La cure Dead Sea product review

La cure Dead Sea product review

Have you heard of Black Gold?
Okay this is not a trick question like does that dress look White and Gold or Blue and Black?

Black gold is actually often referred to the black mud you get directly from the Dead Sea! 

Why is this black mud so precious and highly sought after especially by celebrities. 

People travel far to float in the dead sea just to soak in the saltiest water and roll themselves "silly" in the fountain of youth black mud.

The black mud at the bottom of the Dead Sea absorbs this unusually high concentration of salts and rich minerals which have documented many health benefits! Alas, it is labeled as black GOLD!

This momma can only dream of travelling there now with 2 young kids in tow! But thankfully La Cure made me stop day dreaming as they can have their products delivered straight from Jordan right to your doorsteps with you still day dreaming in your pajamas...

Let me tell you why I'm choosy when it comes to skin care! I've been breastfeeding my 2 kids non stop (consecutively) for a total of 5 years. I've avoided using any skin care that contains any harsh chemicals ever since I got pregnant. So when Skyler turned 3 on January 31st 2017, I stopped breastfeeding (reached my goal)! But my skincare routine hasn't changed too much. I still tend to navigate towards the natural skin care products! Once you've tried au natural, it's hard to take a step backwards.

"La Cure is an ISO 9001 certified brand. La cure always believed in giving the safe and healthy products to their customers. La Cure makes sure to meet all regulations and International Standards. La Cure is Paraben free, Alcohol-free, contains no chemical additives and no animal products."

Here are 5 products that I choose for myself (and Mr. Hubby)!

Dead Sea mud soap, facial mud mask, Massage oil, soothing foot cream, protective day cream.

1) Facial mud mask

As mentioned, the black mud is extracted directly from the Dead Sea bed, thus containing a rich blend of beneficial minerals mixed with honey and natural oils.

Apply all over your face and neck, avoiding eyes area.

Leave the mask for 5-10 minutes on dry skin, 10-15 minutes on normal skin, and 20-30 minutes on oily skin, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Tip:
Remember to shake the tube well before each use (this mom brain forgot this important step n some black gold liquid came dripping down~ such waste n messy)

Loves~
It cleanses the skin deeply, clears the pores and removes the dead skin.
It doesn't leave the skin dry at all (like some mud masks do) because of the presence of honey and natural oils.
It leaves your skin feeling soft and bright.

Cons~ u literally smell like MUD!!! If you've been camping n surrounded by wet mud before, this is it! But I'm thankful that it smells like mud, coz I know I'm getting au natural n not some mud masked (pun intended, lols!) by the smells of roses or lavender!

2) Dead Sea mud soap

If the muddy smell or walking around the house is scaring your hubby (in my case) or kids with your black face (pun intended), try this mud soap instead!!!

It still has the same benefits of the mud mask and more! 

It can be used from head to toe...it has natural oils blended into the dead sea mud so it is really moisturizing your skin at the same time! 

Win win for busy moms like me. 

Shower + moisturize ~> 2 in 1 combo!

3) Protective Day Cream

I have to admit that I only use protective day cream whenever I go out or sometimes only when the sun is shining brightly (coz of the spf sunscreen protection).
I'm glad La Cure has forged me into forming good habits by making me put it on everyday (even when I'm at home which is most days since I'm a SAHM) as it contains natural goodness of the Dead Sea Minerals, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil.

Loves ~
That it keeps my face protected, hydrated and moisturized during this winter season. (I have yet to try it during the summer)

It doesn't feel heavy at all. Most creams feel heavy and rich when applied, but this feels light and super absorbent! More like a lotion perhaps?

Tip:
Since my cream foundation has been getting dry (due to the lack of usage), I just pump a small amount of protective day cream and mix it with my "dried" out foundation and voila, it spreads evenly and have a smooth finished!

4) Soothing foot cream

Used this on Mr. Hubby and gave him a good foot massage!

He, in return gave me one back as I said I had to review it as a patient instead of the massuer ... Lols!

