Carefree “Freshen Up Essentials” Kit Review (by Tashina)

Like most women, I live my life on the go. I spend my days running from work to writing to events and trying to fit in a social life in between. Having quick essentials in my bag at all times to freshen up is an essential. When Carefree sent me their ideal kit for freshening up, I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised. Filled with goodies like breath mints, body spray, oil absorbing sheets, and a compact mirror in a super cute bag it reminded me of all the great essentials to have for my busy life.

For some women, one of these kits would ideally include the new Carefree Acti-Fresh liners. 40% thinner than their old liners, and even softer, they are the perfect addition to your freshen up kit. They come in 4 different sizes – thin, regular, long and extra long – to fit your needs. Plus, they are readily available and affordable. You can buy large packs to store at home and carry with you as needed, or pick up small packages when you are on the go. These liners can provide you with a little extra protection in your daily life. From the gym to long flights to days you need a little extra boost, they can help keep you feeling fresh and clean through your busy day.

What items are essential for your freshening up kit?

For Him: ARCONA Men Starter Kit (Makes a Great Father’s Day Gift)

With the ARCONA Men Starter Kit, Dad can begin a new (and man-friendly)  routine to protect his face from daily wear and tear and repair signs of aging.

Grooming for men doesn’t have to stop at regular haircuts and general maintenance. This kit has tools to clean, repair, and moisturize his face. Everything is clearly labeled for ease of use and so that HIS skincare tools are easy to differentiate from HERS. Not a bad thing.

Here’s what’s in the kit:

• Efficiency: a daily cleansing and toning bar incorporates Vitamin E and green and black tea extract to remove daily pollutants and deeply cleanse skin as it minimizes pores. The bar also uses aloe extract to deliver nourishing benefits while helping to restore skin’s natural pH balance.
• Consistency: a powerful hydrator, rich in skin remodeling peptides, that reduces the appearance of fine lines and deeply moisturizes without clogging pores. The formula leaves skin balanced and restored with a more contoured appearance.
• Productivity: an enzymatic exfoliating facial scrub that polishes and decongests enlarged pores, leaving skin clearer, smoother and more refined.
• Proficiency: a two-in-one toner for face and body that cleanses and tones skin, leaving it refreshed and restored. The effective cleansing formula is perfect for normal to oily skin types and helps to minimize breakouts.
• Restore: a powerful wrinkle-repair complex, rich in skin firming peptides, that helps reduce the visible signs of aging. Lightweight and unscented, this power packed formula is suited for both face and eye area.

I appreciate that the products smell a lot like what I’m used to using (shave cream, aftershave, and deodorant). The products have a “manly” smell to them, for lack of a better word. I also like the toning pads, which I was advised to store in the fridge, as they can also be used to refresh my face after a day out in the heat. It’s a nice touch.

At $95, the kit is a bit pricey, but for the dad in your life that has everything, I’d consider it a worthy investment. His skin will appreciate it.

You can purchase the kit at the ARCONA website.

When considering a Father’s Day gift, such as the Arcona Men Starter Kit, yes even for the man who has everything, why not considering getting him one of the various security camera systems available today. For more information on the numerous home security camera systems attainable, search the web!

Refining My Personal Style (by Marsadie)

For the past few months I’ve been working on refining my personal style. There were times when I was heavy into thirfting at trendy secondhand stores, times when I was all about mall threads (F21, H&M, Bebe, you name it), and a time when I was obsessed with designer sample sales. When it comes to scouring for items to fill out my wardrobe, I’ve learned that less is more, and I need to be savvy about where you shop for each item. You wouldn’t want to fill your wardrobe completely with secondhand rags, but you also wouldn’t want to waste your money on designer tee shirts alone.

For example, if I occasionally fill up on basics like tops and tights at my local Target or my mall’s H&M, they should last for a little while and I can wear them season to season. When it comes to weather gear, I found my favorite higher-end trench coat for fall or spring at a thrift shop. Trendy thrift shops can be perfect for spotting quality, designer threads like coats or even leather jackets for a small fraction of their original retail price. When it comes to designer items like cocktail dresses or handbags – and I’ve acquired quite an appetite – I head straight for the discount designer sites and sample sales.

Bluefly’s got it all when it comes to designer items at affordable prices. You can nab a few evening dresses for the season from your favorite labels at sometimes half their original price. They’ve got designer handbags as well. I like to get a new one for each season. Spending on select well-made items are worth it in my opinion, not for status, but because these items will last a long time with the proper care.