New Valentia True Glow Eye Cream

I have tried Valentia products before and was thrilled to be given the opportunity to try their True Glow Eye Cream. There are many reasons why I love this company, here are a few:

~products are cruelty-free
~made in the USA
~beauty lab is owned & operated by women
~primarily uses natural & organic ingredients

Valentia True Glow Eye Cream is full of antioxidants that help lock in moisture and repair and tighten skin around the eye. Here are some of the key ingredients:

~ Astaxanthin increases moisture levels, smoothes fine lines & wrinkles, & restores elasticity

~Resistem Natural Plant Stem Cells that protect skin from environmental pollutants and stress-related aging

~Vitamin C leaves skin smooth and bright

~Organic Rosehip Oil provides intense hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles

~Arnica anti-inflammatory agent that diminishes dark circles

I dab this eye cream under and around my eye every morning and night. It can easily go on under makeup and even acts as a sort of primer. The scent is delicious, though difficult to describe. The closest thing I can compare it to is a tangerine. The skin around my eyes feels moisturized and tight after having used this eye cream for several weeks. I don't have any proof that it is working but it feels good. And we all know that the skin around the eye ages fast, it is important to provide this delicate skin with extra moisture and antioxidants.

Purchase Valentia True Glow Eye Cream on Amazon.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Wine Aerator by Vino Aria

Do you want to be a fancy wine drinker? I hear people describing their wine as "chewy" and "flabby", and while I nod along, I have no idea what they are talking about. How can a wine be chewy?? Another way to be a fancy wine drinker is to use an aerator. An aerator allows your wine to breathe and lets oxygen flow to enhance the taste and smell of the wine. Don't you want to make your chewy wine even chewier? I don't know if you do or not, but you do want to use an aerator. 

The aerator by Vino Aria is super simple to use. I have seen others that require two hands and some sort of balance act. This aerator fits right on the wine bottle for an easy pour. It comes in a nice black box, which is great for storage to keep the aerator in good condition. 

I recommend a taste test for everyone to really notice the difference. Pour one glass without the aerator and one glass with the aerator. Then do everything you see in the movies. Smell the one, swish the wine, be one with wine. You will notice a very different scent and taste when the wine has been oxygenated with the Vino Aria wine aerator. You can purchase you own on Amazon by clicking here.

Click here if would like to learn a few fancy wine tasting words to impress your in-laws. Apparently "flabby" is NOT a compliment.



*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

OZ Naturals Tinted Sunscreen Review

I have tested OZ Naturals products before and have always walked away happy. Their tinted moisturizer is a new product that I was thrilled to try. It was great to have this moisturizer for the end of the summer. No one wants to wear heavy makeup during the summer months, but you also want to have that beautiful summer glow. Using this moisturizer gave me lightweight coverage, while giving my skin an even glow. I have used this product on both my face and body. The best part is that it also provides spf coverage on top of the tint. It blended well and felt very light. Even when I could feel myself sweating in the summer sun, the moisturizer did not feel thick or heavy. It is a nice light coverage for a hot summer day.

You can purchase your own by clicking here. They also have a non-tinted version of the moisturizer here. Both are great products.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Valentina Paris Wine Glasses

I wish that you could see these wine glasses in all their glory. The picture do not do them justice. Yes the pictures are beautiful and you can see the artistic quality of their design. But they are so much prettier in person. Each glass is artistically unique and the glass is mouth-blown and hand painted in Paris. Oui Paris! How fancy am I, with my French wine glasses?

These glasses are specially designed to let the wine breathe so you can swirl the wine and smell the aroma, just like the French do it. They are designed to balance smell, taste, and appearance, making your wine drinking experience elegant.

Another surprise for me was the actual quality of the glass. The glasses are much larger than you would expect and the glass is super thick and heavy. When you purchase wine glasses online, it is a hit-or-miss with quality. I was pleasantly surprised with these. I could not believe they were so high quality at such a reasonable price. While the glass is very thick, the stem is long and narrow making it comfortable to hold throughout the night. Trés belle!

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review

Oleavine Neem Oil Review

Neem is a tree. Did you know that? Neem Oil is extracted from the seeds and fruit of the neem tree. When I was given the opportunity to try Neem oil I began researching to find out more about the oil that I have never used before. You know I love oils, so I was excited to try a new one. What did I learn? Neem Oil is a natural cure for scalp and hair problems. It contains more than 35 biologically active ingredients and has medicinal properties. Historically, it has been popularly used in Indian cultures. 

