I spend a lot of time outside walking, sightseeing and hiking in various forests. Lately in my area it's been raining, so that means large areas of sitting water. Prime mosquitoes breeding spots. Ugh!
Note: I received product samples for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
So I appreciated getting a package from the OFF!® team to use for next time I went outside. Before going outside I tested out how to apply the products, how they smelled and how they felt on my skin.
I am pleased with the easy application. Literally you either sprayed or smooth on the gel. As for scent, one has none at all and the other was more a very light clean scent. Both products went over my skin smooth and not greasy. Both left my skin clean, no residue streaks.
Now that I had the products on, it was time to head outside and check how they protected me. I bravely took a walk in the forest and even along standing water areas.
Thankfully the OFF!® products protected me well. Whether deep in the forest or just walking along, I had no mosquitoes bites, didn't smell like chemicals and was able to enjoy my outside time!
OFF! Insect Repellent
OFF!® is on a mission to help adults and kids protect themselves before that first bite from a mosquito or tick with a routine call PREtection.
PREtection is the act of preparing ahead of time to help prevent mosquito and tick bites. The proper PREtection ritual involves applying insect repellent after sunscreen, as a final step in people's skin protection routine.
PREtection focuses on prevention as the best protection against bug bites because insect repellent is most effective when applied before you’re exposed to pests.
As a pioneer in personal insect repellents for over 50 years, OFF!® is proud of the proven effectiveness of their products. The SC Johnson Center for Insect Science™ is one of the world’s largest privately owned entomology research centers, studying insect-borne disease prevention and developing effective product solutions for consumer use.
OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent
OFF! Clean Feel has no greasy feel or odor, providing a pleasant and DEET-free protection from mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies. Formulated with 20% picaridin, a highly effective active ingredient, it gives you protection that lasts for up to eight hours.
Product line includes:
OFF!® Clean Feel Mist
OFF!® Clean Feel 2.5oz
OFF!® Clean Feel Insect Repellent I Aerosol
OFF!® Clean Feel Insect Repellent II Spritz
OFF!® Clear Gel Insect Repellent
OFF!® Adults & Kids
OFF!® for Adults & Kids is suitable for children one year and up (when used as directed), the new fragrance-free repellents help keep mosquitoes away without the smell or greasy feel that may cause kids to resist bug spray
Product line includes:
OFF!® Adults & Kids Post-Bite Patches
OFF!® Insect Repellent Aerosol for Adults & Kids, 5oz
OFF!® Insect Repellent Lotion for Adults & Kids, 3.8 fl oz
OFF!® Insect Repellent Spritz for Adults & Kids, 4oz
OFF! repellents can be purchased through major retailers, including Amazon, Target and Walmart.
Learn more, visit - www.OFF.com
Bill Condon, director of Dreamgirls and Beauty and the Beast, returns to the movie musical with "Kiss of the Spider Woman ", a dazzling Technicolor-hued fantasy.
SYNOPSIS
Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical hit.
ValentÃn (Diego Luna), a political prisoner, shares a cell with Molina (Tonatiuh), a window dresser convicted of public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez).
Bill Condon’s visionary new adaptation is based on the acclaimed 1976 novel Kiss of the Spider Woman by Argentinian writer Manuel Puig and the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical of the same name by the multiple Tony Award®-winning playwright Terrence McNally (Master Class, Ragtime) and composer/lyricist team John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago).
Produced by Barry Josephson, p.g.a., Tom Kirdahy, p.g.a., and Greg Yolen.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN | Official Teaser Trailer | In Theaters October 10
Bill Condon, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Mark Scheinberg, Dani Bernfeld, Kevin Halloran, Michael Joe, Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Whitney Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Courtney Baxter, Diego Luna, D. Matt Geller, Pamela Thur, Sam Weisman, Daniel Weisman, and Margaux Weisman serve as executive producers.
An Artists Equity and Mohari Media presentation, Kiss of the Spider Woman is a Josephson Entertainment / Tom Kirdahy / Greg Yolen / Nuyorican production.
Staying hydrated is important, so when I saw that CVS Pharmacy's Well Market™ line has added more snacks and beverages, including a drink mix, I had to learn (and taste test) more.
Note: I received product samples for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
I received a nice gift box with some of the latest products including
Watermelon Replenish Drink Mix: The replenish beverage is a zero-sugar blend made with electrolytes and five essential vitamins for smarter hydrating. Just mix with water and enjoy it on the go.
Cinnamon Apple Flavored Snack Straws: This vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO snack brings two irresistible flavors together in one craveable snack. The sweet taste of apples teams up with a sprinkling of cinnamon for a burst of mouthwatering flavor in every bite.
