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Nail Beauty for the Fall with the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Lineup

October 17, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Sally Hansen really does have my favorite nail polishes and here are some of my favorites this Fall!

2 stunning new collections and 6 limited-edition shades also join the Miracle Gel™ lineup.

I love the Miracle Gel Nail shades and I like how the polish lasts too! 

These days, bigger is better when it comes to beauty. Following the major success of the first Miracle Gel launch, Sally Hansen has done it again, developing  the new & improved volumizing Miracle Gel™ Top Coat – adding to the award-winning Sally Hansen Miracle Gel collection: the most buzzed about at-home nail system and the closest thing to a salon gel manicure at home.

 

When partnered with the Miracle Gel™ shades, Miracle Gel™ Top Coat volumizes as it protects. The Top Coat formula delivers 2x the volume to your manicure – creating dramatically fuller-looking nails with a high-gloss, mirror shine finish.

 

The result: the look of a gel manicure at home, without the trip to a salon! Miracle Gel’s simple application takes just two steps. First, apply two thin coats of Miracle Gel™ color to clean, bare nails. Then, apply one coat of the new Miracle Gel™ Top Coat. Natural light does the rest, creating a manicure that resembles a UV / LED cured gel polish and up to 14 days of color and shine. The next best thing to a salon gel manicure, without using an UV / LED light AND removes easily with regular nail polish remover.

 

To coincide with the release of the new top coat, Sally Hansen announces a total of 20 new vibrant colors of Miracle Gel™. The Tribal Vibe collection adds seven new sun-baked shades to the permanent line up.

One of my new favorite shades is Cream of the Crop, which is ivory with a hint of warmth. Check out all the new shades at a retailer near you!

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PRICE & AVAILABILITY: The new Miracle Gel™ Top Coat, limited edition duo packs, Tribal Vibe collection, and Boho Chic collection are available at chain drugstores and mass retailers nationwide. Miracle Gel™ Color Coat and Top Coat cost $9.99 each and the limited edition duo pack costs $14.99.

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: Sally Hansen.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

The New Augmented-Reality Nail Polish Try-On App From Sally Hansen: Live, 3D And First To Market

October 17, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Building on next-generation augmented reality technology, Sally Hansen the #1-selling nail color and nail care brand in the US is transforming the shopping experience with the new ManiMatchTM mobile app. Users can try on the rainbow of over 200 Sally Hansen nail polish shades in real time, on their nails, before they buy. A simple scan of the user’s hand from any smartphone enables the user to instantly consider and curate her own color choices. There’s no uploading, picture-taking or manual data entry, as the app works in real time. It also generates personalized-for-her-skin-tone color suggestions on demand; using cutting-edge, proprietary technology, the app senses and analyzes the pigments in each user’s hand, then matches its polish-shade suggestions to the ones optimally flattering to her skin.

Choosing the perfect shade is traditionally both the most fun and the most difficult aspect of shopping for nail color; consumers surreptitiously dab color onto a single or several nails to approximate how given shades might look on their hands in relation to skin tones, mood or outfit. ManiMatchTM flips the trial-on- ly-post-purchase shopping experience that has always frustrated nail color shoppers, transforming the process into a moment of discovery, excitement and pleasure. “The app is addictive; everyone who tries it can’t stop herself from checking out more options,” says Jeremy Lowenstein, Sally Hansen Global Marketing Vice President. “The fact that you see exactly how a color will look on your own hands is just pure fun—and incredibly useful. People end up experimenting with shades they’d never normally try.”

“The innovative technology uses bespoke skin tone analysis and an algorithm to map the hand.” – says Kristen D’Arcy, Global Digital Vice President. “It tracks the individual nuances of the user’s hands, analyzes skin tone, finds the nail beds, and photo-realistically simulates our nail polish shades, with shine: the finished manicure appears instantly on the user’s hand. ManiMatchTM generates shade suggestions across all Sally Hansen’s product lines, including Miracle Gel, Complete Salon Manicure, Insta-Dri and Xtreme Wear, so users can easily navigate and experience every color they desire.”

The launch of this app coincides with the release of the new Miracle Gel® Top Coat and new fashionable shades. Available for download for free on iOS platforms since it launched September 2015 (and select Android devices later in fall), ManiMatchTM is poised to revolutionize nail color shopping, both in store and ecommerce. Sally Hansen hosted a kick-off consumer event in NYC to introduce the app. The first users to share the experience with a friend had the chance to become the next Sally Hansen hand model for Sally Hansen social media.

Credit: Sally Hansen.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

The Wonderland Effect by Robert Arrington

October 17, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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I have always loved Alice in Wonderland so I was happy to find that this story is similar, yet very different. This story is quite different in many ways especially since it is more a superhero type of fantasy story. For example, Alice has super powers and many other characters do too. The story is well written and fun to read. It is a quick read and I was able to read it very quickly. The characters are well-developed and really make this story! I was also quite surprised at the twists and story line. A great fantasy story for young adults to read. But, I am far from being a YA and also really enjoyed it.

