I manage It's the holiday season - a time for family, friends, and FOOD! How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle amongst all the sweet treats and junk food? See what other Upsiders are saying by joining the discussion in The Upside Forum. #TheUpside #ad
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We don't do a lot of sweets or unhealthy foods, we stay pretty basic. The closest we get to junk food is a small fat-free no-bake cheesecake. It is more of a time for our family to enjoy one another, reflect on our blessed lives, and thankful for being together. If there is such a thing it is a keto holiday like any other holiday.

I have lived in many places around the world and the USA, one central issue is that people tend to celebrate with food. Once upon a time, I did as well, my comfort from my Mom was food. Yes, it is a pleasurable experience however it is not a healthy way to live. Food is fuel; I am by no means a skinny diet freak, but very aware of health concerns that run through the DNA. Prevention starts with daily, then holidays.

Garnier - SkinActiv Clearly Brighter

SkinActive Clearly Brighter  daily moisturizer SPF 15 was also a big hit. Clinically proven results in just one week, antioxidant complex with vitamin C, E, and LHA. Broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen. Reveals 2 key dimensions of brighter looking skin, radiant, more even skin tone improves texture and reduces wrinkles. 

I took the seven-day challenge and found my skin tone to be more even, have more elasticity and all the fine lines lessened. My skin is smooth and healthy looking with all the ruddy color gone. I look healthy and youthful, not bad for a fifty plus year old woman.

If you are looking for a more healthy glow with fewer chemicals I suggest you try Clearly Brighter! It has made the world of difference. I am using the entire line of products and find them wonderful for my skin. A new outlook and ready for a change this spring.  Learning to be more active and eating healthy with plenty of hydration will also help in maintaining beautiful skin.

I use the Garnier Skin care product line because I believe in the products and have seen wonderful results. Visit the site and take your own seven day challenge http://www.garnierusa.com/products/skincare/brightening-moisturizers.aspx

Toiletry Bag, Travel Size Hanging Bag for Toiletries. #DoDoToiletrBag I am very pleased with this travel toiletry bag, it has three visible compartments and one behind the slotted area. What makes this bag more unique than any other I have received is the ability to use full-size products. The bag expands to hold my products with little stress on the zipper. However, I did attempt to stress the zipper as much as I could but it did not pop, unzip, or tear. Which made this the perfect product to take with you on a trip, or moving from one home to another.

It also comes with a handy well made hard plastic hook at the top to hang on the wall or back of door. I enjoy using these bags on the back of a bathroom door, organized minimalist is what I consider myself. Everything has a place and there is a place for everything. You will be more than pleased with this purchase.

I recieved this product for my honest unbiased opinion and testing purposes. All opinions are my own and I have no affiliation with this company other than recieving this product.

Country Crock Original

These are simple recipes with any of the country crock varieties I received this product free for testing purposes from @countrycrock @simplegoodness #simplegoodness and @influenster.  I use it to flavor all my veggies after they are steamed.  The family uses it on toast, muffins, biscuits, and potatoes. 

Easy recipe

1 head of cauliflower cleaned and cut

1 head of broccoli cleaned and cut

Steam until done add 2 tbsp of Country Crock

A better alternative than cheese, or butter far more healthy and not to mention great tasting, low cal and affordable.

Garnier Whole Blends

Garnier as pure as nature itself. #‎WholeBlends‬ ‪#‎GarnierCrowd‬ ‪#‎sponsored‬ Thank you +Crowdtap  for allowing me to try this product it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. 

The first thing I did was share the product with others. I was asked a simple question to which the only answer was share.  A couple of men in my life wanted to know why I only chose women to try the product?  What was so special that they too could not have great looking hair. As I said, the only answer to this one was to share. The positive feedback and detail they gave may make me rethink which people I choose to share products with. 

Honey Treasures Shampoo

The first noticeable thing about this whole blends product Honey Treasures Shampoo is the smell, it is fresh, clean and wholesome. Good lather, nursing, easy rinse and the product felt good after it was used. I do not like to blow dry due to split ends and this product did not leave a gummy residue on my hair compared to an expensive product I use now. Not only am I saving money my hair will be stronger and damage from other products can be healed.

Just as the shampoo of the same name this did not weigh my hair down or make it feel sticky, limp, nor over conditioned which I find with my current product. I did not have to rinse for a long time. It has been only since using the whole blends that I have been able to run a comb through my hair after I condition. It may not sound like a big deal although my hair is long and very thick this is a definite plus for me because I am usually pulling out a handful of hair after a conditioning. I felt as if I was using something more natural, healthy and great for my hair.

