Micro-Pedi with Emjoi

With Memorial Day approaching, there's no denying that it's open-toed shoe season. Unfortunately, I am at the point in my third trimester of pregnancy when seeing, let alone reaching my feet is a challenge. I am also reluctant to spend time in a nail salon due to fumes. So I haven't felt ready for the days of having my feet in public view until I was sent the Micro-Pedi by Emjoi!

It is a compact but powerful home pedicure tool that helps smooth out rough patches and callouses to allow softer skin to emerge. It requires two double-A batteries in order to work but once those are in, it is pretty powerful. It didn't hurt at all to use it. In fact I had more difficulty getting it out of the plastic package than I did giving myself a home-pedicure, despite the interference of the pregnant belly. It has a large button that pushes up to turn it on and it features helpful grips on the sides. It also has a little release button at the top for easy cleaning. While I will spare you the foot photos, I am really pleased with the results from using this! We aren't taking any big trips before baby comes but we are going away for a weekend here and there, and I will feel better prepared because of this small tool. Emjoi sent me this product to review at the perfect time of year so thank you to them! It retails for $39.95 (which is about what I pay for a pedicure in Pittsburgh). It is available for purchase directly from their website here.

Emjoi Micro Nail Buffer Review

The folks at Emjoi contacted me to see if I wanted to review their nail buffer, called the Micronail and because I rarely have time to get manicures at the salon, I jumped at the opportunity. More often than not, my nails are bare and without polish. I've learned that my attempts at home manicures don't last very long and the upkeep requires more time to spare that I simply don't have. So keeping neat, clean but plain nails has been my goal for a while.

This tool works similarly to a tiny powerful-but-gentle dremel. It took me a few tries to get the hang of it (my hands have never been very steady) but I suffered no consequences from my lack of precision. Quickly and easily, I was able to buff my nails to a very lovely shiny finish. The results are difficult to capture in image form but noticeable in person. Thank you, Emjoi for the product to review!

Postpartum Skincare and a Giveaway!

I have had acne-prone, oily skin my entire adult life and have mostly avoided products that my dermatologist hasn't green-lit. Because of this, soon after I found out I was pregnant last year, I scheduled two appointments: 1. to establish care with a midwives group in the local women's hospital and 2. to check in with my dermatologist about pregnancy skincare. While visiting with my derm, I decided to get a Clarisonic to compensate for the prescription medications I couldn't safely use. And I am still using mine. But my postpartum skin has suffered from hormonal fluctuations, stress, and sleep deprivation. So when a representative from Bioque asked me if I would host a giveaway and review their line, I was excited.

I used the products for the last few weeks and have noticed my skin seems hydrated, bright, and (mostly) clear. I had a positive experience with each of the products but really love the Serum XL. The C-Plus cream is incredibly rich which would be great for dryer skin but feels a bit thick for me in summertime. Sometimes when I used new products they sting or cause my skin to react unfavorably (hence my relying on mostly derm-recommended items) but these haven't given me any problems.

And now you can win your own trio of Bioque products! One lucky winner (US entrants, only) will receive the Gentle Purifying Skin Cleanser, the C-Plus Moisturizing Cream, and the Serum XL from Bioque. There are many ways to win. See below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gift giving to discerning men in your life

Although I've not had a lot of time to browse the mall this holiday shopping season, I will not pass up the opportunity to give gifts to my loved ones. Thank goodness we live in the era of digital shopping so that I am able to be ready for the holidays while spending the vast majority of my time at home with my newborn! Not everything has arrived just yet, but I am almost finished.

Of course, some people are easier to buy for than others. And in my life, the men in particular can be tough gift nuts to crack. Chris has very discerning tastes so while I know him well and enjoy the challenge of coming up with ideas, I also toil over what to buy for him. My dad and brother are the other two people in my life that give me the most gift giving block. Thankfully my brother usually gives me an idea directly. My dad always says he doesn't need or want anything (and he means it!) but I still like finding something small.

One gift idea I had a few years ago for Chris was to upgrade the tools and products he uses for shaving. So when P&G and Blogher recruited bloggers to write about the deals being offered on The Art of Shaving website, I was happy to oblige.

There are a number of coupon codes available to make their very fancy shaving gift sets a bit more affordable!

Free Ground shipping and $15 off your purchase of any The Art of Shaving Full Size Kit, until 12/30/12 with Promo Code: 15offFSK.

20% off your purchase of The Perfect Shave Solution.  Valid unitl 12/30 No code needed.  Discount automatically applied at checkout when you purchase a full size Pre Shave, a full size Shaving Cream or soap and bowl, Shaving Brush, Razor and After Shave.

