With Mother’s Day almost here, the Avon Foundation for Women has some wonderful gifts that also give back!

·         AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer Collection: benefit the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and raise awareness for AVON 39 2015 season

·         Empowerment Collection: raise funds to support Domestic Violence Awareness.

Check them out!

A few of my favorites are:

AVON 39 Camo Cap: 

• Price: $25
• This 100% cotton twill, distressed camo cap has a casual, low, unstructured profile.
• The adjustable, hideaway strap has a metal D-ring slider. Magenta AVON 39 embroidered on the front.
• One Size with Adjustable Strap
• Distressed Camo (each one is unique)

Empowerment Tote: 

• Price: $7 ($1.50)
• Limited edition International Women’s Day Tote – available now!
• 100% cotton. 15 ½” H x 15” W; handle drop, 10″

Domestic Violence Butterfly Link Watch

• Price: $20
• Silvertone with faux mother-of-pearl dial.
• Bracelet, 6 ¾” L with two ¾” extenders
• Note: this product will be available beginning on 5/6, just in time for Mother’s Day!

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. I have reviewed some of these amazing products in the past and completely support both causes.  Photo Credit: Avon Foundation For Women.

*Before and after photos.

When it comes to aging, the first thing we tend to scrutinize is our skin, bemoaning every line, wrinkle, sag, or age spot.  But teeth – either due to genetics or the ravages of time – are also huge factors in how old we look.    Some of us aren’t blessed with naturally straight, bright white teeth, but even if we are (or acquire them through orthodontia or whitening), they wear down with use, shift position, and become susceptible to chips, cracks and discoloration over time.

Luckily, improving your smile and looking years younger are easier than ever, thanks to the wide assortment of cosmetic dental procedures and at-home use products available today.  Your dentist can assess your smile and recommend the right one(s) for you.  Here is a quick “know-before-you-go” overview of some of the most popular options.

Tooth whitening: 

Today, there are more tooth whitening options than ever to consider, from whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses to gel trays and strips to in-office professional treatments.  While more costly, in-office procedures usually produce the fastest, most dramatic and long-lasting results.

Bonding:

Dental bonding is a relatively inexpensive procedure that can be used to correct small spacing issues as well as chips and cracks.  It involves applying a tooth colored composite to the affected area, bonding it to the tooth, where it then hardens, and is finally polished.  Bonding cannot be used to whiten your entire smile, like porcelain veneers (see below) can.  And unlike porcelain veneers, bonding composite is vulnerable to staining.  It is not recommended for smokers.

Braces:

Many adults (even some who had orthodontia as children) are turning to braces to help improve the look of teeth that are crooked or crowded, correct an irregular bite, or jaw positioning.  Besides traditional metal braces, they often have the option of Invisalign (clear removable trays), depending on the nature of the problem they need to correct.  A dentist can help determine which option is best.   Braces typically require multiple office visits, and can involve pain during application and tightening (traditional braces).  The time commitment is daunting for some patients, and often a retainer must be worn indefinitely after the braces are removed.  While braces can result in a beautiful even smile, they only correct alignment and/or bite, and don’t fix chips, cracks, worn down teeth or discoloration.

Gingival (gum) contouring:

This is a minimally invasive laser procedure for reshaping the gum tissue around the teeth for a healthier, younger looking smile.  It lifts the gum line to reveal more tooth and/or evens out the gum line.  The procedure usually requires one office visit and local anesthetic.  Depending on the patient’s needs, it may also involve grafts or bone contouring, in which case, pain and anti-infection medications will be required.

Porcelain veneers

Many dentists agree that porcelain veneers (shields that cover existing, healthy teeth) are the gold standard for total smile transformation, because they can essentially do it all — build up worn down teeth, repair chips, cracks and discoloration, correct gaps or other spacing issues and even improve the look of gum erosion.  However, not all porcelain veneers are created equal, so it is important to ask your dentist about his or her experience with veneers, what kind of veneers will be used, and where and how they are fabricated.

It is also important to request detailed information about the procedure itself.  In most cases, irreversible traditional veneer procedures involve the removal of painful sensitive tooth structure, requiring numbing shots.  This is not the case with pain-free SmileSimplicity veneers that leave original tooth structure intact and never require an anesthetic.  And, the entire procedure is reversible in the unlikely event a patient is unhappy with the result.

More and more dentists are entrusting their porcelain veneer needs to SmileSimplicity, because they know they can count on the company’s specialized studio, experienced staff of artisan/techs and advanced technology to fabricate the flawless, high quality porcelain veneers that will delight their patients.

SmileSimplicity Porcelain Veneers are created through a process as integrated and meticulous as traditional Swiss watchmaking, which guarantees a perfect fit, color match, and natural-looking results every time.

For more information, please visit www.smilesimplicity.com.

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received to post. Credit: SmileSimplicity.

Burke Williams Day Spa is pleased to introduce three special Mother’s Day packages to treat the women in your life with an indulgent pampering experience. Each exclusive package offers a unique combination of soothing services and enhancements for moms and daughters to enjoy.

The Mother’s Day packages introduce Burke Williams’ new elegant Italian Mandarin Gold Pedicure. The indulgent service begins with harmonizing Italian Mandarin Sugar Scrub to exfoliate, Honey Heels Glaze and the luminizing, deeply moisturizing Italian Mandarin Body Butter for the ultimate renewal. The service concludes with the new Gold Polish in the color of your choice that dries instantaneously for the perfect pedi.

Moms will “Relax” with the Italian Mandarin Gold Pedicure and choice of a 50-minute Pure Relaxation Massage or a 50-minute Spa Style Facial starting at just $149 ($194 value or higher). “Escape” with the Italian Mandarin Gold Pedicure, a 50-minute Pure Relaxation Massage and a 50-minute Spa Style Facial, all starting at $249 ($313 value). Mothers and daughters can share in a relaxing experience “and each enjoy an Italian Mandarin Gold Pedicure with choice of a 50-minute Pure Relaxation Massage or a 50-minute Spa Style Facial for just $309 ($388 value).

Guests must be 18 years of age to enjoy these services. Pedicure services are not available in the West Hollywood or Mission Viejo spas and will be substituted with a 25-minute Salt or Sugar Glo for the Mother’s Day packages. Package pricing can vary per spa location.

Mother’s Day packages are available now through May 10. Join us at a Burke Williams spa location near you or online atwww.burkewilliamsspa.com for gift cards and reservations by location. Go beyond the spa with Burke Williams this Mother’s Day.

Burke Williams

For over 30 years Burke Williams spa has been committed to creating an environment of refinement that inspires and provides its guest with a luxurious sanctuary to unwind. With nine locations across Northern and Southern California, relaxation awaits with each of our European-inspired treatments including massage therapy, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures, baths, and an array of signature spa services.

Credit: Burke Williams (My favorite Spa!) no compensation was received to post.

For decades women of color have depended on AMBI^® Skincare to help their skin look flawless. Now, that task has just become easier than ever with the introduction of NEW AMBI^® EVEN & CLEAR CC+ CREAM Even Tone & Environmental Shield – the first color product in the AMBI^® Skincare Line! Specially formulated to match the rich tones of women of color, this rich elegant CC+ Cream contains argan oil, shea butter, and antioxidants to moisturize the skin.

There are many exciting benefits about this new multi-tasking product, according to Laurence Dryer, Ph.D., Director of Portfolio Development and Head of R&D for Valeant Pharmaceuticals, North America OTC skincare products. AMBI^® CC+ Cream Even Tone & Environmental Shield provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen protection from UV sun rays that can accelerate the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. This sunscreen is formulated not to leave the skin looking ashy or gray. “The addition of SPF 30 is significant,” explains Dr. Dryer, “because many CC creams offer sunscreen with only SPF 20 and may leave a chalky residue on the skin. AMBI^® CC+ Cream provides a higher level of sun protection with quality pigments, without sacrificing a luxurious feel and great coverage.”

I received samples and I really love how this leaves my skin feeling moisturized and love that it also provides  broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen protection. It now is part of my daily morning routine. I love the light coverage. It provides enough color without feeling heavy on my skin. I also love that it evens out my skin tone! This one is a Beauty-Must-Have!

Available in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark, AMBI^® CC+ Cream is designed to even skin tone instantly with soft focus technology,while helping to shield your skin from environmental elements that may cause uneven skin tone, dry out the skin, and accelerate fine lines and wrinkles. AMBI^® EVEN & CLEAR CC+ Cream Even Tone & Environmental Shield is available at national mass, drug, and beauty supply retail stores with an SRP of $8.99.

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

About AMBI^® Skincare:

AMBI^® Skincare is one of the brands under Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC. AMBI^®, a trusted name in cleansers and moisturizers for skin of color, has a legacy of skin care designed to provide smooth, even-toned, flawless-looking skin. Introduced in 1966, the brand has been used by women with richer skin tones for decades and is trusted to provide quality products that meet skin of color needs.  The AMBI^® brand is best known for its fade creams, which help fade dark spots and skin discolorations to restore flawless, natural skin tone. The brand is part of the Valeant portfolio that also includes Kinerase^®, AcneFree^®, CeraVe^® skincare products, and more. For more information about the AMBI^® brand and to purchase products, please visit: www.shopambi.com.

About Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC: 

Valeant Consumer Products is a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products primarily in the areas of neurology, dermatology, and branded generics.  More information about Valeant Pharmaceuticals can be found at www.valeant.com.

AMBI^® is a registered trademark of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., or its affiliates.

April is Earth Month and Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are three well-known ways to protect our environment.

This year, you can continue to celebrate Mother Nature’s three R’s with the reusable Limited Edition Empowerment Tote ($7) from the Avon Foundation.

Made of 100% cotton, it’s the perfect size tote to reuse for the gym, work and grocery shopping. Most importantly, the Empowerment Tote is a wonderful way to raise awareness about domestic violence. As a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Avon Foundation’s Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign to fund programs to end violence against women—as one in three women worldwide will become a victim of domestic violence.

I received a sample of this tote and I really love the design! It’s great for going to the store, library and Farmer’s Market!

Empowerment Tote

• Price: $7.00
• Description: 100% cotton. 15 1/2″ H x 15″ W; handle drop, 10″.
• Retail Website: avon.com
• Additional Details: Learn more about the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign here!

We have teamed up for a Special Earth Day Giveaway! One winner will win this Empowerment Tote. To enter, leave a comment below telling us how you help the Earth. My son and I help clean up our local beach every month. Deadline to enter is April 29th, 2015 at 9 am PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org.

Self Disclosure: I received a free product to facilitate this post.

This amazing bubble bath, shampoo and body wash, 3 in 1, contains a host of soothing nourishments like, Calendula, Chamomile, and Oat which is perfect for cleansing sensitive skin in both children and adults. It is mild and non-irritating and a little amount creates a lot of bubbles.  Oatmilk helps relieve Eczema, while Calendula moisturizes and soothes dry skin.  This plant-based formula is gentle for pregnant women, and can be used by the entire family.

I really like this Natural Bubble bath! It seems a bit thick like honey but it suds up and is easy to get out of the bottle. I like that it is safe for all ages (even young children) and  seems to be good for somewhat sensitive skin. It left my skin soft. My skin tends to be more dry in the Winter.  You also do not need to use a large amount..a little goes along way. I am impressed that it can also be used as a shampoo and a body wash. But, the biggest advantage is that all family members can use it. It does not have a strong scent but does have a slight citrus scent. This one really is a Must-Buy!

You can purchase at a promotional price, by going here.

Check them out on Facebook for promotions, giveaways and discounts: https://www.facebook.com/Sweetsation.Therapy
Self Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for an unbiased review.