Beauty 4 Moms

Skin Care Routine for Busy Moms

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:46:00 +0000

Ever since my baby was born my skin hasn't been the same. I now have puffy eyes in the morning, dry skin, and well, my skin has just lost its glow. I know how to take care of my skin but I need to make time to actually do it. It's time to step up my anti aging skincare routine!

Here are some tips and tricks to bring back that youthful glow in no time! If you have any products you swear by I would love to hear about them so please share them in the comments.

Exfoliate

Dead skin cells build up on your face leaving you with a dull complexion. Exfoliate them away using a gentle face scrub or a chemical peel that contains salicylic acid.

I recommend: Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser (It cleanses, exfoliates, and freshens)

Buy it: $18 from MaryKay.com

Moisturize with Antioxidants and Sunscreen

Choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and leaves your skin feeling soft and light. Don't simply moisturize for a temporary fix, moisturize with antioxidants and sunscreen to proactively fight the signs of aging.

I recommend: Mary Kay TimeWise Age-Fighting Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15

Buy it: $22 from MaryKay.com

Use a Retinol Cream

Retinol is widely known as the most effective anti-aging ingredient recommended by dermatologists. It can fight fine lines, add elasticity to the skin, and even help in controlling acne. It can cause irritation to the skin so start by only applying small amounts or try to find a sensitive formula.

I recommend: Rilastil Micro Eye Anti-Wrinkle Contour Cream

Buy it: $78 Bigelow Chemists

Use Eye Cream

Ever night remember to gently pat your eye cream on. Choose an eye cream that includes peptides because that will help thicken the skin and build collagen.

I recommend: Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift

Buy it: $12.49 Amazon

Use Body Lotion Daily

As soon as you step out of your bath or shower and dry off apply a good moisture-rich body lotion all over. Pay close attention to your hands, chest, and neck as these areas are quick to show signs of aging.

I recommend: Gold Bond Ultimate Soothing Skin Therapy Fragrance Free

Buy it: $9.99 on sale for $6.95 Drugstore.com

Wedding Gifts Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:11:00 +0000

My best friend is getting married soon and even though she's very busy planning her dream wedding I also have a big to-do list. Being in the bridal party means that I have to assist in the wedding planning, plan the bridal shower, and keep the bride calm. We both live in different states so this makes planning a little more difficult but thanks to the internet we've been able to "shop" together a number of times.

I kind of panicked the other day when I realize that in addition to my bridal party duties I also have to buy her and/or them a gift. I've been searching "wedding gifts for bride" all day and I think I'm more confused now than when I started.

Here are a few ideas that I'm tossing around. What do you think?

- Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.

- A basket with a funny wedding movie, popcorn, and candy for a girl's night.

- A fluffy monogrammed robe.

- A personalized Christmas ornament.

- A *Surname* Family Established 2012 wooden wall calendar.

- A spa gift certificate.

- A pocket size digital camera.

There are so many great wedding gifts out there and only a few months to decide on the perfect one! If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

OSH KOSH Hooded Coat Only $17.79 Shipped ($70 value)!

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:43:00 +0000

Wow! If you’re looking to get a coat for your little one then I have a deal for you! Currently, Kohl's is offering up an OSH KOSH hooded coat for only $21 + $0.99 shipping ($70 value!)! These cute puffy jackets come in pink or purple and in sizes 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.

To make this deal even sweeter, you can use the promo code BABY20 to get an additional 20% off, making this sweet jacket as low as only $17.79 shipped to your door!

Don't forget to shop through Ebates to get 2% cash back!

HOT New Beauty Sample!!!

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:19:00 +0000

Here is a hot new beauty sample absolutely free! This sample usually runs out fast so if you're interested you better hurry!

Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Oil Review

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:27:00 +0000

I was recently able to get my hands on a sample of Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Oil. This brand comes highly recommended by many beauty loving, earth conscious people so I figured I would give it a try.

The cleanser went on and off smoothly and removed all of my makeup quickly. It also provided a light moisturizer which I loved. As I would do with any oil cleanser I did a nail test and it passed with flying colors. I lightly ran my nail down my cheek to see if any residue was left behind and there wasn't any.

My only concern is the fragrance in the oil. Don't get me wrong, it smells lovely but I'm afraid that if I used this daily it might break out my sensitive skin.

All in all this is a great cleanser that leaves your skin fresh, soft, and clean. However if you have sensitive skin, I would use caution.

