Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream Review

Sometimes a girl has to be a little rebellious when it comes to beauty.  For example, using a moisturizing shampoo as a body wash or in this case, using a night cream during the day. Due to the cosmic confusing of our weather my skin was poised to read "out of whack! and I'm not for that forecast. This woman works hard at keeping her skin looking at least 10 years younger. hhhmph!  Apparently, the folks over at Influenster were moved to help so they sent me a "Hey Girl, You should try this.Ok! Great! look for it in the mail." email.  Geesh! Must be a staff of physics over there! As a fan of the Aveeno Positively Radiant line ( The cleansing pads are FAB! read it), I was more than happy to give the Intensive Night Cream a try. Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream  is said to give an extra boost to the 5 Factors of Radiance -tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots.   All of the aforementioned are not on my list of concerns but those that are (texture and dullness) needed some quick assistance. Bravo to the Soy complex and vitamin B3 for taking care of it within days. My face and neck thank you. Oh, and I wasn't a total rebel. The day AND nighttime use of the cream maintained my goal: Clear and balanced skin.  Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream is very hydrating which is what my skin needs right now.  Although it's labelled as a cream, its texture is more like a lotion.  The non greasy formula spreads with ease and absorbs quickly.  Texture has been an issue since I turned 40. You're surprised?! Me too!  Good genes, love of self, and great skincare will do that for a girl. So yeah, back to this wonderfully affordable drugstore gem. It wears a pricetag of $16.99 and is well worth it you're looking for a quality cream that delivers on its claims. I'm off to go slather some on my face now. It will be morning when you read this and my skin will be GLO- WING! *rings the school bell*

What are some of your skincare concerns?  Also, tell me what Aveeno products are you using or are looking to try?  

Follow Aveeno on Facebook

Follow Influenster Facebook  Twitter

Gorgeous New England: John Carver Inn & Beach Plum Spa

I was invited to visit The John Carver Inn and Beach PlumSpa located in historical Plymouth, MA.  This would be my first time EVER going on a relaxing vacation ALONE. Alone? Really?  My honey isn't joining me?  What about the kids?  As I packed an overnight bag the answers to my questions became very clear… Yes, Yes, No, They will be fine.  *Sunglasses on, music on, and windows downs*

So off I went on a drive that spanned less than one hour to the final destination. I drove upon a panoramic coastal view that made me feel like I had flown over 300 miles to paradise. Wow! It’s amazing how you can visit a location several times as a kid and never fully experience the true beauty and appreciation until you return as an adult.  Yes, Massachusetts kids field trip to the Mayflower, Plymouth Plantation, and Plymouth Rock yearly.  But the bustling between yellow school buses, loud school kid chatter and the trading of brown bag lunches pretty much overshadows the beauty of it all. Yeah, so back to the trip!  My excitement set in and I could not wait to find The John Carver Inn.  I was greeted by  Old New England charm, the most pleasant staff and shortly thereafter the lovely owner, Deb Catania.  Ms. Catania gave me a tour of the Inn which has 80 rooms (standard hotel to luxurious suites) She shared her creative ideas about the design of the Inn “I want to stay true to Old New England while still implementing "new luxuries.” New luxuries meaning, working fireplaces and jacuzzi’s which makes good for a super romantic lock in with the one you love.  Family time can be enjoyed at the Inn also.  In fact there were many families enjoying the Inn during my visit.  Apparently, you can book a party at the pool!  Cool right?   The pool has a life size replica of the Mayflower with a 80ft slide that winds through the boat. There is a whirlpool, sauna, lap lanes and a deck for those who prefer sunbathing.  I wasn’t surprised at how accommodating the Inn is to families.  Ms. Catania’s father started it all 40 years ago with the opening of the first Hearth n Kettle.  Now today there are 5 restaurants, 3 Inns and Spas.  She and her brothers have truly created a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for all.

One can get hungry during a tour so lunch at Hearth n Kettle was only fitting.  I am no stranger to the restaurant which is located on the South Shore of Massachusetts.  My husband and I enjoyed many breakfast visits during our newlywed years. Ms. Catania suggested ordering off the lunch menu “The options and portions are just unmatched.”  She was so right.  She ordered a baked scrod that clearly looked like a sumptuous healthy dinner for under $10.  Now, I had a little hesitation about the lunch menu due to the “breakfast served all day” option.  That four word phrase always interprets as “oooh! Pancakes” After some consideration, I opted for the clam chowder and the spinach, bacon and egg salad.  Yes, someone thought it a good idea to take some maple cured bacon, crisp it to perfection and toss it upon spinach. Bravo to that brilliant mind!!  The clam “chowdah” was a winner. It was thick, creamy and very respectful of the clam to potato ratio.  You know there is nothing worse than a chowdah that turns soupy as you’re eating it and most of it is potatoes with tiny clam bits. Shameful!  So back to Hearth n’ Kettle and their awesomeness.  Their homemade salad dressings deserve mentioning because they are truly worthy of stocking in the kitchen.  You MUST try the White French.  Oh my goodness, a dressing should not caress bacon the way White French does. It’s magical all the way down to the tummy. LOL  Oh, and did you know that traditional New England Strawberry shortcake is served on a warm corn muffin and not that spongy round cup cake?  I had no idea but I tell you the truth it is DELICIOUS.  Noooo, I didn’t have dessert at lunch. I returned later that night to get something for my Scandal viewing pleasure.  I tried the Petite Sweets Sampler option.  The menu says it’s for those of us that just want a “taste”. Ha!  It’s really for those of us that can’t make up our mind. LOL  AND they give you more than a taste, you get your choice of 3 out 6 desserts for $7.  Make sure to order that one and you can thank me later.

Now, I’m content with lunch and good conversation with Ms. Cantania but apparently she wants to up the ante by taking me to her amazing spa. Ok! Ok! I surrender Ms Cantania. Beach Plum is her baby and you can feel the love she puts into it when she speaks so passionately about its inception and how she, personally tries everything before it’s made part of her establishment.   The boutique style spa is indeed laid out to be ones sanctuary of peace.  The aromatheraputic scents make you forget the day’s stresses upon entrance.  A nice relaxing  chakra dead sea salt bath was drawn for me before my facial.  Kimberly (massage therapist) is so sweet, I had her repeat the salts to me several times because I just could not decide. She suggested I mix them; We chose a mixture of balance, clarity and energy.  After 20 minutes of aquatic relaxation I was off to my facial. THIS WAS THE BEST FACIAL I EVER HAD and I am no stranger to facials. Seriously, Jessica must wrap her hands in angel wings at night.  Her hands are blessed from the heavens. I might have moaned twice and snored once and I’m not ashamed.  All of my cares were cast away as she nurtured my skin and massaged out some kinks. You want to experience it too? Ok! Ask for the Sea “C” Spa Facial.  Beach Plum has so many great spa options and medspa treatments for those that need a little extra. *whispers*. Kathy (medspa nurse) is your girl for the “extras.”  So fly solo or grab your girls, pick a Package and call up Jeanna (manager) to book you escape. The ladies at the spa have all become friends in my head.  I really enjoy a group of women that know their industry and have a great sense of humor to boot.

Totally relaxed, I finally arrive to my suite. *falls across the bed and enjoys the silence*  As I mentioned above, it was a Thursday night so I had to prepare for Scandal.  Dessert ordered (we talked about that above), Jacuzzi bath drawn, and fireplace turned on. Oh, it was a grand night in what is called the “Suite Dreams” Experience.  Euphoria would best describe how I felt wrapped in a silky plush robe, cozied up on  lavender pillows, and watching Olivia Pope and associates “handle it.” I too had it handled, all courtesy of  John Carver Inn.

So please plan a visit to John Carver Inn and Beach Plum Spa on your next visit to new England. If you’re already here, it’s less than 1hr from Boston and truly worth the trip.  In the meantime...

Follow me on Facebook and check out more Plymouth pics here

Follow John Carver Inn and Spa on Facebook 

Follow Beach Plum on Facebook

StyleFixx Boston Giveaway

The Gorgeous Ingredient and StyleFixx  have teamed up to give 3 of you TWO tickets to the hottest and largest beauty event of the season.  Yes! Over 55 designers, Complementary beauty and hair services, Cocktails, Shopping and soooo much more to make this a night to remember.   

Where to get Fixx'd: Boston Center For The Arts ~ 539 Tremont Street Boston,MA

5-9pm

How to Enter:  

1.Follow The Gorgeous Ingredient on Twitter and "Like" me on Facebook

2.Follow STYLEFIXX on Twitter  and "Like" on Facebook

3.Let me know you completed 1&2. Leave a comment below with your email address. 

Earn Extra entries: 

Share this on YOUR facebook page (make sure to tag me)

Tweet this : I just entered @thegorgeousblog 's @Stylefixxevents Boston tix giveaway!! RT to help me win! #StylefixxBoston #GorgeousFixx

Deadline is October 17, 2012.  This contest is open to anyone living in or planning to be in the Boston area on Wednesday Oct. 24th and Thursday Oct. 25th.  Winners will be picked at random and MUST reply within 48hrs (so, please leave an email that you check often) If  the winner fails to reply within that time another winner will be selected. You MUST be 21 to attend.

