Pretty in the Queen City

Sunbow: Sunscreen Designed with Kids in Mind

Hello Summer!

There is no doubt that summer has arrived when I saw the temperature was 102 degrees yesterday! 

I'm constantly reviewing products and showing you my latest and greatest finds but what about protecting our children's skin? That's even more so important, especially if you have a toddler like I do. I have found a GREAT product that works, is pediatrician recommended AND naturally formulated! 

I recently used the Sunbow Sunscreen Stick on my daughter (who is 17 months old) and I absolutely fell in love with this product.It fit perfectly in my pocket! It's a great travel size. The stick wasn't messy and was easy to apply.It applied with a shade of pink which disappeared once I rubbed it in.

Finally (and most importantly) it WORKED! We stayed in the sun for quite some time and she has fair skin which tends to worry me. She didn't burn the slightest bit.....her cheeks weren't even rosy the next day. 

The Sunbow line is also affordable ranging in prices from $7.99-$12.99 ! 

I can guarantee the Sunbow Sunscreen Stick will become a staple in our home and in her bag at preschool. 

 

Have Fun in the Sun

Sunscreen Designed with Kids in Mind

 
Sunscreen meets fun with Sunbow. Take the guess work out of sunscreen application with Sunbow’s naturally formulated products, designed with the health and well being of children in mind. Taking sun protection by storm, Sunbow is pediatrician recommended,water resistant, hypoallergenic, paba free, and most of all kid friendly. Sunbow has doubled the sun fun factor as each product features a kid favorite Nickelodeon character,including Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants, and goes on initially in a color,guaranteeing children will enjoy application. The child friendly, micronized Zinc Oxide formulas found in Sunbow sunscreens provide a strong UVA/UVB barrier without chemical actives such as Oxybenzone or Octinoxate.

Sunbow Zinc Oxide Cream

• SPF 30

• Free of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate

• Zinc Oxide Formula

• Natural UVA-UVB Protection

• Dora the Explorer (pink formula) and SpongeBob SquarePants (yellow formula)

• $12.99

Sunbow Sunscreen Spray

• SPF 30

• Provides a non Oxybenzoate formula with Homosalate(Organic Compound)

• Antioxidant protection

• Continuous hydration

• Bubble gum fragrance

• SpongeBob SquarePants (yellow formulas), Dora theExplorer (pink and blue formulas)

• $9.99

Sunbow Sun Stick

• SPF 45

• Antioxidant protection

• Continuous hydration

• Bubble gum fragrance

• SpongeBob SquarePants (yellow formula) and Dora theExplorer (pink formulas)

• $7.99

Sunbow products are available at www.sunbowsunscreen.com and www.drugstore.com

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About Sunbow

The sunscreens are manufactured using state of the art technology by one of the top manufacturers of health and skincare products in America. Independent testing ensures the highest standards in quality. Every product is water resistant, sprays in color but dries clear, hypoallergenic, paba free, pediatrician recommended and tested.

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(Editor's Note: Compensation was not received for this review. These are my own opinions based on product samples provided by Sunbow. Pretty in the Queen City and Sunbow  promote Blog with Integrity)

Kiss My Face Peace Soap (Review)

My Pretties, I have found another AMAZING line! Imagine this, a travel sized soap that is all purpose! Not only does it clean your skin but you can use it on pots, pans and even your clothes! I have personally used it on my skin and on dishes and loved it. It's perfect for camping trips or for business travelers. 

NEW Kiss My Face Travel Size Peace Soap

100% Natural All Purpose Pure Castile Soap

 

Kiss My Face introduces another use for its popular multi purpose Peace Soap…traveling!  Adding itself to the worldly Peace collection, the 3.4 oz.Travel Size Peace Soap is good for cleaning just about anything from your body to camping gear and conveniently minimizes your toiletry needs when traveling.

Peace Soap is aptly named for its support of Seeds of Peace, an organization that aims to develop relationships and leadership skills among young people from regions of conflict.  Kiss My Face supports Seeds of Peace by donating 10% of all profits from Peace Soap to the organization. 

 Minimal Ingredients…Countless Travel Uses!

