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Not sure what to get your special one for Valentine’s Day?  Check out my Guide on my other site and scroll to the bottom for your chance to win a great gift set:

http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2008/01/valentines-day-gift-guide-coming-soon.html

Giveaways include Walmart giftcard, Zazzle Giftcard, Kmart Giftcard, FashionPlaytes Giftcard, Chocomize, Eden Fantasys, Sprig Toys and so much more!

Other giveaways including reading glasses, Personal Ponderings Journal and Polar Bear Pail:

http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/

Good luck if you enter!

Interested in cosmetic surgery and have questions?  Check out my other blog as I might have asked the same questions you have been wanting to know:

http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/dr-fincher-dermatologist-special.html

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Need help in finding Valentine’s Day gifts?  Looking for giveaways to help you with the cost of Valentine’s Day?   Check out YouthfulTips’ Valentine’s Day Guide and Giveaways:  http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2008/01/valentines-day-gift-guide-coming-soon.html
Giveaways include products from Chocomize, Zazzle, Kmart, Sprig Toys and more!
Click on the links to be taken to the post with the giveaway information or find more information on the gift pack giveaways below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Great Valentine’s Day Gift Idea Giveaway Includes:

  • 4 oz Floral Spritz:The Spritz is a combination of plant based essential oils, aloe, other nutrients and purified water. The Spritzers are essential in helping the Skinfood Oils to be effectively absorbed and utilized by the skin The Spritz is available in two heavenly scents. 4 oz ($15)
  • 2 oz Rosepetal Whipped Cream: Like the original Whipped Cream, Rosepetal Whipped Cream is a medium weight lotion, rich in essential fatty acids from Rosehip Seed Oil, Kukui, Avocado and jojoba Oils. Rosepetal Whipped Cream contains Hylauronic Acid and vitamins A, C, E, DMAE and MSM. It utilizes natural plant oils and extracts including neroli from orange Blossoms, lavender for natural exfoliation and many other highly effective oils derived from plant sources. Pure steam distilled Bulgarian Rose oil, sandalwood and other natural ingredients make this our best seller. Rosepetal Whipped cream is naturally preserved with vitamins, and citrus. 1 oz ($25) and 2 oz ($40)
  • 4 oz Rainflowers Jojoba Skintonic:Golden jojoba oil saturated with the pure flower essences including Jasmine, Tuberose, and Plumeria. Your skin will drink in the heavenly fragrances and also be restored with the amazing qualities that the oils have to offer. Due to the Jojoba oil’s natural antiseptic qualities, The Rainflowers Jojoba Skintonic is an excellent facial cleanser and make up remover for all skin types. 4 oz ($16)
  • 1 oz Gourmet Skinfood: Skinfood is a concentrated blend of steam distilled, 100% organic plant oils and extracts. Skinfood supplies proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients to the skin to help prevent skin aging and to reveal the natural radiance of your skin. Gourmet Skinfood contains Jojoba, Rosehip Seed, Palma Christie, kukui nut and many other powerful oils. Skinfood penetrates to the deepest layers of facial skin; feeding, rejuvenating and encouraging cell regeneration while melting away the dead cell buildup that can dull your skin. When used in conjunction with the Floral or Rosewater Spritz; water and oils combine for complete skin nourishment without the presence of waxes and emulsifiers that are used to create cream and lotion moisturizers. 1 oz ($25)

 

  • 1 Mini bottle of Estee Lauder Sensuous (each as shown in the picture above)
  • 1 Mini bottle of Pure White Linen
  • 1 Mini bottle of Wild Honeysuckle
  • $25 Kmart Gift Card!

Go here for the complete review and giveaway details:  http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2009/12/skinfood-skincare-review-and-giveaway.html

Wouldn’t it be nice to make your own chocolate with rich, indulging ingredients?  If you don’t have the time or just want to try delicious chocolate, you need to visit Chocomize.com to see what they have in store for you!

You choose your base chocolate bar:

  • Dark - Their dark chocolate has a robust, well balanced mixture of sweet and bitter flavors. Dark chocolate remains a traditional favorite to European palates. Cocoa content: 56.8%
  • Milk – Their milk chocolate has a balanced milk, cocoa and caramel taste. Milk chocolate is the most popular chocolate amongst American palates. Cocoa content: 33.6%
  • White - Their white chocolate is characterized by a creamy milk taste. For those looking for a smooth alternative to dark or milk chocolate, this is a great option.  Cocoa content: 28.1%

The starting price is $3.85 for the dark and milk chocolate option and $3.95 for the white chocolate bar.  Each optional added ingredient has its own individual price so pending on what you choose, the cost will be higher than the base bar price. Wouldn’t it be nice to make your own chocolate with rich, indulging ingredients?  If you don’t have the time or just want to try delicious chocolate, you need to visit Chocomize.com to see what they have in store for you!

