2025 Winter Skin & Health

I am always reneging on my plans to stick to a certain number of products in my skin or hair care routines. The problem is that my needs change. Or a product comes out that works better than what I previously used. So, I haven't been as good as I hoped. However, I have pretty much stuck to the plan of using up what I have on hand before I get anything else. So... I'm improving?

For my health, having my teeth have made things a million times better. I went through a period of eating everything I shouldn't just because I could finally chew! Now I have settled down and am loving a routine of vegetable and various proteins. Tofu is my fall back, but I am doing a lot with braised chicken, baked ribs, and any seafood that goes on sale. I've just ended about a week of eating what I call "hoisin veggies". My snacks consist of Chex cereal sans milk and unsalted pretzels that I can season to my liking. I'm also happy to say that all my coffee drinking included only plain cream of half-and-half with a little syrup or allulose or tagatose for sweetening. I do still need to find an affordable fizzy water to amp things up when I want something bubbly.

Anyway, the food thing has gotten easier. It's the skin thing that took some working out.

One reason I've changed up my skincare routine is because I am losing weight and that is going to affect my face. I have finally hit on a nutrition regimen that works well for me - kidneys, sarcoidosis, and weight loss. That was not easy to do. In just over 8 weeks, I am down 12 pounds and still losing. Also, I am coming up on 65 years. I'm thankful to still be here, struggles and all, but I want my wrinkles to be well moisturized! 👩🏾‍🦳

During the summer months - when it's so humid here - I can go much lighter on any face, body, and hair moisturizers. I was using one face moisturizer and sunscreen for day, and it was enough. For nights, I added a light application of Vaseline in over the base moisturizer. Sometimes I used my German Nivea if I needed it. Now that the dry air has come to town, I've had to really boost up on the moisture from head to toe.

One body lotion I've fallen in love with (after getting a sample in a Walmart Beauty Box) is this Avena Instituto Espanol Collagen Body Regeneration. It's so wild that I was able to get a 2-pack of 17 ounce bottles to under $10 from Amazon while the same thing is $23 at Walmart. That's insane.

The Avena is so amazing that I can, in a pinch, use on my face - but it has a scent. What I love is that is drenches my skin with moisture that lasts. It's one of the few things that I've tried that is better than CeraVe and La Roche Posay and the price makes it a winner. I can honestly say that, if it had cost the same as the other two, it would still win out.

Years ago, a close family friend did a huge weight drop over a year. One thing we were amazed by was how well her skin held up - not a lot of looseness or sagging. She said that she had made sure to stay extremely hydrated, inside and out. I never forgot that so...

The first thing I make sure to put on any list is sunscreen. I never tire of reminding others to use a good sunscreen. For some reason, many folks neglect this. Some people think you only need sunscreen in the summer. Nope. Just get some and use it - regularly.

Another product I've come to rely on this winter is a facial oil from Good Molecules. I'd tried an oil last winter from Palmer's and my skin rebelled. I used to be able to use castor or jojoba on my face, but they now seem to heavy. Weird. The oil from Good Molecules is a nice addition for winter. It goes on like a serum rather than an oil and I think my skin is getting addicted to it. At first, I was alarmed by the tiny size of the bottle and the $10 price, but it takes only a couple of drops for each application. 

One of the reasons I've been using the oil is because I'm also using a Bakuchiol Retinol Serum. That's because I'm afraid of actual retinol but have learned that bakuchiol is the next best thing. and I chose this one because I can do cheaper refills and a single container lasts! It only took a couple of weeks to convince me. The results are subtle but there. I have those dark spots that are common to black people and, while it takes professional treatment to get rid of them, the serum is helping to make them less noticeable. Also, my skin is staying firm and holding on better to the moisturizers I'm using. (And I do have to use good moisturizer along with the bakuchiol.)

Speaking of facial moisturizer, I love all the Medicube stuff I tried but I had to get pick something more affordable. I went with Illiyoon's Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream which is almost half the price and works awesome on my skin.

There are 2 other products I use off and on. One is snail mucin (I will get whatever brand is around $10) and the other is any kind of collagen or snail mucin mask (again, whatever is on sale). 

I never was someone who used a lot of face masks, but I tried a collagen set I got on a lightening deal and, boy, was it amazing. Oddly, I use the time wearing a mask to relax the way I used to when soaking in a bath. My apartment only has a shower so... Also, while the collagen masks were great - and affordable because they are so plentiful - I prefer the snail mucin masks. To be honest, I hate touching snail mucin, but I love how it super-hydrates my skin.

One trick I learned with moisturizers is that, if I have to use a one that is less rich or hydrating, adding a little bit of snail mucin in makes it so much better. You're welcome.

When my family asks what I want for Christmas, I'm choosing to stock up on my skincare products!

Peace

--Free

DISCLAIMER: I am not/will not be compensated in any way for any products mentioned in this post and there are no affiliate links. I am not a suggesting/advising anyone use any product mentioned. I am only sharing my experiences and feedback.

Better Sweeteners? Comparing Allulose & Tagatose

When I posted this a while back, I was hopeful about finding an alternative to sugar. Since then, allulose has changed my whole diet. On top of that, I have included allulose into the plan. I hate the use this overworked phrase, but... they are true gamechangers.

Initially, I thought these sweeteners were new, but this page speaks on their commercial history. I'm not surprised that they are being better marketed outside the U.S... This company markets tagatose as a healthy alternative under the name "Tagatesse" and has products and recipes.  I couldn't find a lot of commercial applications when searching Food Navigator (for the U.S.) as compared to Europe. I found articles for Nutrilab on F.N. going as far back as 2008. I did see this from Bonumose, which is pushing for the commercialization of rare sugars. 

Anyway.

I was going to update the original post to include information about tagatose.  As you can see already, there is so much to add that I'm doing this separate post. I decided to do an image because it's easier when comparing info. 

Nutrilab works towards a bright future for tagatose

A pared down comparison:

While both products are more expensive than table sugar, that's only when you're thinking about your wallet - in my opinion. For me, I find that the health benefits are worth it. I am all about avoiding table sugar and high fructose corn syrup and if that is going to cost me more, I will make it work.

I'm waiting for the food companies to get rid of the sweeteners that aren't quite all that they could be. I don't care what anyone says, there is some kind of funky after-taste or cooling effect to all the common substitutes for table sugar. Until now.

When I can get a beverage or creamer made with allulose or tagatose, I will be so happy. There are some products now but, if they aren't crazy expensive, they include a secondary sweetener - Monk fruit is a popular one - and that ruins it for me.

By the way, as of now, allulose of easy to find. I've seen it on most online shopping sites. Tagatose is harder to locate easily. I got mine from Bull City Flavors and at just over $12 for a1-lb bag it is going to last. 

An important note: Tagatose will activate yeast (for baking) and allulose will not do that. I can, however, use either sweetener once I have activated the yeast. BUT there are other considerations when using these sweeteners and I am still learning. If you ignore any shopping links, this page is helpful, and this one has some info & recipes; here is some general info on tagatose, and Dirt to Dinner has excellent information and I learned allulose and tagatose are "rare sugars").

If you want to look at some additional information, here are these links some can be quite technical):

• Rare sugars curb appetite and mimic diabetes drugs in mice
• Description and history of rare sugars 
• Wikipedia lists the following as rare sugars:
• Tagatose
• Allose (not allulose)
• Psicose (aka allulose!)
• Sorbose

I will update this post if needed but, for now, you have some starter info. 

Peace

--Free

**REVIEW** Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

The actual review starts under the photos

I've just updated my review of my 4-year-old Ninja CE251, and... I am sorry I ever bought it now. I learned a good lesson after the Ninja and so I took my what I learned with me when I went shopping for a new machine.

Some of the lessons I kept in mind with looking:

1. I only need what I need and can use. I don't need what's hyped or trendy or looks awesome.
2. I have to be more realistic about my life, living space, and budget.
3. Even if I had a huge budget, I should still think of the first item on this list.
4. I don't need to impress anyone. For a coffee maker. I need reliability, safety, and function.

That list saved me a lot of time. Right off the bat, item 1 helped me reject about 60% of what popped up in my searches. Item 4 brought me down another 15%. Of what was left, I focused on Items 2 and 4. There was nothing complicated about my needs when I thought about it that way. Basically, I needed/wanted:

• a 5-cup machine. Or at least certainly not a 10- or 12-cup one.
• something with auto shut off. I'm too spacey-brained not the have that!
• something that fit my counter space. Not too tall or wide and, while I'm at it, not too heavy.
• most importantly, something that puts out HOT brew.

That last bit was my biggest disappointment with the Ninja after the first few years. I knew I was not happy when I started using my kettle for hot water to make pour-over or French press brew. On my not feeling well days, I resorted to a good instant brew like Cafe Bustelo or Nescafe Gold. All while that Ninja was taking up precious counter space...

It took only about an hour to narrow my choices down to 2 brands: Black & Decker and Mr. Coffee. They both have ridiculously affordable (I won't use the word "cheap" for a decent machine) prices. I don't think there was anything over $30 of my choices and a couple were as low as $17, depending on the retailer.

I got my selection down to 2 machines, one from each of the above brands. I was leaning toward the Black + Decker but, after watching Just A Dad do a comparison against the Mr. Coffee, I made up my mind. Mostly. The B+D seemed to brew hotter, but the Mr. C was shorter in size.

I usually use Amazon, but I wanted to actually see both machines, so my SIL and I stopped by Walmart while we were out on other errands. I ended up going with the Mr. Coffee Mini Brew Programmable. It was only a couple of dollars more than the non-programmable and had one of the most important requirements - auto shut off.

Here is my new coffee maker. That's the box and the actual machine in the bottom right corner.

One thing I did notice is that the one I saw online in chrome and black had a water filter and a reusable basket. It was also $20 more than that black one I got. I don't care about a water filter, and I prefer to use paper coffee filters. 

Notice that's almost $60 without the "discount" 

The actual review

Pros:

• Most important & hard to find in a 5-cup machine is the AUTO SHUT-OFF! For a few dollars less, I could have gotten the non-programmable Mr. Coffee or a similar Black and Decker, but I need the peace of mind of auto shut-off. This one will shut off after 2 hours ((if you want to keep the coffee warm) or, if you empty the pot, you can just press the Brew button again to shut it off. 
• This is quieter than I expected. It does some light gurgling with the last few ounces, but I don't care.
• The next most important thing to me is that the coffee brews up HOT. I always add my cream/half-n-half from the fridge & I don't like having to warm up my cup to keep my coffee hot. No problem here. It brews up at around 160F-165F(as it goes into the pot). That is hotter the my Ninja was brewing into the cup after the first 2 years. In my electric kettle (when I make instant coffee or tea), the 212F is almost too hot LOL! This machine gives me coffee of around 2 cups that is still nice and hot AFTER I add about 3 to 4 tablespoons of cream. (NOTE: I do use a little metal mug with a plastic lid.)
• I've been using it the last couple of days about 6 times a day. It doesn't take too long (for 2 to 3 cups) and finishes brewing at around 4 to 4.5 minutes. It's not too loud either. It will gurgle a bit when brewing but I won't bother someone sleeping in the bedroom less than 10 feet away.
• I really like that the lid isn't hard to close after I add the water and coffee. My last small cup with the "arm" under the lid was hard to close completely & it would open slightly when I replaced the carafe.
• The carafe, btw, pours nicely without making a mess. It's very easy to rinse and clean and get all the water or coffee out without having to turn it upside down.
•  Emptying the used grounds is super easy and no mess at all. The whole basket comes out if you lift by the little handle. LOVE that I don't get a mess when emptying the grounds.
• The pot doesn't take up a lot of space - a good thing since I have a small kitchen without a lot of counter space. One of the reasons I chose this over the similar Black and Decker is that this is lower under the cabinet even with the lid lifted to pour in water.
• The machine makes GOOD coffee. I was worried about that. I think it does so well extracting flavor because a) the water gets to the right temp, and b) the way the spigot sprays the hot water into the coffee as it's being made. It actually soaks the coffee a bit (letting the ground "bloom") before it starts dripping.
• It's going to be easier to clean than the Ninja (which had a "Clean" function but took a lot of time and water). With this one, I will just run some vinegar or water with citric acid through every month or so.

If looking at front, you can't see
the water window

Note the handle and the measure marks.
Perfect for lefties LOL

Cons:

• The window to see the water level is too far towards the back of the machine. If I wanted to use it to gauge my water amount, I'd have to turn the machine to the side. This is not too bothersome for me since I use the pot do measure my water. After the 1st time, I was able to tell the right water-to-coffee ratio for my preference.
• The carafe seems to be made for the left-handed. Since I use the carafe to measure my water, the measurement lines are opposite to the way I (a right-hand person) hold it. Not a huge problem because you can see the markings through the glass. It's just worth mentioning.
• If you do leave the warmer on with very little coffee in the pot (I did this the first time without thinking), it will scorch in the pot. As I said, make sure to hit the Brew button again to turn the warmer off if you finish the pot. Apparently, not only does the coffee brew up hot, but the warmer gets toasty!

That's the temp of the coffee in the pot -
when it's finished brewing. Not bad at all!

All in all, I am happier with this that I thought I could be. The first time I used the programmed brew, I almost messed up because I had initially set the clock for AM not PM. I love how simple this is. It's all I really wanted, after all.

French roast with half and half
& allulose

I cannot stress how important the temperature is to me. With the Ninja I'd had to start warming my cups or setting the cream out so it would cool the coffee too much. Hassle! With this one, no worries.

When I think of the cost and hassle, I realize that if this machine lasts over a year, I will have saved money. It appears that even the fancy or costlier machines don't last long so if I'm going to be repurchasing every few years...

That's my review. I will update as I use this more and more. For now, I am happy, happy, happy.

Peace

--Free

DISCLAIMER: I was not/am not compensated in any way for the products in this post. I have no affiliate links. 

The Keys to Happy...

 It's been a wonderful, tiring, amazing and blessed past couple of weeks because last week...

I got to see my Arizona & Alaska people!!!

I was so happy, I didn't mind all the heat we were in!

The visit was to see one of my nephews get married and begin a wonderful chapter of life with a very lovely young woman. BUT also 

         I got to see my Arizona & Alaska people!!!

It was awesome. I met some of my great nieces and nephews for the first time; I saw their parents for the first time in YEARS, and I got to be with my 2 older siblings. 

You don't realize how important the people in your life are until you haven't seen them for a while. And I truly believe there is power in the act of being surrounded by love.

This won't be a long post because, of course, I caught some little bug or something and am whipped. What I came to do was list my personal "Keys to Happy":

• Family - those that are yours by blood or by love. 
• Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength". 
• Contentment in the moment - We are not promised our next breath so let's enjoy this one!

Now, I have to go and unpack and try to do something with all the photos I took!

Peace

--Free

Let the Sideshow Begin!

 As you know, since I got my dentures and am able to eat a better diet, I've been a whole wellness kick. I have been walking a few times a week, weather allowing, and I've been enjoying the vibration plate exercises. But with winter coming on, I might not be able to go out walking as much - it will depend on my balance and the sidewalk conditions.

Anyway.

In talking with someone in a forum, I got the idea to get a hula hoop. In my fantasies, I was going to be able to hula while standing on the vibration plate but, a more realistic (and safe) goal was to hula a couple of times a day when I'm not able to go walking.

Do you know that hula hooping has become a whole new thing again? Everyone is selling hoops of all kinds. There are hoops with weights attached, hoops made of beads, and hoops made with what looks like the hose on my vacuum cleaner. And, of course, the prices are insane...

I was going to get around the price by getting a hoop made for kids, but I found out that adults need a larger size. I was told the best size in general is one that stands at least just above the belly button. It seems that fat people require bigger hoops to hula with.

It was hard to find anything that I would need to use a credit card flex-pay plan to afford, but I did it. I got one for just under 20 bucks. Is it me, or is that still kind of dear? Oh well.

Okay. So, the hoop came, and I was able to put it together (yeah, that's thing). Then I cleared a space to do a hula workout. I used to hula constantly when I was a kid. It was something all the kids did. I figured the ability would come back to me. It did not.

I tried for over half an hour the first day. Nope. The hoop would make 1 or maybe 2 circuits before it dropped. Good Lord.

I sent a video to my little brother, and it was about 5 minutes before he could catch his breath from laughing and talk. I won't show my own shame, but this one is already up online so...

The only thing I can say is that at least my hoop never took flight!

My brother was surprised at the trouble I was having. He watched the video again - it's less than 10 seconds long - and, when he could talk (again), wondered why someone who had been a pretty good dancer could not hula. In his opinion, it's all rhythm. He never could dance but he can hula. I thought he was lying, but my SIL said he did last year with the kids. The only thing is, he has a bad back.  

My brother couldn't get over to my place soon, so he suggested I find an instructional video. And then my day got worse.

One of the customer review videos is of a lady just whooping it up. Her husband got her the hoop for her 70th birthday...

Anyway. When I finished feeling all kinds of sorry for my sad little self, I found some videos. When I can rally my spirits, I'm going to give the hoop another try. In the meantime, I figured I burned quite a few calories laughing at the video. I watch it often.

Peace

--Free

**UPDATE** No White Cast Sunscreens (even on dark skin)

 UPDATE 

Since my opinion on sunscreen is limited to the few I've tried, I wanted to provide more sources of information. 

• A dermatologist did a little testing of her own. I love the method she used. Here's a link if you want to avoid YouTube and, of course, the YouTube video.
• There was a scandal about a certain sunscreen recently & an independent consumer product group out of Australian caught it. Listen, if anyone cares about sunscreen, it's our Aussie brothers & sisters! This is their ranking of some other sunscreens they tested. 
• EWG has their 2025 list of sunscreens. I have nothing against them & often use their resources, bit EWG is concerned about products from an environmental perspective.
• Huffpost took a look at whether or not differences between SPF factors matter.  (And do refer back that dermatologist's video...) This was interesting since I try to go for the highest SPF I can.
• BBC took a look at more common myths about sunscreen.
• Last & maybe most helpful, the Skin Cancer Foundation offers up tips for choosing a sunscreen.

When looking into these resources, I did notice variations in the "best of" lists. I am really liking the Hawaiian Tropic I mentioned below. I did get my hands on a sample of the SPF 70 & t's nice on my face which means I would only have to purchase one sunscreen instead of another for my body. I checked the price and it's affordable. It's also moisturizing without being greasy, and it absorbs quickly. 

******

As a dark-skinned woman, I know the struggle of finding a sunscreen that does not leave me looking ashy. There are some sunscreens that I can balance out with foundation, but I rarely wear make up so... Here are some sunscreens I have used on that leave no white cast at all. (There is a link to INCIDecoder for each product if available.)

• Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+ - Love this one so much that I was subscribed until recently. PROS: moisturizing, fragrance-free & water resistant. It's priced higher than some others & the lid gets messy and gunky after a while if you're not careful. NOTE: Surprised that this was so good after trying the brand's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 which does leave a white cast. INCI page
• Black Girl Face & Body Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 - Tried this one and it is awesome. Not as moisturizing as the Neutrogena, but it is good to the skin. It's a good buy for (recently) under $10. If they come out with a higher SPF for a good price, I'm in.  (I can't find it on INCI; it may be too new to be in the database. I will have to submit the info.)
• Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70 - This is one I'm trying now. I know it doesn't leave a white cast because I have the SPF 30 that I have always used on my body. I am going to be trying the higher SPF for my face & body. The SPF 30 doesn't bother my face, but I will have to let you know when I try the 70. Pricing was a big factor in trying this to replace the Neutrogena. At around $9 for 8 ounces this is cheaper than the Black Girl and Neutrogena. INCI page
• La Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 SPF50+ Fragrance-Free - If my pockets were deeper, this would be my favorite. My skin loved this when I found some on eBay. Unfortunately, I can't always find it on such a good sale. But, if you can find some, it's good. It is moisturizing and soaks in well. INCI page for all the Anthelios.

I would suggest Walmart's Equate Kids Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50, but unless they have changed, there is no expiration date on them. I used it a few years ago and it was great. I have not tried their Equate Ultra Light Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion for All Skin Tones, SPF 50, but may have take a look. One user provided photo proof of no white cast... It gets pretty good marks for ingredients on INCIDecoder. I will let you know if I pick some up. 

I know there are many others out there, it's just being able to hunt them down. I only included ones that I have tried myself.

Peace

--Free 

DISCLAIMER: I have not been/will not be compensated in anyway for any products mentioned in this post. I do not have any affiliate links in this post.

**FREE&FAITH** Music - Listening or Hearing

This is a cross post from my other blog. I think it will be of interest to anyone - regardless of belief.

When I was growing up and listening to a lot of music, my friends would tease me because I always misheard lyrics. There is a name for that now: mondegreens. Huh.

I looked up and found a list of common examples of misheard lyrics:

"I Can See Clearly Now"

by Johnny Nash: Some listeners hear "I can see clearly now Lorraine is gone" instead of the correct lyric "I can see clearly now the rain is gone". 

"I'm a Believer"

by The Monkees: The lyric "Then I saw her face, now I'm a believer" is sometimes misheard as "Then I saw her face, now I'm gonna leave her". 

"Losing My Religion"

by R.E.M.: The line "That's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight" is often misheard as "Let's pee in the corner, let's pee in the spotlight". 

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"

by Eurythmics: The title lyric is sometimes misheard as "Sweet dreams are made of cheese". 

"Blowin' in the Wind"

by Bob Dylan: The lyric "The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind" is sometimes misheard as "These ants are my friends, they're blowin' in the wind".

 

"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"

by AC/DC: The title is often misheard as "Dirty deeds and the thunder chief" or "Dirty deeds and they're done with sheep". 

Kind of silly, right? But I'm sure we can all relate. Misheard lyrics are one thing. At least we are paying attention to what we think is being said. What bothers me is when we don't apply discernment to what we hear.

I think it was the pastors Joe Schimmel and G. Craige Lewis that first prompted me to pay attention to lyrics and meanings.  One song we've probably all heard at least once is "I Write the Songs" sung by Barry Manilow, but written by Beach Boy Bruce Johnston.

On the surface of my mind, I always heard the song as a lovely melodious tribute to the creativity. Then, as I said, I was prompted to get out of my social emotions and pay attention to what was being conveyed. 

Here are the lyrics and, as you read them, think about who is speaking and what the message is. I boldfaced some of the words:

I've been alive forever

And I wrote the very first song

I put the words and the melodies together

I am music, and I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

My home lies deep within you

And I've got my own place in your soul

Now when I look out through your eyes

I'm young again, even though I'm very old

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

Oh, my music makes you dance

And gives your spirit to take a chance

And I wrote some rock 'n' roll, so you can move

Music fills your heart, well, that's a real fine place to start

It's from me, it's for you

It's from you, it's from me

It's a worldwide symphony

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing

I write the songs of love and special things

I write the songs that make the young girls cry

I write the songs, I write the songs

I am music (music), and I write the songs. 

People might say that the song is from the viewpoint of God - I read that's what Johnston claimed. But would God want to make anyone cry? Would God want your spirit to take a chance?

G. Craige Lewis once pointed out that Lucifer was created with "tabrets" and "pipes," built into him. Some people think of Lucifer as having been a chief musician in Heaven. That's debatable,  but it's how many people think of him.

My point is that we (okay, me) often hear without listening. Even I have thought a lot of innocent-sounding songs have deeper and darker meanings buried in them.  Mainly, I chose these because something in them just felt wrong in my spirit. You might some debatable but here is a list:

• "Stairway to Heaven" Led Zeppelin
• "Sympathy for the Devil" The Rolling Stones
• "Hotel California" The Eagles
• "Riders on the Storm" The Doors

Actually, I didn't like anything by The Doors because the lead singer creeped my out for some reason...

Here are a couple of videos showing more songs. I noticed I already had some on my list.

And don't think that so-called "gospel" and "Christian worship" songs are any better. So many people striving to be "stars" are doing anything to get there. Anyway, people, be more discerning in your every day life, as I will be.

Peace

--Free

**UPDATE 10/26/25** Allulose Is Different

 **UPDATE 10/26/25**

Since I wrote this post, I have been using allulose almost 95% of the time (although when baking, I have to start my yeast with table sugar).  When I want something a little more decadent, I will use tagatose. Since there is a lot of useful information comparing the two, I will be writing a separate post and putting a link here when it's finished. So... check back soon!

Here is the link!

For a long time, I've struggled with finding a satisfactory substitute for table sugar. Here are some that I tried and discarded: 

• Stevia - hate it, hate it, hate it. On my palate it's so sharp that I feel something is cutting me. I have tried it blended with other substitutes and... nah. Not for me.
• Monk Fruit - this came close to being the most likeable. However, it took a lot of tricky measuring to get the right balance. An nth too much and I get a nasty aftertaste. Also, it did give me a bloated feeling.
• Truvia - From what I remember, it wasn't horrible, but it depended on what it was in.
• Erythritol - This is a hard no. This reminded me of a watered-down version of the saccharin Mom used in back in the day. One teeny touch of this on my tongue created an almost visceral reaction.
• Swerve - I was okay with this for a lot of things but too much was nasty. I realized why when I read the ingredients.
• Aspartame - This is right up there with Erythritol and that old school sweetener. So gross.
• Xylitol - More than any other sweetener, this has that cooling effect that puts me off. The only acceptable use is in gum and mints - where you want that effect.

I've had other replacements when trying various beverages. Recently, I bought a fizzy mango-flavored drink (can't remember that name) and was so disappointed at first sip. I hadn't noticed the label to see the dreaded Stevia... That was a precious $1.50 poured right down the sink?

Years ago, I remember a product called Just Like Sugar. It was awesome and this is back when I wasn't as desperate to lose weight. See this link because I can't go back that far in my head! (Glancing back at that post, I realize I was kinder to some of those sweeteners than I am now...)

So JLS was great - while it lasted. Of course the creator passed and the product just went away. It was when I was looking into what happened with JLS that I found what had to be the main ingredient in it: allulose. Cue the heavenly choir.

I got a bag of allulose a while back, but I didn't get serious about using it on a daily basis until my last doctor visit. My blood pressure has been good but my doc wants to get it lower. She reminded me how much BP affects kidney disease. That did it.

Instead of using sweetened coffee creamer, or even using regular milk or half and half with brown sugar for sweetening, I have buckled down. I am using evaporated milk with water (or a little half and half) with allulose. I wish I had gotten serious about the allulose sooner.

I have noticed that if I have my morning coffee with allulose instead of other sweeteners, my appetite stays curbed most of the day. I know that's no good if I don't make better choices in what I do eat. So I am trying to do a lot of veggies and fish for meals and, for snacking, nuts and dried fruits. I will have another coffee sometime in the afternoon and at some point, I will have a cup of tea (with milk and allulose).

While allulose is not as sweet as sugar, I am having to get used to that. When I first started using it in my coffee, I used a lot - trying to get it sweeter. Now I realize I don't need the higher sweetness, I just need enough to give flavor to my coffee (or tea).

I am so used to sugar being sugar-sweet that I am teaching my tastebuds to appreciate the flavor not sweetness. Does that make sense?

I won't go into the supposed pros of allulose except to leave that links for you to look at. You need to do your own research and check with any health providers to be safe.

• From Cleveland Clinic
• Healthline

Honestly, I have yet to bring it up with my own kidney doc, so I can't preach. I just know that I need to lose weight and this is helping me start.

I found a video showing how to make a DIY brown sugar with allulose for baking (and coffee!) 

Before I close, I want to share this video that I have not yet watched. It's not the first time I've heard allulose mentioned in relation to metabolic changes. Again, do your due diligence!

Peacc

--Free

Wearing Makeup at 60+

Well, folks, after not wearing makeup for years, I am having to practice using foundation. I have a wedding to attend this winter, should the good Lord let me live and nothing happen. 

I have worn the occasional cosmetic, but I usually stick with eyeliner and lip gloss. The last time I owned foundation was a few years ago and I think I wore it three or four times total. Normally, I wouldn't bother, but I am going to be in the company of some fabulous girlie girls and would like to join in the reindeer games - at least when it comes to the photos! Also, this wedding is a 3-day affair; no need being the homeliest one in that many photos.

Now, here's the thing, I haven't worn makeup for so long the I was really having a time finding something suitable. My requirements are pretty standard:

• The shade has to be right. I don't want to look "made up" and I don't want my face to be a different color from my neck. 
• Back to the not looking made up, I'm shooting for a "no makeup" effect. Basically, I just want to even things out and have a "finished" look. Without looking like I tried!
• I don't want to leave makeup marks on everything. My or other people's clothing, dinner napkins, etc. That's so unattractive - especially with "deep" brown makeup. 
• Most of all, I don't want to irritate my skin.
• It would be nice if the result lasts for several hours. Back in the day, I hated doing touchups and regular blotting for shine control.
• Finally, sunscreen is a must.
• Final finally - LOL - is price. This makeup situation is temporary, so I don't want to splash out!

After 3 days of looking at different brands shades (and considering my requirements), I found something decent. I will have to make adjustments for sunscreen and the transfer situation.

I still had some Juvie ad Black Radiance to play around with (even though they are old) and am disappointed. The Juvia is as I remembered and good, but too heavy, My amazing Black Radiance no longer makes the same BB cream I loved. 

What I have learned is that cosmetics have come a long way since I wore them. 

The first thing I found was a color-matching product from Almay that did its job so well, it was like magic. I kind of love it for an everyday look. 

Goes on grayish &
blends in matching

Almost invisible 
it matches so close

My neighbor said it was fabulous for every day, but suggest for the wedding photos, I might want to "build it" more. Hmmm.  Since the Deep shade was only $4 and change, I'm going to try the concealer from the same line to see if it has more coverage. And I love that all the Deep shades are half what the other shades cost... And sticking with the under-five price, I went ahead and ordered some Maybelline Age Rewind. Just in case. 

The next wonderful thing I found is this stuff that... "grips" your makeup...

Child!

The first one I ordered, Amazon lost in the mail and had to refund me. The second one was so late arriving that the lost got to me. I've tried both and the work about the same, but maybe the Sheglam is friendlier to my skin and lasted longer.

That grip stuff solved some serious problems. First, it kept the foundation in place for hours. Also, it prevented transfer. It suctioned the foundation to my face like crazy - without drying my skin, Of course, I first applied all my moisturizer and sunscreen beforehand...

Now all I need to do is find some decent lip stain and I will be ready. I have some time to play around any get better at applying the makeup. Wedding photos, here I come!

Peace

--Free

I Am Mad At Medicube...

...Or at myself.

There is a story to this story and the first part is the post I was preparing to write a couple of weeks ago. Here is the start of it:

Most of my skincare routine is based on products I know and that have proven good for my skin. However, there are times when I want to rotate in a different product (or products) to give my skin a break. Lately I have been looking for a collagen-based face cream. Every time I do a general search, one brand keeps popping up: Medicube.

I'd never heard of Medicube until I saw it a while back all over Amazon. I was curious and even sort of interested until I started seeing "viral" and "TikTok" all over the reviews and photos. That set off an alarm in my brain. I have trust issues with people paid to hype products. Influencer marketing is not new to people around my age... 

One of the originals...

I'm not a big TikTok user and I am always surprised to remember that I once had an account. I do see TikTok videos come up in a lot of YouTube videos, especially the "reaction" videos. Most reactions videos are like those weird nesting images within images. You have one video talking about other videos that are sometimes talking about other videos. We are living in weird times, people.

Anyway.

When I continued looking through the Amazon search results, I noticed that there are other brands slapping labels on products: "Viral on TikTok" or some other social media tease. Think I'm being dramatic?

Found all these products on first
couple of pages of search.

Here's the thing, I used to love the product review community about 5 or 6 years ago. I was part of it in my own small-fish kind of way. Reviewing products then was fun and a way to get to try new stuff for no or at low cost. 

Because I still love reviewing products but don't like to exaggerate any claims - and because I am don't "engage" on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc. - I just stick to my humble little blog. I don't go out of my way to cover products I end up not liking, but I won't over-hype the stuff I do like. That's not the point of doing actual reviews.

I no longer trust social media to be truthful about products. 

As a matter of fact, the best way to put me off a product is to slap "viral" on the label. This is my take on the new social media selling game:

• Viral means it's backed by influensters
• Influensters are paid spokespeople
• Spokespeople are in it to make a commission or grow their following
• People will exaggerate to make money or grow a following
• Viral products come and go

When I look for products, I want something that is actually good - viral or not. Most of the products that I have used off and on for years are from long-standing brands. Back when I wore a little bit of makeup regularly, I used Fashion Fair and Black Radiance, Covergirl and Revlon. I stopped wearing makeup for the most part in my late 20s and early 30s and stuck with the occasional eyeliner and lip color and, of course, focused more on skincare. I used L'Oreal, Black Opal*, and more recently brands like e.l.f., and an assortment of natural carrier and essential oils. 

I don't trust a flawless (or seemingly so) influencer advising me on skincare. If you want to impress me, get rid of the photo filters and layers of makeup. Or just tell me why you love the product. Don't try to jive me, hype your numbers or impress the brand you work for.

Yeah. I was on a roll... And now I am mad because I have to catch, cook, and eat my own crow. Confession: I tried Medicube and I kind of love it. (I still wish brands would stop with the hype marketing.)

I tried the Triple Collagen Serum (TCS) because someone I personally know said it was actually good and I trust her opinion.

I like the cap cover

The serum was so good that I tried the other product this person was also using - the Triple Collagen Cream (TCC). 

That was so good for my daytime routine, I spun the wheel a third time and hit the jackpot again. The Jelly Collagen Cream  (JCC) seemed to be me going too far at first, but it turns out that I like to combine it with the TCC as my night treatment and I know it is going to be a winter season must-use.

It is not sticky

Of course, you don't personally know me, so I probably sound like just more of the "viral" hype. But here's the thing: I am not an affiliate or getting any compensation in any kind of way for telling you about my experience. 

My skin has been pretty good all my life but, as I age, it's gotten tri-polar. I'm 64 now (thank you, Lord!) and my skin has lost all its mind. Depending on what time it is on a particular day, I can describe it as dry, oily, or combo. And, in the past several years, I've been developing little spots that are not freckles... 

I do like the products I was currently using, especially the Topicrem Balm and La Roche Posay Cleanser. I am still using the balm on my neck and body and the LRP cleanser. I did like the L'Oreal face cream I was using until they changed the formula. But this Medicube is next level - and affordable.

My routine recently has been:

• Cleanse (with the LRP) and a good lukewarm rinse
• Apply the TCS, wait a few minutes
• Apply the TCC (at nighttime, I mix in the JCC), wait a few minutes
• Apply a thin layer of Vaseline (or CeraVe Healing Ointment), wait about 5 minutes
• Apply Sunscreen (only during the day, of course)

That takes care of the whole day. I will reapply sunscreen, if I go outside. By the way, this one is on my Subscribe and Save. It has zero white cast and is, by itself, very moisturizing. I use this one when I can find it on sale or on eBay for cheaper. Again, no white cast. None.

What do I like about the Medicube products I'm using?

• The effect on my skin's texture & moisture retention
• My skin feels velvet-soft and a more firm.
• Affordable
• Doesn't take a lot to treat my face and neck
• No irritation (so far)
• No scent to it
• Well-packaged and labeled
• The effects last all day or all night*

* Confession: I went to sleep one night without washing my face & my skin was still feeling great the next morning!

Mostly, I loving what it is doing for my skin overall. It's hard to explain without you being able to feel my skin for yourself, but the softness and texture is amazing. I took a before picture after the first few days so that I can do another photo later for comparison. I am excited to see the difference myself. For now, this is how I look after the daytime treatment. No makeup or filters used, but I do have on a light application of some color-changing lipstick.

see the "not freckles"???

(I was taking the photo and my SIL made me laugh out loud about how it feels to have teeth again!)

Last thing I want to mention is something I asked the lady who turned me on to Medicube. After I got the TCC and before I got the JCC, I asked which she would pick if she could only have one of them. She said that she likes having both but, if she had to choose, she'd go with the JCC. Now that I have used both, I would have to choose the TCC. In my case, I could use something else (or more Vaseline) in my night routine if I had to, but the TCC is my must-have.

That's the last of my two cents' worth of opinion.

By the way, my goal is not to look young; I just want to take care of my skin and keep it in good shape. The added benefit is not having sun damage or looking as haggard as I sometimes feel. It's enough that I am still working in losing weight. If y'all do nothing else, wear sunscreen and stay healthy and happy with yourself!!!

I'm still not trusting any viral marketing or influencers. This time I am so happy that I had a good recommendation from a trusted source. We should all use that method.

Peace

--Free

DISCLAIMER: I am and will not be compensated for any products mentioned in this post. I don't have any affiliation with Amazon or any of the other stores/sellers linked to. I am just sharing my experience in using the products mentioned.