Ingredients: glycine soja (soybean) oil, polyglyceryl-4-oleate, squalene, tocopherol acetate, fragrance (parfum), benzyl benzoate, linalool, eugenol.

Availability: Sephora.com and NudeSkincare.com

Price: $36.00/ 3.4 fl. oz.

Rating: 4 stars

Brought to you by Amanda Green.

Free Trial Sample of Lancome Visionnaire

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:26:00 +0000

Update: The free samples have ran out!

When you hurry over now and click the image above you can enter your name, email and zip code to get a coupon valid for a free trial sample of Lancome Visionnaire! This printable coupon is redeemable at your local Lancome counter. They say, "Discover why one out of two women tempted by a cosmetic procedure decided to postpone it." Sounds good to me!

Beauty Product Giveaway! Ends Nov. 9th

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:32:00 +0000

I have a prize pack to giveaway to one lucky reader! It contains two high-end beauty products that seem wonderful {although I've never tried them}.

You can win:

Nectifirm Cream - $60 value httP://www.nectifirm.com/
Intellishade Moisturizing SPF 45 - $48 value http://intellishadespf45.com/

This is a quick giveaway that will end Nov. 9, 2011 at midnight EST so go on and enter now!

You must be 18 years or older to enter and have a US address. One winner will be chosen via random.org. No purchase necessary. Only entries that follow the above rules will count. Entries close Nov. 09, 2011 at 12:01am EST. Winner will be announced on Nov. 10, 2011. This giveaway is sponsored by Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, Atlanta plastic surgery.

Jean Guide: Flatter Your Figure

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:45:00 +0000

Whether you’re long and lean or full of curves women everywhere struggle to find the right pair of jeans. I'm hoping that from these styles below you'll be able to find a pair that suits your style, shape, and budget.

Body Type: Full Hips and Thighs
Frustration: “I have big legs, healthy thighs, and a curvy backside so it’s hard to find a pair of jeans that I can pull over everything and still have them fit well at the waist.”

Solution 1) Flares

The best style for those with a full pear shaped figure is a flare. These are designed to accommodate curves and the wide leg at the bottom balances you out. Try to find styles that begin flaring out below the knee and have a straight look from tummy to thighs.

Trouser jeans , $69.50, victoriassecret.com

Solution 2) Dark-Wash, Close to the Floor Flares

A dark wash is flattering because it hides any bulges and bumps. To flatter curvy hips, choose a style that is ultra-simple, and doesn't attract unwanted attention to them. The extra length adds height, too making you look longer and leaner.

Low-rise “Stella” jeans , $69.90, express.com

Body Type: Hourglass
Frustration: “I have a waist and I find that most jeans cut me at the tummy in the wrong place, making my torso look shorter and stubbier.”

Solution 1) High-Waisted and Cropped Jeans

Choose styles that accentuates your hourglass’ curves even further. Jeans that hit right at the ankle are perfect!

Skinny “Aiko” jeans , $82, silverjeansco.com

Solution 2) High-Waisted Skinny Jeans

These have a contoured waistband which hugs tight to prevent any tummy gaps.

“Alexa” high-rise super stretch jeans , $78, mavi.com

Body Type: Tummy
Frustration: “I'm curvy with a tummy so it’s hard to find jeans that fit all over.”

Solution 1) Distressed Boot Cut Jeans

Fun details like fading across the hips help make your shape look slimmer.

High waist, tummy-toning, boot-cut jeans, 39, ELLOS.com They have a feature where you can buy now pay later at Ellos.

Solution 2) Long Boot Cut Jeans

Close to the floor styles create the illusion of height making you look slim and lean. Add heels to increase this!

Regular fit “Stella” jeans , $69.90, express.com

Body Type: Straight
Frustration: “My legs are straight and can easily get lost in too much fabric. Help me look feminine!”

Solution 1) Bright Skinny Jeans

Color can be eye-catching and will help accentuate your natural shape.

Brittany jeans , $98, guess.com

Solution 2): Super-Tapered Skinny Jeans

This closely fitted style hugs the legs close but the bottom is tapered for a fit that fakes shapely legs.

Siren legging jeans, $59.50, victoriassecret.com

Body Type: Petite
Frustration: “I'm just under 5' and I have a hard time finding jeans that aren't two feet too long. I'm tired of tailoring all my jeans.”

