Monday, February 11, 2013

My Favorite Skin Care Line Gets Even Better


     You may remember when I wrote a post about Mindful Minerals right after I discovered the products. You can read that post here. Let me start out this post the way I did the last one by making it clear that I don't work for them, I don't sell the products, I don't get paid or compensated in any way for telling you about this stuff. I just really love it and I like sharing information when I find something I love. All the women in my life got gifts of this for their birthdays or Christmas this year and they all love it. I have been using the products for quite a while now and they work. Enough said. 
 
     I hadn't been in the store in Orlando for a while. I stocked up quite a bit the last time I had been there and then I also placed an online order, but I was out of a few items and I also couldn't wait to talk to Melissa and see the new line. Most of the original products are still available (you can read about them on the linked post above) but there are a few new items as well as some updates to the originals. I thought I'd tell you about the new products I bought and what I think of them. 
 
     Mindful Minerals is a product line that offers 100% pure natural products at affordable prices. It helps with acne, psoriasis, eczema, arthritis and aging skin by using the minerals found in the Dead Sea. The products are free of preservatives and additives and maintain purity while naturally preserving the product. The products contain 21 minerals found in the Dead Sea, 12 of which are found in no other ocean or sea–unlike users of competitive products who are sometimes exposing themselves to harmful phthalates, parabens, preservatives and artificial fragrance.
 
     In plain English, this stuff works! The new cleanser, “Get Even” Dead Sea Exfoliating Cleanser, I love. It makes my skin feel so clean and smooth and the light natural scent is great. American Spa Magazine just named "Get Even" Exfoliating Cleanser as their 2013 Best Pick for hyper-pigmentation and acne. Melissa describes this product as a micro-scrub with willow bark, lactic acid and sugar cane, “Get Even” stimulates cell turnover, decongests pores and helps to even out the complexion, while protecting the skin with natural humectants and fatty acids that sooth and heal. Rich with Dead Sea minerals, “Get Even” is naturally anti-microbial and anti-bacterial and may show benefit to sufferers of acne, while the cranberry fruit extract helps fight free-radical damage. This is easier to use that the dead sea salt product that we mixed with water as it comes ready to use in a tube.  
 
     The new mask, Triple Fusion Masque, is to use in place of the plain mud that we previously mixed with water. I did notice that the dry mud is still available at the store. I loved the old mud, so I wasn't sure how I would feel with using the new one. I also have several jars of the dry mud that I will continue to use. I do love this product. Again, it is easier to use and less messy for one thing. The first time I used it, it was thinner than I was used to mixing my mud mask, but I adapted quickly to that. This product (and the original mud mask) is amazing. It literally changes the color of your skin after one use because it pulls all the dead skin and impurities from your face and body. You are left with skin as soft as a baby's. This new product is described as follows: Dead Sea Mud, French Riviera Green Clay & Volcanic Ash. A fusion of our mineral rich muds from the Dead Sea, volcanic ash and Green Clay mined from the French Mediterranean rock quarries, this completely natural, organic material has over 35 minerals and trace elements to deep clean and detoxify the skin. The micro-molecules of this clay combination have powerful absorbing qualities literally “drinking” toxins, oils and impurities from your skin. The toning action stimulates circulation bringing fresh blood to damaged skin cells, revitalizing the complexion and tightening pores. I will add that it smells pretty much like mud would be expected to smell!
 
     They brought out a toner, Get Clear, 21 Mineral Cranberry Toner. I hadn't used a toner in years, but I find that it is a very simple way to clean my face quickly when I'm feeling a bit lazy. I don't have acne, but it is supposed to be a wonderful product for those who do. Melissa offered the suggestion that I used gauze instead of a cotton ball because it will also help smooth out the skin. (I confess, I haven't remembered to pick up gauze and I'm still using a cotton ball). This product is described as: treatment toner and an in-a-pinch cleanser addresses two concerns: acne and hyper-pigmentation. This clever formula has the perfect blend of minerals and botanicals to help rid yourself of acne and even out your complexion. Dead Sea minerals calm and reduce irritation.
 