• Body and Hair - Jojoba seals in moisture while coconut and olive oil relieve dryness on skin from head to toe, is a healthy alternative to traditional shampoos and conditioners, and also makes an excellent shave gel!

• General Indoor/Outdoor Cleaning - Gentle enough to be used for everything from bathing pets and washing clothes to scrubbing pots and pans on the campsite.

 Travel Size Peace Soap Is Good For You Because... 

• Coconut Oil is a mild, gentle cleanser
• Organic Olive Oil helps maintain elasticity of skin, conditions and adds shine to hair
•  Organic Jojoba Oil is hydrating and moisturizing
•  Lavender Oil is calming, soothing and regenerating properties
•  Orange Oil cleanses, stimulates and uplifts, also offers stress relieving benefits
•  Lemongrass Oil is refreshing, energizing and uplifting
•   Clary Sage Oil is soothing, helps reduce stress
•  Alginate (Seaweed derived) is a natural thickener
•  Natural Fragrance
• Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

 Available In the Following Natural Scents:

• Grassy Mint
• Lemongrass Clary Sage
• Lavender Mandarin (I love this one!!!)
• Pomegranate Acai

Travel Size Peace Soap is free of parabens, phthalates, and animal ingredients and was not tested on animals. The packaging features peace written in languages from around the world and is made from 50% recycled plastic.

 Travel Size Peace Soap is available for $2.99 (3.4 oz) at Whole Foods Market and KissMyFace.com 

So, not only is it a multi purpose soap but it's good for the environment AND it's affordable. Can't get much better than that!

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About Seeds of Peace

The Seeds of Peace's internationally recognized program model begins at its summer Camp in Maine and continues through programming in regions around the world with innovative initiatives in the form of conferences, regional workshops, educational and professional opportunities, and an adult educators program. This comprehensive system allows participants to develop empathy, respect, and confidence as well as leadership, communication and negotiation skills — all critical components that will facilitate peaceful coexistence for the next generation.

(Editor's Note: Compensation was not received for this review. These are my own opinions based on product samples provided by Kiss My Face. Pretty in the Queen City and Kiss My Face promote Blog with Integrity)

(UPDATE) Picking up the Pieces:The May Family

Exactly one month ago, a tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa, Alabama as well as many other communities causing massive destruction. I shared the story of Renee May (A childhood friend) and her family who survived the storm.

Last week, I was contacted by a writer from Redbook Magazine , a national women's magazine, and I am very happy to say that they will be sharing Renee's story in the August Issue.

Please make sure to pick up a copy and please donate to the May family by clicking the button at the end of this post. Every single $1 counts!

Thank you all for your support for Renee, her family, Tuscaloosa, the other families and communities that have been affected by these devastating storms in the last month.

 

2011 Photo of the May Family 

You can read my original post about Renee and her family below: 

 

On April 27th, 2011, Tornadoes ripped through the southern states causing massive destruction. In some communities, I'm told it looks like a war zone. I haven't seen anything first hand but each day I am glued to facebook because it's my closest connection to those affected. 

I am thankful that everyone I personally know survived the storms however a few unfortunately have lost their homes. One of those is a childhood friend of mine, Renee Parker May. Renee, her husband Dustin and 2 year old daughter Oakley survived the storms but they lost everything else....their home, their shop, their cars, everything. 

2010  Photo of the May family

 

Two year old Oakley

        

As I am in North Carolina, it's harder for me to get to Alabama to help with the clean up efforts. I have many followers of this blog and it's my goal to help Renee and her family as much as we can. I will be collecting donations via Pretty in the Queen City for this family. All donations will be given to Renee and her family to use as they see fit with their immediate needs. Below are some photos of their home,shop and one of their cars. Renee, who is an elementary school teacher, survived with her family by hiding in the shower. The shower still stands. I have no doubt in my mind that a higher power was looking over this family on that frightening day in Tuscaloosa.

 

The shower that saved their lives! 

Thousands upon thousands were affected by this storm and I know we all want to help in some way. We can't all be there in person and we don't all have the means to arrange huge pick ups but you can help. What may seem small to you is huge to someone else.

I encourage you to donate to the May family. Renee, Dustin and Oakley....we love you. You will make it through this as you begin picking up the pieces and rebuilding your life. Stay Strong.

 Please make your donation to the May family below. Any amount is appreciated!!!! Thank you! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Beauty Benefits of Wine

As some of you may or may not know, Pretty in the Queen City is not my only venture. I love to have my hands in many projects. One of those projects includes assisting clients with Marketing/PR/Social Media. 

One of my new found loves (and client)  is IL Decantino by Pouring Wine LLC. IL Decantino serves as a cork, portioner and wine decanter. IL Decantino decants the wine glass-by glass and also serves as a portion regulator. Hand-crafted glass from Europe, durable and strong, dishwasher-safe.

Once the wine bottle is uncorked, the decanter inserts securely into the bottle.  Remove the small cork from the pouring spout, then simply tip the wine bottle forward, and the glass bulb fills to portion and aerate the wine at the same time.  When the bulb is filled, tip the unit to empty the decanter and fill the glass.  The wine serving is perfectly portioned and ready to drink.  No need to wait for the wine to “breathe”… the bouquet and flavors are immediately apparent.  Replace the small cork in the IL Decantino decanter and enjoy!

You're probably asking how this relates to beauty/health/wellness! This is PERFECT for gathering your girlfriends together to enjoy a glass or two of wine while winding down and enjoying nice conversation. (Just leave the work conversation at work!)  And according to a recent online article I read, wine offers beauty benefits beyond the glass! The East Oregonian states "Antioxidants in red wine do all kinds of helpful things for the body - like protecting your heart and boosting "good" cholesterol levels. But it turns out that crushed grapes not only offer healthy benefits inside, but skin beautifying benefits outside."

Many spas across the world offer treatments such as red wine baths which feature crushed grape or wine extracts. Merlot wraps, crushed cabernet scrubs and vino-lift anti aging facials are just a few other luxurious spa treatments available.

 

For my Chicago followers, I'll be at the NRA show next week! If you are there, please stop by our booth as I will be there representing IL Decantino and Pouring Wine LLC. 

I recently received these BEAUTIFUL Allure Aerating Cabernet / Merlot / Bordeaux Wine Glasses from Wine Enthusiast. Subtle ripples within the glass help your wine to reach its full taste potential faster. These aerating "waves" open up your wine at every phase, from pouring and swirling to sipping and savoring. They also create a reflective elegance unique to any presentation. Mouth-blown in Europe of lead-free crystal.

 

Now, go enjoy a nice glass of wine and plan a trip around Vinotherapy! I think our hearts and our skin could use the love. 

 

I've Been Good This Year

As all of my readers know, I LOVE the Kahina Giving Beauty skin care line. Santa was paying close attention! I was surprised to receive the Kahina collection along with a hand-made bag from Morocco. Such a special gift! I am still smiling  :) 

Want to learn more about Kahina? Check out my interview with Katharine L'eureux, founder of Kahina Giving Beauty ->http://www.prettyinthequeencity.typepad.com/pretty-in-the-queen-city/2010/09/queen-city-prettykatharine-lheureux.html

You ARE Beautiful!

I received this today via email and I could not help but share this with you. Please take a moment out of your day. Close your eyes. Listen to the lyrics of this song. Take it all in.

During a time when bullying has become a huge focus of our communities...not only among youth but adults too, this is an inspirational reminder that no matter what, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE TREASURED. YOU ARE SACRED. You DESERVE so much more. 

 

 

xoxo.

 

 

 

History Lessons from Pretty in the Queen City

(This blog post came from Witchy Poo Lotions & Potions)

It’s been said you learn something new every day. I believe in this old adage. For instance, I would have never known that Charlotte North Carolina is called the Queen City unless I Googled it. I can almost say for sure, that I wouldn’t have gone to Google to find out what “Pretty in the Queen City” meant, if it hadn’t been for Amelia Keith, beauty blogger, Charlotte, NC.

Here’s what Wikepidia had to say about Amelia’s town…Nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte and the county containing it are named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg, who had become queen consort of British King George III the year before the city's founding. I had no idea. I need to brush up on my Jeopardy questions, obviously! Learn something new everyday.

Now, East Coast American History isn’t all that Amelia gave me..............

(Cont. reading HERE)

Allure Magazine Releases 14th Annual Best of Beauty Issue!

I am SO excited about the new issue of Allure Magazine! The magazine is releasing it's 14th annual Best of Beauty Issue!!  The day the issue arrives in my hands, expect me to disappear for a few hours while studying every detail and falling in love with each turn of the page.

The greatest shampoos, lipsticks, wrinkle fighters, mascaras, self tanners, guys stuff etc etc etc! I've gone to Heaven! *sigh*

PLUS! Download the FREE Allure Best of Beauty iShopper App

for your iphone beginning September 21. By downloading the app, you will have the entire Best of Beauty winners list at your fingertips, and GPS allows users to find the stores nearest to them that are selling their favorite products.  Shop by product or store and customize your own shopping list.

 

Who else is excited to get this Best of Beauty issue in their hands?!?!

What's on our Editorial Calendar ?

Happy Sunday to all of my Pretties!

There are lots of new things going on with Pretty in the Queen City and I wanted to give you a peak of what's to come!

First of all, each week day will now have a theme. From now on you can expect the following:

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Monday: Beauty news from around the world

Tuesday: Beauty product review

Wednesday: Our weekly Queen City Pretty

Thursday: Total Beauty Thursday which is where we'll discuss inner beauty topics

Friday: Fabulous Friday Feature

Product of the Week: Each week, you'll notice a featured product on my blog. You will have access to immediately purchase this item.

Monthly: Giveaways, Guest blog entries from beauty insiders across the world and the Fabulous Five which is where I will share my top 5 must-haves for the month.

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On the right hand side of my blog, you'll see a space to subscribe to my blog. Please enter your email address to receive my blog DAILY to your inbox. You will only receive one email a day from me.The subscription request MUST be confirmed so if you do not immediately receive an email from me, then check your spam mail.

Want to nominate an individual or business for our features?

Please email me at amelialk[at]gmail [dot] com

 

How do you define Beauty?

What is beauty? Where does it come from? Some say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some see beauty as a physical attribute. Young and old alike yearn to be like the starlets they see on television. Hollywood is based around the glamour and beauty of the actresses that grace our screens. It took many years for me to determine what true beauty was. The beauty that is real lies within and it’s something we must accept before anyone else in our lives can.
 
I’ve talked to many teenagers throughout the years regarding their versions of beauty. It’s normally the same answer: the designer clothes, the new car, and the most popular students. It’s important for you, no matter your age, to realize that your size, race or even the cliques you were involved in at school are not going to separate you from going through fears relating to your own image. We all feel ugly at times. We all, at some point in our life, go through something similar.

No relationship can repair your self-image. Being the most popular in school is not going to further your life goals.When you step into a potential employer’s office, they will not ask what clique you were involved with. Your future colleagues are not going to base your relationship on what type of designer clothes you wore when you were younger. No one is going to care what kind of car you drove when you were sixteen.

It’s so important to realize what truly matters and that is the way you see yourself. If you think highly of yourself then everything else will fall into place. No one else can love you, respect you, or admire you until you feel that way about yourself.
 
So many teenagers are inspired by what they see on TV. As a former agent, I played an active role in the entertainment industry. I can say first hand that many of the people you admire are sad individuals. Not all, but many. How would you like it if your entire life was monitored? Any mistake you made or decision you chose is published in every magazine and broad-casted on every entertainment news show. The models in magazines that you envy are airbrushed. They have the same flaws we do if not more! It's a business of constant judgment. Judgment that leads to eating disorders, addictions and even worse...suicide.
 
Keep in mind that we all came from a different mom and dad. None of us were meant to be the same. We aren’t meant to have the same body type, the same hair style or the same talents. We are all here for a purpose. Don’t overlook that and spend your life trying to live out the life of someone else. You only get one chance. We are accountable for our own decisions and you never want to go through life wondering “what if?”

Accept yourself. Love yourself. Know that the beauty you have is not in your physical characteristics but in your eyes. The love, compassion and life you have can be seen in your eyes. That makes you beautiful.

How do you define Beauty?

xoxo