Ozeri Deluxe Stainless Steel Frother with 4 Attachments

I have been disappointed time and time again by frothers, because they’re made so shoddily and don’t last. I’ve bought several, from big national brands to smaller, lesser-known brands and to a one, they’ve all failed. I think, finally, I’ve found a frother that will be with me for the long haul. And I have Ozeri to thank.

Most frothers seem to made to be uni-taskers, as well as disposable. Use it to froth milk and then put it away, hoping it works the next time you need it. Ozeri, however, made their Deluxe Stainless Steel Frother to be used all over the kitchen , for multiple jobs, and to last and look good doing it. The frother comes with 3 different attachments, and a spare frothing head. The beater and whisk heads seem dainty, but the whisk held up to a couple of eggs in a cup for an egg wash, and the beater did just fine for a small amount of ganache for a cake. Ozeri refers to it as a “cocktail mixer”, but I’ve retasked it in this house since we don’t drink cocktails. It was dynamite, however, for a vinaigrette for my salad. Yay. Powered by two AA batteries, it has two settings (low and high, up to 15,000 RPM’s!!) to meet the needs of whatever task you throw at it. And the stainless steel body is a cinch to clean and feels solid in your hands. The top mounted clicker to turn it off and on is easy to use and reach as well. It comes with a matching stainless steel stand, but it’s a little finicky about placement and because there’s heft to the frother can become unbalanced easily, so I don’t always use it. But that’s a minor quibble about what I consider a bulletproof product. After a soild 2 weeks of use, this frother has had nary a hiccup and I foresee it becoming a long standing member of our little family. Ozeri even included the batteries this time (How I love that!) so you’re good to go right out of the box.

Frothers come and frothers go, and anyone who’s had one can attest to that. Nothing’s more frustrating than a product you come to depend on and it fails you. Ozeri understands this and makes their products top-notch and made to last. But I know that Ozeri would stand behind their products 100% if for some reason it failed you, and for that, as well as the above reasons, I recommend this product highly!

Get in touch with Ozeri’s family of products:

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• Buy your own right here!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Ozeri.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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PulseAudio Vitality Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

Every once in a while you come across a product that you didn’t know much about and didn’t see much use for, until you try it, and suddenly understand what all the hub-bub is about. That’s exactly what happened to me with these PulseAudio Vitality bluetooth headphones. I now don’t know how I ever got along without them. Come with me as we explore why.

Let’s be honest, there’s few things on this earth more annoying than having your earbuds ripped out of your ears. It’s somewhere between “nails on a chalkboard” and ” loud high-pitched whine”.  And we mostly do it ourselves because our earphone cord hangs down and gets caught on whatever (Or whoever) is nearest. I’m here to tell you that with PulseAudio’s Vitality bluetooth earbuds, that’s a thing of the past. And it doesn’t mean sacrificing every drop of sound quality either. Because the sound? It’s quality. It’s not like it’s reference quality, but I’ve paid more and gotten less when it comes to the sound, and they weren’t bluetooth either. And lest you think that means some giant ungainly boxes over your ears like the old FM radio headphones of yesteryear (Full disclosure, I actually owned some of those. Not to date myself here or anything!). No, these are fairly small, fairly light, but set securely in your ear and have plenty more to offer still. They are BlueTooth 4.1 compliant, and also offer NFC wireless capabilities, so all your latest devices are guaranteed to work. They come complete with a nifty little travel pouch, a charging cable, and multiple sizes of silicone buds/stabilizers for all ear sizes and types!

See, these also have controls for volume, and can double as a hands-free headset for your smartphone! Honestly, I’m shocked they managed to cram so much in such a small package. Powered by lithium-polymer batteries, they have plenty of power (Up to 8 hours!) to last you pretty much all day. If I had a nit to pick, it would be that a couple of the buttons were hard, if not nearly impossible to get to easily by our resident sausage-finger, aka, Hubby. The price is pretty steep too, considering that rival bluetooth earbuds could be had for less than half the cost, but without knowing the quality of the sound of these rivals, I can’t say, dollar for dollar, if they are truly a value. Also, at $59.99, they could have included a wall charger instead of piggy backing on one you already own, or your handy USB charging hub. But they do include a 1-year warranty, so that’s a major plus as well. So overall the positives far outweigh the few minor negatives, and I’m very happy with these PulseAudio Vitality headphones.

Connect with PulseAudio:

• Online
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I received the above product(s) free of charge from PulseAudio.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Eu Natural: Caffeine with L-Theanine, Energy Support & Mental Focus; 60 capsules Review #Caffeine

Sometimes a cup of coffee or tea is the last thing I want in the morning and energy drinks are usually full of sugars, so I opt in taking Caffeine pills. A half pill to start the day is what I usually need and the other half I take in the afternoon to get that “umph” to finish the day with completed tasks. I thought all Caffeine pills were the same and most times, I just looked at contents and where the caffeine was derived from, and then at pill count. I later realized that even though caffeine is a simple drug, it’s a supplement, so let the games begin! Some brands gave me no energy, while others had me buzzing around like a Humming Bird even if both bottles stated the same milligrams. It made no sense other than what I was taking was not always what was really what I was getting and disclosed. I now even pick my manufactures carefully to simply purchase caffeine pills, and so should you.

Eu Natural provides the consumer with a product that not only provides you caffeine, but also has L-Theanine.

What is L-Theanine-
The ingredient is usually added to caffeine to aid with jitters, shakes, and more so to curb the not so great effects we sometimes experience. It helps give caffeine a boost, where you also feel more alert and perform faster. L-Theanine, does not effect the potency by diminishing it’s effectiveness either, it just makes sure you get the benefits faster.  It’s just a add-on ingredient that I don’t see on many caffeine bottles and I have only taken the supplement in conjunction in the past. Theanine is a natural ingredient found in many foods, drinks, and teas. Think of Green Tea when it comes to this ingredient, and small clinical studies have shown that it helps by reducing anxiety and so forth, so you can see why it’s beneficial to have this with caffeine intake.

Retail Price Point: $19.95 for a bottle that has a 60-Capsule count.

Directions: You can take one capsule up to 4 times a day, and it’s suggested each capsule be ingested with 8-ounces of water.

Ingredients (as listed on the site): Caffeine (Pharmaceutical-grade), L-Theanine (Pharmaceutical-grade)

Verdict:
I took one capsule in the day and one in the afternoon, as I usually buy tablets and this being a capsule, it meant I could not cut the pill in half. I did get energy and the claims of staying alert and focused, minus the nervous twitch is true. The Humming Bird in me was not flying off the walls and I was able to think and function clearly. I got through my tasks quickly and never had a moment where I felt a drop in dosage and was just hit with tiredness. I was awake when I needed to be and the capsules from Eu Natural did not interfere when it came to sleep and/or downtime. I could control the dosage and not as finely as with a tablet, but enough that I did not feel I was taking more caffeine than needed. My only negative is the price point. It’s high and really up there for the simple ingredients. I like simple supplements and especially when I just want caffeine, however if you take 2 pills a day, this bottle lasts you a month. Take more or the maximum of four pills, and you are looking at spending $20 for a two-week to three-week supply. Ouch! I can see adding Eu Natural into my supplement routine for days the jitters matter but not for everyday consumption. I don’t want to spend that much on what really breaks down to one simple supplement and I myself prefer purchasing L-Theanine separately because I don’t mind taking two pills, versus one when it comes to saving some funds.   If you want an all-in-one, then Eu Naturals is for you!

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Eu Naturals.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

VIDI Skincare: IncreduLASH Enhancer Serum for Eyelashes and Eyebrows #Review and Giveaway #IncreduLASH

We have all seen the commercials for the product that increases eyelash growth and it’s something that we all want and/or need. Well, more like want! I’m not going to see my doctor to discuss my healthy lashes and then pay for a prescribed product. That is just not happening here! I can see though, like purchasing a mascara doing the same when it comes to using a serum. I buy serums for my skin, so why not buy something for my lashes too?

VIDI is a skincare company that offers an eyelash/eyebrow serum as part of their beauty line. This is my first time working with VIDI and they were kind enough to send me the product to give it a 4-week try, plus a GIVEAWAY*

IncreduLASH is a product that nourishes your own natural eyelashes and promotes growth, plus it comes with 0% of the risks and side effects, which are associated with other products on the market, including the prescribed brands. Permanent darkening of my eye’s skin is not something I am willing to risk when the dark circles look is not my cup of tea! It’s a serum that can be applied to encourage growth to your eyebrows in case you plucked one too many in your lifetime or with age, we tend to start getting growth that is no longer fuller or longer in length. I’m so far so good when it comes to my lashes and thankfully I was blessed with both eyebrows that are as full as my lashes. I just wanted to enhance the look and also test how effective and how quick it worked. It took me 3 months to get Coconut oil to show it’s effects on my eyebrows when I read they need to be moisturized too. Eyebrow gels, cosmetics, and anything you use to temporarily darken or make your eyebrows look fuller and thicker……well, they tend to stress them out too. Yup, that means you get thinning and just loss of hairs and lashes, which then means you need more cosmetics to get the look you want that is being compromised by the product(s) you use (the never ending cycle).  I use a clear eyebrow gel and I noticed that my skin, plus the hairs get dehydrated over time. I then started to apply oils to my eyebrows but this is only something I can do at night, as oily eyebrows is not something I have heard is the “gotta have it” look at the moment :).

