Swaggable: Kala Beautiful Beans Snacks #Review #KalaBeans

 

The new year also brings a fresh start and many of us seem to always start same, with the desire to better our well being via losing weight, eating better and overall taking better care of ourselves. From what reports and the news states, we all also tend to fail and abandon the idea by the time February rolls around. I blame Santa for the Christmas chocolates he leaves behind to Valentine’s Day with all the treats to add back again that you just finished eating in January 🙂 Whatever the cause, failing is not my kind of thing and with every passing year being able to maintain a healthy weight, plus lose a little here and there, I plan to remain on the healthy eating path. My problem is boredom and always has been. I dislike eating the same thing every single day as a snack. It just makes my days blend and kills my palette! I love apples but an apple even in different varieties is just different degrees of sweetness and crunch, but still remains being an apple. I sometimes crave savory and salty snacks and yes, I could dip an apple in something like a salted caramel but then I might as well just eat a piece of cheesecake! So, my ever endless hunt for brands that keep me on track has again yielded another option for us.

 

 

Kala Beautiful Beans is a new company and part of the Bush Brothers Company. Their treats come in one serving single bags or a large bag that yields about 5 servings each. At first I thought it was just foo-foo trail mixes and my hippy side admits that when I see any new trail mix or granola mix hit the market, my heart does flutter but nothing is as welcoming as seeing a new member added to the line up. Kala Beautiful Beans uses Fava Beans as their main ingredient. They are roasted and seasoned and paired up with other ingredients like Garbanzo (chickpeas) beans and dried fruits, along with spices and seasonings. Currently Kala Beans features 4 different flavors:

Pineapple Kick Medley– Roasted fava beans and orange-glazed chickpeas with pineapple, blueberries and paprika.
Cherry Trail Medley– Roasted fava beans and vanilla-glazed chickpeas with cherries, toasted coconut and dark chocolate chunks.
Simply Peppered Beans– Roasted fava beans with Himalayan salt and black pepper.
Tropical Curry Beans– Roasted fava beans with curry spice and lime juice.

You can purchase all varieties at your local Sprout’s Farmers Markets.

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Verdict:
I was unsure what to expect and the beans have a roasted peanut color and thier shape resembles a small hazelnut, but they are airy in the center. Think of a really puff corn nut but without that grainy corn feeling you get when chewing one. They break down cleanly while eating and taste ……..well, delicious. I don’t taste bean. Even the chickpeas, which I have had before taste……well, bean-y when eating after a while but the roasting method used by Kala Beans produces a more airy product. They then use other ingredients that are of high quality, so it enhances the snacking experience. Everything melds perfectly and best of all, the taste and flavors pop in my mouth so I am enjoying a healthy snack a lot more than I expected I would. My favorite was the Cherry Trail Medley, the coconut shavings are toasted but not powdery in the bag. You actually get nice sized shavings!  Then the cherries are so good because I am first to admit that sometimes when I get dried cherries and dried cranberries in a mix, I can’t always tell the difference between them because they are dried to the point that they just taste like seedy, red fruit skin. The cherries from Kala Beans are dried but in a kindly manner where they remain plump, retain their sweetness but still hit you with a tart flavor towards the end. Kala Beans then added a vanilla glaze to the product that is sweet but non-sticky on the surface. You just get that small hint and scent of the vanilla that adds a nice warmth and compliments the fruit, beans (and I want to say nuts but there are none in it), and chocolate nicely. The dark chocolate chunks are just so good and melt nicely when eating.  No waxy taste or bitterness.  I actually like the Kala Beans mixes and oddly more than some of my current trail and nut based mixes. I think it comes down to the clean taste and finish, that is both satisfying and tasty. Kills the craving and I will be buying them to add to my yogurt in the morning because a girl can only granola it for so long!  Plus, you have benefits like fiber from the beans and one bag is just 180 calories for the Cherry Trail Medley Mix and Pineapple one, but the other two only bump up to 200 calories for a 1.5 ounce serving.  That is pretty fair and not loaded with sugars and sodium, just real food with real flavors!

Connect with Kala Beans at:

• On-line
• Coupon Link
• Facebook
• Twitter
• #Swaggable #KalaBeans #KalaBeautifulBeans

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Swaggable and Kala Beautiful Beans. 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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Swaggable: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro 70 Chocolate Protein Powder Review #FuelledByHemp

I have been a fan of the Manitoba Harvest brand and on a few occasions tasted their hemp based products, just to always find a new food to enjoy and this one is no different. They then added chocolate to the mix, so they definitely were making sure we would love it just even more.

