eSutras Organics Golden Flax Seed

Thanks to eSutras Organics, I got an 8oz jar of golden flax seed in the mail! 

Did you know flax seed is a super food? 

"High content of alpha linolenic acids has made the ancient flax seed become our modern super food. Alpha linolenic acid is a type of omega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Organic flax seed is perfect for people on low-carb or heart healthy diets. Flax seeds are best when freshly ground in a coffee grinder. Sprinkle them over your favorite salad, soup, or in your healthy smoothie. Refrigerate leftover flax seed grounds to keep them fresher, longer." 

I love to put it on my fresh garden salads, in oatmeal and even pasta dishes! As a vegetarian and generally health conscious person, I have to get my omega fatty acids from sources other than fish, and flax seed is awesome for that. 

Certified organic by MOSA. 

[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.]

1D "Up All Night" Makeup Collection

A few weeks ago, One Direction member, Niall Horan, tweeted about a makeup line in the works... and thanks to Markwins and Brandbacker, I got early access! 

Don't get me wrong here- I am not a fan of the boy band by any means, however, I am very much a fan of fun and funky makeup... 

'“The Looks Collection” comprises of three keepsake tins inspired by One Direction’s globe-conquering albums, “Up All Night, “Take Me Home” and the latest chart topper, ‘Midnight Memories.” Each tin comes complete with everything you need to show off your personality. Are you a rock n’ roll girl, a fun party girl or the girl next door? We have just the right collection for you and illustrations to help show you just how to get your perfect look. All your beauty essentials are housed in a limited edition collectible keepsake tin with removable sleeve, complete with One Direction doodle stencils to decorate your keepsake tin and make it uniquely your own!'

I scored the "Up All Night" collection, which is a fun mix of blue/aqua and hot pink. Fracking amazing color combo if I do say so myself, especially with pink hair!

The makeup:
eye palette - More Than This, Save You Tonight, Up All Night, Another World, & Gotta Be You
eyeliner - Stand Up
mascara - Little Black Dress
lipstick - I Should Have Kissed You
lip gloss - Taken
nail polish - Na Na Na

Even better, the lip gloss glows under UV light! So cool! 

I am so in love with this fun, bold, and colorful makeup set, which will be offered in stores [and online] at very affordable prices [for a limited time]. 

US release dates: 

Macy's - August 11th 

Stage Stores – August 25th 

Dillards – August 25th 

Beauty Brands – August 25th 

Lord and Taylor - August 25th 

International release dates not available at this time. 

'This prestige makeup line is fun, bold and a tad mischievous, featuring vivid shades, premium formulas and chic, collectible packaging and components.' 

#makeupby1D #thelookscollection #markwins 

Solid Cordz Premium 6 Foot Extension Cables

Thanks to Solid Cordz, I got two extension cables. :) 

Solid Cordz® 6 foot extension cable is the solution to your electronics and power equipment reaching problems. This sturdy and long-lasting 72-inch length extension wire can give your room a clean and organized look. The cable is thicker than the usual which houses a 16 AWG wire. The cables are fully rated for 125 volt/13 Amp applications.

I am always in need of an extension cable [pretty much everywhere I go!], so now I carry two Solid Cordz 6ft extension cables in my bag, and they've been a life saver!

[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.]

Bacon Is Meat Candy T-Shirt

Thanks to Bacon Tees, Gary got a cool new t-shirt! 

What he's wearing: 

Bacon Is Meat Candy T-Shirt - Bacon Tees 

shorts - John Ashford | sandals - Adidas

Please take a moment to vote for this photo [and add me!] on Chictopia:

It's kind of ironic that I would feature this here [because I'm a vegetarian], but not everyone is a Veggie and 9 out of 10 guys I know LOOOVE bacon. And I don't blame them. Check out BaconTees.com, because their t-shirts make me giggle.


[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.]

Adovia Dead Sea Mud Shampoo + Mineral Balsam Conditioner

Thanks to Adovia, I got to try a cool Dead Sea mineral shampoo and conditioner! 

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

What I got: 

Adovia Dead Sea Mud Shampoo 

Adovia Mineral Balsam Conditioner 

My opinion: 

I admit I was skeptical during the first use- the shampoo doesn't lather as well as, well, every other shampoo I've used in my entire life, and the conditioner isn't as thick and rich as most others. Nor do they smell as nice as my usual products. I thought I may have received a couple of duds. 