You choose your base chocolate bar:

  • Dark - Their dark chocolate has a robust, well balanced mixture of sweet and bitter flavors. Dark chocolate remains a traditional favorite to European palates. Cocoa content: 56.8%
  • Milk – Their milk chocolate has a balanced milk, cocoa and caramel taste. Milk chocolate is the most popular chocolate amongst American palates. Cocoa content: 33.6%
  • White - Their white chocolate is characterized by a creamy milk taste. For those looking for a smooth alternative to dark or milk chocolate, this is a great option.  Cocoa content: 28.1%

The starting price is $3.85 for the dark and milk chocolate option and $3.95 for the white chocolate bar.  Each optional added ingredient has its own individual price so pending on what you choose, the cost will be higher than the base bar price.

Full post  and giveaway information is here: http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2008/12/valentines-day-great-gift-idea-1.html


I previously posted an entry on The Organic Pharmacy and a wonderful facial cleanser called Carrot Butter which you can click here to read compliments of Megan Brown at Light Years Ahead.  If you aren’t familar with The Organic Pharmacy, various media outlets have picked them over and over again for their high quality, organic products and they have a page dedicated to these featured articles at The Organic Pharmacy

For example:

Harpers Bazaar – Nov 09 In our essential annual round-up, Newby Hands selects all the best products and treatments you need right now. Best Natural Facial. The Organic Pharmacy’s facials. From the creams to the massage to the wonderfully scented masks, these treatments are pure and unadulterated joy.

Founded by Margo and Francesco Marrone, The Organic Pharmacy shop in Kings Road, London opened in 2002. Their passion and dedication for all things truly organic means that their very high standards have not changed since that very first day. They have a team of homeopaths, beauty therapists and consultants that share their passion and expertise to offer you solutions for all your health and beauty needs. The Organic Pharmacy’s product line is vast:

  • Make Up
  • Books
  • Kits
  • Skin Care
  • Sun Care
  • Body Care
  • Hair Care
  • Bath
  • Gifts
  • Men (products for men … you can’t select men :) )
  • Macerated Oils
  • Mother and Baby Care
  • Creams and Ointments
  • Homeopathic
  • Tinctures
  • Supplements
  • Detox at Home Program
  • Candles

What’s nice about The Organic Pharmacy is they opened a shop in Beverly Hills so we, in the US, have an easier way to access this variety of organic, healthier products.

For this review, my daughter received three products compliments of Megan at Light Years Ahead:

Organic Glam Liquid Shimmer Highlighter

As the description for this product states, “the secret weapon in illumination, these liquid shimmers can be used to illuminate the cheek bones, eye lids, inside the corners of the eyes or on the bridge of the nose for a fresh dewy look.”  As you can see, it’s a versatile product and although it’s a little pricey at $37.10 for a 5 ml bottle, it will last a long time.  The beauty with The Organic Pharmacy is their products are made of only the purest and organic ingredients so it truly does last longer than the average product you are used to.  I’ve had the Carrot Butter Cleanser for over a week and there is barely a dent in the volume and I feel my face is glowing and appears more youthful. 

The illuminating shades range in Pink Ice, Silver Ice and Warm Gold.  Click here to go The Organic Pharmacy to view the available shades.

The directions state you can apply and blend over eye shadow, inner corners of the eyes, cheek bones and any where else that needs a dose of shimmer.  My daughter applied it over her eye shadow and the inner corners of her eyes which gave it a great shimmering look.  This would be ideal for nighttime activities or a special event.  If you use it lighter, it can be worn during the day as well.  She liked the instructions on how to apply it in the accompanied Organic Glam Make-Up booklet.

Here is a picture of her post application.  It’s hard to see but the colors look great and are complimentary to her complexion.

 

Organic Glam Mineral Eye Shadow Shimmer

Organic Glam Mineral Eye Jewels are a loose shimmer powder with easy to use screw top applicator.  Organic Glam Mineral Eye Jewels have been formulated using 100% natural mineral powder and contain NO artificial preservatives or fragrances. The innovative formulas benefit the skin by using only the purest of ingredients. This product you have to be careful with as since it’s 100% natural mineral powder, it will spray out all over you.  You also have to be careful applying it so it doesn’t leave a residue on top of your foundation.  It provides great coverage and once you get used to using mineral based eye shadows, you will most likely love it as she did.  Her only complaint was the residue.  As with the Organic Glam Liquid Shimmer Highlighter, a little goes a long way for $35.24.

To see actual shades visit The Organic Pharmacy here:  Turquoise Blue, Emerald Green, Pink Gold, Light Gold and Bronze .

The final product was Organic Glam Mineral Eye Pencil

Organic Glam Mineral Eye Pencil. An eye pencil which is gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive eyes has so Hydrogenated Fats, artificial preservatives or fragrances just mineral colours gives our new eye pencils a soft and creamy texture that can create either a smudged look or precise application for professional results.  

This was both of our favorite as we both normally use liquid eyeliner, which The Organic Pharmacy does have, but this went on smooth and easy.  Remember, those who grew up in the 80’s using a match or lighter to warm up our eyeliner pencils?  Not with this!  It goes on so nice and soomth and looks wonderful!  This costs $29.36.

