Product Review: Eucerin

I have very dry skin. So dry, in fact, that the skin on my hands and feet often crack and bleed. I also have eczema all over my hands. I have tried EVERYTHING to help my dry skin and when I mean everything, I mean everything. From old wives tales to practically every brand of cream and lotions out there on the market. I have even tried prescription cream and while the prescription cream worked wonders, I personally do not feel comfortable using these prescription creams on a daily basis.

It was my doctor that told me about the Eucerin brand. She said that it was perfect for sensitive, eczema ridden skin as it is fragrance free. Figuring that it wouldn’t work, I went into the store to buy it. I figured I had tried everything, I might as well try this cream. Let me tell you, I’m so glad I did. Eucerin is gold in a bottle. I don’t mind that these products are a little pricier than other creams. A little goes a long way with this brand.

EUCERIN ORIGINAL CREME

This creme is my godsend. I just bought this creme yesterday and I have only used it three times and I’m in absolute love. My eczema has calmed down. The cracks are practically healed and for once, my hands feel moisturized. The cream is really thick so this gigantic tub is going to last a very long time. It takes some work to rub in but it’s totally worth it. This is definitely going to be my go to creme.

This container costs $19.00-$22.99CAD depending on the store.

 

EUCERIN ORIGINAL LOTION

This is my every day moisturizer that I use when I’m fresh out of the shower. Again, a little goes a long way with this lotion. It’s not thick like the original creme and it absorbs fast and it stays with you. You can wash your hands and your hands will still feel moisturized. I have a bottle of this lotion in my bathroom that I use after the shower and when I’m at work and my hands get dry.

This bottle costs $18.99-$20.00CAD depending on the store.

 

 

 

EUCERIN CALMING CREME

This creme was what introduced me to Eucerin. If you have dry and itchy skin, this product is for you. It’s thicker than the Original Lotion, but not as thick as the Original Creme. It absorbs fast and leaves your hands feeling moisturized. Again, if you wash your hands, the lotion lasts. I use this one before bed and any other times that my hands are feeling tight and resembles sandpaper.

The price of this product is $11.99-15.99CAD depending on the store.

 

 

 

 

 

EUCERIN AQUAPHOR

Many moons ago, I had an allergic reaction to Blistex. For days, my lips were feeling like they were on fire and eventually, my lips started peeling like crazy. I’m sure I lost the first layer of skin. Stupidly, I kept putting more and more Blistex on until I made the connection. Years later, my lips are still feeling the effects of this allergic reaction and from time to time,  they get very dry and peel like there’s no tomorrow. After doing some research on the web, someone had recommended Eucerin’s Aquaphore Skin Ointment as a solution. I went out and bought a tube (little goes a long way) and within one application, my lips felt so much better and were practically healed. The ointment has a consistency of vaseline and spreads easily. This product is also good if you get dry feet or fingers that crack at the joints. I keep a bottle of this in my room, my car and my office.

This product sells for about $9.99CAD.

EUCERIN INTENSIVE LIP BALM

This is the only Eucerin product that hasn’t blown me away. I still recommend it but personally, I prefer the Aquaphor to this product as Aquaphor seems to work better for me. Still, for the convenience of this tiny tube, it’s worth having in your pocket.

This produce sells for $6.99-$8.00CAD depending on the store.

 

 

I highly recommend Eucerin to everyone. Whether you have dry skin or not, I believe you will love this line. Yes, it is a little pricey but to me, the products are worth every penny and I am in love with the line.

Let’s Talk About Depression and Mental Health!

There is something that very few people know about me.

I suffer from depression and anxiety.

There. I’ve said it and it’s out in the open.

I’m not ashamed of suffering from depression. Perhaps there was a time in the beginning of my struggles that I was ashamed. I thought that I was weak and that I should have better control over my emotions. I suffered with the mental illness for well over two years before I finally went to my doctor for help. Asking for help was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I will never forget that day when I went to my doctor. I spent the whole morning feeling anxious and sick to my stomach about the appointment. I almost cancelled my appointment half a dozen times. When I was sitting in the doctors office and my doctor started asking me questions, I started to cry and it was at that moment that I didn’t think of myself as weak. I am a strong and independent woman. I’m capable of doing many things and I can conquer anything that I set my mind to. My depression, however, is not my fault and it is beyond my control. What I learned is that it is an illness that can be managed.

What is Depression?

“1 in 5 Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their lives.” ~ Canadian Institute of Health Research

First and foremost, depression is NOT an weakness. It is not something that one can “just get over” as many people think. Depression is an illness. It is different from short periods of feeling down. Someone who is suffering from depression has feelings of despair over a long period of time. A person suffering from depression often will feel as though they are treading water and they are struggling to keep their head above the water. This person will not see “the light at the end of the tunnel”. Everything can feel like a huge burden. Depression can affect every aspect of a person’s life-from emotions, physical health, relationships with others and work.

