We've reviewed Jasons Natural Cosmetics before, and I always approach the brand with some trepidation after developing a scalp condition from Jason shampoo. I cannot say for sure the product was the cause, but I have avoided it ever since. That being said, I try to approach any review with an open mind.
We were sent three products from Jason's Kids Only! line. As always, I refer to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) hazard scores for safety. All of these products are free of:
Jason Kids Only Extra Gentle Duo Set Shampoo & Conditioner
EWG hazard score: 5 out of 10
The biggest concern is the fragrance used in these products, which has a hazard score of eight. It is somewhat ironic that a product marketed as "extra gentle" would have such a moderate score. Plus, these products contain the know carcinogen 1,4-Dioxane.
I used to use Jason products because they are the most affordable, but since I have done research, I feel they mislead consumers with marketing terms like "pure", "natural", and "organic".
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
Cookies don't have to be junk food. In fact, they can be energy food when made from wholesome, organic ingredients.
Honey Stinger Organic Chocolate Waffles are endorsed by Lance Armstrong. From training and racing in Europe, Lance states, "One of my favorite things to eat on the bike is the 'stroopwafel' found in northern Europe."
I love them too!
If you've ridden the roads of Belgium, Honey Stinger's Organic Stinger Waffles might remind you of the waffles you'd have inevitably snacked on. But aside from the waffle pattern and round shape, the differences are perhaps greater than the similarities. Honey Stinger's Waffles are created just for endurance athletes, not merely as a tasty morning snack. And that they're packaged in single serving units makes them easy to carry in your jersey pocket for that moment when you'd like to eat something with a bit of texture. The Stinger Waffles are simultaneously toasty and chewy as you eat them. And unlike bizarre lab-born products, the natural ingredients in the Waffles chew easily and go down quick -- almost too quick. Because they taste so good, you'd like for them to last a bit longer. Like their other energy foods, the Honey Stinger Waffles rely on honey, nature's energy food, for a majority of the carbohydrate load. The honey is easily digested because it's made of a just-right 1:1 blend of fructose and glucose. It acts quickly to give you a burst of energy and is easy on the stomach. With the waffle, you'll also get carbs from organic wheat and soy flour along with organic cane sugar and rice syrup.
I may not be a cyclist, but I do think these "cookies" would be great for long trails.
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
Decorating your child's room can be a fun adventure, but it also can be toxic. One of the biggest clues for me on toxicity is odor. Wall-Pops is made of very stinky vinyl, sure to give me a headache.
We were sent two Wall POPS! to try from the Zoo-Wallogy collection: Ozzie and Fundango Tree
Step into the wild with ZooWallogy by Wall Pops. ZooWallogy is all about ginormous animals in bright colors and oh so funky vintage retro prints. Even better ZooWallogy is so easy to use. Just peel and stick and you're on your way to creating an amazing safari adventure or a fabulous farm scene in minutes for just about any room in the home.
These vinyl stickers outgas so much! I would never use them in my home, let alone my child's room!
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
Project Fig grew out of its founders desire to find a safe, effective intimate grooming solution. We were sent their weekender package of travel size products:
These products may sound like they are designed for you face (except the shave gel), but they are all for intimate grooming. One of the cofounders explains:
It is the goal of myself and everyone at Project FIG to take the intimate grooming conversation out of the back waxing rooms, and intimate personal care products off bottom shelves. We are shining a light on education, great results and healthy skin for the most important area of your body. And we make you an active participate in our mission, by donating a portion of every sale towards global women's health organizations.
No parabens, perfumes or dyes...these products are designed to be safe and effective.
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
The cleaners we use in our home not only contribute to indoor air pollution and toxic exposure through our skin, they are also very harmful to the environment during production and disposal. Thus, going with an all natural cleaner is just as important as eating organic food for you health (and the planet's).
NatureMagix is a cleaning product made from the Yucca plant. This product even claims to continue cleaning after you have used it on a surface:
When applied to a surface, NatureMagiX employs state-of-the-art wetting and rinsing agents designed to leave little to no film behind. However, unlike other top-of-the-line cleaners, NatureMagiX will leave behind microbes that will use residual film as a food source. The result is a super clean surface that continues to "self-clean" long after your work is finished. You will notice the difference immediately, by the squeaky-clean touch of your surfaces, by the absence of normal cleaning product chemical fumes and perfumes, and by the residual fresh, clean, neutral smell of the air.
This process is called bio-remediation. It literally blasts the blobs of oily goo into their individual molecules, so the enzymes can naturally consume, process and eliminate them. That's why it's not just good for you and your surroundings; it's good for the environment as well!
I could not find any full disclosure of NatureMagix ingredients, which is always concerning to me. I am not saying that the company's claim of all natural is false, I just have no way of verifying it.
I also get annoyed when product names use misspelled words.
My So Called Green Life did some interesting experiments and comparison with NatureMagix and found that vinegar and water was a more effective cleaner.
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
I love my slow cooker, but I tend to make one thing in it only: split pea soup. Easy & Delish Comfort Food (123 Classic Recipes Your Family Will Love) is bookazine full of classic and new recipes advertised on the cover with "fabulous slow cooker meals". I was disappointed there was only one "chapter", and these recipes call for a dutch oven not a slow cooker. Despite my disappointment, there are many delicious looking recipes beautifully photographed.
The issue highlights hearty dishes, savory soups, decadent desserts, and tasty brunch ideas, including healthy, low-calorie options. Divided in categories such as Roasting Favorites, Speedy Skillets, and Casserole Classics, this special collection from Delish.com features recipes developed and tested by the editors of Country Living, Good Housekeeping, and REDBOOK. Delicious dessert ideas such as Classic S'mores, Candy-Coated Caramel Apples and Pumpkin Pie with Maple Whipped Cream, are guaranteed to complete readers' holiday menus.
The toasted barley pilaf looks really good (minus the chicken for this vegetarian), and I can't wait to make Whoopie Pies! Actually, all of the desserts look fabulous!
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
Two good friends of mine are in their fourth week of an Ejuva Intestinal Cleansing Program. It is timely that I opened a cheaper cleansing program by Dr. Natura called Colonix. This 30-day program is an "advanced internal cleansing program".
For more than a decade, the flagship product of DrNatura, the Colonix® Advanced Internal Cleansing Program, has been one of the most popular colon cleanse systems to detoxify the body.* It includes: Colonix Intestinal Cleanser, a cleansing fiber supplement; Paranil capsules with liver detoxifying herbs; and KleriTea soothing herbal tea.*
Powered by more than 40 herbs, Colonix Program thoroughly cleanses the colon and liver to detoxify the body of accumulated build-up.*
Promotes regularity & digestive health*
Helps relieve poor digestion, including gas, bloating & occasional constipation*
Supports a healthy liver*
Detoxifies the body in 3 easy steps*
Made of all natural & vegetarian ingredients
Unlike the Ejuva cleanse, this cleanse does not limit your eating, so I am not sure if it is effective. Dr. Natura does recommend:
Essential
Water: drink plenty of good, clean water each day
Vegetables: minimum of 5 servings daily
Fruits: minimum of 2 servings daily
Grains/Starches: 4-8 servings daily (choosing whole grains over refined)
Herbs/Spices/Seasonings: Experiment daily to benefit from the natural health promoting qualities of herbs
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
I love organic chocolate! I live for organic chocolate!
We were sent a bar of Canalade Hemp White Milk Chocolate to try. Beyond the beautiful aesthetics of the packaging, this German made chocolate is delicious!
Deliciously creamy with the sweet crunch of shelled hempseeds, Canalade Hemp Milk Chocolate from Hanf-Natur tastes great and is actually good for you, providing essential nutrients and satisfying your sweet tooth. The high-quality chocolate is mixed with shelled, roasted hemp seeds, adding vitamins B and E and amino acids, as well as calcium and fibre.
Hemp seeds are really good for you, and they add a nice little crunch to the bar.
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
Leave your skin feeling delightfully soft and nourished with Lavender Hemp Soap. Creating a thick and foamy lather, this glycerine soap gives leaves your skin fresh and lively, relieving the stress and strain of modern life.
Bottega della Canapa is an Italian company that produces high quality natural cosmetics, enriched with the virtues of one of nature's most precious gifts. Hemp oil and extract. For beauty and well being of face and body there is only one choice.
Their line of vegetable hemp oil soap is expertly crafted using fine traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. This trusted method ensures that none of the active principles of the vegetable oils are lost in the soap making process, ensuring the finished article is pure and natural.
This soap is vegan with no animal fat. It smells lovely and makes me want to visit Italy!
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
Sometimes it takes me awhile to get a product review complete. Unfortunately in this case, these products have expired. Thus, I have not tasted these gluten-free, organic, gmo-free, cold-pressed bars by Wings of Nature, but they look really, really good.
When I visit the company's website, I could not find these bars listed under products. Amazon also says the are no longer available. That's too bad if they are no longer made, as they look delicious. There are a lot of organic nut, seed, and fruit bars on the market, so I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't make it.
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
Spring is in full force! With warmer temperatures brings more outdoor adventuring just as the poison oak is busting out its oily leaves in its prime.
I am highly susceptible to getting poison oak. I joke that I can just look at the plant and break out in an itchy, oozy rash. When I know i have been heavily exposed, I turn to Poison Oak And Ivy Treatment Tecnu:
Remove irritants from your skin that could turn into itchy problems. Use Tecnu® Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser after you have been outdoors to remove the rash causing oil, urushiol (oo-roo-she-all) from poison ivy, oak and sumac.
Unfortunately, this product does receive a hazard score of five out of ten from the Environmental Working Group. Of particular concern is the ingredient Propylene Glycol. The Good Human writes:
What is propylene glycol? It is is a chemical found in personal care products that acts as a penetration enhancer that keeps products from melting in heat and/or freezing when it is cold...
But why should you avoid propylene glycol?
For starters it alters the structure of the skin by allowing chemicals to penetrate deep beneath it while increasing their ability to reach the blood stream. Sounds lovely, right? So even if propylene glycol was good for you, it's main job is to help any other chemicals you come in contact with reach your bloodstream.
I also don't know anything about the ingredient Octylphenoxy-Polyethoxyethanol.
Although Tecnu is not all natural, and there are wonderful natural treatments for poison oak, I do like to keep Tecnu around for extreme exposures.
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
I love Envirosax. When I reach into my basket of shopping bags, I always choose the Envirosax first. These bags wash nicely, and they are super compact for tossing in a purse or bag. In fact, I thank Envirosax for ensuring I never take a single use bag from any store, not just the grocery store.
After Dark rises up as moonlit, edgy silhouettes of the night. This modern and artistic range features hand-painted illustrations with bold creativity and hints of nature. Lightweight polyester, portable, waterproof, and weighing just 1.4oz each, these groovy bags have been tested and are totally safe to carry food. With reinforced seams, each surprisingly large bag can hold a weight the equivalent of two supermarket plastic bags.
I really love the designs of the After Dark series. They make a fashion and environmental statement!
Although I know Organic Recycled Cotton Bags are better for the planet than polyester, I still love my Envirosax!
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
As I age, I notice the effects of coffee and red wine on my teeth. At one point, I tried Crest Whitestrips, even though I knew they were not all natural. Unfortunately, they hurt my teeth.
I recently discovered a natural tooth whitener that does not use peroxide. The Zero White Whitening Lightning Pen uses all natural botanical ingredients.
ZERO White contains no harmful peroxide and will not cause sensitivity. It is specially formulated in our lab and made from all natural ingredients. Finally, a whitening product for teeth left sensitive by other products that actually tastes great too. Restore your teeth, crowns, veneers and caps to a natural white the pain free way with ZERO White.
With a money back guarantee, this product promises to lighten your teeth seven to ten shades in 14 days. It's kind of expensive, but it is made in the USA. I found it on sale at Pure Citizen for half price.
Sometimes spice, soup, and rice mixes make our life easy, but you have to watch out for nasty ingredients like MSG. Neuvo Cocino focuses their efforts on Latin cuisine.
Directions
Recipe Necessities: Seafood (3/4 lb) (You may use one type of seafood [for example, shrimp, or scallops] or, try a combination of your liking. If using fish select a firm variety, such as sword fish, and cut into 1- inch pieces then lightly brown in olive oil and set aside until remaining seafood is added). White Cooking Wine (1/2 cup). Olive Oil (2 tablespoons). Water (2 cups). 1. In a large saucepan, combine water, wine, olive oil and the two Nueva Cocina pouches. 2. Bring to boil on High heat. Cover and boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to Low and cook, covered for 10 minutes. 3. Add the Seafood and cook, covered, on Low heat about 15 minutes more or until seafood is done and rice is tender. Stir once halfway through cooking. If rice is still not tender and water has evaporated, add 1/4 cup of water. Rice should be saucy not dry. Stir and serve.
Ingredients
Dehydrated Onions, Freeze Dried Raisins, Sugar, Salt, Dehydrated Red Bell Peppers, Dehydrated Garlic, Dehydrated Green Bell Peppers, Freeze Dried Sliced Green Olives, Spices, Garlic Powder, Apple Cider Vinegar Powder (Maltodextrin, Modified Food Starch, Vinegar Solids).
I don't eat fish, and the rice mix contains anchovies, so I didn't try it. The taco seasoning can be used with tofu or beans and is gluten-free. I am not one to like soup mixes. They just don't compare to the real deal.
I wish these products were organic. They are made in Miami.
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get the benefits of herbs is through tonics and bitters. Urban Moonshine handcrafts this historical practice of herbal supplementation organically in Vermont. We were sent a new blend to try:
Our Certified Organic Joy Tonic is a carefully formulated blend of aromatic herbs and flowers that help to support you through life's transitions (big and small) with grace and ease. We know stress is inevitable, and rather than trying to stimulate our way through it, or sedate our way out of it, we do best when we relax, focus, and engage the stressor. Our Joy Tonic adjusts the level of tension in our nervous systems, internal organs, and blood vessels. Its volatile components can reawaken us when we feel sad, uninspired or withdrawn and relax us when we feel stressed, anxious, frazzled, and overwhelmed. Feedback between body and mind moves towards synchrony and we feel peaceful. From this place we make better decisions and become more inspired and creative. Stress becomes a tool for positive change rather than a source of anxiety.
This product uses the power of organic motherwort, organic linden, organic rose, organic lemon balm, organic lemongrass, and organic mugwort. It is very convenient to keep in your purse or backpack for a little spritz when needed.
Who doesn't need a little more joy in their life?
disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
I teach science to sixth graders, and recently we were learning about the digestive system. The topic of bacteria came up, and these sixth graders all had the notion that bacteria was bad. I quickly corrected this falsity. Our bodies depend on beneficial bacteria.
Probiotics For Dummiesby Dr. Shekhar K. Challa, a board certified gastroenterologist, explores the topic of in depth. From allergies to probiotic recipes, this book answers all your questions about improving the health of your digestive tract.
Probiotics are beneficial, live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to those found naturally in the human intestine. Also known as "friendly" or "good" bacteria, probiotics are the cornerstone of any successful health program because they restore a healthy balance between friendly and bad bacteria in the intestinal tract, a balance that is critical for the health of the entire body. Probiotics are associated with treating everything from IBS to certain forms of cancer, allergies, eczema, and even the effects of aging.
Probiotics For Dummies reveals how taking the right probiotics--in the form of food and supplements-- as part of a total health program benefits one's overall health, as well as improving specific conditions. This hands-on, essential guide features 20 probiotic recipes and gives you a step-by-step plan for infusing probiotics into your diet to improve the health of the GI tract, alleviate allergies and asthma, restore reproductive and urinary tracts, bolster the immune system against disease, enhance weight loss, and more.
We were also sent samples of Probulin Probiotic, which is mentioned in the book. It is a "gourmet" probiotic, combining beneficial bacteria with inulin, "a plant-produced high density dietary fiber that helps your digestive system".
I am always suspect of probiotics that are not kept in the refrigerator. I don't know why, but I was told by my health care practitioner to only purchase refrigerated probiotics. Probulin is not refrigerated.
Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.
I love clothes, but the environmental impact of our closets is astounding. I have pledge to limit myself to purchasing used clothing or new items from sustainable designers. I only occasionally am led astray.
Fashion and Sustainability: Design for Change by Kate Fletcher and Lynda Grosse explores "how sustainability has the potential to transform both the fashion system and the innovators who work within it".
The book is organized in three parts. The first part is concerned with transforming fashion products across the garment's lifecycle and includes innovation in materials, manufacture, distribution, use, and re-use. The second part looks at ideas that are transforming the fashion system at root into something more sustainable, including new business models that reduce material output. The third section is concerned with transforming the role of fashion designers and looks to examples where the designer changes from a stylist or shaper of things into a communicator, activist or facilitator.
There is so much we can learn from this book with ideas such as optimizing the lifetime of garments, designing with wrinkles in mind, minimum waste when cutting and sewing, and multi-functional garments.
If you are looking for used designer clothes, you don't need to spend hours in thrift stores looking for a needle in haystack. Ebay is a great place to look and sell your used fashion. Just search your favorite designers, and you will be surprised at what deals and delights you find.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review would be positive or negative.
Are you looking for a new pair of natural sandals that also gives back to communities in which they originate? Can you really change the world with your flips?
Our FLIPS are made with a natural rubber cultivated from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree. This makes our FLIPS 100% recyclable and eco-friendly.
Partnering with Soles4Souls we have made the commitment to give one pair of new sandals away to someone in need for every pair we sell.
Partnering with the Gremial de Huleros and AgroSalud we assist and support over 500 rubber plantation workers and their families in the following areas:
HEALTH CARE
Maintaining a good nutritional status in children under 5 years old
Vaccinations to children under 7 (polio, tetanus, measles, pertussis, diphtheria)
Biannual de-worming campaigns
Essential medicines
EDUCATION
Family orientation lectures to raise the quality of life for women and children
Weekly promotion of oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and plaque
Accident prevention in the workplace
LIVING CONDITIONS
Providing potable drinking water
Building latrines
Providing garbage disposal systems
The pair we were sent were too large for my feet so I can't really comment on their comfort or usage, but I do like the naturalness of the materials and VOS' commitment to giving back.
These are not your traditional flip design. We were sent a pink pair, which is not my favorite color. I think they would be much more aesthetically pleasing in black.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review would be positive or negative.
With increased awareness of the negativity involved with drinking bottled water both for the planet and our personal health, there has been a plethora of reusable water bottles on the market. Some use filters, some are BPA-free plastic, some are stainless steel, some are glass...my preference is glass for health.
We were recently sent a bobble BPA Free Water Bottle to try. I first saw bobble water bottles in Italy. They were very popular with the Americans. This ergonomically designed bottle uses a small carbon filter to make your tap water safer.
If you could eliminate 300 single-serve plastic water bottles with one sustainable, great-looking, portable and affordable alternative, wouldn't you use it? One small lifestyle change can make a huge impact and bobble can be this small change. By using a bobble, you not only reduce bottle consumption, you help protect and preserve the environment, all while getting good, clean drinking water.
The bobble bottle's body is pretty soft plastic, and the package comes with a warning not to squeeze it too hard or it could crease.
It is easy to get replacement filters for bobble, and thankfully, this water bottle is made in the USA.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review would be positive or negative.
Oh, I was so excited when I opened the box and saw these delicious looking uniquely-flavored condiments, but then disappointment set in when I read their ingredient list.
High fructose corn syrup, Yellow No. 5, Blue No. 1, etc. do not belong in our bodies!
I have not tried any of these products. As a vegetarian who eats only natural food, I could not try them but gave them away.
Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review would be positive or negative.
I practice yoga everyday. My body and soul needs it.
Unfortunately, most yoga mats are made with synthetic materials, some even contain PVC. The smell of a new yoga mat off gassing is gross and worrisome.
I do have a jute and rubber mat I practice on regularly. It smells more like rope than rubber, yet there is still that feeling I am not practicing on the most natural mat possible.
The practice of yoga is millennia old. Fancy mats were not part of this original practice, nor does it have to be now. Simple fibers, simple mats help us connect to the sacredness of this ancient practice.
Bendala's hand-woven cotton yoga mats provide an all-natural, toxin free, beautiful and sweat absorbent surface for your practice. Through Bendala also discover other great products to compliment your yoga practice on and off your mat. Bendala Gives Back. With each mat purchase, we donate to create yoga for kids!
I love my Bendala mat! It is so beautiful!
On it's own, it does rumple a little and slide around if used on a wooden floor. It is recommended to use it on top of a typical sticky mat, which I haven't tried yet. I wanted to leave the whole thing behind.
It was so much more pleasurable to have my face against the Bendala mat!
Jason Natural Cosmetics Kids Only!: NOT All Natural, NOT "Extra Gentle"
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