8 inch Ozeri Green Earth Frying Pan (Non Stick Ceramic) Reviewed

I eat a fried over easy egg sandwich a few times a week. It is not the healthiest, but it gives me protein and it tastes really good. :) Adding oils, spray or butter to the pan is not healthy and yet is necessary to prevent sticking. I recently was sent a pan to review that does not need any oil for cooking. It is by the Ozeri company. I have reviewed their items in the past and have yet to be disappointed. This 8 inch pan is a Gorgeous LIME colored pan. It is the perfect size and have I mentioned that I LOVE the color? Seriously.

I had never heard of the "GREBLON" ceramic coating, but it is a form of ceramic that is German crafted and contains no heavy metals or chemicals. Other pains in our kitchen have a non stick coating that after a few months can scrape off and potentially get into food. This is pretty scary for us as we have 2 children and do not want chemicals to be consumed by them or us. The pan has a waffle-like or honeycomb pattern that seems to add to the ease of lifting food from the pan. We never use metal spatulas, but even regular spatulas can damage pans over time and make the coating come off. Will use this pan and update over time to see how well it stands up to prolonged use. So far I am impressed with the look, heft, and more importantly its functionality. I like how it comes with a green felt pan protector to keep the surface safe and protected from placing other pans on top of it.

Besides looking super cute in our retro themed pink and olive green kitchen, this bright lime pan has a honeycomb textured surface that assists the pan's non-stick performance. I took a short live video of me using this for the first time, frying an egg and I did not use any butter, oil, or non stick spray. I was happily surprised. We often have fried eggs sticking even after using lots of oil in our other pans. We have electric burners on an older stove and often the burners get incredibly hot and scorch our pans, making food stick. This pan has 100 percent ceramic coating and truly is easy to clean. I basically can wipe this clean with a wet cloth if I wanted to, that is impressive. The handle is super comfortable and has a heat resistant silicone. The bottom of the pan is silver colored and looks nice as well. It is designed for rapid heat transfer. I cooked my fried egg on level 3 on on an electric burner (our burner goes from 1 to 10 in level of heat.)

The pan is attractive and works well. I am loving it for fried, over easy eggs. I usually have a fried egg a few times a week and the fact that I do not need ANY oil or spray is amazing. So much healthier! I am taking over this pan as Mom's egg pan for fried eggs. It is perfect. The only thing I am not a fan of is that is is made in China. We prefer USA and local crafted products to support the economy. The coating is German made.

For more information about this company or to purchase this pan, you can find it on Amazon: 8" Green Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri


I received this gratis in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own and completely honest.

Sari Foods Spirulina Powder: Reviewed

I eat a protein rich whole food based vanilla flavored smoothie each day. The particular protein powder I use contains very raw ingredients and includes live probiotics and enzymes, along with organic sprouts, organic fruits, Spirulina and Chlorella. I blend a hefty scoop of this powder with 2 frozen bananas, a scoop of cacao powder, and milk or almond milk. When I had the opportunity to review pure Spirulina, I was super excited as I had never tried it in stand alone form. When it arrived I opened it the first day. It came in a resealable pouch with a flat bottom making it easy to stand on its own on the counter and scoop out.

The serving size on the package says 1 heaping Tablespoon. Yes, I tried it as directed and it knocked me over in intensity. I need to work up to that amount. For now I only use a teaspoon and NOT a heaping one and NOT a tablespoon. It does help that I have the bananas and other items mixed in to cover the taste. The smell of Spirulina is not one I am fond of at all. It is particularly healthy for those who are pregnant and I am thankful I did not smell this while pregnant as I am sure it would be unsettling to my tummy. The smell is pretty terrible to be honest, especially if you are not used to it. But the benefits to having this in my nutritional daily smoothie are incredible and necessary for me, especially as a nursing mama. Spirulina Powder has a dark green color and may temporarily stain a counter if gotten wet and spilled. The powder is finely ground and seems to mix easily in my smoothie. The brand I have been trying is Sari Foods.

Here are some of the benefits to taking this product daily. It really is a super food and is considered the the most nutrient dense food because it can do some much for our bodies. It balances pH and reduces inflammation. This can even boost your immune system and provides protection from cold and flu. It is packed with antioxidants that promotes skin health and cell regeneration, and fights from cell-damaging stressors and pollutants from the environment. Organic Spirulina is protein rich and is a "non-synthetic source of iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, beta-carotine, B12, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, antioxidants and essential amino acids (GLA, Omega 3, 6 & 9's)." It is referred to as nature's vitamin, containing all of the essential amino acids, antioxidants, protein, and so much more. I am hoping to use this in baking muffins and pancakes. I am trying to work up to the suggested serving of 1 tablespoon.

For more information about this company and their products, visit their website: Sari Foods

You can find this product on Amazon: Organic Spirulina Powder

Connect with Sari Foods:

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream: Review and GIVEAWAY

I have another cream that I have been having great results from. I love it when I find another great product. I have been using this for about 2 weeks and it really does smooth my face. The product is Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream and it is super thick and luxurious. When I apply it to my freshly cleansed face, it has a cooling sensation and absorbs quickly. What remains on my skin is a feeling of supple and moisturized skin. I especially notice the softness in my cheeks, it is not heavy or greasy, and it almost feels like it temporarily fills in my skin and pores. This is why it works as a fantastic base / primer for my foundation. After first application, I wondered if it had Dimethicone in it (a silicone) since it smoothed my pores so well. I looked at the ingredient list and it has that ingredient listed. Some people may not respond well to using silicone in their beauty products, but for me, my skin always does well with it. This is an ingredient used in all my foundation primers. It blurs pores temporarily when I use anything with Dimethicone in it. The Anavita cream makes my makeup apply smoothly and my skin feels like silk afterward. The fragrance of this cream is light and smells clean. I have not had any irritation or breakouts using this cream.

This is how I apply the cream:

After my face is freshly cleansed, I apply my Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid serums. About every other day I apply a 2.5% retinal serum or cream (depending what I have on hand). After the serums / creams have absorbed, I apply about a nickle sized amount of the Anavita all over my face and neck. I probably use more than I really need, but I always apply my cosmetics generously. The cream is a thick anti-aging cream that can be used as a moisturizer, day cream, night cream, and makeup base. I use it as a base for my BB cream and foundation in the day, and then at night, after my face has been cleansed and prepped, I apply it in the evening before bed. I always like applying my anti-aging serums and creams twice a day as I feel it boosts the results. I am not claiming that this has dramatically improved my skin in only 2 weeks, however, I believe that actively applying moisturizers to your skin help prevent wrinkles and my skin appears smoother and healthier. Skin needs moisture to stay healthy and soft.

The Anavita cream stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates skin cells. It contains Hyaluronic acid, Argireline (5%), and Matrixyl. I am familiar with Hyaluronic acid and Matrixyl, but am new to Argireline.

Ingredients

Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate.

Anavita is sponsoring a giveaway jar to my readers. USA applicants only and age 18 and over please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Proderma Breathable Foundation: Reviewed

I love wearing makeup, and won't go out of the house without it.  Even on light days I will at minimum wear a moisturizer, BB cream in my shade, some light blush, and mascara.  I just feel more confident when I have some color in my face and a more even complexion.  My face is relatively clear, however I do get 1-2 acne blemishes during my monthly period, and usually at my chin or jawline.  My skin routine keeps my face clear and with a natural healthy glow.  I oil cleanse my face almost every day and always finish with a Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid serum.  I have been using Retinal 2.5% based serums and creams a few times a week as well.

It is important to use healthy makeup when possible. I like mineral makeup and breathable, skin loving foundations.  I do not using a lot of chemicals and I do not like foundations that are overly heavy or oily.  I have some uneven skin tone, very large pores, dark purple grey under eye shading, and redness marks left from past acne blemishes.  I am always trying to cover these trouble areas up. 

I recently found a gentle, highly concealing foundation that covers supremely well yet does not feel cakey or heavy on my skin.  It has even been used by people who have large or noticeable scaring, recently had surgury, or have dark facial birthmarks.   Proderma has ingredients that calm irritated skin, soothes, and heals as it is worn.  Proderma Breathable Foundation is also great for me as I am 32 and want my skin to look its best.  I do not have wrinkles, but I do have fine lining around my eyes unfortunately.

Proderma breathable foundation is an anti-aging foundation that has a unique "proprietary oxygenating peptide complex" that uses antioxidants and vitamins to nourish and protect skin.  This allows the skin to breathe and does not cause blemishes or clogged pores.  This foundation has ingredients that increase elastin and collagen production for a more youthful appearance.  I have only used this for less than a month, so I do not see drastic age defying results, however, this foundation truly feels wonderful on my skin and looks natural.  It does not look heavy or cakey.  The shade I have is IVORY, and it is truly perfect match for my skin tone.   It covers my imperfections well.  Please note that in the dressy picture my face does have some shine, and that is after wearing the makeup until around 10 pm at night.  It stayed pretty well. 

Proderma foundation can be used after cosmetic procedures or to cover bruising, scars and redness.  As mentioned, I have some acne scars that I am concerned about, and this really covers nicely. It does not irritate my skin at all, and I feel great wearing it.

Not sure of your shade?  I have light skin, and always have difficulty finding the correct shade for me, because all brands, whether drugstore or high end, have variations on shades.  I have so many "Ivory", "Fair", "Light", "Porcelain", and "Bare" shades and they all seem to be different.  Sometimes brands will vary on which of these are the lightest and which are more pink toned vs. yellow toned.  Some use different descriptions for their lighter shades.  What may be "Fair" in one brand, might actually be termed "Light" or "Very Light" in another brand.  I am blue/pink toned, with pale skin and Ivory works well. I have attached their color wheel to help you decide your perfect foundation shade.

I have been using this foundation all this month and am absolutely loving it.  I took it with me when I went on a weekend trip for a friends wedding (pictured below).  It traveled well in my make up bag and the cap stayed put, there was no leaking.  In the pictures below I am wearing mineral lipstick, natural mascara, mineral eye shadow, and mineral blush (in another brand, for a previous review (in case you have seen these 2 pictures recently).  I like the pump dispenser.  I use 1-2 squirts and apply with a wet Beauty Blender sponge starting inward then applying outward toward my hair line.  I use this under my eyes and as a spot / concealer treatment as well.

Foundation Color Wheel

You can find out more about this incredible foundation and it can purchased on their website: Proderma Foundation

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Mia Mariu Mineral Makeup: Review and GIVEAWAY

I was excited to get to review more of Mia Mariu mineral makeup this month. I really like their products and their ingredients are nothing short of stellar.  I really like the smooth rubberized matte black containers and compacts that some of the makeup comes in.

Mia Mariu mineral makeup contains Vitamin A, C and E and they are talc, paraben and fragrance free, making them suitable selections for all skin types.  I tried a blush, 2 mineral eye powders, a mascara, lipstick, and eye liner.

The Mineral Blush I selected was Maria Azucena, it is a light powder (in a great travel ready compact) that looks natural, yet provides excellent brightly pigmented color, depending on how much you apply.   It is very build-able.  I tend to be heavy handed with blush and love wearing more than I really need.  This blush has a light-diffusing quality that gives you a healthy and youthful glow.  Maria Azucena is a corally peachy shade with golden glimmer that reminds me of my Benefit Coralista boxed powder blush. Love it!

The intense eye liner pencil provides precise definition and easy, smooth application.  The website says this applies evenly without "dragging" however it did drag on me a few times as it was a harder pencil than I am used to.  The line was precise and any smudging was minimal if any.  It was easy to sharpen without wasting the pencil.

The lipstick, or "hydrating stick gloss" is a deliciously vanilla fragranced, hydrating lip color and hydrating gloss in a stick form. It has a smooth, creamy feel that glides on easily, while nourishing lips.  I often have flaking from dry lips which shows up even more with lipstick.   This was not the case with this lip stick.  I had smooth lips and there was no sticky feeling.  I chose the Beso color, which is the perfect sweetheart, girl next door, frosty pink in my opinion. This is now my daily lipstick. 

The volumizing mascara (black) works well, it extends and separates without clumping.   It is a drier application than my other mascaras, but it did not smudge at all for me.  It does not have much of a stopper or "sound" when the wand is removed from the base.  When applying it or smelling the wand, it reminded me of my castor oil that I oil cleanse my face with.  If it does contain castor oil (which is a nourishing oil), that would be a positive aspect as that oil thickens lashes and promotes growth. (I often have applied castor oil on my lashes).  I am liking this mascara. I wear contact lenses and have not had any problems with comfort. This mascara is enriched with vitamin B5. The wand has a smaller bristle head than I usually prefer, however, this is a nice mascara and I have been using it a lot lately.

I also received 2 loose mineral powder liner/eyeshadows in Rosa and Aquamarine. They are small little pots with sifters, they will last a long time as I only needed a small amount on my lids. The colors are true to their descriptions. When mixed with water, these eye shadows turn into a beautiful long wearing eyeliner. I do not normally use colored liner, so I have not yet tried them wet. I normally do not use loose shadows are they are quite messy. These were a little difficult to use due to the small pot size and the powder was messy. I would have preferred it if I had 2 colors in Mia Mariu's pressed versions. The quality of the shadows and the color was top notch. I used Urban Decay primer potion before applying the shadows and the look stayed until late at night.

The Mia Mariu company is dedicated to providing excellence in mineral makeup, combining the highest quality botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and peptides. They empower women to do what they love and you can even become a seller / Adviser of their products (I am not a seller) if desired.

Mia Mariu is sponsoring a giveaway on my blog! Winner will receive a nice set of products:

1.) Choice of: one Mineral Blush or Bronzer (color of choice and choose either blush or bronzer)

2.) Choice of: one Mineral Shadow Duo (color of choice) or two Mineral Shadow Liners (this is eye shadow (like mine in this review) that can be used as a liner as well, color of choice)

3.) Hydrating Stick Gloss (lip color of choice)

4.) Volumizing Black Mascara

5.) Intense Black Eye Liner Pencil

USA applicants only, (age 18 and over) and please enter your shipping address to make this easier in case you are the winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.