Everyone Deserves a Hug

I have just returned from my wonderful Christmas vacation back east! I had a fabulous time visiting all of my wonderful family and friends and walking the streets of beautiful Boston. I was able to fly Virgin America which was great. The staff was amazing. Super accommodating and witty made for an enjoyable time.

During my flight I was able to use my Travel Essentials Set from the Soft Hugwear Collection which includes: blanket, neck pillow, eye mask and earplugs. The blanket helped me to stay warm and cozy, while the neck pillow and eye mask helped put me fast asleep in my airline seat. I was also thankful to have the earplugs because I have problems with the air pressure and my ears typically pop which can be very painful. This time when I was landing I used the earplugs and I had no problems hearing everyone!

Soft Hugwear is a premium lifestyle collection, the quality of which is on par with spa, travel and wellness products offered at much higher price points! This deluxe lifestyle brand, with gift items including a teddy bear-and-blanket set, premium travel essentials and warm winter accessories, is being embraced by Wal-Mart, the line’s exclusive retailer. The Travel Essentials set is $20 and is sold at select Wal-Mart locations nationwide and online. Check out the Travel Essentials Set and other collection items priced between $3 and $29 at www.walmart.com!

HappyLight 6000 Review

HappyLight is the perfect name for this Verilux Best Seller!

So much of our time is spent indoors that the quality of artificial lighting becomes key to our sense of well-being. A home or office filled with Verilux light benefits from all the healthy mood and vision-enhancing qualities of sunlight. Verilux lamps have set the standard for full-spectrum “daylight” lighting for more than 50 years. The patented Flicker Elimination Technology and Optix glare control filters eliminate fatigue, headaches, and eye strain. Verilux Natural Spectrum light provides bright, high-contrast light that supports better vision and is Scientifically Tuned to the Human Eye.

Light therapy, also known as Phototherapy, uses light as therapy to treat the symptoms of many diverse, but common, medical problems. A safe and natural alternative to treatment with prescriptions and over the counter drugs, light therapy utilizes specific spectrums of light to positively impact a variety of conditions including the “Winter Blues”, insomnia, skin ailments and energy levels.

I have been using HappyLight 6000 at work for a couple of weeks now. As soon as I get in the office I make my cup of jasmine pearl tea and turn on my HappyLight. Since I am not a morning person (mostly because of my problems falling asleep at night), the HappyLight has been a tremendous help for me. I can honestly say that it provides me the extra energy needed to get through the day. The light may seem bright when you first turn it on but after my second use I found it to be a calming and healthy does of morning bliss! A Verilux Bestseller this light provides up to 6000 LUX of healthy therapeutic light. It is ideal for people who are seated for extended periods of time. The dimensions are 12” H x 3.9” W x 5.6” D and is weighs approximately 2 lbs. Check out the HappyLight and all of Verilux’s other cool products here! Also, make sure if you have trouble waking up in the morning like me to check out The Rise and Shine Natural Sleep System!

P.S. I wish everyone the happiest of all holidays and the very best New Year! I will be flying back home to Connecticut and will be enjoying a very white Christmas this year, I will return to blogging on December 28th!!!! xoxo

T-ION Travel Dryer Review

I just love my T-ION Travel Dryer from Metropolis Technology!

Metropolis Technology uses the latest in cutting-edge breakthroughs to take your styling to the ultimate level. Various technology collections all yield amazing Ionic and Far Infrared benefits that will make your hair healthier, shinier, more manageable, humidity resistant and hold a style much longer.

The Metropolis line has taken the entertainment and fashion industry by storm. Whether it’s on-set, in-studio or strutting the runway, odds are you’ll find Metropolis products on the scene, making the stylist look good and the hair they’re working on look even better!

Tourmaline is semi-precious mineral and is a potent natural source of Ionic energy. The crushed tourmaline embedded in Metropolis T-Ion products exudes mass quantities of negative ions that seal the cuticle, lock in moisture and make hair virtually humidity-proof with incredible shine and manageability.

The T-Ion Travel Dryer is only 5” across (fits in your palm) and has a powerful 1000 watt motor. There are 2 speed settings and is also dual voltage. The best part is how compact and portable the dryer is.

Before using I was a bit skeptical because of it compact size. However, my worries were pushed aside as I emerged the bathroom with my fabulous smooth looking hairdo thanks to Metropolis. The dryer even comes with an adorable diffuser so that I can wear my hair curly if I like.