Due to my extensive research, I have mostly used Neem Oil for my hair. Here are a few of the wonderful benefits of Neem Oil:

* Promotes hair growth - high levels of antioxidants protect against damage to the scalp
* Promotes thicker, stronger, more luxurious hair growth
* Condition dry hair - filled with moisturizing fatty acids
* Helps with dandruff & itching - effective against fungi
* Relives eczema symptoms
* Gets rid of head lice - contains insecticidal ingredient called "azadirachten"

The first thing I did when I received my complimentary bottle was put a capful in my bottle of hair conditioner. I feel good about putting this oil on my hair, but you will notice the smell immediately. What's up with the smell? The pungent, bitter smell. It will definitely take some getting used to. Neem Oil is known for this pungent smell. Do not judge the oil by the smell. Masking the smell with chemicals is not good for anyone, so it is best to buy 100% pure Neem Oil, which Olivean is. It is best for us to accept this oil in all its glory, pungent bitter smell and all. It is worth it to reap the benefits of this oil. The smell can be masked slightly by using carrier oils and essential oils. Here is one recipe to try:

1 tsp. Neem Oil

3 Tbsp. Sesame Oil

5 drops of ylang yang

Mix ingredients and massage into scalp and hair. Wash after 1 hour.

I will certainly continue to use Neem Oil, and to embrace the powerful scent that comes with it.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review

100 Naturals Biotin Review

Biotin. What is it? It is Vitamin B-7 and Vitamin H. It is coenzyme R. Whatever I don't know what that all means. Biotin is a supplement that promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails. 100 Naturals Biotin is a pure capsule with maximum strength Biotin. 10,000 mcg per capsule is a lot! It is about twice as much Biotin as many of the other products I have tried. The benefits of Biotin include the following:

~ Improves hair loss (associated with alopecia) or thinning hair

~ Improves dull or lifeless hair

~ Improves weak and brittle nails

~ Improves lackluster skin

~ Improves poor metabolism

~ Improves fatigue

There are so many benefits to taking 1 capsule per day. Biotin has been great for me. I have been taking the supplement for several months and have noticed that my hair and skin look healthier. It is definitely worth it to try.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review

Oleavine Therapeutic Soap Review

I love Tea Tree oil. I love it and I use it on everything, from sore muscles to bruises, to facial toners. This is why I was so excited when Oleavine sent me a bottle of this Tea Tree Therapeutic Soap to test and review. I will start with the product description and then give you my review.

~Organic & Natural Ingredients: no fillers, thickeners, preservatives, synthetic fragrances or dyes

~Concentrated Value Size: rich foaming action and concentrated liquid solution formula means a little goes a long way

~Ideal for Athletes but Gentle for Daily Use: also an effective foot soak

~Therapeutic Action: wash away and defend against fungus & bacteria responsible for body odor, athletes foot, ringworm, jock itch, yeast, and other common foot and skin irritations

~Soothes Itchy, Inflamed, Flaky Skin: infused with nourishing botanicals rich in Omega-3, 6, 7, & 9

I have one warning in case you are not familiar with Tea Tree oil. It is potent stuff. The scent and the sensation on your skin is powerful. I love the smell so I was pleased with it, but others may be sensitive to the strength of the smell. This soap scent that is a combination of Tea Tree oil and Peppermint. Two of my favorite things. I use it as a body wash in the shower and it will make your skin tingle due to the powerful ingredients. The consistency of the soap is thicker than water but thinner than many soaps because it does not contain fillers and thickeners. That said, a little goes a long way. I put a few squeezes on my bath pouf and it foams up and can wash my entire body. I have not tried a foot bath yet but I look forward to trying it. It is recommended for stinky feet, athletes foot, and other skin problems. It is supposed to be good for feet because it kills all the smelly bacteria that collects. This is a great soap that can be purchased on Amazon and is currently on sale for $16.95.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

TerraMax Pro Hip & Joint Supplement

I have been giving my Coco a glucosamine supplement for the last 4 years or so. When she turned 8 years old I noticed a major change in her mobility and her ability to walk upstairs. It broke my heart but I was quickly relieved to learn that glucosamine was a simple solution to help ease her joint pain. TerraMax Pro Hip & Joint Supplement is a liquid glucosamine for dogs with chondroitin MSM and hyaluronic acid. I love the simplicity of this product and the results are just as good as the pills that I used to have to force down Coco's throat. The liquid form also provides maximum absorption. 

This product comes in a large 32 oz. bottle. I put a few teaspoons of the liquid on Coco's food and she gobbles it right up. It is thicker than water, but not as syrupy as the previous bottle that I sampled. I would compare it to a simple syrup. It is 100% safe and natural and it is recommended by veterinarians.  So what exactly does it claim to do for your four-legged friend?

