#AuraGlow Deluxe Home Teeth Whitening System Review

A few weeks ago, I told you about my amazing experience with a tooth whitening product.  I'm still in shock at the results, as I don't think my teeth have EVER been anywhere near what one would describe as white, or even off-white for that matter.  My experience left me feeling like I had a new mouthful of teeth altogether, and for the first time that I can remember, I actually find myself smiling when I meet new people.

My goal now, is to maintain the results, and do whatever is necessary to keep my teeth looking white and presentable.  While the results I got from that product were amazing, I would also, however, like to boost the shade by a couple of notches as well.  With that said, I accepted an offer on the Tomoson website to try another product, AuraGlow Deluxe Home Teeth Whitening System for free in exchange for my honest review in an effort to enhance the results I've already experienced.

First of all, anyone who knows me knows that I have a special place in my heart for companies who provide excellent customer service.  Regardless of my experience with a product, a bad customer service experience will turn me away from a company for good.  Likewise, a good customer service experience will keep me around as a faithful customer even if another company's product is a little higher in quality.  With that said, I must say that from the moment I ordered this product, AuraGlow has been very receptive to any questions and concerns I have had and have addressed all of my inquiries in the most efficient and professional manner, which speaks volumes.

Now, on to the product.  Just like the prior product I tried, it came with syringes filled with the product, which you squirt into the included mouth tray and insert into your mouth.  The mouth tray was a bit large for my mouth, and became a little uncomfortable. I could tolerate it for the results, but would have liked for it to have bit a little smaller. This product also came with a convenient case to keep the tray in, which was an added bonus, because I prefer to have something to store it in vs the plastic baggie I was previously using.

I found the product to be far less harsh than the product I tried previously.  The prior product made me gag nearly every time I tried to use it.  You're supposed to keep the tray in your mouth for up to 30 minutes.  I don't think I ever achieved the full 30 minutes with the prior product, as I could taste it and after about 15 minutes, it would start to make me feel a bit nauseous.  As far as the shade is concerned, however, while I didn't notice a substantial change, this product did help me maintain my results from the prior product, which was my most important concern.  I would like to one day enhance the shade, but I'm sure that will require a stronger product, perhaps something I may only be able to receive in a professional setting.  Nevertheless, my experience with AuraGlow was positive, and I look forward to ordering my next supply!

PurSabino Yoga Socks Review

A few weeks ago, I received PurSabino Toeless Yoga Socks from Giveaway Service website in exchange for my honest review. Considering the open-toe design of these socks take some getting used to, I took a little extra time to accommodate myself to the feel of these socks before determining that they were definitely worthy of a positive review, as I will only recommend those services and products that I feel my readers would appreciate. The socks are designed with a non-slip bottom, allowing your feet to grip firmly to the floor in an effort to hold poses and move freely without slipping and sliding. While I prefer to use a mat regardless, they are designed so that you can perform your exercises without the use of a mat.

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While they initially take a little longer to put on, they fit over your toes, gripping firmly onto your feet, with your toes exposed.  If you're not used to wearing toe-less socks (and really, who is?), these socks may take a little while to get used to. However, once you feel the comfortable warmth they provide, along with the stability they provide during workouts, the awkward feeling will soon be an afterthought.

These socks can be ordered from Amazon, and come with a 30-day, 100% no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.

Wind Down with Wine Poured into Hand-Painted Glasses from #ValentinaParis

Have you noticed the increase in wine-drinking mom's these days? Seriously. You can even enjoy a glass of wine at many hair salons and spas these days. And honestly... I think it's fabulous! While I don't drink frequently, there are simply times in life when sitting down with a big glass of wine
magically makes all of the troubles of a stressful week seem to disappear, even if only for a moment.

A couple of weeks ago, while pulling one of my only two wine glasses out of the cabinet, I hit another glass which careened into the area where I was reaching. While trying to save the wine glass left in the cabinet, I accidentally dropped the one in my hand, and both of them went crashing to the floor at the same time. If it weren't for the fact that I find no shame in sipping my wine from a red Solo cup, my "de-stressing" moment could have ended up a disaster. But then, a couple days later, I received an offer to receive these fabulous, beautifully hand-painted wine glasses for free in exchange for my honest review. The timing couldn't have been better!

