A Natural Winter Dry Skin Solution: Yamerra 100% Shea Butters
by Cheryl David
Filed under Pure Natural Living, Reviews
A Winter Dry Skin Solution
Winter dry skin can best be protected with natural products, which can actually heal your skin, instead of offering temporary relief. Ingredients found on most over-the-counter moisturizers, such as alcohols, only give a temporary relief of dry skin. Your skin feels softer but for a moment, but has it healed? Did you wonder why most over-the-counter moisturizers came in large pump bottles? Because reapplying is what keeps us purchasing the product over and over again. If our dry skin was healed, would we continually shop to find that one moisturizer that will solve the problem? Before I turned to natural products, my winters were spent collecting bottles upon bottles of lotions and creams, each with their own claims of healing dry skin. There was a natural solution for my winter dry skin out there, I simply had to find it.
SAVE YOUR WINTER DRY SKIN: A Trio of Yamerra Hair and Body Butters, from L to R: Ladies Night Lavender, Sultry Mango, Be Bodacious Tangerine Grapefruit
Yamerra 100% All Natural Hair and Body Butter as a Winter Dry Skin Solution
Natural products for winter dry skin can actually heal your skin. For example, Yamerra 100% All Natural Hair and Body Butter works amazing on dry skin as well as hair. The ingredients are simple: the Yamerra Ladies Night Lavender contains 100% Organic Shea butter, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, essential oils of lavender, patchouli and vanilla,Vitamin E. I use it on my hands and feet (before putting on socks) before bed and not only do I wake up to soft skin, but the smell is dreamy and relaxing. The Sultry Mango, with its gorgeous orange color, contains 100% Organic Shea butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, mango butter, cocoa butter, essences of mango, orange and pineapple, a hint of patchouli, bergamot, vitamin E. This too can be used in hair, and it gives your skin a natural glow from that amazing orange color. The most refreshing is the Be Bodacious Tangerine Grapefruit. I put it on my horrible dry legs after I shower and I am moisturized all day, until I wash it off. The ingredients are luscious: 100% Organic Shea butter, sweet almond oil, nettle herb, essential oils of tangerine, grapefruit, magnolia, patchouli and vitamin E.
Bottom Line: Read Your Ingredients
There is no reason to have to suffer from winter dry skin, for fall into the trap of purchasing inferior products that only give temporary relief. Read and know your ingredients. Products containing urea and/or alcohol are not going to soothe and heal your dry skin. Use balms, butter, lotions and creams with minimal ingredients to help your winter dry skin.
Key West Images: A Romantic Getaway to the Reach Hotel
by Tania
Filed under Hotel Review, Reviews, Travel
Key West Images: A Romantic Getaway to the Reach Hotel
We recently left the lil’s with their grandparents in Florida and headed to Key West for some well deserved grown up time! While our adventure began at The Reach Hotel that was only the beginning of a great getaway.
When visiting Key West, you can walk to almost anywhere on the island. Be sure to pack your favorite walking shoes and sandals, the humidity will ensure that anything resembling an irritating spot on your shoes will surely a become blister… Fortunately island casual is the dress pretty much anywhere on Key West so comfy sandals will be perfect.
One thing we loved about The Reach was it’s location on the southern side of the island, a block off Duval Street – the epicenter of Key West Nightlife – yet The Reach’s location ensures that you are close to the action, but when you are ready to call it a night you have a peaceful home away from home, a short walk or a pedicab will get you back to your hotel in no time.
Duval street is home to a myriad or restaurants and bars, and restaurants and bars… and bars, which was really fun, just walking the streets made you feel like you were right in the middle of the party.
It’s island tradition to watch the sunset at Mallory Square. Vendor sell their wares, street performers of all sorts vie for your attention, applause, and tips… it’s the perfect spot to have a pre-dinner cocktail and watch day slip into night.
Key West Images emblazoned in our memories
The sunset cruise on the Americas II – if you’re lucky they’ll let you drive for a while and as long as there is wind they will set sail and turn on off the engines.
We took a Jet Ski tour that completely circled the Island of Key West. It was a great way to see the island and get a little adrenalin rush at the same time. Don’t forget to put on a thick layer of sunscreen!
Inside Sloppy Joe's - Hemingway's Watering Hole
Key West is rich in history, it’s the oldest city in Southern Florida, Hemingway lived on the Island for 10 years and a many places still celebrate his former patronage – so you can walk a few miles in Hemingway’s shoes during your visit.
Hotel Information:
1435 Simonton Street
Key West, Florida 33040
888-318-4316
Where do you love to go for Romantic Getaways? We barely touched the surface of what the southern tip of Florida has to offer, we spent 3 days capturing Key West Images and could have easily stayed longer.
JumpSport DoubleBounce Trampoline Review
Yes. I said DoubleBounce!
We stalked trampolines for a couple of years… researched… stalked some more… and when were in the final stages of shopping and ready to move forward with a JumpSport trampoline. I reached out to ask a few questions…If you are shopping and at all confused or overwhelmed call them. They are great, they’ll tell you exactly which trampoline will work best for the needs of your family – and if you are on the wrong track – they’ll set you right. During the process (might have helped that I reached out on twitter) they offered to send us a trampoline for review.
Number for JumpSport (888) 567-5867 they’ll respond to all your trampoline questions.
Love that the Big & Lil's Playing Together
Trampoline Safety
Before I discuss our trampoline experience. Let’s address the controversy about the overall safety of trampolines. Statistically there are a reported 100,000 trampoline injuries annually – initially this may sound like a lot. But, consider for a moment that Bicycle figures are 3 times worse, I’m confident that 99.9% of parents would never dream of not allowing their child to ride a bike.
Our family decided that the exercise & other benefits far outweigh the risks. Having an activity that easily and readily encourages such a great physical activity. Add to that my personal childhood memories and the joy I recall from going to my friends house to jump on their (non-enclosed) trampoline. We all somehow survived.
Why We Choose JumpSport DoubleBounce from the AlleyOOP Line
- JumpSport makes the safest trampolines. From impact reducing DoubleBounce technology to enclosures. They are the industry leader.
- JumpSport was the first to market trampoline enclosures – and one way their enclosures are better than the competition is that they have an overlapping net entry instead of a zipper. Zippers tend to get broken and left open, leaving windows for accidents to happen.
- The BEST warranty in the trampoline industry.
- We really wanted a trampoline that would grow with us and work for our multi-aged & staged family. The JumpSport team thought the best trampoline for our family would be the 14′ DoubleBounce and if the lil’s take to gymnastics and need a firmer bounce we can always add more springs!
The DoubleBounce Difference
With a number of trampoline injuries occurring when the bouncer lands on the bed, JumpSport created the DoubleBounce & AirShock – these two technologies result in jumping that is 50% more forgiving on the joints then a traditional trampoline bed, so there is less pressure on joints – for young and old alike!
DoubleBounce Competition
The only other brand I considered was the SpringFree. I didn’t choose the Springfree option after watching a video of the flexible rods – on the trampoline’s exterior – easily cut carrots in half as someone bounced on the trampoline (Watch Video Here).
JumpSport Warranty
Jumpsport offers the best warranty in the trampoline industry. With a lifetime warranty on the frame & poles and 5 years on all the other parts including the enclosure net. This is compared to other manufacturers offering 3 months and SpringFree trampolines at 10 years on the Frame and 2 years on the net and mat.
JumpSport Trampoline Accessories
In addition to having the safest trampolines – JumpSport has some great accessories.
- Mister – We live in the Valley of Los Angeles and the addition of the Misting unit that JumpSport offers for the DoubleBounce and all their models is priced at $99 and enabled us to jump straight through the peak of summer our HOT LA summers. Of course we were running back and forth between the pool, but without the misting unit the bed is SUPER hot… turn on the misters for a few minutes and you can happily bounce through the high temps.
- Basketball Hoop – My teen loved the basketball hoop – and he spent a lot of time playing ball with his brother and sister. Anything that encourages that is a huge plus in my eyes. Note – the hoop and ball are not full size, but no one seemed bothered by it’s smaller diameter.
- Video of Teens Shooting Hoops
- Ladder – I can’t imagine how tricky it would be to get in and out of the trampoline without a ladder – $60. I would consider this a must have accessory – so much so I’m surprised it is an add on and not standard equipment.
- Tent – One accessory we are considering adding is the tent – they sell two variations priced from $99 to $169. During the summer the lil’s had a campout… and if they continue to enjoy sleeping outside – the tent would be a fun addition.
Installation
If you aren’t handy, many shops offer installation. The pros can have you set up and jumping in just a couple of short hours! If you are in the Los Angeles or Mission Viejo area our DoubleBounce was installed by Swings n’ Things and they did an excellent job! Not only that… it was magic, they knocked on the door, I told them were we wanted the trampoline, less than 2 hours later we were jumping on our DoubleBounce!
Trampoline Magic
Los Angeles (818) 222-4967
Mission Viejo (949) 770-7799
It’s worth noting that JumpSport is a family business based in California. Thinking of getting a trampoline of your own – not sure which one is best for your family – give them a call the DoubleBounce was right for us, but you perfect bouncer may be another model.
Love letter to the FTC – all opinions stated in this post are my own – JumpSport sent PND the DoubleBounce for an honest review.
PND Approved Daily Moisturizer with SPF
by Tania
Filed under Better Beauty, Reviews
Daily Moisturizer with SPF an Essential Element of Every Anti Aging Toolbox
Every beauty routine needs a good daily moisturizer, adding SPF helps protect the skin from the aging caused by the sun. The two products featured, both the Juice Beauty and 100% Pure are very safe & pure options – they even score in the coveted 0-3 range in the Skin Deep Database.
The product from Juice Beauty is very rich and moisturizing, a good choice for dry skin – it does need to be worked into the skin. The 100% Pure is very light, absorbs quickly and is a good choice for those with normal skin.
Be sure to Subscribe to the Pure Natural Diva – PND Living Channel on YouTube – and while you are there add us as a friend too!
Protect Your Skin Image Courtesy of Sergiu Baciouiu
What is your favorite Daily Moisturizer?
Zookeeper: Fun Movie for the Whole Family
Plan For a Little Zookeeper Fun
I am excited to FINALLY share the trailer for the movie Zookeeper. Some of you may know… Dude (aka my husband) is a writer.
It seems like years ago that he started work on a project called “Zookeeper”…. then there was editing… screenings… effects… voiceover sessions… and at long last the wait is almost over. Zookeeper is being released this summer!
Kevin James stars in Zookeeper
So… gather the kids and make a plan… and hopefully you’ll be entertained (I know you will be), laugh. a little .. and when you laugh…. it just might be one of Dude’s jokes!
Zookeeper, starring Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Ken Jeong, Donnie Wahlberg, Jim Breuer, Brandon Keener, Joe Regan and Thomas Gottchalk.
With voices by Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, Jadd Apatow, Jon Favreau, Mark Linn-Baker, Jim Breuer, Mark Linn-Baker, Faizon Love, Bas Rutten, Maya Rudolph,
Billy Crystal, Don Rickles, Kiefer Sutherland, David Spade and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
I have yet to see the movie myself, but am looking forward to the Premiere at the end of June. The “inside scoop” is that it is a fun movie that the kids will love – that will be fun for Mom & Dad too!
The movie will be released this Summer on July 8.
So… Do You Plan to See Zookeeper this Summer…. ?
Our Visit to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Park Hyatt Aviara Review
We discovered the Park Hyatt Aviara while we were planning a family trip to Legoland in Carlsbad, CA. Carlsbad is just north of San Diego and just over an hours drive from Los Angeles, making it a perfect local getaway.
The Quiet Pool
One of the ways you can make keep your travel eco savvy is to go on local adventures. I also think local trips are easier on the family in many other ways too. For our family, the children are out of diapers, bottles, pack n plays and our world is beginning to open up again! We are starting to enjoy traveling together as a family!
Those who know me well know that I haven’t been a great a traveling with the lil’s. Frankly, it exhausted me, but now that they are a little older, it’s actually becoming fun. Especially when you find destinations that truly make it a priority to cater to families like the Park Hyatt Aviara.
Back in the day, we’d escape to one of the many Southern California luxury destinations, but once we had children, it wasn’t quite the same. We just didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of imposing our children on others – regardless of how delightful they are. For this trip we were connecting with friends at Legoland, they chose the Park Hyatt Aviara (formerly the Four Seasons Aviara), we decided to go for it. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous. Would we REALLY be comfortable with the children at a luxury hotel? Would I be so worried about the lil’s behavior that the trip would be exhausting?
I called the Resort directly to discuss which room might best meet the needs of our family for this trip, I have to share, from my very first contact with the hotel they were very welcoming and made a point of sharing their family friendly amenities. While they do offer one bedroom suites, we decided to go with 2 adjoining rooms, this ended up working well for us.
Our Room
From the minute you arrive at the Park Hyatt Aviara they let you know that they welcome you and your lil’s. The front desk staff wheels out a wagon full of toys and the children get to pick one – now of course the eco savvy in me wished the toys weren’t made in china 2 days toys – but the message they are sending is clear. Bring the family.
Family Friendly Amenities at the Park Hyatt Aviara
- Toy wagon greeting from the front desk
- Toys & DVD’s available for check out from the Concierge
- A separate pool area, spa & wading pool dedicated for families
- A super cool large family room style game room with shuffleboard, pool tables, air hockey and video games (It’s actually 3 rooms)
- Restaurants with children’s menu’s that go beyond mac n cheese
- Step stools in the public restrooms for easier hand washing for the lil’s
- Camp Hyatt. A free day camp for children to enjoy during your visit. Yes… you read that right free.
Welcoming Families
Our “unofficial” Aviara Itinerary
Everyone practiced their best manners at afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge – TIP – book early or you won’t get a reservation!
Clotted Cream & Scones
While the lil’s played in the pool, we took advantage of the poolside lounge.
Pool Time
While the lil’s slept, we took advantage of the games room (we had a sitter!). Turns out I am clueless when it comes to shuffleboard, but have fun regardless. I might have become a little addicted during our Aviara stay.
Great Games!
Dined at Vivace, a wonderful on site Italian Restaurant – they brought carrot sticks with dip out as a starter for the lil’s! Love that.
Dined at the California Bistro where it’s worth noting children 12 and under dine FREE. Yes, free.
Breakfast Noms
We had an amazing time. We took full advantage of the amenities, although I didn’t get a chance to visit the spa… hmmm…. perhaps we’ll have to go back. SOON!
The Grounds
Love Letter to the FDA: After booking our reservation with the Park Hyatt Aviara I was contacted by their PR firm and accepted the discounted media rate during our stay they extended. As always my opinion remain my own.
Our latest family adventure took us to the Park Hyatt Aviara, where was your last family getaway?
Contact the Park Hyatt Aviara: 760 448 1234
Primrose Organic Salon: Hair Salon Review
by Tania
Filed under Review & Giveaways, Reviews
What self respecting diva doesn’t love a trip to the salon? Even better – I love discovering a new eco conscious beauty salon. One of my latest discoveries is Primrose Organic Salon & Boutique in Los Feliz.
PND was invited to come in for a review – given that I love nothing more than discovering new places to share with my readers – I was excited to check it out.
The salon is in trendy Loz Feliz and the mood is comfortable, cute with a retro vibe. On walking into the salon – the first thing you might note is what is missing – the absence of a strong chemical smell that accompanies so many salons.
An Inside Peak
Primrose opened in 2009. It was a partnership between Felicia Howe, the salon’s head stylist and Melissa Tornay, who overseas the business and retail side of their business. They are committed to bringing their clients the safest & best performing products coupled with outstanding services.
I was treated to a fantastic cut & color by Felicia – the salon primarily uses the Organic Color Systems Color Line, with the additional option of Davines for those who need a gluten free option.
Freshly Coifed
I’ve been wearing Felicia’s cut for a few weeks now and have found it to style beautifully. The color added just the right amount of auburn to my brown locks – while still looking very much like it was my own color – so let’s keep the fact that it’s not our little secret!
One of the things that really impressed me about the salon was how informed Melissa is about the products she has handpicked to sell in the store. For your product needs tell her your exact priorities and she’ll match the line to your wish list, from the ultra safe & purest organic ingredients, to the safer – but not perfect – high performing, to gluten free – she’ll break it down for you.
My purchases included a new hairspray, lip balms & homemade soaps! I couldn’t resist.
Pricing at the salon is comparable to conventional salons with a cut & style priced at $60 and the single process color priced at $70.
I’ll be back soon – well worth the drive across town!
To book an appointment:
(323) 664-5446
4616 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Life As We Know It: Movie Review
by Tania
Filed under Reviews, Unplugged & Off Topic
Last week I was invited by my friend Kim Tracy Prince to see a preview of Life As We Know It – the new Katherine Heigl movie. I happily accepted the invitation… Kim and I hadn’t seen each other in FOREVER, a girls night sounded like a great idea, and going to the movie meant missing bedtime. Need I say more.
I hadn’t heard much about the movie and truthfully, without Kim’s invitation, I would have waited for Netflix, but I’m glad that I didn’t.
The basic premise of the movie is simple enough – the lives of two singles are turned upside down when their respective best friends – married living the suburban dream – are killed in a car accident and leave them joint custody of their one year old daughter.
I was expecting a light, popcorn, chick flick – instead I got an orphaned one year old and noticed more than a few tears being discreetly wiped throughout the theater.
Then we laughed – no, not at the poop scene – but at many of the other scenarios the mismatched pair end up in as they adopt to their new lives as parents. I derived a good amount of pleasure from watching them struggle through this maze we call parenthood.
I know my heart strings were being tugged at by the scenario – imagining my children left without my husband and I – it’s completely unthinkable. This movie tugged at the core of that emotion and balanced it with levity. I for one enjoyed it.
By the way if you and your spouse haven’t taken care of your will – seeing this movie should be all the motivation you need to take care of business.
Love Letter to the FDA: After attending the complimentary preview screening of this movie and I was contacted by Mom Central and offered a gift card to facilitate this review.
Vida Emanuel for Spa Week: Spa Review
This week SpaFinder “Deal Days”, a nationwide wellness event has spas around the country offering AMAZING deals! Don’t miss out! I found laser treatments, facials, massages, scrubs… all close to home at a fraction of their regular pricing! $50 dollar services or 50% off! Check out all the great deals <click here>.
A number of bloggers around the country were invited to be guests at local spas in there area to help spread the word. Anyone who knows me – will know that I jumped at the opportunity.
What might surprise you – was the service that I picked. I’m afraid the Diva in me came out in full force. I had to try the Eyelash perm at Vida Emanuel Day Spa in Beverly Hills. My lashes are thick and full, but stick straight. I’ve always thought about trying this, but for numerous reasons have never done it.
This service is typically $175, plus $35 if you want the tint. During Spa Week, it’s $50 for the curl and $35 for the tint!
Vida – the name behind Vida Emanuel applied my eyelash treatment. She also takes care of Jessica Alba, Alie Landry, Amy Smart’s lashes, so I felt assured that she’s at the top of her game.
The treatment itself was very simple – I sat down and closed my eyes. Vida affixed a small tube or roller to the base of my eyelash. This was used as a guide for the lashes. Vida then methodically affixes each of your lashes to the tube, then a mild perm solution is applied — I know… I know… just remember the diva part of me rises to the surface from time to time — you sit for another 15 minutes… she checks your lashes and applies a neutralizer. Lastly she rinses both eyes with water and la voila.
I was almost speechless at the results. My normally downward leaning lashes looked like I’d spent 15 minutes coaxing and curling them into perfection. The best part, the results are supposed to last 4-6 months! UPDATE: My eyelashes went stick straight around month 2 – I was so sad.
I ran the perm ingredients in the skin deep database and it scored 5, with 2 ingredients not found. So, that isn’t great. That said – six months of great lashes vs 20 minutes of exposure… you’ll have to make your own choice. UPDATE: Given my lashes only lasted 6-8 weeks – I wouldn’t do this again.
I will say this. You want to make sure a very experience technician – you don’t want to trust your eyes to the “new girl”!
Before
During - Not too pretty!
Curly Lashes
Love letter to the FDA – I was not paid to complete this review – Vida Emanuel did invite me to receive service for free so I could share my thoughts and experience with my readers. As always… my opinions and thoughts can not be bought, not even for curly lashes.
Melaleuca Eco Sense: Diva Review
by Tania
Filed under Review & Giveaways, Reviews
Not too long ago a friend of mine asked me what I thought about Melaleuca – so I did a little bit of research was intriqued. She is a huge fan.
It was a welcome coincidence a few months later when Melaleuca asked if they could sponsor my attendance of the EVO conference. I knew Melaleuca was doing good work and was excited to learn more about the brand.
Maleleuca is a company dedicated to providing natural, safe and effective products directly to the consumer.
Most of my readers are aware that I make many of my own cleaning products – and this is a great way to save money, but the truth is I know that most of you aren’t quite ready to become home chemists. I know you are looking for a way to clean your home that is economical and safe – Melaleuca has created a line of products that meets both goals – Eco Sense.
The Eco Sense line contains Automatic Dishwasher Detergent – Diamond Brite, Laundry Products including a very effective stain remover – PreSpot, Furniture Polish, and a Thyme based antibacterial cleaner called – Sol-U-Guard. To name a few of the products in their line.
What might be the best part of the EcoSense line is it’s packaging. The Melaleuca starter kit contains empty spray bottles and corresponding concentrate. You then add the concentrate to the bottle and fill with water from your tap. When you use up the bottle of concentrate – you order another. This make so much sense; it saves money and is kinder to the environment.
The Eco Sense Line
The EcoSense line prices out much less expensively than conventional cleaners – one bottle of concentrate at $5.69 will make 96 oz of Tough & Tender – the EcoSense all purpose cleaner. To buy the same 96 oz of 409 prices in at about $10 – not to mention the additional plastic that will be saved.
The Eco Sense line is not perfect, I’ve yet to find a brand that is. Melaleuca is making every effort to meet the needs of their customers with a highly effective, safe product, while remaining as pure as possible.
Some of their products are a little more scented than I prefer – and not every scent 100% essential oil – but most are. Any other fragrances ingredients used are European Union or EU compliant – which is much more stringent than US regulations.
A discussion with Scott Hollander, Melaleuca’s head of Marketing – provided further explanation. When they’ve made unscented products – they don’t sell. I think I’ve gotten used to my homemade, lightly scented life – but most consumers have not. I’m confident if their customers were asking for unscented – with their commitment to pure products – they would happily deliver.
Being a Melaleuca customer is a little different that shopping at your local market. They area direct sales company and there are two ways to buy from them.
- Invest in a $29 membership by calling 1-800-282-3000 – much like you would at Costco. To maintain your membership they require a minimum monthly purchase, members typically purchase double what is required of them.
- Conversely Melaleuca will introduce you to a local representative you can buy from without a membership.
Melaleuca also offers a money back satisfaction guarantee – so you can experience any of their products with the confidence of knowing that if you don’t like them – used or new – you can get your money back.
Love Letter to the FDC – I was not paid by Melaleuca or it’s agents to write this post, but Melaleuca did provide lodging and conference access to the EVO conference in Park City, UT – just to be clear about what sponsored means. While they may have paid for me to be a part of an amazing event…. they did not pay for my opinions… those are and will remain my own. Clear enough?
