Beauty Review: My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo, Conditioner, and Quick Dry Shake’n Spray Blow Out Spray

These three simple pink little bottles.. hmm.. what are they exactly? Why a blow-dry secret that’s for SURE! I received the My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo, Conditioner, and Quick Dry Shake’n Spray about a week and a half ago.

I love to blow dry my hair, I always have. I love the lift and natural volume it gives my hair. When I’m cut short on time, I have to pass up the blow dryer and throw my hair up in a ponytail and go. My hair is really long, so it takes me quite some time to actually get it dry without any wet spots.

This is a blow dry trio: Shampoo, Conditioner, and spray to help cut the blow dry time by 50%. Could it take the heat? Could it really blow dry my long, layered hair in half the time it usually takes me?

I immediately loved the simple yet stylish design of the packaging of all 3 of these products. The shampoo and conditioner have press-down flip-up tops. The pink is an eye-catcher and "feminine” so maybe I could keep Adam from using all my goodies lol.

First I’ll tell you about the My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo is a very creamy formula with a low lather. I didn’t have to use very much at all to wash ALL my hair, although I added a bit more just in case . Okay, I admit it.. I used a little more because it felt like liquid silk. As soon as this touched my hair, it transformed it. It was nothing but soft, silky, and felt so healthy!

As you can see it’s a yellowish color and it smells amazing. Even though it’s made with coconut oil, I couldn’t detect a hint of coconut.. only a sweet blend of fruits.  It is a volumizing shampoo, so not only does it help speed up drying time but it helps add oomph!

It also helps to protect the hair from heat damage, which can dry out the hair. It’s made with InstaDry technology (Virgin Coconut Oil Hydrosol). It also delivers antioxidants to the hair to prevent it from breaking!

This conditioner is nothing but luxurious and luscious. It’s rich and white as you can tell in the picture. I always use less conditioner than I do shampoo because I don’t condition my roots. I have naturally oily hair, so I try to avoid making it look even worse. I do deep condition the rest of my hair though, by leaving the conditioner on for 3-5 minutes.

The shampoo and Conditioner are both safe for all types of hair, it’s even color safe. Using these will not fade your color.  They are also free of parabens, sulfates, and phosphates. They are both made with VCOH (Virgin Coconut Oil Hydrosol) technology.

The coconut oil used is built with super-fine molecules , which run throughout your hair strands after washing and conditioning with the shampoo and conditioner. These super fine molecules is what helps speed up the blow drying process.

The coconut oil, frizz fighters, moisturizers, and shiners remain on the hair after you’ve blow dried it. This is what helps your hair transform into a luxurious, shiny, silky mane of hair! They remain to protect, nourish, and moisturize!

This is the last of the trio. This is the My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Quick Dry Shake’n Spray. It adds to the Shampoo and Conditioner by cutting dry time. It also helps to protect your hair from the damage that blow drying can do overtime.

You shake the bottle to blend the ingredients together. As you can tell the clear part (which always floats to the top of the bottle) is what helps drying time. The pink part is what consists of the sun protection and condition. It is amazing at detangling the hair, as well as adding nourishment.

I’ve been using this on my daughter’s hair JUST as a detangling helper. She usually hates having her hair brushed.. but when I used this NO crying. It smells like fresh fruit/flowers mix.. delectable and invigorating and the scent stays all day!

This is the after effect of using all 3 of these products. It usually takes me about 15 minutes to fully blow dry my hair without any wet spots. This helped me get it down to about 9, which isn’t half but close enough for me! It cut out 6 extra minutes that I could be doing something else!

Not only did my hair dry in a quicker amount of time but the volume was amazing. I love that it looks so healthy, shiny, and is manageable without looking heavy, oily, or weighed down with product! It felt moisturized and full of volume, I loved all 3! Even the next day my hair looks exactly the same, still no oil appearing in my hair!

Still going strong on day 2!

Buy It: My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Trio $78 for all 3

Connect with My Amazing Blow Dry Secret:

Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube

 

Jessica Renee

Book Review: How to Start a Creative Business-The Jargon-Free Guide by Doug Richard; David & Charles Publishing

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For anybody, starting a business can be quite frightening. Where to start? What do I need? What are my goals? Can I do it? All these questions flash through our minds at record speed. Who am I targeting as customers? What kind of relationship do I want with my customers?

