I've declared WAR on SUGAR. I am 99% sure that my sugar consumption is to blame for most of the health and weight struggles I've dealt with over the past decade of my life. I'm so completely fed up! I have been on a 21 day sugar detox for the past 17 days, and though I've been no where close to perfect on it, I'm just going to continue to avoid sugar as though my life depends on it. I'm tired of feeling my energy lag, of being unable to control myself around sweets that I don't even necessarily want, and not being in the shape I want to be in. I'm tired of the yo-yo. Feel me? I mean just take a look at the stats on sugar in this infographic:
I received a complimentary Smile Brilliant LED Teeth Whitening System for the purpose of this review. All opinions included in this post are my own and reflective of my experience with the product received.
I am a serious coffee drinker. Some people might call it an obsession, I call it a passionate appreciation. The only thing that I don't love about coffee is that drinking a lot of it, especially on a daily basis, causes stains on teeth. Not many things are as unappealing as yellow-tinted coffee stains on teeth! Because I am unwilling to give up my love of java, I am constantly on the look out for products that keep my pearly whites, well, white!
When Smile Brilliant reached out to me about their LED Teeth Whitening system, I was eager to put it to the test. I've tried several at home teeth whitening products in the past, but never one with an LED light. According to Smile Brilliant's website, this product will remove everything from coffee/tea to tetracycline stains on teeth and has a 30 day money back guarantee.
To use the Smile Brilliant system at home you first apply the teeth whitening gel to your teeth, then put the whitening trays into your mouth, followed by the LED activating light. You can use the light for as little as 20 minutes a day with guaranteed results. I tend to experience sensitivity in my teeth when using teeth whiteners, so I stuck to an every other day routine to make sure I got the most out of my trial.
The process itself is totally easy and the LED light is not heavy or bothersome when it is in your mouth. The only thing that was difficult for me was that I couldn't talk with it in, so I needed to make sure I did my treatments during naptime or some other time where interaction wasn't necessary (after the little one was asleep). The tray also comes apart which can be somewhat annoying but it isn't really a big deal in terms of results or the process.
After several sessions and despite continued coffee drinking I am starting to see the results I hoped for! I can only imagine how bright my teeth will be another month from now! I'm excited to keep using the LED Whitening System and look forward to sharing more results in the future.
Are you ready to start your brightening your smile at home? BaxtronLife readers can use the following coupon to save 20% off a Smile Brilliant Professional Teeth Whitening system!
Smile Brilliant has also generously offered one of my lovely readers the opportunity to try their LED Whitening System at home. This giveaway is open BaxtronLife readers located in the U.S. and Canada. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter this giveaway.
You may already have discovered how much your mom loves your kids' school art projects, especially those intended specifically for her. So what could be a more perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day than by presenting her with something original from your children?
If you’re thinking, “I’m not a crafty type and I can’t help my kids produce beautiful, crafty things,” remember this doesn’t have to be a complicated process. It can be an ideal complement to the Mothers Day flowers by FTD that you and your siblings are planning to have delivered. By taking the time to be just a little creative with your kids, you can make sure Mom has an unforgettable day.
She's Crafty
One adorable idea is explained in a four-minute easy-to-watch instructional video featuring a mother-daughter duo. The mom in the video even suggests that kids make this creation — a paper purse — with their mom, so you and your kids can put this together as a family project focusing on Grandma. This project literally requires just two folds in a sheet of rectangular paper and a single diagonal cut to design the basic “canvas.” The rest of the project is decoration, which can be simple or elaborate.
Another four-minute video explains how to help your kids make other straightforward projects, including a decorated ceramic cup and a “handprint” vase. Did you know you can use your oven to make paint applied at home permanent? This video contains fun suggestions that almost certainly will make your mom smile.
Flower Power
Handmade dried-flower art also can be easier to create than you thought; you just have to build in time for living flowers to lose moisture. All you need for that part is an empty vase in which you let your favorite variety of flowers sit and dry out. Then, you and your kids can start making a keepsake bookmark or a framed masterpiece using a paintbrush, multiple colors of acrylic paint, all-in-one glue/sealer/finish called Mod Podge and a large sheet of paper.
Put It on the Calendar
Here’s a slightly more streamlined idea: if your mom’s birthday occurs in the second half of the year, have your kids decorate a June through December calendar (create the foundation by recreating each calendar month horizontally on a separate piece of paper and then binding the pages together across the top). They can put extra decorations, including paint, crayons or markers, glitter, buttons, yarn or fabric on the page with Grandma’s birthday month and add extra-special flourishes to the date square that is her actual birthday. A construction paper cover for the calendar can be decorated by your kids, too.
Feeling a little less adventurous? Have your kids design a handmade Mother’s Day card. You can follow instructions from a Pinterest page that specifically focuses on creating a card for Grandma. Or, ask your kids to write a special poem for her. If you’re reluctant to tackle a crafts project, remember that a gift certificate from your kids for a massage, a manicure or pedicure or your mom’s favorite restaurant will most certainly be appreciated. Anything from the heart speaks volumes.
Contributed by: Lesley Morrow
Lesley is a stay-at-home mom, activist and theatre director. She loves being busy and writing about all her adventures.
Happy Mani Monday, friends! Today I am sharing two of my favorite Spring Julep colors - one is a bold pink creme, the other a limited edition microglitter - both are perfection! Also, don't miss out on the huge nail polish haul up for grabs today (below).
I am really excited to be a part of hosting this awesome giveaway with Emily at the Anna Delores Blog! Qhat a lucky lady I am, because so many lovely bloggers jumped right in to join her in the festivities.
This is a "winner takes all" giveaway, and the goodies virtually guarantee that you'll be set for manicure awesomeness for the rest of 2013. Here's what's at stake:
From left to right:
Zoya "Electra" holographic glitter polish
Color Club "Put A Pin In It" metallic bronze polish
Julep iridescent glitter pot
Julep "Dakota" metallic copper polish
Julep "O Canada" multicolored glitter polish
Illamasqua "Speckle" lavender with glitter polish
Julep "Simone" metallic lavender polish
Illamasqua "Purity" peach creme polish
American Apparel "Crescent Heights" neon lime green polish
Julep "Daphne" turquoise teal creme polish
Julep "Abbie" bright yellow creme polish
OPI "Can't Let Go" Liquid Sand in royal purple
Julep "Sally" beige creme polish
Julep Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum
Julep "Mackenzie" metallic spring green polish
butter LONDON "Scuppered" metallic bronze with green glitter polish
Julep "Glenn" metallic cranberry red polish
Julep "Shenae" metallic mint green polish
Julep "Ingrid" burnt orange creme polish
Julep Freedom Top Coat
Julep "Poppy" coral creme lip gloss
Sephora nail file
All told, we've got 16 nail polishes and four manicure accessories. The winner of this giveaway is going to make out like a bandit! The total prize value is over $300, people!
Please, please, PLEASE be sure to visit the lovely ladies who co-sponsored this giveaway with me (just click on their images to be taken to their blogs)! I am so happy to have them on board and you'll not regret a visit to their blogs.