Loves~ 

We both like it (neutral smell) and again it doesn't feel heavy like what you expect a cream to feel. It is super absorbent and you could walk around the house just minutes after the massage without leaving oily marks on the floors. But yeah, La Cure recommends to use it right before you sleep.

Tip: 

I wore my home socks (since it's cold now) after using this foot cream and slept overnight with it. It helped lock in the moisture even more.

5) Massage oil.

This is the last product we reviewed and I must say this momma gives a 10 out of 10 for this massage oil. Let me tell you, Mr. Hubby and I have been finding for a massage oil ever since coming to the USA (we've been spoilt by cheap yet good and smells great massage oil from Bali when we were living in Singapore). It is not easy to find one in drug stores here in the USA. I finally just gave up and made do with baby oil.

Loves~

This massage oil from La Cure is amazing! Just a few drops goes a long way. Mr. Hubby kept massaging my back non stop without needing to re-pump for more oil. 

We were impressed that it's so smooth and spreadable, making the massage easier on the massuer (less effort) and enjoyable for the patient (maximum pleasure without any stops in between)!

It doesn't leave the skin feeling oily at all.

The big bottle can definitely last for a very very long time. Definitely a good deal I must say! 

This money saving mom definitely approves of this.

Cons~
Don't expect this oil to transport you to a spa in Bali where it smells like a combination of yummy spices (sandalwood, lotus, jasmine, cardamom, lemongrass, etc.). It has a very neutral smell which might turnout to be a pro rather than a con since Mr. Hubby doesn't wanna be left smelling like a flower after his massage session!

I am definitely satisfied with the products I got from La Cure after just using it for a month.
Let me remind you that La Cure is Paraben free, Alcohol-free, contains no chemical additives and no animal products.
No need to waste money to travel to the Dead Sea when you can have it delivered right to your doorsteps!

Here's the website information. 

Just for my readers who would like to purchase these amazing products from the Dead Sea La Cure, here's 10% off for those interested. 

Link: La Cure website

Code: Jamie10
(Note : The code can be indicated on the instructions box and it will be calculated manually.)

Minor suggestion: To improve on the product packaging to match the luxurious products on the inside. Which girl doesn't like to receive pretty packages? But its what inside that counts anyways!

Disclaimer: I have received this product in exchange for my honest (with love) review. All opinions are solely our own.

    More pictures taken with my ever-ready "models"

Monster Jam 2018 review at Spectrum Center Charlotte, North Carolina

Written by Karthik Naga aka Mr. Hubby aka daddy #SiennaSkyler (mommy's on "break")

************************************

Monster Jam 2018 

(January 5th, Spectrum Center, Charlotte North Carolina)

After watching the Disney on Ice’s Frozen show, it would only be fair to attend one that my son would also be extremely excited about.  We were blessed to attend a show related to the topic that excites my son the most: vehicles on wheels!  Just about every mode of transport that involves wheels (except maybe a stroller) makes Skyler very happy.  We knew that our son would have his chance to enjoy the monster trucks at Monster Jam 2018, after being given this wonderful opportunity.  Little did we know that it was going to be a treat for the whole family!

Monster Jam is a motorsport competition where huge trucks and ATVs are put to the test by their drivers in various events.  Let’s take a look at the competitions that made up this show:

Speed and Skill

The first competition was a pure display of speed and skill by the Monster Trucks.  Each truck had its turn to go around the track as fast as it possibly could.  As you can imagine, maneuvering a truck that big, with enormous wheels can be a huge challenge.  But the drivers were so skilled that we were left smelling the dust (and exhaust fumes), literally, as they rounded the curves close to us.

The fastest driver was Grave Digger, which was exciting for us, since we met him before the show.  He was being interviewed right in front of our seats as they tried to get the fans pumped up before the drivers started competing.  He might look like just another guy in your neighborhood, but he would show today that he is a highly skilled driver!