The previous Hemp products were in their whole form, where the Hemp Pro 70 line is finely ground, so you can have more options when incorporating it with other super-foods or just enjoying it as it comes. The Hemp Pro 70 powder is plant based protein, which breaks down like this:

• A 4 tablespoon serving is only 130 calories
• 3.5 grams of total fat and only 0.5 is from Saturated and zero Trans fat.
• Sodium is a modest 25 milligrams
• The Carbohydrates breakdown to 11 grams per serving, two come from dietary fiber and 7 grams of sugar.
• Iron breaks down to 21% of your daily value, which is usually based on a 2,000 caloric intake. If you are dieting and consuming less calories, then this would satisfy more of what you should have on a daily basis.
• You get a nice boost of 14 grams of total protein in each serving, so imagine if you pair it with Greek or Swedish yogurt, which a good brand gives you more of the good stuff and less of the sweet stuff (i.e. sugars).

You also can’t overlook the omega factors and that is not something you get in plain yogurt, so this is why I feel it pairs up so well with it.

• Omega-3 you get 667 milligrams
• Omega-6 you have a generous 2119 milligrams
• Omega-9 gives you 412 milligrams

The product’s ingredients are simple as it gets and the shortest list I have seen on any protein powder list: Hemp Protein concentrate, Organic Coconut sugar, Organic Fair Trade Cocoa powder and natural plant extracts.

Taste Factor:
All because something has chocolate it does not mean it will be pleasant in taste but thankfully Manitoba Harvest hit it perfectly. No fake malt flavors or granule texture left behind when I made my “jungle mix” this morning. My jungle mix bowl was one banana, a mix of nuts like walnuts, Brazil nuts, peanuts, and almonds. I then have dried cranberries, Goji berries, a few tablespoons of ground Flax seed and a dash of sunflower seeds. I add a dollop of vanilla flavored Swedish yogurt and a drizzle of almond butter. Two tablespoons of the Hemp Pro 70 protein powder and I lightly toss it to incorporate it. It’s the type of breakfast that if it’s even Monday, I’m ready! You can adjust your serving by your needs so even if 4 tablespoons gives me the aforementioned nutrition, I added other ingredients, so that means I can stretch out my protein powder but also have other sources that make up for it. I get to start my morning with a good chocolate taste that is not just good in flavor for being in a protein mix, but it’s so good in taste that I don’t crave a latte or a candy/sweet thing later. Not even Mondays can beat you when you start your day like this!

Connect with Manitoba Harvest and get your Hemp fix at:

• On-line
• Product’s Link
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• #FuelledByHemp

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Swaggable and Manitoba Harvest.  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: Immune Perfect Continuous Active Hydration/Antioxidant Moisturizer #Review #Frownies

Oh, Frownies…….this is company that has been around for ages and has a line of products that is suppose to turn back the clock. I recall the “stickers” they would sell and you were suppose to apply them at night to achieve what they called “smoother” results because the appliques prevented you from moving your face while moisturizing. Unsure how much I move my facial muscles at night but I would think super moisturizing problem areas is a way to go minus all the sticker mess. I can see why the beauty line has changed and evolved with the times. That being said, “new and improved”, is not always the answer and especially when I feel the early versions over touted the results.

I received a small sample packet from Immune Perfect, which contained the product Continuous Active Hydration but seems now they changed the name to Antioxidant Moisturizer (so I have a former version labeled packet?). The Ultimate creation to combat wrinkles and cellular damage is then listed below the title. So does this prevent, correct, or alter my skin cells? Unsure how a facial cream could achieve such a thing and especially after breaking down the ingredient list.

Ingredients (as listed on packet but the site listed Avena Sativa Kernel oil): Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) (and Water Polymer Complex), Natural Vitamin E, Amino Acids, Phenols Phospholipid Complex, Cyclomethicone, Phenyltrimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Soluble Melanin

1. We know Aloe and it’s moisture properties, so that one I am skipping and so far Frownies scores for not selling me mostly water even though Water Polymer Complex follows..

