Sunday, March 31, 2013

belle & bianca Organic Soap Bar Citrus Sunrise review


belle & bianca Organic Soap Bars

"Experience the difference with these organic soap bars. You will love the soft lather, wonderful scents & color. Contains NO animal products,  sodium lauryl sulfate detergents, phthalates, parabens or petro-chemicals. Cruelty free & Vegan. 85% certified organic. Soaps may contain botanicals, herbs, colors,  essential oils.  Certified organic ingredients & organic vegetable oils.
 4oz"


Review:
Citrus Sunrise is the perfect name for this soap! Just one whiff of this scent and my senses came alive. It is the perfect citrus scent, but not too overwhelming. The soap lathered and rinsed well, leaving no soapy residue. My skin felt clean and refreshed. I also adore the cute, natural packaging!







 



 
*Special Thanks to the wonderful people of belle & bianca for providing this product in exchange for an honest review.

Moon Valley Organics - Moon Melt Lotion Bar review and COUPON CODE!!


(via their website)
"In 1998 Moon Valley was conceived out of a passion to live ethically and sustainably.  Today that enthusiasm carries forth from our certified organic, biodynamic farm and embraces traditional knowledge from our family of artisan farmers, herbalists and beekeepers. Each element coming together to create amazing products made from the best things on Earth!

Our design, research, production, and sales teams are an assembly of strong local community organizers, artists, parents, entrepreneurs, activists, engineers, doctors, herbalists, and farmers dedicated to living in and creating a more sustainable, wholesome world.

Our products are developed with the intention to nourish and heal your body, mind, and spirit, as well as to care for the Earth. Kim Denend and Aaron Otto, creators of Moon Valley Organics, share their combined experiences in farming, healing, creativity/artistry, and activism to nurture a thriving business. Their quest for wholeness and well-being led them to develop their unique healing body care products. They recently collaborated with Dr. Daniel Newman, MD, ND, and DOM, and other licensed herbalists to formulate their newest medicinal salves. Daniel brings over 20 years of experience with internal medicine and pain management. He contributes his knowledge to formulating these unique blends of medicinal salves, which combine our favorite western herbs with traditional Chinese medicinals. The bulk of our ingredients are grown and processed in the Cascadia Bioregion, or meet high standards of integrity, quality and sustainability."

"Our Principles 

   Use only sustainable, organic ingredients

Use packaging that does the least harm recycled, renewable, recyclable

Select botanical varieties that hold the highest medicinal quality

Use traditional formulas

Made from nature"

MOON MELT LOTION BAR

"OUR HERBAL RECIPE TO TEND DRY HANDS

 Our Moon Melt Bar is a decadent, lemon-vanilla scented moisturizer empowered by the natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties of Calendula and Comfrey to soothe and restore dry skin.  These are combined with our beeswax to naturally seal in moisture twice as long as water-based moisturizers and allow the curative herbs to work their wonders.



 Pure Ingredient

 Moon Valley Organic Calendula and Organic Comfrey infused Organic Safflower oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Vanilla Flavoring, Organic Lemon essential oil and Natural Vitamin E from sunflowers."

USE

 " Hold the moon in your hands.  As it warms, breathe in deeply.  Melt bar into dry, chapped areas of skin, including cuticles-anywhere that needs soothing and protecting.

 Keep a tin next to the sink and enjoy this luxurious experience whenever your hands need some extra tending."


 Review:
Wow, Moon Valley Organics is AMAZING. First I have to go into how much I love the packaging. Now, I don't usually care about packaging..I go straight to the product. But with the Moon Melt Lotion Bar I could not believe how beautifully detailed the packaging is, and I'm just starting with the box! (scroll down to the very last pic in this post for the inside of the box) The fact that this bar comes in its own beautiful tin,  yes its a tin (see below) seriously impressed me.  The beautiful amount of detail that Moon Valley Organics puts into their product just blew me away, especially when I read that "All of our packaging is BPA-free, 100% recyclable and made from the highest percentage of post-consumer recycled material available."