Signs and Symptoms

There are many different signs and symptoms of depression. Often, depression can be difficult to diagnose. A lot of times, people do not want to make their struggles known to others and seek treatment as to avoid the stigma behind mental health issues.

Some of the symptoms include:

• A sad, despairing mood that is often present and lasts most of the day or weeks on end;
• Very few “up moments” where a person feels happy and themselves;
• Decrease in performance at work or school;
• Lack of interest in normal routine and other activities of interest (i.e. exercise, reading, movie watching, etc.);
• Withdrawal from friends and family and a desire to be left alone;
• Changes in appetite and weight;
• Changes in sleep routine. Often a person suffering with depression often also suffers with insomnia;
• Feeling of hopelessness and low self-esteem;
• Irritability and fatigue;
• Trouble concentrating and delayed decision making;
• Anxiety; and
• Excessive crying or being able to cry easily (mostly the triggers are insignificant).

Some people also experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These symptoms should always be taken seriously and not ignored.

What Can I Do?

“Once depression is recognized, help can make a difference for 80% of people who are affected, allowing them to get back to their regular activities.” ~CMHA

Most importantly, if you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help! See your doctor, go to the emergency room or dial 9-1-1. It’s important that these thoughts are taken seriously and not ignored!

If you suffer from depression, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about your symptoms. Your doctor will suggest a course of action to help you deal with your depression and help you manage the illness. Prior to seeing my doctor, I was absolutely against taking anti-depressants because I was of the mindset that I could handle my emotions. It wasn’t until I reached my breaking point and I sought help that I realized that depression wasn’t as simple as handling my own emotions. I was dealing with an illness that affected the chemistry of my brain. Once my doctor started treating me for depression, I realized for the first time just how misguided I was about the illness. I’ve been taking anti-depressants for just over a year now and  I do not regret my decision to start taking them.

Your doctor may recommend a good psychiatrist or psychologist to talk to. If you are open to this treatment and your employer offers benefits, you should look into how much coverage you have under your benefit plan for this treatment.

FEBRUARY 12TH: BELL’s MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY. 

Let’s talk about Mental Health! It’s important more so than ever to talk about mental health. We need to abolish the stigma behind mental illness and reach out and support those who battle depression and other mental health illnesses. A person who is suffering from depression is not weak, they are simply suffering from an illness. Someone who is suffering from depression can’t simply “get over it”. Believe me, any person who suffers from depression would love to simply snap their fingers and have everything be normal and perfect again. Sadly, it doesn’t work like that.

February 12th is Bell’s Mental Health Awareness Day. It’s time to raise awareness to mental health illnesses and to let those who are suffering with depression and other mental health issues that they are not alone and they do not need to suffer in silence.

On February 12th, Bell is hosting a Let’s Talk Day. For every text and long distance call made by Bell customers or tweet using #BellsLetsTalk on February 12th, Bell will donate 5¢. They are hoping to beat 2011’s total of $3,303,961.80. Together we can make this happen. Text everyone in your address book a simple “hello”, call every long distance number you have in your address book and know that while you talk to your loved ones, you are helping raise awareness for an often silent illness that so many people struggle with.

Let’s talk Canada.

No. 6 for 2013

Title: Merry Christmas, Alex Cross
Author: James Patterson
Rating: 3/5
Book: 6/50
Pages: 323 pgs
Total Pages: 2,152 pages
Version: Book
Next up: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

This book confused me. It’s like Patterson had two different ideas for the book and instead of weaving them together, he just leaves it. It’s like this book is two books in one. Also, Alex did a lot of complaining about how he is never with his family and always on the job. I suspect this might be Patterson’s way of starting to bring the series to a close.

About The Book:

It’s Christmas Eve and Detective Alex Cross has been called out to catch someone who’s robbing his church’s poor box. That mission behind him, Alex returns home to celebrate with Bree, Nana, and his children. The tree decorating is barely underway before his phone rings again–a horrific hostage situation is quickly spiraling out of control. Away from his own family on the most precious of days, Alex calls upon every ounce of his training, creativity, and daring to save another family. Alex risks everything–and he may not make it back alive on this most sacred of family days

In London, young women are being abducted and their bodies found mutilated in a grotesque, mysterious way. Carter’s ex-wife, DI Kirsty Webb, leads the investigation into these brutal murders, which may somehow be linked to Hannah Shapiro.

