Sample Source package - Part 1

My goodies from Sample Source! - Part 1

In case you don't know, Sample Source is a site where you can sign up to request to try free samples of many different products. They offer different products at different times. And best part is, it's completely free! Just register, and you're good to go.

Now, on to my products... 

First up, is the Flax Plus - Pumpkin Flax Granola. I only got to try a little, thanks to my husband taking it and finishing it off. But, from what I tried, it wasn't too bad. It must have been good for him to eat all of it. :)

Would I recommend this? Yes. Would I buy it? Yes.

The vitamins. I received the Hair Skin Nails gummies, and the Sundown Naturals Adult Multivitamin. I did not like either of them. They both had a very weird texture, and horrible taste. Especially the after-taste. I was disappointed. But, it happens. 

Would I recommend or buy these? No... unless you can get past the texture and taste.

If you received a Sample Source box, comment below and let me know what you think! Or, if you use these, let me know your thoughts!

Keep a look out for the next part of the samples!

Sponsor(s) of the month:

Guest Post :: Sara Kosmyna from Mario Badescu

5 Tips to Keep You Looking Younger Longer

In today’s beauty-driven culture, having a youthful appearance that withstands the test of time is desired by many. Beauty aficionados the world over scour the pages of magazines and websites looking for the fountain of youth. While we haven’t found that miraculous place yet, we’ve trail-blazed ahead with advancements in cosmetic products and procedures that could leave even the plainest of Janes looking like someone born to strut the runway.

We all know the term beautiful encompasses a wide range of things, embodied by a laugh, a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word. The following tips are designed to help your exterior match the warmth of your interior, revealing the full picture of what makes you uniquely beautiful and uniquely you.

1. Stay out of the sun.

Sun damage accounts for up to 90% of aging; that’s why it’s crucial to keep your skin protected during the day with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. To account for the damage done by both UVA and UVB rays, find a broad spectrum sunscreen. This will fend off burning rays as well as those that cause premature aging. Remember to reapply every couple of hours and after sweating or swimming.

2. Dress to flatter your figure.

Choose outfits that accentuate and enhance your silhouette. A dark colored blazer is the perfect jacket to be worn with a blouse and jeans for a fashionable and timeless look at any age. This outfit can be worn day or night and dressed up or down with your choice of shoes and accessories. Rather than dress with a specific age group in mind, fill your closet with enduring pieces that are classic and keep your clothes well-tailored to fit your shape.

3. Maintain your hands, nails and hair.

It’s been said that if you want to know a woman’s age just look at her hands. To keep yours withstanding the test of time, be sure to use a moisturizing hand cream daily and exfoliate a few times per week to slough away dead skin cells. Nails should be kept at a comfortable length and can be painted any color, although soft pinks and lighter shades often look younger. When it comes to the hair, trims should be performed every six to eight weeks, and touch ups should be performed regularly if gray roots are a concern.

4. Evolve your makeup.

As we age, the skin gradually loses firmness and elasticity. To play up your youthful features, it’s all about adding light to the face. Highlighter can be worn above the cheekbones as well as the brow bone to create a luminous look. Harsh lines and heavily mattified makeup can be aging, so it’s best to find creamy bases that moisturize the skin and distract from any dryness, fine lines, or wrinkles. Keep eye makeup light and cheeks flushed with a warm pink or orange blush.

5. Care for your skin.
Health and longevity are two factors that we continually strive for in life. Vitamin C has been hailed as a miracle antioxidant for many years, and its benefits to the skin are equally impressive. Offering protection from free radicals as well as much desired anti-aging benefits, Vitamin C has gained a popular reputation for helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots (also known as hyperpigmentation) and uneven skin tone especially when used in a vitamin c serum.

These are only a few tips that can bring out your natural beauty. To be truly gorgeous, remember to let your personality shine and above all enjoy life.

About The Author:

Sara Kosmyna has written a number of essays and articles on love, beauty, health and fashion. Her work has been published in print and online. She works for Mario Badescu Skin Care.

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Want to do a guest post for us? Go here: Guest Post

Sponsor(s) of the month:

Guest Post :: Lee Ann Buttery from Mario Badescu

This is Mrs. Mama Panda's first guest post, so it's an honor to have the first one come from Lee Ann Buttery that works for Mario Badescu. And the topic is something all of us mothers can relate to. Hope you enjoy it! And thanks to Lee Ann for writing this up for us!

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Skin Care Tips for Busy Moms

The life of a mother can be like one big circus. You’re juggling all sorts of tasks from doing laundry, wiping away tears, bandaging boo-boos, to cooking meals for picky eaters. The list is endless and, although being a mama is rewarding, the busy lifestyle can wreak havoc on the skin. Read further to get tips on how to address stressed-out, mommy-induced skin so you can glow from head to toe!

Tired, Puffy Eyes

Do seven or more hours of sleep sound unattainable to you? If so, we feel your pain. But you can fake eight hours of sleep when you’ve only had four (yikes). If you struggle with puffy eyes from a lack of slumber, the first thing you should do upon waking is to splash your face with cool water as this will help to reduce swelling.

Next, place cold tea bags (refrigerate them for 15 minutes or soak them in ice cold water first) on each of your eyes as you lie on two pillows for about 10 minutes—the elevation of your head in conjunction with the cool sensation on your eyes will further alleviate the puffiness. Following the tea bags, apply a cooling eye gel on the orbital bone of the eyes (the bone right that lies right in between the cheekbone and under eye area).

Dull, Lifeless Skin

Lacking a glow in the skin happens to the best of us, but don’t fret—you can salvage your skin and get that glow back. Before you hit the sack, wash your face with a cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. Not sure what your skin type is? Take an online skin analysis. Next, exfoliate your skin to slough away dead surface cells, which is the key to reveal a fresher, more radiant complexion. It is important to use an exfoliant according to your skin type. If you have sensitive or acne-inflamed skin, avoid mechanical exfoliants such as face scrubs and facial brushes as they can exacerbate the condition. Rather, use a chemical exfoliant such as a cleanser that contains an alpha hydroxy acid (i.e. glycolic acid, lactic acid) which will chemically loosen and lift away dead surface cells.

After exfoliating, apply a face mask that is formulated to nourish dull, stressed out skin. Most masks are meant to be left on the face for about 15 to 30 minutes, but follow the instructions on the label. After the mask is removed, apply a toner, face serum (one that addresses your skin’s concerns), eye cream and moisturizer, respectively.

Mommy Acne

Also known as Adult Acne, ‘Mommy Acne’ can be triggered or exacerbated by stress and hormones (yes, including that time of the month). When breakouts occur, use a cleanser that is specifically made to address acne—namely, one that contains Salicylic Acid. Moreover, dab a spot treatment on the blemish to dry it up as quickly as possible.

While you embrace the many priceless parenting moments, don’t neglect your skin in the process!

About the Author:

Lee Ann Buttery is a licensed Esthetician, professional makeup artist, and busy mom that works for Mario Badescu. She is passionate about all things beauty-related and has a particular obsession with anti-aging.

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Want to do a guest post for us? Go here: Guest Post

Product Review :: Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu

skin care

I like to care for my skin, and especially help slow down the aging process! Mario Badescu Skin Care has been known for personalized skin care and acne treatment. Their products help fight acne, treat rosacea, control teen acne, and help with their aging skin. From cleansers, astringents and moisturizers to exfoliants and eye creams, Mario Badescu Skin Care offers a comprehensive array of products for all of your needs. Here's the samples I received: