, Vitamin C, vitamin C deficiency, Vitamin C Eye Gel Concentrate, Vitamin C in beauty products, vitamin c rich diets, Vitamin C rich foods, Vitamin C Serum+, Vitamin E, Vitamins, Watermelon, white potatoes, Wildcrafted Periwinkle, Winter squash, wound healing, wrinkles, younger looking skin
I have been wanting to incorporate Vitamin C into my skin care regimen after doing some research. In the following weeks, I will be reviewing products that will focus around brands that deliver to your skin the maximum Vitamin C and hoping to see positive results. You can read my post on my research at- Topical Vitamin C use in Beauty Products Research and Information
My first to test and review is by a brand named Sano Naturals. I liked from the get-go that they back-up their beauty products. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase and skin care experience, they will refund your entire purchase price, no questions asked. They also include a bonus item with purchase and that is always a positive!
Sano Vitamin C Serum+:
On the bottle it states the product is of high potency and a Daily Skin Revitalizer. The bottle is a beautiful cobalt blue in color and the dark hue aids with preserving the product, which is rated at 20% concentration. I next looked at the ingredient list and you have an Organic Herbal Infusion, Aloe, and then Vitamin C. So far I am happy that water is not the delivery agent and other good quality binding ingredients were used along with the vitamin. The list goes on but everything is recognizable and friendly, not something I am use to in the “beauty world”. You get Hyaluronic Acid, which helps with inflammation (puffiness) and dry skin. It’s an ingredient you see for treating Eczema. Sano also uses kosher Vegetable Glycerin to Organic Jojoba oil. Jojoba has many good properties from being used as a fungicide and preventing mildew growth, to being able to deliver moisture without leaving an oily residue.
Results-
Even though most studies for Vitamin C ranged from a month to 12 weeks, I used the product for a period of 2 weeks. I eat a pretty balanced diet that is rich in greens, vegetables and fruit but I have those days that I wish I could say I ate bad, but it’s mostly that time gets in between meals and I eat late. Inconsistency happens! I noticed when I apply the Sano Vitamin C Serum+, my skin quickly absorbs it. It was so quick that my skin felt soft but with no product residue. I even tested one side of my face by applying just simple H2o and even water does not get absorbed at this rate. It usually would roll off but not this serum. So far I was happy with my first application and in not getting an oily appearance and/or feeling. I continued use and by day 4 saw what appeared as smoothness. Let me add no blemishes, pimples, blackheads or any skin occlusions. This serum is friendly when it comes to any acne suffers and even though people say mine is in the mild range, I myself is the one that deals with it so I rate it moderate at times to those moments that you get the monster bump that never comes up. My pores appear smaller just because my skin looks smoother and plumped up but in a good way! I continued use and noticed less was needed as I continued to use the product. My skin was hydrated enough that where I used 2 to 3 drops in one area, then changed to only needing one drop. The one drop then glided better when applied because my skin did experience positive changes. I don’t feel I have lost “years” when it comes to aging but I definitely look better. I look like I slept well, drank all my 8 glasses of water, and even ate well……even though that is not always the case. I was definitely happy with the results!
Retail Price Point: $18.95
Sano Vitamin C Eye Gel+:
This is a bonus item with purchase. You again have a cobalt blue colored jar and I love that the product comes with a safety seal that you peel, so no air or anything that can damage or eat up the Vitamin C benefits while in storage. Easy to store and even pack in an overnight bag.
Results-
I never thought a gel could deliver moisture I was happy with but this one did the trick. Being that it’s a gel, the product goes on cold and instantly starts working on my morning’s puffy eyes. The Aloe in the product is very gentle to the skin in that area and I love how my make-up glides on after. Some eye creams would roll up sometimes due to the residue left behind and I had to then try to collect these little eye cream left-overs while at the same time not messing up my make-up. Not with the Sano’s Vitamin C Eye gel+. The product is rich in Peptides to Hyaluronic Acid. Do not be fooled, this gel does moisturize but the area is left with a supple and replenished look. I had zero eye irritations and found the gel friendly to my allergy suffering eyes. A little goes a long way, I used what I could as lightly dab out of the container, maybe the size of two rice grains per eye. The instant results alone of reducing puffiness is hard to beat and I used it with the Sano Vitamin C Serum +, just to get that extra help in my problem areas. My only small con is the product coming in jar form. I prefer bottles with pumps or that have an applicator like a dropper. I’m just not a fan of dabbing into a jar due to bacteria/germs, but due to the performance of the product, it would not deter me from buying it.
Check-out the products provided by Sano Naturals at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Sano Naurals. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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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22 Oct 2014
by linettefm
in Uncategorized
Tags: acne, acne marks, acne scars, aging process, anti, anti-aging, Antioxidant Moisturizer, Antioxidants, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic acid; Dehydroascorbic acid, battle free radicals and decrease inflammation, beauty, beauty and health, blemishes, blood vessels, Blueberries, bones, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Cantaloupe, cauliflower, Cell Damage, Citrus fruits, collagen, Cranberries, creams, crows feet, Diets, Dry Skin, dry skin repair, elasticity of skin, Fine Lines, free radical damage, Free Radicals, fruits, Grapefruit, Green peppers, Health, High Potency Vitamin C, Highly concentrated Vitamin C, inflammation, inflammation reduction, Juices, Kiwi fruit, L-ascorbic acid, leafy greens Sweet, ligaments, lotions, Mango, natural antioxidant, Orange, oxidative stress, Papaya, pimples, Pineapple, puffiness, Raspberries, rebuilding, rebuilding collagen, red peppers, Reduces Oxidative Stress, reduction of fine lines, Repair, Repair and maintain cartilage, scar tissue, scars, scurvy, serums, Skin, skin care, Skin care regimen, Skin Issues, skin problems, Skin Repair, Skincare, smoother skin, Spinach, Strawberries, sun burns, Sun Damage, Sun Exposure, sunburns, supple skin, supplements, teeth, tendons, tomato juice, tomatoes, Topical Vitamin C, treating scars, turnip greens, Vegetables, vibrant skin, Vitamin C, vitamin C deficiency, Vitamin C in beauty products, vitamin c rich diets, Vitamin C rich foods, Vitamins, Watermelon, white potatoes, Winter squash, wound healing, wrinkles, younger looking skin
I have been researching and doing my homework on the effects of Vitamin C at the dermis level because even though I have tried products that contain trace amounts, I have never tried a beauty item that it’s main focus was delivering Vitamin C.
How does Vitamin C benefit our Skin:
Upon reading and even finding “home-remedies” for DIY serums to putty like creams, I decided to leave my Vitamin C manufacturing to the professionals.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a collagen builder. Collagen is a protein that helps in the growth of blood vessels, to cells (and yes, the skin kind too). Your body needs collagen to be able to rebuild and to even creating scar tissue, as this is a form of “rebuilding”. Collagen is what also gives our skin firmness and that supple look we all want due to it’s smooth looking effects. We all want to look vibrant and younger, so this where the antioxidants also play a part, something that Vitamin C contains. Antioxidants aid with everything from inflammation to neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals is what causes damage to our DNA and it’s results is aging, so may see early signs like fine lines, wrinkles, just plain old cell damage that comes from products, to the environment (oxidative damage) and sun exposure/burns. The vitamin is used for dry skin, healing wounds, helping with reduction of fine lines/wrinkles to elasticity.
The research is still limited to the total effects and benefits from Vitamin C via topical application, however I did read that the pH of our skin does effect how much we can absorb, thus benefit from the vitamin. Topical application of ascorbic acid will cross the epidermis into the underlying dermal layers, but you want the higher percentage (concentrate) to be able achieve maximum benefits.
What to look for in Vitamin C beauty products:
Like with most vitamins and my experience with Vitamin A (retinol), oxidation is a factor in deterioration of a skin product that contains Vitamin C. Just exposure to sun, air, light will start the degrading process, so look for products that come in dark colored bottles to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Many of the better products will add other antioxidant rich ingredients to boost and also slow the rate of deterioration and conserve the ascorbic acid properties.
What can you expect by using Vitamin C:
I read studies both in humans and animals. Mostly noted was a high potency of Vitamin C levels being used and in combination with other binding ingredients but the main impact came from the 5 to 10% concentrations used in those studies. This may be why a high potency level will give best results. People reported elasticity changes to reduction of fine lines/wrinkles to a supple and smoother appearance. The impact is greater in people who may not consume diets rich in Vitamin C but even those that did have such a rich diet, noticed positive changes just not as apparent as those that did not. Topical Vitamin C may also have skin lightening effects in a mild form, which are caused by reductions in melanin production and melanin oxidation.
I hope the above helps when making decisions to include Vitamin C as part of your beauty routine!
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07 May 2014
by linettefm
in Drinks, Klout, Product testing, Review, Uncategorized
Tags: #abetterwaytodrink, 100% Natural, Acai, Acai based drinks, Acai Berry, Acai spirit, Agave, agave nectar, Agave Sweetener, Alcohol, Certified Organic, Cherry Juice, Citrus, cocktail, Cocktails, Coconut, coconut water, colada, Cosmo, Cosmopolitan, Coupon, cranberry juice, CVS, drink, drinks, fruit, Juices, Klout, Klout Perk, KloutPerk, KloutPerks, Lemonade, Lemons, Lime, Liquor, Los Angeles based companies, low calorie alcohol, low calorie cocktails, low calorie drinks, margarita, Orange, organic, Organic Spirits, Palm Berry, Palm Fruit, perk, Pineapple, Pink Lemonade, Review, reward, Spirits, Tart Cherry Juice, tequila, VeeV, Vita Frute, VitaFrute, Von's
Another great perk from Klout and this one was one I have never heard of, Acai based spirits. The company VeeV has this great line of drinks that they call VitaFrute. The superfruit cocktails come in:
- Margarita
- Lemonade
- Cosmopolitan
- and with Coconut Colada joining the trio soon
The cocktails are organic and made with the finest ingredients. One serving is just 125 calories and these all natural drinks are considered to be made by the World’s first Acai Spirit Company, VeeV.
What is Acai?
I have been drinking Acai based juices and blends for some time now but not with an alcohol base. The Acai berry or fruit is derived from the Acai Palm tree. These dark colored berries are full of juice, which is considered part of the super foods and super fruits we are encouraged to be consuming. The fruit is usually cultivated from the Amazon and located where lots of water is available (i.e. swamps). The fruit is filled with antioxidants and many consume it for the claims attached to them. I do because I enjoy how it tastes and was rally curious about alcohol derived from it.
I purchased the 2 bottles using the coupon from Klout and because they were on sale at my local Von’s, I was able to score them for free! I looked and hunted for the Coconut Colada variety since it would have been my first choice but I could not locate it but I did find the Lemonade and Cosmopolitan varieties.
- Lemonade– The flavor is perfect on a hot Summer day (or night) and I enjoyed the nice counter balance of alcohol and lemon. The combo was perfect and no mixing required. On my second glass, I added a little tart Cherry Juice and it was like a Pink Lemonade that was icy cool and delicious.
- Cosmopolitan– I have not enjoyed one of these in years and it’s almost the forgotten cocktail for me. I know I like them but never get around to ordering. I pour the Cosmo over ice and you can instantly pick-up the citrus and fruity notes. Delivers the same as it smells to your palette and definitely was my favorite of the two.
VitFrute by VeeV contains 15% ALC/VOL (30 proof) and the bottle must be refrigerated once it’s opened. The taste is nice and clean, plus Agave is the only sweetener you will find in this drink. Fillers it has not! I enjoyed it so much that I will be making a Lemon Tart with the Lemonade version! I shall get my hands on the Coconut Colada one day and when I do, I will post. I have plans for that one! The site has great recipe ideas to even a store locator so can enjoy a glass of cold VitaFrute too.
Connect with VitaFrute by VeeV on:
- On-line– http://veevlife.com/vitafrute/
- Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/VEEV
- Twitter– https://twitter.com/VeeV
- Instagram– http://instagram.com/veev
- #abetterwaytodrink
- #kloutperk
I received the above product free of charge from VeeV and Klout. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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23 Feb 2014
by linettefm
in Food, Health and Beauty, Product Samples, Review, Samples
Tags: All Natural, Antioxidants, Bolthouse, Bolthouse Farms, drinks, Food, gluten free, healthy, healthy eating, healthy habits, Healthy living, Juices, Juicing, natural, Pomegranate, Pomegranate juice, snack, snack food, snacks, Vegan
Okay, we already covered Bolthouse Farm’s 100% Carrot Juice, even adding a nifty little take on going “beyond the juice”. Now, we get to the other treats Bolthouse sent, and let me tell you, in this house, we’ll always make room for Bolthouse now.
Pomegranate juice, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
No, seriously, I love me some Pom juice. Over ice cream, in my fizzy water, as a glaze on a grilled leg of lamb. Bolthouse went the extra nine here, though, and gave you the pearl in the oyster and juiced that red globe for you. There’s a “Wonderful” version of this juice out there, and don’t get me wrong, I love them too. But let’s be real, they’re not always the most affordable, or easy to find. Bolthouse has really saved both of these issues in one fell swoop.