Self Disclosure: I was asked to review this book and no compensation was received to post.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Nordstrom Rack Opens at Best Plaza in Cerritos on 10/22!

October 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Thursday, October 22 – Store Opening “Rally at The Rack”

  • Doors open to the public at 9 a.m.!

RALLY AT THE RACK Starting at 8 a.m. we will kick things off with music, coffee and breakfast treats. Customers 18 and older can enter for a chance to win one of 30 $100 gift cards. One customer will win a $1,000 shopping spree and early access to shop the store. The “Rule the Rack” winner will be drawn and announced at 8:25 a.m.
WHEN: Thursday, October 22, doors open at 9 a.m. (Rally at the Rack begins at 8 a.m.) WHERE: 11111 183RD STREET CERRITOS, CA 90703-5415 PHONE: (562) 565-6025 SIZE: ~34,000 sq. ft.

REGULAR STORE HOURS: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. & Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

 

Customers will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of (30) $100 gift cards. Plus, one lucky winner will win a $1,000 shopping spree through our Rule the Rack sweepstakes (that winner is drawn at 8:25 a.m.).

COMPLIMENTARY TOTE The first 1,000 customers who make a purchase at the new Nordstrom Rack will receive a complimentary Nordstrom Rack tote as a gift.

WHAT IS NORDSTROM RACK:  Nordstrom Rack is the off-price division of Nordstrom, Inc. offering on-trend, of-the-moment clearance merchandise from Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com as well as items purchased specially for Nordstrom Rack. The store offers significant savings on great brands like Kate Spade, Hugo Boss, Trina Turk and Vince Camuto at 30-70% off.

 

Credit: Nordstrom Rack.

 

Filed Under: Announcements

DOGTOLOGY: Live. Bark. Believe by Jeff Lazarus

October 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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I admit it….I am now one of those Dog parents who simply adores her pup!  So, I found the title of this book quite intriguing!

Have you ever bailed on your friends to stay home with the dog? Does your dog own more designer clothes than you? Do your Facebook and Instagram posts boast more pics of the dog than the humans in the family? Than your own human children?! Oh My Dog! You might be a Dogtologist, but don’t worry, you are in great company:

Dog-tol-o-gy (noun)

  1. The belief in Dog
  2. The system of rituals, practices, and behaviors engaged in by Dogtologists

Now, I don’t know if I take more photos of my dog than my son but yes, more than any other humans!

Why are so many humans obsessed not only with having dogs, but also with talking about dogs, watching YouTube videos of dogs, decorating their iPads with dog paw prints, even purchasing an extra cable package for Dog TV?  People devote so much time and income to grooming, training, feeding, boarding, entertaining, praising and exercising their dogs. Why? That’s what Dogtologists do!  With tongue planted firmly in cheek, DOGTOLOGY: Live. Bark. Believe by Jeff Lazarus (Publication: June 2015; Greenleaf Book Group Press; Pets/Dogs/Humor; Hardcover: $19.95) tells man’s longstanding, fanatical devotion to the dog. A whimsical, satirical celebration of the relationship between dogs and humans, Dogtology will resonate with dog lovers because they all engage in the same system of rituals, practices and behaviors personified by Dogtologists the world over.

I received a copy of this book and found it entertaining and  Yes, I found out that I am one of those Dogtologists and I may just have many friends that are too!

Each chapter in Dogtology reveals additional proof that humans have a deep connection to their four-legged furry companions. With nine chapters with titles such as:  The Book of Bones, The Book of Barks and The Book of Hydrants, along with an informative Furminology section and the Sunday School for Dogtologists that serves as the FAQ for the book, readers will undoubtedly see a reflection of their own dog loving behaviors in these pages.

This is such a fun book and would make a great book for gift giving to other Dogtologists during the holiday season. Recommend for adults. And, Yes, I do like saying that word..Dogtologists!

At this moment…I am thinking of gifts I can give my pup when he turns 1 next month!

It’s ok … enjoy your relationship with your dog. Chances are your dog considers you as the pet and most definitely enjoys taking you for a daily walk. In fact, dogs give humans the license to take all the best parts of themselves and unleash them onto the world. The moment a person snaps a collar onto the dog, it gives that person a license to a more enjoyable life with the dog– a playful, free spirit who runs naked in the grass.  A huge part of why humans love dogs, praise dogs and admire dogs is not so much for the qualities dogs possess, but for the qualities they bring out in people. So, chew on that!

You can also find this book Amazon.com.

About the Author:

Inspired by his BFF, Roamy, Jeff Lazarus bonded with this stray pup who had the cutest face ever – and a personality to match. Olympic athlete, President of the Canine Mensa Society, the James Dean of dogs, and a performer, much like himself. Jeff notes, “he became my confidant, my sidekick. I found I could be truer with him than with anyone else; so I wanted to hang with him day and night. He became my refuge, my sanity, my partner in crime.”

