I-Gruv: All Natural and Handmade Smart Dryer Balls #Review #IGruv

I’m the type of girl that takes the extra time and money when it comes to laundering needs.  I wash my jeans with mild detergents, always turn them inside out and I admit to owning and wearing clothing I had from High School and College.  I treat my clothes nicely because I want it to last and this applies to the $9 shirt to the shirts I paid more than I should have for.  This means I purchase the scent boosters for sheets and really invest in all the perks I can find that will make laundering successful.

Other than just adding a dryer sheet, nothing really special applies to drying other than the settings my dryer offers.  I’m a “delicate” abuser because I find that setting is gentle enough to make my clearance purchase last longer!  I always want to do more for my clothes and when I-Gruv offered their Smart Dryer Balls, I was game!

I-Gruv Smart Dryer Balls offer:

• 100% Handmade in New Zealand .
• 100% Natural fibers.
• Made with Wool, which is also Hypoallergenic.
• It’s Economical and also a Eco-Friendly way to dry your clothing.
• Gentle on Fabrics and you reduce your chemical use, which is always a plus for fabrics.
• Drying Times are shortened, meaning you get through laundering quicker and use less energy.  In other words, they save you money.

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Verdict:

 Reviewing these is easy because it’s a product that works or does not.  It was odd to add 3 Smart Dryer Balls to the wet clothes, turn on the machine and walk away.  I used the auto-setting, which tells the dryer to tell me when the cycle is finishing.  My biggest problem is our sheets and comforters.  I have to constantly go in and move the load around for it to dry evenly and effectively.  It’s not labor intensive but a pain when you are doing other tasks around the house, so I tend to forget and then open the dryer’s door to find 1/2 a wet comforter but of course in spots…..never the same side.  I wanted to know how Smart these Dryer Balls are, so I threw the I-Gruv balls to the hardest load and most troublesome I encounter.  In went the all the bed sheets, three balls and I walked away.  The cycle rung at 42 minutes and this is for a queen size fitted sheets, a flat sheet and 4 pillow case.  I laughed like the Dryer told me a joke!  Yeah, my dryer has a sense of humor.  I went to open the door like an automated robot, read to start readjusting the load and then realized that there were no wet patches.  I started to move the load around like I’m looking for change in a couch and no matter where I flipped, touched……no wet spots.  My dryer finally did it’s job and the sheets were perfectly dry and ready to make the bed with.  For once I’m hurrying around trying to make the bed rather than standing at the laundry room’s door waiting for it to tell me again it’s done when it is not.  No extra static because I was concerned that two different materials tossing together could create some.  No odd odors from the balls because they are 100% natural and no extra wrinkles.  Just a perfect set of sheets, dry, and ready to go!

Retail Price Point: $18.74 for a 6-pack on Amazon, that comes with a storage pouch.

Okay, I was not a believer of such things but now I am!  They Smart Dryer Balls from I-Gruv do make some level of noise and this depends on the size of load they are drying.  I call it singing because I prefer adjusting myself to a few bouncy noises and knowing my clothes are perfectly dry after just one cycle.  If the noise bothers, just make sure the load is large enough or do what I do, I only run the dryer when everyone is awake and it bothers no one 🙂

Connect with I-Gruv at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• #IGruv

I received the above product(s) free of charge from I-Gruv.  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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The Japanese Konjac Sponge: Green Tea Puff Review #KonjacSponge

I’m still on my Konjac sponge binge because they really perform so well. My skin has improved dramatically and I attribute it to being able to achieve gentle exfoliation on a daily basis, with zero irritations or adverse effects. Not all natural items agree with us, however the Konjac root really is so gentle and kind to the surface of my skin, that I can report less blemishes and just overall a better glowing complexion.

I learned this past week that not all sponges are created equal and a few days back had to unfortunately give negative remarks to a charcoal one that did not seem it was derived from what was noted. Not this time! I can easily report that I think I found the company to stick with. You know! The company that actually uses and makes a great product that is still 100% natural……that company is, The Japanese Konjac Sponge.

First, you will see just by how the product is made, stored and shipped to the consumer that this puff is on a whole other level. The Konjac sponge is nicely crafted and larger in circumference from the other brands I have tried. I have also learned through observation on how the “milling/grinding” of the vegetable root is done really makes the difference. Those air bubbles on this sponge are small and tight, just like I want the pores on my face to be! The Japanese Konjac Sponge company also has a huge array of sponges that are infused again with 100% natural ingredients to fit your needs:

• Bamboo Charcoal
• Cherry Blossom
• Green Tea
• Pure White
• Wild Mint
• Citrus Fruits
• All the above selections are also available in larger sizes for the Body.

