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Sunday, April 24, 2016

Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo Review

If you've read much of my blog, you've probably figured out that I have color treated hair. I've used many different hair products over the years, and I've become very picky about what I use. I hate taking the time and spending the money to color my hair, only to have the color stripped off or faded from simply washing it. Thus, when I'm given a new shampoo to try I'm very cautious. A bottle of  Argan Oil Shampoo from Majestic Pure arrived in my mailbox two weeks ago, and I approached it with curiosity.
bottle of Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo

The product listing for Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo lists the following benefits:
  • Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo contains 100% pure Moroccan Argan Oil of the Highest Quality and Purity; Gentle, Sulfate Free restorative vitamin enriched shampoo conditioner
  • Exclusive blend of beneficial Oils and ingredients: Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Botanical Keratin, and Almond Oil and Coconut oil
  • Potent formula helps supply shine and a healthy look to hair with its abundance of Vitamin E, carotene and essential fatty acids; Almond Oil, rich in proteins, helps soothe dry and irritated areas on the scalp
  • Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo is a great hair restoration formula all hair types, including color treated hair, Safe for daily use, for men and women
 Would I have an epic shampooing experience?  My first thought, as I massaged my head with this shampoo, was that I love the scent! I was afraid with all the oils listed in the ingredients that this would leave my hair feeling oily or feeling coated with a greasy film, but it doesn't. For something with the name argan oil in it and containing all these oils, this shampoo cleans very well. It doesn't leave my hair feeling stripped and dry, instead it feels soft and clean. I wash my hair every other day, sometimes every third day, and this shampoo does a good job of cleansing. It seems to be gentle, but I do still need to use conditioner so I don't end up with frizzy hair. I'm keeping my eye on it, hoping it doesn't cause the color to fade, but so far it doesn't seem to conflict with color-treated hair.

This Argan Oil Shampoo is available on amazon.com. It includes a 60-day money back guarantee if you aren't completely satisfied.

*I received a bottle of the shampoo, which was mentioned above, at a discount in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Biking with Conti Bike Tubes

The good weather has arrived! I’m so happy that the dreary and wet winter is disappearing. That means I can head out for some exercise. I’ve been wanting to bring out my bike, which I haven’t ridden in a long time. So, I was happy to get these new inner tubes for the tires. I got a two-pack of Conti Presta Valve Tubes by Continental.

conti presta valve bike tube by continental
They boast:
  •     PREMIUM INNER TUBES - Preferred by champions and riders worldwide
  •     MOLD CURED AND SEAMLESS EXTRUSION - Creates a consistent tube that is perfectly round
  •     REMOVABLE VALVE CORES - Useful for adding extenders or using Revo Sealant.


I was surprised with how quickly they came. The tubes are made with quality construction and seem to be pretty durable. They are also easy to install, which is a necessity. They come in a bunch of different sizes.
conti presta valve bike tube
I’ll be riding my bike like a boss…well, sort of, if I had some cool bike riding outfits. I’ll need to work on the clothes next.

I received the item, mentioned above, at a discount in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Lip Smacker Liquid Sponge-On Lip Gloss Review

Sometimes I'm in the mood to wear lip gloss. The shine from lip gloss can make your lips look plumper, so I'll dab a bit over my lip color. A few days ago I got a tube of Lip Smacker Liquid Sponge-On Lip Gloss in the mail. 

I really liked the shine, which seems to be long-lasting as long (as you don't eat, drink or lick your lips). It was moisturizing and left my lips feeling softer and hydrated after the gloss was worn off.

The price on the listing for the particular vendor of this gloss was more than I would normally want to pay for a 0.09 fl. oz.; tube of what is normally an inexpensive brand, like Lip Smacker. Lip Smacker Liquid Sponge-On Lip Gloss is available on amazon.com. Note: if you follow the link to the listing I've mentioned, the listing says "birthday cake" flavor, and the actual flavor is "red velvet." The flavor difference didn't really matter to me, but I can see how some people may have an issue with it.




*disclaimer: I was given a free tube of the above mentioned lip gloss in return for my honest review.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Slimmin Suzie Detox Body Wraps Review


Since I’d always been curious about body wraps, I responded to an opportunity to try the new Slimmin’ Suzie Detox Body Wraps. This salon-style detox wrap is supposed to reduce cellulite, reduce stretch marks, and reduce inches. They are marketed as a cheaper, do-at-home alternative to expensive spa body wraps. So does this self-proclaimed “Stars and Models Favorite” perform?
packets of detox clay from Slimmin Suzie Detox Body Wraps

Do Body Wraps Help You Lose Weight?

I’ve seen ads for body wraps that are supposed to help you lose weight and inches, and I’ve often wondered if they really work. The ingredients involved and the wrapping are supposed to detoxify your body and help you lose weight and/or inches of a particular area. I’ve always thought that these seem too good to be true. They seem rather expensive to try to only find out that it was just a gimmick.

So, as a skeptic I set out to research if there is any merit to these body wraps. Through a basic search of the internet about the topic body wraps to lose weight, I found a consensus that any result would be temporary water weight loss. According to the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “There’s nothing you can wear or apply to your skin that will cause you to lose weight permanently.”