Solution 1) Distressed Cropped Jeans

Skinny styles that are a bit longer also work wonders for petites; just look for a tapered ankle {not wide leg} and roll up the hem for a cute cuffed look.

“Jazz” jeans, ~~$89~~ now $54.99, buffalojeans.com

Solution 2) Baggy Cropped Jeans

A straight and loose but fitted pair gives you room to move and elongates legs.

Cropped roll-cuff jeans , $59, dkny.com

You can save money and get cash back on many of the stores listed above when you shop through Ebates or ShopAtHome.com!

This post is in association with Ellos, however all opinions expressed are 100% my own. All images are from the related company's website.

Free Sample of Benjamin Moore Paint!

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:13:00 +0000

Right now you can get a printable coupon for a free 2 oz sample of Benjamin Moore. This coupon expires Oct. 31, 2011.

These tiny samples are great to preview a color on your wall or even to use for a small painting project. We recently added a new door to our attic and it's just bare plywood at the moment so I'm planning on using my sample to spruce it up.

Schools Should Offer Online PhD Degrees in Parenting!

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:57:00 +0000

Every parent is a self-professed expert of the parenting game. “Online PhD degrees in parenting?” you might ask rhetorically, answering yourself with: “But I earned mine by having kids!”

Take it from me, becoming a parent is a natural way to become a wizard at teaching kids right from wrong. But it's not automatic, nor do we all learn everything when it comes to parenting. Our learning experiences are reactive, not proactive; we only become better parents if our children incite us to raise them better. That works, but it's not optimum. The much better method would be establishing an academy where mothers, fathers, and aspiring parents all come together to learn an established science of parenting. That way, all the bases are covered before a baby learns how to walk.

The United States of America has a serious problem. Our children are behind in every measurable way when compared to the standards of education established by the remainder of the industrialized world. Many people blame our education system. These people are mostly right. There needs to be a serious change in the ways our schools operate. Yet that's ultimately only a symptom of a larger problem: parents just aren't as concerned about their children as they used to be.

Before you panic, let me explain. It's not that parents are more negligent these days: they're just not focused on the right things. They can hardly help it. Most parents are busy working one or more jobs to make ends meet in the middle of an economic slump. In return, the TV and the Xbox have taken a dominant role in a kid's life. Now, another line of the “TV and games are bad for kids” cliche isn't about to be spit at you. Kids need entertainment. They just also need other things.

Kids need role models. Parents spend too much time trying to enforce ideals rather than live up to them. “Turn the TV off and do your homework!” is a standard command shouted in most American living rooms around 7:00 PM. The parent, after a long day of work, immediately sits on the couch to take over the kid's warm spot. The long day at the office means you earned it, right? Well what about that long day your kid spent at school? Does she now earn the right to work more?

Parents can learn the value of setting the right example, which when it comes to making an impression on the mind of a child, goes a lot farther than telling them what to do. An online learning environment that focuses on parenting can help get parents and would-be parents to realize that their children are much more observant than they realize. They see the pile of unopened mail on the table, see you on the couch watching TV, and think to themselves, “Why do I need to do homework when I'm just as tired and behind on responsibilities as my mom?” Whether you explain to them or nor the ins and outs of your difficult job, a much simpler solution would be to open mail and pay bills while you watch TV, demonstrating that you too do your chores and side-tasks after work.

If you didn't have an online academy for parenting, would you ever think to do something like that?

But the truth is parents don't need to be told what to do, especially by some college boy who's only experience in parenting entails a few times baby-sitting his nephews. That's why if parenting is ever offered as a PhD or some other degree, the program should be entirely dependent on the volunteered services of qualified parents. Not only that, but such an academy should incorporate team-based parenting lessons. Students should share with each other particular pieces of advice on how to tackle certain aspects of parenting.

After all, every parent is an expert at parenting already, right?

This is a guest post written by my friend Maggie.

Pampers Gifts to Grow 5 Point Code: BABYISDUEANYDAY

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:55:00 +0000

If you haven't signed up yet you can sign up for free to earn rewards by entering codes at Pampers Gifts to Grow. Here is a new code for 5 points that's absolutely free. You can earn free rewards just by entering free codes (no diaper purchases necessary). The Shutterfly photo gift rewards do require you to pay shipping but the reward pictures are worth it!

BABYISDUEANYDAY - 5 points

If you have any wipes codes don't forget to enter them before 8/18/2011. Each code you enter will be tripled up to 100 bonus points!