If you are looking to trade in your travel hair dyer I strongly suggest you click here to check out the T-Ion Travel Dryer, you won’t be disappointed!

Soda Stream Review

I love diet coke. It’s one of my vices. However, Scientific studies have shown that consumption of soft drinks can lead to many health problems such as obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, osteoporosis, nutritional deficiencies, heart disease, and many neurological disorders. Coke and most of the other soft drinks contain phosphoric acid which has a ph of 2.8, it leeches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis and you might break your bones as they will be so weak because of lack of calcium. Then, all the dissolved calcium accumulates in the arteries, veins, skin and organs which effects the functioning of the kidney assisting in the formation of Kidney stones.

With all of that said I was in desperate need to find a healthy alternative to kick my bad diet coke habit to the curb. That’s when I found Soda Stream. With a SodaStream, you can enjoy freshly made, great tasting soda that fits your health and diet. Regular flavors contain no high-fructose corn syrup, and diet flavors are sweetened with Splenda brand sweetener, not aspartame.

With Soda Stream you can enjoy your favorite drink in under 30 seconds. Turn your tap water into sparkling water with no clean-up and no heavy bottles to carry. Fizz to your taste and add the flavor of your choice (diet cola, orange, lemon lime, ginger ale, orange mango, cranberry raspberry, diet pink grapefruit, diet root beer, and energy) to make your favorite drink. Simple to clean and reuse. Enjoy the freshness and convenience of homemade soda and protect the environment at the same time. With a variety of colors and silhouettes, you'll be sure to find a soda maker to match with any decor.For $89,95 you can purchase the Fountain Jet. Soda mix flavors start at $5.99 per bottle which equals out to 25 cents per glass!

To test out the Soda Stream I had my hubby do a blind taste test. Oddly, I couldn’t tell the difference between the diet coke and the Soda Stream diet cola. Finally I have found a way to kick my diet coke habit and save money as well as the environment!!!!! Check out Soda Stream for yourself here!
http://www.sodastreamusa.com/

La Roche-Posay Review

I have Rosacea, It took me many years and a doctors appointment to realize this. Even though most people wouldn’t know I suffer from this condition, it still can be complex and frustrating to say the least. Lately the sensitivity has caused the redness in my skin to become more prominent. Even the thought of experimenting with new products is scary because I can’t imagine the skin irration that may occur. So I started looking into products especially made for individuals who suffer from the same problem as I do. This is when I discovered La Roche-Posay and I am so happy I did!

La Roche-Posay is specifically made for people that suffer from redness or discomfort. The Rosaliac gelee and Rosaliac products have made a tremendous difference in the way I feel about my skin.

Rosaliac Gelee is a makeup remover for sensitive, fine and reactive skin. The
first "icy effect" micellar gelee which cleanses gently and soothes immediately leaving the skin radiant and comfortable. Its micellar structure dissolves traces of make-up easily and without rubbing. Immediately the gelee started to soothe my troubled skin.

Rosaliac

Is a skin perfecting anti-redness moisturizer which neutralizesredness, relieves discomfort and restores luminosity. The weightless light green tinted frmula instantly minimizes redness and is fragrance free.

The results are amazing. The hydrating emulsion containing La Roche-Posay thermal Spring Water transforms the skin and reveals a soft, supple texture, as even and luminous complexion, and ensures lasting comfort. You should apply every morning/or evening. The covering texture makes an excellent make-up base for the entire face.

For more details on other La Roche-Posay products click here!

$10 off vitaminID products!

Need a last minute gift idea? Check out Vitamin ID. To redeem the code, you just have to complete your health survey on vitaminID.com and enter the code SMART2 at checkout and you'll be good to go for receiving your customized daily vitamin regimen. Coupon code expires 12/31/09.

You won't be disappointed! My hubby and I love the efficient vitamin packets that have been giving us the extra energy to deal with holiday stress :)

BedHead Pajamas Review

What a great Christmas Present! Have you heard of BedHead Pajamas? Stemming from a dress and outerwear background, BedHead is an offshoot of the various design projects Renee has launched over the past ten years. Her use of fine, high-quality fabrics, excellent tailoring and piping details has put Renee Claire fashions in demand by celebrities and fine retail outlets across the continent. Her lines appear regularly in prime-time TV shows and leading magazines. The BedHead Pajamas line includes: cotton pjs, flannel pjs, robes, loungewear, plus size, maternity, mommy and me, mens, cosmetic cases, totes, slippers, gowns and even bedding.

I just love the Scottie Dog Flannel Basic PJ for $89! For more designs and products click here.Discount code for Domestic Sweetheart readers of 15%! Code is DS15 and expires 12-31-09.

Vermont Soap Organics Review

I love my Vermont Soap Organics Yoga & Exercise Mat Cleaner!
Vermont Soap Organics Yoga & Exercise Mat cleaner is a safe, nontoxic, hypoallergenic and effective way to clean and restore your sticky mat. The Yoga Mat Wash was designed by yogis and yoginis concerned about residues from the yoga mat manufacturing process, as well as the residues of their work out. Super mild and effective castile soap based formula works on all watersafe surfaces, including: Balance Balls, foam blocks, chairs, cushions, straps and other yoga and Pilates accouterments. Crafted from certified organic vegetable oils and botanicals. Free of synthetic chemicals: artificial colors, fragrances, preservatives, alcohol and detergents. Cruelty and animal byproduct free. Not tested on animals. Safe for skin contact and sensitive individuals. Certified Organic and USDA Approved.
Daily Cleaning:
Spray 3 times onto a wet cloth or paper towel and lightly scrub. Wipe down mat with clean cloth and air dry.
Medium Cleaning:
Lightly spray onto mat. Rinse, wipe dry, air dry
Deep Cleaning and Restoration:
Spray directly onto mat and soak 3 minutes. Work into a lather with a wet cloth, rinse, wipe dry and air dry. Repeat if needed.
Yoga mat should be completely dry before storing.
Regular use will extend the life of your sticky mat; To order a bottle today click

Spa Dog Botanicals Review

I just finished giving Riley a bath and wow does he smell yummy! I used Spa Dog Botanicals which are authentic and innovative botanical care products created from pure premium bases, with no parabens or SLS, using essential oils extracted from plants, herbs, flowers and fruit. The line includes age specific shampoos, healing sprays, ear and breath care and specialty gifts.

Here are some of their amazing products!

Urban Dog Shampoo:

A truly luxurious blend that is light, aromatic and warming. A nourishing and healing blend of sweet orange, balsam peru, ylang -ylang, comfrey leaf and other effective botanicals.

Puppy Shampoo:

This soothing blend will nourish the coat and soothe your new friend. A blend of lavender, chamomile, geranium and other puppy perfect botanicals.

Adventure Dog Shampoo:

For good outdoor protection. This robust blend will keep your dog clean and spa radiant. Includes eucalyptus, patchouli, tea tree, clary sage and other natural bug repellents.

Conditioner - Knotty Dog Detangler:

Spa Dog Botanicals personal favorite.. A blend of botanicals including ylang-ylang, balsam peru , comfrey leaf and sweet orange. Combined with a nourishing base including birch extract and safflower oil. This creamy conditioner will moisturize and create a soft coat with remarkable sheen. Truly a luxurious experience for any dog large or small.

Lavender Spray:

Calming and soothing. This botanical formula includes lavender, rosemary, clary sage and others to complete a very effective blend for any canine. Especially good for puppies and nervous dogs.

Eucalyptus Spray:

Conditioning Repellent. Crisp botanical blend that contains natural flea and bug repellants-eucalyptus, clary sage and tea tree oil.

Sweet Orange Spray:

Moisturizing and Invigorating. This popular botanical blend is universally loved for its sweet orange aroma. Combined with conditioning base its blend of sweet orange, ginger and pink grapefruit will invigorate and nourish skin and coat.

Smell Sweet Ear Care:

Can be used daily. Includes apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, bay laurel and balm mint extracts blended with signature combination of botanicals including rosemary, geranium, ylang-ylang and camphor. Paraben Free.

Natural Breath Drops:

Antiseptic and germicidal. For every dog to help with fresh breath and digestion. Created with our licorice extract blend which includes cinnamon, clove, peppermint and lemon, ginger and others.

For more details on products see Spa Dog Botanicals website here!

Foot Petals Review

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!

There is nothing worse than having a cute pair of shoes in your closet but cringing when you think about actually having to wear them. Thanks to Tina Aldatz-Norris, President and Founder of Foot Petals, I no longer have to cringe.

At the age of 9 Tina burned her feet severely at the beach. As a result, her feet have always been sensitive and prone to blisters and calluses. Later on in life Tina’s career required her to “dress to impress” so sneakers for work were not an option. She constantly found herself visiting shoe repair shops and pharmacies “doctoring up” her shoes to get through the week. As a result Tina founded Foot Petals in 2001. Now 7 years later, she has become a Certified Pedorthist and an expert in shoe fitting. Being a C.Ped. gives Tina the expertise necessary to design the right products for all women.

I sampled the Luxury Kit which is simply divine. The kit includes the following:

Heavenly Heelz: helps keep heels from slipping in & out of shoes.

Strappy Strips: thin straps that add comfort to any straps

Sweaty Pedi foot fragrance: Yummy smelling Lavender Vanilla 3.8 FL. OZ foot fragrance that helps
disinfect & eliminate odor causing bacteria

Tip Toes: helps stop feet from sliding forward

Not only are the foot strips comfortable, they are durable as well. I highly recommend Foot Petals to all women who face footwear challenges. For more products and gift ideas click here.

NightWave Sleep Assistant Review

Having trouble falling asleep at night like I do? Check out NightWave Sleep Assistant!



I am known to stay up all hours of the night because I have difficulty falling asleep. Even when I try to go to bed at a decent hour, I still toss and turn in my bed. When I finally do fall asleep, I am exhausted when my alarm wakes me up in the morning. So I finally decided that enough was enough and began my search for alternative therapies that could help me. Thus my search was successful when I found Nightwave..

NightWave sleep assistant helps you fall asleep by guiding you in a proven relaxation process as you lie in bed. NightWave projects a soft, slowly changing blue light on the ceiling or wall of your darkened room. Synchronize your breathing with the light and your body and mind will drop into a state of relaxation that grows deeper and deeper.

Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic branch of the involuntary nervous system causing a “relaxation response” in the body. This reduces muscle tension and emotional stress. Heart rate variability (HRV) becomes a smooth, blood pressure normalizes, and mood becomes softer.

Busy thoughts fade away, your eye lids grow heavy and a feeling of calm envelops the body. You could even drift into sleep before NightWave completes its cycle.

NightWave is also small enough to bring with you while traveling and can not only be used as a sleep aid, but a mood light, mood softener, and a bedroom flashlight! For more details click here!

Christmas Tree Ornaments

I just love this idea for inexpensive and chic Christmas tree ornaments by Dollar Store Crafts! You can see detailed instructions on their website here and I have also posted instructions below! Materials: Eggs White Glue Acrylic paints Embroidery floss or ribbon Optional: Felt, various colors Glitter Stickers, vinyl decals, or foam shapes Instructions: 1. Blow the eggs. If you have never done this before get a paring knife or other pointy implement and gently tap a hole at the top and at the bottom of the egg. You’ll want the hole on top to be fairly small and the one on the bottom to be a little larger. If both holes are too small, the egg will explode under pressure when you do the next bit, which involves placing your mouth over one hole, positioning the egg over a bowl to catch the innards, and blowing until there’s nothing left inside. 2. Rinse inside and thoroughly dry the egg. If you don’t give it time to dry inside, it will drip at inopportune moments. 3. At this point, you have the option of filling in the hole at the bottom of the egg. Do not fill in the hole at the top–you’ll need it later! There are several ways to do this. The simplest is probably to cover it with a bit of white tissue paper coated in glue and let it dry. 4. Once your hole is covered up, you’re ready for the fun part. It’s time to decorate your egg (Note: If you’re impatient and doing multiple coats of paint, a hair dryer will set the paint in less than a minute and let you continue on without waiting for ages while it dries.) 5. Once you’ve decorated your eggs to your heart’s content and in any way you see fit, it’s time to turn them into hang-able ornaments. Take a short length of embroidery floss — about 1 1/2″–and fold it in half. Moisten your fingers and rub the two ends together until they twisted into one slightly pointed strand with a large loop at the other end. Insert it, pointy end first, into the hole at the top of the egg. Feed the floss, string, or ribbon into the hole until the loop is the size you want it, and then fill in the spaces around it with white/clear-drying glue and prop it up to dry. I did very small loops so that the ornaments could be hung on metal hooks, but it would probably be better to use a longer length of floss and simply hang the eggs from the loop of floss itself once they dry.