But I was wrong. 

When I got out of the shower and started towel drying my hair, I could feel the effects of the Dead Sea minerals, Vitamin E, and chamomile. My hair was super soft. [In fact, it was so soft, several rubber bands had slipped out of my hair!] Dry, it feels light [almost weightless] and bouncy. [Great for headbanging.] 

It cleans so well, without stripping my hair, and it's hard to believe that products of this consistency can work so wonderfully! But hey, that's the power of Dead Sea minerals. 

[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.]

Musewear Sagittarius Flip Flops

Many thanks to Musewear, I got a killer pair of flipflops! 

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

I was instantly smitten with the Sagittarius design, and had to have them! 

But Musewear doesn't just do zodiac signs, they have a great line featuring inspirational quotes as well. As a lover of the "free feet" feeling, and an advocate of individuality, I was super excited to discover this wonderful new line of footwear! 

I'm suffering from funny tan lines already! LOL 

These aren't those cheap foam flipflops you can find at your local Walmart for $5 either- they're heavy-duty [as I like to call "Kourtney-proof"], and will last quite some time. [Even for me, and I walk upwards of 50 miles a week!] 

Each purchase results in a donation to worthwhile causes [awesome!], and shipping is FREE! 

100% Brazilian Rubber 

100% Recyclable 

100% Ready To Romp! 

[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.]

Review: Coppertone ClearlySheer Sunscreens

Thanks to BzzAgent and Coppertone, I got some cool new sunscreens in the mail. :)



What came in the box:

full size COPPERTONE® CLEARLYSheer™ Sunny Days body lotion
3 trial size COPPERTONE® CLEARLYSheer™ Sunny Days body lotions
2 trial size COPPERTONE® CLEARLYSheer™ Beach & Pool mini sprays

First impression:

I was excited, because I'd been longing for a more lotion-like sunscreen. Everything I've used over the years has always been so oily. I never found one I really liked.

Sunny Days body lotion [SPF 30]

The Sunny Days lotion is awesome! I love the light citrusy scent and the way it absorbs like a body lotion, as opposed to the typical greasy feel of most sunblocks. It's perfect for everyday use, and doesn't clog your pores. I've been wearing this stuff every day since it arrived.

Beach & Pool spray [SPF 50]

I gave Gary a sample of the Beach & Pool spray. It has more of a typical sunblock-y scent, which I'm not crazy about, but I've smelled many that are far worse than this! It's a very light spray that absorbs so quickly, which is really cool, and it's probably the best SPF 50 product we've both tried over the years.

Overall impression: 

The ClearlySheer sunscreens as a whole are AWESOME, and I'm so glad to have been given this opportunity- no more greasy, nasty feeling! 

Review: Adovia Purifying Mud Mask [With Pure Dead Sea Mud, Aloe Vera + Vitamin C]

Many thanks to Adovia, I got to try an awesome Dead Sea mud mask! 

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

For those who aren't familiar with Dead Sea products, more than 35 minerals can be found in the Dead Sea's water. These mineral salts are believed by many to be an incredible treatment for skin problems like psoriasis, to more complicated conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Many people travel from afar to soak up some sun, bathe in the water, and cover themselves in mud. 

And so, when I got the chance to try Adovia Purifying Mud Mask, I was excited! 

It's a thick black mud [so thick it's harder to squeeze out of the tube than most other muds!] that feels really good when applied to the face and left to dry. I found it to be a rather calming treatment- apply, relax and sip some tea -and it works wonders for my skin. I love it! 

It cleans and shrinks my pores, and removes excess oil without drying out my face [a common problem I have]. It says "for all skin types" on the packaging, and I believe it! This is a miracle product, no joke, and I would most definitely recommend it to everyone.

The power of Dead Sea minerals is incredible!

[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.]

Review: InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum, Rosehip Seed Oil + Argan Oil

Thanks to InstaNatural, I was given this trio for healthy hair and skin to test and review. 

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

What came in the box: 

Vitamin C Serum 

100% Pure Rosehip Seed Oil 

100% Pure Argan Oil 

My experience: 

I've been using the Vitamin C serum [which is clear and unscented- exactly as it should be] morning and night on my face. It definitely works the magic that only these serums can do, and my skin is clear, moisturized, and radiant. I love what this does for my skin, and I don't wear half the makeup I used to. It also helps protect your skin from UV damage during the day [however not to replace sunscreen products]. 

