Beauty Review: Viviscal Extra Strength Hair Growth Supplement Review

60 million Americans experience some form of hair loss or thinning hair. I didn’t know that there were this many Americans suffering from thinning hair or it falling out. When people think of thinning or balding hairlines they think of men, yet it’s just as true for women.

When a woman starts experiencing hair loss, she thinks of herself less. Her self esteem hits rock bottom and she can’t stop thinking about how much hair she has lost, or will continue to lose.

They let their hair loss run their lives. They stop doing certain activities that they may enjoy because it can add to their hair loss or thinning hair. They feel ashamed about it, and therefore keep it to themselves- feeling reluctant to tell other people about it.

These results are from a survey done by Viviscal

1000 Women with Perceived Hair Thinning

• 65% avoid some type of activity because of their hair thinning/loss
• 66% think about their hair loss at least once-a-day or more
• 79% stated that their hair loss affects their overall level of happiness
• 1 in 5 have kept their hair loss a secret

Contributors to hair loss include health issues, poor diet, stress, hormonal changes, major life changes like divorce, pregnancy, and job changes can cause hair loss/thinning in women.  There are viable solutions to treating hair loss.  As always with health issues, begin by consulting your personal physician.  For issues related to your hair, a good dermatologist would also be a good place to start.

My Review

My hair before I became pregnant was a little on the thicker side. Not too thick- but just the way I like it to be. It wasn’t thinning, it wasn’t falling out in large amounts every time I’d take a shower or wash my hair.

After getting pregnant with my son and him being born 16 weeks premature is when I first noticed that my hair was beginning to thin out. Every time I’d wash it there would be hundreds of hairs on the bottom of the shower when I was through.

I seriously thought there was something wrong with me. I didn’t know what to do. I actually went to the doctor about it and they told me it was pregnancy hormones making my hair thin out.

Not until later did I find out that this might be true, but the stress was also a trigger into hair thinning. I’ve been very thankful that it wasn’t the “patchy” hair loss. Nobody seemed to notice a difference except me.  There wasn’t any bald spots, so I just kept on with my life.

My hair always and still does grow quickly, but has been thinning since my first pregnancy. Even going to the doctor welded no results to helping me. I’ve longed for a thick head of hair since post-pregnancy seven years ago.

It didn’t help that I would dye it, blow-dry it, and straighten it- adding to the damage. I hated the washed out look my hair would get WHEN I didn’t dye it though.

Now that I have found VIviscal Extra Strength, I can already see a slight difference even though I haven’t been using it for the entire month. Every time I take a shower, I’ve noticed less and less hair falling out. It’s gotten thicker with more body!

You take 2 extra strength pills on a daily basis for a minimum of 3-6 months depending on how bad your hair is thinning/balding and you’ll see a big difference.

It helps that the pills are easy to swallow and don’t smell or taste funny. Although I’ve never had an issue taking medicines, I know people who can’t swallow some larger pills or if they have a weird smell or taste.

I can’t wait to see what the results bring after I’m done with the entire box. Healthier hair? YES, Mam!

 

About Viviscal Extra Strength

Nourishes thinning hair and promotes existing hair growth* from within

At Viviscal® we understand hair. Statistics show that a whole range of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, overstyling, poor nutrition, age, menopause, post-pregnancy, and medication can impact on the health of the hair and hair growth with one in two women and men experiencing the distress this can cause at some stage in their lives.
Viviscal Extra Strength dietary supplements are scientifically formulated with the exclusive marine complex AminoMar™which helps to nourish thinning hair and promote existing healthy hair growth* from within. These nutrients help nourish your hair during the Anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.
Only Viviscal supplements contain the proprietary marine complex AminoMar™ (450 mg per serving).

Buy IT: VIviscal Extra Strength $39.99 for a 1 month supply.

Jessica Renee

Kid Book Review: David Carter's 100: Lift the Flaps and Learn to Count! [Board Book]; Sterling Children’s Books

Flaps upon flaps upon flaps—100 of them—are layered on top of each other like gift boxes filled with surprises. Acclaimed master paper engineer and illustrator David Carter offers children a magical experience as they uncover an array of 100 wonderful things in a variety of landscapes.