2. Avena Sativa Kernel oil (Whole Wheat oil)– The Avena portion of the name sounds closely to the name Aveeno, and their main ingredient is delivering the power of the oats so that is why the name resembles. The oil is extracted from whole wheat oats and is rich in phospholipids and glycolipids. These membrane lipids deliver fatty acids but the good ones, not the trans fat ones. High in antioxidants, amino acids and also Vitamin E. Oat oil is very shelf stable and this is why it’s used in many beauty products. Low in cost but does hold moisture well, so a product you would be happy to find in a body lotion and/or facial cream. The ingredient will not create magic but because of it’s simple and nourishing structure, you will find that areas that may be red and/or inflamed will calm after application and hydrate. A great way to get moisture to dry and irritated skin.

3. Cyclomethicone- Is a silicone and base ingredient. Think of the base that keeps the product whipped and this is what this compound does. It keeps the beauty product blended without the need of shaking and perfect for a product that is placed in a jar versus a bottle or pump. The product never enters pass the upper living cells, so it stays suspended above and cannot enter the cell’s membrane. The molecules are too large, so the product stays on the top layer of the epidermis.

4. Propylene Glycol- Is mineral oil, an alcohol produced by fermentation of yeast and carbohydrate and considered a synthetic. It is pretty much the white bread slice in a soup, the ingredient’s job is to absorb water. Keep the product rich and at a desired consistency…..so keeps your cream, well creamy 🙂

5. Phenyl trimethicone- another silicone and this one works as a way to slow down evaporation. Think of pouring water in a bucket and how quick you would hit the bottom. Now, think if the bucket had sand! The water would take longer to reach the bottom and take longer to fade. This silicone makes sure that soft and moist feeling stays on top of your skin.

6. Phenoxyethanol– a simple preservative. It kills bacteria and stabilizes the formula it is in. Frownies comes in a jar and we know how jars attract bacteria, so this is a form of antibacterial. It also helps extend the shelf life. This is also an ingredient associated with irritations……oh, and labeled as a formaldehyde-releasing preservative and also found to have neurotoxin potential.

7. Water-Soluable Melanin- As per the patent filed (1991) by John M. Pawelek and Seth J. Orlow, the melanin is also useful for providing a sun-screen to mammalian skin and hair, to treat post-inflammatory hypo- and hyperpigmentation, to tint glass and plastic, to protect industrial materials against ultraviolet damage, and as a coloring agent in foodstuffs such as coffee, tea, soda, whiskey and liquors. So this could be what colors the cream brown in frownies (as stated by them- carmel color because of the natural ingredient, water soluable melanan, that brings out your skins natural color and beauty). It may also be what may helps protect materials (your skin) from UV damage (aka- sunscreen) but who knows the SPF that is really there if any.

Verdict:

In conclusion, the power remains in the oat oil and it has power but I don’t feel (in my opinion) it supports the entire claims made by Frownies. Yes, it moisturizes and has several silicone properties and oils that help keep the potion floating and stable.  The preservative kills it for me as do many of the other ingredients.  My sample size at 4 ml did not help deliver any results due to the limit when it comes to number of applications, but then again I’m a science girl (even though I won’t botox myself).  I expect results! I’m all for science but the friendly kind that keeps me looking my best minus the neurotoxin potential. I think I’ll stick with Aveeno on the legs (cheaper and it works) and oats with my breakfast, plus some antioxidant rich fruit that will help me from within to feel and look better 🙂

If you want to learn more about Frownies/Immune Perfect, please visit:

• On-line– http://www.frownies.com/products.php
• Twitter- https://twitter.com/TheFrownies
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/thefrownies

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Swaggable and Frownies.  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: Alive Reef Safe Sunscreen from Sea Kind #Review

Sea Kind makes several products for the face and body, from sunscreens to bath salts. I received a tube of the Alive Reef Safe Sunscreen and liked that the product is advertised as being 100% natural. It’s a good start for my skin and especially with this summer being in the pool a little more than usual. The formula provides 20% Zinc Oxide and is broad-spectrum, protecting your skin from UVA/UVB rays. The tube came with zero information when it came to contents and oddly the product had no marker when it came to SPF. I know! A sunscreen tube that does not reflect the coverage of SPF was a first for me but this is why we have google 🙂

I seek and I find that Sea Kind makes only one sunscreen formula and it comes in SPF 30. You won’t see the number in the description on the product’s page and ready for ordering, but if you put your mouse over the bottle’s image….viola!

• Naturally Derived Ingredients (from the website):
  ZINC OXIDE 20%, PURIFIED WATER, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, COCONUT OIL, CAPRIC CAPRYLIC TRIGLYCERIDES, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, CASTOR OIL, POLYGLYCEROL-10 LAURATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, SUNFLOWER OIL, JOJOBA OIL, TOCOPHEROLS, ACOPHYLLUM NODOSUM. HYALURONIC ACID, IRON OXIDES, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYL HEXYL GLYCERIN, PROPRIETARY BLEND OF FRUIT, HERB AND FLOWER ESSENTIAL OILS COMPLYING WITH THE ISO 9235 NATURAL STANDARD.

NO OXYBENZONE. NO PARABENS, PHTHALATES OR SULFATES. NO SYNTHETIC COLORS, DYES OR FRAGRANCE. NON-GMO, CRUELTY FREE

• Price Point: $24.95 and again you have to put your mouse over the bottle’s image to see that it’s for a bottle that supplies 3.0 fluid ounces.

Results:

Being a Southern California native, I have tried mostly every brand and formula readily available. I look for a product that does not clog my pores, is long lasting and simply works. I always found the first two features present but working on my fair skin was always the issue. I can start tanning rather quickly with SPF 50 on me but not all are created equal. Looking lobster red is not cute no matter the bikini you just bought and let’s not get into how bad it is health wise and much less how it feels that evening and the following days. I was weary of trusting a SPF 30 product to protect me enough. I have even given up on being tint/oily free and found peace having a white film as long as I could swim and stroll without looking like a sea creature but I decided to test this out. You will notice the “Non-Nano” on the bottle and this means the product will not absorb into your skin. As stated on the site, “The 200 namometer size particles avoids the risk of absorption in the body caused by smaller nano particles”. The formula also says water resistant and I used the every 80 minutes rule when it came to reapplication because again this was not stated on the product or site.

Verdict:

I can state that the product is light, leaves a slight oil shimmer but not even close to calling it oily. It just looks like you applied a light lotion and my face remained protected with zero clogs or blemishes, so zero penalties for trying not to burn. I tanned but no redness so protection was there and this was being in the pool and surviving 3 tidal waves that my wonderful Husband claims 2 were pure accident but since I had already assigned blame, the third one was “just because” he was already getting the evil eye from me.

Final Verdict:

I like the product and wish I could have tried it longer but my test tube really satisfied 2 face applications. I like the formula and it’s claims. Being 100% natural is rare and working is rarer for me. I just leave it in your hands when it comes to paying almost $25 for 3.0 ounces. My application was light on the second reapply, and that equated to using .33 fluid ounces for 160 minutes of pool time and just on my face. I would purchase this to be seriously blemish and irritant free on the face but can’t suggest taking the plunge for total body application unless you don’t see the sun much and can make the tube stretch.

Checkout the entire line of Face and Body Products from Sea Kind:

• On-line– http://sea-kind.com/sea-kind-ultra-sunscreen
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/pages/SEA-KIND/424252987638160
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/SeaKind
• Google+– https://plus.google.com/106139072276040110862/about
• Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/seakindpinteres/

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Swaggable and Sea Kind. 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: Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey Tea #Review

I have always been partial to Black Tea and to me it’s the espresso of the tea world. Like coffees, I still want the smooth taste that is bold with not a significant amount of bitterness or harsh notes that are too acidic. Taylors of Harrogate’s Earl Grey delivers just that and you got to love a classic like this version. It’s the anytime and any season cup of tea. With this tea, you will pick-up citrus notes due to the Bergamot Orange fruit essential oil added to the blend. I could not only smell the beautiful lemon notes but you can also taste them, so it’s not a tea blend that smells better than it tastes.

• Taste Test-
  I did not have to add much to my fresh cup of tea and felt that just a touch of Orange Blossom honey was enough. I skipped on the milk because I rarely ever add it to my teas but it was suggested in the instructions.  I enjoyed it and it is definitely an Earl Grey version I would prefer over most brands.

