Delicious Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Let’s face it — Dad already has plenty of ties, grilling tools and golf gear.

This Father’s Day, give him something delicious. A happy belly is the key to any man’s heart!

Tuscanini Foods

Put together a special basket filled with gourmet Italian treats made by Tuscanini Foods. There are plenty of stellar options, including:

–100% Durum Semolina pastas in a variety of shapes: Gigli (ruffle-edged cones), Pennoni (a somewhat more substantial version of Penne), Trottole (“spinning top”), tricolor Conchiglie (seashells), and tricolor Fusilli (corkscrews)

-Balsamic vinegar and glaze out of Modena

-Pasta sauces featuring 40 fresh tomatoes from the Parma region

Learn more: tuscaninifoods.com

Pig of the Month BBQ

Get Dad a subscription to the very best BBQ delivery service. Their slow-cooked meats are stored in the freezer and are ready to be reheated, whenever he’ll get a hankering for yummy BBQ.

Learn more: pigofthemonth.com

Goldbelly

This site offers plenty of comfort foods from all over the U.S. From pastrami sandwich kits to Philly cheesesteaks to stone crab claws to maple-glazed bacon donuts, they’ve literally got any craving covered!

Learn more: goldbelly.com

New Beauty Products to Try This April

The beauty industry reminds me of New York City – it never sleeps. There’s a constant merchandise rollout, hitting the market daily.

Although I have my tried-and-true arsenal of beauty staples, I always enjoy keeping up to date with new releases.

Here is a list of fresh goodies that are on my radar.

Erborian Glow Crème $42

Glow Crème offers a luminous blur effect and a fresh complexion in a simple step. Enriched with licorice extract, this multi-benefit crème helps to brighten, beautify and moisturize, while also helping to smooth the skin. Subtly pearlescent, your skin will illuminate with an ultra-radiant glow effect leaving you feeling date night ready. Available at https://usa.erborian.com

Mamonde – Hydro Eye Gel Cream $32

The skin around your eyes is very sensitive – but needs A LOT of love. This eye cream is made with narcissus flower extract that will keep your skin smooth and hydrated. Available on Mamonde.com

C.O. Bigelow Iconic Collection – Body Cream $30

Introducing the newest collection from C.O. Bigelow – The Iconic Collection. Available in West Village Rose, Aqua Mellia, Musk and Bergamot – these light, iconic scents leave your skin soft delicately fragranced. Made with shea butter and coconut oil, this body cream will bring extreme moisture to your skin. Available on www.bigelowchemists.com

Wrinkles Schminkles $30

Wrinkles Schminkles founder, Gabrielle Requena, realized that living in Australia, her décolletage was showing signs of aging faster than other parts of the skin! While there are countless lotions and potions on the market for the face, there was nothing for the body! Not one to shy away from a challenge, Requena got to work developing an affordable, super-effective and non-invasive range of products to help women look and feel confident in their skin. The solution? Wrinkles Schminkles, an anti-aging range of reusable 100% Medical Grade Silicone Pads for men and women especially designed to treat the chest, eyes, forehead, hands, neck and mouth—overnight! Available on Amazon.

John Frieda Day 2 Revival Dry Shampoo $9.49

Save time and instantly refresh second day hair without leaving a visible residue. This lightly scented dry shampoo quickly absorbs oils and reactivates style leaving hair looking and feeling clean. Available on Amazon.

John Frieda Day 2 Revival Wave Refresh Spray $9.49

Give yesterday’s waves a spritz with this refresh spray that contains a unique blend of Acai and Avocado Dry Oil. This will add texture and grip to day 2 hair, making getting ready for valentine’s day that much easier. Available on Amazon.

Erborian BB Shot Mask $8

Bring your skin to life with this instant beauty-boosting sheet mask that acts like a true concentrate for a flawless complexion. Delivering results comparable to those of a serum, it immediately helps to plump skin with moisture, smooth and refine skin’s texture and illuminate the complexion, leaving you and your skin ready to take on the night. Available at https://usa.erborian.com

CRYSTAL Mineral-Enriched Deodorant in “Freshly Minted” $6.15

The deodorant has a clean, unisex scent featuring subtle hints of cotton, linen and fresh mint, evoking a newly printed greenback, and that’s a fragrance anyone can love! It’s enriched with minerals, and provides effective odor protection with a light aroma, and no harsh chemicals. It’s powerful, but gentle and glides on smooth. Bonus — it also conditions and moisturizes skin while delivering the long-lasting 24-hour protection you can trust. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free! Available at www.thecrystal.com

Crystal Mineral Deodorant Review

*A sample was provided in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was received for this post.*

ABOUT CRYSTAL MINERAL DEODORANT STICK $6.99:

This powerful, one ingredient mineral stick eliminates and blocks odor before it starts without harmful or harsh chemicals, offering long-lasting, natural mineral protection for up to 24 hours. With daily suggested use, can last over a year.

– Contains one ingredient: Pure Mineral Salt.

