Xiaolin Mama Reviews

Perfect Night Moisture? Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Estée Lauder.

I think that my search for the perfect night cream or moisturizer may be over - well almost. I have always been fortunate enough to have pretty good skin.  I have never been the type to fry my skin in search of a tan and I have always religiously washed my face and used moisturizer.  My mother has always had great skin, but her "perfect" moisturizer, drug store purchased Nivea Creme, always left her looking super shiny and slick.

But as I have gotten older things have changed, age spots and pores are starting to appear in my formerly clear face.  I wake up with pillow case marks on my face - I think that means I have elasticity issues (doh!) and my formerly perfectly balanced skin is constantly dry. Grrr...  To remedy this I recently discovered that "make-up really does make me look like I am more awake" as does concealer and a great blush.  So now I am battling age, increased make up use and lack of sleep - I am screwed!  Am I destined for reaching for my mom's secret weapon?

The fine folks at Estée Lauder and Blog Her sent me a sample of their Advanced Night Repair Serum.  It is to be used in tandum with a moisturizer at night before you go to bed.  Again, I have never used anything like this before and I was surprised at the results.  I have used Shiseido products for years, but have been in search of a new moisturizer and cleanser, so have been experimenting.  L'Occitane's Apple Almond Velvet Concentrate has been my moisturizer experiment for the last month in hopes of finding something to quench my dry skin.   So basically, for the past couple of weeks, I have washed my face, used a few drops of the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair and then slathered on the  L'Occitane moisturizer.  Easy peasy.  I was anxious to see if it would make a difference.   I also increased my water intake as part of the Crystal Light Water Challenge.

So after two weeks, I have noticed that my face feels extra smooth.  It could be that I am essentially using two moisturizers, but I think that my skin does look brighter and the fines lines do look less apparent. I think that the actual application is quite easy for all over my face and neck, except for around my eyes.  (I've had itchy eyes from allergies, so avoid putting anything on them.)

The product's packaging doesn't clearly say how much you should use, so I am hoping not to be overdoing it.  You can read more about the science behind the product at the Estée lauder site, but what I do know is that my sensitive and dry skin seems to have soaked it up like it was in some kind of drought.   Though I am sure increasing my water content has something to do with it as well.

I am a fan of Advanced Night Repair.  I have never used a special night serum or cream, but I am sold on its benefits.  Contrary to my earlier belief, it wasn't too much of a hassle to use two products before bedtime.  The price of $47.50  per bottle is kinda steep, but my skin's renewed texture is worth it.

So what is the true test?  I asked my husband what he thought about my skin and if he thought my wrinkles had disappeared.  The smart man that he is he replied quickly, "What wrinkles?"  I heart that man!  It seems easier to put on foundation and my skin feels more hydrated that it has in months. I am not sure if the serum is doing anything to really ward off any future wrinkles, but I like its results so far. 

Have I found the perfect perfect night cream or moisturizer? yes and no.  I like the combination of both products, but am not convinced that it is necessary.  I like the Advanced Night Repair, but now need a moisturizer to work with it.  You be the judge and please do let me know what you think?

Be sure to check out other Blog Her reviews here. 

Intrigued and want to try it out? Estée Lauder invites you to  AMERICAS NIGHT TO REPAIR. On Thursday, July 23, 5-9PM, visit any Estée Lauder Counter and get a free 10-day supply of New Advanced Night Repair, no purchase necessary (while supplies last).

More water = Better skin

My fellow bloggers at BlogHer have been chatting about the benefits of increasing water intake for the past weeks. I had hopes of maybe losing a few pounds, gaining a new appreciation for drinking water and well, kick starting a healthier lifestyle.  But one of the unexpected benefits has been on my face. 

In my short two weeks, I feel like my skin feels less tight after washing it.  If you have dry skin, like I do, your face could feel like you've been walking in the Mojave Desert for a week - dry and cracked!   Ugh.  For some reason, my skin hasn't been feeling so dry.  Actually, been using less moisturizer too.  Hmmm... 

If this has anything to do with drinking more water - then I am sold!   How does water intake affect your skin?  Join the conversation here!

My love affair with San Jose's The Dance Affair studio

I have written a million times about my daughter - the ballerina princess.  This weekend was the year end recital of her dance studio, The Dance Affair, in San Jose.  It was a 2 hour extravaganza with varied acts featuring 3 year olds who look just adorable in their costumes to 18 year olds who are graduating and heading off to college.  There were over 150 dance students and their parents with cameras ready to document their stage debuts.  My daughter and her class mates were adorable (yes I am biased!).  They knew their steps, were in sync and most of all were confident.

Erica Fairfield, school founder and her entire staff (including her daughter, Indie) are excellent.  They are the epitome of patient.  Like pied pipers, they magically lead all these energetic kids into learning tap, jazz and ballet while having fun.  My daughter simply loves her class and wishes she could spend every free moment there.  I remember the first day we took classes there and that I had to pry her clinging hands and feet off my leg.  Now after several years, she hops up the stairs and into class without looking back.  My baby is growing up.  (Aw shucks!)

I can not sing their praises enough. Thanks Erica and Team!

The Dance Affair
850 No. Winchester Blvd.
San Jose, CA. 95128
http://www.thedanceaffair.com

Crystal Light Peach Tea

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge.

Today, we ran out of our beloved Crystal Light lemonade and had to bust into the Peach Iced Tea flavor.  I am not generally a huge fan of iced tea products. I usually put them in the blech category.  But this one was surprisingly good.  It didn't have a strange aftertaste, nor did it try too hard to taste like peach juice with a touch of tea.  It was more like tea, with a hint of peach. 