The Taylors of Harrogate tea company makes a large variety of teas and blends and some are sold loose and others are sold bagged. They also have seasonal teas that are available for a limited time and lets not forget they also have coffees. This tea exporter has been providing the U.K. with teas since 1886 and definitely is a company you can depend on to deliver excellent quality because when you have over 120 years of serving the finest teas, you sort of know what you are doing 🙂

Check out Taylors and find your cup of tea or coffee at:

• On-line– http://www.taylorsofharrogate.com/
• On-line– http://www.brandsofbritian.com
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/taylorsofharrogatetea
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/TaylorsCoffee

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Swaggable and Taylors of Harrogate. 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: Belegenza RoMANce Deep Conditioning Treatment #Review

 

I read up on Belegenza and their products on-line. Belengenza’s (bel-a-jen’-za) name is made up of two italian/latin words, where Bel meaning beauty and Gen for genesis. The company’s website was very informative and they make hair products that fit everyone’s needs. Their products are gentle but effective and very in tune with nature by using natural ingredients.

I used the shampoo and let’s see how the conditioner plays with my hair!

Belegenza RoMANce Deep Conditioning Treatment: A formula made to nourish your hair from tip to tip. Helps replenish moisture and also keep it there, but also encourages a healthier growth due to it being kind to your scalp. Referred as the “energizer” due to it’s combination of naturally derived ingredients, this deep treatment is perfect for fine to even coarsely textured hair. You have again the very welcoming Aloe Vera as a base and 3 different kinds of seaweeds to nourish your strands. It does not stop there, also Jojoba essence, Honey, Coconut extracts and oils from Olives and Lanolin. Don’t forget your vitamins, Belegenza also feeds your hair with a healthy dose of Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E. A powerful combination of ingredients and also free of fillers, sulfates, silicone, alcohol…..well, let’s say with the smoothie craze at an all time high, the above blend is surely going to feed your hair!

Ingredients as listed on their site: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hypnea Musciformis (Hawaiian Seaweed) Extract, Gelidiela Acerosa (Gulfweed Seaweed) Extract, Sargassum Filipendula (Red Mapleweed) Extract, Sorbitol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Metosulphate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Honey, Cetyl Alcohol, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Secret Salon Ingredient, Acetyl Tyrosine (Amino Acid), Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Lanolin Oil, L-Cysteine (Amino Acid), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Pyridoxine HCL-5-Phosphate (Vitamin B6), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Panthenol, Oleyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Benzophenone-4, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Phthalate-free fragrance.

Performance: The treatment again smells so good when applied that it is seriously aromatherapy in the shower. I applied a small amount and it dispersed well through out my hair. A little goes a long way and I left the conditioner on for 5 minutes. Rinsed out nicely and you get instant softness and shine. I towel dried my hair and then proceeded to blow dry. You can feel moisture is locked-in but not the heaviness. My hair still had it’s natural body and lift, so it does deep condition without that flat and even greasy film some deep treatments leave behind. Belegenza had none of that! My hair was easy to style and I felt the treatment did help and especially with the stress my hair gets from heated elements like a flat-iron to blow drying. The RoMANce is definitely there because Belegenza loves my hair but forgives me for not always being the best gal to it.

Price Point: $36.00; Trial size bottle available for $17.00

Again very happy with the performance of the Belegenza products and how they left my hair feeling and looking healthy.

For more information on the above product or to view the full Belegenza line, please visit:

• On-line- https://belegenza.com/product/romance-deep-conditioning-treatment/
• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Belegenza
• Twitter- https://twitter.com/Belegenza
• YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/Belegenza

I received the above product free of charge from Swaggable and Belegenza.  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: Belegenza ILLustrious Shampoo & Cleanser #Review

 

I do not receive that many items when it comes to hair products, but so far the Belegenza line makes any room they are in smell so nice and clean. I have never heard of the brand but I always welcome anything new when it comes to hair care. I have very long hair that is a mixture of normal and fine in texture but not flat or thin…..it’s really just too much hair if you ask me. I pick-up static like a balloon would (frizz central) and the only two positives I can find is it does not break easily and so far no grays (yet) 🙂 You know how people have combination skin problems, well I have those too but also combination hair ones. At least I’m consistent!

I have been using Carol’s Daughter products and very happy but I’m always hunting for something different or better.

I read up on Belegenza and their products on-line. Belengenza’s (bel-a-jen’-za) name is made up of two Italian/Latin words, where Bel meaning beauty and Gen for genesis. The company’s website was very informative and they make hair products that fit everyone’s needs. Their products are gentle but effective and very in tune with nature and using natural ingredients.

Belegenza ILLustrious Shampoo & Cleanser: The shampoo is uses natural extracts that are derived from fruit and vegetables. You have anti-aging extracts like Sugarcane, Apple, Green Tea, Nettle, Sage, Rosemary, Comfrey and Rhizome Root. You also have Castor Beans, 3 types of Seaweeds and Vitamin E and Vitamin B6. No wonder it smells so good but the scent remains welcoming, not over perfume-y. The shampoo is also color safe and free of salt and sulfates. Nothing really synthetic or at all damaging to your hair or scalp. So far I really liked their ingredients and they use an Aloe Vera base versus just selling you products that are just mostly water.

Ingredients as listed on their site:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (Vegetable based) , Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Coconut based), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coconut based), Hypnea Musciformis (Hawaiian Seaweed) Extract, Gelidiela Acerosa (Gulfweed Seaweed) Extract, Sargassum Filipendula (Red Mapleweed) Extract, Sorbitol, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate (Coconut based), Glycol Stearate (Vegetable based) , Honey, Secret Salon Ingredient, Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Rhizome/Root Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Pyridoxine HCL-5-Phosphate (Vitamin B6), Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Sorbic Acid (Rowanberry distillate), Polyquaternium-10 (Cellulose/thickener) , Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA(Mineral chelator), Citric Acid (Lemon), Phthalate-free fragrance.

Performance: The product lathers up really good and even though I do not have color or chemically treated hair, the shampoo worked wonders. My hair was left feeling clean but not stripped. Very calming scent while you shower and a clean welcoming natural fragrance is left when hair dries. I liked how my hair not only looked but felt. The frizz level was very low and my hair just looks healthier. I tried both a natural (air) drying and then the second time used a blow dryer, again happy with both results.

Price Point: $22.00

I was satisfied and happy with the shampoo and it actually made me curious as to how a more suited for me formula would perform from Belegenza’s line of hair care products.

For more information on the above product or to view the full Belegenza line, please visit:

• On-line- https://belegenza.com/product/illustrious-shampoo-cleanser/?add-to-cart=100
• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Belegenza
• Twitter- https://twitter.com/Belegenza
• YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/Belegenza

 

I received the above product free of charge from Swaggable and Belegenza.  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: The 17 Day Diet Book by Dr. Mike Moreno Review

Right about the month of March, whatever diet program I have been trying or testing has pretty much reached a point of…..well, boredom. I know it’s a life-style change and thankfully I am usually only fighting off 10 to 15 pounds I want gone, but I call them my celebration pounds, because they return when there is a holiday or birthday. Why March? Well, it’s my birthday month, as well as  my husband’s, so this means cake. Call it cake pounds and as much as I want to blame the confectionery with happy sprinkles that hypnotized me, if I was not looking at it I would have never fallen under it’s spell.

I received the 17 Day Diet book in late January and have read through it and the one thing I loved, is how Dr. Mike Moreno changes things up. Days, weeks, or even months do not play-out the same way for me so that also plays havoc on my diet. I sometimes under eat and other times over indulge, so this book has a more realistic approach to what I call R-E-A-L life. There are times I can do well for 2 weeks and then comes week #3 where I eat something someone brought over to I maybe did the unthinkable and had a real cheesy burger……with bacon and caramelized onions….some fries too. I obviously can’t just get back on the same horse the next week because I sort of strayed but Dr. Moreno also brought exercise into the picture, whereas most of us want a “way to eat”, or a pill to take to be the answer and only solution. It’s like the relationship you truly wish will work but sooner or later you have to dump whatever and move on! I’ve moved on (thankfully not on Husband 🙂 ) but definitely the  dreaming of the magic that never arrives. You got to move more and eat less but also eat smart!

Dr. Moreno uses a program designed around 4 stages/cycles, each consisting of 17 days. No tricks and just simple methods:

• Accelerate– The cycle where you lose weight rapidly and cleanse your body out. You start cutting out the things you already know you should not eat and what really just ends up starving your body, rather giving it “real energy”. There is an optional fasting day in this stage.
• Activate– In this cycle you start the metabolic burn, by having days your intake (caloric wise) will be high and others low.
• Achieve– Here you learn about the smart way to eat and this where I mention previously about controlling the amount you eat, but also introducing new exercises.
• Arrive– The combo stage where you enter the lifestyle of eating right and moving. Best explained, it’s a combination of the previous cycles to help continue a healthy way of eating that will not only benefit you long term but you will be happier with how you feel and look.