Considering the psychological aspect, losing weight is challenging and depressing. If you are unhappy with your appearance, buying new clothes and getting dressed up to go out to special events can be discouraging. Having a special treatment that works a little, albeit temporarily, can provide a little boost that helps you feel better. It feels good to zip up your pants easily, rather than it sucking in and struggling!

About Slimmin’ Suzie

So back to the Slimmin’ Suzie wraps — each kit comes with eight packets of clay powder and two ACE-like bandages. The bandages are sturdy enough to last for several applications. Below is the product information:
“SLIMMIN' SUZIE HAS PROVEN VOLCANIC CLAY WITH SALON INGREDIENTS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY ONLY AVAILABLE IN SALONS. Your Body is Full of Metabolic Waste that has accumulated from an Unhealthy Diet, Cosmetics and the Environment. Too Many Environmental Toxins the Body Starts to Create more Lymphatic Fluid Around your Cells in an Effort to dilute them. All this Extra Fluid makes you Puffy. The Volcanic Clay Breaks Down the Stored Lymphatic Fluids and Toxins and then are eliminated by the Body. It Pulls Interstitial Fluid (liquid between the Cells of the Body) and Melts Away Inches from Wrapped Body Parts. Specially Designed to Extract the Toxins from Between the Cells, then the Space between the Cells where the Fluids and Toxins were is compacted and Compressed by the Elastic Bandage, Contouring and Reshaping your Body.”
I doubled up on my first treatment, using two packets of the clay treatment, to cover my abdomen and my rear end. It is easy to use and apply, and the volcanic clay treatment smells good. To use: boil about two to three cups of water — you’ll need enough water to cover the wraps in a bowl. Put the bandages in the hot water to soak for 10-15 minutes. Empty a packet of the clay mix in a bowl and add just enough hot water to get a creamy consistency. Apply the mud to the areas that you’d like to target: stomach, thighs, rear end, or arms. Then squeeze out the bandages and wrap them around, securing them with the metal clasps. Make sure to squeeze the excess liquid out, or you can end up drippy. I didn’t squeeze very well, and I ended up a little messy.
Slimmin Suzie Detox Clay Powder
Detox Clay Powder

Do They Work?

I got the Slimmin’ Suzie Body Wraps last week and was pleased with my results from the product.  My first application resulted in the loss of 2.5 pounds. I used my first treatment in the afternoon, after I’d already eaten breakfast and lunch. After applying the clay to my abdomen, hips, and rear end, I wrapped the area with the two bandage wraps. After an hour, I showered and weighed myself — I had actually lost 2.5 pounds during the past hour that I had been wearing the treatment. I was quite surprised!  I didn’t measure myself to see it there were inches lost, but I certainly felt less bloated. My skin also felt tighter and smoother. I also made sure to drink plenty of water to flush my system out.  At this point, I like where this is going. I see potential with using the other treatments that I have left in the box. The wrapped bandages can be covered with plastic wrap to keep the heat in. I didn’t do that, but I probably will on my next application because after a while, the heat wears off, and it does get rather chilly.
Bandage Wrap from Slimmin Suzie
Bandage Wrap

Overall, I’m pleased with my results from the product. I think the key is having the understanding that the result is temporary, and this is not a permanent solution to keeping inches or weight off. These are much cheaper than going to a spa for a similar treatment. I must also say after what I went through sitting around half-dressed, for an hour with these bandages wrapped around me, that I would much rather be in the privacy of my home. I did the treatment while my kids were at school, and I had the house to myself.

Slimmin’ Suzie Body Wraps are available on amazon.com, and as of this writing, it is available at low introductory sale price. The company is easy to work with and has awesome customer service. 

I received a free Slimmin’ Suzie kit in return for my honest review.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Yoga Stretch Strap by FiveFourTen to Boost Your Workout


I’ve never been very flexible, even back in middle school I had a hard time reaching my toes when I stretched. But, I’ve recently gotten a great tool to help my muscles get the most benefit from stretching. The Yoga Stretch Strap from FiveFourTen is a great addition to my workout routine.

It is made out of 100% cotton, and is very durable. It is eight feet long and has steel “D” rings on the end that make it adjustable. It is also washable.

I had never tried a yoga strap, when I received this in the mail. At first, I doubted that it would do much. I tried it and was pleasantly surprised.  It is a great tool for relieving tension in my shoulders and between the shoulder blades. I have discovered that I love using this, since it adds a new dimension to my ability to stretch my muscles.

It’s January, and I am trying to start my year off by mixing things up a bit with my routine. One way is incorporating this new strap to get some deeper stretches and to improve my posture.
If you have no idea what to do with a yoga strap, I have posted links to a couple of videos below. I really like one for improving posture.

The FiveFourTen Yoga Stretch Strap is available for a good price (under $10) at amazon.com. It even comes with a one-year warranty.





*I received the yoga strap that was mentioned above for free, in exchange for my honest review.