Failures among new startup businesses is VERY high, and that is the reason so many ARE scared to venture out by themselves. Especially those wanting to start a creative business. This isn’t just money needed to buy the products they want to resell. This is their ACTUAL work, their time, their dedication being sold and most doubt their abilities.

Starting on a firm foundation of learning business principles is what is needed. Most creative types just aren’t that into business. They don’t understand the legalities of creating their own business, so this book breaks down all of that in terms we CAN understand and put to good use.

Doug Richard knows what he is talking about, because he runs a school in the UK. This school teaches people like us how to start a business and make it profitable, while still being enjoyable. This book is based on what he teaches there!

He covers the ten steps that are needed to start any business, no matter what kind. It takes you through the questions all business owners must answer. What is my product, who are my target customers and how can I best reach them? Is there a need for the product or service you offer?

Are there too many people who do or sell what you are offering? Too little? How hard is it going to be to reach potential customers if there are too many/ too little offering what you do? Who are your competitors and how did they get where they are if they are profitable?

The chapters that are most essential for new business startups are what those who have failed have avoided. If you’re product or service isn’t needed or wanted then you aren’t going to have much success in the business world. Doing the research on the demands of what you’re offering is all in there!

The other mistake failed business owners make is pricing. Most new business owners, especially those going into the creative market try and compete on the prices. They feel like if they offer lower prices that they are going to gain more customers. This isn’t reality. Customers know if they want great, high quality handmade items or services, they have to pay for the item + time. Don’t sell yourself short.

I love that that he takes all the “Business Jargon” and makes it understandable for us “creative types.” Although I have an associates degree in Business Management, this was STILL way more helpful than the 2 years of college I completed.

It shows you how to make a spreadsheet with all your competitors information on it. This isn’t anything new “the spreadsheets” but the information is. He shows you how to look at ALL of their advantages, where their products can be bought, prices, and notes on each competitor. When you know what you’re going up against and the margin prices for the products you’ll be making.. it’s easier to start. You don’t want to open a business blindly and not know where to start or who you’ll be competing against.

I am loving the cute little illustrations throughout the book. It livens up an already awesome book! This book shows us what we must be good at in order to be a great seller of our products. Understanding ourselves, our business, and our promises to our potential customers.

The best thing is that there are random business owners that share their stories. When we see what other “REAL” business owners can and have done, it makes us realize our potential. They share where they started, what channels they used to get where they are today, and their thoughts on making it easier for us.

I would totally recommend this to anyone who just started a creative business or someone thinking about doing so.

 

About the Author

Doug Richard is a UK based Californian serial entrepreneur and angel investor. Richard came to public prominence as a result of the BBC TV programme Dragons' Den, where he appeared as a 'dragon', or investor in the first two series. He subsequently became known for the Richard Report, the Entrepreneur's Manifesto and several other initiatives directed at improving UK support for startups and small businesses. He is regularly invited to appear on business initiatives and economic development pieces with some frequency on the BBC and financial news networks. Doug has received a host of honours and awards during his career and was the first American to receive The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion. Amongst others, he became a fellow of the RSA and received an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Essex for his contribution to entrepreneurship education. In 2008 Doug started School for Startups through which he has educated nearly 20,000 startups on the skills required to be successful. In 2010 Doug started School for Creative Startups with the sole remit of teaching creative people how to turn their creative hobbies into sustainable lifestyle businesses.

Buy It:  How To Start a Creative Business: The Jargon-free Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs $17.07

Jessica Renee

Book Review: My Baby Compass Two-Four Years by Kathyrn Gruhn, MA, CCC-SLP

I am truly in love with this book. There is NO feeling in the world like teaching your children skills that they will use and continue to develop their entire lives. The book I received was the My Baby Compass, an Easy Program to Help Your Child Think, Speak, Move & Thrive, Two to Four (Volume .

