Escapes – Music for Relaxing CD by Jeff Gold: Revewed

Our 4 year old daughter has had some sort of music or relaxation sounds cd played throughout the night ever since she was a newborn.  My husband and I play a loop of oceans waves throughout the night while we sleep and my daughter has a similar sound machine in her room that is a babbling brooke loop, along with a few other natural based sounds to select.  She likes the soothing lull of the water and it also helps drown out the noise of our neighbor who leaves for work at 5 am on their motorcycle outside my daughter's window.

Lately my daughter has been having a few instances of night terrors and frequent waking.  She also is afraid of a pair of black leggings in her room that is stored on the shelf, as well as a few other pairs of pants.  (not sure why, but we gather from her crying and jumbled speach while crying, that they resemble a snake perhaps, but we aren't sure.  We obviously cannot hide all the pants in her room and we cannot ban tights, it is winter here, and tights are also cute on her!  We are trying to come up with ways to soothe her to sleep in addition to her water machine.

I was sent a meditation/relaxation music cd called, The “Escapes – Music for Relaxing .” Jeff Gold is the musician and has created a collection of original melodies featuring acoustic guitars, piano, strings and flutes.  We have been playing this cd in her bedroom along with the water sounds every night.  This is one full hour of music.  She likes it a lot and requests us to play it if we forget to start the cd.  By the middle of the cd she is fast asleep, but having the cd finish in the background seems to keep her asleep longer and help her slide into deeper sleep and relaxation. 

His music is gaining interest and is often on the Top 10 "Relaxation Music" list on Amazon.  The tempo is ideal for meditation, massage, reiki and yoga. “Escapes” creates a peaceful ambiance for daydreaming, meditating, thinking, creating new ideas, accomplishing important tasks, soothing and easing stress and worry, and help with unsettled sleep patterns.  Special needs children, insomniacs, or those who are experiencing high stress often listen to “Escapes” as therapy.

We like this cd and recommend it for yoga, insomnia, stress relief, or casual listening.  It may even help some individuals with ADD or ADHD calm their jitters and concentrate on their tasks.  I definitely notice my daughter is more relaxed and calm when listening to this cd.  When she wakes in the middle of the night, we often restart the cd for her.

*I was sent one cd to review in exchange for my honest opinion.*

 Are you interested in hearing a sample? Jeff is offering a free download for "Tradewinds", which is one of "Escapes" most popular songs.  You can visit, http://www.jeffgoldmusic.com/su_tradewinds and after signing up with an email address, "Tradewinds" can be downloaded for free.

Follow Jeff on Facebook for updates on his latest projects and to see some of his favorite artist's paintings.  Visit his website to listen to some of his music sampled, take a peek into his life and music journey, as well as info for purchasing his music.  His music is available on Amazon  and iTunes.

InsideSmarts Delicates Laundry Wash Bags Review

I was recently sent some laundry bags to review.  I used to purchase my zip bags online from a well known manufacturer brand and liked them but did not like how easily they wore out.  I also did not like the cost of them and how the zipper easily slipped open.  The zippers were metal, thin in width (not easy to grasp) and painted white (chipped paint).  These bags have plastic zippers that are thicker in width and comfortable (almost ergonomic if  a zipper pull can qualify).  These zippers are snag fee and have elastics to keep them hidden in place.  So if a zipper does get loose from the super thick elastic fastener, it won't hurt clothing.

These laundry bags are described as being made of  "premium-grade mesh that makes them as strong & durable as they are luxurious & smooth."  I definitely agree.  When first opening these I could tell right away that they were nice quality.  Now to be honest, I was not expecting to be in awe of them. I was expecting a poor quality generic laundry bag.  These are are supremely nice and I am not using the "name brand" ones any more.  The seams are neatly done and sturdy.

This set has 4 wash bags (2 medium, 2 large).  I like the idea of  having the 3 white wash bags for light-colored loads, and the 1 large black bag for dark-colored items.  Why??? Well, first off, my old name brand white bags would turn an ugly blueish grey tone because I would put in a dark colored item into the bag, and then put that bag into some dark clothing that I felt it was safe to be washed with, and the clothing load would turn the bag an ugly color transfer.  Having a dedicated dark colored (black) bag for dark clothing is GENIUS.  Now there won't be color transfer, and I can keep things separate.

I really like these bags and they are used every time we do laundry.  I use these for baby socks to keep them from getting lost, as well as for delicate items of all sorts (tutus, leggings for my daughter, slips, delicate sweaters, lace, etc.).

These are available on  Amazon.  I received a set of 4 to review, this is my honest opinion.  I will always mention if something does not work for me or to my liking.  You and I might differ in opinion of how well an item functions.

For keeping up to date on new products, follow the company on Facebook and Twitter.

InsideSmarts website

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Women's MultiVitamin by NutriGold: Review

I have been using and testing a women's multivitamin from Nutri Gold.  This is a whole-food based multivitamin supplement with an abundance of minerals.  This does not contain anything synthetic and all the healthy nutrient rich ingredients are high concentrations from certified organic fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs.

What first impressed me when these arrived to me, was the dark amber glass bottle that the vitamins come in.  (Currently the website shows plastic, but mine were in a heavy well made glass bottle.) My other supplements come in a plastic white pill bottle, but these were such a sight to behold.  It makes them even nicer to  use and I will be reusing the bottle for something when it is finished.  I applaud them for their dedication to top quality in all aspects of presentation of the supplement in the nice glass bottles, as well as the purity and and nutrient packed content of the whole food based ingredients in each bottle.

This is a complex vitamin supplement without any metallic aftertaste. These are manufactured without the use of GMOs, fillers, binders, artificial ingredients, preservatives,or any other chemical or sketchy products.  These are fully tested, and verified by an independent, third-party lab.  These are manufactured in the USA under strict cGMP standards. 

Being a nursing mommy, I need a good multivitamin.  I do take a prenatal already and continue to take it with this vitamin.  However, I like the added benefits this vitamin provides.

Cognitive Function to remember things that are important, and to think clearly:
Folate, B6, B12, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Organic Annatto Extract, Organic Lemon Extract

Healthy, Glossy Hair (that grows strong and fast) and clearer, healthier Skin:
Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, Folate, Biotin, Vitamin C. Vitamin E, Copper, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, Organic Amla Extract, Organic Annatto Extract, Organic Lemon Extract

Energy to get things done in the day and to feel great while doing them:
Vitamins B1, B2, Niacin, B5, B6, Biotin, B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Zinc, Organic Amla Extract, Organic Annatto Extract, Organic Guava Leaf Extract, Organic Holy Basil Extract

Glucose Balance:
Biotin, B12, Chromum GTF, Magnesium, Vanadium, etc.

Bone Health:
Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Magnesium, Zinc

Menstrual / Prenatal Health: Help for pregnant and Nursing Mommies:
Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Folate, Copper, Iodine, Iron, and others

Immune Function: Feeling ill is no fun.
Beta-carotene (and other carotenoids), Vitamin C, and others

I have been testing these out for about 3 weeks and like this supplement very much.  I take 3 per day with my other supplements  and a tall glass of orange juice or a bottled water.  These do not have an aftertaste but they do smell a little, but most vitamins do.

I cannot tell for sure, but I think these are helping my hair grow faster and I am having less hair shed in the shower.  I only shed one hair today when I washed my hair, and the last few weeks, hair shedding has been very minimal (only 2-3 hairs).  (much less than before trying these).

These are available on Amazon.  *I was sent one bottle of this product to review, this is my honest opinion.

You can learn more about the company on their website.  Follow them on Facebook for healthy tips and information on new products. 

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Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti Wrinkle Cream

I am excited to tell you about another Ageless Derma product I have been using this past month. I have tried many of their products and like that they use top ingredients and their products are USA made and tested thoroughly. There is an ingredient that they use in a lot of their products that they refer to as "Super Apple." The Swiss apple stem cell extract is called "PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica" and when applied to the skin topically it improves skin almost immediately. They have thoroughly tested their product and it has been effective in reducing facial wrinkles, softening and smoothing skin appearance and texture.

I am not saying that someone with deep wrinkles can apply it and within a few days they will have smooth skin, but I will tell you that immediately (within minutes) after applying this particular cream, (when putting my hands across my face to feel my skin) I do not feel a sticky or greasy application. I feel like my skin is breathing a little better if that even makes sense. My pores feel a little cleaner, smoother, and my face feels a bit dewy (not greasy, not moist, but really fresh). My skin, especially my cheeks, feel plump and soft to the touch.

The scent of this cream is nice. It does not linger long on my fingers after an application, and after it is applied to my face, I do not notice the fragrance (which sometimes happens with other products). I like how I do not need to wash my fingers or hands after applying this to my face. I do not worry about touching clothing afterward (staining fabric).

I really like the container it comes in. I think it looks attractive and on par with the cost and quality of the product. The lid snaps on securely, which is nice in case you want to pack this cream with you for a trip. Product will not spill out, and if the clear lid removes, the cream will not dispense unless pumped. I only need 2-3 pumps to cover my entire face and my neck. I usually use 3 pumps to allow for enough product to thoroughly pamper my skin. I have not had any problem with oily skin, nor does not cause me to break out.

The only improvement I would make is to have the ingredients listed on the jar. I was able to find the ingredients on the Ageless Derma website, but it did take me some time to find the full list.

*I received one Stem Cell and Peptide Cream to review, this is my honest opinion of the product.

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100% Pure Lemon Oil from Majestic Pure: Reviewed

This past month I tried a Lemon Oil from Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals.  I have tried several of their products in the last few months and have found them to be of nice quality and very useful in our home.  Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals essential oils are 100% pure with no additives or fillers. These are high quality organic and 100% natural botanical products.  The bottle is 4 oz and comes in a dark amber glass bottle. I like how the company sends along a glass dropper to use with their oils.  The glass dropper seems to make it a nicer experience in my opinion and I feel like a Chemist.  I've tried both plastic ones and glass ones, and I do prefer the glass.

The lemon oil is natural and cold-pressed from the rinds of real lemons.  In my understanding, cold pressing is less damaging to the product, by avoiding the addition of heat during the extraction process.  It preserves  the nutrient rich properties of the fruit (or whatever you are extracting oil from) and is the purest form.

Here are a few of the ways I like to use lemon oil.  I am finding new uses for it all the time, as it is very versatile.  It is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic and so I like to use several drops of lemon essential oil mixed with lavender and peppermint oil, mixed with water in a spray bottle to help cleanse and sanitize surfaces.  I spray this on our kitchen table, counters, sinks, and keep a separate bottle in the bathroom for the toilet and sink.  I also use this mixture to sanitize my little girl's potty chair.  You can soak lemon essential oil on a cotton ball, squeeze it out a touch, and put in the refrigerator to help eliminate odors.  I like to put it in the corners of my (non food) cabinets along with some with peppermint oil to ward off mice and spiders as we live in the country.  Both creepies dislike lemon and peppermint highly.

I use this lemon oil mixed with either lavender or peppermint in our essential oil diffuser to make the room smell lovely, assist with relaxation and sleep, and also help with cold relief.  Lemon oil works for brightening mood and helps wake me up in the morning.  I like how fresh it smells and how it makes the room smell clean. 

I am happy with this oil and find it works well for what I need it for.  It is available on Amazon.
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*I was sent a bottle of this 100% pure lemon oil as a review sample, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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12 Stainless Steel Shower Curtain Rings by Nikkouware: Reviewed

I was sent a set of 12 Shower Curtain Rings to review. My bathroom is done in a shabby chic type theme and my previous rings, although they were very feminine and reminiscent of a vintage powder room, after 4 years they were rusty and not as sweet as they used to be. I had purchased them for their girly addition to my bathroom and not for the way they functioned. I actually would struggle with them every day when I would get into the shower and try to move the curtain along the rod. They would always skip and hang onto the rod or catch on the curtain and liner. They were a faux porcelain like curtain hook in various girly shapes such as handbag, frilly hat, fancy high heel shoe, lip stick tube, and perfume powder box.

I must admit when these came to me, I was eager to try them out on my shower rod. These were instant love. Despite their simple appearance, they work really well. My curtain actually glides along the shower rod. The shower curtain rings come in a modest clear plastic pack of 12 rings with ball bearings on them. They are said to be made of polished brass & stainless steel and are said to not rust. I truly hope so as my previous rings were terrible. The installation of these rings is very simple and easy, but does take some patience when you have 2 very heavy shower curtains (thick quilt like cotton curtain and a vinyl one. The rings actually give a slight modern retro feel to my bathroom which is nice since we have some parts of our home decorated with a slight 60's vibe.

They unhook by using both hands and pinching inward then swiveling the hook outward. I have tested them almost 2 weeks and they are working well. I kind of like the sound they make when the curtain is flung open or closed. :) I have not had any dragging or skipping on the rod. I like these a lot and recommend these if you are needing to update your curtain hooks.

These were sent to me for review, however this is my honest opinion. You can find these on Amazon.
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Two Rivers Coffee Java Factory 40 ct Kcup Coffee Sampler and GIVEAWAY!

I had the opportunity to try another box of coffee from the Two Rivers company.  I am enjoying the multipack kcups as the boxes always have something incredibly interesting to try.  I also like the names of the particular kcup flavors.  The flavors are quirky and sometimes make me laugh.  I particularly like the names, Dark and Handsome and the Smooth Caffeinator (Smooth Operator).  Smooth Caffeinator is a medium-roast coffee that is described as bold and full bodied, but smooth and mellow at the same time.  I always end up hearing a far away saxophone in the distance and imagine a smokey, dimly lit room, fantastic 80's frizzy perms, and a sultry, jazzy tune for a second when I put it in the brewer.  :) Dark and Handsome is also a bold coffee with a  rich aroma that is slightly smokey.

The Java Factory 40 ct box has an array of tasty brews with unique names and interesting flavors.  They have one that is called Trick or Treat and it is Pumpkin Marshmallow.  This one is a light roast with a creamy and slightly spicy cinnamon flavor.  I really like the Choconut which is a chocolate coconut and tastes great as an iced coffee with whipped cream.  The box has a nice assortment of flavors and you are sure to find a favorite.  The Vanilla Dream is a vanilla and toffee flavored coffee (hey, that rhymes!) I have also made an iced coffee out of that one as well.  There is also Wakey Wakey which is a florally light roast that is nice and happy for those who when they wake up they sing and have cartoon blue birds fly all around them landing on their shoulder (not me) and then there is Da Bomb which is an extreme bold brew with double the caffeine for those who need some help in the morning to function.  I personally do not drink bold coffee even though I do need the extra help in the morning.  :) I do drink the Wakey Wakey, even though I really need the Da Bomb sometimes. :)

My husband and I liked these coffees a lot and while I drank mine mostly blended with ice in the blender and topped with low fat whipped cream or poured over ice, my husband enjoyed them steaming hot with 2 cream and 2 Splenda (yuck, lol).  I am trying to get him away from that...

I want to mention that these will not fit the new 2.0 brewer.  

*I was sent a 40 ct box of Kcups from this company, all thoughts are my own and honest.  

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Speaking of Giveaways, would you like a box of these to try yourself? The company is sponsoring one of my readers to receive a box of an assortment of coffee kcups (not 2.0 compatible). USA ONLY PLEASE.

Two Rivers Company and Java Factory Multipack 40 ct Kcups