Get Beach Ready for Summer Quick and Easy with Nair Hair Removal

May 11, 2013 By Sheila Thomas 8 Comments

Get Beach Ready for Summer Quick and Easy with Nair Hair Removal
#nairsummer #sp

The weather is getting nicer here is Minnesota, Finally, and that means the want for capri pants, shorts and even digging out that swimsuit for a beach day or two. And, if you live in other parts of the world you might already be wearing those shorts or swimsuits so of course you want a quick and easy way to remove the dreaded hair off those certain body parts (legs, bikini area, underarms, etc).

Nair Hair Removal is just the product to get you beach ready or just ready to rock those short shorts. I love how quick and easy the Nair Hair Removal works. I had not tried this before and honestly, was skeptical. Being a girl who has to shave every day if I don’t want hair at all, or at least a couple times a week to just keep up on things I sometimes find it hard to believe that there is a product you can slather on, that will take it all off. Well, I am now a believer!

Nair sells 2 different kits to make sure you can be hair free.

Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Total Care™ Face Trio and Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Shower Total Care™ Body Trio

First I wanted to try the Brazilian Spa Clay. It is really easy to use. Comes with a prep pad that cleans the skin to get it ready for the clay. You prep, then slather with clay, then wait, get in the shower and after the recommended time you wipe the clay and hair off your body part/s and when done with your shower use the moisturizer and you are done. Smooth, skinless, body parts.

I had not shaved my legs in maybe 3 days and this is what they looked like prior to using Nair.

Gross!! LOL! I opened my box of Nair, read the directions and prepped my skin, then slathered the clay on my legs and went off to make my bed and fold some laundry.

I waited the required time, and then hopped in the shower. Washed my hair, added my conditioner and then took my washcloth and began to wipe away the clay. Wow. My legs were hairless. Cool!! NO razor or cuts or stubble… just nice soft hairless legs.

Now, I have never ever uses any kind of depilatory product on my face. Yes, as I get older I see more and more hair on my face but have always been scared. One day my son pointed out that in the light when I turn just the right way he could see my hair on my upper lip. Gee..thanks! So, I was excited, but also scared to try the Nair face trio, but did it and am very happy with the results. I only did my upper lip, but have a nice smooth lip and will continue to use this to keep it smooth.

So, if you have ever wondered about Nair I recommend giving it a try. If you are going on vacation you can bring it with instead of your razor for a quicker and more effective hair removal. Stop paying the high prices at the salon and do your own hair removal at home. Nair hair removal has mango butter and açai berry known to moisturize the skin, and mineral-rich clay known to purify the skin. I have no irritation or bumps or anything. It is so nice. And retail is about $13.99 for one kit. What do you pay at the salon for hair removal? Have you tried Nair? What are your thoughts?

Disclaimer ~ Living Smart Girl received product and compensation for our review. All opinions are 100% Living Smart Girl’s.

Get Rid of Dead Winter Skin with #FakeBake

April 26, 2013 By Sheila Thomas Leave a Comment

Everyone needs a good scrub and as summer approaches we need to start getting rid of dry,
dead winter skin. You will love Fake Bake¹s Passion Fruit Body Scrub. It is amazing and
gentle but effective exfoliate which leaves the skin feeling silky smooth and ready to tan!

Passion Fruit Body Scrub Body Polish contains the highest concentrations of rare botanicals and
Aloe Vera extracts as well as micro particles of the gentle, natural exfoliate Luffa
which polishes skin without lacerating or damaging the surface of newly exposed layers.
The experience will leave your skin feeling refreshed and energized. AND it smells irresistibly like Passion Fruit J.

Check out all the Fake Bake Products.

Disclaimer ~ Living Smart Girl is a Fake Bake Ambassador.
Amazing products to keep me tan year round are received in exchange for posts.

Bunion Surgery Was a Success!!

April 24, 2013 By Sheila Thomas 1 Comment

Bunion Surgery was a Success !

For years and years now I have had issues with my feet. It is a family thing. Most the women in my family have bunions or other foot issues. So, I was blessed with these sexy feet with huge ass bumps on both sides. Now, I can live with bumps, but when they cause pain then they have to go. I have wanted to have them taken care of for years, but just never got around to it for one reason or another. Well, after my Aunt had her’s done I thought it was time. So, before we took off for vacation in Feb I scheduled my surgery for March when we were home. March 15th to be exact. I was scared, but not cuz of pain or that.. scared of being laid up for 8 weeks. Here is my foot the morning of surgery. Yeah.. my toe polish is bad LOL See my huge bump on the big toe side, and the bump on the little toe side. Ouch!!

So, this is the day of surgery after I got home. See my lovely wrapped foot. At this point my whole foot was still numb so I had no pain. I actually walked out of the hospital on my own in a walking boot. Well, the pain wasn’t to bad for most of the first day, but that night as the numbing wore off I started feeling it more and more. I kept up on pain meds, but they made me sick, not able to sleep and just irritated and restless. My surgery was on a Friday morning and the Dr. needed me back on Monday morning to see how things were looking. So, my weekend was a hard one as I couldn’t sleep due to the meds and I didn’t eat much because of being sick to my stomach due to the meds.

Heading to the Dr on Monday, March 18th, was not fun. I was in SO much pain! Wow. She unwrapped my foot and I got a good look at how swollen and green and purple it was. Nice huh? Take a look at my stitches.. Yikes!! And, my Dr.’s initials on my foot.
Dr. Kristen Moore. But, see my straight toe and no bump. I was prescribed another kind of meds, had my foot wrapped back up and sent home to rest for another week with my foot elevated and icing it every 30 minutes. So, got my new prescription and they made me sick. These ones gave me a headache for 3 days. I finally called and got yet a 3rd kind of pain meds. Those helped and finally I was able to get some relief. It had gotten to the point that I wasn’t sure where I hurt.. I just hurt.

Back to the Dr on Monday, March 25th to have my bandages removed again and my stitches. See how much prettier my foot is looking. Not so green and purple. But, you should have seen the underside. Why did I not take a pic of that!

With the stitches out, and 5 weeks out from surgery. My foot is healing very nicely and I am very happy. Yes, It is still sore but getting better every day. I am now ok’d to wear a shoe instead of the special walking shoe they gave me. I have 3 weeks till I am released to full exercise and activity as I feel doable. I am so glad I did this. It has been tough because I miss exercising and feel a little fluffy now from laying around so much. But, I have been able to do some upper body stuff like push ups (on my knees), crunches, strength training for arms and upper body, and leg lifts and such lying on the floor. Just nothing where I would be putting weight on my foot, other than walking. And, that was even limited for the first 4 weeks. I can do more now.

If you have foot issues, don’t live in pain. It is so worth the down time to have a pretty foot! LOL! But, more worth it is being able to live without pain. I have had to limit so many things in my life due to my foot pain. No shoes I wore ever helped and it really was a huge issue in my life. My right foot is just as bad and I plan to have surgery on that in the fall. Might as well be laid up in the winter since it lasts about 11 months here!

How to Choose a Hair Style

April 23, 2013 By Sheila Thomas Leave a Comment

Why oh Why is it so freaking hard to pick a hairstyle that I like. I can’t say I HATE my hair, I just get bored and frustrated. My hair is thick and course as well as partially wavy. If I wash, put gel in and scrunch as I blow-dry I can have a nice kinky wave.. for a day. Then I sleep on it and parts get mashed and then it looks like a mess..and not even a hot mess. (in my eyes.. LOL)

Every year I do something extreme. Seems my hair gets to a point and I just can’t take it anymore. Usually it is about this time of year. Maybe it has to do with a long winter, depression, needing something to make me feel good, or just cuz I am a woman and that is what we do. Not sure, but regardless it is time!

So, was in town the other day and I stopped in at a new hair place that is opening up tomorrow (4/24/13). I stopped to get a couple books on personal training that a gal left there for me. Well, got to talking to the owner and was telling her how I was planning on calling around for a hair appointment for today or Wednesday, and she had an opening on Wednesday.. so I grabbed it. Now, I sit here at my computer looking thru all the hair styles I have Pinned, and others online that I am finding.

Here is me now ~

My hair is maybe an inch longer than that. That was taken in Jan. I didn’t have a recent recent pic. LOL!

I am a low maintenance girl and hate having to fuss with my hair. So, I need something that I can wash, dry and go…that looks good on me. But, I also like to be able to wear it a few different ways. Up, down, straight, wavy. Yes, I am difficult!!
Last year about this time I got a wild hair up my butt and got my hair cut, short. It was shorter than I wanted, I hated it and have been letting it grow this whole time. I hated it so bad I actually went and got hair extension put in, that didn’t work so took them out and suffered. Thought I wanted short and funky hair, but hated it on me. I also am doing a color to give my hair lots of dimension. I am terrible at keeping up with a cut and color so what I get needs to look ok for a while while it grows out. I also have done the bangs thing, and like it but after a bit end up pulling them back. Not sure if I am a bang or no bang person, but I know they can be a pain since I hate things poking me in the eyes.. LOL I am such a pain in the ass!!

I feel bad for my husband cuz I have gotten into that frumpy housewife/work at home person. I am in my PJ’s all day most days of the week unless I have somewhere to go. I don’t fix myself up unless I have to. So, I need a kick

Here are some styles I like, but not sure if they will like me

I actually had my hair like this back when the show Rock of Love was on TV. Loved it!!

What do you think? Tell me, I am a big girl and can take it

I actually had my hair similar to this back when Rock of Love was on TV.

Enjoy Your Stay

April 12, 2013 By Sheila Thomas Leave a Comment

Huge Bra Sale at Leading Lady Leisure

April 9, 2013 By Sheila Thomas Leave a Comment

Just because your a full figure woman that doesn’t mean you can’t look pretty and be comfortable.
Check out the awesome bra’s at Leading Lady Leisure. And, take advantage of this great sale.

April 10th – April 14th take advantage ~
Buy 3 Leisure Bras and Save $2.50 Each
Free Shipping over $75.

Click the banner to shop now.

Condense Your Morning Routine #Aveeno #sp

March 19, 2013 By Sheila Thomas 14 Comments

Alarm goes off, you roll over and slap the snooze button only to realize this wasn’t the first “slap” to the snooze button this morning. Yikes, you have been hitting snooze for 15 minutes and now you are going to be rushing around and most likely running late.. again! Well, that has happened to me oh way to many times to count. Not so much anymore as I have come to the conclusion that I needed to condense my morning routine so I didn’t start my day off by rushing, and being in a bad mood because of it.

No matter where you are going, it bites to be rushing and late. And, to me what bites even more is giving up some of my beauty routine because then not only am I late, and crabby and rushed, I feel like I look bad to boot. I am not a huge beauty routine girl, and generally leave with very little on my face but non the less I don’t want to be rushed in the morning.

There are some things that I do to make sure my day starts off right. First, get to bed early so when that alarm goes off I can get out of bed the first time, and not hit snooze for 15 minutes or more. Second, since I am a huge water drinker I fill up a jug of ice and water and lemon the night before and have it in the fridge so I can just grab it first thing in the morning. Water is key to keep that healthy glow. Also, I am a creature of habit and eat the same thing every day for breakfast so that takes the guess out of what to eat. I am either enjoying oatmeal or a protein shake. Here are a few other things to help your beauty routine in the morning.