From zippy city streets—where successive flaps open to show a truck, taxi, bicycle, scooter, and skateboarder—to scenes deep undersea, in the forest, and in a prehistoric world with dinosaurs, this clever, visually astonishing book will amaze kids…and teach them to count up to 100 too!

My Review

My kids LOVE flap books. It’s exciting to them to be able to raise it up and discover what’s hidden underneath the flap. The David Carter’s 100 is something totally unique than the traditional “flap books” though because it has many, many flaps- 100!

This book is recommended for kids ages 3-7, which both my kids fall under. Aidan, who is 6 can already count into his 40’s but kind- of steers off from there. Adisyn, who is 4 loses track after 14.

After getting this book, they’ve both gained a little on their counting experience. The book engages them because every two pages changes scenery. One two=page layout may contain “at the bakery” where they lift up the flaps to count cookies, candies, and cakes. The next two pages will be “farm animals” where they count cows, horses, and sheep.

It’s entertaining for them because it’s colorful and keeps them on their toes. It isn’t “boring” for them because it changes up. I loved how cleverly he built the flaps to lift this way and that- but yet all are hidden from the kids until they reveal the next flap! I’ve never seen that many flaps stacked on each other without becoming bulky- yet they aren’t in the least!

There are 5 consecutive numbers on each page and when they lift the last “flap” on the page it says “Great, now you’ve counted to 5, now 10 on the next, and so on. It take it little by little and gives them the “excitement” they need to keep on reading!

This is a must for any any young kid wanting to learn how to count. I was definitely thinking about buying Aidan’s teacher one to go in her class for next year as a “present” for her new students.

 

About the Author

DAVID CARTER is a writer, illustrator, and paper engineer well known for his pop-up and flap books, especially How Many Bugs in a Box? and the critically acclaimed One Red Dotseries. He frequently collaborates with his wife, author Noelle Carter, and together they have created a series of Little Mouse books. He lives in Auburn, CA. Learn more at his website, popupbooks.com.

Buy It: David Carter’s 100: Lift the Flaps and Learn to Count for $17.95

 

Jessica Renee

Baby Review: Traveling with Baby? Get the Steri-Bottle

The Steri-bottle is a single-use disposable bottle. Hello convenience. If you’ve ever traveled with a baby even once in your life, you KNOW how hard it can be to wash, rinse, and reuse on the go WHEN babies hungry.

I’ve been on road trips with two kids on bottles at the same time and I seriously felt like I might just have a nervous breakdown in the bathroom at a convenience store somewhere.

It’s the timing. I was driving four hours away from home and had two kids both in diapers and on a bottle. I had to time their diaper changes and bottle feedings both at the same time.

It was hard to wash, rinse, and maintain warm water for both their bottles so that they wouldn’t get a belly ache. It’s hard when you’re traveling. Bringing the dish soap and bottle brush in with you to the bathroom and self-cleaning them so they don’t grow bacteria in them.

The Steri-bottle is so much more convenient and safe for travel. There’s nothing you have to wash or rinse. You don’t have to carry the bottle bush and dish washing liquid, waiting for the restroom water to get hot enough to disinfect the bottles while you wash.

These come individually stacked in packages of 5 and 10. They are about a dollar a bottle, and you throw each away when it’s done being used.

This makes it 10x easier traveling with kids. Traveling shouldn’t be so hard, and it doesn’t have to be. You can pack these in the diaper bag along side the bottles of water and just make them as the babies get hungry. There’s no washing and rinsing at all. Just toss it when the bottles finished.

This isn’t just for travel though. You can use these in many ways to benefit both you and baby. 3 a.m feedings? DONE! Trip to the park? DONE! Out shopping? No need to worry!

Each bottle is ready to use, BPA-free, phthalate free, and made in the USA.    www.steribottle.com

Click here to find the nearest retailer near you.

Connect with Steri-Bottle on Twitter, Facebook, and RSS

 

Jessica Renee

Jewelry Review: BuyBluesteel Enchantment Ring

Blue Steel Jewelry is an AMAZING jewelry site where they have a ton of variety. They have necklaces, bracelets, rings, AND earrings all in an assortment of designs and colors. Blue Steel jewelry is edgy, industrial, and sophisticated all in one and made with the finest 316l stainless steel.

Every woman I know loves to wear jewelry, no matter what it is. Some prefer necklaces, some bracelets, but I’ve always preferred rings! I have many on my fingers that I wear on a daily basis. They mean something to me, and there they will stay until I die.

I recently got a chance to work with Blue Steel Jewelry, and choose any ring under $100. It was very hard because they had SO many that were exceptionally beautiful and unique. These rings are BUILT to last might I say.

They aren’t only beautiful, but they are strong. I love how eye catching they are. There isn’t one ring on their site that isn’t built with absolute perfection. SO- I spent quite a bit of time on there, but I ended up choosing the Enchantment ring!

This ring is stunning and fabulous! I was awaiting the package in the mail, and low and behold just DAYS after ordering it arrived. That really impressed me.. Shipping was VERY quick!

Arrived all boxed up and pretty. This makes it convenient if you’re shipping it straight to someone. You don’t have to worry about shipping it to yourself and then buying a box and reshipping.. just go ahead and sent it to the one you love! ♥

The ring is nothing short of dazzling and gorgeous. I couldn’t believe that this ring was under $100. I have always preferred stainless steel and sterling silver over gold (unless it’s white gold). I do have gold rings, but when I buy them or pick them out they are always silver. This is stainless steel, so it can take a lot of pressure and not rust!

I am allergic to anything that isn’t real (i.e. sterling silver, gold, or stainless steel). If I wear something that is, I can tell very quickly.. my skin breaks out in tiny little bumps that ITCH like crazy. This is real, and looks like it would cost +$100—but who has to know? LOL.

Be sure to add Blue Steel on Facebook and Twitter

Jessica Renee

♪♪ Florida Georgia Line- Cruise Remix W/ Nelly

Beauty Review: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Care Shampoo & Conditioner

John Frieda has recently launched a new line of Colour Care shampoo’s and Conditioners and they include the Sheer Blonde, Brilliant Brunette, and Radiant Red.

I got the Brilliant Brunette Colour Protection Shampoo and Conditioner. It rehydrates and revitalizes dull, dry, brittle hair for renewed silkiness and exceptional shine.

With crushed pearls and sweet almond oil, moisturising formula protects and preserves brunette colour as it rehydrates and replenishes dry, colour-treated brunette hair.

Preserves colour keeping it rich & vibrant

For colour-treated brunettes

Moisturizing shampoo

Non-colour depositing

I naturally have brunette hair, but I dye it darker shades of brunette because in the summer my hair turns dark blonde. I keep it dark, because I love how it compliments my skin color.

This is definitely an amazing line for colour treated hair. The shampoo and conditioner themselves are so luxurious and silky in my hair. I could tell even from the first use that it made an impact on the shine and fullness.

My hair just looked so amazingly beautiful. Before this I was using a salon formula mask and leaving it in for about 20 minutes to replenish the dullness and dryness that comes with dying my hair.

I don’t have to use it while using these though, they  give great moisturizing benefits so that the dryness, split ends, and damage are rehydrated to give soft, silky locks that stay that way all day!

The shampoo is so thick, rich, and doesn’t take very much to shampoo all my hair! It cleanses SO well. Since I’ve been tanning my scalp has started itching because of the “dandruff” or whatever. A good wash with this shampoo definitely keeps the itchy scalp at bay.

It has already helped my hair colour as well. It’s about time to color it again and I could tell the color was looking washed out, and now it looks nothing but shiny and healthy! There’s absolutely no product residue leftover, and it doesn’t weigh down my hair- so all I have is MY silky, shiny, more volumous hair! PLUS it smells incredible!