Free Edible Arrangements When You Donate Blood!

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:50:00 +0000

You can get free Edible Arrangements when you donate blood at your nearest American Red Cross Blood drive. When you donate during the month of August you will get your free coupon. This offer expires 09/15/11. The coupon is valid for store pickup only (not valid online or by phone). Call your local store ahead to make sure they are participating. The offer code on the coupon must be used when placing the order and coupon must be presented when picking up the order. Offer valid at participating Edible Arrangements retail stores in U.S. only. Offer not valid in AK, CO, DE, FL, HI, IA, ID, LA, MN,MT, NV, NM, ND, PR, SD, WI, WY.

Thanks, Freebies4Mom!

Fashion Lenses

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:03:00 +0000

Fashion lenses come in a variety of colors, tints, statement prints and quirky designs! Have you seen anyone wearing them? You may have and not have known it! You can find contact lenses online with several different retailers who carry a broad variety of lenses available.

Colored lenses are fun for those who like to make a statement, as they are available in vibrant greens, blue and aqua shades. Of course there are the natural colors that allow the wearer to create a natural look with added details to create an elegant style for a daytime occasion.

If you want to change your look just slightly then this is the way to do it! You may have trouble deciding which shade to choose because they seem come in every color of the rainbow. They may even have a rainbow design...I wonder?

Patterned lenses might be great for a party or night on the town. They offer a statement style that screams ‘look at me!’ and adds a little oomph to any outfit. This might be a fun addition to a Halloween costume. Have you seen the white out contact lenses before? They kinda creep me out! Don't forget, patterned lenses need to be looked after just like any other set of lenses.

This care includes cleansing and rinsing the contact lenses after each wear and you should also disinfect the lenses in order to get rid of the daily dirt, make up, and dust that may become attached to the lens throughout the day. An easier option is to choose one day disposable lenses rather than soft lenses that can be worn more than once.

If you had to choose, which color would you pick? I think I would go with a deep purple. : )

Why Caring for Ourselves is as Important as Caring for Our Families

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:59:00 +0000

As mothers, we often pour more of ourselves into our families rather than into ourselves, and while this selflessness is nothing to sneer at, many women are feeling the tiredness associated with "giving yourself away." You don't have to avoid dressing up, going out, or pursuing something of interest solely because you are a mom. In fact, taking the time for ourselves is just what we need to be the best mothers we can be. To better take care of yourself so that you can better care for your family, consider trying some of the following:

Dressing Up

Whether you would like to adorn yourself in ruby rings or a nice cocktail dress, every woman should take the time to dress themselves up on occasion. While we all may not have the time to dress up in an elegant gown each and every day, a mom should take the time to dress herself up daily. Avoid the pony tail and sweatpants and don't be afraid to put on some make-up. Not only will you feel more like you have prepared for the day, but you also won't have that "oh my" moment when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.

Pursuing an Extracurricular

Have you always wanted to learn how to paint or sew? Have you wanted to learn a foreign language? Instead of sitting at home dreaming about the day that you will be able to pursue you own life passions, consider pursue one or two right now. Taking one night a week to attend a continuing education class is a great way to meet new people and to learn something new. Even joining a community sports team such as a softball or volleyball team can be great for your own morale, and your kids can come watch the games.

Insisting on Quiet Time

A quiet moment in a house full of kids is practically impossible; however, it is that silence that many mothers crave and need from time to time. Carve at least 30 minutes out of every day in which you are either able to sit and read without any distractions or are able to pray without distraction. Not only will you feel less stressed, but you will have spent precious time with the Lord.

Being a mom is hard work, and unfortunately, many moms sacrifice the time they need for themselves because of family demands. Instead of continuing to sacrifice your own well-being, hire a baby-sitter on occasion so that you can re-center and re-balance your life. Our families are the most important aspect of our lives, but they shouldn't be the only aspect. So go ahead, and take the additional time needed to care for yourself too. You may just be surprised with how energized and stress-free you feel once again.

Annie's: Free Lunch Sack Mail in Offer

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:10:00 +0000

Annie’s is offering a free reusable lunch sack when you purchase four of the following products:

Annie’s Homegrown product,
Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt 6-Packs or Squeezers,
Honest Kids Organic Drinks 8-pack carton or
64 oz bottle AND Seventh Generation Disinfectants (Sprays or Wipes).

