My Top 5 Favorite Products Recommended by Amanda Jo of Organic Bunny

2020 is finally coming to a close and I could not be happier about it! It's been quite the year and I know it was rough on all of us. My Treat Yourself Tuesday series definitely took a hit as most of us were much more concerned with paying our bills than frivolities!

What I did have a lot of in 2020 was time so I made good use of it! I decided that it was about time that I gave a few things recommended by Amanda Jo of Organic Bunny a try and I am so glad I did. I am often reminding everyone to practice self care, yet I found I wasn't following my own advice. So, I got a little splurgy and decided I was going to focus on me for once and not feel an ounce of guilt about it. I came across some great products and wanted to share them with you as an end of the year-that-wasn't Treat Yourself TODAY post!

SUNTEGRITY IMPECCABLE SKIN BB CREAM 

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Now that I have reached my forties, I have retired foundation. It doesn't matter what brand it is or if it has anti-aging properties...it will end up caked up in weird places. I fell in love with BB cream, however, the first time I used it. I have tried many different kinds since it became available and I think I have finally found my favorite in Suntegrity's Impeccable BB Cream. It's very light and I love that it has SPF30 and blue light protection. It leaves my skin so soft and the coverage is exactly the kind I am looking for. You can even buy samples here! 

EARTH HARBOR SUNSTONE HAIR REVIVE ELIXIR 

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As I am sure I have mentioned, I am obsessed with my hair. I am constantly looking for new hair products that will nourish, revive, and renew these old, tired strands. This Earth Harbor Sunstone Hair Revive Elixir is my favorite find. It smells like heaven and it is actually taming my fly-aways and damaged ends. My hair is softer than it has ever been! 

JORDAN SEBAN LE MASQUE 

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Another hair product, of course! I am always a little skeptical of hair masks as I have tried many that leave my hair heavy and a little more oily than I would like. This rosewater, vitamin B, coconut, silk proteins and jojoba infused mask leaves my hair essentially moisturized and revitalized without that "Did I wash this all of the way out?" feeling. I finally believe in hair masks again!

SHIVA ROSE ROSE MOON SEA SALTS 

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My mother was always of the opinion that a nice, long, hot bath could fix anything. Mom was definitely right about this! All of my troubles seem to float away with the steam of a hot bath and I come out of the bath feeling refreshed and ready. The Shiva Rose Moon Sea Salts soothe with rose crystal salts from the peaks of the Andes, mineral rich salts from the Dead Sea and the Himalayan peaks, rose oil, frankincense, and grounding cedar. Absolutely lovely. Your body will thank you!

BABO BOTANICALS CALMING BABY LOTION 

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I know, I said I was going to focus on SELF care but I can not stop myself from spoiling my very first granddaughter, even if I try. This calming baby lotion leaves baby super soft but not greasy. It absorbs so rapidly and smells divine. Made with French Lavender, Chamomile, and Meadowsweet oil, it is the perfect calming lotion for baby (or you)! I admit, I have used it as well and absolutely love it. 

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Did you treat yourself today? 

Treat Yourself Tuesday: NISIM International F.A.S.T Hair Care

It's been far too long since I've had a Treat Yourself Tuesday. How about you?

It's become a busy home here. My son, his wife, and my grandbaby are staying with us for a bit while they find a place here in our new town and I forgot just how exhausting babies can be! I am so happy to have this time with her, though. It's amazing to watch her grow and learn. However, I was reminded just how much self care is so important to us moms (and Nanas)! 

So, off to DealSpotr I went to find a special treat! As I've mentioned, I'm more than a little obsessed with my hair so I wanted to see what new products were out there. I found a great deal on NISIM International F.A.S.T Hair Care System. 

Use code STEPHSTEB for 15% off!

NISIM International is based out of Toronto and has been in business for over 25 years. This F.A.S.T System is formulated to make your hair longer, thicker, and stronger. I've been using it for about a month now and I am extremely happy with the results. I'm not quite sure if my hair has gotten longer (yay for half curly, half straight hair amirite?!) but it is definitely thicker and stronger! I had been losing a lot of hair to breakage and it has completely stopped the breakage within just a month! It's even tamed my flyaways somewhat and I love that! 

If you would like to treat yourself to NISIM International Hair Care, click here and enter the code STEPHSTEB during checkout for 15% off! Don't forget to check out their other products while you're there! 

Treat Yourself Tuesday: Re-Nourish By Pure Radiance

Here's a fun thing I learned about being in your 40s: Your hair texture changes.



via GIPHY

I started to notice my hair getting drier about two years ago. It was getting dull and I was at a loss about what to do about it. I changed shampoos and conditioners, I tried every leave in conditioner, hair masks...nothing. I felt like I was never going to have soft, bouncy hair again!

Luckily, Pure Radiance by Dr. Sears reached out to me for a product review and I was excited to try Re-Nourish. Re-Nourish is nutrition for your hair using plant stem cells and essential nutrients to revive and support healthy hair by feeding your starving hair follicles. 

https://mypureradiance.com/sm_tomoson_ss_renourish_20190322

It Was Super Easy To Use

You can use it on dry or damp hair. I just replaced my normal hair care routine with the Re-Nourish for about twenty days so far. Two spritz on my scalp after a shower and done.

No Weird Smell

I have a thing with smells. I will absolutely abandon a hair product if I don't like the smell. Re-Nourish smells like...nothing, really. 

It Actually Works

I initially wanted to give it thirty days before I finished my review, but after twenty days, I am really pleased with the results. My hair is softer, thicker, and shiny. 

It's Treat Yourself Tuesday, and I would absolutely recommend Pure Radiance Re-Nourish to anyone who wants healthier, thicker hair! So, go ahead, 

Doing It Up For Date Night!

As my kids were growing up, my husband and I didn't get to have too many date nights. (Silly us, we were trying to save for the future so other things seemed less important). However, now that they are all grown up, one in college and one working and living with his wife and soon-to-be baby girl, we have been able to get out more than we ever have. Since our move to an entirely new town and state last summer, we have had a great time exploring as well as taking in all of the local culture. All of those sacrifices we made were definitely worth it!

The big news around town is a new restaurant opening and I wanted to check it out. It's just a bar and grill type place but around here where the nearest store is at least 20 minutes away, new businesses opening in town are exciting. That's been the biggest thing I've had to get used to since moving out to the middle of nowhere. When I say I live in rural North Carolina, I'm not kidding! I love it, though and definitely don't miss the city at all. Back home, a new restaurant opening happened just about every week and no one really noticed. Here, new businesses opening is all everyone can talk about. Definitely different for me. 

I've been experiencing all kinds of new stuff lately so I thought I'd continue the trend for date night! 

Kalaia asked me to review their skincare solutions line recently and I thought this would be the perfect time to try it out! A week ago, I started using the products and I love them!

You start with an online beauty consultation, where you tell your online consultant all of your skincare concerns and problems. I resisted wearing daily face moisturizer for far too long through my 20s and 30s because I could not find a moisturizer that didn't make my skin break out. I'm definitely paying for it now in my 40s, but I have found my new PERFECT skincare routine. FINALLY.

For the first step, I start with the Detox and Cleanse Bar. It's made with papaya and ginger extracts with activated charcoal that gently cleanses and detoxifies your skin.  I love that you can use it on your face and body! 

The Fresh Canvas Exfoliating Powder is next. I love this stuff! It is a powder scrub that combines Hibiscus, Neem Leaf Powder, Licorice Root, Kaolin Clay, Gotu Kola, Turmeric and Rose essential oil and....

...then transforms into a paste after adding a few drops of water to remove impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells revealing soft glowing skin that is ready to absorb all of the good stuff in the next step!

The Keep Smooth - Day and Night Serum is my absolute favorite step in my new Kalaia skincare routine! This stuff is magic in a bottle! It is made from Indian Gentian Leaf extract, peptide molecules, and Kalaia's proprietary Bright & Blur Complex™ (which is amazing). It comes in a dropper bottle and you apply it all over your face. It *instantly* brightenened and improved the texture of my skin. I saw results after one use, especially under my eyes (my nemesis). My skin even felt firmer and after one week, I am so in love with all of these products. My skin feels so very soft and I have almost conquered those pesky under eye bags (thanks, insomnia)!

The last step is the Hold Tight - Overnight Moisturizer and that is definitely where all of that new firmness I feel is coming from! I was a little nervous at first because it is so thick and creamy, I thought for sure that it would break my skin out...but I was willing to make that sacrifice for beauty. You apply it to your face, neck, and decolletage and keep it on overnight. After a week, no new breakouts! It combines bamboo silica, pea extract and that magical Bright & Blur Complex™ to help blur fine lines and wrinkles and increase skin hydration for rejuvenated, (definitely) firmer looking and feeling skin.