     I love the new moisturizer, Get Carded Anti-Aging Moisturizer. What is wonderful is that it can be used day and night, so you don't have to have 2 separate products. It is light, has a very slight natural scent that is pleasant and feels good on my face. The actual description: Skip the Botox but don’t forget your I.D. Pioneering the future of anti-aging treatments, a propriety formula of Dead Sea Minerals and the innovative MATRIXYL® synthe’6™ Tri-Peptide stimulates the synthesis of 6 major structural component molecules of the skin visibly smoothing facial wrinkles.
 
     I was also able to bring home their newest product. At the time, they had just gotten it in and my bottle doesn't even have a label on it. Melissa told me how to use it and I didn't know what it was going to be called until it appeared on the website. On the day we were in the store, Melissa said it was all she had on her face, no makeup base and her skin looked great. She had cystic acne before using her products and you would never know it now. It is a creamy product that goes on over your moisturizer and under make-up if you decide you still need make-up. It isn't quite white and you apply it and rub it in and it leaves a smooth layer on your skin. It isn't sticky and you don't know you have it on. BB CC Cream is described as a 10 in 1 cream. Clearly Beautiful releases wrinkles, hydrates skin, primes, conceals, reduces hyper-pigmentation, inhibits acne, balances, mineralizes and nourishes the skin, while preventing further damage with 100% natural sun block!  
 
     I also bought some natural soaps and the most delicious Body Butter with a Bergamot and Grapefruit scent that smells so good I want to pour it over ice and drink it! 
 
     I guess you can tell that I'm like a kid in a candy store when I visit Melissa at her Orlando location. Mindful Mineral products are used and sold in upscale spas (at much higher prices). I love that I can get the same products and take advantage of some of Melissa's special offers. Check out the webpage or their facebook page. If you have any questions, call them and speak to Melissa. Feel free to tell her you read about them on I Need Mom! 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Beach Glass Bliss

 
     Are those seashells? In February? Yes...not only are they seashells, this is an odd tablescape as it isn't perfect and it even has paper napkins! My daughter wanted some ideas for decorating tables using beach glass colors, on a budget. So, actually this is a tutorial of ideas for her that I decided to share. I didn't buy anything, I just used things from around the house and they certainly aren't perfect choices. However, it gave her an image of what could be done.
 
 
     Imagine that you are seeing white gerbera daisies, orchids or some other "Florida flower" instead of white Illinois winter carnations from Walmart. I didn't have any seafoam or turquoise napkins and in my small town, I couldn't find any...so, turquoise paper napkins it is.

 
     I brought a large round table up from our basement. The only white, round tablecloth I had large enough had the embroidered flowers on it. I would actually use a plain white cloth if I were having guests. White plates and salad plates and my mother's sterling flatware give an idea of what can be done. The dinner plates are a little too casual for this table, but all of my other white ones had decorative edges.

 
     I wanted to add a pop of color to tie in with the centerpiece. I couldn't get the paper napkins to fold in any decorative style. I topped each with a shell, which could be an added take home gift for your guests. If using a cloth napkin, I think a decorative fold with a shell tucked in would be pretty.

 
     For an actual take home gift, a simple white box tied with ribbon and rafia with a shell (or sand dollar) could be filled with candy, nuts or a small jar of local preserves.

 
     The centerpiece was what I really wanted to show my daughter. Using a round mirror for a base, I started with a piece of coral (this one is actually faux coral) to add a little height. I scattered beach glass and then tucked in various sizes and shapes of shells. Two small round vases and one tall one with beach rocks could hold one large bloom (saving lots of $$ at the florist). I did add a few glittered starfish (I did them myself with Martha Stewart glitter) to pick up the light from the candles.



 
     I thought I would like the added tall vase for varied height, but once I saw the pictures...I think I would probably add another smaller vase instead. For a round table, I like to be able to see the people on the other side.
 


 








 
     So, there you have it. As I said, it isn't exactly the way I would do it if I were having guests, but it gave her a good idea of what she could do with just a few items...many of which are so easily available and affordable in Florida. I also think that you could put some actual beach sand on the mirror and scatter the beach glass through it. It would be a way to still add color to the table and yet use less beach glass which can be slightly expensive. I just wonder if the sand would blow all over the table if someone sneezed or there was a draft in the room? What a mess that might be!
 
     I am joining Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Please stop by and see the beautiful tables this week.
 
 
 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Cookies and Cookbook Giveaway-Winner Announcement.

 
 
 
The winner of the above package from Tate's Bake Shop
is Nellie @ Nellie's Cozy Place. Please visit
her lovely blog, she truly writes from her heart.
 
Congratulations, Nellie!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Need A Yummy Low-Cal Appetizer for the Game? Giveaway!


     When I think of Superbowl Sunday, the first thing I think of isn't football...it is the food! I am all about appetizers and desserts and could really care less about actual meals! I, like many of you, have been trying to make some healthy eating choices since the first of the year. My daughter sent me this recipe for a baked version of Crab Rangoon and it is really good. If I were serving it to guests, I might dress it up a little bit with a bit of green onion tops or paprika after baking. I put this recipe into a calorie calculator and each piece has 56 calories and 2 grams of fat. They are so easy to make! I used the leftover wonton wrappers with 1 T. of chocolate chips in the middle, folded in half and baked until brown for a 90 calories sweet treat. 

Baked Crab Rangoon

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

1 can (6 oz) white crabmeat, drained 
4 oz reduced fat cream cheese 
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
sprinkle of season salt
12 wonton wrappers (found in the produce section)

     Mix the drained crab, cream cheese, mayo and season salt together in a bowl until smooth. I just used a spatula. Spray a regular sized muffin tin with cooking spray. Place a wonton wrapper in each hole of the tin. Gently press them in to make a "cup" to hold the cheese mixture. Spoon a teaspoonful of filling into each wonton "cup". Bake about 18 minutes until edges of the wontons are slightly brown and filling is heated. I don't cook with onions, but for those that do, you could add some green onion to the mix and leave out the season salt. 

     These are really good. Do I wish they had more filling, of course...could I eat all 12 of them, absolutely. What I liked the most was that they taste like a real appetizer and you don't feel as if you are missing out on something. 


I am joining Michael @ Rattlebridge Farm for Foodie Friday.
Please check out all the wonderful recipes there today. 

Don't forget to sign up for my Foodie Giveaway!


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Safe Haven-CD Review



     I don't know about the rest of you, but I've been seeing the commercials for the new film, Safe Haven and I can't wait. In theatres Valentine's Day February 14th, 2013, Safe Haven is directed by Oscar®-nominee Lasse Hallström and based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars Josh Duhamel (love him), Julianne Hough (love her too). It is an affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman who struggles to find love again after she arrives in a small North Carolina town. 

     I was contacted recently by Big Picture Media to see if I would be interested in listening to and reviewing the soundtrack for the film. 

     I had already purchased the song,  "We Both Know" by Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw and I have been playing it constantly. It is one of those beautiful ballads that you just can't hear too many times. You can watch the video here. So, I jumped at the chance to hear the rest of the soundtrack.  Produced by Relativity Music Group and Republic Records, it features artists that were new to me as well as Caillat and DeGraw. 

     I got the tracks today and the music doesn't disappoint. Tristan Prettyman's, Say Anything, is one of my favorite tunes.

We won't break if we let go
You and I already know
We were bound to be set free
Even surely, here we are now
You can say anything

     Canoeing (Katie and Alex's Theme) by Deborah Lurie almost made me cry and I haven't even seen the film yet! The soundtrack ends with Go Your Own Way, which will make most of us think of Fleetwood Mac, but which is done beautifully by Lissie for the film. I would say the music tends to be what I would consider a cross between folk and pop. The artists have that song-writer vibe that is so interesting and popular right now. A film that I already wanted to see is only going to be enhanced by this excellent soundtrack. 

Tracks:
Colbie Caillat featuring Gavin DeGraw- "We Both Know"
Tristan Prettyman- "Say Anything"
Ben Howard- "Keep Your Head Up"
Dar Williams- "Summer Child"
The White Buffalo- "Sleepy Little Town"
Gareth Dunlop- "Wrap Your Arms Around Me"
Sara Haze- "Moonshine"
FM Radio- "The Journey"
Brandi Carlile- "Heart's Content" (Strings Mix)
Amos Lee- "Violin"
The Deep Dark Woods- "My Baby's Got To Pay The Rent"
Deborah Lurie- "Canoeing" (Katie and Alex's Theme)
Lissie-"Go Your Own Way"

     The Safe Haven soundtrack is available to pre-order on iTunes. For more information on Safe Haven visit www.safehavenfilm.com

     My only compensation for this review was to be able to listen to the soundtrack (4 time only) in order to write the review. 

Don't forget my GIVEAWAY