Ingredients (as listed on the website): Aqua (Water), Glycerine, Hydrolyed Starch Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract, Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Mannitol, Panthenol (D), Glutamic Acid (L), Xanthan Gum, Lecithin 1, 2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride Disodium Succinate, Tropolone, Phenoxyethanol, and Phytic Acid.

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Application:
Simple to apply and like anything you use in that area, just watch it when it comes to getting it in your eye. Hey, even Coconut oil hurts when it starts travelling into my eye! You simply take the wand and brush along the eye’s skin where your lashes start (the root, per say). One continuous stroke on each eye and done. You also apply the serum after freshly washing your face because the surface must be clean and free of anything else, like with most serums should be applied to any skin area (i.e. thinner product in texture gets applied first). You only use it once a day too, so it really is easy to work into any beauty regimen. For eyebrow use, the same application principle as your eyes applies and make sure the product dries and absorbs before applying anything else.

Retail Price Point: $39.75 via Amazon and one bottle lasts up to 6 months.

Verdict:
I added IncreduLASH to my nightly beauty routine and used it only once a day on my lashes. I use the product as a “spot corrector” on one eyebrow because I had an “oops” while plucking and created a spot that was missing 2 to 3 hairs. Yes, my spot would eventually yield hairs again but I’m a girl that has little patience when it comes to my boo-boos being corrected. The serum by VIDI states most start seeing results within 2 weeks. I can say by 2.5 weeks, my lashes felt and looked nicer. I had zero stragglers like when you have those mini lashes that began to grow and they are too short to notice before you apply mascara, but then obstruct your vision once you do! Those mini lashes drive me crazy and I then have to use the mascara wand’s tip to make them stick to a lash-buddy that is of normal length……I have also plucked them when they don’t play nice. Yes, it starts the process of growing again but I then hope the new lash heard the screams of the last lash being plucked and will behave :). It was nice not having to deal with shorties, so that was a definite positive that I saw from IncreduLASH’s results. I also found the texture of the hairs were enhanced I lost less when I curled my lashes and/or washed the mascara off. Sometimes I even lost none! Next, the spot on my eyebrow. What spot? By week three the spot was a thing of the pass and from my experience, it would take me a month and a half to see those mistakes show any hairs that are long enough and I did not need to blot some eyebrow pencil to cover it up. IncreduLASH does work and because you use so little product upon application, it makes the investment sting less when it comes to sticker price. I use less mascara and like this natural fuller lash look that did not need a doctor’s visit to get. I’m a DIY gal and especially when it comes to beauty solutions and IncreduLASH is a soultion that works, plus VIDI guarantees it!

Start your Summer with lashes that flutter and brows that WOW at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Save today and use promo code: TOMO2115 via Amazon and you get the tube for just $19.95! A $20 savings!! Code expires June 30th
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• #IncreduLASH
• #EyeLashes

****GIVEAWAY***** Details:

I will posting a giveaway soon, so stay posted but start by liking VIDI’s Facebook page and Twitter page, and leaving a comment on this review.  That means you have a head start on entering!!! 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from VIDI (IncreduLASH).  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Oz Naturals: 2.5% Retinol Serum with Astaxanthin and Vitamin E #Review #OzNaturals

 

The market is filled with ant-aging products and even though we have many too choose from, some rarely work. Like I have mentioned in past reviews, no oversight like in the supplement world, so most products just have to not hurt you and they are really overlooked and still being sold. I spent the last few weeks testing out serums to devices that help with aging skin. It’s so hard knowing I invested a few weeks and a product just did not deliver what was stated.

Thankfully, Oz Naturals was not one of them!

I love retinol and especially one that did not cost an office visit. Yes, the prescriptions are not as costly as one would think but the office visits cost money and refills require another office visit. It gets up there and I honestly do not feel I am need of the prescription strength, yet. I prefer to not over medicate my face because if I up the potency, I also up the side effects and with Summer around, I also up my chances of getting a red and peely face. I’m all for anti-aging but shedding skin like a lizard is not sexy no matter the bikini you wear!

Oz Naturals has a 2.5% retinol serum, which contains Astaxanthin and Vitamin E. The formula is a strong orange hue in color that always makes me think the retinol oxidized, as yellow is the first tinge you see when it does, followed by the orange color that comes after. Thankfully, this is just a coloring from the ingredients versus a serum going wonky and I prefer getting pass the color versus a dye being added to just calm my fears. That is what Oz Naturals does, it offers a natural approach to your skincare’s needs.

Ingredients (as listed on website): Organic Herbal Infusion, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), HamamelisVirginiana (Witch Hazel), Pentylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Organic SimmondsiaChinensis (Jojoba Oil), TriticumVulgare (Wheat Germ Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), WildcraftedResinaPropoli (Propolis), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

Astaxanthin: This was an ingredient that I had heard of but was not familiar with, as not any of my beauty products contain it. It’s a carotenoid and an antioxidant. It’s what they feed salmon when people for some reason want to see a pinker/orange hue in their fish. It does not convert to retionol (Vitamin A), however research which is still limited, has reflected it may aid with inflammation, oxidation and even UV damage. I like that it’s simple and as long as it’s derived naturally and not in it’s synthetic form, it has the potential to help and protect against oxidative (free-radical) aging skin.

Price Point: $24.99 for a 1 ounce bottle with a pump top, versus a dropper.  This bottle helps keep the air out and because it’s tinted, the glass keeps the light out too.

Verdict:
I love serums because my skin loves them. They absorb quickly and that means less residue and you don’t feel that heaviness that some creams tend to leave behind. Most serums play well with cosmetics and because I have increased my retinol use to both day and night use, just making sure I use sunscreen in the day to avoid redness or hyper-pigmentation issues. The latter part would kind of go against what I am trying to do (save my skin), so please don’t skip on your SPF. I used the serum for a total of 3 weeks and like always, I am going from one 2.5% retinol brand to another. I will notice if a product works if it does or does not maintain the progress I have previously achieved, and I can then measure if the new serum brings anything new to the party. Even though Oz Naturals is orange in color, it did not leave a orange colored goop that was hard to hide. My skin absorbed the serum with no problems! I did notice that my skin at week two had a nicer and more pleasant texture. My skin had a glow that the previous retinol serum did not add. It was not an oily glow but just a healthy one and because I suffer from horrible seasonal allergies, this is something that unfortunately always reflects on my face and sadly my skin. The glow I got sort of helped make me look healthier and less tired, so it took attention away from the signs of having bad allergies gives you. I’ll take it! Any serum that can do more than just deliver retinol is what I seek. I’m always looking to simplify my routine and I literally went from Oz Naturals 2.5% retinol serum to then moisturizer at night, and done! Just switch to an SPF moisturizer in the day and it’s the easiest and most effective duo I have found, so no excuses that you have no time for your skin. With Oz Naturals, you will only need 3 minutes to get what I consider a good anti-aging beauty regimen, so you can even do it while brushing your teeth 🙂

Oz Naturals offers a large assortment of Beauty products at:

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• #OzNaturals

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Oz Naturals.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

CellHealth Institute: HealthyCell® Supplement with over 90 Phytonutrients, Vitamins and Minerals; Morning and Evening formulas Review

I have never been a real believer of all-in-one products and this may be why I don’t take a multi-vitamin. All-in-ones in my opinion is like tossing everything a person may need and hoping for the best……that never ends right. Getting your nutrition via foods is optimal but I’m a realist and I know that can’t always be achieved. I go by my blood tests and thankfully I’m not lacking anywhere and when I saw my doctor, my Vitamin D was satisfactory and in the good range of the scale, but not what he considered to be “optimum” in rage. I started to investigate and really tried to get a range (number) on where a female my age should be and let’s say of course the Vitamin D council stated more than any lab found to be satisfactory in levels. Getting a “real story” depends on who you talk to and in the end I just took 1/2 a pill more to see if when my range changed I felt any positive benefits because I don’t want to take more than needed, when my results from the lab said I was fine, except for a physician that wanted me to be in an “optimal range”…..and of course the pills he sold through his website were pure-er than what is sold on the market! I changed my primary doctor by the way 🙂 .

I do believe certain nutrients can enhance how you feel to even how your skin glows. I call this “tweeking” and seeing if I feel and/or see results. I’m game in tweeking because I do it when I cook and I also apply the same thinking when I use beauty products. A little of this or that can make a difference both in energy levels to how you feel and look, BUT as long as you keep in mind what you are taking, sources and read clinical reports even as boring as they may seem, you just don’t want to waste $$$ on products that yielded little to no results against a placebo.

HealthyCell sent me a 30-day supply (120 pills) of their Phytonutrients, Vitamins and Minerals formula. The formulation is divided between 60 morning pills and 60 evening pills. I stagger my vitamins and minerals intake through out the day already, so my body doesn’t just purge my daily dosage overage within a few hours. I sort of feed it as the day passes in small doses. The morning formula supports energy and mental focus, while the PM formula supports restful sleep. I turn the box over and I must say the pills are filled with everything you can think of and then more. Every vitamin, mineral, down to the “free radical” complexes are broken down and everything is listed down to proprietary mixes being disclosed as to what they are. For example, you have Bioperine, which is a registered trademark and CellHealth made sure to list Black-pepper fruit extract right by it and I found that oddly forthcoming when it comes to the supplement world of today! They stick a trademark and proprietary blend and how can you compare one to the competitors when the contents can be legally kept hush? Sort of makes it hard knowing who to trust enough when it comes to ingesting a pill, powder, tablet to liquid form anything.

The guessing game was sort of squashed by the CellHealth Institute with their HealthyCell product but does it work?

Ingredients (as listed on the website): VITAMINS: Vitamin A (natural beta-carotene) Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) Vitamin D (ergocalciferol) Vitamin E (natural tocopherols) Vitamin K (phylloquinone) Thiamin (thiamin pyrophosphate) Riboflavin Niacin (niacinamide) Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) Folate (folic acid) Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) Biotin Pantothenic acid – MINERALS: Calcium Iodine (potassium iodide & from kelp) Magnesium (magnesium oxide and glycinate) Zinc (zinc glycinate) Selenium (selenomethionine) Copper (copper lysinate) Manganese (manganese gluconate) Chromium Molybdenum (sodium molybdate) – TELOMERE NUTRIENTS: Purslane extract Turmeric root extract Cayenne pepper fruit Vanadium Fenugreek seed Milk thistle seed extract Borage seed oil Evening primrose oil – CALORIE RESTRICTION NUTRIENTS: Trans-resveratrol 99% Pterostilbene Fisetin Alpha-lipoic acid Coenzyme Q10 Betaine HCl Sulfur L-Carnitine tartrate Acetyl-L-carnitine HCl – ANTI-OXIDANTS: Anthocyanins Ginkgo biloba leaf extract Broccoli, kale, radish concentrate Grape skin extract Tomato lycopene extract Rosemary 4:1 extract Pine bark extract Lutein Green barley grass – DNA REPAIR: Melatonin Inositol hexaphosphate Mustard green extract Quercetin dihydrate – STEM CELL MAINTENANCE: Chlorella algae Spirulina algae Klamath blue-green algae Fucoxanthin seaweed Brown seaweed extract – CELL REGULATION: Gotu kola leaf Green tea extract DMAE bitartrate Cordyceps sinensis extract Green coffee bean extract L-Glutamine L-Theanine 5-HTP Jujube seed extract Taurine L-Arginine L-Ornithine Herbal sleep blend (passion flower, lemon balm, chamomile flower & poppy seed) Red algae extract – ABSORPTION ENHANCERS: Bacillus coagulans Black pepper fruit extract Astragalus membranaceus Panax notoginseng Triphala Artichoke leaf extract Amylase Neutral protease Cellulase Lactase Lipase

Verdict:
I took the pills as directed and removed any minerals and vitamins that echoed what I was taking prior. I was just left with taking prescribed medications because HealthyCell covered everything from the L-Arginine I was taking to my vitamins and minerals. The first few days I felt no difference until I noticed on the 8th day, I was sleeping better and waking up at the same time; 10 minutes before the alarm rang. I sort of enjoy this rather than being awoken to an annoying ring and this allowed me to get up more alert. As the days passed, I did notice improvement in my energy level and realize I was taking 1/2 a caffeine pill prior to taking HealthyCell because I was experiencing difficulties when it came to getting going in the AM hours. Noon would hit and not much was accomplished and I was not satisfied with that. The combination of HealthyCell’s ingredients in the pills improved my performance and I had forgotten I had taken out the caffeine boost, because I just did not feel the lag. Being able to accomplish what I wanted to do and being satisfied with my performance and energy level, it resulted in being in a better mood. Just getting restful sleep can improve your mood and I thank HealthyCell for that. The only supplemental food that I have in the morning with my breakfast, is flax seed. I enjoy the digestion benefits from the fiber to the Omega-3 fatty acids. I still continued eating Flax seed both whole and ground, even though there are ingredients that fulfill the nutritional values and benefits in HealthyCell, I just enjoy the taste and texture my yogurt gets from the seeds.

Retail Price Point: $29.90 via Amazon for a box that yields a 30-Day supply of 120 pills (60 in the AM and 60 for PM use).  User of the product takes 2 pills in the morning and 2 pills in the evening.

Connect with the CellHealth Institute and check-out HealthyCell at:

• CellHealthy On-line
• HealthyCell on-line
• Amazon
• #HealthyCell
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I received the above product(s) free of charge from HealthyCell.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Cozyna: Ceramic Burr Coffee Grinder Review #CozynaGrinder #Cozyna

I have been expanding my tea and coffee collection when it comes to devices, tools, and just trying to simplify the process of making the best brew possible. I learned with time that the most expensive devices do not always outperform the simple and most common methods used, and this even comes to grinding coffee beans. I don’t want to waste 15 minutes cleaning out tools and machines to enjoy a cup of coffee for five minutes.

We have a plug-in grinder by a major manufacturer and when it’s time to clean it out and dry it, all the parts make this a hassle and takes me 20 minutes from start to finish and this is even me being conservative with the time it takes the basin to air dry. I stopped using it to just keep it clean! With spring around the corner, it was donated to a better home where maybe someone will actually reap the benefits of using it. I started reading on grinders and ceramic ones seemed to have the most satisfactory ratings and they are simple to use, clean and keep handy.

Cozyna uses a stainless-steel body and this not only looks gorgeous but most importantly, it’s easy to keep clean and the object is sturdy to use, hold in hand and will provide you with many years of use versus a plastic body grinder. Odors also do not stick to stainless steel, so no worries if the grinder gets a splash from tomato sauce and then smelling it every time you touch it. The best part was being able to customize the grind to fit with the roast, type of beans and just my taste. I’m not limited and it’s not like my other grinder that required sometimes two run to just achieve the texture I desired because it tended to bind at the end, and start missing chunks of beans. Not a great start in the morning when you are sifting through coffee to try to re-grind what was missed. Not having to unscrew the grinder and just setting it via the knob makes it as easy as using a pepper mill!

Retail Price Point: $29.99 via Amazon

Results:
I currently have a steam machine to produce coffee and teas in and a french press as well. Again, part of simplifying the kitchen from the tools I have and actually use, versus just “things” that I owned and just stored. It’s amazing how much room I have now and best of all, I can easily access the things that I actually need without trying to stack, move and just become slightly frustrated by stuff that just collected dust. I wanted a medium to fine grind for a bean that had a medium roast. I added the beans and the Cozyna grinder is easy to hold and did not cramp the inside of my hand. Very few binds were experienced, so the ceramic burrs do the job and I was extremely satisfied with the final product. The grounds had a uniform look and texture, the smell made you eager to start brewing, and I can easily say the Cozyna grinder produced a better final product than my plug-in grinder. Simple to clean, store and use, so I could not ask for anything more! Well, maybe a lock on the top handle, as when grinding with gusto, it tends to pop off. But that’s just picking nits.

Connect with Cozyna and simplify your life at:

• On-line
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• #CozynaGrinder
• #Cozyna

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Cozyna.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Xtava: The Essential Brushes Kit; Make-up/Cosmetic Brushes 7 piece set with carrying case #Review #Xtava

I have a large assortment of cosmetic brushes and price point does not guarantee a brush will perform well or even last with proper care. I have had free ones sent by cosmetic companies, brushes I bought a la carte, to full sets I purchased at Costco and let us not forget the make-up counter at department stores. This taught me a lot about how a brush is made matters and where a synthetic one is needed for such application and where a “real hair” one will only do. Some companies blend some of the tips to give you the best of both worlds (i.e. synthetic with real), so I am not closed minded to those either. My motto is to always have two of each style I can count on and if one does not work, it gets used in an art project or if it has no hope (drops every bristle ever put on it’s pretty little head), it gets sent into the trash can. The last thing I want is looking like a cat lady with bristles all over me when I don’t even own a cat!

Xtava is a company I have reviewed for in the past, so when they offered their make-up brushes for review, this was a new territory for me. I have reviewed hair tools but not cosmetic ones and you bet I was eager to see what they were all about!

When the box arrived from Xtava, I loved the carrying case because each brush has a home. I have 3 carrying cases and learned this is the best way to keep the bristles from getting damaged or picking up anything that may be looming in your cosmetic bag, train case or even drawer. It also ends the hunting game in finding the one you need, like that eye-liner (slanted one) that likes to hide because sticks on brushes look all alike when you woke up late in the morning to get ready.

Xtava supplied me with seven gorgeous brushes:

1. Large Powder Brush- for foundation powders to setting/finishing powders
2. Medium Foundation Brush- that I use for my wet foundation and to blend out any concealer I went to heavy on
3. Contour Brush- that can be used as a blush one too and/or with bronzers and luminizers
4. Eye-shadow Brush- which is the perfect width to apply shadows, both wet and dry
5. Blending Brush- that I use to define the arch above my eye to blending out creases and let us not forget the perfect smokey eye look
6. Angle Brush- that saves me money and creates a better look when you use your eye-shadow to create your own eyeliner and/or can be used to set powder/wax on your eyebrows
7. Lip Brush- which collapses so if need be and is perfect in size to carry in your purse

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When the brushes arrived, I quickly washed them and set them out to air dry. The following day, I began playing and applying a variety of versions of the same cosmetics I have. I used baked eye-shadows, loose powder to the type you just dab and don’t blend. The eye-shadow brush did well with all, as did the blending one. The blending one was also good at applying concealer and highlighter to the upper arch area of my eye. Both brushes I washed in between uses and after use, and I only saw one shed one bristle onto a towel when I dried it. The tips of the brushes always went back to their original shape each time after use and wash.

When it came to the foundation brush, I tend to blend best with my fingers but always touch up under my eyes with a foundation brush. The Xtava one performed just as well as my $50 one from Prescriptives. I could not tell the difference between the side I used one or the other.

The large powder brush dropped a few bristles (3 whole and one sectioned) but I attribute it to being new. I do not use face powder with tint, but more of a finishing and setting powder that goes over my foundation and only in my T-zone areas. I was happy with the application but this was the only brush out of the entire set that I was luke-warm about. I did not dislike it or love it, but it gets kept just in case my favorite one fails me one day.

The contour brush, I used to apply bronzer to my cheeks and a little on my nose, chin and forehead. I just like to slightly warm up my face but never to achieve any fake-o tan look. The brush picked up each time the proper amount of powder and distributed it evenly.

The angle brush, I used to apply a wet baked shadow to create both a “cat’s eye” and to apply half way to the bottom lashes using dry eye-shadow. The brush did what I told it to do and that is a plus in my book. I know I can always correct using q-tips but I aim when doing my own line, to never need it. I slightly arched the ends and the liner applied beautifully on top. When it came to my bottom lashes, I used a shimmery shadow and opted to not wet the product, again the brush blotted nicely to where I wanted the shadow with zero flecks jumping onto my cheeks. This is my favorite and will be replacing a frayed one of the same kind that needs to go to brush heaven!

Last but not least, the lip brush. I use lipsticks, tints and glosses and sometimes even powder to create the look I want. Half the time I only know I start with a lip balm first to hydrate my lips while I do my make-up and then I throw everything (blotting in between a few times) until I create the look I want. I used the brush and I’m sure with all the above products but I got so much into my make-up, that all I know is I washed it when I finished and then realized, “oh, I was using the new brush”. That is a good thing because it means it did not disrupt “the process” and did what I wanted it to, when I need it to.

Verdict:
For $20 the only other set that surprised me and I still have brushes from years later, is a set I purchased at Costco that was being cleared out by a major brand. It’s one of those things I had to grab then because that chance and price point would never come to fruition ever again. It’s nice to know that Xtava does not believe in bleeding the pocket book like so many other companies do. It’s economical and 4 of the brushes performed as well as my expensive branded ones and even my favorite ones. There was no difference other than the price point and I only mind that when it’s a lot and thankfully with Xtava, it’s not. 🙂

Connect with Xtava and all their products at:

• On-line
• The Essential Brushes 7 brush kit
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #MakeUpBrushes
• #Xtava

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Xtava.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Body Merry: Retinol Surge Moisturizer #Review #BodyMerry

Body Merry has been a guest over here in the past and always welcomed! Like you don’t need to call before you arrive type of guest 🙂 and it’s because I really enjoy using their products. They work and who doesn’t like using stuff that shows results because my beauty regimen is not just for fun……I’m sort of on the run from the tick-tock clock of time. I enjoy the memories with people and experiences, just don’t wrinkle me!

I was sent Body Merry’s Retinol Surge Moisturizer. It’s an all-in-one product that can be used by itself as a last layer application or you can amp your routine by using a serum and then a thin layer of Body Merry’s Surge Moisturizer. The product offers:

• 2.5% Retinol in a cream form
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B5
• Green Tea

Ingredients (as listed on website): Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Sunflower Oil, Palm Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E), Plant Derived Hyaluronic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Jojoba Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Wildcrafted Propolis, Shea Butter, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid.

The moisturizer really covers everything from giving you an instant boost from the green tea, uses Aloe Vera versus water as it’s base and you have nourishing agents like Shea Butter, Jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Body Merry goes one step further by making sure their Hyaluronic acid is derived from plants and let us not forget the major player here, the 2.5% percentage of retinol. The product is all packed in a pump action bottle, so no air, light or even bacteria can easily come in contact. That to me is insurance on your purchase!

Application:
A one pump serving was enough for me to cover the areas I wanted to treat on my face because I have combination skin and that means some areas get more moisturizer than others. I then had enough to treat my neck and chest area because people tend to over focus on the face when the rest of your body can also show aging. I applied the product under make-up and never had issues of my foundation not looking right hours later or even problems with blending. The acids in the moisturizer keep everything in check. Make sure to use SPF (even though you should already be) because retinol products may make skin sensitive to the sun, plus why damage the skin you are trying to take care of.

Retail Price Point: $23.49 via Amazon or $24.99 via their website for a generous 3.4 fluid ounce bottle.

Verdict:
Like with all of Body Merry’s products so far, I am happy with the results and the price point. I got tired of OTC products not declaring the percentage of retinol in their products and just taking their word that there was even a significant amount to make a difference. I might as well squeeze a bottle down the sink if it’s not going to work! With Body Merry products, everything is forthcoming and no proprietary blends to hide behind. Body Merry tells you what you are getting, how it’s going to work and what to expect, plus goes beyond and adds a satisfaction guarantee. No hassles and I like exchanges like that because the beauty world should not be complicated. We all want to look our best, we all can’t afford and/or don’t want to undergo surgery, so we just want stuff that works. Body Merry’s stuff works and that is something I (and my skin) truly appreciates.

Connect with Body Merry at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• #BodyMerry

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Body Merry.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

ISA Professional:100% USDA Organic (EVAO) Argan Cold Pressed Oil #ISAprofessional

I have reviewed several beauty related products from hair to skin items, which are infused with Argan oil. I am definitely a fan! I have also started to alternate from Coconut oil, Emu oil, and Argan oil when it comes to applying to my lashes and hair. I figure each oil has it’s own benefits and like myself, I don’t like to eat the same thing everyday, so why not feed my hair, skin and nails a different meal too. I call it having a balanced diet!

To control the oil and added ingredients, I have not started to just seek oils that can be purchased as-is, with no additions. It’s the best way to make sure I am getting what I seek and ISA Professional provides you with 100% Argan oil.

What does ISA Professional’s Extra Virgin Argan oil (EVAO) offer:

• The oil is cold pressed to insure none of the benefits of the Argan tree kernel are lost or changed by a heat process.
• ISA goes further by providing a 100% USDA Organic product. No chemicals or pesticides that add undesired substances. You have what I call “clean farming” when it comes to the care of the trees and what they produce.
• You get an oil that is extra virgin, meaning that you get the press that contains the best of what the oil has to offer.
• ISA Professional also participates in Fair Trade practices. The Argan oil comes from a co-op of Berber women from Morocco.

What to Expect:
You can read on-line about all the vitamins and benefits, to even products I have reviewed in the past that contain the oil. Knowledge is great but it’s hard to know if an oil will work for you with how congested the beauty oil world has become. Everyone is fighting to make you shiny! Not all oils are equal and not all oils will perform well, with some even bringing negative factors that may not outweigh the benefits. You can have soft skin but some oils cause blemishes and clog pores, so pimples are never a plus no matter how smooth my skin may look. I have found that Argan oil as long as it’s the real thing like what you get from ISA Proffesional, does not cause these issues. The oil replenishes your skin’s cells with really little to no havoc, and this may be because so little is needed to reap the benefits and also achieve even coverage. You can use it as it comes and it really does feed your skin and leaves a nice layer of protection that slowly releases……almost like a time release capsule! I get breakouts from time to time and especially from fragrances, but never from Argan oil and this is even where you may be experiencing such issues like the chest, chin, t-zone, or anywhere. Don’t confuse being kind and light to not being strong (powerful) because Argan oil has given me the softest feet that need less maintenance but are already sandal ready! Your skin will improve and it’s economical, plus no gel caps to mess with like with Vitamin E oil that never gave me the Argan oil results.

ISA Professional’s EVAO oil is supreme in quality and not price with a 2 fluid ounce bottle retailing at: $28.50 via their website or on Amazon.

Uses:
I started using it on my feet and by day three, I had soft feet but by week one, I had nourished my feet (and toe nails) enough that they fooled you into thinking I used lotions on them everyday for years. My toe nails have zero polish but look beautiful, so it’s a true “nude” without the labor of polishing.  My feet’s skin color improved because the skin’s texture now matches in softness from top to bottom. I then started adding three drops while my hair is wet and once I blow-dry, I have a healthy shine and again a softness that only comes from Argan oil. My hair also builds less static because it’s not as dry to be able to create it. Forget cuticle oils when you can just add a few drops to your nails and then a couple more to punch up any hand lotion you have.

Simple to use and simple to incorporate into anyone’s beauty routine that I encourage you to try out the EVAO oil by ISA Professional:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• #ISAprofessional

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from ISA Professional.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.