You can purchase all of these products together in the Deluxe Set!

So, now that I was feeling all glowy, I decided I was going to try something else new, false eyelashes.

I know. 

How did I make it to 42 whole years of age without wearing false eyelashes? 

Because I can't do it to save my life, that's how.

Private Label Mink Eyelashes wanted me to review their (GORGEOUS) mink false eyelashes and I was hesitant at first because of the aforementioned failure, but decided to give it a try!

They sent me their Chloe and Eden lashes to try.

They felt so soft! You can use these up to 20 times as well! My daughter is just about an expert at putting lashes on (how?!) but the ones she used seemed really stiff compared to these. They are ready to apply once you take them out of the package and so, I took a deep breath and began....

(SPOILER: I AM STILL NOT VERY GOOD AT PUTTING ON EYELASHES)

Eden

I tried.

Although I will say that after all of my attempts to get them just right, the glue stayed like the first application so that was good. Once I felt they were just right, we were on our way out the door!

I had a gloriously delicious burger and we sat and talked for awhile before hopping back into the truck and riding around. It was a lovely night and I had fun trying a bunch of new things!

What are you doing on your next date night? 

Holiday Gift Guide - Part 8

For part 8 of my holiday gift guide, I have FINALLY found the perfect gift for my husband! 

SUCCESS. 

J Paul Skincare is having a HUGE sale right now so you know I had to check it out! It's just as awesome as I thought, too, EVERYTHING is 50% off on the site right now! Not only that, when you buy a shaving regimen gift set or an anti-aging set, you get a free J Paul manicure set. Also, when you purchase a three razor set, you get another set for free!

I could not hold back, either. My husband likes to pretend that he doesn't care about stuff like this, then turns around and spends an hour trying to get his beard juuuust right! At first, I thought it was because he can finally have a beard after twenty years in the Navy, but then I remembered how he was BEFORE he went in and he was just as obsessed then as he is now! I'm not complaining, though. The man is hot, beard or not!

So awesome.

 Skincare for men is just as important as they age, as it is for women! A lot of products for men these days have harsh detergents and ingredients that are actually worse for their skin! J. Paul uses the best ingredients that are perfect for good skin care such as cold pressed aloe vera, jojoba oil, vitamins C, A, B5 and E, peppermint, shea butter, eucalyptus oil, omega 3, green tea, chamomile, and kola nut! This lyposomal delivery system is thoroughly tested by a team of  certified chemists at the Loesch Laboratories and Cosmetic Labs in Houston and Dallas, Texas. Because of this, J. Paul brings an excellent skincare line that penetrates deeply to help damaged skin cells and reduce fine lines and wrinkles to produce healthy skin once again!

I spent a lot of time trying to decide what to get for him, and since the prices are so miniscule during this sale, I was able to get him a large variety of things. I am so excited for him to open them on Christmas Day! You guys definitely need to check out this sale!

Don't forget to check out the rest of my holiday gift guide: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7 

Have you found the perfect gift for your loved one(s)? 

Holiday Gift Guide - Part 2 - Shop Til You Drop!

It's fun ones today! 

I found the cutest little online boutique store! It's brand new, only a little over a year old so they don't have a super large inventory, yet. However, the inventory they do have is lovely! 

Click here to visit HeavensentBeautique.com

First, I found the prettiest necklace for my mom. 

HeavensentBeautique.com

My daughter loves the infinity symbol stuff, so this bracelet is perfect for her!

Heavensentbeautique

Then, I found this necklace that my step-sister is going to absolutely love!

They have quite a bit of jewelry to choose from, plus baby clothes and accessories coming soon. My very first grandchild is expected to come in April so I'm definitely going to keep checking back for those baby clothes. I can't wait to see what new pretties they come up with next!

I have a friend who absolutely loves all things hair so when I went searching for her, I decided to see if I could find any deals over on my favorite site, Dealspotr! And you know I got an awesome code for you, too!

A few months ago, I bought a hair mask by KC Professional and really loved it. When I saw that they had deals, I knew immediately that I had to get her this Four Reasons Repair Mist. It contains B5 so it strengthens colored hair while plant extracts restore and rejuvenate it and leave radiant shine. It smells like green apples, too! If you head on over to Dealspotr, just put the code STEPHSTEB in at checkout for 15% off anything on the site!