Coconut Water and Vanilla Milk Shampoo

This product did as described it helped to soften my hair, but not to the point of feeling over conditioned. I enjoyed most of the experience, the smells are not overpowering but are present. I happen to love the coconut but you can smell the hint of vanilla which was not harsh but it was there. My hair did get softened and replenished.

Coconut Oil and Coconut Butter Shampoo

Whole Blends Coconut Oil and Coconut Butter Shampoo hands down this is my favorite of all the blends. The smell reminds me of summer, blends well with my creams I use for my body. Clean great smelling hair at a fraction of what I usually spend is an awesome plus. I did not have to use a frizz control product which saved, even more, money. If this blend has taught me anything it is that expensive is not always better for your hair to get the desired results. This will definitely be the Whole blend I will continue to use.

This product left my hair soft and smooth, although my hair is thick I did not have to put a lot in my hair as I did my current product it still managed to get my hair detangled and smoothed the frizz. I am so delighted to have been able to use this product cutting out the expensive hair stripping, non-working defrizzing product I used and will now use this whole blends Coconut Oil and Coconut Butter Conditioner, this is the smell of healthy and summer mixed. I can actually say I enjoy this conditioner.

NeckSnug™ Luxury Memory Foam Travel Pillow - Perfect For Car Airplane and Train - BEST U-Shaped Neck Pillow To Provide Maximum Support And Comfort - 100% MONEYBACK GUARANTEE!I enjoy the NeckSnug memory foam travel pillow although I do not use it as intended. I have a spinal issue which makes it very difficult for me to get and stay comfortable when sleeping. I must say the last two nights of sleep I have gone through the night without getting up from discomfort. It snugly yet gently holds my head and neck in position, I did put a small pillow case over mine so that I would not drool on it. I hope that was not too much information. The memory foam pops right back in place regardless of how long I use it.
There is a zippered area you can remove the foam, clean if needed and it quickly zips back in place. The head rests elastic works on most automobiles. I did take it for a test spin and it is quite comfortable. It probably would have been more had I been in a car with someone I wasn't having to grab the handles every time they turned a corner, but that is just control issues. The pillow, however, stayed in place. I am very pleased with the product and will be purchasing another for my mate. I received this product for free or at a highly reduced rate for my honest unbiased​ opinion and testing purposes.

  AZSPORT Waist Trimmer - Adjustable Ab Sauna Belt to help you shed the excess Water weight and tone your mid section. Black Color - One Size Fits up to 50 Inches My desire to get this belt was due to the flimsy ones handed out in medical facilities that my husband uses for his hernia. Since they can't do surgery until they make a mesh well enough this belt is the only thing holding the hernia back. I was surprised that it was so comfortable on him. When he doesn't wear it I use it for my lower back discomfort on the days that I am hurting and need the support. As you can tell we are not using it for its "trimming" effect although the material is breathable, light weight and comfortable I am not using it as directed for trimming the waistline. It gives you the comfort of pain relief without the worry of rolling down or up the Velcro band is strong, grabs well and longer than most back braces that look like this, or hernia support belts that look like this. I received this product highly discounted for purpose of review and my honest unbiased opinion and testing purposes. It has been worn by two different people since it was delivered and has not had the chance to breath. It is a great product for back support I can't stress that enough, and my husbands hernia is the size of a football and now stays in place. This is a great alternative for those looking for that kind of support. If either of us start to lose inches it is only a bonus for us. Great product.

Click HERE to purchase price $59.99

As a retired nurse, and a previous TENS unit owner I was surprised first at the cost which is a great deal considering the impact of pain relief it can provide. Small and portable does not decrease the intensity of pain relief the Tens Unit Muscle Stimulator - Easy@Home 16 mode portable Handheld Electronic Pulse Massager Unit, FDA approved for OTC Use pain relief therapy device on Shoulder, Waist, Joint, Back, Arm, Leg &morecan stand against any of the old bulky units that once were. I have compared this to several types first is what you receive at physical therapy with a prescription written by your doctor and the price is killer, with this unit there is no guess work and far more explanation then I have ever gotten from a medical facility.

It is as good as the old units, better than the slap on ones you get at the store which fail each time you try. The machine is simple, you charge it until the light turns green, you plug in both leads, or you can do one lead with has two pads at the end of each. In the booklet you receive the last page will give you optimal placement. The machine gives you six different settings (modes) and you can increase those settings until you feel relief. This #TENSUNIT is by far the easiest and most portable than any I have used. There are 16 auto mode procedure mode settings.