I wish I found this company before because I was so happy with my first Konjac sponge, which I tried several months ago and that “Konjac High” started to fade when I noticed that respecting what you produce and make is not something everyone takes seriously. I started to feel the sponge was being treated as a fad and not really what it is, a product that works without gimmicks. You may see infusions to optimize performance but the base product has to be solid and The Japanese Konjac Sponge company produces one solid and great quality product that as of today, has outperformed all other brands I have tried.

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Retail Price Point: $11.65 for facial sponges and just $13.90 for the Body puffs via their website.  Visit Amazon and score this awesome sponge for $11.00!

Results:

I was kindly given the green tea version that is suitable for oily and combination skin types. My T-Zone has been acting up as the days warm up and my routinely normal skin areas have actually been more towards the dry side. On my first use, my skin is immediately evened out. The sponge feels solid in weight and balances nicely in my hand because of how well the vegetable root is packed and shaped. It’s soft on my skin and when I rinse my face, I notice I have an even skin tone and the green tea balanced my skin beautifully. I pat dry with a towel and 5 minutes later, my skin air drys and does not feel ultra-dry and stretched out, but just normal. Still soft to the touch and a nice glow but I can’t get pass the even complexion it left. I’m not blotchy and I remain like this for hours because I went with zero moisturizers to see if the green tea would dry me out. It did not!

Ingredients: 100% Konjac Glucomannan, Japanese Green Tea Extract, and Green Clay. The product is also handmade in Japan.

Final Verdict:

All these sponges orbit the $10 price point and some fluctuate up towards $12, with $18 being the highest I have seen. As most are $10, let me tell you that your face and safety of what you are using is worth the extra $1.65 here! The Japanese Konjac Sponge company takes care in production, they have a website that is full of information that is well written and easy for the consumer to learn how and what Konjac sponge will fit their needs. They have a web presence and coming from the girl that has tested all these 100% natural products, they are truly not all 100% equal so go with the best I have found so far, The Japanese Konjac Sponge Company.

Find the Konjac Sponge that fits your needs at:

• On-line
• Green Tea Konjac Sponge Link
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Amazon
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Google+
• YouTube

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from The Japanese Konjac Company.  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.

I’ve made a SoulKu Connection

 

After a short stay-cation I have jumped back into my blog with both feet, and I hope to hit the ground running with SoulKu. I love their intimate approach to “feel-good” jewelry and their dedication to sustainability and human interaction. So let’s begin.

“Soul-Full of Light” is the theme of this batch of beauties, and. I’m just over the moon with how cute, delicate these little pieces are. I got to take 3 of them out for a test run, and my favorite has got to be Cracked Agate. As the card it was attached to states, it’s full of love and positivity and is steeped in “positivity, self-confidence and clarity”. While I can’t directly attribute the good vibes I felt to the necklace specifically, I can say with absolute clarity that it certainty didn’t hurt in those steps either.

 

 

My second favorite has got to be the Azure Blue Crystal. And while the card purports to “carry the energies of calm, inspiration and spirituality”, I can attest to the fact that it’s just darling around my neck, so the rest to me is a big bonus. Faceted to reflect the light, it’s a sight to behold on bright, sunny California days.

 

Last but by no means least is the Noreena Jasper. The card it was attached to says that it’s imbued with the “power to support,grounding, release of negative energies, and freedom”, I’ll state that it’s also imbued with a rich earthy beauty that just looks too cute around your neck. Almost like a cacao bean, I had to be careful hubby didn’t try to snack on it.

 

 

All three pieces come on a golden gossamer thread with metal clasps, and on thoughtful, inspirational cards, and in your choice of 16″, 17″, or 18″ lengths. 10% of each sale goes directly to Women for Women International, a worthwhile charity if there ever was one. I highly recommend clicking that link to learn more.

 

 

Like every other SoulKu piece sold, as well as the previous ones I’ve reviewed, the emphasis is on making, nurturing and maintaining personal relationships. Too often we get caught up in our digital lives, and forget that we’re physical creatures that crave touch, talk, and interaction, on a physical and spiritual level. With all the hustle and bustle in our lives, sometimes we can unintentionally forgo what should  matter the most to us:. Each other. SoulKu wants to remind us, with their jewelry, Eco-friendly cards, and simple envelopes that in the end, reaching out and touching someone matters more that whatever “update” our myriad of devices tell us are happening all day, every day. Thanks for that, SoulKu. I hope each and every one of you has the chance to be “reminded” by them as well.

 

Make a connection with SoulKu:

• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On Pinterest
• On Followgram
• Or on the Web!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from SoulKu.  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.

I SoulKu, Do You Too?

When I was contacted by SoulKu to review a few of their pieces, I was flattered. While I get to try a lot of yummy treats, awesome face and body products,  as well as wonderful cosmetics, things I can hold fast to are not that common. SoulKu was nice enough of send 5 different pieces, as well as other little treats for me to share. More on that later.

For now, let’s dive into my first 2 SoulKu pieces, the SoulKu Intention Necklaces. This is a fabulous, fresh twist on an old idea: daily affirmation cards. The idea here is that you write your goal, idea, or inspiration on the card, put it somewhere you’ll always see it, and have a pretty little reminder around your neck all day as well. How cool is that? SoulKu also went the extra mile and made sure your necklaces are infused with the power of either Amethyst (for empowerment & achievement) or Amazonite (for inspiration & hope), so you can choose which power stone you feel best suits your daily need.  Priced at $21, you could easily make both part of your routine. Not feeling the need for amethyst or Amazonite? How about Carnelian (for motivation) or Sodalite (for self-esteem)? There’s really something for everyone. Each 16 , 17, or 18 inch necklace has 5 5-6 millimeter faceted stones hand threaded on a golden nylon cord, with silver-plate hardware. Made in Asheville, North Carolina, this is a “Made in the U.S.A.” product that you’ll be proud to wear prominently. It’s a simple piece that goes with any look or style. Understated and delicate, but still eye-catching.

Even the Intention Cards are well thought out, and eco-friendly. The packages are eco-friendly. They are committed to using local vendors where possible, they donate a portion of each sale to various charities… I mean, do these people have their stuff together or what? Even the number of stones is chosen to maximize the good vibrations this little beauty provides. And did I mention? It just looks great too.

Everything here is clearly thought through, as (to quote their website):

“… SoulKu & Infinite Possibilities

The word “Ku” in Japanese translates to “a place of infinite possibility.” We like to think of our company as just that, “A place where, guided by our soul’s calling, anything is possible.” Our products reflect that idea and are meant to inspire deeper connection and action in others… ”

How ’bout that?

SoulKu is all about personal connections. Keeping things close, inspiring others, giving back. Human touch in an impersonal world. That’s an idea we should all get behind. We spend far too long staring at out various sundry screens and not enough time interacting with the world and the people around us. While it might be a lot to ask of one pretty little necklace to help us all reach out and just touch the person next to us instead of texting them, it sure is a nice thing to remind us to start.

Make a connection with SoulKu:

• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On Pinterest
• On Followgram
• Or on the Web!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from SoulKu.  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.

Soul Journey’s Strength of Tiger’s Eye, and It’s GORGEOUS!

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Okay, stop rocking out in your head to that Survivor song from the 80’s. This isn’t about that. It’s about Soul Journey Jewelry and another stunner of a bracelet I was lucky enough to get to review. This time, It’s about Personal Power and the Tiger’s Eye gemstone. Sourced primarily from South Africa, Tiger’s Eye is gemologically-speaking a member of the extended quartz family. Noted for it’s silky-smooth sheen, Tiger’s Eye is also noted for it’s chatoyancy, or “cat’s eye effect”. Due to this, the sheen from a Tiger’s eye gem will be slightly different when viewed from different angles. Tiger’s Eye has been renowned for centuries for it’s ability to grant the wearer strength, insight, spiritual balance, mental focus and confidence. Roman soldiers even used to wear it to grant them protection in battle! Thought to help with a number of ailments including asthma and heart disease, it is sometimes a gift to one known to be in ill health. This beauty is paired with onyx, also from the quartz family. Onyx is said to increase one’s power, focus, resistance and confidence. Finally, rounding out your gemstone power trio is Golden Agate, prized from the dawn of civilization for it’s beauty and thought to grant protection, strength, and brings a grounding to the wearer. There is some serious juju running through your wrist wearing this bracelet, and thanks to Jill Boylan, you can look stunning wearing it too.  With the stacking fashion craze in right now, I love stacking these on my wrist to get a very stunning look.  There is not a time I go out with Soul Jewelry bracelets and not get asked about them!

Like all of Jill’s creations, this is handcrafted in the U.S.A., in California. Made to order of the finest hand-selected gemstones available. Matched for color and clarity, this bracelet alternates between smooth and faceted gems, all bound lovingly together with hand-knotted nylon thread. Graduating from 10mm gems, to 8mm, and fully adjustable from 7″-9 1/2″, it will fit any wrist. You can see and feel the love that went into creating each piece of Soul Journey Jewelry, and I feel that Jill’s creations are worth the investment.

Connect with Soul Journey Jewelry and view their extensive selection at:

• Online
• Through Facebook
• Through Twitter
• On Pinterest

For a limited time, get 50% off on any purchase via their on-line store using Promo Code: sj50 

I received the above product free of charge from Soul Journey Jewelry.  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.