Sunday, June 30, 2013

Fourth of July Countdown!

Hiya!

Fourth of July is only a few days away and I am so excited! This is my favorite holiday because we get to eat amazing food, blow up stuff and celebrate our freedom :). Each year my dad and I make it a tradition to go to every fireworks stand in our town (and outside of town) and get the best fireworks we can find. Today we went to 3 different stands and got this...


Photo: Day 1od firework shopping :D

This is just Day 1 of shopping! throughout the week we will continue to raid each stand for the old, new, and favorites of every firework. On Fourth of July we spend about 1-2 hours shooting off fireworks out on the street. We (my dad and I) got so into it that our entire neighborhood would sit outside and watch our show! It really is tons of fun! When getting down to what this holiday is really about; my excitement goes beyond the fireworks and the cookouts. July 4th, 1776 our Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. The Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which declared that the thirteen colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as independent states, and not apart of the British Empire. Instead they formed a new nation—the United States of America. BAM! 

  Today in the year 2013 we are still a free nation that now obsesses over football, has Iphones and drinks Starbucks everyday haha:) Although the Fourth of July is a holiday to celebrate our independence from Great Britain, we need to celebrate our armed forces for continuing to keep America safe and free. Without them our lives would be very different today. When you see a solider or anybody that you know who is in the armed forces be sure to tell them thank you this week because they DESERVE IT!

I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful Fourth! 

-Karissa

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Product Review: Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System

Hiya!

This morning I am doing a product review on the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System. I have to say that I love using Clarisonic. I was skeptical of the price when I first looked into buying Clarisonic but EBAY TO THE RESCUE! I got my Brand New Clarisonic ARIA for $120.00 on EBAY and it retails $200.00 on their website. I started using this product over a year ago because I was having lots of acne problems and it really bothered me. (I'm a teenager! blah). Since purchasing Clarisonic I will never go back to manual hand washing ever again. It really did clear up my face and blemishes.The products is SO EASY to use and it's alot of fun actually.  The money invested was worth it. Down below is a pic of my Clarisonic :)



Here is some information on Clarisonic...


-While cleansing is the first step in any skin care ritual, it is often overlooked.  Typical manual cleansing can leave behind dirt and oil trapped in pores.  This build-up can damage the appearance and health of your skin and keep your skin care products from working like they should.

Used and recommended by spas and dermatologists, Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Systems use a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to gently, yet thoroughly removes makeup 6X better than cleansing with your hands alone.  Cleaner skin is the first step toward healthier looking skin.  And healthier looking skin is smoother, more radiant and more beautiful.  



BEFORE
Forehead cleansing before clarisonic  
Forehead Before Cleansing
 AFTER
Example of forehead cleansing after Clarisonic (Left is with Clarisonic, Right is with manual cleaning AKA hands)

Sonic Cleansing Benefits: (Here is what Clarisonic Claims)

  • Removes makeup 6X better than manual cleansing <--- It really does! The evidence is on the brush after you finish using it!
  • Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother <--- I do agree! once you put lotion on your face is so soft
  • Removes impurities that keep creams and serums from working their best <-- I don't use serums so I have no say on that.
  • Gentle enough to use twice a day <--- Morning and evening is what I do! Also it is water proof and I use mine in the shower!
  • Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes <---My blemishes were gone after about a week.
  • Minimizes the appearance of visible pores <--- When using the Deep Pore Brush Head I think so yes!

How to Use Sonic Cleansing

Sonic Skin Cleansing Systems gently and effectively remove dirt and oil, and prepare your skin for moisturizers and serums. 
Softer, smoother, cleaner skin in just 60 seconds:
Charge the handle in the charging cradle. Charge the handle in the charging cradle.
Wet your skin and apply cleanser to the brush head. Wet your skin and apply cleanser to the brush head.
Use circular motion; 20 sec. on forehead, 20 sec. on nose/chin, 10 sec. on each cheek. Use circular motion; 20 sec. on forehead, 20 sec. on nose/chin, 10 sec. on each cheek.

Sonic Cleansing Notes

  • Safe for cleansing all skin types*
  • Recommended for use with any non-abrasive cleanser
  • Also good for the neck and décolleté, as well as other areas of your body needing extra care and attention
  • Rechargeable for up to 30 minutes of use
  • Waterproof for use in shower or tub <--- I use mine in the shower!
  • Use twice a day, one minute each time<--- Clarisonic ARIA can be programmed to do a 2 min cycle. I use the 2 min cycle!
*Ask your dermatologist why gentle cleansing is so important for people with rosacea and acne.

Alright! there is the overall info on what Clarisonic is and what is does! here is my little tid bit I will add in. 

Clarisonic has many different models of brush systems to choose from. Personally I have used the Clarisonic Mia and now I am using the Aria. I LOVE MY CLARISONIC!



Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Systems

Clarisonic Mia
Clarisonic Mia
Compact, for use at home or on the go.
  • One-Button, One-Speed Facial Cleansing
  • Our Smallest Cleansing System
  • $119.00
Clarisonic Mia 2
Clarisonic Mia 2
Functionally enhanced, travel-friendly model.
  • Perfect for Those with Active Lifestyles
  • Protective Travel Case
  • 2 speeds
  • $149.00
Clarisonic Aria
Clarisonic ARIA
Sleek design with drying stand & USB charge option.
  • The newest cleansing system
  • Three-Speed Facial Cleansing
  • Battery Life Indicator
  • 3 Speeds
  • $199.00


See Details >

Clarisonic PLUS

Clarisonic PLUS
Sonic cleansing for face AND body.
  • Three-Speed Body and Facial Cleansing
  • Adjustable T-Timer
  • Charging Cradle
  • Body Brush Head
  • 3 Speeds
  • $225.00-$235.00

WAIT DON'T LET THE PRICE SCARE YOU!!! I have gone to places like EBAY where people are selling them for $50! Plus Each of the models come in different colors. My Mia was pink!

Down below is information on the types of brush heads that Clarisonic offers. I have used the Deep Pore, Sensitive, and Acne Cleansing. My favorite is the Deep Pore! 



Which brush head is right for your skin type?

Normal: Perfect for normal skin, shaving prep and for use on the décolleté and body.
*Sensitive: Comes standard with most of our cleansing brushes. An easy introduction for sensitive to normal skin types.
Delicate: Ultra-gentle for those with delicate or extra-sensitive skin.
Deep Pore Cleansing: Ideal for cleansing oily skin, large pores or hard to reach areas of the face, such as around the nose.  The deep pore cleansing brush head is gentle enough for daily use.
Acne Cleansing: Extra-plush bristle gradation helps to provide ultra-gentle cleansing for sensitive and acne-prone skin. See Acne Clarifying Collection. 
Body: For cleansing areas of the body needing extra care and attention, including the décolleté, hands, arms, elbows and feet. Works with Clarisonic PLUS and PRO models.


NORMAL


*SENSITIVE <--- Very Good Overall.

DELICATE

DEEP PORE <---- MY FAVORITE
ACNE CLEANSING <--- Ehh, It's okay.


BODY <-------- I wish I could use this one! :(
 

The final result?

Skin that's clean, radiant and beautiful! 

Well there you have it! I even included pictures and everything!  Now how bout that:) I really do recommend this product to anybody. Of course price is a set back but I can assure you that you will pay for what you get. ITS TOTALLY WORTH IT! I treat my Clarisonic like a baby! I spoil it way too much! haha.

Have a great day!

-Karissa




-Information from Clarisonic.com. Review by Karissa Stockham

Friday, June 28, 2013

Drink Review: Starbucks Tazo Shaken Iced Passion Tea Lemonade

Okay, Let me start off with saying that this is MY FAVORITE THING TO DRINK IN THE HOT KANSAS SUMMER. Seriously this drink is delicious! I first tried this when I was at Starbucks in Manhattan. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE COFFEE but I had recently been sick and I was looking for something that would be good with the heat outside. Here's my review on this Drink!

Where to purchase this drink: Starbucks Locations
 
First Impression: The first thing I noticed was the color. I loved the color! it was a redish/pink. It really felt like a summer time drink. 

Size: Starbucks has many different sizes for this drink
Cold Drinks:
- Tall 12oz
- Grande 16oz
- Venti 20oz
- Trenta (Extra Large) (Ive never heard of this one)


---I recommend the Grande size. I get the Venti size with this drink but it takes me awhile to drink that much. 


Price: $2.00-$3.00 (Not a bad price for a Starbucks Drink!)

How to make it:

What you need:
Tazo Passion Tea

Lemonade
Classic Syrup

 
Brew the tea double strength (2 tea bags for 12 oz of water, or 4 for 16 - 20 oz.) and then mix with equal parts lemonade. Syrup goes by pumps but if you can't get a pump, one pump = 1/4 oz. or 1/4 of your average shot glass.
3 pumps for 12 oz (tall)
4 pumps for 16 oz (grande)
6 pumps for 24oz (iced venti)
The drink is probably about 1/3 ice but you can put however much you'd like and then pop the whole thing in a shaker and shake vigorously 10 times. 



Taste: Passion tea. It is flavored with hibiscus and various citruses and a mix of Lemonade.

Would I recommend this to a friend?: YES YES YES! 
 

So next time when you stop into Starbucks, don't be shy to try the Tazo Shaken Iced Passion Tea Lemonade!

-Karissa







First Blog Post

Hiya!

This is my second time starting a blog and hopefully I can keep this one up. I have lots and lots of plans for this time around! I have been very passionate about a few things in my life that I really would like to share with whoever is reading this. I am starting lots of new projects and I am starting new adventures that I am very excited for. Now that I am older and I will be going to college very soon I feel that my voice is important and I feel comfortable expressing myself. It may not be to others but it is to me. On this blog you will find me talking about amazing food that I love make or eat. You will find product reviews that you can trust. You will find Health/ Nutrition/Fitness information and what I do to stay healthy and competitive in my weightlifting, sports, and staying healthy overall. You will find me speaking about projects I am working towards and adventures that I am embarking on. Who knows I may talk about more things :)  Stay tuned.

-Karissa