The picture of this wine glass doesn't do it much justice, as it is actually HUGE.  I could easily drink half my bottle of wine in one pour if I wasn't careful.  (I mean, I wouldn't know. I've never thrown down that much wine in one night... neeeever).

These gorgeous hand-painted wine glasses from Valentina Paris come delivered as a set of two. With just minor flaws, it's obvious these glasses were hand-painted.  However, the slight imperfections are what I think makes them absolutely perfect and unique. After all, anything created to perfection is not "unique".

The best thing about these glasses is that they serve a dual purpose. While I am not using them, I have found a safe place to store them on display in my dining room, where they fit in perfectly to my decor. I've already had several friends and family members comment about how gorgeous they are. Looks like I know what I'll be buying for upcoming birthday and holiday gifts later this year!!

#Thermalabs Glow2Go Self-Tanning Towelettes

Like many extremely pale-skinned women, I have spent years trying to achieve the “perfect” tan.  One which doesn’t require hours under the harmful rays of the sun, endures countless hours rubbing on aloe-vera following failed attempts resulting in sunburn, and one that doesn’t result in carrot-colored skin following the use of faux tan products.  In fact, at 41-years old, I finally decided to throw in the towel this year and embrace my pasty-white God-given canvas.  But then… I received the opportunity to try ThermaLabs Glow2Go Self-Tanning Towelettes in exchange for my honest review.   

                                                                        

I didn’t expect amazing results from these towelettes, but found myself pleasantly surprised.   First, the towelettes come in a compact, handy box with an opening at the bottom where they can be removed one at a time.  Organization is not my forte’, so I appreciate the packaging that allows me to keep the packets together in one place. 

My face was the first area I wanted to test.  However, I must admit I was a little hesitant.  But, I work from home, so figured that if I turned out looking like a hideous orange-faced creature, I just wouldn’t leave home for a day or few.  A few hours after applying the product I didn’t notice any change.  With that said, I was prepared to write a negative review and considered not wasting any more of my time with the product.  However, after waking the next morning, I noticed a delightful bronze-kissed face staring back at me as I glanced into the mirror. 

I then decided to try the towelettes out on other areas of my body.  The color of the results is amazing.  However, the towelettes are very thin, making it difficult to apply to large areas.  As I attempted to rub the towelette over my skin, it would roll up and dry out, making it difficult to apply.  With that said, I did experience some streaking, but not to the extent that I was incredibly disappointed, mainly because the color and effect of the streaking I did experience was by far, more subtle and less noticeable than what I’ve experienced with other products in the past. 

I’ve used the product approximately every other day since receiving it, with a couple exceptions, and it seems to have a lasting effect.  However, since I haven’t stopped using it, I’m not quite sure how long, exactly, that might be.  The longest I’ve went without using it is three days, and it really didn’t fade too much by that point. 

I have a heightened sense of smell and become nauseated easily as a result of unpleasant odors.  I didn’t notice any scent whatsoever when I used the Glow2Go towelettes.

Like any self-tanning product, the instructions advise to allow about 10 minutes before getting dressed after applying the product.  Furthermore, shaving within 24 hours of application is discouraged.  I followed the instructions as written and the results were amazing.  Thanks to this product, my pale skin may never make another appearance in this lifetime!   

Another "White Girl's" Perspective ... My Open Letter to Rachel Dolezal

Dear Rachel,

I get it.  As a mother of biracial children and a step-mother to three young, black women, I can relate to what you have probably experienced and witnessed in your own life.  I should probably stop and explain that, technically, I’m not their step-mother, as I’m not married to their father.  However, we’ve been together since they were fairly young, and I identify as their step-mother.  Likewise, they identify me as their step-mother as well. 

You see, think there is a fine line that weaves its way between the understanding, intent and overall meaning of “identify” and “relate”.  In my case, the ideal of me as their step-mother is a concept embraced and accepted among the four of us and our extended families.  In your case, perhaps a better approach would have been to use the term, “relate to” instead of “identify as” when it came to your position as a “black woman,” not only due to the nature of the topic in relation to the world in which we live, but in order to gain and retain respect in your position as a leader of the group you’re relating to, or as you say, “identifying to”. 

It’s amazing how a simple short phrase can change everything, isn’t it?  My heart truly goes out to you as you face a long road ahead filled with anger, disappointment, speculation and pressure from thousands, and perhaps millions of people across the country.  Despite the mounting evidence against you, I can’t help but to believe that it was never your intention to deceive or hurt anyone who you’ve spent an abundance of time, hard work and effort to represent.   I do believe that you have immersed yourself so far into your own personal life experiences, your educational achievements in the arena of African American Studies, and your work that you, in fact feel such an attachment justifying your use of the term “identify as”.  I also get that you’re an incredibly brilliant woman, and I know and you know that the phrase “I identify as” isn’t the equivalent of “I am.”  Therefore, in the context of your race, when you say “identify as,” the world’s perception is that “you are”.   

As I watch your interviews, I see a person struggling with what she believes is the truth vs what the world may perceive as the truth.  I see a woman who stands upon and truly believes in honesty, integrity and fair treatment of others, but on the other hand struggles to accept the difference between personal and world views.  Surely, this struggle makes it difficult to answer the questions thrown at you as honestly as possible when you view your life from a perspective in which perhaps only you can understand… which to an extent, makes the answers you gave, in fact, true… to you.  As an individual, you own your life experiences.  Only you know the pain you’ve felt when you’ve seen friends and family members face discrimination. Only you know what you’ve experienced as a woman who is/was perceived to be black, for a time.  But while you have witnessed life from the perspective as a black person and have perhaps even experienced it to an extent, you haven’t “grown up” as a black woman, which is where I feel some of the black population may feel that they have been deceived by you.  While you may certainly know what it’s like to a certain extent, you haven’t had nor will you ever have the opportunity to experience it to the fullest extent, as you have no control over your experiences before you gained the ability to fully control the direction of your life.  Simply, it is what it is.

Nevertheless, this experience, like all others that have preceded it, is yours.  Likewise, the experiences of those who are, in fact, genetically African-American (or any other nationality or race, for that matter), are theirs.  While your experiences likely draw many common comparisons, please understand… they are emphatically different.  With that said, I hope you use it as a learning opportunity and continue your pursuits in creating a world where people of all races, cultures and nationalities and live harmoniously and with equal treatment.  I also hope that despite the errors in judgment on your behalf, those whose lives have been positively impacted by your contributions will, in fact, see how much of an impact you have had thus far and will continue to have, if only given the opportunity to proceed without continued scrutiny based on the current situation. 

In the meantime, just as you wish people might be able to see things from your perspective I encourage you to understand it from theirs.  In fact, I think that’s the only way you’re going to continue to succeed.   However, if the matters you’ve been standing up for truly do matter to you, and are not just part of a personal agenda to acquire a sense of belonging or entitlement, then you will eventually be taken seriously once again.  But be prepared… you’ll now face a struggle on an entirely new level.  One which I have a feeling you can handle.  As a white mother of black children, I want so badly to see you succeed, as in today’s world it doesn’t take just one race to achieve success in the fight against inequality, it takes many.  As a white mother of black children, I can “relate to” the heartbreak experienced when I have seen my own children be discriminated against.  As a white mother of black children and as a partner to a black man, I have witnessed discrimination on many levels and know it still exists and can “relate to” the pain my family members have experienced as a result.  In other words… you don’t have to “identify as” something in order to “relate to” it and in order to make a difference.  I hope and pray that you one day embrace, love and appreciate the person who is Rachel Dolezal and who has the intelligence and ability to make a difference in this world because she can “relate to” the adversities experienced by so many of its inhabitants.

Best of luck to you….

Monica

#Labeautiful Eye Wrinkle Remover Applicator Review

Determined to slow down the process of aging by (almost) whatever means necessary, you'll find a lot of my posts and reviews refer to anti-aging products, services and methods.  Or, perhaps you'll just see me babbling about how I've got to find a new way to tackle a skin-care and/or aging concern. You may recall me discussing my experience with the derma-roller a few weeks ago, which is one of many products I've tried in my efforts to discover the fountain of youth.

While the derma-roller is a product that will continue to be used on my skin-care regime, I've found another product that, when used in combination with the derma-roller, works absolutely fantastically.  Don't get me wrong, the La-Beautiful Eye Wrinkle Remover Applicator does not need help, but the results when used along with the derma-roller are amazing! Furthermore, though designed to conquer eye wrinkles, this product works phenomenally on the entire face.  

I must admit, being one who finds juvenile humor entertaining (what else would you expect from someone who strives to maintain a youthful appearance?), the "adult-toy" reference jokes began almost immediately upon tearing open the product.  Nevertheless, considering that I did receive the product for a discount in exchange for my honest review, I proceeded to use it as directed.

When used on a daily basis without the derma-roller, it takes about 2-3 weeks to see the results of this product.  However, when used with the derma-roller, the results can be seen after just a couple of uses.  To use, you simply apply your favorite eye cream before applying this roll-on massager to the area and letting the ultrasonic therapy do it's magic.  

Basically, through the use of micro-electric pulses, the massager will push the creams and oils deeper into your skin in an effort to activate the ingredients and enhance the effectiveness.  This results in the appearance of healthier, younger, and brighter skin with fewer fine lines and reduced puffiness, redness and dark-circles under the eyes.  It only makes sense that a product of this nature would work, not only for the eyes but all over the face.  

Eco-Friendly, Flexible Cutting Mat Review

Get your set of 4 Flexible Cutting mats at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X4JGSI2?ref_=cm_cr-mr-title

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The thought process behind this flexible cutting mat is absolutely brilliant; simplicity at its best. One who cooks at home on a daily basis, I find myself going through cutting boards like they’re going out of style, it’s insane! In fact, my large wooden cutting board AND my small wooden cutting board BOTH split in half within just a week or so of receiving an offer to try this product free in exchange for my honest review. I was getting tired of having to buy new wooden cutting boards constantly because they just wouldn’t hold up, so I was ready to give an alternative a try.


These little gems are perfect for so many reasons. Here’s just a few that came in handy for me:

• There are 4 cutting boards; one for meats, one for seafood, one for fruits, and one for veggies. What does this mean for me? It means that I no longer have dirty up a bowl to set my cut up meat aside while I wash the cutting board to prepare for the veggies, after which I pull out yet another bowl to place my veggies in while I chop up something else. In my busy life, a product that can save me time is well worth the investment!

• Handy measuring scale – How many times have you read instructions that say, “Slice into 2-inch pieces”? No more worries in that regard, the handy ruler printed on the face of these mats solves this problem once and for all.

• Convenient and portable – The size, 12 x 8 x 5/32 inches makes it possible to store these mats virtually anywhere. I have mine tucked away inside of a small drawer underneath other often-used items. They’re flexible, so I can just easily pull them out without taking everything else out of the drawer. Likewise, when I’m ready to put them back, they just slide underneath everything with ease.

• Durable – I don’t have to worry about my flexible cutting mat breaking in half like I did my wooden cutting boards, yet it’s not flimsy. It seems to be very durable and, while time will tell, appears to be designed to hold up through many, many uses.

Whether you cook a lot or a little, these cooking mats are sure to get an abundance of use in anyone’s kitchen. I expect mine to get use on a daily basis!

Four Fabulous Father's Day 2015 Gift Ideas

*This post contains affiliate links*

Anyone who’s bought a Father’s Day gift for the special man in their life knows that shopping for a man is almost as difficult as shopping for a woman.  Almost.  After all, if asked, they’ll tell you not to buy them anything, but when and if you don’t, their disappointment is evident. In other words, “don’t buy me anything,” means “I know what I want, but I want you to figure it out on your own,” while giving you very few hints. Being a self-proclaimed mind-reader who has succeeded in buying the “perfect” gift on several occasions, I’ve scoured the Internet to find some gifts that might be perfect for the “dad” in your life this year.

