Havens Arc Argan Oil - Product Review

I'm fairly new to the world of Argan Oil at home. My stylist always used it and my hair looked great for a couple of days after my blowouts. It wasn't until recently that I had the opportunity to try Havens Arc Argan Oil in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

The Haven's Arc Argan Oil is very light - a much lighter consistency than other brands I've tried. Even the aroma is lighter than the scent of the brand my stylist used.

I find that when I rub just a couple of drops of argan oil onto my hands, then through my hair, my blowouts last much longer. If I leave my hair to dry natural, I can rub a few drops through the following day to tame my bedhead and still look presentable. 

I prefer to not use oils on my face, but I love using argan oil on my hands and cuticles. My nails, after going through several months of breaking, are finally starting to show signs of growth and greater strength.

You can find Havens Arc Argan Oil at Amazon via this link.

ReachItGrabit - Product Review

This works great for cans and boxes in my tall cabinets. I'm 5'7" and always need a step stool to reach the top shelves, even though our ceilings are only 7 1/2 feet. The adjustable head means I can use the Reacher Grabber for different angles. I'm recovering from a knee injury, so I use it to pick up items from the floor after my grandson has visited.

The spring and trigger appear to be sturdy enough for most items. I've used the Reacher Grabber to retrieve canned goods, boxes of pasta and condiments without having to bring out my stool.

The only (slight - not deal breaking) problem I have: There are no directions on the package to explain how to turn the head. We fiddled with it for a couple of minutes and learned that you must pull the head away from the shaft in order to turn it. I fear that there is a possibility of breakage if someone were to try to force the turn without pulling the head out.

I received this product in exchange for my inspection and unbiased review

Number 1 Nutrition Glucosamine Condroitin Supplement - Product Review

I used a Glucosamine-Chondroitin supplement many years ago when I was working a job that required long hours on concrete floors and kneeling on my knees. I was in constant pain, and regular daily use of the glucosamine supplements helped. More recently, I injured my knee and it has been a slow recovery. Additionally, I'm starting to get some of the age-aches that affected my parents.

I've been taking the Number 1 Nutrition Glucosamine-Chondroitin daily for about 3 weeks. I always make sure to take it with food, and I've had no digestive issues. The most notable benefits I am noticing is a huge decrease in the popping in my knees and ankles. I honestly haven't had a "pop" in over a week. One of my nagging aches is an old shoulder injury that comes back to visit every so often. Even after spending an entire day in the kitchen, I don't have the ache in my shoulder when I wake up the next day. I started a low-impact dance exercise class a couple of weeks ago and I don't have the aches that I've had in the past.

This experience has been a reminder that I need to regularly incorporate Glucosamine Chondroitin into my supplement routine, rather than waiting for my body to hurt.

If you've priced Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplements in retail shops, you know that they are expensive. While it was worth it to me, since it did help my knees recover from the abuse I was putting them through, it can be a deterrent. The value price available from Number 1 Nutrition via Amazon gives you a better reason to take care of your joint health.

I'm almost 50. I want to be able to participate in several 5K events this year. I do not want to give up because my body is being obstinate. Taking a few supplements is a small price to pay to be able to chase Elliot around.

I received this product in exchange for my inspection and unbiased review.

Oleavine Konjac Sponge - Product Review

This was my first Konjac sponge and I immediately understood the buzz I've heard. Konjac is a plant-based starch and in this case it is spun into fibers creating a very soft sponge when wet. When dry, it is very hard.

You can use the Konjac sponge without a cleanser and this is a big selling point for me. At my age, I don't need any help with dryness from even the most mild cleansers. I don't wear makeup every day, and this sponge cleaned my skin without drying. At the end of a makeup day, I used the sponge with my regular cleanser and made sure to rinse it well. There is an attached string and you should always hang it up to dry between uses. I highly recommend the Oleavine Konjac Sponge.

The packaging recommends using the microwave in order to sanitize the Konjac Sponge. However, I contacted Oleavine as we don't own a microwave, in order to learn an alternative. The preferred method, according to the e-mail I received, is to boil the Konjac Sponge for a few minutes in order to sanitize it.

I received this product in exchange for my inspection and review.

Garcinia Cambogia Extract 85 % HCA Complex-2 - Product Review

I've read about Garcinia Cambogia supplements for quite some time. As with any supplement, there is no such thing as a miracle fat burner. You must make appropriate food choices and incorporate some type of physical activity. What Garcinia Cambogia does do (according to research) is block your body from converting unused sugars into fat. If you eat a diet high in starchy sugars, this won't save you from yourself.

I've had no ill side effects from the Summit Nutritions Garcinia Cambogia - no heartburn, no jitters that I've had with other supplements in the past. I do feel that my energy levels are up. I've only been using it a few weeks and have just gotten to the point of taking it regularly as prescribed. For the energy boost alone, I would recommend this supplement.

I received this product in exchange for my inspection and unbiased review.

