Influenster brings you the New Aveeno Active Naturals, Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream

Being a member of Influenster (www.influenster.com) has it's perks from receiving and reviewing items, to the large database they have with reviews from members on pretty much anything from beauty items to snack foods.



I received the Aveeno Active Naturals, Positively Radiant Intensive Night cream with vitamin B3. The products features 5 factors that will boost your Radiance. What I like already are the claims listed on the package that the cream will improve:

• Tone


• Dullness


• Brown Spots


• Texture


• Blotichness

The vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide is featured in many beauty products and this is why:
Niacinamide improves the appearance of aging and has a soothing calming effect. You will notice acne products also contain this ingredient because of the inflammation associated with those nasty blemishes, to products made to combat the dryness associated with Rosacea. Niacinamide, also helps the skin produce less facial oils and this may help acne suffers too. Vitamin B3, stimulates the production of collagen and this helps with fine lines and wrinkles. It improves the surface of the face by usually combining the B3 vitamin with other ingredients, for better absorption and Aveeno has done this with this night cream.



The directions are simple, you just smooth cream over entire cleansed face and neck. I used a quarter size and found that was sufficient for overall coverage and even though this is a cream with impressive claims, it is not heavy or oily on the face.

I have been an Aveeno user for years and every time Costco has the Aveeno body lotion in their coupon book, I am there to stock up. Their products are mild but also effective. If the bottle states something will last for 24 hour, it does!



I went into this testing trial with high expectations when it came to the proven results and used the product for a total of two weeks. I was impressed already by the Total Soy-Complex added because of the benefits associated with soybeans, but also the price point. Target stores has this product priced at an affordable $14.99 per unit and each bottle has 1.7 ounces.



The Results:

I have combination skin and that in itself can be challenging because what satisfies the dry areas, usually annoys my oily ones. The normal areas of my skin just flaunt and ignore what is happening to the rest of me! Having skin with such an attitude frustrates me. I find myself "patting" my face with different creams for each "type" of skin that sometimes I confuse what I have on my left or right hand and figure at that point, I just pat lightly all over my face and hope whatever lands anywhere will help. Aveeno's Intensive Night cream took the game away and thank goodness because I was about to just have a fit and flip that game board over. The cream is good no matter if it lands in Oily-ville or the Dry-lands of my face. Again, Normal-place just ignores the rest of me. I found on week #1 that my face looked the same from my forehead to my chin. My cheeks tend to be sensitive and because I suffer from environmental allergies, I'm sure that is from doing what I am not suppose to do, rub my eyes. The reddish inflammation I experience was minimized drastically so that "punchy eyed" look was lessened. My skin reflected a more even tone both in texture and appearance. Okay, so far I see no reason to stop usage.

Week #2: I find myself happy because I have not experienced any clogged pores or residue build up from Aveeno's Intensive Night Cream. I can say my face is not dull and has a glow that seems to last through out the day and after I wash my face, so it's not just the product making me believe I have it through application. I have some freckles on my cheeks and they are the same color as before I began the cream, so for brown spots that come from freckles or post-acne marks, I did not notice anything when it came to changes there. I say for getting 4 out of the 5 claims with just a two week use, it is a great night cream to add to the make-up bag at the $15 price point. You add a coupon at time of purchase and that makes me smile more......but not too much because I'm fighting fine lines here people!



I received the above product free of charge from Influenster.  I am not obligated in providing positive/favorable feedback, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product, which may differ from yours.  Need more information on Aveeno: Visit their Facebook page at- https://www.facebook.com/aveeno?fref=ts or on-line at- http://www.aveeno.com/

Wafu style Chicken Egg Rolls

I have been enjoying myself and trying all of Wafu's wonderful dressings that are so delicious, that they can be used as marinades. Tonight was one of our "trips to Asia", so that means I needed something that went beyond a potsticker for dinner. I had one defrosted chicken breast that was screaming I don't do my fall back and make Orange Chicken. My answer was simple and quick egg rolls since the chicken breast seemed to be dictating the night :)

I don't own a mandoline because so many seem to have poor reviews, that I can never decide which one to actually buy. I make do with the knives I own, plus that also means I don't need to make room for another kitchen tool.

Filling:

• 1 Carrot thinly shredded


• 1/2 cup of shredded Cabbage


• 3 Green Onions thinly sliced

• 1 large Chicken Breast


• 1/4 teaspoon of Chinese Five Spice


• Salt and Pepper to taste

• 2 to 3 Garlic Cloves (diced)


• 1 tablespoon of Peanut Oil and 1 tablespoon of Seasame Seed Oil

• 3 to 4 tablespoons of the Original Wafu's Japanese Vinaigrette


• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated Ginger (less or more, as to your taste)

Wraps:

• Egg roll wraps (you will yield 10 to 12 egg rolls depending on how you stuff)


• 1 egg whisked

Frying Oil:

Peanut Oil for frying, about 1 to 1/2 cups

Dip:

• Wafu's Wasabi Edamme Japanese dressing


• Sriracha sauce to taste (between 2 to 3 drops or be brave and do more)

I start by peeling the carrot and discard the peels. I then take my peeler and make thin slices of the carrot. I take my knife and then julienne the carrots into fine slices.



I then finely slice the cabbage.



Next, comes the green onion and I use all the white parts, saving the green stalks that can be used for garnish.  I start by slicing the onions in half, and then in halves again to create thin strips.





Your trio should look like this:



Next comes the chicken breast.  I start by dicing the breast into chunks and then add Chinese Five Spice



This is about the size of my chunks but please cut them to any size you are comfortable with.  I then just add salt and pepper to taste and massage the seasonings into the meat.



The vegetables do not require to be pre-cooked but the meat does.  These egg rolls take only but a few minutes to cook, so the meat needs to be fully cooked before frying.  I start by adding a mix of peanut oil and sesame seed oil, plus the fresh garlic I diced up.



While that cooks, I take a bowl and add 3 to 4 tablespoons of Wafu's Original Japaneses Vinaigrette.



I fry the chicken on both sides until the breast pieces get a nice color and are fully cooked, making sure to not burn the garlic.  I then add everything once it cools for 5 minutes to the Wafu dressing.  This includes the garlic, any left over juices and oils.  I toss making sure everything is incorporated.



I then take my fresh Ginger out of the freezer because it's the only way I can make it last.  Using a knife, I finely grate enough to make 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of shavings.  I then add it to the chicken and toss.



Next comes the fun part, assembly time.  I went to three stores that I knew stocked egg roll wraps, however everyone was out of stock. I finally found some at Von's market and this is the brand I used.  Use whatever brand you desire as I do not have a favorite.  Just make sure the ingredients the wraps are made of are to your liking.



This how I assembled and I did not take certain amount of vegetables and meat.  I went with what seemed like an even amount and sometimes even a little more meat than veggies because then I could almost hear my husband asking if there was a chicken shortage he did not know of :P



Then add the egg wash all around.  I used a silicone brush to make it easier to swipe all around.



Next, comes the folding and it's just like making mini burritos.



I then add a little more wash to the folded edges to insure things remain closed and also stuck together.



Then just finish rolling.



Repeat the process until you are out of chicken.  I was able to make 10 of this little guys.



I covered my uncooked egg rolls with slightly moist paper towels while my oil heated up.



Once my oil was hot, I began to fry three egg rolls at a time.  They cook up quickly....like less than a minute on each side.



Flip once you see the edges slightly brown.



When done, I just take them out and pat them on paper towels.



Continue to fry until you are done and this goes by quickly, which is a good thing!  I then make my dip.  I take 1 to 1/2 tablespoons of Wafu's Wasabi Edamme Japanese dressing and add 2 to 3 drops of Sriracha sauce.  Mix and you are finished!  This is my first time making egg rolls, if I can do it....so can you!  Enjoy!



I received the above dressings and vinagrettes free of charge from Wafu.  I am not obligated to provide positive/favorable feedback, just my honest opinion.  I highly recommend this company because they have one of the best dressings on the market.  From flavors that make a simple salad that much more enjoyable, to the practicality of being able to use their products as marinades.  I love the ingredients and the pride the company takes in keeping things simple but delicious.  My review is based on my experience with the brand, which may differ from yours.

Check them out at: http://www.wafu.ca/  on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/wafubrand Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/wafubrand or even on Pinterest at: http://pinterest.com/wafubrand/

Olay Total Effects 7 in One with SPF 15, fragrance free Moisturizer

I am always very enthusiastic to try new brands, new products, and love sharing them with you.  I tend to get a little more happier when I receive an Olay product because who doesn't want more of the good stuff?  Olay is the good stuff!

After I shared one of my many reviews, Olay kindly sent me a little gift as a show of appreciation.  I was floored!  I seriously thought it would be a coupon and this girl never shrugs saving money and especially on brands I buy.  I waited and soon after a parcel arrives.  I open the parcel to find a beautiful black box with the Olay logo (you bet I kept it), a beautifully written card thanking me (kept it too), the Olay Total Effects 7-in-One item, and a manicure/pedicure kit.  I just have to EeeeeK......all over again.  I could not hold back my enthusiasm and was floating on cloud 9 for a bit there.  Now, that I have come down, I can do this review.

I have seen the commercials of the young bride that starts her life with marriage, work, then the kids and still looks like the day she got married after "X" amount of bottles.  Okay, the advertisement infected my mind and I wanted the bottle she uses.  I even told my husband that I bet I could make my bottle stretch longer than she did!  I know, I know, I have no shame and Hubby called me cheap!  I then started to see the same model in advertisements in the magazines I read and yup, I took that as I taunt :)!!  Taunt me no more and Olay must have read my brain, or maybe before I start assigning them mind reading capabilities.......just maybe they picked one of their most popular products to send now that Summer is nearing.  Nonetheless, I must know if I can turn back and slow down time so let's attack the aging clock of doom again!!  I bet you did not know I have magical powers :)

The Olay Total Effects 7-in-One very clearly states it's an anti-aging, fragrance free moisturizer with sunscreen.  These are the three things that any dermatologist states is needed to really take some power back against the hands of time.  You need a Broad Spectrum SPF and this one has it at a nice SPF 15.  You need to prevent future damage and the sunscreen is the first key to that, plus protecting against free radicals that are out there waiting to get us and sometimes associated with fragrances too.  This is a fragrance-free formula, and last but not least, you need properties that fight anti-aging.  I will get into that right now:

♦

Total Effects Fights 7 Signs of Aging

1. Fine Lines and wrinkles: reduces the appearance of both!

2. Age Spots: reduces brown spots!

3. Uneven Texture: smoothes and evens out skin's texture!

4. Dryness: we always hear, "moisturize...moisturize", and this moisturizer does that plus nourishes with vitamins and antioxidants!

5. Free Radical Damage: Remember what I stated above?  This product helps defend you against those pesky Aging Demons!

6. Dullness: everyone wants that healthy glow and this product delivers, giving your skin a healthy radiance!

7. Pores: my husband says having pores is part of having skin, but he also snacks on cheese and crackers and does not gain a pound!  I snack on them......well let's not go there and just say minimization can be had with this moisturizer!

♣

Let's do the math and that is seven exclamation marks and that looks like this !!!!!!!......so does it work?

♠

I use my magic skills again and I speed up time to 2 weeks and I can say that "!!!!!!!" should really be times 8,9,10.....!  Not only did the moisturizer deliver on it's claims but I experienced zero issues with acne, blemishes, clogged pores, whatever makes my skin bump. The only bumps I want on my skin are goose bumps because they last a few seconds and I usually get rosy cheeks right after (sort of a healthy glow).  I purchase sunscreen but my application is poor.  I always use a quarter size, rub it into my hands and then lightly pat up and down my face for what I call even coverage.  So, it's my way of saying, "yeah, I use sunscreen everyday", but won't admit that I dislike what it does to my face so I pretend to sort of apply it.  Then comes that whole argument about being indoors most of the time anyways but you know in the end my skin loses.  I can finally cut back on all the layers of "stuff" because it is not proper to state what my husband calls my beauty regimen.  I have to wait while everything dries and then top it off with make-up.  With Summer approaching, I never look forward to it.

My new beauty regimen is now Olay Total Effects 7-in-One moisturizer with sunscreen (only 1 pump needed), eye cream......ummmm make-up.  Yeah, I just shocked myself.  No more fanning myself with my hands or standing under the ceiling fan with my face tilted up.  I wonder what the dog thinks of that one!  Now, to simplify my night regimen.

♥

Oh, in case you think I forgot, now when the Total Effects commercial comes on.....yeah, I tell her I have my own bottle too :P

♦

 The Olay Total Effects 7-in-One product comes in 1.7 FL. OZ for about $18.99.  Please do not forget to look for coupons when purchasing and don't forget about the Procter & Gamble rebate programs!

♠

I received this product free of charge from Olay, as a gift.  I had no obligation in reviewing it but after having such positive results, I wanted to share.  My review is based on my experience and usage,  which may differ from yours.

Vocalpoint and Olay bring you Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum duo

They always say that age can be told by your eyes, so of course I carpet-bomb them in an attempt to fool everyone.  Being on the not so glamorous part in my 30's, I see those fine lines come and go and wanting to set in.  I am a huge believer after losing some bank, that what you spend on a product does not equate results.  I love Olay!  I need to get that out there because they taught me from use and experience, that I can keep some dough in my wallet and still fight the signs of celebrating birthdays.  Hey, worrying about spending too much on anti-aging products can be counterproductive!

What does the duo bring to the table:

Eye Cream- Let's start on ingredients because just like a cake, it all is about what went into it whether it will work for you or not.  I use products from the Regenerist line because they always have the right balance of peptide-B3, provitamin B5 and Hyaluronic acid.  This means you get moisture to the skin and also aid in renewing your skin cells.  You have vitamin E and this is an oldie but goodie in beauty products, so I do believe if you can keep it simple, why not?  Vitamin E helps keep your skin soft and supple, plus you get antioxidants from the Green Tea extracts too.  Not a bad cream and I have noticed from using this cream before and also in this product, that my skin is softer and more supple.  I do not have any sagging but I have seen back into my gene pool, and unfortunately my family can be jowly :) .  I have not seen mine change so I give Olay credit for that.  The product helps with tone and texture too!  I also like seeing aloe make the list because this is another great and simple ingredient that does not irritate but again soothes your skin.  To make it short, the Niacinamide along with the antioxidants are the ingredients that make this product have W-O-W power!

Lash Serum-  I tried finding what the serum contains chemical wise that would improve, change, or even alter the lashes.  I don't wear contacts but my eyes are always showing the signs of allergies, so they tend to be more sensitive.  I watch closely what I put in them to around them because eye health is important for me too.  I also want to make sure my fine lines and wrinkles are leaving, not just that my eye sight is and that is why I think I look younger!  I found glycerin as an ingredient and they paired it with alcohol, which I assume is to keep things sterile.  Not bad, I like clean!  Other than these two ingredients, I did not find anything more that was positive or negative about the serum portion.

Directions: Very easy!  You just apply once in the day and once at night to see results.  The eye cream you just dab on and I was able to use small dots, so this tube will yield many applications.  Make sure to target the problem areas like crows-feet and wait for the product to fully absorb before proceeding with your beauty regimen.  Many eye creams do not want application on the lids and this is not one of them.  You can treat your eye lids, so this is a real eye cream in my opinion!  The lash serum has a nice soft brush and you apply a light coat onto lashes.  I tend to use two "swapping" motions to get the inside of my lashes and also the end ones.

Results:

I found after 3.5 weeks of use, the eye cream to be easy to apply and supporting the claims made.  My eye area improved and that means every fine line and wrinkle I have been fighting has not shown their face!  It's a war and so far I consider this battle won!  I experienced no irritation and because the product is fragrance free, no free radicals darting towards me.  My skin does feel silky and because the formula dries matte or pretty much the same shine as my skin, no oily slick left behind that not only feels like it weighs you down through out the day but tends to accentuate what you are trying to cover up or get rid of.  I am very happy with this eye cream because it is really a formula that Olay has had in the past but it works and much better now with no fragrances.  Improving....improving and keeping this luxury affordable.  Thank you Olay!

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Now, the lash serum I noticed not much happening to my lashes.  Nothing positive to note or negative.  I can say the product separates my lashes and dries quickly but that was pretty much it.  I even at times had to apply mascara over the serum and it did not interfere with it but it was easier when my lashes were sort of "set" and "separated" by the applicator.  Now, the applicator is rubbery and very easy to use.  It actually applies the perfect amount of serum and no odd gummy or sticky feeling.  If the lash serum was sold separately, I would not seek it out exclusively but because it is there, I used it kind of thing.  Now, my eye lash health was normal before but maybe the serum would nourish lashes that may need the extra moisture.  Washing agents in face washes can dehydrate your lashes because they over strip but I must share that once in a while I sleep with Olive Oil on my lashes.  That so makes up for what my face scrubs/washes, to water-proof mascara can do to them.  Sodium peg-7 olive oil carboxylate, is an ingredient found in this duo so maybe I am on to something :).  Nonetheless, if I did not do my Olive Oil treatment, then this may have shown results for me.

This product retails for $22.59 at Target and $19.41 on Amazon.  Look for coupons before you purchase and don't forget that Procter & Gamble also has rebates if you spend a certain amount on selective brands.

I received this product free of charge from VocalPoint.  I am not obligated to provide a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience and usage, which may differ from yours.

Easy-Peasy Chocolate Cake......under 1 hour from start to finish

I was inspired by an e-mail I received from King Arthur's Flour called "Original Cake-Pan Cake Recipe"

I was in an experimenting mood plus short on time, so I dove into this recipe with my trusty notepad, pen and camera.  I always alter recipes because I feel there is so much sugar in the ones I find without any need.  I want to taste the ingredients like Chocolate, not the over the top sweetness, plus I also like to substitute ingredients for the ones I have in stock.  I am not going to buy Pastry Flour again for one recipe for it just to sit there and expire again.  Lesson learned!! :)  I doubled the cocoa powder on this one and I still was able to cut the sugar!



Easy-Peasy Chocolate Cake

This cake can be done in just under 1 hour!!  It's so easy and dairy free (minus the icing).  A great alternative for those busy days where you did not have the time to make anything and the best part, it's delicious!  It's also not a killer when it comes to calories because there is not a bunch of sugar and fats.

Batter:

6 1/2 ounces of All-Purpose Flour

4 ounces of White Sugar

1/2 cup of Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)

1/4 teaspoon of Salt

1 teaspoon of Baking Soda

1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

1/2 teaspoon of Espresso Powder (optional)

1/2 tablespoon of white Vinegar (trust me....you will not taste it, it is just to help the cake rise when it combines with the baking soda.  Want a higher rise?  Up the vinegar to 1 tablespoon)

1/4 of Vegetable Oil

1 cup of cold liquid (this can be milk, water, coffee, get creative).

I start with a bowl and add the flour, sugar, cocoa, salt and baking soda.  I use a whisk to combine all the ingredients.

I did not have espresso powder but I know how coffee can punch up the chocolate's flavor, so I got creative and used a Starbuck's VIA packet I had received via mail for free.  It was in Italian Roast flavor but any flavor will do.

I added the entire packet and again whisked it together.

I then added the wet ingredients, the oil and vinegar.  Now for my 1 cup of cold liquid, I added water, whole milk and then coconut milk until I had 8 ounces in total.  I figured the coconut milk would have less fat and it would add flavor.  My husband dislikes coconut anything but can tolerate it in products where it's flavor is not present   I disclosed I was adding it and he knows it's just me playing scientist again!

I whisked everything until combined and I love that I just dirty one dish.

I pour the batter into a square pan that is 8 x 13, which has been sprayed with PAM w/flour spray (just in case).  I bake the cake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done.

The cake will slightly rise but I wanted density with a smooth finish, so this is why I only added 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar.  You can add up to 1 tablespoon in total if you wish the effect of a slightly higher cake.

While the cake bakes, I decided I wanted a mousse-like fluffy frosting,  so I wash the same dish I used to make the cake and get started on making the frosting.  This cake is so delicious that if you do not feel like frosting, it does not need it.  You can sprinkle powder sugar when it cools or even pair it up with ice cream.

Frosting:

8 ounces of Cream Cheese (softened)

4 tablespoons of Unsalted Butter (softened)

1 tablespoon of Sour Cream

1 teaspoon of Vanilla

1 ounce of Powdered Sugar

1/8 of a cup of Cocoa Powder (unsweetened) *optional

Mini Chocolate chips (optional) to sprinkle on after

I start by using a hand mixer and blend the cream cheese and butter until creamy.

This takes about 2 minutes.

I then add the sour cream and vanilla and blend some more.  I add the powdered sugar and blend until nice and fluffy.

As I was doing this, I asked my Husband if he wanted just a light buttered cream cheese frosting or if he was in a chocolate/chocolate mood?  He opted to go all the way and wanted chocolate.  I added 1/8 of a cup of cocoa powder and finished the frosting with the blender.  You can do what fits your mood and taste buds best!

I take the cake out and cool it down.  It's not a huge cake so it took 20 minutes to cool enough to be put in the fridge.  I left it in the fridge, uncovered for another 20 minutes.  It was a cold day and our fridge is set at a nice 35 degrees, so stuff cools down quick.

Once cooled, I spread the frosting and then sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.

That easy and it went well after dinner with the coffee crusted grilled tri-tip my Husband made on the barbeque.  I figure he got to play with coffee so I wanted to also.  Enjoy!