So, my thoughts on the lotion bar..... why hasn't this been done before!? Why do we pump goopy lotion out of bottles!? I mean sure, we have body butters in containers...but this is just different. For those who might have skipped the "use" section. This isn't soap, this isn't something you use with water.  This is lotion! You take the bar out of the tin, warm it in your hands a bit and sooth it into your skin. This lotion bar is absolutely wonderful! In fact, I have had a weird painful patch of dry skin on my thumb, for weeks now I have been trying any kind of lotion to sooth it. Then, I tried this Moon Melt lotion bar and the pain stopped immediately and the dry skin is finally starting to heal.  The lotion bar has a very delicate vanilla scent and it does leave your hands a little greasy I have learned to use this at night before I go to sleep. I wake up with soft smooth hands, legs..elbows every time.



The wonderful people of Moon Valley Organics has provided my readers a 10% off coupon code!!!
  
MEMOT1




Make sure to check out this video of Moon Valley Organics 
These people are seriously my new idols. (It's a dream of mine to own a farm!)











*Special Thanks to the amazing people of Moon Valley Organics for providing this product in exchange for an honest review

Sunday Social

Sunday Social 
 
 
 
 
1. Favorite type of work out to do?
I like to walk and thats about it...lol :p
It would be swimming if I were not so self conscious enough to wear a bathing suit
 
 
 2. Favorite guilty pleasure candy or sweet? 
Oh my goodness, what don't I like.  I could seriously go on and on and on about this topic. I like to consider every candy or sweet my favorite, which yet another reason I decided to get gastric bypass.  Apparently, people who have has gastric bypass get something called "dumping syndrome" when consuming sweets.  So, about a month or so after getting GB I decided to test this. I completely regret ever testing this because I don't get dumping syndrome! I'm thinking and hoping that perhaps I haven't over done it enough to get it. So, yes I'm bad and continue to eat sweets, just not a lot all at once. *puts head down in shame*
I'm going back on the candy topic because seriously...I'm a candyholicSo, while I do enjoy chocolate- fruity candies are my favorite overall.
 Here are just a few of my favorites.





  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. What is one thing you continuously forget to do?  
 
 Take my vitamins! I am so bad about this and it is a must after having GB
 
 

4. Posts its or phone reminders?
 
  Eh..Im more of a post it gal.
 
 
5. Favorite picture currently on your phone that always makes you smile

A few weekends ago my hubby was having fun, enjoying a tasty beverage while trying on my glasses

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Happy Seeds Gluten Free Watermelon Foaming Hand Soap review


(from their website)
"Gluten, soy & nut free, our Watermelon Foaming Hand Soap cleans hands, gently and naturally. Our hand soap is formulated using gentle organic fruit and vegetable derived cleansers, soothing organic aloe vera and conditioning rice protein leaves hands feeling soft and smooth. A natural aromatic extract blend leaves skin smelling fresh and clean. We have also added an organic melon extract blend derived from watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew melon seeds known to be rich in minerals, vitamins and essential amino acids. Happy Seeds products are always free from sulfates, parabens, synthetic dyes and fragrances."
  • Gluten, nut & soy free
  • Organic aloe vera
  • Organic melon blend; rich in minerals, vitamins & amino acids
  • Conditioning rice proteins


About Happy Seeds
"At Happy Seeds, we live by the motto: What you put ON your body is as important as what you put IN your body.
It is our mission to provide you with healthy, conscious products for day-to-day life, while making a positive impact within the community.    
Our product is made with organic ingredients and will always be gluten, soy, nuts, and (of course) Cruelty Free. We do not use parabens, sulfates or synthetic dyes and fragrances.
Happy Seeds develops each product with “every body” in mind.  Whether you are simply looking for the healthiest products for your family or if you have a family member with allergies or ingredient sensitivities, you have our commitment that all products will be gentle, safe and feel good to use!"




Review: 

I really enjoyed this foaming hand soap. It was extremely gentle and left my hands feeling clean. The watermelon scent was extremely delicate. The pump worked extremely well...in fact I had a few moments where the foam shot out over my shirt, which made me laugh.  Over all, I really liked this mild hand soap and especially enjoyed that it was made from organic ingredients. This is the perfect hand soap for children and people with sensitive skin!







*Special Thanks to Happy Seeds Gluten Free for providing this product in exchange for an honest review

Monday, March 25, 2013

Siri Skin Care Vegan Lip Balm Coconut & Shea review and COUPON CODE!


Vegan Lip Balm - Coconut & Shea  (from their website)   

"Our must-have balms have been in purses and pockets since 2011. Shea Butter with antioxidant rich Vitamin E conditions and moisturizes your lips. A final hint of Coconut Oil provides that one-of-a-kind refreshing scent. The result? Smooth, supple lips everyone will be buzzing about."
Ingredients-
Palm Wax, Shea Butter , Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Olive Oil, and Vitamin E oil.

 Review:

 This is such a fantastic lip balm. I seem to have gotten a defective container as the balm won't "roll" up, Ive tried both directions multiple times but nope, however this has not stopped me from using my pinky or a lip brush. This lip balm is works so wonderfully. My lips feel so hydrated and soft.  In my opinion I don't smell any scent to this at all but that hasn't stopped me from loving this balm. Scent or no scent, its fantastic and with such a reasonable price ($2 USD) I will be stocking up on these gems!



  SoyCare Inc. has provided my readers a FREE SHIPPING coupon code.
Coupon Code: FREESHIP-MEMORIES

 

 

 

*Special Thanks to SoyCare Inc. for providing this product in exchange for an honest review

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Miss Stephanie's Potions Werewolf Repellent review



About Miss Stephanie
(from their website)
"Miss Stephanie is a voodoo medicine woman who studied in a small town in Louisiana.  Long ago, Miss Stephanie specialized in preparing potions to cure common ailments.  During one particularly bad Louisiana storm, Miss Stephanie was up late preparing a healing tea for one of the locals when a knock came at the door.  There in the doorway stood a large, very ugly and very smelly zombie!  Miss Stephanie slammed the door in his face and quickly whipped up one of her potions.  When that persistent zombie knocked again, Miss Stephanie was prepared, spray in hand.  Sure enough, the zombie went running to tell all his friends that the town’s medicine woman created a potion strong enough to turn all those pesky ghouls into sweet, friendly creatures.  The next day, the wise medicine woman created potions for all the local townspeople, and that night, all the children slept peacefully.  Today, Miss Stephanie is currently employed as the Chief Potions Officer of Miss Stephanie’s Potions, and continues creating products that empower children to take charge of their fears and deal with their anxieties naturally. "


Werewolf Repellent/Be Good
"Is your child afraid of werewolves?  Have those fears created anxieties around bedtime.  Werewolf Be Good has a wonderful root beer aroma that both kids and parents will love.  It can be sprayed around doors and windows to keep pesky werewolves out, or directly on them to turn them into friends."

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water)
Sodium Propionate
Natural Fragrance
 



Review:

 This has to be the cutest product idea I have ever come across. This is absolutely perfect for any child, scared of monsters or not. (And imaginative adults!)

Werewolf Repellent/Be Good spray has a very light root beer scent. I decided to spray it on my husband because every now and then he reminds me of a werewolf...and I got to tell you, he has been a little nicer ever since. Who knows...maybe this is a magic potion after all!


The fact that this spray is all natural, 100% vegan, and cruelty free makes me love it even more!


Miss Stephanie's Potions would be a great addition to any Easter basket!






*Special Thanks to the magical people of Miss Stephanie's Potions for providing this product in exchange for an honest review

Level Naturals Lavender Chamomile Body Butter review




 (from their website) 

"Spread a little spring all over. Yep, think sweet and youthful glow in a field of lavender, your hair waving softly in the wind, warm sun on your shoulders and a cool breeze on your cheeks. Breathe deeply. There now, isn’t that better?


Lavender Chamomile Body Butter  

Butyrospernum Parkii (SheaButter), Carthamus Intctorisu L. (Safflower Oil), Coepernica Alba (Palm Wax), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter (Cocoa Butter), Simmondsie Chinesnsis (Jojoba Oil), Rosa Canina (Rosehip Oil), Chamomilea Recutita (Chamomile Extract), Calendula, Rosemary Oleoresin (Rosemary Extract), Essential Oil (Lavender, Chamomile)

This product is Gluten Free"


Review:
 Level Naturals Lavender Chamomile Body Butter smells so wonderful! The description on their website of  "spread a little spring all over you" fits it perfectly. The Lavender Chamomile scent is perfect, not too strong and not too weak. The body butter will last a long time, just tiny amount goes a long way. It absorbs fairly well leaving just a light amount of oil on the skin. My skin feels amazingly soft.
Peta Logo









*Special Thanks to the Awesome people of Level Naturals for providing this product in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday Social

Sunday Social

1.What is your favorite thing about Spring?  