~ Helps reduce joint pain

~ Helps prevent stress inures

~ Promotes healthy joints & cartilage

~ Natural pain inhibitor & anti-inflammatory

~ Promotes skin & wound healing

~ Benefits eyes, skin, nails, bones, & muscles

~ Improves overall health & wellbeing 

If you have watched your dog suffer with aging or arthritis you know how helpless it makes you feel as a dog parent. It is such a relief to know that a simple addition to their food can help ease some of that pain. Coco still has bad days and struggles with stairs at times, but overall I have noticed major improvements. She still acts like a puppy and can move like one too.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review

Adovia Dead Sea Bath Salts

Dead sea salts are the best sea salts on the planet! Why?? Because they have a higher mineral concentration than any other salts, even Epsom salts. The high minerals levels are essential for proper skin health and beauty. Adovia says that their bath salts have the following benefits:

~ relief from Psoriasis, Eczema, and Arthritis symptoms
~ relief from aches and pains
~ rejuvenates, exfoliates, and softens while it soothes
~ no additives, colors, or scents

Oh how I love to take baths. I always vow that I will take one once a week and rarely actually have the time to do so. I was excited to try this product because I HAD to take more baths in order to properly test the product. These salts truly are soothing and relaxing and I love soaking in a bath of these salts. The salts are fine grain so they dissolve quickly to provide a comfortable bath.

I am lucky enough to not suffer from Psoriasis or Eczema (knock on wood) but I do live with chronic body aches. Taking regular salt baths helps to ease my aches and pains. I continue to make a promise to myself that I will take more baths. I also like to use these salts as a body scrub. You can add any carrier oils and essential oils to make a great scrub.

The salts arrive in a heavy duty plastic bag that is sturdy and resealable. It is easy to measure out the recommended 1 cup of dead sea salts and add it to my bathtub. I found it strange that there were no instructions on the bag of salts, but it is easy enough to know that a handful of salts will do.

You can purchase a bag of Adovia Dead Sea Salts by clicking here.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

OxyRub Pain Relief Review

Did you know that pain is the single most common reason that people seek medical care? And there are very few things that actually work to fight the pain. Anyone who gets regular aches and pains knows how difficult it can be to find something that works to find relief. OxyRub is a topical cream that works in minutes to:

~dissolve arthritis pain

~relieve tense muscles

~cool and soothe bursitis pain

~take the throbs out of bumps, sprains, and bruises

~and even more

OxyRub has 1.25% menthol. This is a powerful ingredient used to relieve pain but it also has an extremely powerful smell. The menthol is combined with an essential-oxygen oil for fast-acting, long-lasting pain relief. I love the smell and sensation of menthol. It is a bit tingly and feels cool on the skin. Think any kind of Vapo-Rub. It  is strong but definitely does the job.

At this point you might be asking yourself, "but what is oxygenated essential oil?" Western doctors historically did not use oils because they did not know how to properly prepare the oil. To truly harness its natural healing powers the oil has to be exposed to sun and open air for 20 years. Who has the time for that?? Well, a professor in the 1960s learned how to replicate the process in only 3 days (thank goodness). Dr. Pergolizzi (who developed OxyRub) utilizes the therapeutic features of vegetable oil via oxygenation and sun exposure.

Try OxyRub for yourself by clicking and purchasing here.

*Sponsored by Brandbacker

goPure lavender essential oil review

Lavender is one of the most commonly used essential oils because of its therapeutic healing properties and wonderfully fragrant aroma. GoPure lavender is 100% pure, premium, Bulgarian oil; it is undiluted, without any chemicals or additives. It is pure bliss. 

Lavender provides relief for both emotional and physical problems. It is known to improve your mood, help against insomnia, and calm your mind. It strengthens and refreshens, and it relaxes the body and the mind. I have found lavender oil to be the absolute best topical for any kind of burn. It neutralizes a burn almost instantly. I love to use lavender for aromatherapy purposes, natural healing, and natural cleaning. Like all my favorite products, lavender is a multi purpose oil that can be used for so many different things. 

The oil comes in a large 4 oz bottle with a convenient glass dropper that helps to control the amount you use. The scent is sweet and smooth and it heightens your senses and your awareness. I love to mix the oil with any kind of fractionated coconut oil and put it on after a bath or shower. You can also put a few drops in the bathtub, it is so calming and soothing. Click here for more lavender oil uses.

You can purchase your own bottle at Amazon.com.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Paw2Paw Nail Clippers

My 12-year-old pit bull, Coco, has many fears. Too many. At the top of her list? Nail clippers! I hate it almost as much as she does. She uses her sixth sense to predict when I am thinking about clipping her nails, and stubbornly lays down, hiding her paws in a way that makes it hard for me to get to her nails. Until I was introduced to Paw2Paw Quality Stainless Steel Nail Clippers, I dreaded these moments too. The clipper I bought, which was not cheap, was too dull and it often cracked poor Coco's nails in a way that made us both cringe…and that is only when I was successful in this horrible task. The Paw2Paw Clippers have changed not only my experience, but Coco's as well. After using it one time, I immediately discarded my old pair and will never look back. I will always rely on this clipper.

These clippers are super sharp. So sharp that the nail beds are cut cleanly and quickly. They truly are professional grade and make clipping a pets nails so much easier. The design is ergonomic, making it easy to grip and less likely to over cut, causing a painful, bloody mess. Oh the horror of over cutting nail beds! The clipper also comes with a handy nail file, hidden in one of the handles of the clipper. This is convenient and easy to use, making grooming a breeze. Coco's nails grow so fast, and are so thick and strong, that I could never keep up. These have absolutely changed our lives. One quick pop/snap and her thick nails are cleanly removed. If you have ever struggled with clipping your large dogs nails-awkwardly finding the right angle, squeezing so hard, cracking nail beds-then you definitely need to try these. I promise you will not regret it! If you are not happy, you can rely on the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, but I am certain you will not need to use it. Purchase your own pair here. It is on sale now for only $11.97. It is worth every penny.

*I received this product at a discounted price in exchange for my honest review.

Botanyst ~ Restful Sleep Aids

I don't always get insomnia, but when I do it is a total nightmare. Sometimes I just cannot shut off my mind. I meditate, I count sheep, I practice deep breathing. And still my mind goes back to this loop of my ever growing to-do list. Restful Sleep was developed by physician and herbalist, Dr. Yan Ping Xu, to help calm and overactive mind and promote a full night's sleep. I don't take it every night but I can usually tell when I am going to have a rough night. The best thing is that it is a natural supplement, of course you know how I love natural.

The key ingredient in Restful Sleep is Astragalus. Yeah I have never heard of it either. It is an ancient Chinese herb that has been used and documented in medical text as far back as 220AD, for its health promoting effects on the spleen. My thoughts? Who the hell cares about the spleen when I'm trying to sleep? Well, in traditional Chinese medicine, stress and worry can impact the spleen which, apparently, can cause difficulty turning off the mind and falling asleep. So it's my spleen, not my brain, that's been keeping me up at night?! This is new information! In fact, in Chinese medicine the spleen is a VERY important organ, that every other organ relies on! When your spleen chi is out of balance, you can experience worry, fatigue, restlessness, and anxiety, which can all contribute to a poor night's sleep.  Astragalus helps to get your spleen chi back into balance and also helps quiet the mind, allowing the body to relax and rest for a good sleep. Restful Sleep is also fortified with calcium, magnesium, and potassium which support proper nerve function and absorb best overnight.  Restful Sleep is said to do the following:

~Calm & quiet a restless mind and body
~Promote a full night's restful sleep
~Nourish chi to bring harmony & balance into the body
~Promote calm throughout the day
~Restore vitality to the spleen and heart organ systems

My favorite thing about this product is that it is natural and it does not knock you out the way many sleeping aids do. It is a gentle product that works with your body to promote a regular sleep schedule. Developers of the product suggest you take the supplement regularly so your body adjusts and consistently changes your sleep pattern to a more regular cycle.

You can purchase a bottle at Amazon. Save 20% on your order with discount code: SAVEREST.

Lady Lidz Sleep Mask Review

I was recently given the opportunity to test and review Lady Lidz Sleep Mask. It came at the perfect time, as I had to work several overnights in the last few weeks. You see when I work overnights, I sleep days. It can be difficult to fall asleep when the sun is shining brightly through my window. This mask completely blocks out any light making it easy for me to get to sleep and stay asleep. I have had masks that are cheaply made, slide off my face, or let the light in. This mask is superior in several ways:

~Extra wide & thick to truly cover your peripheral
~Velcro closure to adjust the straps to your head size - good for my unusually small head
~Satin on the outside, won't stick your pillow and get pulled off your eyes
~Cotton velvet on the inside feels cool and comfortable on your eyes
~Earplugs are included to block out noise - another bonus for when I need to sleep during the day, those pesky lawnmowers won't keep my up

This is by far the best mask I have ever used, and I have used a lot of masks. There is nothing else to say except that I love this mask. Purchase yours on Amazon.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are all mine.

OZ Naturals ~ Ancient Orient Rice Enzyme Dermafoliant

I am always looking for new, natural skin products that work and OZ Naturals has not disappointed me yet! Their Rice Enzyme Dermafoliant is an entirely new product to me. I exfoliate on a semi-regular basis (meaning whenever I remember that I should be doing it regularly) so I was excited to try this product and get back into an exfoliating routine. The first thing I always look at is the ingredient list, of course. What I am putting on my skin I am putting into my body and I am always looking for natural ingredients. So obviously I was happy to see the extremely short list of ingredients including: 

~Bamboo

~Organic Rice Powder

~Green Tea Powder

~ Lactic Acid

The product comes in a metal container and is filled with a powdery substance with a texture that can only be described as a mix between salt and sand. It has a very mild scent that is fresh smelling, but also difficult to describe. By mixing the powder with a small amount of water, you create a paste. Then you apply it to your skin, very gently. You do not want to scrub too hard because it can be harsh, but that's how you get rid of the dead skin cells and renew you skin. If you exfoliate regularly, you have nothing to worry about. If you are a newbie, you will want to be extra gentle. After scrubbing, you will want to leave the paste on your skin for a few minutes to allow the lactic acid to penetrate your skin. My skin felt extremely smooth and refreshed after using this product. I follow it with a serum (of course) and moisturizer. It should only be used 2-3 times per week and you will notice a difference.

The only thing I do not love about this product is the cap that may or not be made of aluminum. It is not a terrible cap…and it looks fine (like a salt shaker). But it is somewhat difficult to open and close and does not feel secure on the bottle. The powder also leaks out of the cap a lot. Regardless, this does not change the quality of the product. And I would definitely recommend this product. 

To purchase your own bottle check out Amazon.

*Sponsored by Brandbacker

ADOVIA Dead Sea Salt Scrub ~ Review

It is officially summer! My body and my skin has been hiding in winter layers for far too long and it is painfully evident. That's why I was excited to get the opportunity to try Adovia's Dead Sea Salt Scrub, just in time to pull out the bikinis and shorts. I definitely needed a good scrub down (followed by a good self tanner, but that's another story).

This sea salt body scrub is made with real dead sea salt. The fine grain salt exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal newer, younger skin. It is infused with 21 essential minerals to deeply moisturize the skin while exfoliating. It also has a fresh ocean breeze scent that is just heavenly. It provides an invigorating boost to my shower and briefly takes me on a little mini vacation.  

Adovia products are made by goPure, a company that you know I love. They make it possible to pamper yourself in the comfort of your own home, using natural ingredients, and without breaking the bank. You can purchase a bottle of this invigorating scrub on Amazon.

*Powered by Brandbacker

K9z Rule K9 Joint Relief Review

If you are a dog owner you probably agree with me that your dog is part of your family. My dog is officially considered a senior, hard to believe she has been in my life for so long (I guess I am officially old as well). She doesn't act like an old lady as she still has tons of energy and I often think of her as a puppy. But…her body cannot always keep up with her mind. While I know she wants to play all day and take hours long hikes, her joints are not able to keep up. When my Coco turned about 10 years old, I noticed some major changes in her daily walks and her ability to walk up the stairs. It was heartbreaking to see her in pain as she stared at my with confusion from the bottom of the stairs. Part of me thought this was just the next stage of her life and we would have to deal with it. I was convinced I would have to carry all 55 lbs. of her up and down the stairs. I am so grateful that this is not the case and Glucosamine joint supplements have changed her late retirement years. 

K9 Joint Relief is a Veterinarian recommended, superior quality, all natural hip and joint supplement. The company uses a highly palatable liquid formula because liquid supplements have been shown to have a higher absorption rate than pills or capsules. This supplement is super easy to use. You can add it to your dogs food or water 2 times per day. I was worried that Coco wouldn't eat if I added the liquid because she always knows when I have drugged her food (she will pick every piece of food our of her bowl to avoid a Benadryl when her allergies are bad). Not the case, she ate it right up. I love this product and I think Coco does too. Here are some of the benefits of K9 Joint Relief:

*reduces your pet's joint inflammation and associated pain

*improves flexibility and mobility and reduces stiffness

*repairs and rebuilds damaged cartilage

*promotes the production of synovial fluid which lubricates and cushions the joints

*helps maintain normal joint structure and function in healthy dogs

I love that the products is all-natural and that the company donates 5% of their proceeds to organizations that rescue and care for homeless dogs. Of course I love that my Coco no longer appears to be in pain and is able to take walks without her legs giving out. 

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review