BUY IT: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Care Shampoo & John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Care Conditioner under $5 each!

Connect with John Frieda on Facebook and Twitter

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Maddyloo Mini Heart Box: No-crease Hair Ties

The Maddyloo no-crease hair ties are the cutest solution for pulling your hair back with enough elastic to keep a ponytail in place, but wide enough to not leave a dent. From camouflage and metallic to rhinestone and tie dyed, Maddyloo has found a way to marry function with beautiful eye (or wrist) candy. 

This Mother's Day, Maddyloo has created the perfect gift for that someone special on your list with their Mini Heart Box.  Available in fourteen different color themes, each adorable heart-shaped box contains seven hair ties guaranteed to make your heart skip a beat.

This Mother's Day, show your mom, a mom you know (i.e. best friend, sister, or aunt) or just someone you care about how much you love her with a Maddyloo Mini Heart Box.

I ended up getting the Silver Orchid Mini Heart Box, which I love. I really loved the variety of color and textures. There are metallic glitter, matte, and even on with a beautiful sparkling bead.

I have long layered hair, and even though I like to straighten it and wear it down- it always ends up in a ponytail before the days over. Being a mom means washing dishes, laundry, and cleaning the house. I can’t do it properly If my hair is swinging down in my eyes all the time.

Usually I just throw it up in a messy do so that I can just take it back down when I need to. BUT—you know how it is. When you take your hair down and you’ve been wearing a tight ponytail it leaves creases in your hair.

I wear ponytails while in the tanning bed.. and still had to put up with the creases. So I’d have to keep my hair up until I got home and could re-straighten the bumps in it.

That’s the reason I love the Maddyloo hair ties so much. When I need to get stuff done around the house or jump in the tanning bed- I can throw my hair up in these pretty little ties and when I take it down there’s no bump!

They don’t pull my hair too tightly which is another plus. Some end up pulling my hair so tightly that it ends up giving me a headache after awhile. These don’t! They hold the hair just right!

AND they don’t wear thin like these do! I hate when I’m wearing these and they’ve worn thin. They end up breaking all the way and if I can’t find another hair tie at the moment I go into a panic!

These are my absolutely favorite! There was ONE in the box I received, and I LOVE how decorative it is! I can wear all of them as bracelets when I’m wearing my hair down, but these look like REALLY like a bracelet!

The Maddyloo Mini Heart Box is available for $15 in the following collections online at www.maddyloo.com.

Black Cherry • Chocolate Kiss • Cosmic Blue • Emerald City Gum Drop • Kiss & Tell • Lady Bug • Mermaid • Pink Ice Pirate Love • Safari • Silver Orchid • Sweet 16 • Summer Lovin'

Connect with MaddyLoo online:

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Calgon Parisian Charm Body Mist & Body Cream

“An irresistible mélange of sweet florals from a romantic Parisian getaway."

 

My Review

Calgon launched four new scents this year, much to my excitement. I have always loved how great their scents smell, how cheap they are, and how they are ALWAYS high quality.

I was happy to get to work with them on their new scent Parisian Charm, which I received the body mist and body cream. They came with all new packaging- it looks so pretty and feminine!

Parisian charm has amazed me in so many different ways. Firstly, the packaging is stunning and dazzling. It looks so pretty and feminine with the giant flower, mixture blend of light blue into pink, and the Eiffel Tower in the background.

It smells so heavenly and has captured the attention of anybody that has gotten close to me the last couple of days. It is feminine and floral, and smells like it has undertones of fruit (Peach and Pineapple or Mango) and vanilla to me. It is such a unique blend of fragrance to give off such an enticing aroma.

It smells divine and delicious but yet doesn’t overpower! It isn’t a strong scent, and a couple sprays last almost all day. I’ve never smelled a mixture of this caliber before—this is now my go to body cream AND body mist!

It has a deeply pleasant smell that is mellow, invigorating, and refreshing. There’s nothing like stepping out of the shower to both a mist and cream that smells so amazing, It DOES take you to another place. If you close your eyes and think about “WHERE”, I could definitely see myself sitting in a beautiful, cozy little garden in Paris surrounded by abundantly grown plants and fruits!