30K in 2015

Yeah, that would be a nice bonus, but I'm not talking about money. I've set a goal to participate in at least six 5K events in 2015. No biggie. Walk 30 kilometers, or actually just under 20 miles, 3.14 miles at a time.

If you've seen me lately, you know how ambitious this is. That little hobble that is worse some days than others. That almost permanent addition to my wardrobe of the knee brace. The expanding width of my ass.

I was SO excited in that picture up there. I was the last one to cross the finish line (even those who had run the half-marathon), but it didn't matter. I walked the 10K and I finished. The encouragement along the way brought me to tears every time. The runners would pant "good job" as they passed me. There were still several people at the finish line cheering when I crossed. I was sobbing - in fact, I'm getting choked up with tears in my eyes right now remembering it.

I quit smoking a week later.

I maintained my weight until the arctic blast hit us at the beginning of 2014. I tried to blame the first 5 pounds on quitting smoking. I had quit working out, cancelling my gym membership because we weren't going - I hated the philosophy. I did not want a personal trainer - I had one I slept with every night. I would get phone calls asking when I was going to make appointments and was told: "Well, yeah, we have the equipment but we are primarily a personal training studio."

By May, I was at the heaviest weight of my life - again. I had reached what I weighed when Elliot was born. He was my biggest motivation in 2013. I wanted to be around as he grew up. Now I have three grandchildren and I want to stick around to dance at all of their weddings - many years in the future!

I know where my problems lie. It's not so much the food, even though (like everyone) I'm not perfect with what I eat. I don't move enough - period. I wrote an article way back in the day. The simple things I know to be true about losing weight and keeping it off, I just don't follow.

Then, I hurt my knee. Would it have happened if I weighed less? I can't answer that. Maybe it's just age, All I know is I've lived in pain in my right knee every single day since June 22. Some days are now better than others. I feel that I'm at about 95% most of the time. When I know I'm going to be on my feet for awhile, such as a marathon session in the kitchen, I wear my knee brace.

I know it's hard to believe by looking at my dewy complexion, but I'm going to be 50 this year. In fact, as of this writing, I will be 50 in less than two months. If the women on both sides of my family tree are any true indication, I have a lot of years left in me.

And I hate the fact that at nearly 50 years old, I have a hard time getting down on the ground to play with my grandson because I'm not sure if I'll be able to get back up again.

So, I have a plan. Walking to build up my endurance is obviously part of it. If the weather is too craptastic here (as it usually is in January), I have a mall that is open to walkers at 8:00 a.m. about 20 miles away. I also started my belly dancing classes last night. I loved it when I took them a couple of years ago. I felt stronger and more flexible. After last night, I've got some burn in my thighs, but it's a nice burn.

What I can't do after those belly dancing classes is what we did last night. Harry suggested a pizza and I said "Great - and I can get a salad!!!". Yeah, this pizza shop believes a salad is shredded iceberg lettuce topped with cheese, pepperoni, a couple of slices of nasty winter tomatoes, and olives. Not exactly what I was looking for. So, Thursdays will be slow cooker nights for the next few months.

AND!!!! I've already registered for my first event. I'm going to do the Pi Day 5K 2015 on March 14, 2015. (Pi Day - 3.14 - get it???) It will be just 10 days after my 50th birthday. Less than two months from now. But you know what?

I've got this.

Secret Outlast Completely Clear Gel - Product Review

Yes, I'm excited about deodorant. I received a sample as part of a BzzAgent Campaign in exchange for my honest opinion.

I wear a lot of dark colors, so I've always wanted a deodorant that wouldn't leave marks. Sadly, the gels I've tried in the past were never truly clear - there was always some residue. The other problem with most gels is the amount of time it takes for them to dry. I like to sleep in and I like to shower in the morning. I don't have time to stand around with my arms in the air waiting for my pits to dry.

On the first morning, I was nervous. I'm so used to being disappointed in "new and improved" products that have been around for years, I was prepared. After a few clicks to expose the gel and a couple of swipes under my arms, I was happy immediately. I like the smell - it's fresh, not perfume-y. The next test was answered in just a matters of seconds - fast drying! YAY!!

Of course, the main goal of any deodorant/antiperspirant is to protect against odor and wetness. Secret has always provided great protection and the Secret Outlast Completely Clear Gel holds up more than fine.

I have a secret (tee hee): I might not always take a shower on a Saturday, especially if I'm not going anywhere. And if I don't take a shower, I probably won't be putting on deodorant. I definitely noticed an improvement - no odor, no wetness. 48 hour coverage is great, if it works. This product does provide the coverage and it would be great for an overnight camping trip!

The last test for me is always what happens to the clothes. Deodorant marks look tacky and more than once I've had to change when some deodorant residue got on the outside of my clothes after I applied the product. In over a month, I never noticed a single white streak on any of my dark clothes.

I'm happy to have had the chance to try this out. I'm a fan of Secret again thanks to Outlast Completely Clear Gel.

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