Leather Nova Cleaners and Conditioners Review

 

I have quite a few leather goods in my home. From furniture, to purses and wallets, jackets and shoes, to even nick-nacks. Caring for leather goods properly isn’t always easy. Every knows someone, or has experienced it themselves…the sticky leather. The greasy leather, the cracked, stiff, dried leather. It can be heart-breaking. Enter Leather Nova and it’s trio of superb products. Never greasy, never sticky, and always on point.

I started with the Leather Nova Spray Cleaner. A pH balanced, no-rinse cleaner made of the highest grade, non-toxic polymers, and free from harsh detergents and chemicals. Made in the USA and even comes with a free microfiber towel to apply. It has a pleasant, leather-ey smell and isn’t harsh on my hands, either. I know this because I have a habit of applying these types of cleaners with my bare hands. It quickly brought up all the little bits of dirt and grime on hubby’s favorite chair, and wiped clean away with a towel. The surface felt smooth, clean and smelled fresh. So far, so good.

Retail Price Point: $17.96 via Amazon

Next up is Leather Nova’s Ultimate Leather Protector Conditioner. Also made in the USA for non-toxic, high grade polymers, and like the cleaner, free from harsh detergents and chemicals. It goes on thick (using the included microfiber applicator and, again, my hand) but spreads easily. It was very shiny and had me quite worried, but a careful reading of the directions says to leave it on for an hour and then buff the excess away. After a hour I buff with a soft cloth. Hubby’s chair didn’t look this snazzy when we brought it home from Krause’s! And the smell is almost showroom new. No little cloth fibers left behind from buffing, just a soft, smooth, supple leather chair that even I can now enjoy sitting in. It even lessened the appearance for the two surface scratches in the seat cushion. Two for two!

Retail Price Point: $19.77 via Amazon

Last up is the Leather Nova Cleaner & Conditioner. Made to the same standards of the stand alone cleaner and conditioner product, it was, sadly, my least favorite of the the three. I followed the directions to a tee, but felt that the two separate products did a far superior job of both cleaning and conditioning the leather. I could see this being used as a “touch up” or follow-up treatment after using the other two products first to deep clean and condition, but as a stand alone product it felt lacking. It worked well on Hubby’s wallet, and an old purse of mine that had seen better days (it may even work it’s way back into the rotation again!). But where it really shined was an old leather jacket I’d given hubby back when we were dating. He’s used and abused it, even one year where it was used to take our little dog out to do her business. In the rain. And then left in the garage to dry. After an all-over treatment from Leather Nova’s Cleaner & Conditioner, it felt better than the day I gave it to him. Many, many, many (like, a lot of) years ago. And now with many more years to come. So while it wasn’t my favorite of the three, it still did an outstanding job on it’s own.

Retail Price Point: $15.97 via Amazon

Leather Nova seems to have a passion for leather (not like that, dirty birds), and takes it’s products serious. It offers a 90 day, no questions asked guarantee, too. Use the product for up to 90 days and if you’re unsatisfied for any reason at all, contact them for a full and prompt refund. Environmentally friendly and manufactured in small batches to ensure quality, I am impressed with the dedication and devotion shown to their products.

Get in touch with Leather Nova via:

• Their website
• Facebook
• Google+
• Amazon.com

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Leather Nova.  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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InstaNatural: Cellulite Cream #Review #InstaNatural

InstaNatural is a company which features a large array of beauty products that range from serums, masks to products that target problem areas that suffer from stretch marks, scars to cellulite. You can get all your beauty needs satisfied with InstaNatural, as they have hair products to even supplements! If you sign-up on their site for the Club Discount, you get an instant 15% off. Need to save more? Order $25 worth of beauty products that are guaranteed to work, as they all covered by the InstaNatural 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee and get free shipping. Nothing to lose than some fine lines, blemishes and better skin for 2015!