I love how creamy, thick, and rich this body cream is! It is SO moisturizing and replenishing (because of the Shea butter and added vitamins) but non-greasy and doesn’t leave an oily residue after. It soaks right into my skin so that I can immediately dress after showering. I don’t have to wait, and Yum.. that smell. Calgon has done it again! I would definitely recommend this!

If you haven’t yet gotten your mom something for Mother’s Day- you should definitely take her shopping tomorrow and pick these up! She will absolutely LOVE this new fragrance!

They also came out with Blushing Blossoms, Royal Rendezvous and Aqua Goddess, I am hoping to try the Royal Rendezvous and Aqua Goddess pretty soon. Parisian Charm and Blushing Blossoms are available in a Body Mist and Body Cream, while Royal Rendezvous and Aqua Goddess fragrances are available in a Body Mist, Velvet Body Cream and Shimmering Moisture Mist.

To shop online or find a store near you for Calgon products, visit http://www.calgonstore.com/ and http://www.takemeaway.com/where-to-buy/,

Calgon can also be found on Facebook.

Jessica Renee

Book Review: A Beautiful Mess by Ali Berlinski; Pubslush Publishing

Biracial and bicoastal, Berlinski spent her childhood flying between the families of her divorced parents, without ever feeling like she fit in anywhere. Fortunately, she never lost her sense of humor, which is apparent on every page of her first book, a riotous and revealing look at the consequences of divorce, too much air travel, cultural diversity and conflicting and conflicted parents. With an open heart and an honest soul, she recounts her somewhat misspent youth and a wildly exciting (though equally torturous) love affair with the guy of her dreams. She loves, she loses and she packs it in, leaving behind the guy, two dysfunctional families, and a comfortable life to move to a foreign country and start all over again.

She’s Carrie Bradshaw reimagined as a third grade teacher in Brooklyn with zero interest in Manolo Blahniks. She’s a tough New Yorker with a tender twist of California sunshine in her blood that knows when to fight and when to surrender. Her journey will be oddly familiar and utterly unique to anyone who’s ever believed that love would save them—if not with this guy, then maybe with the next.

As her grandfather once said, “Well, it may not be the party you hoped for, but since we’re here, we might as well dance.” So now she lives in Spain and, despite everything, Berlinski keeps on dancing.
Pre-order today! http://pubslush.com/books/mymess(less)

My Review

The first 3/4 of this book reminds me of a confession from a stand-up comic or something. It has a mixture of witty one liners and a lot of complicated life stories.

It felt like accidentally stumbling on someone’s journal and seeing their true colors, the way their life unfolds, and their dirty little secrets. Most people aren’t going to confess how confusing their life is.

She is half Filipino, half Polish, is the middle, oldest, AND youngest child. How this comes about I never knew until this book. She has an Asian stepmom, 2 two older Caucasian siblings, and 2 half-Filipino-half-Puerto Rican younger siblings.

When I first got the book I thought it was going to be a hilarious memoir all the way through. It wasn’t, there were only a few funny parts- but it was worth the read.

She lays everything on the line. Her relationship with her parents and stepmom, her siblings, and even her relationships with men. She has an amazing “nickname” for one of her old boyfriends..

In the middle of the book is when she whips out her “personal tragedies” which consist of fights with her boyfriends, what went wrong, and what she could have done. Also—conversations and issues with parents.

I really liked the book. It  had me intrigued from the very beginning. I like reading memoirs though. Other people’s life stories have always been an interest to me..

GET IT for yourself! A Beautiful Mess by Ali Berlinski

Connect with Pubslush on Facebook and Twitter

Jessica Renee

 

Get the Gatsby Gal Look

We all want to be a Gatsby Gal to snag a leading man like Leo DiCaprio!