The rosehip seed oil is amazing for sunburns. I've been applying it to my neck and shoulders after several hours of harsh sunlight [ahh, the first sunburn of the season..], and it speed-heals my skin- pretty much overnight! It also helps fade scars [quickly]. It's very moisturizing [duh], and great to mix with lotions. Awesome stuff to have. 

Argan oil is a must-have for healthy hair [and skin]. I like to mix a little with my leave-in treatment after showering, and with regular use, repairs dry, damaged hair. My hair is strong, shiny, and vibrant, and that's why! I have very curly hair [hence why I braid it], and it works wonders for keeping ridiculous curls under control. 

All three of these products are must-haves for your beauty arsenal. They are incredibly useful, and what I'd call 'miracle products'. They are healthy, natural alternatives to treat and prevent 'ailments' that are so often treated with expensive procedures.

[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.]

Review: Valentia Even Glow Serum [Vitamin C 20%]

Many thanks to Valentia Skin Care, I was given their Even Glow Serum to test and review. 

Valentia Even Glow Serum [Vitamin C 20%]
Antioxidant treatment to brighten, protect and even skin tone,
reducing the appearance of aging. 

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

What the box says: 

Our evolved Even Glow Serum is strategically formulated with powerful natural ingredients to support and enhance Vitamin C efficacy. 

Rosehip Seed Oil & Sea Buckthorn Oil: 

These super oils work simultaneously to increase skin hydration and lock in moisture. Each oil's superior antioxidant content further promotes healing of damaged skin to produce a more even glow and more beautiful youthful looking skin. 

Resistem: 

Natural Plant Stem Cell protects skin from stress related aging. Encourages a natural glow while promoting skin detoxification. 

Hyaluronic Acid (Botanical): 

Helps to repair the skin's ability to retain moisture and increase elasticity and firmness. 

My experience: 

I've been using the Even Glow Serum morning and night for the past week, and I love, love, LOVE what it's doing for my skin! Not only is it fading scars, freckles, etc., it also proves true to it's claim- it gives my skin a nice, natural, healthy looking glow. Every morning I wake up with radiant skin, and each day it looks better than the last. 

This truly is a miracle product, and I recommend it to everyone! 

[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.]

Review: Nature's Best Vitamin C Serum - Mystelic Beauty

Thanks to Mystelic Beauty, I was given Nature's Best Vitamin C Serum to test and review. 

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

What it does: 

On the bottle: This serum is a concentrated delivery system for the highest form of active, bio-available Vitamin C for beautiful skin. Suspended in a concentrated base of pure vegan hyaluronic acid to plump skin cells and protect and restore. 

According to eHow:
Vitamin C is used in skin care as a strong antioxidant, especially in regard to protecting the skin from sun damage. It strengthens the skin barrier and thickens the dermis. It can expedite the healing of wounds and reduce inflammation. In high concentrations, it can reduce the appearance of skin discoloration. Most important, it promotes collagen production, which subsequently plumps the skin and lends it radiance and smoothness. Dermatologists often use vitamin-C products to enhance the effects of cosmetic treatments, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

My experience: 

I've been using this serum for about a week now, both morning and night, and I am amazed! Not only did I notice a difference after my first night, my skin is now clear and radiant, and discolorations (freckles, acne scars, etc) are fading. Even my blackheads disappeared! 

I've suffered from acne breakouts for a good bit of my life now, and it's discouraging.. but thanks to Mystelic Beauty, I finally found my cure- Vitamin C serum! 

I feel beautiful, more confident, and no longer afraid to leave the house without makeup. This is a big deal for me. I've NEVER felt this way about my skin.

Nature's Best Vitamin C Serum


[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.]

Soxxy Air Nighthawk Knee Socks

What I'm wearing:
t-shirt - Slipknot | shorts - Old Navy | sneakers - Etnies
Soxxy Air Nighhthawk compression socks

Thanks to Soxxy, I was given a pair of their Nighthawk compression socks to wear and review.

As an avid hiker who has to deal with pain and swelling on a regular basis, I was super excited to try these socks for the first time. The first thing I noticed when I went outside was that they are very breathable, and cool on a warm spring day like today. (Awesome!) Very comfortable, and I don't feel like I'm straining my legs as much when I walk long distances.

I love the Nighthawks. They are so soft, and stretchy, and the planes on the sides are cool (they remind me of an older 2-D video game). I can't wait to wear them with boots! :)

What is Soxxy Air? 