InstaNatural: Cellulite Cream

This product is part of their Body Creams collection and helps with everything from the cellulite to the dimples a person may suffer from. You get a boost from:

• Caffeine- Derived from green tea, which provides you with instant firming and lifting results
• Retinol- allows the skin to resurface at a quicker pace, lessening the appearance of the cellulite/dimples
• Cocoa Butter- softens and also helps keep the skin looking beautiful
• Shea Butter- allows the “newer” skin to get a healthy amount of nutrients and moisture
• Vitamin C- helps your skin hold more moisture and gives it a healthy glow (brightens)
• Vitamin B5- helps to keep skin soft and healthy, but also provides a smoother look
• All products at InstaNatural are made in the USA and never animal tested

Retail Price Point: $23.75 for a 5 ounce bottle with a pump top

Ingredients list (as posted on the site): Deionized Water, Organic Aloe Vera, Glyceryl Stearate (Plant Derived), Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Safflower Seed Oil, Witch Hazel, Bladderwrack (Fescues Vesiculosus), Caffeine, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Castor Seed Oil, Fragrance, Stearic Acid (Plant Derived), Sunflower Seed Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Green Tea, Sage Extract (Salvia Officinale), Cinnamon Extract (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum C. Cassia), Retinol, Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Vitamin E (d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Organic Hempseed Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Bayberry (Myrica Cerifera), Bugleweed (Lycopus Virginicus), Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus Aceleatus), Cayenne (Capsicum Annum), Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum Procumbens), Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis), Elder Flower (Sambucus Spp), Ginger (Zingiber Officinale), Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxycantha), Shea Butter, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Wildcrafted Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense), Organic Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica), Algae Extract, Japanese Green Tea Leaf Extract, Palm Oil, Decyl Glucoside (plant derived), Glyceryl Caprylate (Natural Preservative), Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide (pH Modifier), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservative), Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Extract (Natural Preservative)

Application- The product works best when applied twice a day, just like a facial skincare regimen. You apply the cream to skin that is clean and dry. You simply pump out the amount needed and apply to your thighs, stomach, legs, and anywhere you wish to address! Use a healthy amount of motion to make sure the cream penetrates and the caffeine hits those targeted areas. I went with a deep massage and allowed the cream to fully dry before dressing.

What to Expect- Cellulite is one of those attributes you hear everyone has but that does not make you love it, or much less accept it. While over-the-counter products will not fully remove the appearance of the skin, it certainly can diminish it. I’m all for zapping it any way I can and InstaNatural’s Cellulite cream does aid with this pesky little problem. Thank the healthy amount of Caffeine in the product because it not only minimizes the appearance but provides you with instant results. You get to see a difference on the first day but it does not stop there. The cream has a nice amount of moisturizers like Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter, which penetrate and soften the appearance of the cellulite and surrounding skin. Then comes the Retinol punch that helps in not only repairing but rejuvenation, and by this I mean, it helps the “turn-over” process of shedding our “damaged” looking skin quicker.  The Retinol helps produce a less marked skin in less time than if not used! The cellulite/dimple mark will still be present but with continual use, you can achieve a minimizing look and the finer lines will be less visible, along with the dimples. I found the cream to not only help moisturize and produce softer and a more supple skin’s surface, but it also produced a more firmer appearance that was visible to the eye and touch. I am all for the instant results and especially as the days get warmer and the bikini is due to come out!

Connect with InstaNatural and their large array of Beauty products at:

• Online
• Product’s Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+

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

Petunia Skincare: Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Moisturizing Serum #Review #PetuniaSkincare

I have been wanting to incorporate Vitamin C into my skin care regimen after doing some research. In the following weeks, I will be reviewing products that will focus around brands that deliver to your skin the maximum Vitamin C and hoping to see positive results. You can read my post on my research at- Topical Vitamin C use in Beauty Products Research and Information

My third product to try, is by Petunia Skincare. This Vitamin C product has Hyaluronic Acid and a short ingredient list, which is always welcoming. Other features from this like kind products that differs from previous ones reviewed, is that this one comes with a nice pump top versus a dropper. This allows the serum to get zero light when in use and/or air to help the oxidation process along; causing the active ingredient to become inert. So far Petunia Skincare has thought ahead of other manufactures.

Petunia Skincare carries a line of beauty serums to Derma rollers. A small collection, however Petunia Skincare remains focused in providing serums that aid with anti-aging and provide a powerful punch of moisture that our skin needs as we age! That’s a punch I’ll take!

Ingredients (as listed on their website):
Water, Neroli (Citrus Aurantium) Distillate, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Ferulic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid.

I also noticed that the ingredients differ from others I have covered, so I will highlight the new ones I have not addressed before.

• Neroli Water- A blossom originating from the Bitter Orange tree, which is usually used to create an oil. Due to the fragile like nature of the blossom, the oil is produced using a method called water distillation. This floral water is not only pleasant when it comes to scent but is also very refreshing to the skin. Usually used for it’s soothing and hydrating qualities.

• Ferulic Acid- A plant-based antioxidant, which helps neutralizes free radicals, may inhibit UV-induced skin discolorations, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Combining Ferulic Acid with L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), helps amplify the protecting effects these two ingredients have. Think of it as making it more powerful!

Directions:
If using toner, apply before serum. Apply on clean and damp face. Follow with regular skincare regimen and lastly, apply moisturizer to secure optimum moisture in the skin.

I tried Petunia Skincare’s Moisturizing Serum for a period of two weeks:

• Week One- Instant hydration and my one fine line (between my eye brows) continues to diminish and soften in appearance. I get a nice but even “plump look” that appears to last day after day. The effects are long lasting, as long as I continue use and my skin continues to repair by reflecting a more even tone (both in color and texture).

• Week Two- The aforementioned results continue and I find myself looking into BB and CC creams when it comes to future foundation purchases. I am that happy with my skin’s appearance and you can’t beat the glow you get from Vitamin C based serums of this kind.

Retail Price Point: $35.00 for a 1 fluid ounce bottle on-line or on Amazon for just $19.97

There is a large range of Vitamin C based serums and some are identical with just variations in price tags, and then you have those that provide the difference in ingredients that may seem slight quirks, until you use them for a couple of weeks. Petunia Skincare products are 100% Natural and Made in the USA, at a FDA Approved Facility. That is a major plus and they took the extra measure in making sure how the product dispenses via a pump, keeps the serum cleaner and more effective. At just $19.97 and just a few drops a day, Petunia Skincare added the final touch to seal the deal: Try It RISK-FREE With Our 30 Days Money Back Guarantee.

Check-out what Petunia Skincare can do for you by connecting on:

• Online
• Amazon
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Google+
• #PetuniaSkincare

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Petunia Skincare. 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 received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Soul Journey: Welcome Spring with the Faith in Yourself Bracelet

Our Soul Journey continues today with another jaw-dropper, “Faith in Yourself”, featuring amazonite and aquamarine. For you March babies, this one is also on sale on Open Sky. 😉

Surprisingly, amazonite doesn’t much come from the Amazon anymore (although you might find some on Amazon.com, tee-hee). No, after coming almost exclusively from Chelyabinsk, Russia it now comes primarily out of Colorado, USA. A type of microcline feldspar, it is easily fractured and therefore not so easy to work with. Sometimes called the “Stone of Courage”, it empowers and embolden while tempering rash behavior a day soothing the soul. Lauded for healing and prosperity since Mesopotamia times, this is one to not be taken lightly.

But we’re not done yet. This bracelet also features aquamarine, one of the” Precious Four” precious gems of this planet, the others being diamond, sapphire and ruby. Heady company indeed. A type of beryl (emerald is another) mined in Columbia and Brazil, this gem is the official gemstone of those born in March and is said to bestow peace, serenity and truth upon it’s wearer. This is a powerful 1-2 punch of a bracelet, all the while just looking stylish and pretty on your wrist.

Like all of Soul Journey’s jewelry, this is hand made and woven with golden nylon thread, finished with jeweled ends and features 8mm faceted gems. Make to order in California, USA, this is a winner from tip to tip. From the Mini Power bracelet collection, this one is made to fit almost any wrist, and is fully adjustable from 7-9 1/2″. Did I mention it’s on sale on Open Sky? Like, right now? At around $40, there is NO reason to pass up on this little beauty. Go. Get it now. I’ll still be here when you get back.

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

You can also find Soul Journey limited edition items at OpenSky (http://www.opensky.com/search?q=soul+journey)

Connect with Soul Journey Jewelry at: 

• On-line– http://souljourneyjewelry.com/  (Use promotional code- sj50)
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/SoulJourneyJewelry
• Twitter–  https://twitter.com/SoulJourneyJewe
• Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/souljourjewelry/souljourneyjewelry/

 

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.

