Xtava: Professional 5-in-1 Curling Iron Model No. XA0041 Review #Curler5in1

With all the hair wands, curlers, rods, irons and so forth, I went from having my hair care items stored under the sink, then assigned a drawer to them, to later having a shelf in the closet dedicated to them. I'm about to move them into a box until Xtava's 5-in-1 curling iron arrived!



Xtava was the answer to my needs and their 5-in-1 professional curling iron does it all and then some. The best part, everything attaches to a singular wand. Think of it like having a drill and you would not buy a drill to go with just one drill bit.....that would be silly even though that is exactly what I did with my styling tools.

Xtava's 5-in-1 curling iron, Model #XA0041 Features:

• One wand


• 5 different ceramic barrels


• 1.25"/1.25"


• 1"/1"


• 0.7"/1" (tapers down)


• 0.75"/0.75"


• 0.3"/0.75" (tapers down)


• Ceramic Tourmaline Technology


• 360 degree Swivel cord, which is a comfortable 8 feet in length


• Shut-off safety function in case you get busy and forget


• Also a nice storage bag to keep everything again in one place and easy to grab

The 5 barrels vary in sizes from the larger one producing nice bouncy waves, to the one after giving you tighter curls. You then move on down to smaller circumferences, which allows you to add detail, volume, and nothings gets missed. You can style any length of hair and Xtava's 5-in-1 curling iron can handle it all. This is perfect for me because I like to change how I wear my hair and that means my needs change by my hair-do. I was able to comfortably curl my hair quickly and safely, with ease and produce a style that I was absolutely delighted with. I don't have to make excuses now on why I don't have time and/or want to curl my hair, because Xtava's 5-in-1 curling iron could handle my very long strands with care and what was best.....super quick and this was for a full hair down style. I was done in 10 minutes!



 

Retail Price Point: $39.99 via Xtava and also available on Amazon

The wands easily connect with a simple twist on and stay in place (locked) until you are finished. I found them easy to use and change while styling. The barrels of each attachment are smooth and flawless, so no hairs were pulled or yanked on while I used the product. The heat output is nice and has a maximum temperature of 410 degrees. The output seems to depend on the size of the attachment you use and the unit does not allow for heat temperature selection, so you go by "time curling" when styling. Once plugged in, you can begin styling in 2 minutes! Told you it was fast. Also, the unit comes with a 5-year warranty because Xtava stands by it's products.

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Final Verdict:
Probably one of my shortest verdict's and to the point, I now have this one iron because it replaced and added more than what I had before. I just have a flat iron and my blow dryers, so back to the drawer where I can use them regularly they go! One very happy girl and this would make an perfect Valentine's Day gift!

 

Connect with Xtava's Great Styling Products at:

• On-line


• 5-in-1 Curling Iron Product Link


• Amazon


• Facebook


• #Curler5in1


• #Xtava

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Xtava.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

GreenForce Labs No2 PreWorkout Supplement Review #GreenForce

I've passed off workout supplements to hubby before, and this one is no different, but thankfully for him, this one was much better than the last. I don't think he could take another horrible product to be my crash test dummy for. So, without further adieu, here's hubby:

I've been using pre-workout supplements for years now. Some tasted good and did bupkis for me. Some tasted horrible, and did bupkis for me. Some tasted tolerable and worked out well. I have yet to find one that wasn't overly sweet, loaded with sugars, artificial colors and flavors, or ingredients that I'd rather not ingest. I think, however, I've found one in Greenforce Labs No2 Preworkout that hits every metric I want.

Some background on what I consider essential preworkout primers. One is a bit of caffeine. It really helps get my butt up and moving. Next are some B-vitamins to keep it moving. A little arginine to keep the blood vessels wide open. Everything else for me is gravy. Greenforce No2 Preworkout ups the ante by adding l-ornithine and l-citrulline to combat muscle fatigue, and a new one for me, beet root extract, which aids in greater output, lowers fatigue, and possibly greater strength. Hey now, I'm in. And for me, this product worked. I matched my exercise output and results from my powdered product, at half the cost. I'm happy to alternate between this and my usual.