The pads wear out time is longer than the older models, and the price is not bad at all compared to the relief it gives. Much like batteries that wear out in any device you buy, they will need to be replaced and that cost is minimal. I received this product at a heavily discounted price or free for my unbiased honest opinion and testing purposes. I found that a small cosmetic bag will fit the machine and all of its components for easy storage. The unit is well made, easy to use, and very affordable for those with pain issues. I would suggest you read the disclaimers and safety information before using the product. I do not find any cons with this product for my personal situation.


Please check with your physician before purchasing or using a #TENSUNIT, there are many reason you should not use it or can cause yourself harm. I will reiterate what the product tells you, avoid if you have " cardiac pacemaker or an existing cardiac condition, implanted metal devices/screws areas of the body, pregnant or suffer from epilepsy. If you have one of the following conditions, please consult with your physician before purchasing or using this device. Any acute disease; tumor; infectious disease; pregnant; heart disease; high fever; abnormal blood pressure; lack of skin sensation or an abnormal skin condition; any condition requiring the active supervision of a physician."  This information is directly quoted from the product information
.
This is a personal choice of pain management, some choose to use medication I on the other hand do not. Opiod addiction in the USA is at an all time high (no pun intended), when relief can be given by a tens unit if you do not have the above conditions. It can give you the relief of a four hour pill without the side effects. But again this is a personal choice.

I have also used this on my son, he is an amputee and suffers from phantom pain. He describes it as a muscle ache you can never rub out. His intensity is set for a six and on the setting for the tapping which is both EMS and TENS to help relieve those sensations.  

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America's Best Organic Self Tanner with Free eBook! Streak Free Sunless Indoor Tanning Lotion for Body and Face: Natural Not Fake Looking Bake!

Thermalabs have out done themselves with this wonderful Organic Self Tanning product. I have tried several so called self tanning products only to become discouraged and very orange. I was wonderfully surprised with #thermalabs product, not only was it a gradual tanning over a couple nights, but it smelled awesome making my skin glow, smooth, and giving me a boost in self confidence. Do not misunderstand, we tan very easy in the summer, but we are very pale during the winter months. I would rather be healthy and glow with this tanning product than find out down the line I have skin cancer from laying in the sun. Obtaining the perfect shade all year without the health concerns.

Why I picked this product- it is organic, skin cancer is rampant in our family and we cannot take a chance in the sun, and the results were amazing. The detailed instructions including how not to apply the product is something you do not get with other self tanners. The E book was a bonus, with great insight and information relative to the product and its use. The results are lasting, they do not wash off after you use them; it can last up to two weeks depending on your skin type (everyone can vary). After a few days the tanning will be at its peak then you continue every couple days to keep that glowing tan year round. Lastly, the product cost verses the cost in a retail store for a wash away tan is more than reasonable. I have paid twice the price for a product that did not work, or left me with long streaks of orange, which is really unattractive.

How to use the product please read until the end so you do not miss any important facts – the first step is to exfoliate your entire body, yes get in the shower and use an exfoliating wash making sure to pay attention to the dry areas on your body. Those areas are usually your elbows, knees, and sides of your feet, some people overlook those areas. If you skip this step you may end up blotchy and uneven.

Protect your hands from stains by using gloves, or you can purchase one of the products called an UltiMitt, I decided to go with the store bought gloves which worked perfectly. Do not forget to dab a little on the back of your hands and rub them together by using the tops of your hand or use one glove at a time whichever works for you.

Don't use any body lotions or creams after your shower it can block the tanner from absorbing into your skin except for those driest areas I mentioned above. When you get to the dry areas mix the tanning solution with a little lotion and apply to the dry areas, and remember to use broad strokes paying attention not to miss any areas you may move in all directions it does not have to be an up and down motion.

I know it sounds as if I am contradicting myself with the lotion/cream but the dryer the area the more the product absorbs, this would also include scars. Eczema, or any other blemish that is dry or deeper than a layer of skin. I found this out the hard way. Although do not get upset it can be remedied. I did this by showering again, exfoliating and starting over in a few days. It worked out perfectly.

The tan is not at its peak yet, but as it is used consistently the hue will deepen although I am very pleased with the results I have received already. I recommend this product for anyone that has used a tanning product that did not last, turned you orange, or washed off after one day.I received this product either free or at a reduced rate for the purpose of testing in order to provide an honest and 100% unbiased review these opinions are my own.