1)Make sure you pre-prep your skin (face) the night before with a good night time moisturizer. Keeps your skin hydrated, so morning moisturizer goes on smooth.
2) Tweeze, pluck, shave, etc., the night before. Nobody has time to primp and prep in the morning so get rid of those things the night before.
3) Have your face care products in an easy to grab place. I keep mine displayed all nice out on my makeup table so I am not fumbling around in drawers and cupboards to find what I need.
4) Follow the rule, less is more. I only use a moisturizer, foundation, bronzer, mascara and lip gloss for the day. That is all one needs to look their best.
5) One of my favorite morning routines~ I have an electric toothbrush and I do squats while I brush.   Gives me 2 minutes of squats. Not really a beauty tip for the face, but great for the butt!
6) Exfoliate /wash / condition skin in the shower all in one step. I take the morning coffee grounds, and mix a scoop of them with my daily body wash and add a touch of conditioner.   Scrub all over my body for a nice exfoliating experience. If you don’t drink coffee, you can opt for using dry oatmeal with your body wash and a touch of hair conditioner.
7) A trick I have been using for years, and am now going to share with you all. (shhh, don’t tell anyone).
I take a zip lock baggie, and a wash cloth, soak the wash cloth in cold water with a drop of lavender oil, rose oil and witch hazel, wring it out, fold it and put in the baggie. I set it next to my bed. In the morning when my alarm goes off I open the baggy and take out the washcloth. It is nice and cool and perfect to lay across my face for a quick skin care pick me up. The witch hazel and essential oils can be bought at any whole food store. You can come up with a blend perfect for your face.   This is also nice to throw into a purse for a mid day pick me up as well.

Other things I like to do is have my legs, underarms, etc., hair free so I don’t have to take time in the shower doing that. Waxing or IPL Hair Removal works great.
There are many ways one can condense their morning routine if you just think about what things you do now and how you can make it easier, and less hectic. I like to do what makes me feel good before I head out the door and these simple tips ensure I start my day off right.

What are your tips? Please share with us as we all can learn from each other.

Now, it’s actually healthy to wash your hair every day. AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Aveeno via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Aveeno.

Winter Taking it Toll on your Skin? Get a Makeover.

March 13, 2013 By Sheila Thomas 12 Comments

As beautiful as winter is, it sometimes takes a toll on your skin. I know for me it is and does every year. I live in Northern Minnesota and between the cold and wind my skin gets so dry and flaky that there are days it hurts to smile, for the fear of my face cracking. And, we heat our home with wood so that makes our home very dry. Are you in the same boat? Do you dread your winter skin? There are some great things you can do to help you skin.

1.) Water Water Water! Very important. Drink plenty of water. I love water, but do get bored with it sometimes. So, I add things like lemon slices, fresh fruit, spearmint leaves, lime slices, orange slices, or even grapefruit slices to my water jug. Drinking water also helps to flush toxins out of your body so you are multi-tasking when drinking it.

2.) If you can, try to turn down your furnace or heater, and run a humidifier. Having a warm home will dry your skin out. For me, we heat with wood and keep a pot of water on top to put moisture in the air. We have our bedroom cooler so when I am over heated I go hide in there.

3.) Taking warm and not hot showers and baths, and exfoliate a couple times a week. You can buy some great exfoliating products to pamper your skin. Apply a good moisturizer to your body after you shower.

4.) Change up your skin care routine. Stop using harsh products like a Retin A or an acne cream on your skin. Those things dry your skin which will make it crack and become red and irritated. Use a face wash that has soothing properties in it, and using a good face moisturizer is key.

These are just a few good tips I use. I tend to have the most issue with my face so I really pay attention to my skin care regimen. I am a huge Bare Minerals fan and have been using it since 2005. Love the whole line and have never had an issue with it. I used to have bad adult acne and my face took a beating while I was on Accutane. After my 6 months of the Accutane I needed to find a skincare line that was more natural, and safe and while visiting a friend in Florida she turned me onto Bare Minerals. I went online at her house, ordered up my first kit and have been sold ever since. And now, we have an Ulta in our local mall so I can go there and get what I need and love that! And, I was super excited when I found out that Bare Minerals was going to have a couple girls at Ulta doing beauty makeovers. It was a free makeover, so I signed up. I was thinking it was going to be a few girls.. Oh was I wrong. There were about 8 or more girls doing makeup and they had a full day of girls signed up for makeover. It was still fun, and I got to try a few new things so I now have even more I love. I took a before and after. The before pic, I had a very small amount of foundation and mascara on. I just can’t leave the house with a naked face LOL! The second pic I was all done up by the makeup girl. She actually used a lipstick on me that was the same color as my lips, and that I don’t like. I like a dark lipstick. She didn’t use any makeup under my eyes, and I always put eyeliner on the bottom of my eyes. But, all in all I think she did ok, and it was fun.

