Zenwise Labs' Super Strength Probiotics Supplement Review

I take a daily probiotic and try to get my 4 year old and husband to take them as well. My 4 year old is much easier to convince than my husband who will not take his daily vitamins and supplements unless I go through all the bottles (number the tops of how much he should take should he get the notion to take them on his own) and put them in a small cup each night.

I have tried various brands of probiotics over the years from tiny pearl shaped ones to larger powder filled veggie cellulose capsules or regular tablets, and even liquid forms. I was sent a bottle from Zenwise Labs' of their Super Strength Probiotics supplement. This is a bottle of 60 pills (2 months supply) and contains 10 natural probiotic cultures that assist in the body's digestive process. These probiotics fight and protect against harmful bacteria, promoting a healthy immune system. Each serving (only 1 pill) contain 15 billion live probiotic cultures.

I find that when I skip a few days of taking any form of probiotic, I feel terrible. I have less energy, poor mood, stomach cramping and over all, I feel out of balance. These are nice for my husband and I since there is only ONE pill to take. The pill is easy to swallow. These are not good for my four year old as she cannot swallow pills and I always buy her children's chewable one or get the type in a powdered veggie capsule that I can break apart and sprinkle in her food. We keep these in the fridge for added freshness. Neither of us have had any complaints about this particular brand of probioitcs. My husband is using the Zenwise Hair Vitamins with DHT blocker and is liking it a lot (I reviewed the hair vitamins here).

We like this product and having a 2 month supply is great for us, and that is really a 1 month supply for 2 people.  It takes up less space sharing one bottle between the 2 of us.  I recommend this if you are looking for a nice probiotic.  It is available on Amazon in case you are interested in trying it. 

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*I was sent one bottle of Probiotics from the company for an honest review of the product. All thoughts are my own.

Foxbrim's Natural Refresh Toner Spray Review

I have been using witch hazel for a few years now to tone and freshen my face. It is a fantastic product for the face as it is as a natural astringent and contains tannins to make pores and swollen areas smaller. Witch hazel tightens skin and reduces inflammation, so it works well for using around the eyes to help with dark circles and puffy areas under eyes. I was sent a spray bottle of a witch hazel and aloe based toner from Fox Brim. I have enjoyed their products in the past and this product is by far my favorite of theirs. It is so simple, yet I use it every day for various uses. It contains a nice assortment of natural and skin loving ingredients. I love all the botanical ingredients in this.

Natural Refresh Toner:

+ Witch Hazel - Reduces inflammation, controls skin oil, shrinks pores and puffy areas, and locks in healthy moisture
+ MSM - Supports the integrity of skin while neutralizing free radicals
+ Vitamin C - Promotes collagen production while improving overall tone and appearance of skin
+ Yucca - Renowned for it's ability to aid in healthy skin cell maturation
+ Spirulina - Effectively slows the aging of skin cells while providing much needed nutrients (who would have thought it would have Spirulina in it? Pretty cool. (I take Spirulina capsules internally each day---I unfortunately cannot stomach the green powder form, even in fruity smoothies as it is too potent for me.)

Ingredients:

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Deionized Aqua (Water), Methlsulfonylmethane (MSM), Soduim Ascorbyl, Phosphate (Vitamin C), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera), Neroli Hydrosol, Glycolic Acid, Wildcrafted Yucca Schidigera (Yucca), Wildcrafted Usneas Spp. (Usnea), Spirulina Maxima (Spirulina), Organic Salvia Officinalis (Sage), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Wildcrafted Mahonia Aquifolium (Oregan Grape), Wildcrafted Usnea Barbata (Lichen), Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp), Organic Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), Organic Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry), Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf

I use this on my face right after my shower. I then apply my Vitamin C serum and moisturizer. I then spray this on my beauty blender sponge to moisten it and then apply my BB cream. One other way I use this is immediately after my shower I spray this on my freshly shaven armpits, then apply virgin unrefined coconut oil (the coconut fragrant kind). I then apply some lavender essential oil and then my LaVanilla deodorant or my homemade deodorant cream (arrowroot powder, coconut oil, shea butter, cocobutter, tea tree, lavender, lemon, witchhazel, and calendula oil. This keeps me fresh and boosts my natural deodorant. I have been aluminum free (and sulfate free) for almost 2 years and natural deodorant is all I use. I never smell un-fresh.

I like this toner a lot. It has lasted me a long time and I love having a spray bottle of it. I have used witch hazel in the past in a bottle form with a flip top lid and this spray bottle is the way to go. The ingredients are fantastic and I am so happy I was able to find out about this.


You can learn more about this company by visiting their website

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*I was sent a bottle of this Toner spray from Fox Brim for my honest opinion and review. All thoughts are my own.


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New Radiance Naturals Professional Vitamin C 20% Serum Reviewed

I was sent another Vitamin C serum a few weeks back and it is another nice one.  The attributes that I look for in a Vitamin C serum are natural ingredients, USA made, and only a faint or light fragrance. It is also important for it not to feel slightly soapy or sticky, which I have experienced with some in the past. The brand I am reviewing today is New Radiance Naturals. 

This is a professional grade vitamin C 20% Serum.   It contains plant based Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid , Amino Complex and Organic Aloe.  Using a top quality topical Vitamin C, along with the assistance of Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe heals and corrects damage to the skin from environmental stress / pollutants, unhealthy lifestyle, and aging.  Skin needs proper nutrient and hydration to restore collagen, elastin, and firmness to your face.  Applying these above ingredients daily has shown to dramatically improve skin appearance and fade fine lines, discoloration and age spots.

I love using Vitamin C on my skin.  I oil cleanse my face and steam it once a week, and after closing the pores and patting dry, I always apply a Vitamin C serum.  I am always fond of serums that contain both Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid as that saves me a step when they are combined.  This serum is easy to apply and my skin feels soft after application.  I have only used it a month, and still have plenty left in the bottle for next month.   It is not sticky or heavy, and the fragrance is light.

It is recommended that you start slow when trying a Vitamin C serum for the first time.  I would also recommend you continually wear sunscreen when using this serum.  A benefit of using Vitamin C serum is that it does provide a bit of a barrier from within the skin.  I always wear a BB cream with added SPF, and then my mineral loose powder has SPF as well.  I am not the best at applying sunblock to my face as it smells strong and is greasy, so I find makeup products that contain a high protection.

This serum is 98% Natural and 72% Organic, and I like that it is USA made.  The company stands behind their products up with a 1 year Money-Back Guarantee.  Here are some aspects of what this product can do for your skin:

• Firmer, Brighter, More Elastic, More Supple Skin
• ​Fading of Wrinkles and Fine Lines 
• Fading of Age Spots, Discoloration, Acne Scars and Freckles
• Smoother Skin Texture And A Brighter Complexion
• Improved Skin Cell Hydration and Collagen Synthesis To Restore Youthful Radiance
• ​Antioxidant Protection To Neutralize Free Radicals And Reverse Damage Caused By Sun, Pollutants and Cigarette Smoke
• Continuing Protection From The Sun 

Ingredients

Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), MSM, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Witch Hazel, Vitamin E, Carbomer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Jojoba Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.


For more information about the company, connect with them on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on new products and sales promotions.  This serum is available on Amazon. *I was sent a sample bottle of Vitamin C serum from the company for my honest review and feedback, all opinions are my own.

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Zenwise Labs Hair Growth Vitamins with DHT Blocker Review

I was recently sent a supplement that promotes healthy hair growth. The product is from Zenwise Labs and their hair growth formula contains top quality hair and scalp nourishing ingredients, including 5000 mcg of Biotin. This formula also provides essential vitamins, antioxidants, and a DHT blocker to slow and potentially stop hair loss.  My husband is only in his early thirties, yet since his late twenties he has gradually thinned in the back and his hairline has been receding.  This saddens me as we both are fond of his natural curls that he often wears in a short ponytail in back.  I know he is embarrassed and frustrated and frankly, I want his to have hair too. :) (well I am being honest!)  He is suffering fro male pattern baldness we suspect which is caused by DHT.

DHT causes hair loss from blocked and suffocated hair follicles.  The follicles are no longer getting the strength and nourishment they need to thrive and grow.  They eventually fall out and do need regrow or they are stunted.  DHT is not really avoidable, as it occurs in the body naturally, by converts testosterone into DHT.  I have convinced him to become sulfate free and wash his hair and body with essential oil based products and without sulfates or chemicals.  I am trying to get him to take ALL of his vitamins (and then some) while hydrating with an abundance of water.  He has been taking 2 of these pills per day in the evening.  He has only been taking these a month, but with anything, it does take time.  I like how it contains a hefty amount of Biotin (5000 mcg of Biotin) along with other nice strengthening and nourishing ingredients. 


Key Ingredients:

Biotin
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
Grapeseed Extract
Saw Palmetto
Pumpkin (Seed-Curcubita Pepo)(4:1)
Gotu Kola (Herb-Centella Asiatica) (4:1)
Ginkgo Biloba (Leaf)
L-Lysine Hcl
L-Proline
Kelp
Citrus Bioflavanoids
Nettle (Leaf-Urtica Dioica)
Catalase
Resveratrol

We like how these are easy for his to swallow and he has not had any side effects of weight gain that he knows of.  He has not had any breakouts on his skin or upset stomach.  He has almost finished the bottle and will continue with supplements.  We like how this bottle has the DHT blocker in it, as some Biotin supplements do not contain the extras.  Nettles and Saw Palmetto are 2 ingredients that have been shown to help with hair loss.  I have made Nettle tea for him in the past and he enjoys drinking it.  The ingredients look great and in time, I hope that his thinning will stop and in turn thicken a bit.

These hair growth vitamins are available on Amazon in case you are interested in trying them for yourself or a loved one.

*I was sent one bottle of Hair Growth Vitamins for my honest opinion and review.

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Morning Pep 100% Natural USA Birch Xylitol: Review and GIVEAWAY

I have never found a sweetener that I liked the taste of or felt comfortable with consuming other than regular sugar or pure honey, until now. I've tried Stevia products, Splenda, Truvia, and do not like the flavor or toxicity of the pink and blue sugar packet sweeteners. I was sent a bag of Xylitol from Morning Pep and I am happy I was selected to review it.   I want to mention that this is made from Birch, and not corn.(a plus in my opinion)

This comes in a resealable bag and the crystals are larger than sugar, but are in no way gritty.  They actual melt in my mouth with almost a cooling sensation.  I must admit, I do often lick the remaining off the spoon when I over scoop some of the crystals.  In my opinion, this is the closest I have found to anything that can be called a sugar substitute.  In my mind, a substitute should be as good as or even better than the item it is replacing.  The other sweeteners I have tried have bitter aftertastes (Stevia) or have a too sweet and off putting taste.  Besides the larger crystal size, this looks and tastes like sugar (it actually reminds me slightly of Sugar in the Raw (raw sugar cane sugar).  Xylitol replaces sugar in equal measurements and this particular brand has 40% fewer calories than regular sugar and 75% fewer carbs.

Diabetics or those trying to cut back on sugar and trim their waistline, may want to try Xylitol.  I had heard a few months ago about Xylitol being used to prevent or even treat tooth decay, I now make my own calcium bentonite clay toothpaste and use this Xylitol to add some sweet flavor to balance the strong essential oils. 
Morning Pep Xylitol is Kosher and free of GMO, corn, wheat, gluten,soy and dairy, so it should fit into most everyone's diet and lifestyle.  


I really like this and was incredibly impressed by this.  I have reviewed Stevia products and even Yacon syrup and flatly wrote that I did not care for them (my husband likes them).  I really did not think there would be a sugar substitute (besides honey) that I would actually enjoy and use.  I have not used sugar in any of my coffee or tea drinks for the past month, and when I had a grapefruit, I used this Xylitol.  I have tired it in my steel cut oats and enjoyed it as well.

*A sample of Morning Pep Xylitol was sent to me in a bag.  These are my honest opinions on the product and I found it favorable.  My thoughts might differ from yours. 

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Would you like to try a bag of this Xylitol? The company is sponsoring a GIVEAWAY on my blog.  One reader will win a bag of their own. USA ONLY PLEASE.