Order here Thermalabs Organic Self Tanner

Fogless Shower Mirror - EASY INSTALL - SHATTER PROOF - Includes Razor Hook - Modern - Anti-Fog Nanotechnology - Exclusive To Amazon

Cassani Fogless Shower Mirror - order here

The Cassani Fogless Shower mirror is oval and measures  7.5 x 5.7 x 0.1 inches, it comes with two different hooks, mirror, and instructions. Please read the instructions before you begin to unpack your mirror as it contains pertinent information on installation.

Decide where you want your mirror, it is preferable to have it out of running water range so it does not obstruct your view by water splashing on it, although keep it nearer to the shower head. This may require you to stand in your tub to find the perfect height. Once you do clean the area well wipe dry and use rubbing alcohol to clean the surface and apply the first hook, it is the one with only one hook on it.  Remove backing and apply the hook to the wall for at least 45 seconds.  

Do not remove the covering from the mirror yet, but set it on the hook and find a place to put the second hook which will hold your razor that is why there are two hooks on it. We have found you can put your razor on it across or hang the head through it leaving the metal blades inward or outward whichever you prefer. Again follow the above instructions on how to hand the second hook same as the first. Allow both to adhere for a couple hours, then remove the covering from the mirror and hang it on the first hook, and the razor in the second.

Now you are ready for your shaving experience with your new Fogless Shower Mirror. Cleaning the mirror is not difficult, but do not using cleaning supplies. You can rinse it with water and use your hand to wipe of excess water, or use water and vinegar 50/50 doing the same process by wiping it off with your hand. Cleaning supplies and rubbing it with a towel or cloth will scratch your mirror. These do not last forever and will need to be replaced, but if you take care and follow the instructions you will get your moneys worth out of your product.

I am pleased with this purchase, it also gave use some family time installing the mirror as everyone wanted to try it out. *This review is my 100% honest opinion, I have received this product for testing purposes at a reduced rate or free. 

I recommend this product for everyone that shaves in the shower and tired of fogged up mirrors, or hair in the sink.

Mr Rugged Beard Balm Conditioner 1.8oz with Organic Argan Oil - Jojoba Oil - Olive Oil - Beeswax - Cedar Wood Essential Oils

Mr. Rugged Beard Balm Conditioner

Mr Rugged Beard Balm Conditioner 1.8oz with Organic Argan Oil - Jojoba Oil - Olive Oil - Beeswax - Cedar Wood Essential Oils made for the hard to handle wiry, untamed beard that some men unfortunately must deal with when they grow a beard. I noticed my son go through an array of all kinds of crazy looking bottles of balm and oils for his beard. The result was usually a very deep disappointment, or anger at the price he paid just for the name of the product.

As I was browsing one of my sites I noticed Mr. Rugged Beard Balm Conditioner, and I could get it at a reduced rate to test the product so, I thought how could it hurt to try. I was unsure at first if he would be receptive to the idea so I called his significant other to ask, she approved and did not think he would  have a problem. How exactly do you go about telling your son "hey buddy your beard is looking rough."  An added plus was that in most part it is all natural.

On with the story, Okay, so it comes, and I give it to him. He looks at me and asked if I was trying to say something, yes I am I think you should try this, look at the ingredients, and smell it. He smiled and we talked about how he was having a time with itching, and trying to control his beard, and had pretty much given up on trying to find something that really worked for more than a day. He is on day three now, after he used Mr. Rugged for the first time after he showered he called me to come look. He never calls me to come look at anything.

The first thing I asked him was did he cut his beard? He said no he used the Beard Balm. I smelled it and I have to say it is a very manly clean scent, it felt soft to me. I asked about the itching and he said it had not started itching yet. So, we decided to give it a couple more days. No itching, no irritation, only a nice shine and manageable beard. I was told to keep Mr. Rugged Beard Balm in my favorites so he doesn't have to search around for it.

He did have to use slightly more than a dime size, but I do think it is due to the length and thickness of his beard. One extremely happy customer that will gladly purchase this product again and suggest it to any man with a beard. As I said earlier I purchased this product at a reduced price/or free in return for my honest unbiased review. Not every review will get five stars, but this product works beyond what my expectations were.

I am adding two before and two after pictures so you can see the difference he wakes and showers only to have this wild mess on his face, the second set is the tamed mane. You may notice one side of his beard grow much differently than the other, but with the beard balm it is barely noticeable.

Before

After