So, if winter skin has you down you can use my tips to help you out.. or get a fun makeover to brighten your day.

Was Your Valentine’s Day a Bust?

February 19, 2013 By Sheila Thomas 2 Comments

Was Your Valentine’s Day a Bust?

Girls (and Guys), You know what I am talking about. Did your significant other surprise you with what they thought was the best gift of the century, but instead it made you want to cry, scream, or throw it right back at them?

Well, if you didn’t get what you wanted for Valentine’s Day, Check out Spa Sensations of Duluth.

Spa Sensations of Duluth offer a huge selection of spa services like waxing, facials, sauna, Slim It, airbrush tanning, IPL hair removal, teeth whitening and so much more. Check them out, and treat yourself.

Follow Spa Sensations of Duluth on Facebook too.

Use this coupon to get a discount too. Print it out or show this to them on your smart phone.

Slim It at Spa Sensations of Duluth

January 4, 2013 By Sheila Thomas 13 Comments

Slim It at Spa Sensations of Duluth

Taking a trip, need to fit into a special dress, packed on some extra inches over the holidays?
Well, you can take care of all that and more with a Slim It treatment at Spa Sensations in Duluth, Mn.

I am sure you are asking “what is Slim It”, right? Well I know I had never heard of it until I walked into Spa Sensations.

Slim It is an Intensive Thermofusion Body Wrap. Slim It incorporates FIR infrared heat blanket for an intensive thermofusion experience. Many Benefits to having a Slim It treatment. A few are ~ increases metabolism, increases blood flow, flushes toxins from the lymph areas, improves the immune system, reduces pain associated with arthritis, reduces cellulite dimpling, reduces joint stiffness, and so much more. Plus, it feels great especially on these cold winter days.

I treated myself to a Slim It Treatment a couple weeks ago and life has been so busy I just hadn’t had a chance to tell you all about it. But, I loved it!! That was my first, but will not be my last that’s for sure. I suffer from a lot of aches and pains due to my Fibromyalgia and after just one treatment and not a full one as I had another appointment I had to get to, I felt so good. Calm, relaxed, warm, and so rejuvenated. Plus, I smelled so good. Hard to believe since you sweat out all the bad stuff in your body… LOL! But, the cream that is rubbed all over your body is cinnamon scented so you leave smelling yummy!

You start by removing all your clothes and then Jen or Tammy will spray your body with a prep spray product. Next, you slather a great smelling cream all over your body (not face) and follow with a serum all over your body as well. Then you climb into a full size plastic body bag. See me in my body bag. Like the stars? I had nothing on and the bag is see thru.

Once you are in this really sexy full body bag, you climb up on the table and lay on the special heated blanket. The blanket has 3 heat zones ~ lower, core, and upper. Can heat between 120 – 150 degrees F.

Nicely wrapped inside this heated blanket you close your eyes and just relax (almost fall asleep). It feels so good! It gets warm, but I love warm. See how cozy I look.

If you don’t live in Duluth, Mn I highly suggest you find a place that offers Slim It.

If you do live in or near Duluth, Mn. I highly suggest you check out Spa Sensations. They are located across from the Harley shop in the Gordy’s building around the back. Beautiful, comfortable, inviting, environment and Tammy and Jen are awesome!

Spa Sensations offers a full spa with many services. Waxing, IPL Hair Removal, Facials, Sauna, Tanning, Teeth Whitening, Ear Candling, Pedicures, Men’s Services and so much more.

Also, pull this coupon up on your phone or print it out to get a discount on your 1st treatment on any kind.
(some exclusions apply)

Get Beach Ready for Summer Quick and Easy with Nair Hair Removal

Get Rid of Dead Winter Skin with #FakeBake

Bunion Surgery Was a Success!!

How to Choose a Hair Style

Enjoy Your Stay

Huge Bra Sale at Leading Lady Leisure

Condense Your Morning Routine #Aveeno #sp

Winter Taking it Toll on your Skin? Get a Makeover.

Was Your Valentine’s Day a Bust?

Slim It at Spa Sensations of Duluth

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