Golf Ball Ice Ball Molds - How often have you heard your man complain that his Jack and Coke was watered down because the ice melted too quickly?  These delightful golf-ball shaped ice molds are not only a welcomed novelty for any golf enthusiast, spherical ice is said to melt slower than cubes, thus lessening the chance of a watered-down cocktail.  For added fun and flavor, place a cherry or a slice of lemon or lime into the tray before filling the sphere with water.

Stainless Steel Spatula/Bottle Opener & Grill Topper -   Have you ever wondered why Father's Day is in June?  The Answer:  To give him the entire summer to enjoy his new grilling gifts, of course! Though he's a cook, not a quarterback, he's sure to score a perfect game every time when he uses this handy football shaped spatula.  As an added bonus, he'll never go thirsty while cooking with the handy bottle opener attached to this tool.  He'll also love the 12" x 16" grill mat that will help him create deliciously juicy steaks and burgers every time!

Dad and Baby Matching Outfits for First Father's Day - This Father/Baby combo is picture-perfect and will likely become one of proud Papa's favorite T-shirts.

Stainless Steel Wallet - In addition to being sleek and stylish, this stainless steel credit card holder provides security against identity theft, as it is designed to block the use of RFID scanners.

What do you think?  Are these perfect gifts for the special guy in your life this Father's Day?  I know they would all be a welcomed surprise in my home.  What fabulous gift items have you stumbled upon while shopping for Father's Day this year?  Be sure to share your comments below!

I Can Finally Smile with Confidence

Pretty girl, pretty mouth, ugly teeth. I don't know how many times I've heard that in my life; too many to count, that's for sure. It’s something I’ve just grown to accept through the years, however, as I’ve unsuccessfully tried many products in an attempt to give me something to smile about. But now, that all has changed.  Less than just one month ago, nobody could have paid me enough to take a picture of my ugly teeth and post it to social media.  Though I’m a non-smoker and DO brush my teeth regularly, the yellowish hue behind my lips has provided my smile with a not-so-welcoming glow since childhood.  In addition to being unattractive and embarrassing, it’s a confidence killer as well.

When I was offered the opportunity to try the Deluxe Teeth Whitening System from Beitipo for free in exchange for my honest review, I thought, “Why not?”  After all, aside from them just falling out, nothing could really make my teeth look much worse, from my perspective.  So, filled with optimism, I placed my order and waited patiently for it to arrive, which it did, within just a day or two of ordering.

Packed inside of the small little package was a plethora of items that would work hand-in-hand to give me the results I currently see when I look into the mirror:

• Mouth Tray
• Syringe filled with 35% Carbamide Peroxide Gel
• Whitening Pen
• Mint-flavored Teeth Wipe
• Vitamin and Aloe Swab
• Professional Shade Guide
• Mini LED Light

The mouth tray is very thick and durable.  I didn’t need to do anything special to it to form to my mouth, as it fit perfectly.  However, I do have a little bit of a gag reflex whenever I put mouth trays into my mouth, which often hinders me from trying or sticking with many teeth whitening kits.  However, the results after just one use made such a significant difference that I couldn’t stop there.  After just a week and a half of use, my teeth looked better than I remember them looking, EVER.  Even thinking back to my childhood, I cannot remember ever looking into the mirror and seeing my teeth look better than a light yellow color.  There were a couple of days that I was either in a hurry, or just didn’t feel like dealing with the mouth tray.  On those days, I used the on-the-go whitening pen, which was just as effective as the tray.  You just simply twist the end of the pen to express the gel, and then brush it onto your teeth.  It really is as easy as that.

I did experience a little bit of irritation throughout the first two days of use.  However, once I got through the first couple of days, it was smooth sailing.  There’s no bad odor and the taste is to be expected for this type of product, nothing unusual.  I am definitely a huge new fan of this product and would recommend it to anyone who desires whiter, brighter teeth in just a short period of time.

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