Product Review: Nvey Eco Organic Creative Eye Color System (#1 & #6)

Mission: To find a versatile natural eyeshadow pallette

Merchandise: Nvey Eco Organic Creative Eye Color System (#1 & #6)

Taken directly from their website:

"Finely milled with an extra soft base of Corn Silk and Jojoba Oil, NVEY ECO, Organic Eye Shadows can be used in combination to enhance and contour the eye or individually for a flush of color. Chamomile and Vitamins A, C, and E make for a smooth and soft formula excellent for dry and sensitive skin. Single shades can be used, or step it up with a combination of shades; can be used wet (with water only). Each palette selection contains five (5) full-size shadows; these shadows are also available as singles."

I first heard of Nvey Eco through New Beauty magazine.This particular cosmetic line has been featured in several beauty/lifestyle magazines as one of the pioneers in the natural/organic makeup industry. Needless to say, I was very excited to try it.

I love the packaging and color combination from both palletes. The colors are buildable and applies easily. However, I would use these shadows for daytime wear as opposed to evening wear. I suppose you can use these colors for evening, but I prefer colors with a bit more tint for an effective smokey-eye look.

For a different perspective, I brought this with me to L.A. to have one of my Glaminar sisters (Samantha) swatch the colors and give me her take on the product. She states that "it goes on so light and I like the shimmer. It reminds me of an ULTA pallette. It's not bad, but I would prefer a heavier look". As far as pigmentation goes, I would have to agree.

But I've found that if you foil these shadows (mix shadow with water) the color payoff is amazing!

*Eyeshadow tip*
If you feel "iffy" about your eyeshadow pallete, try foiling them for a more dynamic look. Works like a charm.

Nvey Eco is an Australian made product with an impressive track record from beauty and lifestyle publications, "green" makeup artists, and celebrities who continue to support and endorse their products.

*Green tip*
Cosmetic products are minimally regulated by the FDA in the US. However, Australia has one of the most stringent regulatory systems in the world for cosmetic chemicals through NICNAS,  Australia's government regulator of industrial chemicals for the protection of human health.

With that in mind, I understood why the demand for these items. Clean ingredients and versatility of use.

Laugh, Love, Live Positive,

Product Review: Ecco Bella body lotion - Vanilla

Mission: To find a natural lotion that smells of yummy french vanilla cake.

Merchandise: Ecco Bella Herbal Body Lotion Vanilla

Taken directly from website:
"After your bath or shower, enjoy our best natural and organic body care products. Herbal Body Lotion, made without water will transform dry, irritated, flaky skin into silky suppleness for hours after other lotions have worn off. 70% organic body care ingredients. 100% Preservative Free. Vegan. Gluten-free. Not tested on animals. Excellent for dry environments. Pure luxury."


Going to my local health food store is always an adventure for me. I'm always up for trying new products from exotic fruits to natural/organic cosmetics. After shopping for the essential foodstuffs, I always make it a point to make my way towards the front of the store where they have all the natural/organic lotions, potions, soaps, and all sorts sweet smelling items. This time around, I made a bee line towards the creams and soaps area.

With the change in the weather, I needed a body lotion that has an ultra-rich formulation, non-greasy, hydrates like a dream, and gives off a delicious vanilla scent..

Please welcome, Ecco Bella body lotion in Vanilla. YUM!

I LOVE anything vanilla. I'm  pretty sure that if they created a scatch-n-sniff vanilla scented CELL PHONE, I'd be very inclined to try it out. I'm not kidding. And lemme tell yah, I'd be blogging about it the very next day! hahaha!

Four fab  facts I love about this moisturizer:

• 100% preservative free
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Not tested in animals

This is  definitely my favorite winter lotion. It easily absorbes into my skin, leaving my skin smooth and hydrated. Another point I wanted to make is, because the texture it's super rich and luxurious (without being greasy or sticky)  I tend to use less - which ends up being cost effective.

Brilliant!

So, If you 're a vanilla lover such as myself, this product is definitely a must try. And if you dare slather this body cream at any point in time, be prepared to hear comments/compliments such as:

"Who smells good?"
"Smells like cookies/baking"
"Can I have some of that?"

Cool!

Too bad they don't sell these by the gallon. If they did, I'd purchase two. haha!

Love, Laugh, Live Positive

Inspiration: New Year, New Fears

As I type this, I hear Oprah in the background talking about her new network appropriately called OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). She talks about how certain experiences at this point in her life that continue to provide her with "Aha!" moments. She further discusses her adventures in this new project, which allows her to continue to grow as an individual. She felt a bit nervous of taking on an entire network but expressed that in order to grow as an individual, we have to "step into our fears and walk through it."

The new year can be daunting. The demands we place upon ourselves to loose weight, stop smoking, get organized, get out of debt, get the new "it" tech gadget, or whatever new year's resolution we plan to achieve or obtain successfully. Unless we come from a place of genuine intention to move forward with our resolutions, then our plans are flawed. Often the pressure to accomplish becomes overwhelming to which we riddle our thoughts with self-sabotage. Before you know it we are ruled by anxiety - which will be the collapse of our well-meaning plan to loose weight, stop smoking, etc, etc.