SoxxyAir is the only stylish compression sock that gives back. 

[Support a Cause, Support your Legs]

 SoxxyAir increases circulation, reduces jet lag, swelling, muscle soreness and helps decrease the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

 Whether you’re traveling on a long-haul flight or on a train or jogging in the park, SoxxyAir will increase your circulation and keep you feeling and looking great all day long.

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

Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream SPF 20 + 10% Off Discount Code!

I recently received a 1.1 oz. tube of Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream in Linen (light) in the mail, in exchange for a review/feature. [If you're here for the discount code, keep reading.] 

It arrived at the perfect time- my skin is still dried out from the winter, and now I have to start using more products with SPF again, to avoid UV damage from the sun. 

What it does:

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. 

My experience:
I used the Studio Gear CC Cream in yesterday's outfit post (and I'm wearing it today as well). I had a mild sunburn from the day before, and my face was a little tender to touch. But this CC Cream blended nicely, didn't irritate my sensitive skin at all, and appears to have replaced some of the moisture that was lost to the sun. Today, the redness is gone, and has been replaced with a light tan overnight. I can definitely tell this mild, creamy formula is doing a lot of good for my skin, as opposed to causing breakouts, which happen all too often to me.

As for photos, I love the way this product looks on camera! It makes my skin look very smooth and soft, and reflects the right amount of light to hide any blemishes. (This applies to both sunny and overcast days, as well as artificial lighting.) I don't suggest wearing it alone though- brush a little powder on top to set it, and a light dusting of bronzer to really make your skin glow. Perfection!

Get 10% off your order:
1) Go to the product page.
2) Add CC Cream to your shopping bag.
3) At checkout, use this discount code: bloggercc

Review: Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Eyeliner 001 Black

Thanks to Rimmel London and Influenster (contact me for an invite), I received a free box full of makeup a while back, and the ScandalEyes black waterproof eyeliner was one of those products. 

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical. I've tried many cheap and terrible eyeliners in my time, most of which ran down my face the very second my eyes started watering... 

But this stuff is different. 

For starters, it's only $4.49 at Ulta, which is a total steal if you ask me! 

The first time I tried it happened to be on a day when my eyes were sensitive and acting up due to allergies. It glided on so smoothly, hardly any pressure required, and I was surprised it didn't agitate my eyes. Even when they watered, this eyeliner didn't budge at all! 

My lids tend to get oily throughout the day, and it's difficult to keep my eye makeup in place, even with eye primers and makeup setting sprays. For the trial run, I did not use any products to make it last longer, for a more accurate test. And it stayed put all day long. I'm impressed- this never happens to me! 

I'm used to spending $15+ for an eyeliner of this caliber. No joke. 

While I don't see myself running out any time in the near future, I definitely intend to buy another when I do. Rimmel London ScandalEyes waterproof eyeliner in 001 black is impressive. I recommend it to everyone. 

Have you tried it yet? What do you think? 

Review: Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer

Last month I received a free box full of Rimmel London makeup for being a top Influenster (contact me for an invite) in their #staymatte campaign. 

The day I received that package was the day I discovered my new favorite foundation primer - Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer. 

I was so excited to see this in the box, and immediately had to try it out. 

The appearance and consistency is similar to that of Elmer's Glue, which is a little off-putting, but I can't argue with the results. It really makes shit stick. Holy crap! 

I tend to have issues with sweating my makeup off quickly, and it's so hard for me to find stuff that stays put, let alone at a decent price... This stuff is $7 at Walgreens! I totally recommend this product to musicians, actors, and anyone else who has to deal with hot stage lighting.. or sweltering heat in general, or just anyone looking for a great primer. 

The Stay Matte primer looks fantastic under CC creams, heavy full coverage foundations, or even just powder. It's super-versatile. 

The only problem I can see with it is the fact that it's thick, and could be considered a little weighty by some (although it does say "ultra lightweight formula" on the package). If you can't stand anything that's not super-light feeling on your skin, you may not be a fan. 

Other than that, FANTASTIC. It was love at first use. I have every intention of buying it when I run out, which, won't be for a while actually- a little goes a long way. 

Have you tried the Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer yet? What do you think of it? 

Review: Pur Water Filtration System 11 Cup Pitcher

PUR Water Filtration System
11 cup pitcher + filter change light
Removes 95% of mercury.
Reduces chlorine (taste & odor) and more.
Convenient, easy to fill lid.
Enjoy clean, great-tasting water. 