Working together, the two investigators are caught in a desperate race against the odds.

No. 5 for 2013

Title: Private: London
Author: James Patterson and Mark Pearson
Rating: 4/5
Book: 5/50
Pages: 364 pgs
Total Pages: 1,829 pages
Version: Book
Next up: Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson

I have always been a fan of Patterson and I am really enjoying the Private series. Jack Morgan is a great character and it’s nice to meet other characters from different Private offices around the world. I recommend this book to all of Patterson’s fans and I can’t wait to read Private Berlin!

About The Book:

For Hannah Shapiro, a young American student, the nightmare began in Los Angeles, when the owner of Private-the world’s most exclusive detective agency-saved her from a horrific death. Now, after eight years, the terror follows her to London. The only man who can help is former Royal Military Police Sergeant Dan Carter, head of Private London.

In London, young women are being abducted and their bodies found mutilated in a grotesque, mysterious way. Carter’s ex-wife, DI Kirsty Webb, leads the investigation into these brutal murders, which may somehow be linked to Hannah Shapiro.

Working together, the two investigators are caught in a desperate race against the odds.

No. 4 for 2013

Title: Come Home
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Rating: 5/5
Book: 4/50
Pages: 363 pgs
Total Pages: 1,465 pages
Version: Book
Next up: Private: London by James Patterson and Mark Pearson

I really enjoyed this book. It was recommended to me by my chiropractor and I’m glad that I checked it out. The pace in this book keeps you glued to the pages and there is endless twists and turns. All fans of the mystery genre should definitely check Scottoline out. I know that I will definitely be reading other books by her!

About The Book:

Jill Farrow is a typical suburban mom who has finally gotten her and her daughter’s lives back on track after a divorce. She is about to remarry, her job as a pediatrician fulfills her—though it is stressful—and her daughter, Megan, is a happily over-scheduled thirteen-year-old juggling homework and the swim team.

But Jill’s life is turned upside down when her ex-stepdaughter, Abby, shows up on her doorstep late one night and delivers shocking news: Jill’s ex-husband is dead. Abby insists that he was murdered and pleads with Jill to help find his killer. Jill reluctantly agrees to make a few inquiries and discovers that things don’t add up. As she digs deeper, her actions threaten to rip apart her new family, destroy their hard-earned happiness, and even endanger her own life. Yet Jill can’t turn her back on a child she loves and once called her own.

No. 3 for 2013

Title: A Winter Dream
Author: Richard Paul Evans
Rating: 4/5
Book: 3/50
Pages: 266 pgs
Total Pages: 1,102 pages
Version: Book
Next up: Come Home by Lisa Scottoline

This book was just like Evans’ other books. Good hearted fluff. Evans reminds me of Nicholas Sparks’ books and he is one of my favourite authors to read and I always look forward to the release of his books.

The only thing that bothered me about this book is how quickly Joseph was able to forgive his brothers. After all they did to him, Joseph seemed to give them in 2.5 seconds. Better person than I could ever hope to be.

About The Book:

Joe is forced out of the family business by his jealous siblings. Moving on to another company, he soon becomes chief advisor to the CEO. But when the economy turns, Joe’s siblings need his help to save the family business.

No. 2 for 2013

Title: Notorious Nineteen
Author: Janet Evanovich
Rating: 4/5
Book: 2/50
Pages: 302 pgs
Total Pages: 836 pages
Version: Book
Next up: A Winter Dream by Richard Paul Evans

There is nothing to these books. It’s fast and fluffy but the characters are loveable. I always enjoy reading these books and it’s always interesting to see what shenanigans Stephanie, Lula, Grandma Mazur and company are going to get themselves mixed into.

About The Book:

New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is certain of three truths: People don’t just vanish into thin air. Never anger old people. And don’t do what Tiki tells you to do.

After a slow summer of chasing low-level skips for her cousin Vinnie’s bail bonds agency, Stephanie Plum finally lands an assignment that could put her checkbook back in the black. Geoffrey Cubbin, facing trial for embezzling millions from Trenton’s premier assisted-living facility, has mysteriously vanished from the hospital after an emergency appendectomy. Now it’s on Stephanie to track down the con man. Unfortunately, Cubbin has disappeared without a trace, a witness, or his money-hungry wife. Rumors are stirring that he must have had help with the daring escape . . . or that maybe he never made it out of his room alive. Since the hospital staff’s lips seem to be tighter than the security, and it’s hard for Stephanie to blend in to assisted living, Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur goes in undercover. But when a second felon goes missing from the same hospital, Stephanie is forced into working side by side with Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, in order to crack the case.