– Prevents odor safely for up to 24 hours.

– No residue, no staining, no white marks.

– Made without Aluminum Chloride/Chlorohydrate/Zirconium, Parabens, Phthalates, and Artificial Fragrance.

– Dermatologist tested; unscented.

– Vegan and Cruelty Free.

MY REVIEW:

For a while now, I’ve been on the hunt to find an alternative to my anti-perspirant. I’ve always been let down with the products I’ve tried. That is, until CRYSTAL entered my life.

The idea of rubbing a wet stone on my armpits initially seemed wacky. I gave it a shot and was very pleasantly surprised with how effective it was. I’m now addicted and keep this product in my tub.

After I shower, I wet the stone, apply it generously to each armpit and voilà, I’m odor-free for at least 24 hours. As an added bonus, it doesn’t leave any white marks on my clothes. I consider that a major win!

But what about the potassium alum ingredient in the formula? It has a scary, chemical-sounding name but according to CRYSTAL, it is actually a naturally occurring mineral salt that creates a protective barrier against odor causing bacteria. It does not inhibit sweat gland function in any way.

There is plenty of contradictory advice online about the safety and effectiveness of mineral deodorants. I encourage you to do thorough research to decide if this is a product you’ll want to incorporate into your routine.

For more information, check out https://www.thecrystal.com/

Doctor Plotka’s MouthWatchers Toothbrush Review + Discount Code

*A sample was provided in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was received for this post.*

ABOUT DR. PLOTKA’S MOUTHWATCHERS TOOTHBRUSHES:

Dr. Plotka’s brushes keep your teeth clean with their two innovative features.

The first is antimicrobial technology. The bristles on each toothbrush are infused with natural bacteria-fighting silver that kills 99.9% of bacteria within 6 hours after brushing! An untreated toothbrush can grow up to 100 million microorganisms between brushings. That’s gross! Dr. Plotka’s naturally antimicrobial brushes are here to eliminate that problem!

The second is their amazing Flossing Bristles. These bristles are ultra-thin (1 micrometer!) at the tip, allowing them to reach areas that other toothbrushes often miss. Plus, they’re made out of polyester, so they last longer than traditional toothbrush bristles (up to 4 months instead of 3)!

Reasons to Love Dr. Plotka’s Toothbrushes:

• Naturally Antimicrobial* Bristles – Infused with silver to naturally eliminate 99.9% of bacteria that grows on the bristles within 6 hours!
• Flossing Bristles™ – Dual-layered bristle structure provides superior cleaning: the inner bristles, thin as a human hair, gently brush away food and plaque in places other brushes miss while the outer thicker bristles ensure complete cleaning of gum and teeth.
• Soft Long-Lasting Polyester Bristles – Get up to one extra month of use thanks to polyester bristles which bend better than the nylon bristles found in most other brushes on the market! (The ADA recommends changing your toothbrush every 3 months. The Doctor Plotka’s brush will last about 4!)
• Dentist Developed – Dr. Ronald Plotka designed this innovative toothbrush as part of his thriving 40+ year Boston-based dental practice.

Dr. Plotka’s toothbrushes can be found on www.mouthwatchers.com

MY REVIEW:

Doctor Plotka’s MouthWatchers toothbrush is a life-changing addition to my self-care routine!

We’re often led to believe that the harsher we scrub our skin and teeth, the cleaner they’ll be. This may actually lead to more harm than good.

What I love about this toothbrush is the softness of the polyester bristles. They feel amazing on my teeth and gums. The bristles are super thin and get into every nook and cranny to eliminate plague and stray food particles.

The fact that they are infused with antimicrobial technology is a much needed bonus. There are so many gross germs that set up camp in our bathrooms. It’s really a peace of mind knowing that this toothbrush is infused with non-toxic silver to eliminate bacteria.

There’s a Doctor Plotka toothbrush for everyone. You can pick up youth and adult manual brushes, a folding travel brush and even a power brush.

Visit www.mouthwatchers.com to learn more.

Here’s a special discount code for my readers!

Use promo code SOURCE to get 20% off your order. *US only, one use per customer*

Laneige Hydrating Trial Kit Review

*A sample was provided in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was received for this post.*

ABOUT LANEIGE HYDRATING TRIAL KIT ($25):

Max out on moisture with this five-piece set, featuring hydration-boosting cleanser, toner, serum, cream and mask in a pouch.

The set includes:

– Moisturizing Foam Cleanser

– Essential Power Skin Toner for Normal to Dry Skin

– Water Bank Essence

– Water Bank Moisture Cream

– Water Sleeping Mask

MY REVIEW:

I was very excited to try this set. I’m a big fan of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and use it religiously every night.

Since it’s winter, I was immediately drawn to the moisture cream and water sleeping mask.

Both products have a pleasant texture and an incredible scent. I’m such a sucker for good smelling products and can’t get enough of Laneige’s signature aroma.

The moisture cream immediately absorbed into my skin while the mask felt greasier and left a shiny film on the surface.