After making sure I cleared my system of my previous preworkout powder, which I consider seriously flawed due to being obnoxiously sweet. I can happily report that Greenforce No2 Preworkout has no added sugars, natural OR artificial, a major failing of almost every single preworkout on the market. You can easily tailor your intake to your needs or workout. With a 4 capsule serving, that's simple to say "Okay, it's late, I'm only taking half tonight". Also, this is an all-natural product made in the USA, NFW and GMP certified. You get a month's worth for $21.95 with 120 capsules per bottle.

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Now for the best part. This product is 100% satisfaction guaranteed. From the first capsule to the last. Greenforce Labs stands behind this product, no questions, full stop. I had a minor issue with shipping and Greenforce Labs bent over backwards to make sure I was a satisfied customer. Above and beyond. Show me a supplement company that does that. I've had dealings with some of the biggest, and it's all finger-pointing and no guarantees. I'm happy to report there none of that nonsense with Greenforce Labs. I'm happy to support them and look forward to see what they bring to market next.



Connect with Greenforce Labs:

• On Facebook


• Buy from Amazon


• #GreenForce

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Greenforce Labs.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Majestic Pure Oils: Essential Therapeutic Grade Peppermint Oil #Review #PeppermintOil

 



In the world of essential oils and the like, many companies like to make things fuzzy by using terms as, Pharmaceutical Grade and/or Therapeutic Grade. Who grades or certifies these oils? No one! You have trust the supplier, unless you get into food grades where the FDA grades and then you hear terms as Virgin, Extra Virgin and the like. When it comes to real certifications, where you pay an agency for them to come in, inspect and grade your materials, you then see such certifications like the "Non-GMO" and Organic labels. It comes down to sources and knowing them, so I am a bit critical when it comes to oils and I always think about what will I be using them for and price point attached.

 

Majestic Oils, is a company that carries an array of products and especially oils. They have "Carrier" oils, which get used in addition to essential oils. Think of a candle and the wax is the carrier, where the fragrance would be the essential oil. I was sent a bottle of their, Peppermint Oil to try.

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Benefits/Evidence of Peppermint Oil in Essential form:
Beyond it's soothing scent and being able to clear our nasal passages, Peppermint oil can provide you with many benefits. As I researched, I found many use the oil for stomach problems like nausea and vomiting, however I did see it could worsen heartburn. While many find the oil to sooth the skin, adverse reaction is a possibility if you are sensitive to the plant. You will need to do your research and I went by scientific findings versus just anecdotal evidence. I like balancing out what people report and measure it against what can be proven. I found mostly the essential oil was safer if used as a way to relieve nasal congestion but keeping in mind that for some, it can cause headaches.



I kept the aforementioned in mind and used the product in oil essential form to re-freshen the home, since we keep doors and windows shut close doing colder weather. Being that I suffer from allergies and always congested, I did find mixing the essential Peppermint oil with the Fractionated Coconut oil from Majestic Pure, was the perfect match! The oil filled the home with what I forgot was the true scent of peppermint. I got so use to faux smells that I forgot how calming a scent with cooler notes can be. It did freshen up the home, which I found pleasurable and that alone made me feel good. Think of what lavender can do and peppermint shares the same aromatherapy properties. I actually enjoyed it and threw anything away that claimed to be peppermint scented and was not. The essential oil by Majestic Pure also goes far! I just needed to use a few drops with the other oil, to achieve that perfect balance.



Retail Price Point: $18.50 for a large 4 fluid ounce bottle



My small and only Con- The dropper is included and while it's glass and I love it.....it's just sort of thrown in with bubble wrap into a box where the bottle fits well but not with the dropper. The dropper comes apart easily, as that is how it arrived. Being that the oil could be used on the skin and such, it just did not seem like the most sanitary way to include this. Maybe just adding it to the bottle and including the smaller (non-dropper) top would have been wiser. I cleared the dropper with alcohol because it just seemed as the smart thing to do :)  This con would not keep me from buying though!

