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

Upbiotics Advanced Probiotics Formula Review

Did you know?

~Bacterial cells in the normal human flora outnumber our human cells by about 10:1 (eew)

~The GI tract is responsible for 80% of immune system health

~Overdosing probiotic bacteria can be as bad as insufficient probiotic bacteria in the GI tract and causes gas, bloating, cramps, constipation, lethargy, and depression (seriously?)

~Healthy levels of flora can cause major relief in daily living by:

• promoting daily relief from allergies, gas, bloating, and constipation
• improving digestive health
• improving immune system
• help controlling weight
• improving mood and energy level

Probiotics are clearly not just to regulate your digestion. It can improve your everyday life and make you feel better and more energized throughout the day. I take a probiotic every day and this particular probiotic from 100 Naturals has several advantages. These include:

~handpicked essential probiotic bacteria that naturally resides in the body

~optimized amount of probiotic bacteria to avoid overdosage

~controlled release capsule

~made in the USA by an FDA registered facility

I do think that taking this probiotic helps me feel better throughout the day and improves my digestive system. I have also been taking a probiotic regularly for about 1 year. In that time I have noticed that I get sick less often and the severity of my illnesses when I do get sick is minimal. I recommend everyone take a daily probiotic and this is a good version to start with, to avoid the overdosage that I didn't even know was possible.

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

Trilane Retinol + Vitamin C Moisturizer Review

Healthy Directions is a new company for me. I have never tried their products before but I am so glad I got the opportunity to try this moisturizer and get to know the company. They started as Phillips Publishing International and published a newsletter with health-related advice from alternative medicine doctors. In 2004 the company was sold and was rebranded as Healthy Directions. The company offers doctor-formulated nutritional supplements and skincare products. They still work closely with knowledgeable and respected alternative medicine doctors to develop and perfect their products.

When I first tried this product I thought it was a serum (you know how I love serums!). Clearly I didn't read the label too closely before trying it. Though it looks like a serum it feels like an oil on my skin (I love oils equally as much as serums). Oils have a way of making me feel luxurious, like I have been bathing in Egyptian bathwater. I put oils all over my body and this particular oil is great for the skin on my face. It is light and smooth upon application and it has no scent at all. My face feels clean and moisturized and there is no need to apply another moisturizer after the oil. The oil is also gentle enough to use every day, or even twice a day. I use it in the morning and at night. A little bit goes a long way, do not use a full pump, so this bottle will last several months at least.

What does Healthy Directions have to say about the Retinol + Vitamin C Moisturizer?

• smoothes and evens out skin texture
• reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• diminishes brown spots
• gentle enough for everyday use
• speeds turnover of skin cells
• protects your skin from environmental damage
• minimizes and unclogs pores

This product has the power of retinol without the harshness which makes it great for sensitive skin. Added antioxidants leave your skin smooth, radiant, and youthful. Take a look at the picture below to see the benefits of some of the wonderful, natural ingredients such as cucumber, licorice, and squalane.

To purchase your own bottle click on this link.

Readers of this blog can also receive 20% off using the code SAVERETC

Don't miss out, this is some seriously good stuff.

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ADOVIA Purifying Mud Mask Review

ADOVIA is a unique skin care line, combining natural ingredients with modern science to formulate an effective blend of minerals and the finest herbal ingredients nature has to offer. These mineral-based products work to restore your skin's natural inner balance, allowing it to renew and rebuild itself to achieve visibly smoother, healthier and younger looking skin. ADOVIA's Purifying Mud Mask brings you closer to Mother Earth because of the ingredients that are responsibly gathered at The Dead Sea. I was excited to try yet another Dead Sea Mud Mask because I have loved using them in the past.

What does it do?

*Pulls out toxins and unclogs pores so your skin can breathe
*Pulls out excess oil while infusing your skin with needed minerals
*Improves your complexion by reducing blackheads, blemishes and acne
*Helps treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis

What are the key ingredients?

*Dead Sea Mud - packed with more than 26 minerals essential for skin health
*Aloe Vera & Chamomile - provide natural moisture to the skin
*Vitamin A & C - improve complexion and smoothes skin
*Other ingredients include Jojoba Oil, Primrose Oil & Olive Oil

This natural mask boosts cell renewal and revitalizes your skin while tightening your pores. As the mask dries it gently pulls out toxins and impurities known to clog pores and cause visible signs of agin. I love doing facial masks. It makes me feel like I have been to the spa, but without leaving the home and spending way too much money. 10 minutes out of my day makes me feel revitalized and refreshed while deeply cleansing my skin. Compared to other mud masks that I have recently tried, ADOVIA's is much drier. It stays in place very easily due to the dry consistency. There is no strong scent, just a natural clean smell. I love the way this mask makes my skin feel. I just wear it for 10 minutes once per week and my skin feels tight and refreshed.

Purchase it here to try it yourself!

*Sponsored by Brandbacker

Vita Sciences Maxabsorb Melatonin Sleep Cream Review

Melatonin is the natural hormone produced in the body that controls your sleep-wake cycle. Low levels of melatonin can be the cause of sleep disorders such as Insomnia and Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. Travelers suffering from jet lag or swing shift workers (like me) can also benefit from a melatonin supplement. If you know anyone that has suffered from a sleep disorder you know how debilitating it can be. Our bodies rejuvenate and heal while we sleep. If you do not get that time to rejuvenate it can effect your entire being. 

Maxabsorb Melatonin is scientifically formulated to deliver the perfect dose of melatonin in a topical cream. Each pump delivers 3 mg of melatonin to your skin, and it can be absorbed anywhere from your feet to you neck. I have tried melatonin in pill form for many years to save me from my sleepless night. I like the idea of melatonin in a cream because a lot of people struggle with pills and it is easier to remember the cream. If I leave the bottle next to my bed I always remember to apply it before bed. The extra melatonin decreases the time needed to fall asleep, increases sleepiness, and increases sleep duration, while the natural ingredients gently moisturize your skin. I like using natural ingredients to help with sleep because there are so many nasty side effects to prescription sleeping pills. Anything that will help me regulate my sleep is good with me. Sleep is such an important time in my life and I am not a happy camper when I do not get enough of it.

*Sponsored by Brandbacker

Radha Beauty Skin Clearing Serum Review

Radha Beauty products have quickly become some of my favorite. I love that they partner with earth-loving, women-empowering organizations to create products with healthy ingredients. I have tested their products before and they are continuing to come out with great new products. They recently sent me a bottle of their Skin Clearing Serum with 20% Vitamin C, 2.5% Retinol, 5% Hyaluronic Acid, 2% Salicylic Acid, and 3.5% Niacinamide. Once again, Radha Beauty did not disappoint.

The first thing I notice with Radha Beauty products is the packaging. It comes in a silver tube bottle that looks so sleek while also being eco-friendly. The product looks super expensive, but is surprisingly affordable with a price tag of $21.89 on Amazon.

The serum is thin and watery and glides smoothly over the skin. Radha Beauty says that the serum will help reverse the signs of aging while improving blemished skin and hyper pigmentation. Sulfur penetrates and creates elasticity while Niacinamide takes the red out and prevents inflammation that underlies all troubled skin issues. Vitamin C repairs micro scarring, reverses sun damage, provides significant natural sun protection and rapidly creates smooth supple glowing skin. Stealthy superior Retinol and Salicylic Acid unclog pores, speed cellular turnover, and undo the signs of aging. Other than the way it makes my skin feel, my favorite thing about this serum is the scent. It is made with essential oils and the smell of Tea Tree Oil is strong, in the best way. This is a potent smell so I am not sure everyone will love the scent as much as I do. Tea Tree Oil is also great for skin. I feel good about using this product that is filled with natural ingredients.

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Scorched RX Jump Rope Review

Lately I have been trying to live a healthier, cleaner life. This is a difficult task for someone who has a fairly serious addiction to Taco Bell and Flaming Hot Cheetos. But I now realize I can eat my Cheetos, in moderation, and it does not have to mean I am unhealthy (though they certainly are not clean eating, they are Gluten-free). Exercise is an important part of staying healthy. It is also something that I have admittedly not been doing nearly enough. I was recently given the opportunity to test the Scorched RX Jump Rope in exchange for my honest review. I forgot how much fun jumping rope can be, I did it all the time as a child. Alone or with friends at recess, I loved to jump rope. I could jump to "Blue Bells, Cockle Shells" or "Hello Operator" all day. Or "Texico"!…remember Texico? I am so glad I got this opportunity because it reminded me that exercise can be fun.

Clearly I am an amateur jump roper, my professional status expired somewhere around the 6th grade. This jump rope is great for people of all fitness levels. It is extremely durable with high quality steel cable and a pvc coating that will not break. This also prevents the "rope" from kinking, twisting, tangling, or bending. Another unique quality of this rope is that it is adjustable, which makes it suitable for people 4' to 6'3". The handles are particularly comfortable, being flared gives you a controlled grip. As you can probably tell this is not your 3rd grade jump rope. This is serious business…but it is serious business for people of all levels of fitness. And it is a great way to get back on the fitness track. You can buy a Scorched RX Jump Rope on Amazon for $10.99 with Amazon Prime.

Vitavana Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Review

Vitavana's Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM formula is scientifically formulated to help relieve joint pain and discomfort and to help support your flexibility. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are natural components of normal cartilage. In the body, they are the building blocks for cartilage, and appear to stimulate the body to make more cartilage. Chondroitin absorbs water and helps support healthy, lubricated joints and cartilage. MSM helps support the body's other connective tissues, tendons, and even muscles. MSM can also provide the body with the building blocks needed to create its own antioxidants. The recommended dosage is 5 capsules to get 1500 mg glucosamine sulfate, 1200 mg chondroitin sulfate, and 2000 mg MSM. 5 capsules seems like a lot but the capsules are easy to swallow and it is worth it if you have experienced joint pain in the past. You can also space them out throughout the day. I take 2 in the morning and 2 at night. Psychologically it is easier for me this way. Purchase it here.

P.S. I also use glucosamine for my 11-year-old dog. She has bad hips and a few years ago she was having trouble even walking up the stairs. Then I was having trouble because I had to carry all 60+ pounds of her up and down the stairs several times per day. Since giving her glucosamine tablets, which I started doing approximately 1 year ago, she has no trouble at all. She can run up and down those stairs like a healthy young puppy.

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

La Vida Essentials Fractionated Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a love of mine. I have written about it before so you know that I use it for many purposes, in many forms. Fractionated coconut oil is great for homemade massage oils and aromatherapy concoctions. In this form, the oil does not turn to solid so it is such a good way to mix up a batch of lotions, creams, or even perfumes. La Vida Essentials sent me a bottle of fractionated coconut oil to test and review. So here it goes.

The oil is colorless and odorless and it has an extremely long shelf life. This is important because a little bit goes a long way, so this large 16 oz. bottle will not go to waste. I will use the whole thing long before it expires or goes rancid. This lightweight oil provides soothing moisture without clogging pores. It leaves skin silky smooth, without the greasy feeling that some oils leave behind. Coconut oil provides healthy moisture for skin and hair. It is super thin which makes it work well in spray bottles or roller balls. Coconut oil is THE best carrier oil that I have found. It is fully soluble with essential oils, which is the main reason I love it so much. It is also safe to use on pets. When you purchase a bottle of the oil you get a free eBook with many lovely recipes to try with your oil. Here are a few of my favorites:

Energy Boosting Aromatherapy Blend

4 rosemary essential oil

2 juniper essential oil

2 nutmeg essential oil

1 pepper essential oil

1 tsp fractionated coconut oil

Blend ingredients and place in container. Apply to pulse points and inhale deeply.

Sleep Potion Aromatherapy Blend

2 drops vetiver

2 drops lavender

2 drops roman chamomile

2 drops clary sage

5 ml fractionated coconut oil

Blend ingredients and place in container. Apply to pulse points and inhale deeply.

Can you tell I am a fan of the essential oil blends? The coconut oil can also be used to make your own hairspray, bath oil, sunscreen, bug repellent, makeover, and countless other things. It is great for someone who loves to DIY and loves all natural salves and balms. It has been so much fun to look through the recipes and try out different concoctions. The oil is on sale at Amazon for $9.99 but the price will go back up soon, so try it now. They also have a money back guarantee so it cannot hurt to try!

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

Gojiku Serum-C 20% Review

Today I am reviewing another great serum that is packed full of nutrient-rich ingredients. You all know how I love nutrients! The key ingredient in Gojiku Serum-C is, of course, Vitamin C. I have written countless times about the benefits of Vitamin C, so today I will focus on the other wonderful ingredients in the serum. 

~Ferulic Acid stabilizes the Vitamins in the serum, as well as doubles the photo-protection. It is one of the most potent anti-oxidants known to man

~Gotu Kola Extract is often referred to as "The Fountain of Youth". It works by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin.

~Organic Horsetail Plant Extract promotes silica, a major building block for skin, nail, and hair health

We can all use help with wrinkles, right? They are an inevitable future for all of us. C-Serum works by clearing the skin and protecting against wrinkles. It penetrates through the epidermis, into the dermis to revitalize the skin. The serum is quite thin though it is thicker than water. It is important to be cautious when applying the serum so the liquid does not leak everywhere. I rub it between my fingers and quickly apply it to my face, neck, and chest. It absorbs quickly and does not leave my skin feeling greasy. Your skin will thank you for choosing this serum. You can purchase your own bottle at Amazon.

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