Many thanks to Influenster [contact me for an invite] and Pur, I have an awesome new 11 cup water filtration pitcher! 

Having always been a Brita user, I'm happy to see "Certified to reduce 2x more contaminants than Brita" on the side of the box. And the taste is just as good, if not better. 

With use of a PUR pitcher you can:
Save up to $1,000 per year.
Replace up to 3,000 plastic bottles a year.
Enjoy refreshing, filtered water for 1/10th the cost of bottled water. 

I'm a pretty frugal person, and I don't see the point in buying a bottle of water every single day, when you can get it straight from the tap, and filter it yourself. And besides, most bottled waters are drawn from public water supplies and filtered before being bottled anyway- the same thing I do with my water pitcher every single day. Save your money and invest in a PUR filtration system! 

PUR filter reduces:
pharmaceuticals
metals
industrial chemicals
pesticides
chlorine (taste and odor) 

And not only am I frugal, I'm health-conscious. I try to drink plenty of water every day to not only fend off dehydration, but also flush my body of toxins that could make me feel like crap, or make my skin break out, etc. Being healthy is super important! 

In fact, 'drink plenty of water' is my #1 health/beauty tip I live by! 

Where does your drinking water come from? I'm loving PUR. 

I Love Chuck-Chucks Jewelry + 50% Off Discount Code!

Many thanks to Chuck-Chucks Jewelry, I was recently given a leather wrist cuff, and some interchangeable pieces, in exchange for a feature here. 

I really love the concept- you choose a wrist cuff (necklaces, earrings, etc. are coming soon too), and then pick out your favorite pieces to attach any way you like. They are totally customizable and can suit anyone with any style, really. 

These little pieces (called Chucks) snap right into the bracelet. 

Aren't they pretty? 

I love how the cuff feels on my wrist. The leather feels nice, and it's light, and not at all bulky. It's great alone, and also perfect if, like me, you like to stack your bracelets. 

I really love Chuck-Chucks and am so excited to add this bracelet to my wardrobe. There are so many options, so many looks that can be created, so many statements to be made. And they're so fun to play with! I 100% recommend Chuck-Chucks to every girl (or guy, if this is your thing). 

I urge you, take advantage of this killer discount: 

Get 50% off your entire Chuck-Chucks order! 

How does it work? 

1) Go to chuck-chucks.com and choose your jewelry. 

2) Enter the following discount code on the checkout page. 

discount code: 

inf3kted1 

**This code does not expire. 

Tone Petal Soft Body Wash Review

Thanks to Tone and BzzAgent (contact me for an invite), I was given a full size bottle of the new Tone Petal Soft body wash with pink peony and rose oil to test and review, as well as several coupons for $1.50 off a bottle, to pass along to my friends. 

I always get excited when I receive new beauty products in the mail, and this was no different. I immediately pulled it out of the box and smelled it- wonderful! 

The shower experience was even better- it smelled so good I didn't want to get out! (This posed a little bit of a problem, as I had things to do...) The lather was great, and it felt kind of silky on my skin. 

Afterward, I noticed my super-sensitive skin wasn't completely parched (it looks and feels great!), as that's what usually happens after a hot shower in the harsh winter months. My skin, and tattoos, look more vibrant too, as opposed to the dull, ashen look of dry tattooed skin. 

Overall, I really like Tone Petal Soft body wash with pink peony and rose oil, and am so glad I was given the opportunity to try it out. I can't stop fixating on how bright my tattoos look despite the cold, dry air, even after just one use! Loving it! 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Lacquer in 282 Hard Metal

A little over a week ago I found Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro nail polish in 282 Hard Metal on clearance for $1.19 at Walgreens (reg. $4.49), and so, here it is! 

The brush is pretty cool- it's very full, and kind of flat and wide, and coats the nail really well so you need less brush strokes. Great for solid coverage, not so good for detail work.

The polish itself is pretty sheer, so you're going to need 3 coats for full coverage. In the above photo, I only did 2, and you can see some spots where it's uneven... Not noticeable if you just glance at my nails, but you can definitely tell if the light and angle are right.

As for the color itself, I love it! I've always been a fan of gloomy grey-blues that shimmer.

Have you tried Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro nail lacquer in 282 Hard Metal? What do you think of it?