Olivia Garden Introduces ThermoActive Ionic Boar Combo Collection Hairbrushes

Growing up with a mom who was a beautician, there was no such thing as just a hairbrush at our house.  We had round brushes, ventilated brushes, thermal brushes, and more that we could choose from as we primped, and my three sisters and I treated the hairbrush canister as a beauty “cookie jar”.  Fast forward 10 years and all I have in my own house are hairbrushes.  Just hairbrushes.  Some from the dollar store, some that were free with purchase, and still others that I probably paid for but should have been free.

But not anymore.  Now I have added a hairbrush to my collection that my mother would have positively swooned over: A ThermoActive Ionic Boar Combo brush from Olivia Garden.  Not only was this a welcome addition in my house, this brush is a revolution of sorts, the first-ever completely ventilated 100 percent boar bristle ionic thermal round brush… Whew, say that 10 times fast!

The ThermoActive Ionic Boar Combo Brush Collection are most certainly not just hairbrushes.  In fact, they have more features in their simple design than my first car did, and are far more effective.  Utilizing a unique combination of boar and ionic nylon bristles, each ThermoActive brush provides better airflow as you style that leads to faster and gentler styling.  The end result: shinier and healthier hair.

In addition to faster styling, here are even more features to ponder:

• Easier and better styling with total hair tension control;
• Curved barrel called “scalp hugging.”  The barrel gets closer to the scalp creating a longer lasting, stronger, dynamic hair style;
• Preserves natural condition of hair and controls flyaways;
• Rounded ball-point tip bristles for scalp comfort;
• Made of heat-resistant material;
• Extremely lightweight & balanced;
• Ergonomic handle and special anti-slip texture keeps hand & wrist relaxed and comfortable;
• Brush parts are fully ionic i.e. ions have relaxing benefits for user.

Olivia Garden’s ThermoActive Ionic Boar Combo brushes are available in five sizes: 1¾” (SRP: $18.25), 2¼” ($18.25), 2½” ($21.55), 3” ($21.55) and 3½” ($23.25), and will be available in September/October 2011.  Each brush comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

For more information, please visit www.oliviagarden.com

<img src="http://islandlife808.com/wp-content/themes/lifestyle_30/images/leanne.png">

Tone Up With Trim Treads

We’ve all seen all the ads for “toning shoes” that promise to sculpt your body and burn calories while you go about your day.  Even with all the other shoes on the market, I was still intrigued when I heard of Trim Treads this past month.  Unlike other shoes that promise similar results, Trim Treads are not designed to look like street wear.  One look at these crazy shoes and you know there’s no one – I repeat, no one – that can pull these off in public.

Also unlike other toning shoes, Trim Treads are only supposed to be worn for 30 minutes a day to achieve results.  I got to try a pair of sandal Trim Treads a few weeks back and as soon as they arrived I immediately slipped them on.  Sitting down, they felt just like soft-strap flip flops, but thank goodness I was holding onto a railing as I stood up, because with all my weight on them they certainly didn’t feel like the flip flops I’m used to.

To say that I was off balance and a bit clumsy is an understatement as I wobbled on the platform flip flops around the house.  The good news is that only a few minutes later I had adjusted enough to walk around and pick things up around the house, do some dishes, and even go get the mail.  The only problem came when I needed to head up or downstairs as there was no way I would attempt that kind of maneuver, especially with a little one in my arms.

While I’ve only had the Trim Treads for a few weeks, I do see a noticeable difference in the strength of my legs and my posture.  Since they do require some balance and concentration in order to not fall on my face, I’ve definitely noticed my leg muscles working more than when I’m wearing flat shoes.  I haven’t, however, noticed any pounds dropping or inches melting away, but I guess those things take time, right?

The only thing I wish is that I had tried the Trim Treads clogs or boots instead of their sandals since sandal season is officially over here in the Pacific Northwest.  Even around the house sandals are a bit cold and it’s all I can do to wear them for 30 minutes a day, which means I’m not getting as much time in them as I should each week.  If you live in a colder climate, I would recommend getting a style that you can use with socks so you can easily slip them on for your daily “non-workout”.

You can purchase the Trim Treads sandal for $39.99, which comes in seven different colors or you can choose the clogs or boots which range in price up to $59.99.

This post was written for Trim Trends who provided the complimentary item in exchange for my honest review.

<img src="http://islandlife808.com/wp-content/themes/lifestyle_30/images/leanne.png">

Tea Forte Tea-Over-Ice Brewers and Infusers

I like coffee, but I just adore tea.  There’s something so relaxing about sitting back with a nice full mug of tea and chatting with a friend, so in our house we drink a lot of tea.  In fact, we have a whole cupboard that is dedicated to our tea obsession.  In that cupboard is black tea, white tea, green tea, herbal medleys and more, with a collection of bagged varieties and loose leaves, some of which are for iced brewing that we drink year-round and some for hot tea during the colder months.  But, until recently, we didn’t have any truly gourmet brands in that cupboard, just the standard grocery store fare.

So, I’m sure you can imagine the cheering that took place when we received the Tea Lover’s dream: a package of Tea Forte selected teas and a glass Tea-Over-Ice brewing pitcher.   I think we had the package open about 10 minutes before we were enjoying our first glasses {yes, just long enough the heat the water} and were immediately raving about the quality and flavors of the two varieties we were enjoying.

If you haven’t tried their tea varieties in the past, then prepare to be blown away.  Not only do they look super cool with their pyramid shape and their beautiful design, once you try them you will change the way you drink tea.  You see, these aren’t overpriced and over-hyped teas that taste just like the kind you can buy in any discount store, these teas simply taste decadent.  With no bitter aftertaste and no strange mix of flavors, the Tea Forte line is tea as it was meant to be – smooth, delicious, and fun to enjoy.

To make our tea parties even more fun, I simply love the Flash Chill pour-over tea pitcher we were sent to check out.  The design is fairly simple with a two pitcher set that you use to steep, cool, and serve your iced tea in, but it’s that simplicity that will mean it actually gets used.  You simply steep hot tea in the lidded upper pitcher as you’d like, and then Flash Chill your fresh iced tea by pouring it into the ice in the larger, lower pitcher below, making it ready to serve right away.  In just minutes you can have a fresh 24oz pitcher of iced tea that is elegant enough for a dinner party but practical for use every day.

What’s so great about Tea Forte is that their tea is so delicious that you could use just about any of their teas and they would be delectable over ice, but what’s really cool is that they make a full line of Tea-Over-Ice pyramid infusers that are the perfect size and strength for the pitcher sizes.  Whether you prefer fruity varieties, flowery, or classic flavors, Tea Forte has the perfect iced tea pyramid infusers for you.

I know many of you are thinking “but I don’t have a tea cabinet, is this something I would actually use enough to store it?”  The short answer is “yes” – Even if you don’t have a designated tea cabinet or don’t consider yourself a tea connoisseur, the Tea Forte collection is sure to make a tea lover out of you.  If you want a truly gourmet experience, I would also recommend the Tea-Over-Ice pitcher as the perfect complement.  Beautiful, compact, and fun to use, I find myself looking for excuses to brew a batch in our new pitcher!

Be sure to check out their Specials & Discounts section to get a great deal on the Tea-Over-Ice pitcher and more!

This post was written for Tea Forte who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.

<img src="http://islandlife808.com/wp-content/themes/lifestyle_30/images/leanne.png">

Yo Gabba Gabba: Party in a Box in Stores Now!

Have you ever done a YouTube search for YO GABBA GABBA!?  I have, and it’s adorable.  The search results reveal video after video of basically the same thing: an adorable kid watching YO GABBA GABBA! on TV and doing some sort of delightful – yet crazy – dance.  Anyone who has ever caught an episode (or 80) knows that that’s pretty much the only reaction possible to what just has to be the wackiest kid’s show ever.

And it is wacky.  The first time I saw YO GABBA GABBA!, I thought it was just some zany commercial.  5 minutes in it started dawning on me that this commercial seemed really long and, even weirder, my niece and nephew seemed to have it memorized.  But, I have to admit that the show was intriguing on a number of levels.  I mean, it’s got unidentifiable creatures, a DJ with a furry hat, a yellow robot, big name guest stars and, of course, music!

Since that day we were introduced to YGG! by my niece and nephew, we have spent a good deal of time watching old reruns and trying to see all of my favorite stars guest appearances on the show.  Even with our vast viewing experience there were still a few episodes we had yet to see, so I was really excited to hear that YO GABBA GABBA! was releasing a box set of shows just in time for vacation season when I don’t have access to my DVR.

Yo Gabba Gabba: Party in a Box Episode Synopses:
Yo Gabba Gabba: Birthday Boogie
Birthday – Brobee has a surprise birthday party and everyone makes presents for him. Guest Stars:  Melora Hardin, The Ting Tings

Dress-Up – DJ Lance brings a costume box and everyone plays dress up. Guest Star: Little Ones

Talent – The Gabba Gang learns that everyone has different talents and that practices makes perfect.  Everyone uses their talent to make something special. Guest Stars: Amar’e Stoudemire, Hot Hot Heat

Ride - The Gabba gang has fun riding toys.  Toodee goes surfing, Muno rides a skateboard, Plex go-carts, Foofa rides a bike with training wheels, Brobee rides a razor and DJ Lance roller-skates. Guest Stars:  Dean & Britta

Yo Gabba Gabba: Clubhouse
Clubhouse – Brobee and Muno build a boy’s clubhouse but won’t let Foofa and Toodee play.  Meanwhile, DJ Lance and Plex help Foofa and Toodee build an awesome treehouse where everyone can play. Guest Stars:  Erykah Badu, The Sounds, Mark Mothersbaugh

Adventure – Muno and friends travel through a jungle under Gabba Land and find the golden treasure. Guest Star: The Killers

Summer – All the characters in Gabba Land enjoy the outdoors and the happiness of summertime. Guest Star: The Aquabats

Animals – Foofa loves animals and she follows an animal to learn more about it.  The Gabba gang also discovers some silly animals that only could be found in Gabba Land. Guest Stars:  Jack McBrayer, Paul Scheer, Jimmy Eat World

Yo Gabba Gabba: Dancey Dance Bunch
Friends – The characters learn how to have fun with friends and to appreciate and respect each other. Guest Star: Mya

Eat – The characters learn the importance of eating vegetables and healthy meals, trying new things and cleaning up after themselves. Guest Star: Elijah Wood

Dance – New dances are performed by the characters as they learn about manners and about the importance of apologizing. Guest Star:  Hector Jimenez

Happy – The characters learn how to handle moments of sadness and how to use hugs as a way of expression. Guest Star: The Salteens

Yo Gabba Gabba: Party in a Box Fast Facts:
Street Date: July 12, 2011
Catalogue: 145314
DVD SRP: $24.99
DVD Running Time:  Approximately 297 minutes

Sounds like a good time, right?  Seriously, if I was choosing guest stars, this would pretty much be my wishlist of who I would want to appear on the show, and here it is all one one great box set!

 This post was written for Nickelodeon who provided the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

<img src="http://islandlife808.com/wp-content/themes/lifestyle_30/images/leanne.png">

« Previous Page — Next Page »