3 and 3/4 servings of fruit in this bottle. 5 and 1/4 whole Pomegranates. 150 little calories, 100% juice. And it tastes like a million bucks, but doesn’t cost anywhere near that much, obviously. You can find small 15.2 oz. bottle for you or to share. Giant 52 oz. bottles from your local Costco for the whole family. There’s something for every fridge and every budget. This one, this is my favorite. I’d drive across town for it. It’s not bitter, and tastes very fresh, very light, and not overly sweet. Out of the 4 juices Bolthouse sent, this has to be, far and away, my favorite.
Visit Bolthouse and their Countless Juice Selections, Juices from Blends to the Plain; to Cafe drinks and even Protein ones:
I received the above product free of charge from Bolthouse Farms. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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10 Feb 2014
by linettefm
in Food, Product Samples, Uncategorized
Tags: 100% Natural, 1005 Carrot Juice, Bolthouse Farms, Carrot, cooking, Easy Cooking, Fresh Herbs, fruit, gluten free, Health, healthy eating, healthy habits, Juices, Juicing, Meatless Mondays, natural, No Gluten, Pepper, Plum Tomatoes, quick and easy cooking, Smoked Sea Salt, Soup Base, Soup Starter, Soups, Thyme, Vegan, Vegetables
I first tried Bolthouse many years ago and then became reintroduced to the brand when I visited my local Costco. The “samplings” got me and of course I then had to usher my husband over and he became a fan too. Recently the wonderful company sent me 4 bottles to try and I am in love with the one I had the least expectations on. I love carrots but it’s usually the vegetable that acts as a filler in every vegetable medley I purchase, that I started to take it for granted. I tasted the juice and learned that not all carrots are created equal. My carrots from the baby to the large are missing the Bolthouse touch! The sweetness is unbelievable but not derived from sugar or some unholy syrup…..just the carrot. I know the bottle in the front stated clearly 100% Carrot Juice but I still flipped the thing around looking for further contents and then saw the ingredient list: Carrot!
I stopped drinking bottled vegetable juices because most taste like they took the oldest and not so prime vegetables to create the juice, and like a bad grape makes a bad wine, bad veggies make horrific juices! I should not have to pinch my nose to drink something that is suppose to be healthy and good for me, to then have it repeat on me after…..sort of like, “surprise, you pinched your nose, but here I come, back so you can taste my awfulness!”. Bolthouse juices have none of that. They are good from the blends to just the plain ones like this 100% Carrot juice.
Being that today was #MeatlessMonday, I looked at my left-overs and got creative. I have diced plum tomatoes, wild rice, and some Thyme left over from the crackers I baked. It’s the last real cold day we will have in California this week, so I want to make the most of it!
Let’s Begin….
Soup Base (great portion for Lunch Time):
1/4 a cup of Bolthouse’s 100%Carrot Juice
1/4 a cup of canned Diced Tomatoes. I used Plum Tomatoes that have been canned with Basil (unsalted)
Fresh Thyme
Smoked Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional- Dash of Oregano before serving
I put the above all together in a pot and just bring it to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes. Once it’s done, I paired it with the Herby Cheese Crackers I baked. You can find my Herby Cheese crackers recipe here: http://wp.me/p2B5Rd-Dh
Now, for dinner, I wanted something a little more hearty. I used the above soup base but went up to 1/2 a cup of the 100% Carrot Juice from Bolthouse and 1/2 a cup of the Tomatoes. I added 1/2 a pat of unsalted butter, smoked salt and pepper medley to taste, and a dash of oregano. Let that come to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
I had some left-over wild rice I made over the weekend and added 1/4 cup to the soup base, along with 4 ounces of diced fresh zucchini. I brought that back up to a simmer and cooked it until the zucchini was the texture I desired. To serve, I added some parmesan cheese and a few of the crackers I baked earlier. Done! You can get creative by using wheat pasta, fresh kale to any vegetables that need attention from fresh to even frozen ones. A Meatless Monday meal that takes 10 to 12 minutes to make and is not only filling but delicious! Enjoy!
Visit Bolthouse and their Countless Juice Selections, Juices from Blends to the Plain; to Cafe drinks and even Protein ones:
Next time, I will be reviewing the juices from 100% Pomegrante juice to Multi-V Goodness Smoothie.
I received the above product free of charge from Bolthouse Farms. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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WOM-derful 