And that my friends is part 2 of my holiday guide! I'll be having lots more before the holidays get here so check back for more!

You can find Part 1 by clicking here.

Happy Holidays!

Third Day Beauty Is My Every Day Beauty

I have been looking for the perfect moisturizer for my face and neck for a long time now. 

Good news! I HAVE FOUND IT!

YAY!

You see, I have this weird skin that is half oil slick and half desert. I always wanted to wear moisturizer, but it either broke me out or made it drier. So, for far too long, I put it off. Well, now that I'm in my forties, I can't go without it anymore.

Third Day Beauty is specifically made for women or men over 30. Founded in San Diego, Third Day Beauty focuses on using high quality, research based ingredients to provide the perfect cosmetics. They are the masters of making potent, science based anti-aging products without mystery ingredients or gimmicks. I could not wait to try them out! I received the Ageless Eye Revitalizer, RESTORE rejuvenating night formula, Sculpt and Firm for face and neck, and the Revitalizing Moisturizer.  

I am seriously in love.

Let's start with the Eye Revitalizer. I have been at war with the bags under my eyes for at least 5 years now. Believe me when I say I have tried everything and I still look like I haven't slept in about a decade. So, I wasn't too confident that I was going to see results. I was wrong. The cream is very light and has a cooling feeling. I even started to see results within a week. FINALLY! I have found my forever eye cream!

The RESTORE rejuvenating night formula is just so lovely! It's light and makes your skin so soft. I've added it to my routine every night.

The Revitalizing Moisturizer is a perfect mix of all of the products Third Day Beauty offers. It's perfect for quick application if you're in a rush and can't apply everything as usual. It's light like all of the products and leaves your skin so soft!

Now, my very favorite product is definitely the Sculpt and Firm lotion for face and neck. I love this stuff! I am starting to get the little smile lines around my mouth and of course, the sag is starting to set in. Within a week, A WEEK !!!, I could already see the skin around my mouth and cheeks firming up and I am over the moon happy about it! This lotion is for real! I am going to go broke buying this to use forever!

Right now, because I love this stuff and want everyone to have it, I have an amazing deal for you guys! Visit Third Day Beauty by clicking here and enter the code STEPHSTEB for $25 off any product on their website! Don't forget to come back to the comments and tell me what you got!

Soap And Body Products With Sparkle

I am absolutely in love with bath and body products. It's a little luxury I often give myself as it is mostly affordable, yet makes you feel so expensive!

Recently, I tried some great new products by Sparkle Soap & Body Products and just had to tell you about them!

Who can resist kitten soap? Not me.

Having been taught by her mother since a young age that being a business owner was something she could aspire to, the owner began selling water balloons, cupcakes, and candy to the kids in her neighborhood. She began to focus more on college and once she got her undergraduate degree, she began to think about owning her own business again. She sat down and had a good prayer session and making natural soaps came immediately to mind. 

Using her kitchen as her laboratory, she began to test and try her hand at making soap, all while she attended graduate school! Eventually, she found her perfect recipe and now has her own line of body products! Making the products as natural as she can, she uses a variety of plant oils, including almond, apricot, avocado, coconut, and aloe vera gel scented with (or without, there are unscented products) fragrance and essential oils. These oils provide a protective, moisturizing layer to the skin that are quite soothing. 

My favorite, besides the bath salts is definitely the perfume sticks!

You can find Sparkle Soap & Body Products here, on Instagram, and Twitter. I highly recommend them for a luxurious bath experience at a great price!

Fashion + Dating? Yes, Now It Exists!

As a creative introvert, I can understand the struggle people go through to find their perfect person. When inspiration hits, your attention is focused on your work and dating or relationships can take a hit. Not to mention, it is incredibly difficult to find someone who understands what it's like or is in a similar field.

It can be especially lonely.

Malaka Pickens has found a solution.

Style-Mate.com is a brand new fashion entrepreneurship and dating platform. The website offers a place where you can set up your own shops, cross promote with your fellow designers, customers, and social media followers all while providing fresh content. Your customer base can register and interact with you directly. In the process, you can meet and find your perfect partner.

I, personally, think it's brilliant.

While I am not in the market for a partner (I'm married to the most patient man in the universe), I did spend some time perusing the new and creative fashion on the site. The prices are absolutely competitive and the designs are fresh, new, and exciting! I love that I was able to find one of a kind fashion designs to try and fall in love with! 

The site is still building so luckily you can get in on the ground floor! Some of the two hardest things as a creative person, in my opinion, are being able to get your creative enterprise out to the public and find that perfect person, just for you. Style-Mate is a fun and original concept that has you covered! It's free to set up a shop and there are no commission or fees off your sales. Style-Mate is for designers by designers!

After you sign up, I'd love to hear about your experience. I'm always rooting for people finding love in this crazy world and, of course, awesome and interesting new fashion designs! 

A Surprise In The Beauty Supply Aisle

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

There are so many gorgeous hairstyles out there! I am constantly looking for new products to use in my hair and new hairstyles to show off. Like this crochet hair! I love this style!

As I've gotten older, I've noticed that my hair has begun to change. The texture is thicker, it's a little dryer. And just as I have with other parts of my beauty regimen, I am constantly looking for new hair products to try and share with everyone. 

It's the least I could do for you guys.

I decided to look at wigs today after coming across the above style. You wouldn't have to worry about damage from dying or any other harsh chemical processes.  It would be easy to switch hairstyles on a whim with wigs. I spent a lot of time browsing the Black Hairspray Beauty Supply website.

They have gorgeous wigs and all kinds of beauty supplies! I knew I was going to get in trouble. I can not be let loose in any beauty supply around here but let me sit on my couch and browse all of the beauty supply stuff?

Yes, please.

I picked out some hair masks and filled my cart up with way too many other things.

Which I am definitely going to need because, I caved.

I dyed my hair again. 

Good haircare can feel so luxurious. What part of your beauty regimen feels luxurious to you?

Still searching...

...for the perfect moisturizer which I am convinced doesn't exist.

Joyal Beauty once again has sent me a new cream to try! I have already reviewed Joyal Beauty Retinol Cream and Joyal Beauty Brightening Cream to mixed results. This time I am trying the Hyaluronic Acid Cucumber Moisturizer.

I actually really like this one. It's still a little sticky as the other ones are but I haven't broken out at all! The smell isn't as intense as the other products, either. 

This has been AMAZING for my under eye puffiness and dark circles. It's made my face and neck incredibly soft and I can definitely see a difference over just a two week period. *This* is the Joyal Beauty product I would recommend to everyone!

If you would like to try it yourself, you can check it out on Amazon.com for $18.95!

Joyal Beauty Retinol Cream

I am on a beauty kick lately.

I started out in my forties not worrying a bit about wrinkles, lines, dark circles, puffy eyes, etc etc etc. 41? Not so much.

So, in my quest to find the perfect creams, elixirs, potions, and lotions, I was asked to review Joyal Beauty's Retinol Cream.  

Like the Joyal Beauty Vitamin C Brightening Cream I tried awhile ago, this is a heavy cream with a different sort of smell. The difference, however, is that this one worked much better! I put it on every night before bed and actually started to see results within a week! I did not break out at all and I can tell that my skin is firming up due to the boost in collagen and although it doesn't work as well as my very favorite "beauty hack"....

                                                   (LOL)

It is definitely something I plan on adding to my regular routine. You can find Joyal Beauty Retinol Cream on Amazon for just $20.85. Let me know how you like it!

**I have received a sample product, payment, or both in exchange for this review. Regardless, I pride myself in bringing you an honest and thorough review. Thanks for reading! My comment box is always open for any questions you may have!**

Joyal Beauty Vitamin C Brightening Cream

The holidays can be...exhausting.

This one especially so for me. As you can imagine, I needed to ready my "NOPE. Nothing wrong here!" face and I was failing.

So, I decided to try Joyal Beauty Vitamin C Brightening Cream and see if it would help. I got my package a few days before bricks started to fall on me from out of the sky of life so what better time to try it?

I really liked the effects, because it did brighten it but the cream was a little heavy and I'm still fighting a break out from it. But, I have oily to combination skin and tend to stick to lighter moisturizers. My pores clog way too easily. 

The packaging was nice and it arrived very quickly! I would definitely recommend for those of you with drier skin. And, the extra brightening (especially around the eyes) is fantastic. You can find it for $18.99 on Amazon!