Jeff has an MBA from Pepperdine and a B.A. in speech communication from Cal State University, Long Beach. With over twenty years of experience in sales, marketing, and scientific consulting at Merck & Co. Inc., Lazarus has been inducted into the Merck Hall of Fame and is a five-time winner of the Vice President’s Award. He has taught public speaking and marketing at the university level, performed in various theater groups, played in a rock band, and coached championship youth baseball and soccer teams. Dogtology: Live. Bark. Believe. is the first in a series of dog-themed empowerment books, with his next title, Listen Like a Dog: And Make Your Mark on the World publishing next year. For more information about his books and other Dogtology-themed products by Jeff Lazarus, please visit his website: www.Dogtology.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to facilitate this post.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Easy, Healthy Gluten-Free Snacks for Kids, Travel and People on the go

October 16, 2015 By 1 Comment

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Looking for healthier option snacks that are great for travel and busy-on-the go life styles? The answer? Wild Garden Snack Box to Go!

Wild Garden offers all-natural, healthy snacks for families on the go as they do not require any refrigeration. They offer a full line of gluten-free hummus and crackers and are perfect to take everywhere: school lunches, work snacks, hiking, triathlons and even some of the most remote places in the world! They can be found at Albertsons, Meijer, Giant, Jewel-Osco, Kroger, Publix, Target and many other retailers across the country.

I love the taste and that it is 25-50% less Calories than other leading Hummus!  It is also All Natural/Gluten Free and so convenient to take Hummus to Go!  You can take it anywhere and it requires no refrigeration before opening.  It is a healthier option and a good source or protein.  I also love that it is low in fat and 0g of trans fat.

New! Wild Garden Hummus Snack Packs: $1.99 – $2.39 www.wildgardenhummus.com

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

BODYARMOR sports drink is a Must-Have!

October 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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BODYARMOR – a natural sports drink made with coconut water and no flavors, colors or sweeteners, making it a better alternative to other leading sports drinks.

I received samples and was surprised at the great taste! I also like that it is low in sodium and has no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. It is available in 7 great-tasting flavors (Fruit Punch, Strawberry Banana, Orange Mango, Mixed Berry, Grape and Tropical Punch, Lemon Lime).  My favorite flavor is Strawberry Banana! This is the perfect drink to take with you to the gym or on hikes! It is also high in vitamins and potassium. It actually has more potassium-packed electrolytes than other sports drinks.

An Interesting Fact:

  • Pro athletes who drink BODYARMOR: NFL’s Rob Gronkowski, Richard Sherman, Andrew Luck, MLB’s Mike Trout, Buster Posey, NBA’s James Harden, Kevin Love, WNBA’s Skylar Diggins, and US Women’s Soccer Champion Sydney Leroux.

Available locally at: Ralph’s, Target, Stater Bros and Alberton’s, Vons.

 

Hydration Tips by Rebecca Scritchfield MA, RD, ACSM HFS. Scritchfield is a mom and sports nutritionist who works with athletes of all ages and abilities, including professional and recreational athletes.

 

Dehydration is the #1 cause of sports performance problems and injuries in youth athletes.  Even mild dehydration will impact your child’s strength, energy and coordination. Preventing dehydration is easy with these simple tips.

 

  1. Fruits and vegetables are over 90% water. Fill up half of your child’s plate with fruits and vegetables at meal time and include them in snacks to help them stay nourished and hydrated.
  2. Keep a filled water bottle or BODYARMOR with your child wherever you go and drink often, both with meals and between meals.
  3. If exercising after school, pack pre-exercise nutrition like banana and peanut butter or a cheese sandwich and a bottle of BODYARMOR to fuel up for the training.
  4. During activity lasting over 60 minutes, drink water or BODYARMOR every 15 to 20 minutes, if possible, or drink BODYARMOR between exercise bouts.
  5. After exercise lasting over 60 minutes, provide fluids as early as possible. BODYARMOR helps replace electrolytes lost and helps refuel muscles with carbohydrates

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post.

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

The World’s 1st App To Help Young Children Fall Back to Sleep – IT’S SLEEPHERO TO THE RESCUE!!!

October 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Sleepless nights for parents with young kids will hopefully be a thing of the past with the new app – SleepHero.  SleepHero came about after a dad experienced what most new parents endure – crying babies and sleepless nights. He tried many techniques, but came to realize that ten minutes of daddy’s singing sent his son back to sleep quite effectively. This of course meant that a bleary-eyed daddy was still required in person to deliver the dulcet tones. What was needed, he thought, was a robot to step in at night to handle all singing requests from the little person. And so began the design of an app that would unashamedly trick his son into thinking that daddy was on night call to recite endless renditions of Twinkle Twinkle and Rock-a-bye Baby. SleepHero allows parents to record their own voices into their iPhone, iPad, or iPod – and the recording of talking, singing, or even just shushing is then automatically activated when the child begins to stir or make noise at night, gently soothing them back to sleep.

Although I didn’t try this one out..it sounds like a must needed app! I do know someone who checked it out and their son loved it! Recommended for younger kids…the younger the better!

Available on the App store. http://sleepheroapp.com/

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post.

Filed Under: Media Reviews
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