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Avon Skin So Soft – One of the Best Mosquito Repellents

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I’m convinced now. Avon Skin So Soft is one of the best mosquito repellents.

After hearing about the recent mosquito concerns, I knew that it was even more important to protect myself and family from potential mosquito bites. Products advertised in stores don’t always work. In fact, if you go to some regions, like the South USA, bugs look at common mosquito repellent sprays like seasoning on their “meal.” So I decided to go back to an old-school, throw back solution for keeping mosquitoes off of you: Avon Skin So Soft bath oil. This has been the most effective solution for me this summer — especially since I do a lot of gardening.

Avon Skin So Soft Mosquito Repellent
This stuff works.

Benefits
– effective mosquito and gnat repellent (I guess they don’t like the smell)
– makes skin feel soft and conditions skin
– gives off a clean refreshing smell
– often safe to use on or around animals
– less harmful than other products on the market; more natural

I used this product as a teen and now will continue to use it as an adult every summer. After using it I began to notice that when I came back into the house after a long day, little to no bites. Just smooth skin. I definitely feel more protected when out in the yard working. It’s important to slather the oil on liberally on every area of your body–including under your shorts. Spray or rub some on top of your pants or shorts as well because sometimes mosquitoes can bite through the fabric. Skin So Soft might not be 100% effective, but I’ve found it to be more effective than other brand name repellents.

When visiting an aunt who lives in the deep south where temperatures sometimes reach over 110 degrees, she confirmed that she uses Avon Skin So Soft for protection from mosquitoes. I’ve now passed this suggestion to my family and friends so that they can also be protected.

I totally recommend using Avon Skin So Soft to manage concerns about the Zika virus and also just to enjoy the summer bug and bite-free. It comes either in a large 24 ounce bottle or in a smaller spray bottle (I prefer the oil you can rub on). I give this product 4.5 stars out of five.

Posted by Louise

 

Product Review: Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit

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I sometimes struggle with unwanted hair on my face, neck and chin. I don’t like using razors because I don’t like the razor bumps, irritation and minor cuts. Plus, I would have to shave at least 2-3 times a week in order to maintain these areas. I heard about wax strips and wanted to give them a try. I found a product at my local pharmacy called the Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit — it’s for the face, eyebrows and bikini area.

Salley Hansen Wax Strips
Great for eyebrows.

Benefits
– Plenty of strips (34 to be exact; 17 double sided strips in 3 different sizes)
– very affordable at around $5 per box
– strips can be cut to fix up your eyebrows or lip hair
– gets the job done quickly

I mostly use these wax strips when I want to shape up my eyebrows. I simply cut an eyebrow shaped oval at the center of the strip, then separate them (creates a total of four sticky strips) and apply either below or above the brow. After smoothing it out with my fingers for a few seconds, I quickly yank the strips off. The discomfort only lasts for a few seconds and you get a clean curved eyebrow shape. You’ll figure it out with a little practice. There are a couple of cloths inside that contain a finishing oil to wipe around the brow area.

Personally, I find that when I use this product, I only have to do it once or twice per month to keep my eyebrows looking good. I also use them when my sideburns get a little bit out of control and for removing annoying lip hair. I highly recommend this product for beauty conscious women who want an affordable an easy way to get rid of facial hair. Compare the cost of one box to going to a nail salon for eyebrow waxing.

I give the Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit 4.5 stars. It would be at 5 if they provided a variety of eyebrow shaping cutouts and a tiny scissor for convenience.

Review by Jade B.

 

Review: Magic Bullet NutriBullet 12 Piece High Speed Blender/ Mixer System

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I have been eating healthier for some time now. Yet, I wanted to add a protein drink/smoothie that I could consume in the morning that would give me energy to start my day. My old blender was subpar and couldn’t really process food down to a smooth consistency. I found the perfect replacement blender to accommodate all of my needs: the Magic Bullet NutriBullet High Speed Blender/ Mixer System. Now, I would not use any other blender, nor will I purchase an expensive smoothie from a juice bar again.

Benefits
– it’s very easy to use
– does not take up a lot of counter space
– dual uses chops nuts and grains & makes smoothies.
– pulverizes contents to enjoy a true smooth smoothie
– even capable of turning the seed or nut of your choice into a fine powder
– many accessories ex. lids, 2 different size containers
– not wasteful, utilizes the whole fruit and vegetable
– affordable (and worth the cost over time)
– available in 4 colors to help match your decor

Since this blender has many uses I’ve saved a lot of money. I buy my fruit and veggies in bulk and freeze them for smoothies, which equates to no food spoilage. Everyday I enjoy the versatility that the blender offers. It has also helped me control my weight because instead of a standard breakfast, I have a fruit-filled smoothie instead. I recommend the Magic Bullet NutriBullet to everyone who wants to enjoy a healthy & nutritious meal replacement.

Posted by Lorraine

Review: Preen Organic Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer

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I created a row garden this year with a wide array of veggies, including tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, collard greens, kale, spinach and potatoes. I’ve made the commitment to grow organic, but it can be difficult to maintain a large row garden like mine with all the weeds growing so fast. I looked for an organic weed preventer and I found a product called Preen Organic Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer. I decided to sow it into the soil before planting seeds (it’s also serves a fertilizer).

Preen Organic Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer

Benefits
• it’s affordable at around $15 for a 5 lb container that covers 250 sq ft
• it’s advertised to prevent weeds from growing in the garden and fertilize the soil
• it’s easy to use, no mixing required — just sprinkle and sow it into the dirt
• 1 application is supposed to last for up to 3 months
• can be applied to the soil in the summer, spring and fall

I didn’t see weeds starting to make their appearance in my garden until about a month after using the Preen Organic Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer. So while it worked for a while, it didn’t last in my garden for the 3 months as advertised. However, I might give it another application soon to help keep weeds at bay for another month.

I’d give this product a rating of 3 stars out of 5.

Growing a garden is truly a labor of love. To harvest and eat vegetables that I know grow free of chemicals +\or pesticides is an awesome feeling. However, if you can, you should cut out unnecessary chores whenever possible. I recommend Preen Organic Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer to organic gardeners who need something to help keep their weeds at bay.

 

Posted by Jade

5 Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids

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When school is back in session, so are the hectic mornings. Kids need a healthy and filling breakfast to start their day, instead of a breakfast filled with sugar and processed foods. You can’t rely on the school’s breakfast options to provide your children with proper real nutritional value. Most of the meals that are prepared in schools today are filled with sugar.

Sugar as we all know gives the child a burst of energy that soon fades. So your child’s attention span will diminish as the sugar “high” begins to come down, making them feel tired and unfocused. Give your kids meals that will help them stay mentally and physically alert throughout their day at school, so that they will have the best shot at getting good grades. Here are 5 healthy breakfast ideas for kids that are relatively easy to prepare.

 

blueberry pancakes

1- Oatmeal With Honey And Raisins
Make a small batch of steel cut oatmeal for a healthy kids breakfast. Add some organic honey, and top it with raisins or dried cranberries.

2- Breakfast Wraps
Fill a whole wheat (low carb) wrap with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and a few slices of ripe avocado. Wrap it up in aluminum foil so that your child can eat it at the bus stop.

3- Bran Banana Muffins
Make a batch of bran banana muffins on Sunday and use them for breakfast for the next couple of days. Add ripe bananas, crushed bran cereal, coconut flour, vanilla and organic honey to your mix to help make it tasty.

4- Blueberry Pancakes
For a healthier breakfast, add a handful of organic frozen blueberries to your pancake mix in the morning. If your child is not a fan of blueberries than substitute them with the organic frozen fruit that they prefer.

blueberry pancakes

5- Fruit Smoothie
When you’re really in a rush, make a fruit smoothie for your child to take on the school bus. Add almond or coconut milk, pineapple and/or strawberries, organic honey and some organic Greek yogurt to your smoothie maker. You can even try adding a bit of kale or spinach to give them more vitamins — it depends on what their taste buds will agree with.

 

fruit smoothie

So there are 5 healthy breakfast ideas for kids to try — they might inspire you to think of even more. Once you get into the routine of preparing these nutritious meals for your kids, it will get easier and easier. You’re providing your child with the necessary energy and nutritional content to get them through their day successfully. Your extra efforts may not be fully appreciated today, but you’ll see the results when you get their report cards.

Posted by Eve

Image credits: Flickr/geishabot, Flickr/ktylerconk, Flickr/75628061@N03

Tasty 10 Minute Meal Ideas for Kids

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When the kids are back to school, of course they arrive home at the end of a long day HUNGRY. But you’ve had a long day too. You don’t always have to stress about making a big dinner — here are a few easy to make, tasty 10 minute meal ideas for kids.

Chicken Wrap - 10 Minute Meal Ideas

Chicken Wraps With Honey Mustard Sauce
Wraps are filling and quick to make. Just quickly grill some sliced chicken breast in olive oil. Place a few slices on a wrap of your choice, then add lettuce and shredded cheese. Make your sauce by combining Dijon mustard and a bit of honey. Drizzle the sauce on top and fold wrap. If you don’t feel like grilling the chicken, substitute it with a few slices of deli turkey meat.

Mouth Watering Mini Sliders
Sliders are always a hit with young kids, and they’re easy to make. In a large bowl add the ground meat of your choice, whether it’s ground beef, chicken, pork or turkey. Add Worcestershire Sauce to the ground beef and combine with a spoon or your fingers. Now make little sliders out of the meat and fry them on medium-high heat (about 4 minutes each side). If you can not find small buns for your sliders, simply take a large cup and press the rim onto a slice of bread. Put slices of cheese and other condiments on the table so that your kids can dress up their dinner themselves.

Shish Kabobs With Yogurt Sauce
Cut chicken breast into large cubes. Then cut onions and peppers into cubes. Start your skewer with onion then the chicken then pepper. Repeat. Generously sprinkle Greek seasoning on the skewers. Grill it in a pan or a George Foreman grill. While it’s cooking, mix Greek yogurt, parsley, salt and pepper in a bowl until well combined. When skewers are done drizzle the sauce on top. (FYI if using wooden skewers soak them in water so the skewer does not burn and cut off any pointy ends for safety.) This meal can be served on a bed of cucumbers or on top of a salad.

Stay tuned for even more 10 minute meal ideas for kids to help make meal time easier for you and your family.

 

Photo credit: Flickr/dannynic