ATV Racing

Surprisingly, this competition was even more exciting than the previous one.  Smaller ATV vehicles were given the chance to go racing around the track, with 3 poles that they had to go around.  For anyone that has been to a huge farm, an ATV is an exhilarating thing to drive or ride.  There isn’t a landscape or obstacle that is too much or too difficult for an ATV to overcome.  So to see these professional drivers racing them as fast as they could, was really a sight to behold.

Once again, the winner was Grave Digger!

Wheelie

The next round was a competition where the Monster Trucks had to perform the most impressive ‘wheelies’.  The goal here is to hit a ramp and get the truck perpendicular to the ground while getting up as high as you can in the air.  While we see ‘big air’ with bikes and skateboards in competitions, obviously these big trucks are too heavy to go too high.  However, it is still neat to see such a huge vehicle ‘fly’ like that.

The winner was crowned in this round by the fans, which made it very interactive for us.  We were given a website where we were to give a score from 1 to 10 for each of the trucks.  By now, Grave Digger had so many fans that he used that momentum to garner the most support from the fans.  He was once again crowned the winner of this round.

 

Donuts

For anyone that has been brave enough to go to an empty parking lot with your car in the huge snow storms, a Donut is a thrill (we know you’ve done this at least once in your life..LOL)!  The goal here is to spin the monster truck as fast as possible until the driver gets too dizzy, the truck can’t go anymore, or the driver thinks that he/she has a high enough score to win.

After a few failed attempts to make donuts, it was the star of the show’s (Grave Digger) turn.  He came out and successfully completed a few impressive spins.  Although he wasn’t the one who made the most impressive donuts in the sand, he once again came out with the highest fan score!  Although Grave Digger wouldn’t win the next two competitions, he had already gained enough points to be crowned the champion of the whole event… Congrats Grave Digger!

ATV Obstacle Course

This was similar to the race of ATVs in the second competition, except that they had to go up the center obstacle course this time and it was one on one!  The winner of each quarter-final advanced to the semi-final round and the two winners in that round, faced off for the final.  We enjoyed this one as well, but it was not as exciting as the previous ATV racing where it was pure speed that determined the champion.  Also, the previous ATV competition was more of a thrill since there were 4 to 8 drivers at one time instead of just 2!

Freestyle competition

The last segment was the freestyle competition.  Here the drivers were allowed two minutes on an open floor to show off their skills (stunts and tricks) as they drove over two sedan cars and the obstacle course at the center.

While the two cars took a pounding, the most exciting part of the night came when one of the monster trucks wheelied too far up and fell backwards!  The truck ended upside down to the cheers of the fans.  No one was hurt, but it did prove that driving these trucks and doing these tricks are for the brave professionals, only.  Although the first few hours felt like the driver could do anything without flipping over the truck, this truck proved that at some point, gravity and physics can indeed have the last laugh!

 

Some things to watch out for

The popular racing expression, “eat my dust” comes to mind while watching this event.  While we enjoyed the show, it’s quite amazing how much dust actually flies as the trucks drive by, and how far the dust travels.  The lowest section is blocked off completely so that people aren’t covered in dust, but even the next section where we were sitting gets a fair amount of dust.  We could smell a bit of dust (and exhaust fumes) throughout the night.  It probably isn’t too big of a concern, but perhaps not something kids want to be exposed to very often.

The other concern is the noise.  The trucks do get pretty loud, so come prepared with some hearing-protection muffs, cotton or even fingers!  The kids found it quite loud so we wanted to make sure that they weren’t directly exposed to the noises.

Other than that, it was a highly enjoyable experience.  Without a son that is so big into cars, trucks, planes, trains, buses and anything else with wheels, we might have never gone to a show of this nature, but after watching it, I can say that it truly is an enjoyable experience for the whole family! Even our daughter loved it too!

            

Disclaimer: This is a Media invite sponsored by Hornets Sports & Entertainment. All opinions are solely our own.

Simplay3 Super Coupe Pedal Trike Review

Simplay3 Super Coupe Pedal Trike Review 

Being a mom means our minds are racing and working non stop 24/7 constantly thinking of what food to prepare, which brand of diapers/lotion/body wash/shampoo/etc... to choose from, cloth diaper vs. disposable ones, organic vs. non organic, sling vs. carrier, and lots more... but when it comes to toys, I'm sure every mom will unanimously agree that safety and durability is our no.1 priority! 