The real problem is, no Cubbin also means no way to pay the rent. Desperate for money—or maybe just desperate—Stephanie accepts a secondary job guarding her secretive and mouthwatering mentor Ranger from a deadly Special Forces adversary. While Stephanie is notorious for finding trouble, she may have found a little more than she bargained for this time around. Then again—a little food poisoning, some threatening notes, and a bridesmaid’s dress with an excess of taffeta never killed anyone . . . or did they? If Stephanie Plum wants to bring in a paycheck, she’ll have to remember: No guts, no glory.

No. 1 for 2013

Title: Lover Enshrined
Author: J.R. Ward
Rating: 4/5
Book: 1/50
Pages: 534 pgs
Total Pages: 534 pages
Version: Book
Next up: Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich

While I still am enjoying the series, this instalment wasn’t my favourite. I enjoyed reading Phury’s story but there seemed to be something lacking in this book. I still look forward to reading the rest of the series.

About The Book:

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood’s bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is obligated to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love….

Broken by Lifehouse

This is one of my favourite songs. It is one of my go to songs when I’m feeling down and out. Lifehouse is a great band. For anyone who hasn’t listened to their work, you definitely should.

The broken clock is a comfort
It helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can start tomorrow
From stealing all my time

And I am here still waiting
Though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like you’ve already figured out

I’m falling apart
I’m barley breathing
With a broken heart
That’s still beating

In the pain
There is healing
In your name
I find meaning

So I’m holding on
I’m holding on
I’m holding on
I’m barely holding on to you

The broken locks were a warning
You got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded
I’m an open book instead

And I still see your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
They’re still looking for life

I’m falling apart
I’m barely breathing
With a broken heart
That’s still beating

In the pain
(In the pain)
Is there healing?
In your name
(In your name)
I find meaning

So I’m holding on
(I’m still holding)
I’m holding on
(I’m still holding)
I’m holding on
(I’m still holding)
I’m barely holding on to you

I’m hanging on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
And I’m hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will be okay

Broken lights on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
I haven’t forgotten my way home

I’m falling apart
I’m barely breathing
With a broken heart
That’s still beating

In the pain
(In the pain)
There is healing
In your name
(In your name)
I find meaning

So I’m holding on
(I’m still holding)
I’m holding on
(I’m still holding)
I’m holding on
(I’m still holding)
I’m barely holding on to you

I’m holding on
(I’m still holding)
I’m holding on
(I’m still holding)
I’m holding on
(I’m still holding)
I’m barely holding on to you

64 Books Read in 2012!

2012 was not a bad year reading wise. I managed to get 64 books read, which put me 14 books over my 50 Book Challenge.

To recap, here is a list of the books that I have read and links to their reviews:

JANUARY:

1. Wicked by Sara Shepard

2.  Killer by Sara Shepard

3. Heartless by Sara Shepard

4. Lost December by Richard Paul Evans

5. Wanted by Sara Shepard

6. Twisted by Sara Shepard

7. Ruthless by Sara Shepard

FEBRUARY:

8. Voyager by Diana Galbadon

9. Sleepwalker by Karen Robards

10. 1222 by Anne Holt

11. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

12. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

MARCH:

13. Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian

14. Bond Girl by Erin Duffy

15. Private #1 Suspect by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

16. The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike

17. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

18. Down the Darkest Road by Tami Hoag

APRIL:

19. Gun Games by Faye Kellerman

20. Need You Now by James Grippando

21. Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

22. Private Games by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan

MAY:

23. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

24. Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

25. The Innocent by David Baldacci

26. The Uglies by Scott Westerfield

JUNE:

27. 11th Hour by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

28. Forgotten by Catherine McKenzie

29. Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green

30. The Witness by Nora Roberts

31. The Jane Austen Marriage Manual by Kim Izzo

32. Pretties by Scott Westerfield

33. Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich

JULY:

34. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

35. Changeling by Phillipa Gregory

36. Guilty Wives by James Patterson and David Ellis

37. Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich

38. 50 Shades Darker by E.L. James

39. Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot

40. I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

AUGUST:

41. When in Doubt, Add Butter by Beth Harbison

42. 15 Seconds by Andrew Gross

43. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

SEPTEMBER:

44. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

45. 11/22/63: A Novel by Stephen King

46. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan

47. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

48. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

49. Where We Belong by Emily Giffin

OCTOBER:

50. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

51. The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

52. The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

53. Stunning by Sara Shepard

NOVEMBER:

54. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

55. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

56. Last to Die by Tess Gerritsen

57. NYPD Red by James Patterson & Marshall Karp

58. Divergent by Veronica Roth

DECEMBER:

59. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

60. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

61. Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward

62. Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

63. Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

64. Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward