Mommy Has to Work

Experience the HydraFacial at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery @PVPSnews

June 7, 2016 By Marijean

I have never had the chance to experience a facial before. I have always wanted one, but never had the chance. When I went to tour Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery’s newest location in Nocatee, I was able to learn about all of the different Skin Care Services they do, and one of them is they HydraFacial.

I was recently asked to try a HydraFacial. It’s a moisturizing facial that’s perfect for all year round, so you can receive the facial at any time during the year. I received a complimentary treatment, and want to share my honest review of the HydraFacial with you. I made my appointment and met with licensed Aesthetician Alison Kuzoian at the Nocatee location here in Ponte Vedra. Since I have never experienced any type of facial or skin care treatment, she really answered all of my questions thoroughly, and put me at ease. If you are thinking of getting a skin care treatment from PVPS, a complimentary consultation is recommended.

My experience with the HydraFacial:

The HydraFacial is ideal for all skin types. If you have dry skin, oily skin or anything in-between, this treatment would work for you. It helps with hyperpigmentation, oily/congested pores, fine lines, wrinkles and acne. I have somewhat large pores on my nose and very dry skin, so I was looking forward to seeing what my results were going to be. I was concerned with my skin being red for a few days, but it is a non-invasive procedure with no downtime, perfect on a lunch break or before work. My skin wasn’t red at all after my facial.

HydroFacial Machine

After the Aesthetician explained everything to me, I laid down and had a super soft plush comforter put on top of me. I was nice and relaxed in low lighting and calming music playing in the background. She started off cleansing my skin of makeup or any lotions and sunscreen. After that she turned the machine on. The machine does have a bit of noise but in all honestly it wasn’t distracting. She explained every step to me of what she was about to do, and I really liked that. She told me the HydraFacial would feel like suction but I would have no pain or discomfort. She was right. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the whole 30 minutes of pampering. The 1st step is exfoliation. The serum used removes dead skin cells to reveal healthy skin. The 2nd step is a vortex peel which didn’t hurt at all, but the suction was a little more intense. I felt a lot of tingling but no pain. The 3rd step is the extractions. The suction cleans out pores and also my Aesthetician did a few manual extractions on me. The last step is a serum that nourishes your skin and protects it.

The whole process took 30 minutes, and Alison handed me a mirror right after so I could see my results. My skin looked hydrated , very moisturized and felt amazing. I also had a “glow” to my skin which I loved seeing. She then showed me the container of liquid with all of my “facial dirt” as I call it floating around. I was happy I was able to see that my skin was unclogged and healthier now.

I asked Alison how many times someone should return for a HydraFacial. She recommends every 6-12 weeks depending on how you take care of your skin. The HydraFacial is not damaging at all, and you can pretty much come back when you feel you will need another treatment.

It has been a week now since I received the HydraFacial. I have been using some sample Skin Care products that Alison had given me and recommended to me. My skin is still super soft and moisturized. It feels silky and looks great. I highly recommend treating yourself to a HydraFacial. This would also be great gift to give a friend/family member.

Here is a list of all of the Skin Care Services that PVPS offers:

Complimentary Consultation: Always advised for new patients. Our licensed Aesthetician will thoroughly examine your skin, discuss your skin care goals, and make precise recommendations for clinical treatment and maximal efficacy. All our products are medical grade in order to achieve optimal skin health and appearance.

Click here to see our licensed medical aestheticians

Facial Treatments: Any of our facial treatments may be fine-tuned by your Aesthetician, or combined with other treatments to meet your individual needs.

Signature Facial : Pamper your skin. Procedure includes the following:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep facial skin cleanse and steam
neck/shoulder massage
pore extractions
exfoliating treatment
treatment mask
arm/hand massage
moisturizer and sunscreen

Clinical Facial Treatments: Procedure includes the following:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep cleanse
exfoliation with steam
pore extractions
treatment mask
moisturizer and sunscreen
(Want a neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage? Upgrade to the Signature Facial)

Hydrating Facial: Procedure includes the following:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep cleanse with steam
pore extractions
hydrating treatment mask
moisturizer and sunscreen

Acne Purifying Facial:

Individual skin care analysis
Deep cleanse
Exfoliation with Steam
pore extractions
purifying mask
moisturizer and sunscreen

Regenerating Facial:

Individual skin care analysis
All Environ products utilized during this antioxidant facial are very rich in pharmaceutical grade Vitamins A, C and E.
Deep cleanse
clay exfoliation with steam
pore extractions
alginate algae mask
moisturizer and sunscreen

Exfoliating Treatments:

Illuminize Peel: a very superficial treatment that produces little to no visible flaking. Addresses mild skin concerns and gently exfoliates at the microscopic level. The perfect pre-event treatment that produces a gorgeous glow. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Rejuvenize Peel: Deeper than the Vitalize Peel, this peel typically produces visible flaking for a few days. Addresses moderate to severe skin concerns. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Brilliance Peel: The next level in “deep superficial” peels that typically produces visible flaking for several days. Addresses moderate skin concerns. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Alpha Peel: a superficial peel comprised of glycolic acid or lactic acid. The strength used will be determined during the consultation by your Aesthetician.

Obagi Radiance Peel: a superficial alpha/beta peel that typically produces visible flaking for a few days. Addresses moderate skin concerns.

Epidermal Leveling: a mechanical exfoliation treatment specifically designed to remove dead cells on the surface of your skin, and as an additional benefit, removes the fine velous facial hair (this is temporary and will grow back). This treatment is performed using a specialized surgical steel blade. There is no pain associated with the procedure. This treatment produces an incredibly smooth skin surface texture.

Vitalize Peel: SkinMedica’s mid-strength peel. A superficial peel that typically produces visible flaking and improves moderate skin conditions. Our most popular peel. Safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

Prestige Peel: A true medium depth peel that works in the dermis. A combination of several resurfacing agents deeply exfoliate the skin to produce marked complexion improvement. Produces heavy flaking and peeling. Our practice’s deepest peel, this treatment is predictable and safe.

Enzyme Peel: A very superficial treatment that utilizes fruit acids to gently dissolve surface dead skin. Appropriate for all skin types and ethnicities. Produces a beautiful glow and smooth feel.

Beta Peel: A superficial treatment that utilized salicylic acid to improve texture, acne, and help regulate sebum production. Typically produces some flaking. Strength to be determined by your Aesthetician. Not appropriate for patients with aspirin allergy.

Microdermabrasion: A superficial mechanical exfoliation consisting of suction and light abrasion to reduce surface dead skin. A smoother look and feel is produced after even one treatment. Not appropriate for rosacea skin.

Specialty Treatments:

SkinPen Microneedling Therapy: a minimally invasive, non-ablative clinical treatment. New collagen and elastin is produced over time by creating micro-channels within the skin. Appropriate for most skin types and all ethnicities. Addresses scarring, large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and laxity. Topical prescription numbing cream to be applied one hour prior to treatment.

DF Facial: A state-of the-art treatment that utilizes the technology of sound waves and micro current to deliver nutrients deep into the skin and tone facial muscles. This rejuvenating and relaxing facial treatment produces very hydrated, firm, glowing skin. A patient favorite!

CO2 “Blemish Blaster”: A quick treatment that utilizes the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of CO2 to improve existing acne lesions.

Waxing (face only): Temporary facial hair removal utilizing the traditional warm wax application/removal.

Brow and Lash Tinting: a cream solution is applied for a few minutes and then gently removed to enhance the appearance of brows or lashes. Available in shades ranging from dark blonde to black.

Makeup Application Lesson: Our Aestheticians are also talented makeup artists. They will teach you about our Colorescience Mineral Makeup while showing you application methods for a beautiful look.

Permanent Makeup: also referred to as micro-pigmentation. This specialized procedure gives a defined and lasting look to brows, eyeliner, lip liner, or the entire lip. Natural pigment is micro-inserted into the skin by our trained expert, Christine Weber. This is the perfect treatment for those who wish to look polished at all times.

The cost for a HydraFacial at the PVPS Nocatee location is $175. They have an AMAZING special going on right now for the summer! $25 off and you will receive a complimentary travel HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator (I use this and I really love it!) and also choice of Eyebrow Design or Lash Tint. This offer is good until August 31st. To make an appointment please call (904) 273-6200.

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery has many offices, please click here to find the one closest to you!

Connect with Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery: Website Facebook Twitter

Disclosure: I received a complimentary HydraFacial in exchange for my review. All my opinions are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

5 Best Summer Barbecue Recipes

June 7, 2016 By Anne

Summer is well and truly here, and families up and down the country are starting to light those barbecues.

The barbecue is arguably the most enjoyable mealtime of the whole year, filled with delicious food and drinks. That’s not to mention the family company and the music, making it an event that’s memorable for years.

And to make it even more so, the grub must be on point. If you’ve run out of ideas and need a little more inspiration, look no further than here!

Creamy potato salad

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Barbecues are nothing without a healthy supply of side dishes. Sure, you can have a variety of delicious meats, but you need some sides too!

And potato salad is arguably the best side dish of the bunch, and I’d recommend you home-make it. Store bought potato salad usually consists of rock hard potatoes and gone-off mayonnaise, so do it yourself. For your homemade version, make sure the ingredients are as fresh as possible. That’s why store-bought tastes awful – it’s not fresh!

To do it, pre-cook your potatoes the day before and leave them to cool. On the day, mix them with a healthy serving of mayonnaise and some chopped spring onions, to give it a crunchy flavor. Then put it back in the fridge until needed!

The classic cheeseburger

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Ah, the cheeseburger. It’s been a staple of family barbecues for years and years, and with good reason. To get the perfect burger, heat your bun for a few minutes until it’s golden brown. Add the burger, red onions and tomatoes, and slap on some cheddar cheese for that melty look.

In all honesty, you could use pretty much any kind of burger here. Lamb, steak, chicken, beef, etc. In fact, the main problem you’ll face here is finding enough cuts of meat to supply your whole family! Luckily, there are ways to combat this, though. A supplier like Donald Russell allows you to quickly buy meat in bulk, so you can ensure you have enough to go around.

Grilled sausage and apple subs

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Sausage and apple? Preposterous, I hear you say! Well, before you dismiss the idea, give it a go. You’ll be surprised, I guarantee it.

You’ll want to buy some miniature subs, cut them open and butter them. Next, cook your meat and apple on the barbecue to taste, and slot them into the subs. Season with pepper, salt, or anything you desire. And there you have it! A delicious, healthy treat that I bet most of your guests have never tried.

Vegetable pizza

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Another side dish, this vegetable pizza is a good idea for the non-meat eaters in attendance. You can either buy a ready-made pizza base, or make your own. Whatever the case, add some tomato puree and vegetables of your choice.

Think red onions, potatoes, carrots, leeks, and mushrooms. Whack it in the oven until the base has turned brown and crisp. Then serve up!

Buttermilk chicken

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Buttermilk chicken makes the chicken taste ever so juicy, succulent and buttery. You’ll need to buy or make some buttermilk, pour it on the chicken and refrigerate it overnight until it sets. Then preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit, and bake until golden brown.

This usually takes a good 40 minutes, and is a good way to cook food while the barbecue is occupied. This way, you can have a constant supply of things to eat, rather than exclusively grilling things.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Why Buy It – When You Can Win It! #win #giveaways

June 7, 2016 By Anne

Enter these giveaways and list your giveaways here!

Balance Belt

Real Kids Shades Sunglasses

Anne

Check out these Cute Summer Hairstyles using VO5 Hair Products! #VO5hair

June 6, 2016 By Marijean

It is summer time and I am always looking for new ways to style my hair, especially to beat the humidity! VO5 has come up with 4 beautiful and easy hairstyles you can do with some of their gel and hairspray!

Half-Up Celtic Knot

1- Run VO5 Salon Series Perfect Hold Styling Gel through damp or dry hair evenly from roots to ends.

2- Split hair in half with top and bottom sections and secure bottom half with hair-tie; split top half down the middle part and clip your non dominant side away from the other.

3- Take the loose side and wrap your hair over two fingers on your dominant hand to make a loop.

4- While holding first loop, release the other top section of hair; gather this bunch of hair and tuck it under the flat part of the first loop to pull through underneath.

5- Tie this section of hair through the first loophole you created leaving it loose.

6- Tuck the strand you just pulled through under the strand from the first loop and pull up to tuck back through the other hole. Take both ends and pull tight. Release the ponytail you had secured at the beginning and you’ll have a gorgeous half up Celtic Knot look!

Half-Up Braided Halo

1- Run VO5 Salon Series Perfect Hold Styling Gel through damp or dry hair evenly from roots to ends.