To find out more information and print out your mailing form visit Annie's. It looks like this doesn’t require a receipt, so if you already have these items just cut off the proofs of purchase and mail them in for the free bag!

Thanks, Cindy!

Chili’s: Kids Eat Free Today (July 18, 2011)

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:07:00 +0000

Chili’s has a great promotion where Kids Eat Free today (July 18, 2011) with this printable coupon.

The limit is two free kid’s meals per adult entree purchased and the offer is valid only for children 12 and under.

Thanks, Capitally Frugal!

Looking for some women’s bargains?

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 02:54:00 +0000

Most women love to shop, although there are few exceptions. Summer is one of those times of the year when sunny weather and warmth gives us a great new excuse to get out there and reinvigorate last year’s wardrobe – but it’s not as simple as it sounds, with prices soaring higher and higher, particularly on the most desirable designs and brands of women's clothing. Luckily, due to the convenient method of shopping online, you can often head straight to a sale section on a retailer’s website. Not only does this show you the cheapest products, it does so immediately without you having to browse through loads of more expensive items.

Online at www.joebrowns.co.uk you can browse the full range of Joe Browns clothing, something which is not possible in the limited catalog selections that they send out. Knowing exactly what you need, Joe Browns has established two separate bargain sections on the site, one for women and one for men, where you can instantly head over to and sort through items with as much as 50% knocked off their original price. As the website itself puts it, “What could be better than a unique look for less?”

Once you’ve accessed the Women’s Bargains section, you can then filter the sale products into various categories, again saving you time and effort as you don’t have to browse through items
that you aren’t interested in. You can jump straight to sections like Sweatshirts for women, Casual Tops, Skirts & Dresses or Jewellery. However, don’t be too quick to head away from the main Women’s Bargains page – as well as establishing the purpose of the bargain section, this page also lists three of Joe Browns most popular products at that time, the “Best Seller”, the “Hot Buy” and the “Top Pick”, immediately exposing you to three great items without you having to lift a finger. Just remember, sale items don’t stay on sale forever, so grab them while they’re reduced to save yourself some extra cash.

Green It Yourself with Carter Oosterhouse

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 02:34:00 +0000

If you visit Green Works' Facebook page you can watch several "Green It Yourself" videos from Carter Oosterhouse. These videos share a ton of easy ways to live greener. He shares simple tips like using energy efficient appliances, no VOC paint with low fumes, and cork flooring to keep allergens at bay.

My favorite idea was to use earth-friendly zero VOC paint. These paints carry less fumes and less toxins. This would have been a good thing to know when my husband was painting the nursery. If we had bought zero VOC paint I could have stayed in the house while he painted or maybe even helped him paint!

Disclosure: This post is an entry to win a Clorox® Green Works® giveaway on the Mom Bloggers Club.

Expired Free Full-Sized Can of Kaboom Foamtastic With Oxi-Clean

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:11:00 +0000

*Update - All samples are gone!*

Hurry over and request your free full-sized can of Kaboom Foamtastic With Oxi-Clean. Use coupon code freekaboomtixc.

Harris Teeter: Super Double Coupons (June 22-28, 2011)

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Harris Teeter is having another Super Double Coupon Event June 22-28, 2011. Coupons up to $1.98 will be doubled! There is a limit of 20 coupons per household per day.

10 Tips for Buying Maternity Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:46:00 +0000

1. Shop with a budget in mind. This is a good tip when shopping for just about anything! Before heading to a store or an online shop take time to develop a plan. Do you need shirts, tees, jeans, capris, shorts, dress pants, skirts, dresses, or any special occasion dresses? How much can you afford to spend on your pregnancy wardrobe as a whole?

2. Be prepared to change your style. As your body changes what styles looks good on you will change as well. Embrace your new curves and enjoy shopping for a new look.

3. Remember what doesn't change. Some things in fashion remain a constant, for instance: Black is slimming, get a black top! Horizontal stripes make you appear bigger than you are so avoid them! Wedge heels gives your legs the allusion of being longer and your calves leaner. Keep in mind, however, that it's not a good idea to wear heels in your third trimester!

4. Wear what is comfortable. For some, sweatpants are the ultimate in comfort but if you want to dress it up a little and remain just as comfy I recommend a sundress. Some will cover your new curves and some will accentuate them, the choice is yours. Check out these stylish and affordable ones from http://www.very.co.uk.

5. Buy quality. Be aware that quality maternity clothing is designed to last through the nine months of a pregnancy and will stretch with you. It is better to buy three very good items than a dozen cheap ones to ensure you'll have nice looking clothes at the end of pregnancy.

6. Shop at maternity clothing stores. These stores are more likely to have knowledgeable staff, quality maternity clothing, and so on than other retail stores. They may even have a maternity pillow you can put on under your clothes in early pregnancy to predict how clothes will fit later on. Also, I just enjoyed shopping alongside other pregnant women who could give me their opinion and knew what I was going through.

7. Buy a belly band. There are many ways to expand your current jeans, shorts, and skirts by expanding your waist band. I know many who have loved doubling a hair tie to extend their jeans but my favorite way was with a belly band (the brand I used was Bella Band). It gave my clothes a layered look (which it just so happens is stylish), it gave me added comfort and support, and it kept my pants up without me having to button or zip them at all!

8. Don't forget nursing clothes. These items shirts, camisoles, and dresses have openings that make it easier to nurse. Don't forget nursing bras too! There is also comfortable nursing sleepwear which makes for less disrobing for nighttime feedings.

9. Wait to buy until your second trimester. Sure, you are excited about the pregnancy but the majority of women won't start showing until the second trimester. You can probably get away with the roomier clothes in your closet but if you want a new outfit just for fun choose a cardigan that you can wear after pregnancy too. As your tummy grows you can buy a pregnancy camisole and still sport your new cardigan.

10. Repeat as necessary: as you progress into your pregnancy, you may discover some purchases simply didn't work out as you thought. Not to mention that seasons will change and you'll need clothes for each season. Be prepared for this and don't try to buy all your wardrobe at once.

I hope these ten tips from my experience will be beneficial to someone. Do you have any tips to add? If so please share them with us all in the comments, I would love to hear them!

Setting Hair Straight

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Thu, 26 May 2011 20:48:00 +0000

Would you love to have straight, silky locks like Jennifer Aniston or Lucy Liu? Thermal reconditioning is a semi-permanent solution (6-10 months) but if you are looking for a cheaper yet effective way to get super straight hair read on!

Step 1:

Towel dry your hair. Lightly coat fly-aways with a styling product. You can use a mousse for a soft hold or a light gel for a stronger hold. Don't use a silicone serum right now.

Step 2: It's key to get your hairline smooth and everything else will fall into place. If you have bangs dry them first. Then gently pull sections of your hair from along your hairline with a brush and start drying at the roots, working your way to the ends. Repeat for your entire hairline and then gently brush through it.

Step 3: This is an area that is easy to rush through but you won't be happy with the results unless you take a little extra time here. Separate your hair into four or five sections and clip all but one section up. Using a large round brush, pull the section tight and toward the floor, rolling it either out or under at the end. Follow the brush with your blow dryer but be sure to keep the dryer a few inches away from the brush as to not burn your hair. The nozzle of the dryer should be pointed downward to keep your hair as flat and smooth as possible. Repeat this process with each section. A boar hair brush is recommended as it adds natural oils to your hair but it's not necessary.

Step 4: Begin styling small sections of your hair with your flat iron (ghd's gold hair straighteners are my favorite). Start at the root and work your way downward. If you want to keep a little body you can start around your ears to get the same smooth effect without loss of natural body. Be careful not to leave the iron on one place for too long and if you wish to flip your hair out or under do so with a quick flick of the wrist to avoid burning your ends. Don’t try to iron too much hair at the same time in an effort to finish quicker because it will actually take you longer and you won't get the results you want.

Step 5: Silicone serums and creams are wonderful products that can give your hair a healthy shine and help minimize frizz. Just like most great hair care products, less is more. It's easy to apply too much and it will quickly weigh your hair down or make it look greasy instead of shiny. Add only drop to the ends of your hair after you've finished styling.

50 Free Pampers Gifts to Grow happybdaypamprs

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:16:00 +0000

Add 50 points to your Pampers Gifts to Grow account with the following code:

happybdaypamprs

This code is only valid today (April 14, 2011).

Two Free Diaper Samples From Fred’s Diapers

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 02:06:00 +0000

Pampers Gifts to Grow 10 points * SEP3PGW7NRKYWXK*

noreply@blogger.com (MrsAshley) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Do you have a Pampers Gifts to Grow account? If so, here are 10 more free points for you!

SEP3PGW7NRKYWXK - 10 points (unknown expiration)