In the morning, I woke up with hydrated, soft, plump skin.

After about two weeks of use, I noticed that my pores were getting larger and appeared clogged. I have oily skin and sadly, these products are not conducive to my skin type.

I encourage you to try this set and see if it works for your skin. To learn more, visit https://us.laneige.com/

Absolutely Gluten Free TahiniBAR Review

*A sample was provided in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was received for this post.* ABOUT THE PRODUCT: Absolutely Gluten Free is taking on the energy bar category with the launch of TahiniBAR, a grab-and-go sesame seed snack …

The Best Stocking Stuffers for Beauty Lovers

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 $48

A plush 2-in-1 tool that provides a flawless complexion with an airbrushed finish. This brush was designed to apply BOTH foundation and concealer.

Murad Rapid Resurfacing Peels $44

An at-home peel with a blend of 10 percent glycolic acid and vitamin C. These peels really shrunk my pores and improved my skin’s texture.

Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara $32

Better than waterproof, the 24-hour formula stays looking freshly applied yet slides off with just warm water. It’s a life-changing mascara.

LIVING Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo $23

Absorbs oil and leaves virtually no visible residue or powdery build-up behind. The awesome scent is a bonus.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $20

The best moisturizing leave-on lip mask for smoother lips overnight. I keep it on my nightstand and use it daily.

Nitty Gritty Almond Seed Scrub Review

*A sample was received in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was received for this post.*

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
Rub-a-dub-dub, my skin is in love! For those looking for smooth, healthy skin (and who isn’t?), this rejuvenating natural exfoliant is the perfect place to start. Helping to gently slough off dead skin cells and remove excess oils and dirt particles, it will take your skin from nitty gritty to oh so pretty!

MY REVIEW:

I LOVE this Nitty Gritty almond seed scrub from The Organic Skin Co! It’s such a gentle exfoliant for my sensitive skin. There are no icky plastic microbeads in this formula. Just a natural combination of organic ingredients like almond seed, licorice, rosemary and honeysuckle extracts

After the first use, my skin is smooth and glowing. I also love that the packaging is recyclable and the company will plant a tree for every product you purchase. Such a great way to take care of our skin and our planet.

For more information, please visit their website and check out their full range of products, including lipsticks.

Thank you The Organic Skin Co for giving me a chance to try this product!

Holiday Stocking Stuffers From Bioré

Enjoy a spin on the traditional lump of coal this holiday season with the beauty essentials that everyone will love – whether they’ve been naughty or nice! Bioré Charcoal Products are the perfect stocking stuffers. The invigorating scents of peppermint pays homage to the holiday season while having a fun twist on giving them the gift of char-“coal” that also cleans and smooths skin.

• Charcoal Whipped Purifying Detox Mask ($6.49): Go back to black with this detoxifying mask made with one of Bioré® Skincare’s hero ingredients. Formulated for oily skin, it contains natural charcoal—known for its ability to draw out and trap impurities. Wash away dirt and oil instantly for skin that’s clean, refreshed and instantly mattified.

• Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water ($6.99): This no-rinse micellar formula utilizes innovative Japanese technology to dissolve makeup while removing dirt and oil from pores. In a detoxifying black hue formulated for oily skin, it absorbs excess oil and leaves skin mattified.

• Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips ($6.49): When you have oily skin, shine prevention is essential. For the first time, the Bioré® skincare experts have added natural charcoal powder to the iconic Pore Strips, reducing oil for a full 24 hours. With next generation, proprietary c-bond technology and potent charcoal, the strips remove clogs and weeks’ worth of buildup and you’ll see 3x less oil.

• Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar ($6.49): For those who like to hold pore cleansing power in the palm of their hand, this cleanser features a dual action formula to exfoliate while deep cleaning pores. This cleanser draws out and binds to deep down dirt and oil for 2.5 times cleaner pores than a basic cleanser. With jojoba beads and peppermint, the formula gently exfoliates and leaves skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

Available at www.Bioré.com

Rembrandt 1 Week Whitening Kit Review

*A sample was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

Rembrandt, the iconic teeth whitening brand, has recently launched a 1 Week Whitening kit to brighten your smile with professional-level results in the comfort of home.

The kit retails for $24.99 and packs two weeks’ worth of powerful whitening into just seven days.

I was thrilled to try the kit out before my vacation. I didn’t have much time before my trip and the idea that I could improve my smile in just one week was very appealing.

Before trying the kit

The whitening strips were easy to apply and stayed put but I found them a bit thick and bulky. Compared to other strips I’ve tried, I noticed a difference with how they fit.

I have sensitive teeth and I was happy that the strips didn’t cause discomfort. I applied them daily for a week and noticed a brighter smile.

After one week of use

I recommend pairing the kit with Rembrandt’s whitening toothpaste to amplify the results.

If you are short on time, consider the 3 day REMBRANDT Whitening Boost Kit that retails for $6.99.

Rembrandt products are available in stores at Walmart and online at www.rembrandt.com