100% Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil by La Lune Naturals Review (my homemade deodorant batch)

I ran out of my LaVanila deodorant recently and as you probably know, I go back and forth between mixing up my own batches of natural deodorant and store bought natural. I have tried an incredible amount of natural deodorants in the past 2 1/2 years and have a few favorites. I have had my share of detoxing periods and irritated under arms. I have come to the realization that baking soda and my skin just cannot be friends. They are constantly at war and I am tired of the redness, darkening, and itchy spots. Most natural deodorants have baking soda and most people tolerate it well. It is a fantastic cleanser when use in various home and laundry cleaning, and deodorizes underarms well, but I cannot use it. I have found that increasing my arrowroot powder, along with the addition of kaolin clay, I can have the same results.

I often change my formulations, but here is one recipe I use: (please note, this is NOT antiperspirant as it does not clog up or block pores. You are supposed to naturally perspire and detox some, but you will not stink (please read up on natural detox periods for switching to natural deodorant). Please note that this is what works for me, and it may or may not work for you. If you are truly wanting to make the switch to natural products, and this does not work for you, play around with the ingredients and measurements. Sometimes the hot weather causes the mixture to be too soupy (melted) and I need to add more dry ingredients.

This is my Baking Soda Free version and my pits are happier and still smell fresh. I make a very small bowl of this then put it in a 2 oz dark amber jar (or 2 jars depending on how much I make) (dark jar so light does not easily pass through).  I like to keep the deodorant as fresh as possible and often change up my formulations.

2-4 tablespoons coconut oil, (I used La Lune Naturals Fractionated Liquid Coconut oil for this particular batch but I have used solid form of pure, organic, unrefined in the past) Coconut oil is antibacterial and helps with preventing odor, it also is fantastic for skin.  I like using fractionated as it is easy to blend and stays fresh.  Often I keep a bottle in the shower to use immediately after shaving my under arms.  It leaves my skin smooth with no greasy feeling and it prevents bacteria growth.  My bottle is a but worse for wear as you can see I definitely have splashed water on the label a few times. :)

I often add a tablespoon of coco butter or shea butter to my deodorant, I do like to use unrefined of both as the fragrance is really nice (sweeter and nutty).

2-4 tablespoons arrowroot powder and 2-4 tablespoons of Kaolin clay (corn starch is also an option instead of arrow root, but I prefer arrow root) Play around with the measurements t get the consistency you like.

15+ drops combination of essential oils (I often use various combinations of tea tree, lavender, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, lemon, geranium, and lime) You can add what you feel you need and what you have on hand.  For this batch I used about 4 drops of Lime, 8 drops of Manuka, 4 drops of Tea Tree, 4 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Vanilla, and 8 drops of Geranium Essential Oils.  I used a lot of essential oils since I am not using baking soda and wanted to have some powerful odor protection.  Your skin may not like this amount, so as I said, play around with the formulations, add a little at a time and you can always increase ingredients.

Combine the butters, coconut oil, and arrowroot in a glass jar (preferably a dark amber one to keep out excess light).

Add in essential oils and stir with a wooden popsicle stick or plastic spoon. You do not need more than about a dime to nickle size amount for under each arm. I put my cream deodorant on immediately after getting out of the shower, put on my towel, apply my face serums and make up, then put my shirt on last so as to allow for the cream to soak in and not get on my clothing. You may have irritation if applied to freshly shaven underarms.

The essential oils I use have antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties and also smell wonderful. They are fantastic at odor neutralization and have the other benefits as well. Geranium is great for boosting mood, reducing fatigue, calming anxiety, and helping with depression, it is a newer oil for me and I am so happy to have been introduced to it.

The coconut oil by La Lune Naturals is a great oil and I think it compares to other nice brands.  I do like the dark bottle.  Sort far it is the only dark amber bottle of fractionated coconut I have tried, and that sets it apart for me.  I always applaud companies that house their products in a dark cobalt blue or amber container.  I have tried 4 other brands and although it is sad that fractionated coconut will not expire or go rancid, having it in a dark container eases my mind about keeping it fresh.

I always love using coconut oil, whether in its liquid form or solid.  The liquid form is nice because I can easily use it in my homemade wipes solution for baby.  I do not have to worry about it solidifying and clumping.  Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, softener and non-irritant lubricator.  That is why i love it for baby's bottom and the wipes.  I make a solution and keep it in a wipes warmer.  I usually mix water, coconut oil, lavender, tea tree, manuka, jojoba oil, rose water, and organ oil for a luxurious  and healing baby wipe solution.

*I was sent this bottle of coconut oil from La Lune Naturals, and this is my honest opinion.*

We like the product and feel it is of great quality.  This comes with a pump top included, however it is easier for me to just use the flip top lid.  I am afraid I would be in a hurry one morning and squirt this oil across the room! :)

You can visit them on Facebook for tips and learn about their other fine products.

Kids Alligator Educational Plush for Teaching Dental Health Review

My daughter is 4 1/2 and has been fairly diligent in brushing her teeth since an early age. I have come up with a few fun song that she likes me to sing while it is time to brush her teeth. For the first 2 1/2-3 years of her life I was generally the one to brush her teeth and now she does them by herself with guidance. It is not so easy to teach a young child accuracy in tooth brushing. Children like to fiddle around, be silly, get distracted and when they like the flavor of their toothpaste, sometimes just want to eat it. I was excited to be sent an educational tool for teaching young children healthy dental habits and cleaning. StarSmilez promotes and teaches dental health through cute plush toys with teeth.

They make it fun and easy to demonstrate oral care to toddlers and kids. This friendly smiling alligator makes oral health fun to help motivate children to brush and floss their teeth every day. The dental model includes 4 flossible locations to teach flossing along with brushing techniques.  We were sent a pack of toothbrushes and one for our friend.  My 4 1/2 year old loves this guy! She actually thinks he is a dinosaur and I am fine with that as that is her current favorite theme (besides mermaids and her baby dolls).

StarSmilez products are used by dental professionals to help their patients of all ages understand oral care concepts and techniques.  The teeth on this fella are bright white and of nice quality.  It is fun for her to brush and she plays with him throughout the day.  The orange toothbrush for alligator/dinosaur has a convenient suction cup to keep it standing up in place for easy storage so that you always know where the brush is for his next cleaning.  We love this guy and think it is an excellent toy and tool.

You can learn more by visiting their website and following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

The company has a wide variety of plush animals, you are sure to find your child's favorite.

*I was sent this cute alligator for review, this is my honest opinion.

Frances Angela Jewelry and Artisan Crafts Bracelet in Spring Bliss Review

Do you have a favorite jewelry item that you wear all the time? Perhaps it is a type of item, such as you always wear cardigan sweaters all year round (me) or love vintage cocktail rings (ok also me), or perhaps you love bracelets (ok, you got me, I love all those).  I am sure you are the same way, there is something that when you wear it, it just makes you feel beautiful, happy, or confident--and if it is extra special, you will feel all those things with a particular item.  For me it is this special jewelry piece.  

I wanted to tell you about a beautiful beaded bracelet I have been wearing all the time the past month since I was introduced to the company.

First off, it is a handmade item, which is extra special because you know that someone has put on each bead and gathered material with diligence and care. They have thought out how the item will look and have imagined how much joy the item will bring to the wearer.

Handmade items are often few and far between nowadays, everything seems mass produced, and more often comes from over seas in some large concrete floor factory. I like knowing that someone perhaps was sitting in their studio, perhaps even late into the night due to dedication and losing track of time because they love what they do, with their bead collection out, and choosing their favorite and most prized beads for my bracelet and envisioning just what would be the perfect strand.

I was sent a gorgeous bracelet made from peach and cream fresh water pearls, Swarovski crystals, and a variety of pink and pale green gemstones. The jewelry artist is Frances Angela (Frankie) and she has both an Etsy store and website.  Frankie allowed me to select an item for review and I chose the Spring Bliss bracelet. I love it so much and it can be dressed up or down and is so elegant that I bet Audrey Hepburn would have worn it if she could have.  

This is a three strand bracelet, beaded with 24K gold plated wire, with a variety of gemstones:  peridot, aquamarine, citrine and cat's eyes.  There are pale blush peach and cream freshwater pearls.  This is approximately 7.5 inches and closes with a antique inspired toggle clasp.  This is so pretty and although it has Spring like colors, I will wear this all year as it is the perfect bracelet for me.  

Check out Frances Angela's other items in her shops.  My particular favorites are from her higher end line, "Raisha's Elegance Collection", which is named after her daughter.  I adore the "Lady Dainty" and "Vintage Blush."   She has a variety of styles and I am for certain that there is an item that when you see it, you will be so drawn to it that you know it was meant especially for you.  

Perhaps you are wanting something as a gift for your mother or sister? Perhaps you are a soon to be bride and want to purchase a set of bracelets in your wedding shades for your ladies to wear and then have as thank you gifts? Or you may want a bracelet that has the birthstones of your children.  Whatever the occasion, Frances Angela has the perfect item to make you feel and look your best.

Check out France Angela's collection on Facebook and Instagram.

*I was sent one bracelet for this review, this is my honest opinion.  I was not compensated in any way other than the bracelet for review. * 

Savvy Baby Drool Bibs Review

I was recently sent a 4 pack of baby drool bib bandanas, (from Savvy Baby and LaLune Naturals) in fun and fashionable colors and patterns. These are neutral, so they are perfect for for girls and for boys. They are made of 100% highly absorbent cotton with a soft comfy fleece backing and lightweight so that baby doesn't get fussy and fidgety (trying to pull these off). I like how they are adjustable with nickel-free snaps (no itchy, easy to wear out, easy to get lint build up velcro)

These add a bit of color and pattern to baby's outfit and don't you agree that a baby wearing a bandanna is super adorable? You will be the mommy with the stylish baby. These are smart bibs, not only are they cute, but there is a reason they are bandanna shaped. The curve allows the drool to catch on the bib while keeping baby's arms free to move around and play. Our Baby W is teething and so he is armed with his baltic amber necklace to minimize drool, and a dapper drool bib to catch any excess. This set of 4 bibs comes with a bonus pacifier clip that can be used as a teething ring/toy holder! (See my review on those here). We like these a lot and recommend these!  My only critique was I was surprised when I saw where they were made, I was thinking these were handmade from a mommy seller.  They are nice quality, and very soft, I just was not expecting them to be mass produced.




*As mentioned previously, I was sent these 4 gratis for review, and this is my honest opinion.

Set of 3 Pacifier Clips by Savvy Baby Review

I was recently sent a 3 pack of pacifier / toy leashes / tethers from Savvy Baby. We do not use pacifiers here in our household, but toys and chewy items, yeah we've got them! Our 14 month old recently has decided that dropping his sippy cup and teething toys is fun. Mommy does not enjoy this game very much as it can be a hassle when we are at a restaurant or public place and an item is thrown on the filthy floor. We have been enjoying our toy leashes and love the classy and colorful patterns. They can be clipped on his stroller, clothing, car seat strap or high chair. These are perfect for clipping to his Ergo carrier as well. These are so multifunctional and cute. They are made with nickel-free clips and high quality cotton.

I recommend you check these out on Amazon if you are looking for some cute and durable clips!



As mentioned above, these were sent to me for review, however as always, I strive to be as accurate in my descriptions and am always honest in how I feel about a product.