Snuggles, Anyone??!!

I'm excited to announce that I am a Snuggle Bear Den Member...and you can be too! Go on missions, get free products and be the first to know about new products!

Check it out! Www.snuggle.com

Brazil Nut Hand Cream and Environmental Responsibility

Studying the impact of harvesting natural resources to make consumer products, I have found that the claims of "all natural ingredients" can mean the devastation of habitats for both animals and humans alike. My most recent studies show that harvesting palm oil is destroying the home of endangered species including the orangutan. The more I learn about this topic, the more important it has become for me, personally, to source out companies that make products that benefit the environment, not the other way around.

I live in the high desert of New Mexico with rather dry conditions and I suffer from really dry skin. I was recently contacted by the Natura Company to try their EKOS Castanha Hydrating Hand Lotion. In exchange for my honest review, they provided me a free or deeply discounted product. I am never required to provide positive feedback! With that said, here are my personal thoughts.

Natura uses Brazil nuts as their main moisturizing ingredient in this Castanha formula.This product is hard to find and it's totally produced in Brazil using renewed, green technology. Emollients and humectants made with 100% vegetable oil, extracted in a sustainable way.

The bottle is made of Aluminium which is great for conservation of the fragrance and also provides a better use experience and the box is made of recycled materials, further benefiting the forests.

According to Natura, "The Castanha (Brazilian Nut) of the Natura Ekos line are harvested by the RECA community in Rondônia and Rio Iratapuru community, in Amapá, where you can find one of the largest bulky of Castanha trees (Castanheira) on the Amazon forest. Known as the queen of the forest, the Castanheira tree lives more than 500 years. Its fruits, called hedgehogs, keep dozens of tasty and nutritious nuts, one of the main sources of protein of the forest."

Now, the product itself is, in my experience so far, deeply hydrating and my nails feel stronger. There is no greasy after film and the smell is very pleasant but not overwhelming. My husband says it smells clean!

So we have an environmentally sustainable harvesting, recycled packaging and a product that moisturizes fabulously - Natura is doing great things, the right way...support them and get your Natura EKOS Castanha Hand Cream today:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007NZO7X6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1435020085&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=Castanha+hand+cream&dpPl=1&dpID=316GIuvdn2L&ref=plSrch

Pioneer Pondering and Fabulous Lemon Oil

Over the last few years, I've been learning how to do many things in a pioneer way. From learning how to sew a quilt, baking bread from scatch and creating my own soaps, lotions and potions I am keeping the old arts alive and keeping my life full of hard work and simplicity.
 I have been blessed with 9 grandchildren so far and I love being able to show them how to make bread and how to sew and how to make soap by hand. It is the soapmaking that interests my 8 year old granddaughter the most. Together we've gone treasure hunting in our high desert landscape searching for natural ingredients to make our soaps better. She loves lavender and pine but her favorite scent is lemon. I've tried several different concentrations of lemon oil and admittedly, most smell the same...lemony...but I found myself using massive amounts to get the right scent then I'd have to increase my (jojoba, avacado, grapeseed, etc.) which really drives up the final cost of my soaps.
In the world of lemon oils, a person can find literally thousands of brands, all with varying concentrations of strength and purity.  Lucky for me and my wonderful connection with BuView.com, I was offered the chance to experiment with a 5X Strength Lemon Oil from Lift Care. Here's the product:   https://www.amazon.com/gp/mobile/dp/B00VN23VE6/ref=cm_cr_wr_ty_shop
I promised an honest review and blog post in exchange for free or greatly discounted product,  and it bears repeating that I am never required to provide positive feedback!
Okay back to my story! They say it is a 5X Strength Lemon Oil so I put it to the test! My typical batch of 10 soaps usually required 5ml of lemon oil.  I immediately realized that I could use less oil and achieve really aromatic results. In fact, I only used a third of my normal measurement! Additionally, by cutting down the amount of lemon oil I can use less carrier oil (another cost savings) and in turn, makes my soaps lather better! This impacts my bottom line so positively!
As an added benefit, the disinfectant properties of my soaps since using this lemon oil, has increased - so there's more cleaning power. I love discovering great products!
 My final observation is that my soaps smell better, I am able to make more while using less additive ingredients and I'm getting great compliments on the new version of my soaps!
Thanks to Lift Care and their 5X Lemon Oil, I'm a happier soapmaker!
Whether you make soaps, lotions, potions, cleaning solutions or just love it for aromatherapy, I recommend trying the Lift Care 5X Lemon Oil.  Til next time my lovlies...
♡

Not BITTER over my AWESOME experience with Kiss Me Organics Organic Dandelion Root Tea with Cinnamon and Hibiscus

I've been looking for a decent tasting Organic Dandelion Root Tea to help me occasionally detox my kidneys and liver.  I've had a lot of medical issues over the last few years which result in my having to take several prescription medications and I have been concerned with their effects on my organs and thus my search for Dandelion Root Tea.

So I have tried some from the grocerey store, the Farmer's Market, etc... but I always find that the taste is really prohibitive of me creating a true tea drinking habit. Bleck! Nothing worse than trying to do something to better your life when it tastes like dirt, weeds and/or (very often) bitter.

The trouble with Dandelion Root is that it is naturally bitter and in order to get enough of the good stuff from it in a tea, you just have to deal with a bit of bitterness. Not with Kiss Me Organics Organic Dandelion Root Tea! They have found a recipe that makes sure enough of the Dandelion Root is incorporated in the tea that it is very potent and effective AND they have added a delightful mixture of cinnamon and Hibiscus which makes the tea very easy to drink.  Plus, cinnamon and Hibiscus have their own healthful benefits - BONUS!

I have been drinking my tea once or twice a day since my order arrived and along with the tea, the company also provided me with some delicious recipe variations to help me continue my new good habit.  Everthing seems to be in bloom here in the High Desert right now so I've begun to add a teaspoon of raw local honey to combat allergies - yummy!

 Hats off to Kiss Me Organics - you've done a wonderful thing and I will shout from the rooftops how much I am thrilled to have found this Organic Dandelion Root Tea! You can find out for yourself right now! Click here or copy and paste the url in your address bar!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NFYLN18/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1426820657&sr=8-1&keywords=kiss+me+organics+dandelion+root+tea

*note* I received a product from the company and their PR firm free for the purpose of testing and review.  I am never required to write a positive review! All opinions in this post are my own honest thoughts and experiences!

Savvy Ice Premium Sphere Mold ~Unique and Works Beautifully

Hello friends!
I want to tell you that BuView.com has been my new favorite source for connecting with businesses seeking product testers and real life customer reviews for their products. They introduced me to the great folks at Savvy Ice. Savvy Ice is a small company with a bright future and they really care about the customer experience.

I like an occasional cocktail and I love a cold, cold whiskey but I do not like it watered down.  Savvy Ice works exceptionally well in the fact that the shape and density melt very slowly!
Now, with that said there are a couple things to be aware of in the actual preparation of the spheres.  My first attempt had me a little frustrated because it was a bit messy and awkward.  I filled the bottom not quite full of tap water, placed the top over and worked to press them together properly while not losing too much water. After freezing I twisted the molds for a few seconds and came out with - not spheres!  They were cloudy, half circles at best with a curious ice belt. Lol So I went back to the beginning and tweaked my approach.  I switched from tap water to filtered, I put the mold together, dry, and then slowly added the water through the top holes to not quite filled while squeezing the middle of the mold to prevent water from seeping to create the "ice belt". Back into the freezer!
This time was almost a success -  seven of the eight balls were perfectly spherical, clear and impressive!  Number eight was more like the runt of the litter. I've experimented with fruit juice, fruit puree, lemon and mint...they all come out really nice! Is this a necessary kitchen tool? Probably not, but it's very cool, worth the learning curve and definitely a conversation starter!
I was provided a free product in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions and I am never required to be positive.  I like this Savvy Ice Premium Sphere maker and if you are in the market for something cool, unique and interesting,  this ones a winner!

Copy and paste the link below to your browser address bar to find it on Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00RL65H3Q

Imbue Naturals Passionately Natural Skincare Vitamin C Serum ~My Elegant New Secret

I have been really interested in Vitamin C serums and have implemented it into my nightly beauty regimen. Imbue Naturals has a 20% Vitamin C serum that I was so fortunate to be able to try! I stopped using my previous brand for a few days before begin my trial with this brand in order to be able to fully evaluate its effectiveness.

A little background - I am in my mid forties and I am a cancer survivor YAY! But in the course of the (life-saving) treatments I've undergone, my skin is definitely showing signs of premature aging. Fine lines around my eyes and mouth, a couple deep lines in my forehead and what I call "dullness" in my skin tone are the trophies I carry from my adventure with chemotherapy. These reasons are why I began to test and review Retinols and Vitamin C Serums. I am really conscious of the harsh and/or unnatural ingredients in so many skincare products on the marlket. I want my skin to be revived by natural ingredients!

Ok! So I started my trial use of Imbue Naturals 20% vitamin C Serum 14 days ago. I have a nightly skincare routine that involves a gentle cleanser, twice weekly exfoliation, tonic, the Vitamin C Serum and a really good moisturizer (PLEASE DON'T FORGET THIS VERY IMPORTANT STEP!) Upon receipt of my product, I immediately noticed the beautiful packaging! It is apparent that this company has taken the time to refine not only its product ingredients but also their professional image and it reflects in their classy, refined packaging. The bottle of serum is contained in a dark brown glass bottle wuth a plastic pump distribution system. The pump allows no bacteria to be introduced into the product! It distributes just the right amount of product for application (no waste = better value!) Going on, the product feels light and and doesn't really have a scent. I have not experienced any dryness or flaking from the serum. Sun sensitivity with this serum is minimal and I do use a moisturizer with 35 SPF everyday. What I am excited about is that I have seen a nice reduction in the appearance of my fine lines! My skin is no longer dull or ashy. My neck skin feels firmer and I feel like I have a fresh faced look to present to the world each day. The serum is gentle enough for twice a day use and so far, I am really happy to have had the opportunity to experience it.

A final note - I was provided this product by Imbue Naturals and their PR firm for the express purpose of testing and reviewing the product. I always post my honest thoughts, opinions and experiences (good, bad and ugly!) and I am not required to write a positive review. It is important for me to share the true experience with you all.

So, if you are interested in a Vitamin C serum, Imbue Naturals product is truly worth the time and cost. Get yours today right here --

http://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Serum-Face-Hyaluronic-Satisfaction/dp/B00O8DBRKC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426202964&sr=8-1&keywords=imbue+naturals+vitamin+c

It is on sale today (March 12, 2015) for $20.95 on Amazon.com- it normally retails for $49.95!

Happy healthy glowing skin is only a few clicks away. See ya next time!

Vitamin C Serum by Joyal Beauty Natural Skin Care Brightens My Day!

I've been really fortunate with the appearance of my skin as I ease into my mid forties. Obviously not that dewy fresh faced twenty-something anymore but that's life! So I've been really interested the vitamin C serum craze and really cautious about the nature of chemicals I use on my skin, and I found Joyal Beauty Natural Skin Care Super Brightening  Vitamin C Serum which is alcohol free, Paraben-free, cruelty free 100% Vegan and Phthalate Free as well as 72% Organic!

It differs from other similar serum in that it only takes a very small amount and it is necessary to massage the face in  a circular motion during application to get the best effects from it. However, like most similar serum products,  it is really important to follow with a great moisturizer!

Joyal and BuView.com worked together to provide me with a full size product to personally use and then honestly review. ..I really do use these products and the results (good or bad, are genuinely my own) naturally!

So I have these stubborn sun spots that haven't gone away no matter what I have tried. Perfect way to test a brightening serum, methinks!
I'm rather sceptical about this particular issue because I've had them so long but I am really surprised and pleased to see that 11 days into my evening application...the two darkest spots are noticeably lighter!
At this point, in my humble opinion,  this Serum gets a definite thumbs up from me. I'll continue to use it.

If you're interested in trying it for yourself,  you can find it here:

http://www.amazon.com/Joyal-Brightening-Anti-Wrinkles-Even-Toned-Satisfaction/dp/B00KPKIV8I