Simple Skincare Review

I was given the opportunity through SheSpeaks to review Simple Skincare's Smoothing Facial Scrub.  I was a bit bummed since Simple's website and the product packaging made me assume it was a 'green' product line, but the ingredients contained several things I do my best to avoid.  This particular product had parabens in it.  I did notice after going to Walgreens (who also sponsered this product review), that a few of Simple's products are phthalate and paraben free.  The smell is light and not overpowering and I seemed to have a bit of irritation after a few attempts at using this, I imagine from the chemicals that my skin just isn't used too.  The product itself is easy to use and the directions clear. I was happy to see that the container is recyclable and I intend to 'regift' this to a friend who is not as chemically concerned as I am to try this out and get her opinion.

On the SheSpeaks website several reviewers were quite pleased with the performance of the product and I wanted to share that as to not discourage trying this product if you do not normally avoid products for chemicals within them.



Although I received this product free of charge to try and review on Healthy Lantern, the opinion is my own and 100% honest, not influenced by the price, or lack their of, or any additional incentives.

10K this Saturday!!

I am running in the Monument 10K this Saturday and am raising funds for VCU Cancer Center.  I want to thank those that have supported me and give you a quick update.

I have been training for a half marathon, so this 10K will hopefully go over well!! I ran a little over 6 miles yesterday and feel ready for Saturday. I plan on a shorter run of 4-5, maybe 6 miles tomorrow and a day of resting and stretching on Friday.

It means a lot to me that you have supported cancer research in hopes that better treatments, cures, faster diagnostics can come to light.



If you have not donated yet, you still can donate by clicking the following:

 Christin Lilly's Monument 10K Donation Page



Thanks and I look forward to updating you post run!



Also, for regular readers, sorry about the lack of recipes lately. I have a story behind that and yes it truly and totally is my sweet husband's fault! LOL

Better'n Peanut Butter/ RECIPES

In honor, belated honor, of National Peanut Butter Day....here is a product I think worthy of a health minded nod and a huge heaping tablespoon of tasting!

Better'n Peanut Butter

40% lower in calories than good old fashioned PB and only 2.5 g of fat!!

It comes in orginal, but one of my faves is their chocolate PB version! Supposedly they have a banana one, lower salt, and a hot pepper one...haven't tried them yet.

Here is a recipe that we love post workouts or really just whenever. If you can't find BnPB in your local area, you can always use a natural PB instead.

POWERHOUSE (build-your-muscles-not-your-bootie) SMOOTHIE!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 medium banana, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup fat free vanilla flavored SILK unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup Better 'N Peanut butter (the chocolate one tastes like a dream in this recipe)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 ideal sugar or 3 tbsp honey
• 10-12 ice cubes

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients process until smooth.


THREE INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES


INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup Peanut Butter
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 egg

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix
2. Drop by spoonful onto parchment or silicone lined pan
3. Bake at 350 for 6-8 mins (you want them still a bit soft, barely turning brown)

*****this stuff makes a mean peanut thai sauce since it has a hint of an almond/coconut undertaste!!*****

Try it out and let me know what you think

Mustard Vinegarette, best dressing EVER

Supposedly this is zero calorie when you look at the labels/servings, but there has to be a few. Regardless, this is delicious and absolutely my new favorite.

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1/4 cup Grey Poupon Mild & Creamy (made with White Wine)
• I have tried other mustards, and they just don't cut it (get it?!?!) Seriously-look for this one
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup Xylitol sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp basil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix & enjoy immediately or refrigerate unused

Ingredients

My choice mixing weapon

Dressing in action, although you can't really see it