Just flipping through it for the first time, I could definitely tell that Kathryn has 35 years of experience in Child Development. The book is simple to read and put to good use! It’s an amazing book, I seriously feel like this is a how-to guide for 2-4 year olds, lol!

I love that she teaches the value of one-on-one contact with children, and how to easily teach them through this contact. It is a nice step down from our high-tech world that usually revolves around the T.V., Smartphones, and Tablets.

There is NOTHING better than sitting down with your child and playing games while also helping them learn. If you make it fun and engaging, they will definitely love it and want more of that positive interaction.

It is very straight to the point and interactive to both the child and the parent. It makes each parent realize what skills their children should be able to do by what age, and then helps us engage in teaching them those skills with just simple games, demonstrations, and a fold out milestone checklist so we know what skills are yet to show up in our kid so we can focus on those!

This book is broken down into easy to find Chapters:

Ch. 1- “Getting to Know Your Toddler”

Ch. 2- “ “The Communication Process”

Ch. 3- “Tracking Your Child’s Progress: The Baby Compass Checklists”

Ch. 4- “My Child Did Not Meet a Milestone, Now What?”

Ch. 5- “Age-Appropriate Toys and Playtime”

Ch. 6- “Music and Rhymes for Fun and Learning”

Each checklist identifies milestones that your child should be reaching or have already been reached. They are skills, behaviors, physical developments that commonly occur around each age.

*Speech/Language

*Hearing

*Cognitive/Reasoning

*Physical

*Vision

*Social/Emotional

 

I love that the activities in this book are fun, quick ways to stimulate those skills and behaviors. It is something that you’ll both enjoy! Something that can just be added to your daily routine. Not only will your child benefit but you will also. This is special one-on-one time that will help not only learning but helping you connect on another level with them!

Throughout the book, you’ll notice certain symbols. The beginning of the book breaks these symbols down and explains them to you so that you’ll know what it means. I really like this because it tells you what to expect from certain games. Whether your child will gain help in speech, social, vision, physical, or reasoning!

It also helps you understand how to use the My Baby Compass Checklists. There is a color-coded Checklist of milestones in each booklet for these areas:

* Two-Year-old/Three-Year-Old Talks (Speech/Expressive Language) Color Code- Red

* Two-Year-old/Three-Year-Old Hears (Hearing/Receptive Language Color Code: Orange

* Two-Year-old/Three-Year-Old Understands ((Cognitive/Reasoning) Color Code: Yellow

* Two-Year-old/Three-Year-Old Moves (Physical/Motor) Color Code: Green

* Two-Year-old/Three-Year-Old Feels (Social/Emotional) Color Code: Purple

Here are some examples of what is inside the book:

Toys and playtime activities. There are other months, I am just sharing from the 37-42 months section. She is beginning to sort color, size, and shape. You can help her by having her sort all of the same colors, shapes, and sizes, naming them as she plays. Use the words “big”. “bigger”, and “biggest” in addition to “small”, “smaller”, and “smallest”. This teaches that an object can have many different attributes (color, shape, AND size).

I love that it not only shows you how to “teach” your kids, but it lets you know from a teacher/parent point of view of what they will be gaining. That way if your child is behind on a certain skill (such as Motor development) you can just focus more on those activities.

Here is a sample of one of the checklists. I love this! It is definitely amazing just as a journal for your child’s accomplishments. This is a keepsake! You could keep this so when they get older and ask “when did I do this or that?” you’ll have something to show them.

They have a baby version of this as well. I wish I had known about it. I would have gotten one for both my son and daughter. My son was really premature and I had to write all this stuff down in a regular notebook for his checkups and specialist appointments.

This book is hands down AMAZING. Not only would these books be awesome for parents but they could definitely be given to child care providers, teachers, and even relatives such as aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

 

About the Book:

My Baby Compass, Two to Four Years, is an easy program that has 275 skills with checklists and activities in five developmental areas. It will allow busy parents a quick assessment to see if their child is on target which will provide a history to share with their child's health care providers. There are corresponding simple activities to facilitate these skills, along with appropriate toys, nursery rhymes, finger plays, sign language, music selections and useful resources. This program is recommended by child development specialists. It is great for teachers, health care providers besides parents. Everything you need in one simple book.