Freeze Dried Raspberry-Infused Apples: These fruit-forward bites are infused with delicious raspberry juice that makes them easy to snack on. Each crispy bite is light, sweet, and sure to satisfy your taste buds, with 1 cup of fruit per serving.
Everything Bagel Seasoned Gluten-Free Pretzel Twists: This snack packs bold flavors and an irresistible crunch into every bite. They're sprinkled with poppy seeds, garlic, onion and sea salt and baked to perfection to create a tasty textured team-up. And because they are free from grain and the top nine allergens, you can feel good about reaching for more.
White Cheddar Snack Sticks: These gluten-free snack sticks are made with real white cheddar to deliver a crispy crunch and burst of cheesy flavor with every bite. Baked to perfection and easy to snack on, they have no artificial flavors, so you can enjoy reaching for more.
S'mores Trail Mix Bites: These vegan, low sodium trail mix bites combine real chocolate with gooey-chewy marshmallows for a burst of sweetness in every mouthful. Craveable campfire flavors with each nutty crunch will keep you reaching for more. And with no artificial coloring, flavors, or preservatives, you can indulge in happy, smart snacking
Of course I immediately wanted to try the Watermelon Replenish Drink Mix, so I added some water to my water bottle and then added a packet.
First thing I noticed is the immediate scent of watermelon, which was nice. Then after a quick shake and sip, I had more watermelon experience with the taste. Which was slightly sweet and more like coconut water then just "flavor fruit" water.
Overall when you combine the scent, taste, zero sugar and blend of electrolytes and essential vitamins, there's lots of benefits to using Watermelon Replenish Drink Mix to keep your hydrated.
Last May, CVS announced the launch of Well Market™, a snack line that combines a diverse array of flavors with nutritional benefits to redefine snacking. The snack line consists of more than 200 new snacks, beverages, and groceries in CVS Pharmacy® stores nationwide.
In addition, CVS will bring the existing Gold Emblem, Gold Emblem abound, and Big Chill products under the Well Market™ umbrella.
The Well Market products have meaningful wellness benefits, crave-worthy flavors, and CVS is backing that with dedication to quality and 100% money-back guarantee.
Well Market is a vital part of CVS Health’s strategy to build a world of health around every consumer. This repositioning of the consumables portfolio better meets CVS customers’ wants and needs by providing craveable snacks, groceries and beverages with packaging that highlights the functional benefits of food, so that customers can feel great about the choices they make.
Most items in the Well Market line are priced between $2.99 to $8.99
Learn more, visit - www.cvs.com/wellmarket
Plan on camping this summer? Here are bring five product recommendations to bring along – all of which are sold on Amazon!
Five Products for Camping on Amazon
True Primal Soups ($51.99 - $69.99/8-pack)
True Primal offers a nutrient-dense, gluten-free, paleo-friendly alternative to canned soups that's lower in salt than traditional pre-made soups.
Made in USA and packed in a pouch, the compact shape, low bulk, and easy portability make them excellent for bringing along while backpacking, camping, hiking, hunting, or any other outdoor adventure.
These pouches are also lighter than cans, and they flatten when empty, which is super convenient when hiking and using a camping stove.
LectroFan Micro2 Sound Machine and Bluetooth Speaker ($39.95)
These small speakers by LectroFan are also an all-in-one sleep sound machine. Enjoy the choice of five digital fan sounds, four variations of white, pink and brown noise, and two ocean surf sounds.
Titan PRO High Performance Ice Chest ($275.00)
Made by Titan PRO Outdoor Gear, this cooler was built to keep ice for days and days. The Ice Saver™ is a thermal cover, that you place over your interior contents, to reduce ice melt caused by warm air.
It also has a removable interior light, perfect for dark campsites.
Frank's Skeeter Sticks ($36.95/12 sticks)
Frank's Skeeter Sticks takes care of mosquitoes with a natural repellent that makes hanging around the campsite that much more enjoyable!
The sticks are jumbo incense scented with rosemary, citronella, lemongrass and peppermint essential oils.
Charlie’s Soap Oxygen Bleach ($16.99)
The downside to camping is the amount of dirt that comes home with you. Charlie’s Soap Oxygen Bleach will restore your clothes safe and natural.
This ultra-concentrated non-chlorine bleach naturally releases safe peroxide and oxygen to tackle tough stains and remove odors. It gives a deep clean of traditional bleach without damaging clothes, skin, or the environment.
My plan for this year is to spend more time outside. Since I needed a travel-ready power solution, I met with the Ampace team to learned about their portable power products for both on-the-go and for home use!
Note: I received a product sample for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.
Ampace, a global leader in battery innovation, has a complete lineup of Ampace Andes portable power stations designed for extreme conditions and emergency preparedness.