With shimmering makeup and 20’s-inspired beauty tricks, you should be well on your way:

 

Pinch Provisions NEW Minimergency Kits for Her--Glitter Collection

Gatsby-ize the season with the Minimergency® Kit for Her Glitter Collection. Available in eight brilliant colors: red, pink, chartreuse, blue, silver, gold, black & silver, and silver multi.  This Kit is a personal care kit that contains 17 essentials: hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, mending kit, safety pin, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, and an adhesive bandage.  With every gala go-to, the Minimergency® Kit for Her measures 3.5” x 2.25” x 2.25.”

Price: $15

Availability:www.pinchprovisions.com and at select specialty and gift shops across the country

U Color by UMBERTO Beverly Hills

Get Myrtle Wilson’s ravishing red ringlets with this deep, mahogany red shade from U Color.  U Color’s one-step Sachet Packet System of Color, Developer and Equalizer comes ready-to-use making the system fool proof for even the least savvy.  The magic Equalizer is the key to achieving results that no other at home product can duplicate.

Price: $7.00

Availability: Ulta stores nationwide

IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Stain

Get the Gatsby glow with Vitality Cheek Stain— a powder blush, cheek stain, antioxidant defense, and hydrating skin conditioner all in one! The cutting-edge micro-milled, long-wear powder stain never clings to fine lines and wrinkles. Gives you that glow of a stain in a powder!

Nourishing and hydrating your skin with these ingredients:

• Plum oil
• Cherry oil
• Hyaluronic acid
• Pomegranate
• Seaweed extract
• Grape seed

Price/Availability: $24.00 on QVC, QVC.com & ITcosmetics.com

 

              

 

Mineral Fusion Concealer

Isla Fisher’s makeup artist used Mineral Fusion Concealer to perfect her look for the Great Gatsby premiere in NYC.

Mineral Fusion Concealer provides smooth and creamy coverage to seamlessly disguises dark under-eye circles and skin imperfections. The unique duo-shade system allows you to custom blend color with smooth, creamy coverage.

Formula Purity:

· 100% Vegan

· All-natural

· Hypo-allergenic

· Never tested on animals

· Paraben, Phthalate, SLS, & fragrance-free

· Whole Foods Premium compliant

Price/Availability: $24.99 at Whole Foods Markets nationwide and MineralFusion.com

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes

Time travel back to the roaring 20’s and say “hello” to fab lashes. It Cosmetics Hello Lashes features a spiked applicator for maximum reach of every lash and a no-slip grip for easy application!  Since it is clinically proven to quadruple the volume of your lashes, this was made for the free-spirited women in The Great Gatsby.

This black hot formula contains:

• Anti-againg vitamins & amino acids
• Peptides
• Hydro-Collagen
• Bees wax
• Proteins
• Acai & Green Tea

Price/Availability: $24.00 at ItCosmetics.com, QVC, QVC.com, The Shopping Channel & TheShoppingChannel.com

BECCA Ultimate Crème Eyeliner

Finish your look with a smudged, smoky eye reminiscent of the 20’s with BECCA Ultimate Crème Eyeliner.

This colour-rich cream lines eyes with precision, or glides on as an intense shadow, with a smooth, long-wearing finish.

Colour-rich and long-wearing, this versatile formula glides on with the precision of a liquid liner and the ease of a cream.

Price:  $20

Availability: Sephora/Sephora.com

BECCA Ultimate Matte Lip Colour

Every Gatsby girl needs a signature red pout with the BECCA Ultimate Lip Colour.

Highly pigmented with this deep, rich colour and a mattifying effect, all eyes will be on you.

Price: $24

Availability: www.sephora.com

Secret Agent Beauty Foreign-Intelligence Flirt

Finish your look with some shimmer and flare from Secret Agent Beauty.

This moisture-packed, aloe-infused Lipgloss is high-shine and has plumping qualities to give you a flirty lip for a night out.  Pair your sparkly lips with your flapper dress and hit the town tonight!

With ingredients including aloe vera, sacha inchi oil, peppermint, and vitamin E, your lips will have a healthy sparkle.

Price: $18

Availability: www.sab.us.com

 

Jessica Renee