Wild flowers sprinkled through out the city. 

2. Favorite kind of flowers to grow or receive?

Tulips -  My mother use to grow them when we live in Iowa.  She actually grew lots of things,  strawberries, green beans, and raspberries. We moved to Texas when I was six but I have never forgotten her beautiful tulips and delicious strawberries.


3. What is your favorite nail polish color?

I never really thought I had just one favorite until I realized that I have bought Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish is Red Carpet, 3 different times.  I suppose I should call this my favorite.  It's a sparkly red that reminds me of Dorothy's ruby red slippers.

4. What is your favorite out door activity?

I love to go on nature trails with my hubby. Although, he complains every time that I walk too fast. We love going to this park pictured below. There are many different trails so every time we go its an adventure.

http://www.sanaturalareas.org/ep/epaerial.jpg

5. Do you have any fun Spring plans?

 One of my brother's is getting married in Hawaii, but unfortunately I can not afford to go. So I will be Cat sitting my mothers' kitties instead.  That's about the only spring plans I have.


Saturday, March 23, 2013

belle & bianca Soy candle -seaside- review


About belle & bianca-
 (from their website)

"belle & bianca is a certified organic & natural bath & body company. Our company is committed to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Our products are vegan, not tested on animals or contain animal by-products, phthalate & paraben free. Soaps do not contain SLS detergents or GMO's. All of our packaging is recycled or made from natural materials. We use organic palm oil which is a renewable & sustainable resource & will most likely not contribute to the deforestation of the rainforest & the poisoning of elephants & destruction of orangutan's homes in these areas.We are also proud participants of the  leaping bunny & Peta cruelty free compassionate consumer shopping programs. 10% of annual sales go to animal charities."

 belle & bianca Soy candles

"Try our 100% natural soy candles in a variety of scents. Soy candles do not 0mit toxins while burning and are biodegradable. They are water soluble and burn cooler & slower than the conventional candles and are a renewable source. Soy candles support US farmers & our own economic growth.
Available in glass or travel tin. Contains wood wicks, 100% soy wax, and non-diluted fragrance. White"

Review: 
 I had the pleasure of trying belle & bianca soy candle in Seaside. It smells absolutely wonderful. It has such a clean fresh scent that I instantly wished I was relaxing at a beach. This long lasting candle filled the room with its perfect scent. I love this candle so much that I cant wait to try other scents by belle & bianca.  With responsible prices and other scents such as Tangerine Lavender, Cucumber Melon, Vanilla Chai, and Mediterranean Fig, I will definitely be stocking up!
I highly recommend belle & bianca soy candles!!












*Special Thanks to the amazing people of belle & bianca for providing this product in exchange for an honest review.

Beauty Without Cruelty Full Volume Natural Mascara Review



About Beauty Without Cruelty-
(from their website)
"In 1963, Beauty Without Cruelty was founded in England by the trustees of BWC Charitable Trust, an animal welfare organization. Its goal was to manufacture and distribute natural, color cosmetics that were NOT tested on animals (as was the norm) and did NOT contain any animal ingredients.
In 1989, Beauty Without Cruelty was introduced in the United States. Based on the principles of no animal testing, no animal ingredients, high quality, fair pricing, and environmental sensitivity, BWC cosmetics quickly became one of the industry’s leading brands. Later that year, a natural skin care line was developed to compliment the color line from England. Its cruelty-free, vegetarian ethic was embraced by American consumers making it one of the most respected and recognized lines in the marketplace.

Today, Beauty Without Cruelty has a full line of cruelty-free, vegetarian skin, body, and hair care products made with the finest natural ingredients and premium aroma-therapeutic essential oils, and a full line of colour cosmetics to meet the needs of every woman."




 Full Volume Natural Mascara-
 "RICH AND NOURISHING MAXIMUM VOLUME, EXTENSION AND CURL"
" Aqua/water, Iron Oxides,Oryza Sativa Bran Cera (RiceWax),Vp/va Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-5 Laurate,Acacia Senegal Gum (AcaciaWax), Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera/copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera/rhus Verniciflua PeelWax (Japanese FruitWax), Nylon-66, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ultramarines, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Powder, Benzyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil,Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Biotin."


 Review:

This mascara is absolutely wonderful! My minuscule lashes really popped. The mascara went on smoothly, wasn't overly goopy and It didn't cake on! This is a great mascara for not only every day wear but for the dramatic eye look as well. My lashes felt soft and healthy. And of course, knowing that this product was made without any animal cruelty makes it a winner in my book!


I highly recommend BWC Full Volume Natural Mascara!



 Before
 After (2 coats)
Before
After (one coat)










*Special Thanks to the amazing people of BWC for providing this product in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

NaturOli Intensive Cleansing Masque review



NaturOli Intensive Cleansing Masque
"Once Montmorillonite Clay becomes hydrated, it absorbs toxins, impurities, heavy metals and other contaminants. Upon mixing with water, it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge. All the toxins in your skin are drawn into that sponge through electrical attraction. There is no cleaner 'clean' attainable. All our moisturizing additives and oils balance the clay's inherently powerful cleansing properties balanced with healthy skin's natural properties. - You'll feel the difference after just one use.

Please read directions carefully. A little goes a long way.

This is possibly the most potent, deep cleansing masque you'll ever use!"


Review: 
Whoa, they weren't kidding about calling this Intensive! This masque is powerful. When it dried my face became so tight I ran around acting like a zombie scaring my husband. The mask goes on very dark brown, but as it drys it really lightens up. I kept this on for only 30 minutes like that directions state. While it became tight it wasn't painful or harsh and the masque rinses off very well.  My skin felt incredibly clean without getting too dried out. This was a great masque!  I'm going to include embarrassing photos of me wearing the mask, for your viewing pleasure. 











*Special Thanks to the awesome people of NaturOli for providing this product in exchange for an honest review 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Aroma Roots All Natural Soap - Tangeranium review


About Aroma Roots
(from their website)
"Aroma Roots is an Natural Handmade Soap Company that works to an ancient artisan recipe using a cold-process method and only the finest organic herbs and essential oils. Our soap is hand-cut and every bar is individually wrapped, making each one special. It’ll be the best soap you have ever tried!
Aroma Roots body care/cleaning products are always made by hand from the finest raw materials known to the botanical world. We take pride in ONLY developing & producing 100% safe & natural, wholesome & organic products you feel good giving your family to use."

Aroma Roots All Natural Soap -Tangeranium
 "Looking for a way to hold on to summer? This bar is by far one of my favorite summer blends this year. Rose Clay works as a tough cleanser while adding a beautiful pink hue for color. Rose Geranium and Citrus essential Oils blend to make a loving smell reminiscent of summer.

Ingredients: Saponified oils of: Ole Europara (Olive) Fruit Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao ( Cocoa) Seed Butter, Kaolinite (Rose Clay), Calendula (Officinalis) flower, Citrus Tangerina Tangerine) Oil, Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil"

Review:
 So, first I have to say that I definitely know why this company is called Aroma Roots. This soap has such a strong scent that the scent lasted all day long. In fact, after my first shower, my husband who was in a completely different room said.."whats that smell?"  During my shower I kept trying to pin point what exactly the smell was, so I quickly asked him..."what does it smell like to you?"  He answered "uhm...I don't know...."   That's the strange thing about this soap, I cant honestly say what the smell is! I was assuming this would be a citrusy orange scent but no...I don't think I smell citrus. Its a bit on the minty side but I wouldn't call it mint either. Its an absolute mystery to me.  Is it a bad scent? Nope, not at all and I'm really impressed at how long the scent lasted!
Aroma Roots All Natural Soap -Tangeranium lathers extremely well and didn't leave any soap residue behind. I felt extremely clean and moisturized! I can honestly agree that this was one of the best (and prettiest) soaps I have ever tried and I will definitely purchase different soaps in the future. They also have facial soaps that I can't wait to try as well!








*Special thanks to the wonderful people of Aroma Roots for providing this product in exchange for an honest review