What we fail to realize is by stepping into our fears, we have to be ready for a change. If we step into our fears as a motivator for change, then our chances of a positive outcome will be greater once we commit to facing them.

My opinion? The best way to eradicate fear is educate yourself of whatever it is that creeps you out with an objective point of view.

For instance, if you're anxious to start a new smoking cessation program, read up on the negative impacts smoking does to your body with an impartial mind - no judgements. Treat it like a case study. Once you've faced your fears with the knowledge of the havoc smoking does to your body, read about the positive effects your body goes through once you stop smoking. The commitment to have an open heart coupled with the willingness receive the facts with an open mind is the key to your success.

Next, you have to surround yourself with people to aid you with accomplishing your goal. Oprah has an entire army of producers, assistants, and creative people to help her realize her dreams. Ultimately, she would have the final say with what is presented in her programs. If you plan to join a smoking cessation program (surround yourself with like minded people) which The American Heart Association strongly supports for smokers who are prepared to quit, commit to work at it everyday. Eventually, once you've completed the program the responsibility lies in you to persist to effectively attain your goal.

So with the new year, let's dare to face our fears and grow as individuals. Let's dare ourselves to speak in public, to give a stranger our most winning smile, to start a blog, to introduce yourself at a party, to start a business, to learn a new skill and a slew of other fears that no longer serve us.

We need to begin the year with positivity, gratitude, hope and an open heart ready to shame the face of fear and purge out hearts from False Emotions Appearing Real.


Laugh, Love, Live Positive

Event: Cyber Monday deals 2010

Are you ready for another fun-filled day of sales and specials without the hassle of looking for parking or the dread of stand in line for hours? Well, you can still participate in "stimulating the economy" in the comfort of your own home through Cyber Monday!

Since I'm always on the lookout for a good deal on natural/organic skincare and cosmetics, here are a few links below of some of the products I use and enjoy. Take advantage of their sale prices for your own consumption or start stacking up on several items as gifts for your loved ones. Either way, there's nothing like taking advantage of a good bargain.  YAY!

Hurry and check out the discounts on these amazing products before the sale is over!!



Sibu Beauty&Wellness (Code: BLACK) or Anti-Aging Package (code FRIDAY)
http://www.sibu.com/


(Soap.com) Yes to Brands and Kiss My Face 30% off  Code: Save30
http://www.soap.com/product/category.aspx?categoryid=90&categoryname=Natural+%26+Organic&queryfrom=category


Gabriel Cosmetics 15 -30% off Gabriel skin care for the month of November. Code: SEA15SKIN
http://www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com/index.cfm

Pharmaca 2010 Holiday Gift Guide
http://www.pharmaca.com/Default.aspx

Natural Joy Beauty 15% OFF Online Orders Now thru Cyber Monday (11/29) Code: TURKEY
http://www.naturaljoybeauty.com/servlet/StoreFront
 
Skin Botanica 20% off Storewide Code: BESTSELL20
http://skinbotanica.com/
 
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Save 15% off all orders for the month of November Code: FALL15
http://www.mychelle.com/
 
Aubrey Organics Cyber Monday deals (codes available Monday, 11/29)
http://www.aubrey-organics.com/
 
Desert Essence 30% off on exclusive naturally caring gifts sets
http://www.desertessence.com/holidays-gift-guide
 
Dr. Bonner's Magic All-One 15% off all month
http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/SPECIALS.htm
 
Radiant Minerals makeup 30% off every order Code: Blackfriday1110
http://www.radiantmineralmakeup.com/
 
Zosimos Botanicals 10% off; buy two products get 1 free
http://www.zosimosbotanicals.com/
 
Korres Save 25% on orders $35+ Code: ROSE25
http://www.korresusa.com/
 
(Skinstore.com) Arcona 20% off Code: Cyber20
http://www.skinstore.com/search/search.aspx?catID=0&ft=arcona&as=Natural+(Descending)&ppp=48&c=True
 
Face naturals 30% off on all gifts sets
http://www.facenaturals.com/
 
Yes to Carrots 15% off your order Code: YTCOOL
http://www.yestocarrots.com/
 
Boscia, Jane Iredale, Arcona, Dr. Hauschka, Astara, Juice Beauty, etc. 20% off Code: HOL20
http://www.spalook.com/index.aspx
 

Happy Shopping!!

Laugh, Love, Live Positive

Gratitude Giveaway Winners!!

And the winners are...


Lisette Mendez and Michelle Villafuerte!!!

I cannot wait to meet you both to experience Kandee's final Glaminar in L.A. This will truly be an event of a lifetime! What better way to experience this than with the company of such beautiful and deserving ladies. Congratulations to you both! : )

Love, Laugh, Live, Give

NaturallyNancyDlish

Inspiration: Gratitude comes full circle...

Count your blessings. A grateful heart attracts more joy, love, and prosperity!

~Cheryl Richardson

This is it! This is the spot my Glaminette sisters! In thirty-five words or less go ahead and tell me how your life has changed since the Glaminars. I will be creating a gratitude board for Kandee to be given to her at the final "Glami-tour" venue in L.A.

Attached to the board will be your lovely names along with your heart felt words of appreciation of how this incredible event has impacted your life.

Here's an example:

Since the Glaminars I've become a highly skilled makeup artist, joined a social networking site, and started a blog advocating health, hope and happiness. I am grateful for Kandee's spirit and infectious joy for life.
~Nancy D. Cox

Let's keep it short and sweet so I can fit all your wonderful well wishes on the board. : )


How to enter:

* This raffle is open to Pasadena attendees only. More giveaways open to everyone will be conducted at a later date. I'll keep you posted. : )

* You must follow my blog to qualify.

*Go to the comments section below and enter a gratitude note for Kandee in thirty five words or LESS. Don't forget to include your name at the end. This will automatically qualify you for the raffle.

*You must reply within 24 hours of being notified as the winner of the contest, or a new winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced on my blog.

*Contest ends Wednesday, 11/17/10 extended to Friday, 11/19/10 through Random.org

Only TWO more GLAMINARS left!! Hurry and enter for this chance of a lifetime to see Kandee shine!!!

So with that said, head on down to comment section below and clearly state...

Inspiration: This I've found to be my truth: Friendships and Mentors

I just sent a special note to a couple of my good friends from highschool and college. It feels good to reach out to these folks, especially to those whose made a difference in my life.


Do you remember those incredible friendships you've made that affected your life in the most profound way?
Do you recall the relationship that taught you to open up to a whole new set of emotions you never thought you were capable of  showing much less feeling?

Here is my story...


When we first met in highschool, everything about her felt very familiar - like family. As I got to know her more, I found that we shared the same birthday month (born a week apart), both our mothers shared the same birthday month (born a day apart), we both had siblings who were born in the month of December (not sure about the dates) and a host of numerous life experiences we shared made us realize that our meeting was no coincidence.


Our personalities complemented each other. I was the extroverted, opinionated "wild child" who had all these crazy ideas about make-up. She was reserved, thoughtful and a sensitive soul with a keen eye for business. She would always remind me to "look before leaping" into anything. She was like my long lost sister. We were inseperable.

Not long after I met my "sister", I met another friend. He was tall, graceful, and beautiful ...but very shy. All the girls in class (and in school for that matter)  wanted to meet him and  know more about him. But for some reason, we had a connection. I introduced myself and that was it. We just laughed and had a great time for the entire hour in  class.


As fate would have it, he and I danced together for the school play. We were paired to dance in the school production of  "West Side Story", which was my all time favorite musical. Since we had such a great time laughing and dancing, I thought to introduce him to my "sister"...come to find out...she already met him in her dance class! Our friendship was fated. From that point on, we were as thick as thieves. We would do charity work together, went to clubs to dance until dawn, and swapped cars for errands and interviews. We would take turns paying for expenses such as gas, meals and yes, cover charge (hahaha!). Sure, we had our disagreements but we figured,  every relationship goes through a bit of bickering. They were resolved by making each other laugh from an impromptu dance off. Think Madonna's "Vogue" style dancing with the serious faces coupled with erratic arm movements.
We went nuts trying to out-Vogue each other! hahaha!

Family events and holidays were lively and fun! We visited each others families and ate home-made tamales made by hand (his grandmother's place), then a bit of classic Indian/Portuguese dishes (her family's place) and finally, traditional Filipino meals my mother made in her home. Our get-togethers consisted of animated chatter, drinks, food and music. It was fantastic!
 

What I cherished most from that time in my life was how often  we lifted each other up. My friends and I supported, encouraged and celebrated each other. As a result, we became better friends to each other and better people to everyone else. We taught each other to be compassionate, graceful, sensitive, opinionated, savvy, out-going, and humorous.

Above all, we learned from each other. We served as each other's coach, cheerleader and mentor.

Then one day, life happened.

We graduated highschool, went to college, found jobs, got  married, had families and eventually...moved away. Keeping in contact became increasingly difficult. Until finally communication comes to a slow and complete...halt.

In retrospect, I considered myself  extremely fortunate to have made these connections. I realized that in order to  to experience life and learn from it, your heart must be open and willing to receive it. Warts and all.
 

Before long the cycle begins again. You meet people, they become your friends. Some leave and some linger. But if you're  lucky, you encounter friends and mentors who leave an indelible mark in your heart.

Ever wonder why that happens? Allow this poem to shed some light...


“Reason, Season, Lifetime” by Aleksandra Lachut




People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.


When you figure out which one it is,


you will know what to do for each person.






When someone is in your life for a REASON,


it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.


They have come to assist you through a difficulty;


to provide you with guidance and support;


to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.


They may seem like a godsend, and they are.


They are there for the reason you need them to be.






Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,


this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.


Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.


Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.


What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.


The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.






Some people come into your life for a SEASON,


because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.


They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.


They may teach you something you have never done.


They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.


Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.






LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;


things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.


Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,


and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.


It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.






Thank you for being a part of my life,


whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.



Love, Laugh, Live Positive