 

Connect with Majestic Oils and their selection of oils and soon to be Beauty Products at:

• On-line


• Amazon


• FaceBook


• Phone- 1.866.253.5404


• E-mail


• Address- 2928 Jefferson St, Ste 2H Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA


• #PeppermintOil

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Majestic Pure.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Majestic Pure Oils: Fractionated Coconut Oil #Review #MajesticPure

In the world of essential oils and the like, many companies like to make things fuzzy by using terms as, Pharmaceutical Grade and/or Therapeutic Grade. Who grades or certifies these oils? No one! You have to trust the supplier, unless you get into food grades where the FDA grades and then you hear terms as Virgin, Extra Virgin and the like. When it comes to real certifications, where you pay an agency for them to come in, inspect and grade your materials, you then see such certifications like the "Non-GMO" and Organic labels. It comes down to sources and knowing them, so I am a bit critical when it comes to oils and I always think about what will I be using them for and the price point attached.

[gallery type="circle" ids="4519,4520,4521"]

Majestic Pure Oils, is a company that carries an array of products and especially oils. They have "Carrier" oils, which get used in addition to essential oils. Think of a candle and the wax is the carrier, where the fragrance would be the essential oil. I was sent a bottle of their, Fractionated Coconut Oil to try. What exactly is Fractionated Coconut Oil- You know how we have Extra Virgin, Virgin and then just everyday olive oil.....this is the latter. This is the oil that has been broken down and stripped down of certain ingredients. Stripping down is a way to simplify what is needed and in this case simple has it's uses. You are left with an oil that does not go rancid or oxidize because the fatty acids have been removed. The oil has zero odor and this is why it mixes so well with essential oils that do. The oil is colorless and this means no stains and also lighter in form, so you do not produce those oil marks you would usually suffer from if it came in contact with fabrics. It's light texture usually means your skin will not be aggravated, suffer clogged pores and is easily absorbed.

[gallery type="slideshow" ids="4527,4522,4524,4523"]

I used Majestic Pure's Fractionated Coconut oil, for a period of 2 weeks to see how well it performed. The bottle came sealed and nicely packaged, with an additional "pop-open" cap if needed. I first used the product as a carrier oil for an essential oil blend I purchased to give fragrance to the home. A simple bowl suspended by iron, with a tea candle below will slowly heat the oils to create fragrance. The Fractionated Coconut oil was slow to dissipate and this is why I enjoy this kind of oil.  The oil comes with a manufacture date label and states it has a 5-year shelf life.  This type of oil will not solidify like virgin quality oils and will remain in clear liquid form. Retail Price Point: $14.95 for 16 Fluid Ounce Bottle with 100% Satisfaction Guarantee I used the oil in a purely topical application and like I mentioned, I am picky about what I ingest. Majestic's Pure Oil is 100% Natural and not like other companies that do not have a "web presence" . They have many ways to contact them, are located in my home state and let's not forget they have very favorable feedback. I like that and want that from a company and especially when it comes to the world of oils. The oil left my skin nice and soft with no residue and even though I may be wearing a tank top and it's Winter in California, no one wants oil spots on them no matter the season! Connect with Majestic Oils and their selection of oils and soon to be Beauty Products at:

• On-line


• Amazon


• FaceBook


• Phone- 1.866.253.5404


• E-mail


• Address- 2928 Jefferson St, Ste 2H Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Majestic Pure.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

BakeItFun: Baking Mat in Blue #Review #BakingMat

 

 



I always use the best ingredients we can afford when cooking and baking, and the same goes for the tools we use in the kitchen. Price does not always equate good quality and/or performance, so I give opportunity to everything because I have been disappointed by high prices/good known name and fallen in love with items that did not even cost half as much!

BakeItFun, makes professional grade silicone baking mats that fit your cookie sheet. I already use parchment paper and I do use a baking mat of like kind made by a French company. I have been happy with both materials, as each serves different needs, so I was eager to see how BakeItFun would perform against my expensive silicone mats.

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I baked the most common recipe of them all, chocolate chip and chunk cookies. The cookie dough contains both shortening and butter, with sugars coming from dark brown sugar alone. I begin by unwrapping and washing the BakeItFun mat and washed it as instructed. The directions state the product needs a oil finish before the first use. First time I have seen this, as oil usually beads up/off silicone surfaces. I thought this was odd but I do as directed and opted for Vegetable oil due to it's neutrality in flavor. Once the mat was "primed" with the oil, I proceeded to bake and tested with one cookie alone.



I set the timer for 14 minutes, as this is how long this recipe takes with my other silicone mats and keep a close eye. I first notice a smell from the vegetable oil and I look inside the oven and notice oil beads sort of floating above. I notice at the 10 minute mark that the cookie looks browner than usual, plus the smell in the air is sort of close to "toasted cookies". I take the cookie out and allow it to cool one minute on the pan and then move it over to the cooling rack. Once the cookie was on the spatula, I notice the bottom is over crisped and brown. We allow it to cool completely and do a taste-test. The cookie is much crisper on the bottom than desired. I decide to deeply wash the mat and even if I feel the oil is off, I am not adding it back on. Instructions state to oil only at first use and if you use the dishwasher (top rack only) to clean the mat.

[gallery type="slideshow" size="medium" ids="4514,4515"]

I bake fries and the such as the weeks go by and the mat performs perfectly. It saves me on parchment paper, as I have been using the mat to bake savory dishes from potatoes, rewarming pizza, to puff pastry appetizers I made and froze for later enjoyment. I clean the mat by hand and the directions do say dishwasher safe but I feel it will last better if treated kindly :)

Retail Price Point: $11.97 via Amazon for a Half Sheet, 16.5" x 11"



Final Verdict-

BakeItFun silicone mats can withstand temperatures from -40°F up to 450°F, so it is freezer safe too and also says microwave safe. I found the product easy to wash and it did not absorb smells of what you cooked prior, so no blending of odd flavors when reusing it. The price point is low for these type of products and this is BPA free materials and FDA approved. My only con, was having to oil it and knowing the results that would cause. It made no sense as all other mats of same like kind do not require any oil prior use. Oil beads up and the entire point of using these surfaces, is to not have foods sit in oil or leak through. Once I stripped the oil off, which was easy as it just floated in bead form.....I was 100% satisfied with the product. I always follow directions but in my opinion, I would not pre-oil a product like this again! No type of oil is also recommended and with the list of fats from Coconut Oil, Peanut Oil, Olive Oil, Grape Oil......I went with one I felt would add little to no flavor if it was going to remain on. BakeItFun also has a 100% Life-Time Guarantee (no questions asked) and I value that greatly. The product has up to 2000 re-uses and if you bake like me, that adds up quickly with daily oven use and not just using it once a day.........so I save on parchment paper and my cookie sheets as well!

Connect with BakeItFun at: 

• On-line


• Amazon


• Facebook


• Twitter


• Pinterest


• Google+


• YouTube


• Instagram


• #BakingMat

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from BakeItFun.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

iGotTech: Texting Gloves #Review #gloves

 

 

Cold weather sucks. Cold weather and touch screen devices make for some frosty paws. And that, my friends, is no bueno. So when iGotTech offered me a pair of texting gloves to test and review, it way perfect! And let me tell you, I was skeptical, but these little gloves WORK. And, with every dang thing we own having some form of touch-sensitive surface on it.  It was nice to not have your fingertips feel like ice every time I need to answer the phone, send an email, or browse the web.



These are well stitched, stylish in black with grey colored touch-friendly tips, and made in a size that fits my normal sized hands. Thick enough to keep you warm, thin enough to work our remote control's buttons. A 100% satisfaction, full refund guarantee. There's practically no downsides. Except one. At $12 they're as much as 4 times the cost of similar items. The other would be a lack of label listing materials used. Some people are sensitive or allergic to certain materials and it'd be nice to know if these are hypoallergenic. Other than that, I have no issues with these gloves, and in fact, they are a must use for me this winter.



iGotTech, makes several products, and their service is top notch. Followed up with me right away, a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction. I would cautiously recommend them, but this kind of product is a must have for those of us who don't do too well with the cold.



Connect with iGotTech on:

• Their Website


• Their Facebook page


• Twitter


• Google+


• Pinterest


• YouTube


• #gloves

 

 

 

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from iGotTech. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Brillante: G40 Clear Globe String Lights #Review #BrillanteLights

Not all light is created equal. Florescent light feels like the workplace. LED's feel like a showroom. Soft white feels like grandma's house. But some lights just feel fancy. Like the clear G40(C7) sting of lights from Brillante. Smaller than the regular fixture lights, larger than the mini lights you use for the holidays, these clear mini globes give enough light to illuminate beautifully without blinding everyone.



With a sturdy, green 25ft. long cord, and 25 lights to a string, you can safely run two strings end to end, so it gives you plenty of length to surround your party, your patio, or spa. The soft ambient glow is that "just right" level of light to make everything bright, but not washed out.



I've used these lights around the pool and spa, and on a clear cool night, nothing beats a meal under the stars with these Brillante lights. With bulbs rated for 3,000 hours, these are made to last. And G40 (C7) bulbs are affordable to replace and easy to find. I would recommend them highly.

Retail Price Point: $29.99 per strand via Amazon



 

Connect with Brillante:

• Their Website


• Amazon


• On Pinterest

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Brillante.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

AYL® Silicone Heat Resistant Grilling BBQ Gloves Set #Review #AYLsiliconeGlove

It's no big secret I cook. A lot. So handling hot dishes and pans is pretty much an occupational hazard. What you may not know is hubby also grills. A lot. Except grilling can be messy, even more so sometimes than normal cooking and baking. Gloves are a must. So these AYL silicone grilling gloves are a product long overdue for this house. Made from heat-resistant (Up to 425°!), BPA free silicone, dishwasher safe, and one size fits most. Let's dive right in.



And To start, these grill mitts do indeed fit most. Both hubby and I fit into them with no problem when we tried them on.  While they are "heat resistant", you will still feel the temperature through the gloves. So I wouldn't hang onto hot things for very long. And while they did fit, don't expect to be terribly dexterous while wearing them. A plus AND minus is the little grippy nubs surrounding the mitts. They are little heart shaped, which while timely and adorable, might be off putting to overly manly-men types. They also get BBQ shmutz stuck in between them due to being so deep. But, a little soap and a dish brush and you're good as new. The pair have little hanging holes for storage/drying, and the bright red color means even Mr. Distracted, Hubby, can find them in the dark. Another big plus of the silicone is that it won't hold scents or smells easily. And if you've ever handled smoked meats, you know those scents seriously linger.

Retail Price Point: $19.99 via Amazon

Lest you think these are good for outdoors only, they are winners inside the house too. With normal oven mitts, you're lucky to have a thumb. Which makes grabbing some pans, lids or dishes a game of "Do I really have a hold of it?". Anyone who's found out they didn't knows how much fun that can be when it's all down the front of your clothes or all over the kitchen floor. A thing of the past with these mitts. Overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives, and with a "free premium lifetime guarantee" included, you can't go wrong here. I'd say grab a pair and try them on for size.



 

Connect with AYL:

• On their Website


• Buy from Amazon

I received the above product(s) free of charge from AYL®.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Tryazon: GEFU and Wheat Belly, Healthy-n-Lean 2015 Party Review #GEFU

We are still in January and while many of us started at the beginning of the month with positive changes and planning for the "new you in 2015", many of us are probably running dry when it comes to ideas, making time to eat well, and falling back into 2014 habits.

I'm all for making what I do today (i.e. eat veggies) so much better and even different. Why not? I grill, bake, saute, even eat veggies raw to just mix-it-up a bit. In comes GEFU, with a heck of a line of products that make eating healthy and well easier but in some ways better. I say better because it encourages us to eat as we should be eating, not feel like a perma-diet! I love pasta and I can reach a moment where I think making pasta primavera means at least it has veggies......so it's sort of healthy. I even try 75% veggies with 25% pasta and my results are, I'm still craving pasta! GEFU not only will make my veggies a texture and let's just say it, a shape that is more desirable. Their line of kitchen tools will make any dish from any cuisine a little new again. It goes beyond just pasta for Italian meals but think Asian dishes with vegetables that match rice noodles or just the vegetables themselves become the noodle!

I received these 4 GEFU kitchen tools to experience:

• GEFU Spirelli Spiral Cutter in action on YouTube; Spirelli product details via GEFU

• GEFU Julienne peeler, Striscia

• GEFU Lemon Juicer

• GEFU Julienne Peeler ASIA (new to the US)

Plus, a cookbook:

• Wheat Belly 30-minute (or Less!) Cookbook

 



The Spirelli Sprial cutter (Item #13460) is the go-to and easy cleaning tool to achieve that "spiral cut" you desire.  Love that you can easily use it and it's dishwasher friendly, due to the way the product is made.  You have stainless steel combined with high quality plastic that will provide many days filled with spiral julienne strips.  You can use any vegetable, which is firm in texture.  This includes carrots, jicama, potatoes, zucchini, radishes, cucumbers and the list goes on.  Create salads using raw ingredients or you can par-cook, to fully cook vegetable so the possibilities are really endless.  I was able to add a new twist to an Italian salad by having a more desirable texture and shape.  The olives I left whole, so it would mimic little "meatless meatballs".  I sometimes had to thin out a vegetable that was too big for the hole, however I now know to purchase medium sized ones when using this product.  I give this product a 4.5 out of 5 rating do to how much you can do with it.

Retail Price Point: $29.99 on-line and available on Amazon, to Bed, Bath & Beyond

 



Presco Lemon Juicer (Item #124585), is of course more of a citrus juicer and not limited to lemons.  I have a juicer but the type you slice and then press, so let's call it a citrus presser.  Mine tended to dirty more by needed a knife and a cutting board, to then the press itself.  Get the towel ready because it was also a sprayer.  Thankfully, with GEFU's Presco juicer, I just dirty one item to complete the task.  The stainless steel pierces any rind and I get every last drop where it belongs.  The skin is left intact, so I can even use a zester to get more use out of my citrus.  I give this product a 5 out of 5 because it's one of those that changes a common task into a new way and let's face it, less messy!  Also, dishwasher safe.

Retail Price Point: $9.99 on-line and I found the product on Amazon, Sur La Table to Bed, Bath & Beyond

 



The Striscia julienne peeler (Item #13660) has changed how I make Asian dishes to even what I spent a good amount of time doing, "stick fries".  You simply take a vegetable and just like a regular peeler, you peel and get perfect julienne cuts every time.  Cuts prep-work time and I now go from doing the prep-work the night before, to doing it that same day.  The handle is ergonomic and easy to hold and control, something you want when some potatoes can be extra starchy and wet to carrots causing things to slide.  The cutting/peeling portion is made of quality steel and produces cuts every time.  I was able to use cucumber to make an awesome yogurt base salads, that went great with the flat bread and beef kebabs.  It's a meal we already make but this just created a better and more uniform cut than I can produce with a knife......also no hand cramping!

Retail Price Point: $19.95 on-line and via Amazon, plus this one seems very popular and available at many authorized retailers

 



This product is new to the U.S. and called the Julienne Peeler ASIA (Item #50410).  Shaped like a mandolin cutter, this product produces julienne cuts on one side and the reverse side, has a grater.  Like with many GEFU products, they used Japanese steel for the blades and the tool has a nice handle for control.  The grater portion has two types of surfaces, one for puree grating (i.e. horseradish, ginger, and the like), and the other has a spice grater for harder ingredients like allspice and nutmeg.  As you can see, the Asia portion in the name does not limit it's uses.  I gave this one away via raffle because if I did not have all the components (separately unfortunately), I could see saving space and time with one tool.  I give this product a 4 out of 5 for making julienne cuts easy (I was told by my guest that won and tried it) and being really 3 tools in one.

Retail Price Point: $24.95 on-line and I did not see wide distribution yet, as this is a new product

 

 



Not everything via diet books is always a fad and some diet books to hit areas about our overall eating.  With products being filled with corn, wheat, and really just fillers, no wonder we sometimes don't feel at our optimum.  The Wheat Belly 30-minutes or less cook book allows the reader with ease to produce quick meals (no excuses!) that are healthy, delicious and gluten-free.  The way we should not eat sugar with every meal, well we probably should think about eating wheat with every meal too!  The book was easy to follow and even if you don't want to make this your only way of eating, it's an addition for those times you want to eat different.  Some of the guests felt the products needed and especially when cleaning out the pantry, was costly and restrictive but we all agreed that incorporating some of this diet is a must.  It's cleaner and not to be taken at 100% (at least for us) but it showed us what more we can do with products we already buy (i.e. rice flour, bean flours, nut flours, ect.).  I don't think it's a book you can dismiss fully and it's good to start 2015 with real changes!

Retail Price Point: $13.50 on Kindle and $16.37 Hard-cover

 

I was very happy with all the products provided and holding an event that focuses on vegetables is really cost efficient and easy to hold.  Most of us like eating the final products in their raw state or blanched and cooled quickly to preserve that crunchy texture.  We are all unfamiliar with GEFU products and not only were this great, but they have a huge array to choose from.  Now, I have my eye on that pasta roller! :)

 

 

Connect with GEFU products at:

• GEFU On-line


• GEFU Facebook


• GEFU Twitter


• GEFU Pinterest


• GEFU Store Locator (why go nutty when this tells you where to find products) :)


• WheatBelly on Amazon


• #Tryazon


• #GEFU


• #WheatBelly

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Tryazon, GEFU and Rodale Publications.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

The Modern Table Meals: Delicious and Healthy meals made Easy #Review #ModernTableMeals

I rarely cook out of a box or canned goods, and I consider that a good thing. If I need to open anything canned, it's usually to make quick bean based side dishes, like black beans for Cuban meals, pinto for Mexican night, and so forth. I even making a kicking Italian salad with Quinoa, white kidney beans and garbanzos! I just try to make everything from scratch so I can control how much sodium, protein, to just avoiding preservatives and dyes when possible. Yes, it drives me crazy knowing I could sometimes really appreciate making a quick meal in 20 minutes or less and not have to dedicate the weekend to making meals for the week. I just tell myself....we are worth the hassle of eating better.

When I saw Modern Table Meals at Target, I just walked away and never thought about them again. It's just another pasta dish with fake-o ingredients I thought to myself. The next week I saw them again and saw the bubble with the protein count listed (17 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, per serving!). I stopped. Again, thinking I know everything, I imagined some soy or whey protein mixed in with whole grains and more corn based products, to make a meal. Again, I was so wrong so before I dug this hole any deeper.....I decided to just read, absorb and see what Modern Table Meals is all about,

My parcel arrives with 4 beautiful bags, a bag to store everything in, a wooden spoon with some serious nice weight and quality, oh and coupons galore! I'm starting to love them even though I wrongly judged a book by it's cover here (insert foot in mouth).

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Modern Table has 4 delicious Meals to satisfy every craving:

• Southwest Red Lentil Rotini


• Mediterranean Green Lentil Rotini


• Teriyaki White Bean & Broccoli Noodles


• Italian Red Lentil Penne

See, what makes the magic? Beans!! Legumes!! Whatever you call them, the **sparkle** of protein and real food comes from gorgeous pastas and noodles that are bean based.

I'm all for eating healthy and practice Meatless Mondays that get moved around during the week (rarely is it on an actual Monday), but the point is it takes place at least once a week and if not two. So, good only goes so far in my book. I eat kale but I like the flavor, so when kale became the "It Food to Eat", I had to hit a few stores to find 2 great stalks because everyone was juicing and pulverizing the heck out of them. My point is, I have to enjoy the meal beyond the numbers and healthy is not a reason alone food should not taste spectacular.

I started by making the Mediterranean Green Lentil Rotini. I open the bag and notice the veggies are dehydrated but retained shape and their beautiful color. Best looking dehydrated green onion I ever saw! It was just perfect in shape (not just turned into green dust) that I found myself squeezing the veggies to see how they looked and felt. Yes, I'm "that girl" that touches the produce before bagging it and I admit I sniff Pineapple bottoms too! :)

I read the instructions and everything is so easy to do. You just boil the bean pasta, whisk the sauces with water and/or oils, then toss and add the topping included. Everything in the bag contains no artificial colors or preservatives. Modern Table Meals took a shelf-stable product (i.e. beans) and just made it better and something a long time coming.

Cooking the Meal:  As with everything, I made the product as instructed to see how it performs just out of the bag.  I followed the directions and noticed that just 10 minutes had lapsed and I'm 75% done with cooking dinner.  I felt like I forgot or missed something.  You know like when you went out on a shopping trip and made it out of the store with good timing......yeah, I knew I forgot something.  Retraced my steps and nope!  This is too easy!  Five minutes later and I try to make my insanity justifiable by noticing I forgot to cut open the topping bag (see, I did forget something).  I top the dish and begin plating.  I took out "insurance" on this meal by making it a side dish.  I figured it's better being safe than sorry and paired it with veggies and Naan Herb bread that I topped with left-over roasted chicken, goat cheese and an olive medley.  It was Mediterranean enough and the chicken needed eating.

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Taste Test: Just by the sniff-test, I am starting to regret having made other food but then sometimes things smell better than they taste.  I taste the pesto sauce and I am already wanting to save some for later separately because it's so good.  I can believe I just added water to make this!  Then comes tasting the pasta alone because if it tastes bad, I'm saving the sauce for another meal.  I forgot the pasta was bean based because the texture is desirable.  I expected a floppy noodle or one that just disintegrates into odd pieces even though you never bit.  Not this guy! It tasted like a flavored pasta shape, sort of like it belonged with the three color pastas you find at the market.  So far, so good!  I toss everything and then sprinkle.  I have a taste before serving because why dirty the dish if I won't be eating it.......I serve myself more than what a side dish called for!  I must admit at one point I mixed my veggies into the pasta because I wanted everything to have that wonderful flavor.  The sauce tastes real and the package tells me there is all this good stuff and none of the bad, but this tastes real like in homemade fresh.  It does not taste like anything I ever had out of a box.  I tell myself that I was always right about Modern Table Meals because things out of box are horrible, but these come out of b-a-g! See, I was right all along ;)



 

I can't wait to try and share all the other ones!

Connect with Modern Table Meals at:

• On-line


• Facebook


• Twitter


• Instagram


• #ModernTableMeals

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Modern Table Meals.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Naturalico: Organic and Natural Vitamin C & Vitamin E Serum Review #vitamincserum

 

 



As you may know, I have been using Vitamin C serums and/or creams back to back. This allows me to know if a product is effective by easily seeing improvements (i.e. better potency), or a decline (i.e. not as advertised). Sometimes I stay as-is and this to me means that the product was as effective as the one before. I'm a believer at finding the best value when it comes to anything and this includes beauty products. Why pay more for the same ingredients? Vitamin C is not expensive or a limited source, so I look for absorbency rates and what makes this bottle the go-to one.



Naturalico, is company that makes two products and based in the U.S. Their products are a combination of natural and organic ingredients. I received a bottle of their Vitamin C 20% and Vitamin E serum to try for a period of 4-weeks.



I noticed at first that the product contains one of the longer list of ingredients associated with the Vitamin C (20%) serums now on the market. Everyone is punching up the percentages and/or combination of vitamins to anti-aging ingredients, to distinguish themselves from the rest and Naturalico is no different.

Ingredients:

• Key Ingredients- 20% VITAMIN C, ORGANIC ROSEHIP OIL, ORGANIC SEA BUCKTHORN OIL, RESISTEM (PLANT STEM CELLS), HYALURONIC ACID(BOTANICAL), GREEN TEA EXTRACT

 

• Herbal Infusion Ingredients- Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Gotu Kola, Organic Horsetail, Organic Geranium, Organic Dandelion

 

The formula is complex and I did experience hydration benefits, as Vitamin C is suppose to do. The Vitamin E is light in texture and not at all like you would experience from a capsule. I get hesitant when I see Vitamin E in a product and it's not for disliking the vitamin's benefits, but the oil can be clogging to my pores and cause a little bit of irritation. I did not experience any congested pores from Naturalico's product. The dropper easily distributes the amount needed and like with ingredients that oxidize, a amber toned bottle was used to minimize and slow down the loss (in potency) that occurs. I used the product under my eyes and any areas of the skin that ranged from ultra-sensitive to just normal, never experienced peeling or redness......just that good old moisturizing punch you get from these ingredients.



Retail Price Point: $18.88 for a 1 fluid ounce bottle via Amazon

Naturalico, guarantees the product and wants the user of their products to be satisfied, so I did see a 100% Money-Back guarantee in the listing. I used the serum under make-up and my foundation did not ripple or suffer hours later from having used it. Some serums and creams can increase oil production but this formula did not, and actually kept mine in check.

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Connect with Naturalico at:

• Amazon


• On-line


• FaceBook


• Twitter


• #VitaminSerum

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Naturalico/Bella Naturals.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.