A Relaxing Moment with Khreativ Soy Candles

 The kids are back in school which means the Fall morning chill is nipping at me. Terrycloth slippers give a warm caress to feet that are mildly shocked from the cool wood floor. Geesh! flip flops are a close but distant memory.  Both my mind and skin can use some Fall at home pampering, even if it's just a quick hand treatment. The fact that relaxation, although for a short moment, is still an option is just... *slooooow exhale*  So, as soon as the yellow bus is completely out of my peripheral, I do an amazing olympic back flip (don't believe that for one minute!)   However, I am liable to do some indescribable body jerk or an MJ spin as I grab my Khreativ Soy Kandle in Spa day.  There is nothing like an aromatic laundry session.  I kid, I kid! The only thing these hands will be doing is enjoying a quick cuticle treatment from the warm soy as my senses are soothed with  a calming balance of lemongrass, black currant, patchouli and sugar.  

*sips coffee*  How are you relaxing into Fall?  What are your favorite Fall scents?



About Kreativ Soy Candle: Khreativ Soy Kandles (KSK) are made from all natural pure soy wax and supports our economy through using "Made in America" soybeans. Our candles will not only provide the strongest scents , but burn cleaner (reduce soot) than your average paraffin candle.  Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum which makes soy wax the healthier choice in scenting your environment. 
 pricepoint ($2, tealights - $21, 16oz jar)





*product  provided by brand Rep

Natural Radiance Purederm Green Tea Essence Face Mask Review

The Mask Sheet

When you live in a house with little boys, the scarier a beauty treatment makes you, the cooler you are. In fact, if it's a quiet relaxing moment I'm looking for then I must hide to avoid the barrage of "who I should scare next" and" how I can look scarier" ideas.  I'm a big fan of masks so I decided to try the cool Purederm Green Tea Essence mask from Natural Radiance.  Natural Radiance is a leader in providing Korean beauty products, inclusive of BB creams, makeup and skincare.  The premoistened sheets have just enough juice to make the mask stay put without any dripping or messy application.  My six year old was every bit of intrigued.  He had some questions and I'm sure you would have asked the same...

6yr old: "Mom, what's that?" *asking and touching are synonymous*
6yr old continues: "Oh, it's soft! and wet. What's in it?"
*shoos his hand away before he pulls on the mask*
Me: "It's a face mask that will moisturize my skin and..."
* interrupts with wide eyed curiosity*
6yr old: "YOU'RE GOING TO LOOK DIFFERENT?!!"
Me: "No (lol) it's going to soften my skin and brighten it up a bit (i hope!) It has green tea, licorice root and vitamins in it."
*As I list ingredients, I see disinterest looming so I interject*
Me: "so, it's like food for the skin."
*light bulb moment or a fine idea for a way to escape from my presence twinkles in his eye*
6yr old: "ooooooh!" *pause & giggles* "You look like a super hero!"
Me: "really? what should my name be?"
6yr: *shrugs* "I don't know but you look COOL!"

So, There you have it a mask that makes you look cool AND keeps you pretty (the final verdict from the 6 yr old). A gentleman in training, indeed! I would definitely try more of the masks. My skin was really soft for three days after use. The only issue with this product was the lifting around the jawline but I take responsibility for that.  I didn't align the mask well, it was too high on my hairline. Natural Radiance has tons of skincare options for all skin types, needs, and/or concerns on their site and right now,  PUREDERM FACE MASKS ARE $1. Yes, you read that right.  Follow Natural Radiance on Twitter and Facebook for updates on new products and more great discounts.

Me, the Superhero! LOL

Would you like to join my Superhero crew?  Like my Facebook fan page HERE and leave a comment (on FB under the post) telling me your cool Superhero name. I'll pick one random winner to receive 3 masks. (U.S.Only ends 9/14/2012)

*product provided by Brand Representative for review consideration

(LOCATION CHANGE)Event News: The Kinky Collaborative Natural Hair Event Hosted by LexiWithTheCurls.com

Hello Gorgeous Beauties!!  If you're in or planning to be in the New York area next week then you want to put this on your calendar.  Enjoy an evening full of natural hair talk (and style ideas will be plenty, i'm sure), shopping and meeting new friends.  Have fun!! Follow @TheKinkyCollab for up to date info

Follow my blog with Bloglovin