Buy it:

My Baby Compass, an Easy Program to Help Your Child Think, Speak, Move & Thrive, Two to Four (Volume  Spiral Bound Book with pull-out checklists $39.94

You can also buy it from the Baby Compass Website

Jessica Renee

 

How to Write the Perfect Blog Post

Like this? Learn how to use psychology to get more traffic and sales with Social Triggers.

Jessica Renee

Influenster Sunkissed Summer Voxbox 2013 Review

 

I was excited to find out that I prequalified for the Influenster Sunkissed Summer 2013 Voxbox! Woohoo, yay me!

This Voxbox is said to be filled with Summer Fun and I definitely couldn’t wait to get my hands on the box and see what was waiting inside for me!

I got the Voxbox last week.. and Guess what was inside?

4 items that I will tell you all about below!

 

 

*Goodies Ouchless Ribbon Elastics*

The first item I pulled out of the box was the Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics. This comes with 5 Ribbons all in different colors!

These are really awesome. I love that they are all different colors. I have been a fan of non-metal hair ties for as long as I can remember. Every single time I’d wear hair ties with a metal piece on it, they’d snag my hair and they’d end up breaking after using them for awhile.

These retail for $3.99-$4.99 which is an awesome deal for something that isn’t going to pull you bald when you want to wear your hair up! Not only has this been awesome for me because I have really long hair, but for my daughter as well.

She always complains when I put her hair up in a hair tie. She says it pulls her hair! Guess who hasn’t heard any complaining since I’ve gotten these? That’s right! ME!

 

*Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream*

The second item I pulled out of the box was the Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream} Perfecter Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15. I love that this not only has SPF 15 in it, but it’s more like a tinted moisturizer so it’s better for your skin in the summer than all out foundation!

The Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream is an all-in-one skin perfecter, suncreen, and tinted moisturizer evens tone and refreshes dullness. For flawless looking skin, get your now available in two shades: fair/light and light/medium.

I got sent the light/medium which would be too light for my skin, but it blends AMAZINGLY well. I can’t even tell that it’s light, it just soaks right in.  It looks amazing under my foundation for extra coverage AND sun protection. I have tried CC Creams in the past, but I haven’t had the chance to use a BB Cream until now.

I am glad I got a chance to try it! It’s very light on the skin and has a really nice, clean fresh scent. It smells like freshly washed hair! I love it! I love how creamy it is, yet how well it soaks in. It feels so lightweight like you don’t even have anything on the skin at all.

It refreshes the skin, and keeps it feeling clean! It also helps to brighten the skin while evening the tone and texture. It makes my skin feel SO hydrated and smooth, all while protecting it from the sun! It’s only $12.99 for a large tube!

 

*Sinfulshine with Gel Tech*

The third item I pulled from the box was the Sinfulshine with Gel Tech in “I’m Blushing”. This is a very light pink that almost looks like a tinted pink mixed with white. I love the color, it is very luscious and rich!

There are 32 shades, and they are all eye catching, beautiful, vibrant colors! I am definitely going to have to get more of these! I love the gel tech, this is actually the first shade that I’d tried, and it’s awesome. The shine is SO awesome, and it makes my nails feel so smooth and look so shiny.

It’s a steal too, at only $2.99

*Dr. Scholl’s For Her High Heel Insoles*

Last, but not least is the Dr. Scholl’s For Her High Heel Insoles. Heels are really uncomfortable for me to wear for a long time because of my arch. I swear my feet hate high heels because they have to constantly hold themselves in.

These create all day comfort for both the feet AND the arches, so your feet can be comfortable and cute. It is made out of ultra-soft gel that just makes your feet feel like it’s sinking into your feet! This makes my feet SO comfy and awesome!

It absorbs the shock that would normally go into the heel and feet. The best thing is that the cushioning is very discreet even in strappy heels. You can’t see it at all. These retail for $10.99 and you can’t beat that for the all day long comfort!

Fits comfortably in all your high heel shoes 2" and up
Pumps
Sandals
Sling-backs
Boots

 

I received this Summer 2013 Sunkissed Voxbox from Influenster, for free. The opinions in this post are completely honest!

 

Jessica Renee

Fashion Accessory Review & giveaway: WalletBe Cash-Card-Coin Accordion Wallet

WalletBe offers a huge variety of wallets, so you’ll be able to find something for everyone- men, women, younger, or older! I am in love with their Cash Card Coin Accordion wallet. I have been since I got it in the mail!

It comes in 10 different colors, so whatever you’re favorite color- most likely they have it. There is Black, Brown, Kelly Green, Fuchsia, Metallic Bronze, Ocean Blue, Orange, Purple, Red, and Teal.  Of course, I chose the green one! I love green, and I love how vibrant the green of it is!

It is very high quality! It is made out of Italian croco embossed two-toned leather. I love that they are very modern and absolutely beautiful. They are just the right size for packing by themselves, or they can fit inside your purse!

It comes with an attached wristlet if you’re going somewhere, you can just carry it with you. This would make it 10x easier on me if we are going to the mall, an amusement park, or even to a museum. I wouldn’t be loaded down with my entire purse just to have my debit/credit cards, cash, and any gift cards!

It has 10 card slots inside, so that’s quite a lot of room for storing cards of any kind! I love that it folds out in an accordion style! That means that no matter what card I’m looking for, I can find. Other wallets, I have to pick and push different cards out of the slots before I even find the one I’m looking for!

I also love that it has an elastic piece on both sides to hold cash. This wallet keeps me VERY organized and on top of things! I love it! My cash can never escape on it’s own or become lost!

I love that this wallet has a place right in the front for my Driver’s License! What’s even better is the little opening where you can slide it in and out with your thumb. I don’t know how many times I struggled getting my license in and out of other wallets because there wasn’t a way to get it out easily. There is even a hidden slot behind the license part so that you can hide big bills or whatever!
Buy it: WalletBe Cash Card Coin Accordion wallet $29.95

Connect with WalletBe:
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The Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway
One Lucky Stylish Southern Mama Reader will win their own WalletBe Cash-Card-Coin Accordion Wallet!


Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: TRῡHAIR Volumizing Style Shapers Hair Rollers 23pc Kit

TRῡ Hair creator, Chelsea Scott, has been in the professional beauty industry for over 20 years. She has specialized in product development and the successful marketing of some of the leading hair care and skin care products that are available on the market today. After owning 2 popular salons and prestige beauty boutiques while working with over 50 of today's most popular hair brands, Chelsea felt like she couldn't find products that allowed us to recreate salon looks at home while being easy to use.

I was excited to be able to work with TruHair! I was looking through their website and was wowed that the products are build around building volume or covering the grays! I ended up choosing the TRῡHAIR Volumizing Style Shapers Hair Rollers 23pc Kit.



I had been on the lookout for some rollers, and was leaning towards hot rollers. The description on these said that they self stick, and that they create tremendous volume and lift without the heat. SO, I was excited to give it a try!


I had to practice a couple times to get it right because my hair is so long and layered, but they do add volume and curl if you set them right. You have to roll them tightly to get them to set in place. I do have to add bobbypins to some of them, but I think it’s because my hair is long and the rollers are velcro material.


I spray my hair with a heat protectant before rolling my hair in these rollers. I let them sit for a minute and then I take my blowdryer and heat my hair up with the rollers in it, and then follow with Shielo Volumizing Hair Spray!

I leave them in for 30-45 minutes while I do my skincare routine and put on my makeup. When I’m done with all that, I take these out and am truly amazed that they worked so well without heat and without anything to hold them in.

If you do feel like they are coming lose, I feel like it’s helpful to place a shower cap over the rollers so they stay in place. It’s best to use them with semi-damp hair, and spray mousse or gel before and maybe a blow-dry spray then spray with flexible hold hair spray after.