Swaggable: Farmer’s Market Lemongrass Lemon Soap by Beaumont Products, Inc

When I received this bar of soap, the first thing I noticed was the aromatic scent it left in my mailbox. The scent is strong but very pleasant and not just because it’s soap, the bar has a very clean and welcoming smell.

You will notice by the ingredients listed below, that this soap is made with ingredients you can pronounce, recognize and friendly to not only a human but the environment 🙂 My take has always been that I will opt for an environment friendly product as long as it performs equal or better than the science created one. I watch my chemicals closely because not everything from a lab will hurt you but unfortunately some may, and especially with long term use. This soap is as friendly as it gets and so far has passed the nose test but how does it leave my skin?

LEMONGRASS BASIL Ingredients (as listed from their site):
Organic sodium palmate, organic sodium cocoate, aqua, organic and natural glycerine, sodium citrate, organic essential oils: ocimum basilicum (basil) oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (sweet orange) oil, organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, organic elaeis guineensis (palm) butter, organic simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, organic vaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit and organic persea gratissima (avocado).

Performance Test:
I first tested the bar out by simply washing my hands in case the oils the scent derives from would be too strong. The bar lathers quickly and with very little product needed. I was able to get a nice foam within a few seconds, which lasted and that meant not needing to go back to the bar to sustain the lather. I washed for 1 minute and then rinsed the soap off. I dislike soaps that leave a film that when you rinse, it feels like nothing came off the hand and you actually feel more dirty than when you washed. Thankfully, this is not one of those soaps! Yes, my hands felt soft but remained breathable. The scent left behind is that of clean and you are not left with a “perfume-y” cloud emitting from your finger tips. The shea butter in the soap left my skin supple and soft!

Final Results:
I used the soap for a week and the bar barely looks used and that means the product will last long. I am an “Ivory girl” because I enjoy a clean feeling and not bars that are supposed to feel like you washed your hands with lotion. This bar left my hands soft, hydrated and actually help combat the dry hands I get in Winter from over washing. No oily residue left behind that you then spread onto everything you touch and I also judge a soap’s build-up by how my sink looks within that week I used the bar. My sink was also residue free and left clean! I saw that Farmer’s Market has other scents and like Blackberry Preserves, Apple Orchard to even Pumpkin Spice and Unscented. I will share that I kept the box and once the soap dries, I put it back in and it makes the bathroom smell really nice, so that was another positive I found welcoming.

Farmer’s Market soap retails for $4.99 a bar and are made in the U.S.A

Connect with Farmer’s Market Soaps:

• On-line Store– http://farmersmarket.beaumontproducts.com/farmers-market-soap/farmers-market-bar-soaps
• Store Locator– http://app.xtremelocator.com/custom/beaumont/
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/farmersmarketsoap
• Twitter–https://twitter.com/farmersmrktsoap

I received the above product from Swaggable and Beaumont Products, Inc., free of charge. I am not obligated in providing positive/favorable feedback, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the brand and/or it’s products, which may differ from yours.

Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips in Nacho, Pico de Gallo, Sea Salt, Unsalted, and Salt N’ Pepper

Let me preface this by saying that mine is not a “Chip” household. We don’t buy a lot of potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips, or cheese puffs. It’s just not our preference. So to fall so much in love with Beanfields Bean & Rice Chip’s floored my husband and I both. The taste, the texture, the quality…I could go on for days. So instead I’ll just highlight the best of the brand, and hope I do justice to this wonderful food.

I got my introduction to this brand through the “Love with Food” box I got in February. Included was a little sample bag of Beanfields Bean & Rice “Pico de Gallo” flavored chips. I kind of passed them over at first, because, hey, chips are chips, right? Big mistake. Hubby and I dove in like 2 staving people after the first taste. The flavor dust had barely been wiped from our lips when I decided I should contact Beanfields and see what else they had to offer and where I could get more! A wonderful person from Beanfields replied and said they’d be sending me a variety to sample and review for my blog! Zounds and gadzooks!! What an awesome company! When the package arrived it was like Christmas in March, and oh, the presents we did get!

