VelloStar Compact Travel Sewing Kit

 

Many, many moons ago, my dad taught me the basics of sewing, and in doing so bought me a sewing kit not too much different than this one. At the time sewing was thought of as a “girl thing” instead of one of the worlds original industrial arts. I learned a lot of the basics, but it was also significantly different in that it was nowhere near as comprehensive. And right from then, I was hooked on sewing. I think VelloStar is looking to hook a whole new generation again on sewing and all the merits that come with it.

With 12 8-10 yard spools sporting a dozen of the most common and popular colors of thread, as well as needles of various sizes, a seam ripper, buttons, a couple of push pins, scissors, threaders, a thimble, a safety pin, a measuring tape, and all wrapped up in a zippered canvas case to carry everything. And all for just $6.99? Yes, please! And lest you think this is like those old, cheap hospitality kits you’d sometimes get at hotels, this is not that. This, this is useful. The thread is decent, the needles are useful sizes, and the scissors cut. It’s useful enough that I now never leave home without it, because, much like Hubby’s Leatherman, you never know when you’ll need it, and it’s better to have it when you do. And since it takes up practicality no space at all, so there’s no excuse not to take it with you.

Whether you’re new to sewing, or an old hand, there’s something in this kit for you. It’s incredibly useful, it’s small enough to fit right in your purse, glove box, or pocket. It’s got some of the most common and useful tools you’d hope you’ll never need. And it’s priced so right there’s no excuse to not have one or two around. If you know someone who sews, or someone who wants to learn, I can’t think of a better, more useful gift.

Connect with Vellostar:

• On Amazon

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Vellostar.  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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Sano: Vitamin C Serum+ Daily Skin Revitalizer and Vitamin C Eye Gel+ with Silk Peptides #Review #SanoSerum

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:

• Purchase on Amazon
• Online Site
• #SanoSerum

 

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.

 

Topical Vitamin C use in #Beauty Products Research and Information

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!

Freeman Eclos Skincare Review #EclosGoBare Challenge

This Summer I was rewarded the Eclos trio as a perk for being a Klout member. The kit included a Skin Prep Cleanser, Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream, and a Daily HydraPrimer in SPF 30.

Eclos is part of the Freeman family and uses a natural approach in helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin’s texture. The line derives its anti-aging power from Apple Stem Cells, thus the yellow colored apple featured on the Eclos line. This rare Swiss apple is called the Uttwiler Spatlauber as noted in the Eclos literature.

Uttwiller Spätlauber Apple’s History:
This apple has been harvested since the 1800’s in Canton, Thurgau (northern part) Switzerland and from my research, in 2009 researchers came out with claims of maybe this being the new anti-wrinkle solution even though the trees were dying out at some point. The diminishing of the trees came from people not seeking the apple’s flavor because it tended to be sour, however it is a species that remains with a smooth outer skin appearance longer than other species of apples. After claims were clinically proven to reflect positive results, the species has been regenerated and produced in large quantities for certain cosmetic companies/lines. I saw in my research companies selling creams, serums and/or lotions to foundations with Uttwiller Spätlauber listed as an ingredient. Prices were as high as $395 to as low as $10. I have no idea if “strength” or other combined properties define the price point.

This was a 2-week challenge that I took and because I like to give products a chance to show their full potential, or in this case erase some off my face, I gave the Eclos line a 4 week chance.

Let’s Begin……

• Eclos Skin Prep Cleanser ($14.99 for 6.8 oz): Labeled as the rejuvenate+clean and the “starter” in the regimen, I was not very impressed by the product. It cleans just like any good cleaner out there and I did not feel a deep clean or any rejuvenation omitting from the foam itself. I used the cleanser in both ways as just washing my face and a few times in removing make-up on those days I was taking a short-cut because I was wearing very light make-up. The wash did not play well at removing even a light application of make-up, as I felt a residue after washing. I had to use a make-up removing wipe even when I was not using my “long-wearing” foundation. I can easily say my grapefruit friend at a lower price point did a better job at cleansing my face, so I do not recommend this as your main wash.

• Eclos Therapy Regenerative Cream ($24.99 for 2.0 oz): Labeled as the hydrate+strengthen member of the trio. After two weeks of use, I felt my skin was moisturized and soft, however my skin remained the same when it came to the level of fine lines I have. This states improvement of wrinkles and I can say it did not diminish just my fine lines. At the 4-week mark, I looked like I did at the two week and at when I started mark. I like the “back to nature” approach and always welcome a non-chemical application, but apples did not cut it when it came to improving my skin. Yes, it was soft to the touch but that was pretty much it. I also found that less is better with this moisturizer as you do get into residue and oily issues if you use more than a pea size amount for your face alone.

• Eclos Daily HydraPrimer SPF 30 ($15.99 for 1.0 oz): Labeled as the repair, protect +prime, so this last guy carries more duties. I have tried more primers that I want to admit and, that sometimes not using a primer is easier for me than picking one that brings me more problems than solutions (*cough*UrbanDecay*cough*). Out of all three products I tried from Eclos, this one outperformed and also replaced my former primer. I was not holding out hope and soon was going to blame Eclos if I got frown lines from the disappointment with the above products, but this one makes me thank Eclos. It works and not only did I continue using it, I will most likely purchase it again. This little apple works and provides not only protection but a nice and smooth application of my make-up. The SPF did not cause my skin any problems and I usually use SPF 15 on my face because the higher the number, the higher the oily feeling gets. Not with this primer and I actually felt this was what gave the better results. I don’t feel in my opinion you need the 2 above to see the results and a little goes a long way. By week 6 of using this primer, I had the same softness and actually saw that my skin looked smoother so discontinuing the 2 above at that point made no difference.

I found the primer reasonably priced and also stocked from Target, Ulta, Walgreens to even Amazon, so if you are interested in trying the apple…..it can easily be picked or even delivered to your home. Want more on Eclos? Visit http://www.freemanbeauty.com/eclos and they also have more products related to the line and also easily purchased directly from the site.

I received this product from Klout and Eclos, free of charge. I am not obligated in providing positive/favorable feedback, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the brand and/or it’s products, which may differ from yours.

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Collection

I had over 7 different leave-in hair products under my sink and none left me even 75% satisfied with the results. I can say that the Monoi product by Carol’s Daughter has left me 150% satisfied. My hair looks healthier with a beautiful shine (not oily). It does not cause break-outs but controls fly-aways and the best part, your hair is just so soft. I did not lose volume and it left my hair looking the best it could ever look.  It reduced my frizz and static is now a stranger to my locks.  I have hair down to my waist and only used what adds up to two pea sized drops.  The dispenser is easy to work and dispenses the right amount every time without waste.  I’m so happy!  I consider this my one and only leave-in from now on. The other positive, my cabinet has more room now!

I received this item free of charge from Klout and Carol’s Daughter. I share my honest opinion without commitment in having to give the product a favorable/unfavorable review. Your opinion may differ from mine.