GLYCOLIC ACID 10% CREAM - CELL RENEWAL from Life Essentials [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  I recently tried the Life Essentials Skin Care Eye Cream and reviewed it. I found it to be lovely, excellent quality. Here is a link to my short Instagram review and feature. CLICK HERE I recommend.

When given the opportunity to explore the Glycolic Acid Cream, I thought perhaps this, too, would be a lovely product. I was not disappointed.

There is a warning that the glycolic acid cream could make the skin more sensitive to the sun. I am finding this in a plethora of products on today's market. So as a precaution, I use it once daily at bedtime. I tend to rotate through the products I have on hand, so by doing this I don't get too much sensitivity taking place. Personally, my makeup foundation has some sun screen in it which is protective.

The cream is white, and goes on with a non-greasy feel and sort of a white film. I gently rotate my fingers all over my face while applying using a nice massage to the skin method. This eases the cream into the skin's pores creating a nice layer to work while I'm sleeping. I also apply the cream under my chin, down my neck, and onto my chest. I found that the following morning my skin feels soft and cared for. Lovely.

An elderly lady with absolutely no wrinkles once told my mother.....

Every night cleanse your face and CREAM it. Use whatever product you can afford..... CREAM IT! 

So this Life Essenials Skin Care Glyolic Acid 10% Cream is a good product with which to cream your face nightly and the glycolic acid is said to help with the process of cell renewal.

A good source of information about skin care and products, or rather ingredients in the products, can be found at the Skin Cancer website - CLICK HERE. Specifically note.... "Today, vitamins are incorporated into many topical anti-aging products. ... Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs, which also increase sun sensitivity) are another important topical anti-aging ingredient. Glycolic acid is the most beneficial, since it enhances dead skin shedding and helps correct skin discoloration."

About the product (from Life Essentials website): Our deep penetrating fruit based Alpha Hydroxy cream will soften skin as old layers are sloughed away and new ones are brought to the surface; use for younger and smoother skin. May make skin more sensitive to the sun. Find it - click here

Ingredients: Deionized Water // Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol // Cetyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate // Glycerin (Kosher, Vegetable), Glyceryl Stearate // Glycolic Acid, Organic Aloe Juice // Stearyl Alcohol, Squalane (Olive Oil Based) // Vitamin E, Ubiquinone (CoQ10) // Vitamin C, Lemon Extract // Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract , Apple Extract // Sugar Cane Extract , Orange Peel Extract // Cetearyl Glucoside, , Xanthan Gum // Lactobacillus-Lemon Peel Ferment Extract, Caprylyl Glycol // Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters // Lysolecithin, Phenylpropanol // Propanediol, Pullulan // Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Hydroxide // Sodium Phytate

GIVEAWAY

Begins May 5
Ends May 28 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary product to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are after I have actually used the product on myself. I received no compensation for this review. Winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Life Essentials.

Pacha soaps help get the world around you clean - Check out the samples giveaway

Don't you just love a good bar of soap? Soap that smells good. Soap that really cleans. Soap that is good for your skin. You can have all that PLUS you can help the disadvantaged in the World. Read on..... .....

SOAP COCONUT MILK

Imagine wrapping yourself in the
luxury of vanilla and coconut.

The perfect warm and cozy blend, our Coconut milk soap is crafted with organic coconut milk and natural vanilla extract. Enjoy an indulgent bath experience that will leave your skin smelling splendidly sweet! Find it click here

Your Pacha Soap purchases help fuel clean water initiatives, small-scale soap shops and other sustainable ventures in developing countries! 

Ingredients: Organic Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil*, Organic Extra Virgin Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil and/or Organic Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil*, Water, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sodium Hydroxide**, Unrefined Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Myroxylon Pereirae (Balsam Peru) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Natural Fragrance (Non-synthetic scent derived from essential oils and plant extracts), Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk,Mineral Pigment, Organic Fair Trade Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Powder

SOAP CLARIFYING CHARCOAL

This swirly soap actually
looks like a modern work of art.
Think about "bathing in art." 

Pacha’s Clarifying Charcoal bar is loaded with activated charcoal powder to gently cleanse both the face and body. Naturally scented with lively lemongrass and peppermint essential oils and free of harmful chemicals, you can enjoy this blend knowing it was handcrafted using only premium ingredients from the earth. Find it - click here.

Ingredients: Organic Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil*, Organic Extra Virgin Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil and/or Organic Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil*, Water, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sodium Hydroxide**, Unrefined Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Carbon (Activated Charcoal Powder), Mineral Pigment.

We all know that cleanliness is important for healthy living. Not only is it important to have good, clean water, but it is highly important to have quality soap products that help flush away the by-products of living and the environment that causes disease.

Purposeful bath products that cultivate prosperity around the world. All natural and cruelty free.

The Pacha Soap company has a mission. That mission is .... 

• Support clean water initiatives and hygiene education for healthier communities.
• Create prosperity for others and our Earth by practicing transparent and ethical commerce through our supply  chain.
• Invest in communities and people through skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities to establish self-sustaining commerce.
• Instill confidence, strength and liberate people through economic

You can help fulfill their mission of helping when you purchase the Pacha Soap products. 

GoodEarthBeauty.com is now carrying the Pacha brand and offers a nice DISCOUNT  CODE - SKINCARE10 which nets you 10% discount. And as always, FREE SHIPPING in USA.

Your Pacha Soap purchases help fuel clean water initiatives, small-scale soap shops and other sustainable ventures in developing countries! 

GIVEAWAY

5 Pacha Bar Soap Samples
Selection option of GoodEarthBeauty
(Note: These are smallish, thin bars that you will enjoy sampling.)

Begins May 4

Ends June 3 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received sample sized products to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine and are freely given. Prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Good Earth Beauty.

The Story of And: The Little Word That Changed the World by Sandy Eisenberg Sasson

My thoughts: The concept of this children's book is interesting. It takes a small word, "and," and gives it life. The word "and" is used as a conjunction to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences. It is also used to introduce additional comments or interjections.

So just how is the author and artist granting world changing status to "and"?

In an age of differences of opinions, differences of ideologies, differences of being the author uses the connection of "and" to aid in the identity of overcoming these differences. They begin to experience connectivity of sorts.

The art is modernistic in splashes of color and lots of geometric shapes. You know, squares are definitely different from circles or triangles.

I'm not sure I really see the connection with the beginning of the story where the little girl that loves to count and the evolvement of the storyline. But it somehow works.

This kind of bizarre tale begins with a circle that ends up connecting to a single line. Then AND comes along and joins (connects) the two, and on it goes. Lots of interference from AND, but lots of getting together, too.

A cute book. Kids can learn some about shapes. Learn to get along. Learn lots of things.

I received an uncorrected proof / advance copy from LibraryThing to facilitate a review of my personal opinions which are freely given.

Sweet Dreamers by Isabelle Simler from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers [Review and Giveaway]

My thoughts: This is an unusual book. The images are quite dark representing the night when dreamers are asleep. The art is distinct reflective of children's scratch art. Actually, it took me back in my memory to the days my children were in school and did scratch art using a variety of crayons to create a colorful base and then deeply layer on the black crayon. They then proceeded to take an edged tool and scratch their drawing through the black revealing the colors beneath providing a "line" style of drawing. (It could be a bit messy with those crumbs of crayon gathering in spots on table, desk, and floor. But the experience was worth it.)

The illustrations are created digitally. And this is stunning to me. To think that a computer can create this type of art is fascinating.

As the author takes the reader across the World peeking into the sleep of animals, sea creatures, and insects globally we see a close up image on one page of the critter's face in slumber and the facing page shows the critter in his sleep habitat. The scenes for each are astutely draw with a multitude of fine lines in various colors across the dark backdrop that is night.

Throughout the book Issbelle Simler captures beautiful night scenes with the moon shining brightly through trees, clouds, over the sea, and reflecting on the snow. Stunning. Seasons are also represented.

I absolutely love the lines of poetry for each critter's dream and slumber time. They are brief and a form of free verse beautifully translated from the original French into English. The text describes something about that particular critter's habits, life, or environment. "As if wrapped in silk / with shrimp-tinted reflections, / she slides her delicate head / between her feathers. / The flamingo dreams in pink."

I highly recommend.

About the book: A gorgeous bedtime book from an award-winning creator

From the celebrated creator of Plume and The Blue Hour comes another enchanting animal book. Countless cozy animals are settling in for the night, but they all sleep in different ways. A bat dreams upside down, a hedgehog snuggles into a pile of leaves, and a humpback whale spins in its sleep like a ballerina.

With its poetic language and lush illustrations, Sweet Dreamers will dazzle young readers as they drift off to sleep themselves.

About the author/illustrator: Isabelle Simler is the award-winning author and illustrator of The Blue Hour and Plume (both Eerdmans). Both books were featured in the 2017 Society of Illustrators "The Original Art" Annual Exhibition, and Plume was named a 2017 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book. Isabelle lives in France. Visit her website at www.isabellesimler.com. Note: Chat With Vera reviewed both The Blue Hour and Plume.

GIVEAWAY

Begins May 2

Ends June 1 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy if provided and shipped directly to the winner by the publisher.

GRACEFULL by Dorena Williamson

ISBN: 9781462792849
Buy it on Amazon

My thoughts: In keeping with the first two books in the series by Dorena Williamson, children are led beautifully through issues with which they might be confronted in today's world. I reviewed both previous books and found that they gently handled issues of racial differences and respecting and appreciating the differences in children or individuals who have different abilities - intellectually, socially, and physically. In this the third book, children see the world of homelessness and displaced or immigrant families and their needs.

The story has children and their families involved in their church's outreach to the families in their area who are temporarily housed in the Chen House while awaiting more permanent accommodations. The hands on and family togetherness to support the Chen House project provides an avenue for extending God's Grace to others in a positive and resourceful way.

Nicely told, well illustrated and a "teaching moment" story to read to children. Perhaps it will plant ideas on how to show God's Grace in the parents hearts as well.

About the book: Hope and Anna love seeing each other at church. When a Sunday grace offering is collected to help lift up Anna’s homeless family, Hope begins to ask questions and has a unique opportunity to learn what grace looks like, both for her and for Anna’s immigrant family. This touching story teaches children that God showers grace that is meant to be shared—allowing us all to be GraceFull!

In this follow up to her first two books, ColorFull and ThoughtFull, Dorena Williamson opens a dialogue on the tough subjects of poverty and homelessness and offers children encouragement to show God’s grace and love to others whose home life or homeland might look very different than their own.

 ------------------

Looking at the fabulous Lavender-Vanilla and the Almond Cream Hand Creams newly added to Good Earth Beauty Exclusives product line - totally new fragrances [Review & Giveaway]

I was already in love (I should really use all caps here because it is a MAJOR "IN LOVE") with the Good Earth Beauty Exclusives Rose Hand Cream. But they have now launched two more that might surely top the list in preferences for me. They are Lavender Vanilla and Almond Cream. Not too heavy on either scent. Just perfect.

My hands are luxuriating in this smooth, moist, silky cream.

Hey! Did I tell you that I LOVE IT!

Good Earth Beauty Exclusives collection of #natural & #vegan hand creams

NOTE: Almond Cream and Lavender Vanilla are totally new in this line up of hand creams

I have used and shared my love of the Good Earth Beauty Exclusives Hand Cream in the scent of Rose with my Chat With Vera readers. But this delightful feeling hand cream (lotion) comes in an assortment of scents. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy using this hand cream and how smooth my hands feel when I use it. It isn't heavy or sticky feeling.

The Lavender Vanilla Hand Cream (great as a hand/body lotion) is simply wonderful. I love its gentle fragrance which will blend so nicely with other fragrances.

The Almond Cream reminds me of an extremely high priced almond lotion I used a few years back. This is not nearly as pricey and it is all natural and vegan as well.

The mini Almond Cream is just
right for trying the product.

And as with any purchase on Good Earth Beauty's web-store, until May 14 you can use the Discount Code of Mom10 for 10% off your purchase. And there is FREE SHIPPING for all USA addressed orders.

So I am highly recommending you acquire a bottle of this Lavender-Vanilla Hand Cream and a Lavender-Mint Candle*. Then take a good relaxing, soaking bath with your candle emitting its fantastically wonderful aromatherapy. After the bath and drying off, slather this fabulous Lavender-Vanilla lotion on your legs and arms.

You should feel so relaxed and your skin will definitely feel like you've been wrapped in silk.

*What about a Soy Candle to refresh the senses?

These soy candles are made with soy wax and cotton wicks and wonderful essential oils. The mint is definitely strong but it is not overpowering. Now what might one experience when you have lite this candle and your room is wafting the fragrance and uplifting your sense of well-being?

For a bit of aromatherapy using this lovely candle you might experience: Lavender is known for its calming and soothing effect. It is said that the scent of lavender can decrease the heart rate and help you relax. Peppermint has the ability to sooth, calm, and aid in the management of mental fatigue. It is also considered effective in the control of nausea from chemo treatments, post surgical, a well as general illness with nausea. (Information from varied internet sources.)

What Vera Recommends..... for Mother's Day... (What are the kiddies giving Mom for Mother's Day?)

I would suggest that you order a full size bottle of one of these fabulous hand creams and a Soy Candle. Mom can take a relaxing aromatherapy bath basking in the lovely fragrance. I recommend the Lavender Mint candle. Then after her bath she can slather the Lavender Vanilla lotion all over her legs, hands, and arms. What joy! Don't forget the Discount Code Mom10 (until May 14) for a 10% discount & shipping is free in USA.

GIVEAWAY

5-Mini Lotions, Varied Scents

Begins April 30

Ends May 30 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA and CANADA

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary products to use and to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are my own and product information is taken from the Good Earth Beauty web-store. Opinions and posts are freely given.

A Vegan Challenge complete with cookbook and vegan beauty products: VEGAN CHALLENGE by Lisa Montgomery

Soft Cover - $17.99 US/$22.00 CAN
Buy it on Amazon
ISBN: 9781578267729

Talk to a meat 'n potatoes guy about "vegan" and you'll likely get a revolt! Talk to a dyed-in-the-wool Southern cook and you're likely to get a "Really?" exclamation and that "look" that only Southern gals can give. But "vegan" is real, is widely adhered to, and is a necessary diet choice for many. So let's define "vegan."

• noun: vegan; plural noun: vegans - a person who does not eat or use animal products. "I'm a strict vegan"
• adjective: vegan - using or containing no animal products. "a vegan diet"

But just what does that really mean? It means no meat or animal products in one's food sources. So no cooking with butter. No meat dishes. All vegetable and/or fruit prepared in any way, shape, or form. Raw, cooked, chopped, sliced, diced, stewed, fried. Just NO MEAT.

But it goes way beyond that..... it means you don't rub it on your skin. It means you don't lather up in the bath with soaps made of animal fats. It means you watch your cosmetics. Hmmmmm..... that means you have to be a real watch-guard on the products you use. So, today we're thinking "vegan" here on Chat With Vera......

Vegan Challenge: The 30-Day Program for Eating Healthier and Improving Your Diet with Vegan Foods by Lisa Montgomery

My thoughts:  The book begins with the author's story of how she developed food allergies - gluten, peanuts, dairy. This was 30 years ago. She was faced with continuing ill health or the reality of an option to change her diet and eliminating the foods she was allergic to or she could take a bunch of drugs and keep eating the way she was. She chose to seek a higher ground and change her life - specifically what she ate.

As I look through this beautifully done book and read her intro-story, I thought how glad I am that she found relief and direction through a means different from the medical system. But I also thought, upon looking at some of the recipes, that newbies to the Vegan scene might need to tweak the recipes since some of the products would seem foreign to them and might even be difficult to find in one's average grocery store.

That being said, there is a tremendous amount of information and beautiful recipes pictured and described to try to dip one's feet (or perhaps, fork) into the Vegan pool.

I have a daughter and granddaughter who must follow gluten free diets and they watch everything. They are in consultation with a specialist in that field of allergies and their changes have borne positive fruit. Perhaps taking the 30-Day Vegan Challenge you can "Discover a Happier, Healthier You!"

About the book:  Take the 30-Day Vegan Challenge and Discover a Happier, Healthier You! The secret to building successful healthy habits is commitment and consistency. That’s what makes Vegan Challenge a fun and easy way to adopt a healthy vegan lifestyle—all in just 30 days!

About the author: Lisa Montgomery is not only an author but a holistic health care practitioner, assoc. raw chef, gardener, as well as, a motivational and inspirational speaker.

Lisa's first degree is in business. She got certified as an assoc. raw chef instructor at the Living Light Culinary Institute of Raw Foods in Ft. Bragg, Calif and got certified as a Holistic Health Care Practitioner in New York, NY.

Lisa became passionate about health and wellness after facing health challenges 16 years ago caused by food allergies and candida. The changes she made led her to transform her life...it started with changing the diet but the growth emotionally and spiritually have been phenomenal. She knows how much changing her lifestyle has benefited her life positively and prays the same for you.

Lisa's first book "Raw Inspiration, Living Dynamically With Raw Foods" was released in 2009 by Martin Pearl Publishing. "Raw Garden", "Liquid Raw" and "Raw Potluck" are released in 2011 by Hatherleigh, Division of Random House. Be sure to go to Lisa's website www.livingdynamically.com and/or face book page to keep current 

More to the Challenge

COSMETICS - BATH - CANDLES: You can count on Good Earth Beauty lip balms, soaps, perfumes, and many of their other products to be Vegan and natural.

Natural, vegan soaps 

On the Good Earth Beauty web-store there are a variety of vendors of vegan and natural body washing products. Today we're looking at the Good Earth  Beauty Exclusives line and I have the Argan Soap. I have also used the Pumpkin Spice and Lavender soaps and they are just absolutely fabulous. It is all natural and Vegan!

Did you know they also have a fabulous Vegan soap "Caffeine With Peppermint & Spearmint Oils." This is an all natural moisturizing caffeine soap with peppermint and spearmint oils 4.5 oz bar & Made by Good Earth Beauty Exclusives, Check out the ingredients.... Ingredients: saponified organic oils of olive, coconut, palm and shea butter, coffee, peppermint and spearmint essential oil, coffee grinds. Click Here for GEB Soaps

Lavender Mint Soy Candle 

This lovely, fragrant candle is made with soy wax and cotton wicks and wonderful essential oils. The mint is definitely strong but when lit it is definitely not overpowering. Now what might one experience when you have lit this candle and your room is wafting the fragrance and uplifting sense of well-being?

For a bit of aromatherapy using this lovely candle you might experience..... Lavender is known for its calming and soothing effect. It is said that the scent of lavender can decrease the heart rate and help you relax. Peppermint has the ability to sooth, calm, and aid in the management of mental fatigue. It is also considered effective in the control of nausea from chemo treatments, post surgical, as well as general illness with nausea. (Information from varied internet sources.)

So I am highly recommending you acquire one of the Lavender-Mint Candles. Then take a good relaxing, soaking bath with your candle emitting its fantastically wonderful aromatherapy and lather up with a wonderful Good Earth Beauty Exclusives natural and vegan soap.

About the candles: Our all natural, soy based, slow burning candle will help you relax and enjoy the moment.  Soy based with natural fragrance and essential oils. Choose from a variety of scents.  Glass jar - 4 Ounces. Free of:  parabens, pesticides, petroleum, propylene glycol, phthalates, sulfates, artificial colors. Made in small batches in the USA by Good Earth Beauty CLICK HERE for GEB Candles

The Prize
(Fragrance of candle & soap choice of GEB)

GIVEAWAY ~ $37 Value

Book: "Vegan Challenge"

GOOD EARTH BEAUTY Soy Candle & Bar Soap

Begins April 26

Ends May 25 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA and CANADA

No P.O. Boxes & Phone Number required for winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of the book and of the products to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone, and are freely given. Winner's prize will be provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist and/or author and Good Earth Beauty.