KENRA Smoothing Creme

Smoother, shinier, healthier hair "RIGHT HERE"

I purchased my second can of this today and forgot how much I love it. If you have frizzy (due to humidity or genetics) this is a great smoothing product. Lightweight, doesn't way hair down - doesn't flatten or change your hair velocity. It can be applied to damp or dry hair, I use it on damp - my hair gets an "icky" feeling if I add products to it once it is dry - could be the damage I do to it with the blow drying and round brushing, who knows.

I buy mine from Paul at First Edition Salon in Norwood, NC. I pay $15.00. I have found it online for about $21, without shipping. So, shop around for the best price. Mine lasted me about 4 months. I used it alot during high humidity days or days at the beach. On good days I dont need it, but every once in awhile I will have those hairs that want to stick straight up off my scalp when I just spent 30 minutes flat ironing it - I will use a few pumps and smooth out my scalp line.

I like it on curly days too, keeps my curls more CURLY less FRIZZY. They look like rounded curls not like I stuck my finger in a light socket. I like this product line a bunch, they smell great and work great. They can get pricey at high end boutiques - I am lucky to live in a small town and have a great stylist who isnt trying to get rich off the products in his salon - Thank you Paul!

In love and excellent taste,

D for Diva

Digestive tract issues? Ulcers? Bleeding Ulcers? Try this!

Click here for some serious relief from Ulcer pain.

I developed ulcers about 5 years ago. After years of combating neck pain and taking too many stomach deteriorating pain relievers, I found myself with bleeding ulcers. The pain is something that unless you have them too you will not understand or find compassion for, as I didn't - until I actually had them and felt it for myself.  Up to that point if someone starting going on and on about their ulcers, my eyes glazed over and I blocked out the whining and ran through my grocery list in my head until said 'complaining had halted' and we could get back to REAL problems.......then I woke up with ulcers and now I see ya'all glazing over and blocking out the rest of this post.

Good news! If you don't have an ulcer or ulcers you are lucky and dismissed from continuing to read the rest of this blog. If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself battling the ugly behavior of painful stomach ulcers. I have found something that REALLY WORKS!

DGL (deglycerrhizinated licorice) Yup, it's true. Licorice tablets. They taste like black licorice and hay mixed with some dirt and a bug or two. They are chewable, get the first two down and try to keep them down while you associate the taste with "WAHLAAHHHH" almost instant relief of the pain you have been experiencing in your stomach. Don't believe me? Well, for under $15 you can find out for yourself. 100 tablets for under $15, I took 2 every few hours while I was having an attack. Now I take 2 if I ever have to take a pain reliever, and I have had 2 car accidents and just got out of surgery yesterday - so I have been taking about 2 a day, and I am telling you - NO PAIN.

Bleeding ulcer pain causes mid back pain, it comes and goes as your stomach throbs in pain - usually brought on by diet, stress or medication. Sometimes we mistake ulcer pain for back pain, take more pain relievers causing more ulcer flare up and more back pain....and on and on and on.

In short, stop suffering. I have. After 5 years, and 3 upper GI's and tons of medication. I just take a nasty tasting chewable tablet and go on about my day - you can too.

In love and excellent taste,
D for Diva

Swansons FLAVOR BOOST packets

Click here to find out more



It's getting close to that "COOKING" time of year.  Fall is a good indicator of what is going on in my house, lots of home cooking. I love to make soups, stews, potted meats and anything that cooks slow and makes my house smell wonderful. I am a big fan of beef, chicken and vegetable stock. I am not a big fan of powdered stock, I find it gritty, the cubes are hard to dissolve and the flavor always seems too salty. I dont mind canned stock, in fact I always find myself buying 2 beef and 2 chicken just about every time I am at the store. I use them in place of water when making rice and steaming vegetables.

Swanson has come up with a new "Flavor Boost" concentrated stock. I really really like this product. I made Chicken Piccata the other night and used 2 full packets with 1.5 cups of water, the flavor is intense. I used 4 packets of beef and 3 cups water, one cup red wine to make beef stew the other night - DELISH!