Free Ground Shipping and 10% off ProGlide Power Save Set, through 12/30/12 Promo code: 10PowerShave.

Happy gifting! 

Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner review

On Consuming Parenthood, I have a post up about my "pregnancy hair" and the impact of a new conditioner from Dove. The conditioner is called Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner and I was offered to review it by BlogHer. Check it out here.

Apothica/SkincareRX Giveaway Winner!

There weren't many entries this giveaway so the odds were stacked in favor of those of you who did participate. I personally made my own recent Apothica order and am thrilled with my Bumble and Bumble shampoo and conditioner as well as my Laura Geller lipgloss. I am sure the winner will put her giftcard to good use!

The winner was drawn via Random.Org.

Congratulations to comment number 8, from Rebecca Lately!

Please email me (jesspgh at gmail) to claim your prize! Thank you to Apothica/SkincareRX/Skinbotanica for providing the prize and to all the contestants for entering! I will be back with another great giveaway soon!

Win $20 to spend at Apothica, Skincare RX, or Skinbotanica!

I was excited to be contacted by Apothica, SkincareRX, and Skinbotanica when they asked me to host a giveaway on Consume or Consumed. They are providing the winner of the giveaway with a $20 gift certificate to spend on any of their three websites.

Each website features a range of make up, skin, and haircare products from recognizable brands. Skincare RX in particular has the best strengthening shampoos which will be useful for your locks during pool season. 

Entering the giveaway is easy!

Eligibility: Contestants must subscribe to Consume or Consumed via GFC (aka the "Comrades" link in my sidebar). This giveaway is open worldwide (but know that non-US readers might incur additional ship and custom fees).

To enter:
1. Go to any of the above websites and tell me your favorite product in a comment (where you also include that you are a subscriber).
2. For additional entries, leave separate comments indicated that you've blogged the giveaway (provide the link in the comment), tweeted the giveaway (@jesspgh), and/or "liked" Consume or Consumed on Facebook.

Simple enough! This giveaway will be open for 10 days and closes on Friday, July 20th at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be drawn via random.org and published on Saturday, July 21st so be sure to check back then. The winner will be put into contact directly with a liaison from the company who will administer their prize. I will redraw if I cannot get a hold of the winner within 24 hours.

*To protect your privacy, you are not required to leave an email address or personal contact information on my blog.  

Perricone Giveaway ($150 value!) Featuring Dmae Skin

I'm thrilled to offer (US) readers the opportunity to win an item of their choice from the NV Perricone MD website, courtesy of the brand. The winner can select any product they wish, valued at $150 or less.

I've struggled with my skin for decades and even with the help of a great dermatologist, I still find myself eager to try new products, new options, new treatments. NV Perricone MD has a great reputation for innovations in the creation of topical as well as vitamin interventions. One such intervention is DMAE (short for Dimethylaminoethanol) which works as an antioxidant membrane stabilizer. DMAE skin can be achieved through topical or oral methods to produce brightness, firmness, and smoothness. Sign me up! The Perricone blog also includes a list of anti inflammatory foods which is helpful if you want to consider diet influence on skin health.

Free shipping applies to all orders over $50. And entering is easy!

Eligibility:
You must be a public follower of Consume or Consumed to be eligible. Please click on the button beneath the "Comrades" section of my sidebar to join. This giveaway is open to US residents, only.

There are a few ways to win!*
1. For one entry please comment that you are a public follower.
2. For an additional entry, share your favorite skincare trick (whether it is cucumber slices, sugar scrubs, getting enough sleep, standing over a steaming pot of pasta, etc.)!
3. For a third entry, tweet this giveaway, including @jesspgh and @perriconeMD and comment that you have done so.

Simple enough! This giveaway will be open for 10 days and closes on Sunday, June 10th at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be drawn via random.org and published on Monday, June 11th so be sure to check back then. The winner will be put into contact directly with a Perricone liaison who will administer their prize. I will redraw if I cannot get a hold of the winner within 24 hours.

*To protect your privacy, you are not required to leave an email address or personal contact information on my blog.  

Good luck everyone!

Surreptitious Salon photo

I had a make up trial on Saturday at MCN Salon in East Liberty. This photo was snapped when I had nothing but some eye shadow on. It was a fun morning and the salon space is gorgeous. I was kind of  floored by the volume of attractive customers and staff. Though I'm super happy with my amazing hair stylist, Erin, I really enjoyed getting my make up done in a salon/by a pro for the first time ever. My future mother-in-law was so sweet to suggest this. I was planning to do my own even though I'm not skilled at all in the realm of make up.