In summary, she really liked all three products and would have preferred darker colors for herself.  Since she noted she only had to use a little to apply, she thought that made the costs in alignment.  For those that buy beauty products from department stores, it’s around the same cost with the exception of these products are organic and pure. 

We both highly recommend the products from The Organic Pharmacy.

 

Disclosure: I was not paid for this review nor was my daughter. She was provided the three beauty products listed to try and provide a review by Megan Brown at Light Years AheadThanks, Megan!

This is to Nina and thank you for your comment!  I’ve been bad as I moved over to Google to support my “mommy blogging” over there and neglected this one.  I’ve been spending a large amount of time over there at www.youthfultips.blogspot.com.

I still have my CellCeuticals and still love it!  I’m also a Yahoo Shine “Beauty Guru” and with that, I was given an assignment to try out Oil of Olay for 30 days hence the reason I haven’t commented anymore on my experiences with CellCeuticals.  I still use the cleaner and the microabrasive cleanser.   I noticed an initial diminishing of fine lines around the eye area but it seemed to end.  

I’m hoping with the new product I’m trying, there will be an enhanced change as I just don’t like these crow’s feet!  I’ll post an update to that once I finish my assignment.  In the interim, feel free to visit me over on www.youthfultips.blogspot.com and I’ll try to spend some time back over here.

Thank you for your comment!

triabeauty

Tria Beauty has an FDA approved laser at home method to get rid of unwanted hair once and for all.   It was listed as Allure’s breakthrough product which means it’s suppose to carry extra weight in terms of effectiveness.  It’s listed as $399 down plus six monthly payments of $75.  They do provide a one year warranty, free shipping and free returns.  InStyle also picked them as a good product so that’s at least two national magazine endorsements.

Tria Beauty does carry before and after pictures to show that it really does work.  For those curious as to how this really does eliminate unsightly and unwanted hair, the website states:

“Photothermolysis is the process by which the TRIA System’s laser energy targets the dark pigment in the hair, where it is transformed into heat that disables the hair follicle. This targeted process causes the hair to gradually fall out and stop growing back.

It is important to understand that visible results are not immediate because hair grows in cycles.

During any single treatment, some hair follicles will be dormant with no visible hair growth and some will be in a growth cycle, where the hair is visible on the surface of the skin. To benefit from laser treatment, the hair must be in the growth cycle (visible prior to shaving) during treatment.

For optimal results, we recommend one treatment every other week for the first three months then one treatment per month for 3-5 months. This is the average amount of time it takes for the majority of the hair follicles to move through the growth cycle and be treated.”

It’s reported that the costs of laser hair removal done professionally can costs over $10,000 so this is a great deal for those that pay that.  They also have a host of testimonials.

Anyone try it yet?  If so, please leave a comment!


TRIA Beauty

A news story on a new genetic breakthrough that might help obesity, diabetes and other diseases has been discovered.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110112.htm

ScienceDaily (Aug. 27, 2009) — At a time of alarming increases in obesity and associated diseases — and fiery debates about the cost of health care — a UCF research team has identified a new genetic mechanism that controls the body’s fat-building process.


The discovery could open the door to new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes, and it has the potential to help hundreds of millions of people and dramatically cut health care costs.

A research team led by Pappachan Kolattukudy, director of UCF’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Medicine, found that a gene called MCPIP (Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Induced Protein) controls the development of fat cells. Until now, a different protein, known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), has been universally accepted as the master controller of fat cell formation, known as adipogenesis.

The UCF findings give scientists a new direction for developing drugs that could benefit the more than 300 million people worldwide who are clinically obese — and who have much higher risks of suffering from chronic disease and disability. In addition, it is projected that more than 300 million people will be diabetic by the year 2025.

Kolattukudy said MCPIP is potentially an ideal target for drugs that would prevent the body from becoming resistant to insulin and prone to type 2 diabetes.

“Our research has shown that MCPIP is a regulator of fat cell formation and blood vessel formation that feeds the growing fat tissue,” he said. “Therefore, a drug that can shut down its function can prevent obesity and the major inflammatory diseases resulting from obesity, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.”

The findings will be published in the October issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry. An advance version is now available online on the journal’s Web site.

Kolattukudy introduced MCPIP to living cells from mice that had been stripped of the PPAR gamma gene and found that the cells still completed the developmental process necessary to build fat.

His next step is to begin exploring chemical combinations to discover drugs that are effective at shutting down the novel gene. The development of new drugs that can block or slow down the formation of MCPIP likely would take several years. However, Kolattukudy is encouraged by the results of his research to date.

Kolattukudy, whose team in 2006 first identified the MCPIP gene as a contributor to heart disease, found its function as a fat inducer by focusing on its inflammatory influence.

Recent evidence has shown that the increased inflammation of fat cells causes them to become less sensitive to insulin, potentially triggering type 2 diabetes. A predominance of fatty tissue contributes to the inability to process insulin which, in turn, enables glucose or sugars to flow directly to the bloodstream instead of going into cells.

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