I found them on sale $2.49 a box, 8 packets. Each packet makes 1 cup. I found the 4 cup can for $2.69 so I thought these to be a great deal and they are. They don't take up as much room, and I found I can dilute or strengthen the flavor by adding more or less water to my recipe. Super easy to store, and if I was traveling down to the beach and wanted to bring some along - they are no bigger than a Soy Sauce packet from the Asian restaurant.

If you thought about buying them, do it.

In love and excellent taste,
D for Diva

CLINIQUE: "EVEN BETTER" - Don't WALK...RUNNNN!

ADIOS BROWN SPOTS!! Click here to find EVEN BETTER!

After my 42 years of being on this Earth, I have acquired sun spotted skin. YIKES! Not pretty, but I am not giving up my convertible, boat, lake, beach house, pool, motorcycle or running in order to prevent it. Sure I use SPF and sunscreen NOW - but not 20 years ago, and that is the damage I am seeing today......blasted!!!

What's a girl to do? I will tell you what! Use "Even Better" by CLINIQUE and get a second chance. I bought mine on 9/6/11 and I can already tell a difference = 6 days! That's PERRRFECTTTT timing in the Diva world!! Price tag? Eh, it is price efficient, about $52 out the door. I use it day and night, and even on nights I am too dragging to wash my face, I throw it on and go to bed - even with my lazy bone....I still see a difference. Totally cool!

I was told 4 weeks to see optimum results and I am PUMPED because I can already see a difference. 

The damage eraser. Helps reverse the appearance of dark spots, age spots, skin stresses, darkening from acne scars. Helps maintain clarity - use twice a day. 

If you have any dark spots caused by a number of things...."Don't walk.....RUNNNNN! To your nearest CLINIQUE counter and purchase this product!

In love and excellent taste,
D for Diva

Want exceptionally LONNNNG lashes without the prescription price tag?

GET YOUR LONGEST LASHES EVER HERE!

"Hard Candy Ginormous Lash Volumizing Mascara"

I am not even kidding! For $6.00 you can have the same long thick lashes you see advertised by Brooke Shields on the tele for that prescription product that AFTER the Doctor visit, will costs you at least $50 with your co-pay. 

I use this product as a treatment, I am not crazy about it as an mascara - the brush is shotty. That said, I apply it at night and sleep in it. My lashes are really long, longer than most of my friends and this product helps me keep that 'edge' - lol! It will cause my eyes to tear sometimes, so wearing it during the day is a No Go. 

I noticed my lashes were longer than ever with two weeks usage. Reminder: I only use it at night, after I wash my face and apply moisturizers, etc. I have tried a few of these products, probably 4 and this one was the cheapest and provided the same amount of 'result'. 


In love and excellent taste,
D for Diva

Tinted moisturizer on MY BUDGET "That's what Im talkin talkin talkin bout!"

Sonia Kashuk "RADIANT" available at TARGET

So, I ran my trap about PIXI and don't get me wrong I adore that product line. However, being the sensible Product Ho I am, let's get down to it....Sonia Kahuk understands that she is at TARGET and targeting the general public, not on RODEO (that's Rodayooo) Drive. Yep, she gets it....us. 1.75 fl oz for $12.00. Diva math = AWESOME!

And even more so, it is a great product line. I have purchased 4 items and love them all. This tinted moisturizer will replace my PIXI line if it continues to perform as it has the last few days - and why not, twice the product and less than 1/2 the price....Diva math = AWESOME!

I bought  TAN and the answer is YES, it is TAN. If you are not TAN go lighter. This is a buildable product so you can add more, nice enough....it doesnt feel like you have too much even with a second layer ~ which I only use when going out on the town.

This is a make-up and treatment in one, light reflectors help disguise fine lines and wrinkles, UVA and UVB protection - all in all, a great product for those of us looking to ease out of 'foundation' and into 'our real skin'.

In love and excellent taste,
D for Diva

Speaking of TINTED MOISTURIZER - PIXI from Target

Click here to GO PIXI

What I love about this Illuminating Tint & Conceal? Everything! Except the price - $30 for 1oz....really? Apparently PIXI is the only ones not feeling the Obama tug of war with my wallet!

I love the illuminating glow of this tinted moisturizer, doesn't clog my pores. Using a primer prior is a MUST - the overall look of my skin is great. I thought the color out the tube is a bit dark, but once I spread it on my skin, it was just right. Nude Glow, is me "Tan" - so if you ladies are lighter than I am....go lighter.

The concealer on the tip is cool, however, my 2nd tube is gone and I have two full concealers left - dumb proportions, really the concealer is prepared in such a way that makes it pigment full and dense "A little goes a LONG WAY!" And once the tube is empty, clean out the lid (which stores the concealer) and keep it, now I have two bumbling around my make-up case. If I wasn't SOLD on this product THAT would be a deal breaker for me.

My thoughts? For the price and the product being at TARGET.....they need to double the size of the tube. Then when we are done with the tube we are also mostly done with the concealer.....not Rocket Science.

Try this and be sold, but cringe at the check out! Sometimes we just have to treat ourselves.....

In love and excellent taste,
D for Diva

Trilane Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Squalane

I HEART THIS STUFF!

If you aren't loving your moisturizer and wish you had something lighter, not so creamy, heavy or cumbersome - Trilane is the serum you are looking for. I love this product. It is easy to use too much, so go with one pump - then If you need more - get some, otherwise try to pull it off with one pump. This is a luxurious, smooth, silky, non oily serum that goes on easily and SURPRISE ~ wears well under make up.

The longer I used it the less foundation I needed, now I only wear tinted moisturizer - just saying, I am the make-up/foundation Queen of all my friends. I try the newest greatest products and I have tried them all, now....just a tinted foundation for the lady please (insert HUGE GRIN here).

Unlike my other 'loves' this product is not showing up on EBAY for me. The costs itself from Dr. Larks Website is not crazy out there, could that be why? I am not sure. But, I can do some math and my math states ordering directly from her site and getting the 3 pack (THREE, lasted me 4+ months) for $80 - seemed completely do-able......$20 a month?? I spend more than that on last minute coffee orders.

First thing I noticed, my skin was so smooth. Then I noticed the crepiness lightened up significantly, my skin felt pretty without make-up. I finally decided I could go without foundation, no more powder foundation (that I worshiped), just a little concealer, some tinted moisturizer and a translucent finish powder and this girl is "Good to Bounce!"

Wanting a moisturizer change, wanting something different then creams and lotions? Try this! Oh, and when you are done applying just rub your hands together to get the backs of them.......us older girls gotta take care of the stuff that tries to give us away.

In love and excellent taste,
D for Diva

TRILANE! I heart this stuff!

Click here to go to Dr.Lark's website and find your new favorite moisturizer!

Energy drink that provides a quick boost, long lasting and enhanced mental stamina without the SHAKES!

I am addicted, I am not even gonna lie. It started out with a few sample packs from a friend and then before I knew it I had two boxes, one for work and one for home. First thing I noticed, I wasnt yawning - and I was mentally sharp at 8AM or Noon. I felt 'smarter' - seriously, stop laughing. I felt more organized mentally, not so jumbled - I believe smart folks call that FOCUSED. I was not familiar, until now.

I also noticed that at first I needed 2 a day, one in the morning and one at 3pm when my brain went to sleep but my body kept acting like I was working - now, I drink one around 2pm and I am all set. My performance at work is what I notice the most. I always have had a lot of energy, and always stay busy, don't sit down much, don't watch TV, always ready to "GET ON WITH IT" - however, I have been so scatter brained the last few months, just life has gotten sketchy and it has been hard to sort it all out. I feel more focused, more direct and healthier.

Upside for some is a downside for me: It makes me less hungry. I am a bit scrawny so I cant skip too many meals, I eat before I drink it - that helps me. For those who are looking to eat less and feel better, sustain energy and retain mental focus - this is the drink you are looking for.


I hate fruit juice so I opted for the "Orange" flavor, it taste like tang with a hit of Fred Flinstone. I add the pack to a bottle of water, shake it good and get it down - not terrible by any means. Doable, for sure.

$22-25 per box, I hear it is cheaper to do the tub, however the readily available packets fit my lifestyle right now. I am not a distributor and this is the only product I have tried from the Advocare line, and quite frankly: I am SOLD.



In love and excellent taste,
DforDiva



Click here to order SPARK

Crest Professional 3D Whitestrips

First thing I notice about others? Their teeth, not so much their smile. I know I have a HUGE one, and people know me because of it - if you are struggling with teeth whiteners and don't know where to start - here's some info.

I love these, they are the most expensive in the Crest line of whitestrips, but well worth the extra. The others take twice and many applications to do half as much whitening. My suggestion is (if you haven't been whitening already) buy a box and use one set every day until gone, you will see results in 3 days and in 7 days your teeth are gleeming white, but keep going until the box is gone.

In month or however long it takes for the coffee, tea and wine to show up on the surface of your teeth, apply them again, you should reach your maximum whiteness in 3 days. I do it for 3 and then shelve the product for a week or two then hit it again. So each box last me about 2.5 months (after the first treatment)

You can use the cheaper ones, but the results take SOOOOOO much longer and if you are like me you will find yourself getting frustrated at that lack of results.

The professional strength hold better too, a little secret is I wear them on my ride to work - about 30 minutes and I drink coffee the whole ride in, yup I am a rebel like that. They hold so well, the coffee doesn't slide in between the strips and my teeth. The gum irritation is minimal after the first month, and even that was a minor discomfort that Tylenol relieved. Now during my 3 day 're-touch' I have no pain. I suspect you wont either.

Skip the expensive dental treatments unless you have irreparable damage, if it is just deep surface stains - you should be in good shape after a month of Crest 3D Professional (must be the PRO) Whitestrips. You will find them anywhere from $55-59

In love and excellent taste,
DforDiva

Click here to a brighter more beautiful smile

SHAKE WEIGHT = not for the shy!

I use my SHAKE WEIGHT (in private) about 3 times a week, for 10 minutes, more if I feel like it. I use it for about 15 minutes before I go out at night in a sleeveless shirt - gives me arm pump and looks amazing. I bought mine for $20, I have found them marked down recently for about $15. The idea behind this is to build it up and then keep it up. When I purchased it I used it everyday for a month, then every other day and now a few times a week. I love it. I dont have time for much more. I put on my IPOD listen to about 3 songs and call it quits, show me a work out that is this successful in less time??

If you're not using your SHAKE WEIGHT - pull it out of the closet it and get to it.

In love and excellent taste,

DforDiva

MATRIX Biolage Rejuvatherapie Hair Care

Anti Aging Hair Care - Over 40? Yep! You need it!

I love this hair care line, I had been using Paul Mitchell and of course the Marracon Oil line (I still love). I am getting older and my hair was looking dry, lifeless and less healthy - it didn't seem to matter what I was putting on it. I really noticed when I looked at 'younger hair' *sigh*.

Anyway, I bought the shampoo/conditioner and saw a difference after one treatment. I have dark hair so the shine came back immediately, blondes might not see it quite that soon. I love it. I got mine at BURKES outlet for $9 each, that is about $4 cheaper than I saw it elsewhere.

In love and excellent taste,
DforDiva

Hydroxatone. We have all heard the commercials on the ride to work.

Click here to go to Hydroxatones Website

Okay Ladies, I am not even gonna sugar coat this. These products WORK. I have been using them for almost 5 months and I can tell. My skin is clearer, less discoloration (sun spots), firmer (my neck alone shows huge improvement), it's brighter and I love love love them. HATE THE PRICE!!!!

Okay, I use the AM/PM in the morning. I am too lazy to wash my face at night, if I used these products AM and PM the results would be TWICE as good - why cant I remind myself that as I lay my whooped body down for bed at night? I don't know either.

I use the Declatone on my neck and I can really see a difference, I had the spot right below my chin that was drooping and my neck was looking sun damaged and wrinkled. I didnt actually notice, but I have a pic I can show you and THAT told me all I needed to know (pic #1). Now, toner, prettier and no sagging (pic #2).

Instant Effect - I didnt start using it until a few weeks ago and now I cant live without it. The results last 8 hours, if I need more time, I keep one in my purse for additional applications. I know what the instructions say - but I do it like this: Add 2 squirts to my moisturizer, go lay on the bed, head down, keep my face perfectly still for 2 minutes, get up and NOTICEABLY tighter, firmer and younger looking skin. If your skin looks like paper when you get up, you used too much - cut back next time, and this time add more moisturizer or if it is the eye area, more eye cream.

The price = OUCH! I ordered mine from the site for the first few months but it came to the tune of $180.00 per month. Found it on EBAY for 1/2 the cost and twice the product. Now I just order from EBAY - just as happy, easy and no monthly account and no auto ship/auto bill hubbub.

If you're struggling with a sound product and shun this product due to the price...."I hear ya" - order it from EBAY and trust me, you will thank me later.

In love and excellent taste,
DforDiva

Purex Crystal Fabric Softener

Click here to learn more about Purex Crystal Fabric Softener

For those of you that know me, know that I am a laundry Nazi (for lack of a better term, again). I am so picky about my laundry, it is best nobody try to help me out - "I pity da fool". I have pre-treatments, Tide w/ bleach, w/out bleach, straight bleach, pre-wash, etc. I separate my laundry into too many piles. Towels never get washed with anything else, sheets are loners...dont dry my bras or bikini's....you get the picture.

I drive myself and those who live with me silly over the laundry, but in my defense I have clothes from 10 years ago that look brand new. My oldest son got married and I gave him 1000 ct sheets I had for 10 years as a warming gift, they were his favorite and they were hand embroidered, etc. He had no idea, nor did his wife that they were practically heirlooms - due to my fanatical laundry ability. They were bright white, crisp as a spring day and soft as a baby's boom boom. They raved about them.....you know me, I told them how to launder them to keep them 'Just So'.

In my laundry craziness I sometimes come across a product I love and that makes my laundry insanity easier for me to feed. This product is just that. Purex crystals. Throw them over the laundry, shut the lid and walk away. When you open the washer to transfer to the dryer, take it in.....ahhhh FRESHNESS. And 2 weeks later when you pull that towel out of the closet, or those sheets out, or those jeans - there it is again, FRESHNESS.

Much cheaper than it's Downey counterpart. No need to chase the rinse cycle, clean the goop out of the softener tray, etc. I love this product. I have cut the initial amount per load down, I was using too much at first - a full cap is too much unless it's for a large load of towels.

To my fellow laundry crazies....enjoy! Scratch here to smell the FRESHNESS! Just kidding. LOL. I kill me, ha ha ha.

In love and excellent taste,
DforDiva

Harvey Prince Purfume and Product Line

Click here to go to Harvey Prince Home Page

Any of my friends and family following my FACEBOOK have heard me ramble on about these scents. If you haven't purchased a sample after my continued weekly prodding, you must. I have Eau Fling (seductive, he wont know what hit him and hopefully you too ladies), Eau Flirt (so summery and sexy, fruity and sultry), Ageless (a must have for any of us over 40, as soon as I smelled it - I added 10 women to my Christmas lists - they ALL must wear this) and today, I am wearing Coupling (so fresh, the cucumber bottom notes are the hit to this wonderment).

Men, looking for a gift for your special woman. Order her the Mini-Mini's for $12 each she can choose her favorite. My suggestion: Stick with any of the above mentioned.

Ladies: "Just do it.....thank me later"

In love and excellent taste,

DforDiva