2- Split hair in half with top and bottom sections and secure bottom half with a hair-tie. Split the top half down the middle part and clip your non dominant side away from the other.

3- Gather about an inch of hair at the hairline (on the loose side) and separate into three sections, and braid entire section. Tie off with small rubber band.

4- Repeat this process on the other loose section you set aside earlier.

5- Take the first braid and cross the end over the middle of the second braid. Use a bobby pin to secure. Do the same with the second braid and secure into the first braid.

6- Make sure the ends are tucked under both braids, release the ponytail you secured at the beginning. Spray VO5’s Perfect Hold Hairspray for a finishing touch and your braided halo will be gorgeous all day!

Top Knot

1- Gather and pull all of your hair upward while making sure the front and back are smooth and tight. Secure with a hair tie, as if you’re putting your hair up in a high ponytail.

2- Take bottom part of ponytail and secure with a small rubber band.

3- Once secured, push the small band upwards to create some volume in your ponytail.

4- Twist that section of hair into a circular shape around the hair tie that has your ponytail secured.

5- Secure the bun with hairpins. You may need a few, but they should not be visible.

6- Finish off your top knot with VO5’s Salon Series Perfect Hold Hairspray.

Fishtail Braid

1- Gather the top half of your hair to create a half up ponytail. Secure with a small rubber band.

2- Once secured, flip the ponytail upwards and pull through the middle of the half ponytail creating a twisted ponytail.

3- Recreate the same “twisted ponytail” with a smaller section of hair right under the first Ponytail you created.

4- Once complete, pull the top ponytail through the bottom one. Spray this section with VO5 Salon Series Perfect Hold Hairspray to hold it in place.

5- To continue onto the fishtail portion, take the two ponytails you just secured and split them into two sections (left and right). Pull a small piece from the left and pull across the top of the right side.

6- Now do that again but from right to left.

7- Continue to do this gathering hair from underneath the two sections to create one voluminous fishtail braid.

8- At the end, secure with a small rubber band and spray with VO5 Salon Series Perfect Hold Hairspray.

What hairstyle is your favorite?

Disclosure: I received V05 products in exchange for this post.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Help your Child Easily Learn to Ride a Bike without Training Wheels with Balance Belt Review and Giveaway @balancebelt

June 6, 2016 By Marijean

It is that time already, time to teach my almost 5 year old son how to ride a bike without training wheels. My daughter learned very quickly, my son however has been struggling. He gets scared very easily and then either ends up crying or just getting off the bike and refusing to get back on it. He would rather ride his scooter then get on a bike. I knew it would be challenging, so when I heard about Balance Belt, I was hoping this would be a great way to teach him quickly.

What is the Balance Belt?

A revolutionary device that will quickly teach your child how to ride a bike without training wheels and without many of those painful falls often sustained while learning (Ages 3 and up). Children LOVE this product because it takes away that fear of falling! It makes learning to ride without training wheels super easy and super fast. We guarantee the Balance Belt works or your money back pursuant to our satisfaction guarantee!

How Does it Work?

The Balance Belt works by teaching your child to balance a bicycle on his/her own. If used properly, it can work SUPER-FAST and WITHOUT those painful falls which can occur when a child attempts to ride without assistance! Simply follow the recommended instructions that accompany your Balance Belt and have your child riding without training wheels in as little as just one short 10 minute session!

Balance Belt with Instructions

The Balance Belt is a really great idea. I remember my husband trying to teach my daughter how to ride last year, and his back constantly hurting for leaning over holding the handle bar. With using Balance Belt, he can walk or run with my son without hurting his back. Now I must say, my son is VERY timid and gets scared easily. I didn’t know how this would work out, however it was great! My son felt supported on the bike the whole time and didn’t complain. The Balance Belt did not hurt him, and is made very heavy duty and won’t snap or break. The rubber grips are comfortable on your hands.

My husband using the Balance Belt with our son

My son still isn’t 100% ready to ride without training wheels, however this belt is helping to give him more confidence and knows that my husband isn’t going to let him fall. This is a much easier way for you to help your child to learn how to ride without training wheels. I will be using this each day with him and I am positive he will be riding alone in no time!

To purchase your own Balance Belt, please click here. The cost is $14.99 and includes free shipping.

Connect with Balance Belt: Website Facebook Twitter