A few asides about Beanfields before we dive in. This is a family-owned, farmed and made in the USA company. All natural, Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, low-sodium, gluten free, corn free, dairy free, soy free, no fillers, no binders, no artificial colors or flavors, no trans fats, no cholesterol, high fiber, high protein snack. Wow. All that’s left for Beanfields is cold fusion.   Take the time to check them out because your taste buds will thank you!

Facebook – www.facebook.com/beanfields

Website- www.beanfieldssnacks.com

Twitter-  www.twitter.com/beanfieldssnack

So, without further ado, let me introduce what will hopefully become a pantry staple for every person who reads this blog: the multiple-award winning Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips, in 5 mouthwatering varieties!!

Up first, and our favorite, Salt N’ Pepper.

Oh. My. Gosh. Out of the park, on the first swing. Great flavor, great texture. We had to stop ourselves from polishing off the entire 6 ounce bag. Strong enough to dip, tasty enough to not. The first thing that hits you when you finish is, it’s not greasy or oily in any way. Not on your fingers, not in your mouth, nowhere.  And then it hits you: these chips are made from beans! Not corn, like just about everything else in the market. The ingredients are simple, too: Beans, rice, oil, and flavorings. And lo and behold, I can pronounce everything. How’s that for awesome?

Close up of Salt N’ Pepper Chips

Next up, Pico de Gallo.

Another winner, and a close second. Another great flavor with an ingredient list that doesn’t read like a science experiment. Simple ingredients like onion powder, green bell pepper powder, celery powder, garlic powder, tomato powder…Hey, I’ve got all this stuff in my fridge and pantry! I don’t need a PhD in chemistry to understand what it is I’m putting in my mouth! And the best part is, you can taste that someone put a lot of thought into this chip. Not just about how to get you to buy and eat more of them, but on how to make it taste good. I appreciate that, and I think you will too.

With that we move on to the Sea Salt bag.

K.I.S.S. comes to mind. No, not “I Wanna Rock-n-Roll All Night”, you goofy husband. Keep It Super Simple. It should be the mantra if every person who makes food for yourself, your family, or your job. But very few people do it, and fewer still do it well. Beanfield’s get’s it 100% right. And they’re three for three. You can taste the richness of the beans, the long grain rice. And the salt. Oh, did I mention that aside from a little oil, that’s all that’s in these chips!! Holy cow, it seems so simple, but it’s an amazing snack experience, from the first bite to the last. I can’t wait for the next flavor.

Close up of Sea Salt Chips

Luckily, I don’t have to, so it’s on to Unsalted!

Do these people do anything halfway? Even with the lack of flavorings, the ingredients shine through. The perfect dip chip that goes with anything. You got salsa? Good to go. You’ve got queso? Go for it. Spinach artichoke? Bring it. This chip handles them all.  Want it on it’s own for a guilt free snack? This chip has your back. I can see how Beanfields won so many awards. Nothing but beans, rice, and a little oil, and it still taste like a million bucks.  I had a nice green Tomatillo salsa with these and it was delicious.

Now, let’s see if Beanfields goes 5 for 5 with Nacho flavor.

Beanfields included some materials for us in the package of yum. One of them mentioned that this flavor a Best of Show award, and labeled this the Vegan answer to Doritos. It’s arguably the market leader in this category. And let me tell you, that this comparison sells Beanfields short. Because this chip leaves Doritos in the dust. Orange colored, salty fatty dust. You’ll never look at a Dorito the same way again, realizing Beanfields chumps them. Hard. While this was our least favorite of the five, it’s head and shoulders over the usual suspects you’ll find in the market. And let’s not forget it’s still a simple ingredient list populated entirely with things you know, understand and can pronounce. Beanfields is a winner, five out of five. I can’t remember a company that I loved everything they make.

You owe it to yourself to seek Beanfields out and try them for yourself.  You’re doing yourself a disservice not doing it. You’ll wonder how you went this long without them!

I received the above products free of charge from the manufacture.  I am not obligated in providing a favorable/positive review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the products, which may differ from yours.