Kit Includes:
6 Small Shapers
6 Medium Shapers
6 Large Shapers
3 Jumbo Shapers
1 Tail Comb
1 Travel Pouch

Buy it: TRῡHAIR Volumizing Style Shapers Hair Rollers 23pc Kit $29.99

Connect with TRῡHAIR Online:
Twitter, Facebook, & Youtube


Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Ahava Minerals; Deadsea Algae Rich Foundation & Mineral Botanic Velvet Cream Wash

I have worked with Ahava Minerals before and absolutely LOVED their products, so I couldn’t wait to do it again. Their products are high in quality and are definitely the best in the mineral market today!



This time around I chose 2 products- which are the Ahava Minerals Deadsea Algae Liquid Foundation & Ahava Mineral Botanic Lotus and Chestnut Body Wash.

Lotus & Chestnut Body Wash

I needed a rich, moisture filled body wash to help keep my skin healthy as well as moisturized. Tanning regularly has left my skin a bit on the dry side, and skin holds a tan better if it’s well moisturized.

This is soap-free and made for sensitive skin. I don’t have sensitive skin, I just thought the smell of Lotus Blossoms would be heavenly! This leaves my skin deeply cleansed, smelling wonderful, and extremely soft.

I love the light fragrance that surrounds me while in the bath/shower and the fact that it lingers on my body afterward. I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on the smell, and they are HIGHLY surprised when I tell them that I’m not wearing any lotion, body spray, or perfume!



I love the fact that it is so creamy! It looks like a transparent lotion because it’s so rich and creamy. It lathers up very well even though it is a non-soap body wash. It doesn’t take very much at all to get clean, which is a plus. This bottle has lasted me for quite a while already!

It is calming, soothing, and very smoothing to the skin. I love the effect that it has on my skin! The lotus flower extract is what actually calms and soothes the skin.The Chestnut extract is what nourishes the skin! It definitely helps moisturize the dry skin! Even after the first week I could totally tell a difference in how hydrated my skin stays all day now.

Before I was having to apply lotion at least every two-three hours, and now I don’t have to apply lotion at all if I don’t want to. I do though, because I want my skin SUPER moisturized. I have been mixing it up with St. Ives Intensive healing and Calgon Parisian Charm. The St. Ives doesn’t have a scent, but the Calgon smells HEAVENLY!

It is gentle, soaks into the skin very nicely, and rinses off completely. There isn’t any “residue” left that I have to keep rinsing off! My skin has never felt or looked better!

Buy It: Ahava Mineral Botanic Lotus and Chestnut Body Wash

Deadsea Algae Rich Liquid Foundation

The second item I chose was the Ahava Deadsea Algae Rich Liquid Foundation. I have been hooked on this foundation since the first time I used it.



There is no possible way that it could be more flattering or complementary to my skin color. It doesn’t matter if I apply this with a sponge, a brush, or my fingers I always get flawless coverage. It is never streaky and doesn’t ball up now that’s been hitting HIGH humidity here.

This could definitely be mistaken for natural skin (or a second skin) because it isn’t visible. It blends very well. It enhances the natural health of the skin while covering up blemishes, freckles, and redness.


The foundation itself it SO thick and creamy, so it spreads very well. You don’t need very much at ALL! It wears forever too. I can put this on in the morning and by 9 pm it is still there! My skin still looks as fresh as when I applied it!


This is a smoothing foundation without being dry! It isn’t made with any oils or dyes, and contains deadsea minerals. It is made with soft focus technology which looks amazing and it great for the skin.
This allows the natural skin tone to show, and it’s shine free. This doesn’t give a made up, shiny look. It’s very matte and I like that. I have naturally oily skin, so I don’t need a foundation adding to my shininess!

It helps even out the skin tone and you only NEED this foundation. You don’t need anything under or over it for extra coverage. The coverage is perfect as it is!
Buy it: Ahava Minerals Deadsea Algae Rich Foundation $36

About Ahava Minerals:
Ahava Minerals began it’s journey in 1988 with clinical research in a rich selection of minerals to help with skin renewal. They formed AHAVA Dead Sea Laboratories and haven’t stopped since.
They now explore the richness of these natural skin-replenishing treasures and optimizing them with scientific precision in bringing the finest nature-inspired Dead Sea face and body care products to market. Through their ongoing efforts, we have rightfully earned the reputation as the definitive Dead Sea cosmetic brand.

Connect with Ahava:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest