Tiny Drops of Honey...This Mommy's Sweet Life: May 2016

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Leather Cleaner & Restorer Review (Leather Nova)

I have a chalk white genuine leather diaper bag (Storksak Elizabeth) and keep it in pristine condition. I am very particular with my diaper bags (yes I have several) as I do not use the typical ugly, cheap quality ones that you find at your local big box store. I prefer using something that is quality made, spacious, and looks like a designer shoulder bag. I do not store dirty diapers (we cloth diaper) in my bags, instead I use a plastic doggy potty pick up trash bag and then put the bagged diaper in a PUL lined wet bag that zips up.

I like to freshen up my leather bag every 3 months or so with a gentle wiping down and leather conditioning. I was sent a leather conditioner (light conditioning cleanser) from Leather Nova, which is transitioning to Tri Nova Leather Care. I was sent the previous labeling bottle, which is the Leather Nova. I have been told it is the same formula, just with new branding in the company.

The conditioner and restorer comes with a sponge applicator. Although I have had my bag for a year now, it does not show any wear or dirt as I switch out my diaper bags depending on the outfit I am wearing (I like to coordinate) or the size of bag I will need for that day. (I also will make my decision based on the weather. I select my coated canvas Petunia Pickle Bottom Sashay Satchel for rainy days as I do not want my Petunia Pickle Bottom Cake (cut velvet and tweed) to get wet and I do not like taking my leather bag out on rainy weather either.) I did not necessarily NEED to clean or condition my leather bag, but I figured I would since it had been a about 3 months since my last conditioning.

I store my bags in cotton dust bags when not in use, and cover them when in a restaurant, so my bags have never had any staining or signs of wear. But it is nice to condition my leather bag to prevent any cracks or dried areas. It is similar to how it is important to use lotion on our skin. :)

Here is some info from the company:

● Provides safe and durable protection to new and old leather surfaces.

● Adds a shine and suppleness to leather.

● Monthly use prevents premature cracking and drying.

● Leaves a rich leather fragrance after application.

● Water, snow and rain repellent.

● Non-Toxic.

● Makes shoes/boots shiny and soft.

● Gives leather jackets that extra protection they need.

● Useful for small leather accessories such as bags, purses, wallets and belts.

● Restores, conditions & protects all types of leather furniture.

● Rejuvenates your leather car interiors and seats of your motorcycle.

● Restores and protects sporting and equestrian goods.

● 100% safe to use on exotic leathers too.

● Not suitable for suede.

The company suggests monthly use to maintain the leather's natural suppleness and restores a rich leather fragrance. I find that I only need to do my bag every 3 months. We do have a leather sectional couch and with 2 little ones (ages 5 and 2) it gets crawled on, laid on, and sat on daily. So it will need more frequent cleaning and condoning. This conditioner leaves a non-greasy finish, you just need to wait about 30 minutes to an hour before sitting on the couch.

Please note you may want to test in an inconspicuous area before using any leather care product and that the use of the cleaners or conditioners may darken some leather items. Do NOT use this product on Suede or Nubuck.

I like this conditioner (and that it is USA made!) and find it works well. I hope to update with some pictures of my leather bag, but to be honest, my bag is never dirty and still looks and smells new. I have used this conditioner on my bag once, but it does not look any different, it just feels a bit fresher and has a nice renewed leather scent. :)

*I was sent this for my honest review, I did not receive any compensation other than the complimentary tester bottle.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Baby Blankets for Swaddling and Receiving (Stolina Swaddles) Review

I am just days from new baby's arrival and will be bringing some swaddle blankets with me to the hospital in my hospital bag. I was sent a pack of 4 muslin, 100% Cotton swaddling and receiving blankets from Stolina. These are made of breathable cotton muslin fabric and come in a set of 2 light green and 2 white. I would say the green is a pale lime color. (Lime sherbet color not the deep lime skin from the citrus.)

Muslin blankets are so useful. They are great to have on hand for spur of the moment nursing covers, light blankets for covering the stroller or carseat, or wrapping baby, photo shoots, or a clean place to lay baby down. This particular muslin is 47" square and has a nicely finished edge. These are lightweight and rather see through, but that is what you want in a baby blanket to prevent baby from getting overheated.

I have never tried the popular brand of Aden and Anais (double the price), so I cannot compare these to that brand, but I find this to be a nice set of swaddling blankets for the price. I am super excited to use this set with my baby. I find that the stitching is neatly done, and the edges do not appear that they will have any issues of coming undone or wearing out anytime soon.

I was sent these complimentary for evaluation, I was not compensated for this post other than the tester set of swaddles.

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DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

Friday, May 20, 2016

First Botany Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo Review

Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo by First Botany comes in a 16 oz amber hue plastic bottle with a pump.

It contains 100% pure Moroccan Argan Oil. It is sulfate free which is the main reason I like it. I always read labels before using any shampoo. This is said to be safe for color treated hair, however just like with the other similar Argan shampoo I evaluated recently, my Indigo runs a bit when I use this, so I only wash my hair 1-2 times a week. (This unfortunately happens with all the sulfate free shampoos I have tried in the last few years). I tint my hair with pure, body art quality henna and indigo about once a month to tint my premature grey. I also want to note that we have hard water, and I do use a Waterchef brand shower filter to assist with build up and overly stripping my hair due to the hard water.

The shampoo is safe for daily use. I wash my hair about twice per week and use water rinses only in between shampoos. (I still shower regularly, just not my hair portion.) I like the fragrance of this shampoo.

Argan Oil is nourishing and I use it in most everything. I oil cleanse my face with Argan, use it directly on my skin, and mix it into my homemade skin salve and cloth diaper / wipe solution. Argan oil also provides Vitamin E, carotene and essential fatty acids. Avocado Oil contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E. Jojoba is high in Vitamins A, B and E and thickens hair while providing moisture. Jojoba is similar to the scalp's natural sebum and does not weigh down hair.

Camellia Seed Oil provides antioxidants as well as nourishes skin and scalp. Botanical Keratin smooths hair and makes it silky and manageable. Almond Oil is rich in proteins and Vitamin D. I do want to note that this shampoo and the Argan shampoo I reviewed recently are quite similar.

Ingredients

Distilled water, Argan (Moroccan) Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Botanical Keratin, and Almond Oil, Coconut oil, acyl sarcosine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium laurel sarcosine

And here are the very similar (the same actually and listed in same order) ingredients to the Argan oil shampoo I recently reviewed:

Distilled water, Argan (Moroccan) Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Botanical Keratin, and Almond Oil, Coconut oil, acyl sarcosine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium laurel sarcosine.

I had the same results from both products. I like them both equally and did not find any major differences. I think both are high in quality and as far as ingredients go, they both are recommended.

I received this shampoo complimentary for review, no other compensation was provided.

For more information about First Botany and their products, you can find them on Facebook and their website.

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Thursday, May 19, 2016

The Magic Pads - Glycolic Acid Pads Review

I use Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and nourishing skin oils (argan, jojoba, reship, etc.) on a daily basis and have seen improvements in my skin over the last 2 years or so. My face feels smoother, softer and my oil production is managed, while my dry flaky areas are hydrated. I love using products with those ingredients and so when I was given the opportunity to try a product with those ingredients in a facial pad, I was thrilled.

Magic Pads look like the facial and acne pads most of us used as a teen. They come in a round plastic jar and are filled with 60 white round soaked pads that treat skin. These pads contain Glycolic acid, Organic Willow Bark, Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E in an Organic Aloe Vera juice base. They are very saturated and refreshing to the skin. The pads "treat acne, clear blemishes, smooth and tighten skin, shrink pores, exfoliate, tone, clarify and hydrate." I like how they do not dry my face out like the acne pads I used in high school. These pads are cooling and do not sting or burn. They only issue I have with them as they are very thin and difficult to grip when getting out of jar. I would have preferred them to be a tad thicker and have a honeycomb like texture.

I still love the and think they are fantastic. They do not have a heavy or greasy application, and there is no harsh fragrance. As you can see from the picture, the jar is very wet and full of moisturizing goodness. My skin feels wonderful after using one of the pads. I like using a pad each evening before bedtime.

For more information of this product, you can find out more at the company website, and find these pads on Amazon.

Learn more by visiting Magic Pads on Facebook and Twitter.

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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Mother's Vault's All Natural Peppermint Charcoal Toothpaste + Free Eco-friendly Bamboo Toothbrush (Review)

I was sent a natural toothpaste for evaluation. (I only use natural toothpaste as regular toothpaste has sulfates, glycerin (coats teeth) and chemicals. I like to heal, detox and nourish my teeth and gums. Natural toothpaste can do that. I even have seen spots on my teeth remineralize when I do a combination of coconut oil pulling and natural toothpaste (essential oils, coconut, charcoal, xylitol and bentonite clays).

Mother's Vault sent me their Peppermint toothpaste. It was paired with their bamboo toothbrush. I like the flavor of this toothpaste and although I got this tube complimentary, I am considering purchasing it for extended use. I only use natural toothpaste and love using charcoal for whitening and detox. I like the Diatomaceous Earth that was added as that is an ingredient that is highly beneficial, but unique to toothpastes I have used.

Here are the fantastic ingredients: Activated Carbon (Charcoal), Baking Soda, Water, Coconut Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Xanthan Gum, Diatomaceous Earth, Xylitol (Non-GMO).

The only thing I feel this paste is missing is Calcium Bentonite Clay. (which I always use when I make my own toothpaste.)

This comes with a bamboo handle toothbrush, and while I like the appearance of the bamboo and the eco friendliness, the bristles are very stiff and sometimes too rough on my teeth. I prefer my Radius Scuba toothbrush.

Other than the brush, I adore this paste and highly recommend it. The peppermint flavor is fresh and not spicy (Listerine-like). My mouth feels clean and my teeth are smooth. I like the flip top cap and despite using this daily for a month, I still have half a tube left. I suggest you use this paste carefully as the black charcoal does splatter and make a big mess.

I was not compensated for this post other than the sample tube and brush.

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Coconut Oil Hair Mask, 8.8 fl. oz by First Botany Cosmeceuticals

I was able to try a conditioner hair mask from First Botany. It is a coconut mask and arrives in an 8.8 oz jar. I would have preferred this to have been in a bottle, preferably a pump top, as jars of conditioner and masks often get water in them when I use them in my shower. It would be easier to use a pump as well. Otherwise, this product works well for me. I am highly fond of coconut oil and other skin and hair oils. I love using natural products and cringe when I read a product label that has a bunch of long, chemical sounding names and numbers (dyes with a number next to them). I read every label before deciding if it is safe for me and my family. We do not use any bath, body or hair products that are chemical laden.

Ingredients:

Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Water, Rosehip seed oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Glycerin, Argan Oil, Glycine Betaine, Climbazole, Ginger Oil

The ingredients are easy to understand and are natural, the only ingredient I was unsure about (never heard of previously) was Climbazole, which is apparently a topical anti-fungal that has shown to be beneficial in treating and preventing dandruff and skin disorders such as eczema. I am assuming that it is chemical based which is unfortunate. I would have preferred Tea Tree or Manuka to have be substituted instead as they are natural and very effective. I had heard of Glycine Betaine, but was unsure about it as well and found out if is a plant derived amino acid that is added to products as a humectant and makes hair silky and shiny.

As ingredients go, this conditioner is still quite natural and nourishing despite the use of Climbazole. The conditioner has a good "slip" and softens my hair nicely. I did not have any irritation to this conditioner and my hair was not heavy or oily in appearance, despite the fact that I am sulfate free and only wash my hair twice a week.

I was sent this mask complimentary for my evaluation, no other compensation was provided, other than the sample. It works fine for me, and I use it once a week. You can use it daily if you like, however since it is only 8 ounces, it will get used up fast. I use Indigo and Henna on my hair and do have some Indigo run when I use this. I have yet to find a natural shampoo or Conditioner that does not cause Indigo dye run. Every product I have tried does this, despite the fact that I follow all the directions with my henndigo. I generally find myself doing my henndigo every 3 weeks to maintain a nice deep shade of my natural color. (I have a few premature grey strands as embarrassing as it is). I am guessing Indigo does not grab to my hair as well as it does with some individuals.

I recommend this mask and it works for me.

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Monday, May 16, 2016

Lots of Milk - Breastfeeding / Nursing Supplement with Fenugreek

Do you take any supplements or drink / eat anything special to increase your milk supply when breast feeding your baby? With my first 2 little ones, I was able to feed them naturally until about 20 months of age. I used Fenugreek teas and supplements, as well as ate a lot of oatmeal. :)

I was sent a bottle of nursing supplement called Lots of Milk. It contains natural galactagogues, otherwise known as lactation aids. It contains three ingredients (fenugreek, fennel and marshmallow) that have been shown to boost breastmilk production. I will be using this next week to help my milk come in. As I am currently in my last week of Pregnancy, I have not used this yet. It is said to not be safe to take when pregnant so I am waiting a little longer before using.

I do know that these ingredients work well for me and so I think this will be a great product.

Lots of Milk is specially formulated to reduce the gas and bloating. I am happy to see that this product is made in the U.S. A and in a GMP-certified facility. The supplement is in the veggie capsules and in a powder form. I would not suggest opening them, I tried Fenugreek powder in the past (tried sprinkling into a smoothie) and was not fond of the taste. I do want to note that with my prior knowledge and experience of Fenugreek, it makes the user give off an aroma of Maple Syrup. :) I kind of liked it, as I smelled nice without even trying.

When things calm down a bit and I have recovered adequately from my surgery and am rested, I will try to revisit this post and let you know how it is going with this supplement. :)

I was sent this for evaluation, I was not compensated other than the free bottle.

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Glass Teapot Tea Infuser by Willow & Everett Review

Do you like drinking tea? I love fresh, full bodied, artisan made, loose leaf tea that has colorful flowers and herbs. I normally use one of my small stainless mesh strainers, which are great for a cup of tea at a time, but sometimes it is nice to have a small pot of tea for those evenings I am relaxing and want a 2-4 cups. Lately I have been drinking a lot of loose leaf pregnancy tea as I am in my last week and a half of pregnancy. I particularly like Red Raspberry Leaf teas, Peppermint teas, and various Green Tea. When baby arrives, I will be drinking a lot of Fennel and Fenugreek Teas.

Pregnancy Tea that I purchased from a seller on Etsy. It is a mix of red raspberry, chamomile, spearmint, nettle, wild yam, echinacea, ginger.

I was recently sent a glass tea pot for review. The Brand is Willow and Everett. How classy is that? I love the brand name. :) The neat thing about this pot is that it is made of microwavable glass and stainless steel. It is large enough for brewing 4-5 cups of tea and it has a wonderful strainer inside that makes a fantastic pot of brewed goodness.

Please make sure to remove the stainless steel lid, strainer and top part before putting into the microwave. If you have a Keurig brewer like I do, you can brew hot water into the pot for a simpler, and in my opinion, quicker solution. If you like the idea of a microwave (which is why I am bringing this to the hospital in a week when my Cesarian is scheduled) simply fill with water, remove the lid and stainless steel infuser and use the microwave to boil your water.

The stainless steel lid stays in place when you pour your tea into the cup. You can put the black zip up cozy around the pot to keep the tea the perfect temperature. I did have a few issues with my zipper as I removed it when the pot was filling up and then put it back on when the pot was HOT. The zipper ends did not meet as easily and I felt like I was fumbling a few moments. This pot has a removable 18/8 stainless steel mesh infuser which is amazing quality. It has a little handle which allows you to remove it when needed.

I like this little pot and find it useful for my needs. I am packing it with me for use in the hospital. I do want to be careful with it as the glass feels a bit thin, but with careful packing and with the padded cozy, I should be fine.