Having 2 kids, I'm hoping that the toys we buy will last a long time... we've been a fan of Little Tikes and Step2 ever since the kids were born (I'm sure every home has at least one of these toys laying around amidst the mountain pile of toys).

             (Here is our Little Tikes fire engine car that we had in Singapore! 

             Sienna and Skyler misses it very much!!! 

             It might have been their first Little Tikes toy that they owned!)

         

Let me introduce you to a new, innovative brand called Simplay3, which is founded by the same person behind these successful brands. It has a range of toys such as trikes, wagons and push cars as well as home products for adults, yes ADULTS including step stools, mailboxes, and an adorable wheelbarrow perfect for gardening. They are constantly innovating bringing you more assortment of products from the young to the old.
Now this momma can share "toys" with our kids... win win!!!

Sienna and Skyler were blessed to review Simplay3 brand new Super Coupe Pedal Trike. It is the perfect toy for both their ages, 4 and soon to be 6!

             

              
           
             

Mr. Hubby aka daddy had the "privilege" a.k.a "forced by mommy" to assemble it. He was pleasantly surprised that only a few parts needed to be assembled as most of it came pre-assembled!!! That goes with Simplay3 motto of spending more time playing and less time with assembly and instructions. Only a minor complication was encountered where 2 of the connections were challenging to put together as the screw didn't easily align up to where it needs to go into. But nothing a super daddy couldn't fix!!!



The kids were off with their new toy in no time...it is winter now and we are blasted with the winter artic freeze. Temperatures were below 20F. None of the kids in our neighbourhood are out playing, so we decided to have them ride indoors instead. Yes, you heard that right! What brilliant, smart move it was!

First look at it, Sienna and Skyler knew that it was their new ride! 

          

Sienna loves that it was brightly colored and you could spot it from a mile away. 
And that it is actually a tricycle but shaped like a car with motorbike handles. 
3 in 1 design feature.

Skyler (my boy who loves all things with wheels) just loves it so much, that he drives it every single day from the time he wakes up till night time where he parks it back in it's parking spot!!! (OCD much?)

Mommy loves that it's durable (super sturdy) and best of all SAFE! N easy to clean...

Daddy loves that it's minimalistic.(assembly wise-not millions of small pieces to be screwed or get lost). 



Another plus point is since Sienna and Skyler are of different height, the seat is adjustable without screws or extra pieces and can quickly be switched from one position to the another as the 2 kids take turns using it. Sienna and Skyler had cousins over during the Christmas n new years break n we had no problem with it! Only problem the kids had was waiting eagerly for their 5 mins turn each... they secretly wished Santa Claus came bearing one each for all of them!!! LOLs...

The kids loved it so much. They took turns pushing each other and this momma ain't getting a heart attack that they might get hurt since the roof of the car acts as a safety barrier! 
So this momma is all relaxed, sipping my cup of coffee while listening to the kiddos joys n laughters!

The roof not only provides safety but when the weather gets warmer and we bring it outdoors, it will definitely keep the kiddos sheltered from the sun, heat and maybe a little drizzle perhaps?

This is definitely a great gift for your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews as it's a toy that grows with them (adjustable seats) and will last a long time. 
Best of all, the giggles and laughter remain forever!!!

The Simplay3 Super Coupe Pedal Trike is recommended for toddlers and children from 18 months old to 7 years old. It is Made in the U.S.A and it retails for $89.99 on their website at www.Simplay3.com.

Trivia question: 

Which of the two tricycles below would you let your kid ride with a peace of mind?

(Skyler riding "dangerously" as if he's the next F1 driver???
Disclaimer: No child was hurt in the taking of this picture!)

(Make your kids do some "work" too to "earn" their ride!!! 

Which kid doesn't like stickers anyways?)

Disclaimer: I have received this product in exchange for my honest (with love) review. All opinions are solely our own.