Actually it was a hit with the whole family at our Father's Day celebration - from grandpa to the precocious six year old of the family.  Like the rest of the Crystal Light products, it was easy to make and quick to disappear.  One point for mom!

Update on Water Way Challenge:  Up to consistently 6 glasses a day - oh yeah baby! 

Water Way Challenge Update

Thanks to the the fine ladies at BlogHer and Crystal Light, I've been working on drinking 8 glasses of water daily.  I think this weekend I turned a corner.  Somehow a light went off and I figured out that if I woke up and had a glass immediately and then before I went to bed, then dang 2 cups right there were done.  I KNOW I am slow. 

This is how I fit in more water while being at a dinner party:
Right when I got there - drink a glass of water
After 2 glass of wine - drink a glass of water
After 4th glass of wine - drink a glass of water
Before bed and in order to stave off a hangover - drink water
Immediately after waking up - drink water

Five glasses lickety split!
Now just one more with every meal...
I am brilliant:) It IS getting easier.

Monitoring water intake

I thought I had been drinking plenty of water as prior to taking part in the Crystal Light Water Way challenge. I was surprised to find that I actually had only drank between 2 and 3 glasses of water a day if lucky - a glass with meals and maybe before bed.  doh!

So I downloaded this nifty tracker - check it out - you can get your own here.  It is way cooler than my sticky note on the fridge.  So get to drinkin' - water that is! :)

Crystal Light versus Real Lemonade

Today was the last day of school - and the beginning of coming up with fun summer activities with the kids.   A s part of my on going participation in the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge, this afternoon's exciting activity was taste testing Crystal Light's Lemonade versus making lemonade from real lemons. 

Making Real Lemonade

1. Convince kids to get lemons from neighbors' tree
2. Yell at kids for throwing lemons at each other
3. Gather supplies - sugar, water, pitcher, ice
4. Attempt to wash lemons
5. Yell at kids for splashing each other as they washed lemons (see a trend here?)
6. Squeeze lemons
7. Remove pits
8. Add water and sugar
9. taste
10. Add more sugar
11. taste
12. Add more sugar (Marvel and how much sugar kids want in their lemonade)
13. Add ice
14. Pour into glasses

Time to prepare: 1 hour (including time to visit with neighbors)

Make Crystal Light

1. Get pitcher
2. Add water
3. Open packet of crystal light
4. Mix
5. Add ice
6. Pour

Time to prepare: 5 minutes

The judges were my 6YO daughter and my 9YO son. I was also a judge - the one with the most votes.

The winner of the taste test was...drum roll please...
based on taste alone - real lemonade
based on time to make - Crystal Light
based on clean up time and having to break up battles - Crystal Light
based on whether it was the stuff of making summer memories - real lemonade

I was surprised to note just how much sugar we put into home made lemonade.  Yikes!  No wonder it was SO good - duh!  Thank goodness Crystal Light has only 5 calories per serving. We had a ball doing the taste test - but it is clear if looking for ease and good flavor, you can't go wrong with a pitcher of Crystal Light.  It is not as exciting as pummeling your brother with lemons, but does the job done for wetting your whistle quickly!  Real Lemonade will always have special place in my heart - but we'll have to figure out a better way to make it with WAY less sugar.

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge.

Crystal Light takes on my afternoon Latte

So I have been happily drinking my lemonade Crystal Light as part of the Water Way Challenge Group - but HEY now, did you know there was version with caffeine??  Dang, I am slow.

Do you think that this may replace my afternoon mocha frappuccino?  It does have only 5 calories per serving - compared to my whipped cream doused beverage of choice - that is amazing. 

I just had the Energy Wild Strawberry flavor - not bad!  Anyone else floored that you could get caffeinated for only 5 calories?  Hmmm...  it has 60 mg of caffeine and a load of B vitamins to kick start me in the afternoon.  How does that compare to my daily Starbucks afternoon delight?  It is definitely cheaper - who know maybe with all my savings I can buy  a new bathing suit!  

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge.  This is my ongoing review of being taking part of the Water Way Challenge.

Crystal Light's Water Way Challenge

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

This is the last week of school for my kids which means - summer is officially starting.  What do have planned for the summer?  Days at the pool/beach, a couple of camping trips, early morning bike rides and rounds of foozeball in the garage. 

All this activity requires bathing suits, shorts and tank tops and well, I am not quite sure I am quite ready for my summer uniform quite yet. Who is really??  So this year rather than gripe about it, like usual  I signed up for the Crystal LIght "Water Way Challenge".   The folks at Crystal Light and BlogHer have sent me samples and for the next few weeks I am going to commit to replacing soda (bye Coke!) and other favorite beverages (Buh-bye Rum and Coke) with water infused with Crystal Light.  Sounds like a Piece o' Cake, right?   

I will be one of a eight kick butt bloggers taking on the challenge.  I am already a fan of Crystal Light - love the little packs, so am stoked that they asked.   I give 'em to the kids to put in lunch as a treat.  But I have never really drank them for 30 days consistently.  I hope that by giving up my favorite afternoon soda and drinking more water that my bathing suit looks a whole lot less lumpy on me:)   A girl can dream right?  Okay, I may hit the gym too...  Will you keep you posted. Keep reading about my progress.   Better yet, join me in the Challenge and tell me how it is going!  Blog Her has set up a group site too  so join in on the fun! 

I wonder if I can make cocktails with Crystal Light? Hmmm...