Morning Pep 100% Natural USA Birch Xylitol: Review and GIVEAWAY

100% Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil by Majestic Pure: Reviewed

I use coconut oil daily, and have for a few years, but have never tried fractionated coconut oil. This type is a constant liquid form which makes it perfect for use as a carrier oil or base oil.  Often I find that using an essential oil alone is too potent (when applied to sensitive skin or my children's skin) and that is when using a carrier oil is needed.  I was sent for 100% pure, fractionated coconut oil from Majestic Pure .  I had been using regular unrefined virgin coconut oil for my homemade wipes solution, but it always solidifies in cool areas.  Being winter and living in a very drafty vintage home, we have very solid coconut oil here.  I like how easy it is for me to add this to my wipes solution and know that it will stay in its liquid form.  The other great thing about this oil is that never goes rancid or lose its potency.  It works well for us as we cloth diaper and this does not stain and easily washes out of clothing (I use it as a base for my natural deodorant), cloth diapers, and whatever else it may come into contact with.  Since it has antiviral and antibacterial properties, that is why it works fantastic at preventing bacteria under the arms.  It is bacteria that causes unpleasant odor, not sweat.  Since only using natural ingredient based, aluminum free deodorant, I rarely have any underarm wetness and I stay much fresher.  I have been using these types for a year now. 

I am very glad I was able to try fractionated coconut oil.  It is fantastic on my entire families skin, even my 9 month old. I still use the solid form of unrefined, extra virgin coconut oil as it contains such wonderful benefits for me with oil pulling in my mouth for dental care, and for baking and cooking, as well as the tropical flavor and fragrance.  The fractionated oil does not have a flavor of coconut and is unscented.  This makes it pair well with aromatherapy or massage oils without altering the scent.  It is said that this oil can help stimulate hair growth due to the balance of saturated fats.  Fractionated coconut oil is a "fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides and making it an absolutely saturated oil." This saturation gives it a very long shelf life and potency.  Fractionating provides more of an antioxidant and disinfecting effect.  (another great reason for me to use it for our cloth wipes and on any skin irritation such as diaper redness.) It does not cause any irritation and does not feel overly greasy or heavy.  It is a versatile oil and I use it daily.  I am appreciative of the flip up lid as it makes it more convenient and also more sanitary.

*I was sent a bottle of this coconut oil as a review sample, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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Ramini Brands Microwave Splatter Guard Review

As much as I am not so find of microwave use (always slightly wary of it) we do use our microwave daily. As much as we try to keep it clean, it really never looks great inside. We will often reheat a tomato sauce dish such as rotini or spaghetti, and splatters are frequent. We generally would put a paper towel on top or sometimes a plate. The plate does not allow the steam to escape and the paper towel just blows off. A few weeks ago I was sent a splatter guard from the Ramini Brands company. This is a plastic cover with air holes to allow steam to be released. The guard / cover is slightly curved and fits over several sizes of bowls and containers. This seems to work well and has prevented several messes from happening. Sadly a big mess did occur when I tried to make steel cut oats in the microwave in my large bowl. I tried to monitor it and made sure the bowl was deep and large enough with not too much water. I had only put the oats in the microwave for 3 minutes and 40 seconds. It was pretty frustrating. It was REALLY early in the morning, I was trying to make enough for me and my 4 years old, we both were really hungry, I needed to feed my 9 month old, and I needed the oats to cook without me watching a pot on the stove. Luckily not all the oats were lost, but basically my portion. I cleaned up the mess and gave my daughter the remaining from the bowl. The strange thing is that the cover lid was still on the bowl. I guess it expanded and lifted the lid temporarily while making a volcano like mess over the sides, then the cover settled down on top again. I have had success with the cover for soups and other reheating of left over meals, so it does work. I just will need to deal with the fact that if we are to enjoy steel cut oats, I am going to have to take the 20 minutes of stove top time.

The 10" x 12" round cover is translucent which makes it nice to be able to have some idea of if the food underneath is going to explode (if you have the microwave open).  The holes do allow proper release of steam.  Please note that you need to be careful as when removing the lid, it can be really hot.  I appreciate that it is made from BPA free materials and food grade plastic.  The two things I do not like about it are the fact that it cannot be washed in the dishwasher (not even top rack) and that it is not USA made.

Visit Ramini Brands on their website for other products.  If you are interested, you can purchase their splatter guard on Amazon.

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*Ramini Brands sent me one Splatter Guard for this review, all opinions and experiences are my own.