First Thoughts Ampace Andes 300
I really liked the compact Ampace Andes 300 for everyday charging and was excited to receive my own unit for review. I have upcoming hiking trips and need to keep my device charged for GPS and other connectivity uses.
My first impression of my Ampace Andes 300 device.
I like that it's portable with a carry handle. I can easily take it anywhere with me. Also the multiple ports makes sure all my different devices can be charged and ready.
Can't wait to use it during out next trip outside! I'll share how we used it and the results.
Memorial Day Weekend Discounts (May 26–31):
Andes 300 Portable Power Station – now $159 (originally $249.99) — 30%+ off
Andes 600 Pro Portable Power Station – now $349 (originally $449) — 20%+ off
Andes 1500 Portable Power Station – now $799 (originally $1,399) — 40%+ off
Ampace Portable Power Devices
The Andes series offers fast-charging, resilient, and travel-ready power solutions.
Key Ampace Models Features
Extreme Cold Performance: Operates at –20°C (–4°F) with up to 80% power retention.
Ultra-Fast Charging: Andes 1500 charges fully in 55 minutes; Andes 600 Pro and Andes 300 achieve 80% charge in 1 hour.
Quiet & Lightweight: Sleep mode noise as low as 30–40dB for maximum comfort.
Reliable EPS/UPS Switchover: 20ms automatic backup for uninterrupted power.
Solar Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with Ampace solar panels for off-grid use.
Ampace Andes Model Highlights
Ampace Andes 300: 266Wh capacity, 8.2 lb; ultra-portable for light travel and emergency use.
Ampace Andes 600 Pro: 584Wh capacity, 17.2 lb; perfect for short trips and backup needs.
Ampace Andes 1500: 1462Wh capacity, 36.8 lb; fully charges in 55 minutes, powers 99% of household appliances
New Extra Battery: Up to One Week of Backup
Ampace introduces the Extra Battery, designed exclusively for the Andes 1500. Each unit adds 1,462Wh of capacity and the system can be expanded up to 11,696Wh with seven batteries—enough to power an average household for up to a week.
Launched ahead of hurricane season, the Extra Battery provides reliable, long-lasting backup power in response to climate emergencies and power outages. This stackable modular system ensures consistent energy for critical devices.
Like the Ampace Andes 1500 Portable Power Station, the Andes 1500 Extra Battery is built with RESS-grade battery cells, delivering exceptional portability without compromising on safety—setting a new standard for reliable power expansion.
With industry-leading 55-minute rapid recharge technology and an extraordinary 6,000-cycle lifespan, it ensures like-new performance for over 15 years, even under intensive use.
Its rugged design withstands harsh temperatures (–4°F to 113°F) and includes a state-of-the-art mobile app for real-time monitoring, empowering users to manage their power needs seamlessly, whether sheltering at home during a storm or exploring off-grid adventures.
Featuring a built-in display, users can monitor the remaining battery level and charging time in real-time. The device includes integrated cable storage, keeping charging cords neatly organized and saving space.
Its dual-handle design ensures effortless portability. Furthermore, the ports are equipped with foolproof protection to prevent incorrect connection.
The Ampace Andes 1500 Extra Battery is available now on Amazon for $599 or bundled with the Ampace 1500 Portable Power Station for $1,249.
Learn more, visit - www.ampacepower.com
Kiyomi Skin hosted an immersive experience at the Sushi Lab rooftop, where I learned about their J-Beauty skincare line, which uses 5-ALA - an amino acid known to illuminate skin from the inside out.
Note: I was invited as media to this event. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
During the event, Kiyomi Skin CEO and President Daniel Struve shared the story behind the organic and natural brand popular in Japan.
He also shared about it's development while highlighting its Germany European roots and expansion plans into the U.S.
“We have a powerful ingredient that offers significant benefits not only for the skin but also for overall well-being. Our goal is to create scientifically backed products that genuinely help people feel better. Cosmetics are just the beginning, as we aim to introduce 5-ALA as a supplement to the market soon,” said Kiyomi CEO and President Daniel Struve.
Why 5-Ala is a star ingredient
Kiyomi Skin uses 5-ALA (5-aminolevulinic acid) because it fosters the mitochondria’s energy production. This boosts collagen and elastin production to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin—resulting in a healthier and youthful appearance.
Here’s how else Kiyomi 5-ALA is most effective when incorporated into skincare regimens:
Restores the skin’s vitality on a cellular level
Retains water and thus improve the skin’s elasticity
Promotes the skin’s collagen production
Supports the renewal of skin cells
Slows down the skin’s aging process
Improves skin hydration
Then we were able to test five of Kiyomi Skin products. I especially enjoyed the face mist for its fine, lightly floral spray, and the day cream, which was richer than expected yet deeply moisturizing and scent-free.
Cleansing Oil ($39.90) - Gently removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil, protects the skin from drying out, and leaves it smooth for a fresh, well-groomed skin feeling
Niacinamide Serum ($49.90) - Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 improves the natural appearance of the skin by Reducing redness, Evening out the complexion, Refining the skin texture. Additionally helps to strengthen the skin barrier and protects against moisture loss.
Face Mist ($44.90) - Provides the skin with instant hydration and soothing with combination of lavender water, orange blossom water, and green tea extract. These ingredients help reduce redness and stress while promoting a healthy complexion, leaving your skin with a pleasantly relaxed feeling.
Eye Cream ($34.90) - Visibly reduces puffiness and dark circles, providing the delicate eye area with intense hydration – with 5-ALA and ceramides for deep, effective eye care.
Day Cream ($69.90) - Fragrance-free and refreshing day cream provides intense hydration with 5-ALA and hyaluronic acid, smooths the skin, reduces signs of aging, and gives a radiant complexion.
Rooted in science, Kiyomi Skin uses 5-ALA because it plays a crucial role in the Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells. With aging, the body’s own 5-ALA content decreases, so supplementing it with a cream gives back to the skin, hair and body.
Following the Kiyomi Skin product demonstrations, guests were treated to a delicious, custom five-course lunch.
Food highlights included perfectly crispy fried chicken, flavorful egg rolls, tender skewers, and a refreshing berries & cream dessert to round out the experience.
The event was a thoughtful blend of education, product discovery, and culinary delight, offering an insightful introduction to the Kiyomi Skin skincare brand.
Learn more, visit - kiyomi-skin.us
Did you know that National Dairy Month is in June? However about 30 to 50 million U.S. adults are estimated to be lactose intolerant, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
But being lactose intolerant doesn't mean what you think.
Note: I received product samples for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
Bactose™, a revolutionary probiotic that digests lactose, shared some common myths about lactose intolerance to help you better understand the condition and how to manage it effectively.
Some misconceptions about being lactose intolerant can lead to confusion, unnecessary dietary restrictions, and anxiety over enjoying foods like cheese, milk, and ice cream.
Myth: Lactose Intolerance Means You Can’t Have Dairy at All
Fact: While lactose intolerance means you may struggle to digest lactose (the sugar in milk), it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to eliminate all dairy from your diet.
Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose-containing foods without any issues. Hard cheeses, yogurt, and lactose-free dairy products often contain little to no lactose and can still be part of a balanced diet.
Myth: Lactose Intolerance and Milk Allergy Are the Same Thing
Fact: These are two distinct conditions. Lactose intolerance occurs when your body lacks sufficient lactase enzyme to break down lactose, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Milk allergy, on the other hand, is an immune response to the proteins in milk (such as casein and whey). It can lead to severe allergic reactions, including hives, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis.
If you experience symptoms beyond digestive distress after consuming dairy, it’s crucial to seek medical advice to rule out an allergy.
Myth: Lactose Intolerance Is the Same for Everyone
Fact: The severity of lactose intolerance can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may experience symptoms after consuming even a small amount of lactose, while others can tolerate larger quantities before noticing any discomfort.
Factors such as age, gut microbiome health, and even ethnicity play a role in how lactose intolerance manifests.
Myth: Lactose Intolerance Only Affects Adults
Fact: While lactose intolerance is more common among adults, especially as lactase enzyme production decreases with age, children can also be lactose intolerant.
The condition may develop early in life or appear suddenly after a bout of illness. Identifying lactose intolerance in children can be challenging, but with proper diagnosis and dietary adjustments, it can be managed effectively.
Learn more about Myths About Lactose Intolerance - www.bactose.com/blogs/journal-entry/breaking-down-the-myths-about-lactose-intolerance
How Bactose Can Help
If you don't want to deal with lactose intolerance with only temporary solutions, Bactose offers a revolutionary approach. Unlike lactase pills that need to be taken before every meal, Bactose works differently.
Bactose is a probiotic supplement that helps produce lactase enzymes directly in the gut. By taking Bactose for just 7 days, you can enjoy dairy for an entire month without discomfort.
Bactose™ is a novel strain of bacteria able to colonize the human intestine and actively produce human lactase enzyme, the same enzyme that people who are Lactose Intolerant are missing, it also the same enzyme that many people take in pill form for their lactose intolerance symptoms.
Bactose™ effectively digests the lactose in our small intestine before it reaches the large intestine where it could causes all those common problems like gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Experience real freedom with Bactose, and make your favorite dairy foods enjoyable again!