Like many diet books, this also comes with recipes but you get over 50 of them! I liked that not all recipes were ultra expensive or hard on the pocket book. Yes, you have lean meats but most of them I found to be low in cost, especially if you shop smart. Dr, Moreno even discusses supplements, exercising when you travel and even holiday stress. Topics from alcohol consumption are addressed, and even a section on PMS! Like I said, pretty much everything is covered including specific medical conditions.

I liked that the book was not only easy to read, as the author did not act like they found new miracles. Dr. Moreno found an easier way to apply what we all pretty much know already when it comes to diets and eating habits. The book was used as a manual at times, because it was easy to find information I could quickly reference on the topic I needed help on. Like, for example, when I was purchasing my supplements, I added Selenium and found I felt a positive difference. Most chapters have key points under the review section so you can take in the information as a whole or just go by what you want to read about……again, very adaptable.

Connect with Dr. Moreno and the 17 Day Diet Book at:

Via Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/17daydiet

Send a tweet via Twitter– https://twitter.com/17DayDiet

Pinterest is filled with recipes and advice too- http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=17%20day%20diet

#Ididitwith17

 

I received the above product free of charge from Swaggable and Simon & Schuster.  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: Rock your Hair by Michael O’ Rourke, Bombshell Big Hair Powder

I have fine hair but not thinning. Every time I get my hair done, my hairstylist comments about how much hair I have and may I add it’s down to my waist. One thing about fine hair is when you curl it, it takes easy to the curling but holding it is another story and this also comes to volume. I can have my hair up in a bun and let it go to then resemble a lion but 3 hours later…..my roaring powers have vanished. It sort of leaves me not wanting to dedicate too much time in building up volume when I know it will find the exit sign so quickly.

I received a bottle of Michael O’ Rourke’s, Rock your Hair Bombshell Big Hair powder. My first instinct was, “great another dry hair shampoo”. I have had a not so loving experience with dry hair shampoos and most leave me feeling itchy or worst, with a residue that I can’t wait to wash out. I have tried them in spray form to just powder out of a bottle. The worst part is trying a product out for the first time and seeing white particles in your hair and you know that means you can’t even walk out the door. Shaking my locks in the shower in order to dust off the powder residue makes me feel like I am half Chinchilla anyways!

Packaging:
So, I see the packaging and get a little worried because when there is a lot going on with the outside, it usually means what comes out of the inside is not a sparkly performance like the rhinestones (shaped into a heart) on the outside, but I move onward nonetheless. I may add the heart is a decal and of course I gave it a few little scratches to see if it’s easily removed and it’s not, so save yourself a broken or chipped nail. I was good and stopped when my nail polish told me so. The powder comes out easily and because the bottle has a thin neck, you can easily use the tap-tap method to control how much you want. I also like that they added a cap (with holes) so you can’t over pour/shake. Still want that heart though…….

Performance:
I begin by applying less than a 1/4 teaspoon to the roots of my hair but I noticed the product details on the packaging that for extra shine and texture, you can add it to the rest of your hair. Okay, this much better than other dry shampoos/styling powders where they forbid it leaving your hair roots and scalp but no one gave the powder the memo! I work it in and notice that the product thickens the feeling of the hair and begin to style. I then just feel the results because it does liquefy and vanishes!  I got volume instantly by just using my hands and it was holding. The powder stays on the roots but if it happens to meet with gravity and fall to a lower level, I am not punished with white flakes or any telltale sign that I put powder in my hair. It definitely is a styling product that works and because I believe if you want clean hair that means you need to wash it like with shampoo and WATER, I won’t comment on how it cleans your locks :). The product smells clean and that is as far as I go there. The volume on my fine hair remained and that evening I washed my hair so I did not get any build-up or a visit from the greasy hair demon. Using the small amount I used and the volume lasting, this is a must and look it at as an insurance policy for your hairstyle! I consider this a must buy and a great addition to my future 2014 hairstyles!

Say Hola to Rock your Hair by Michael O’ Rourke at:

• On-line- http://www.rockyourhair.com/view-all/bombshell-big-hair-powder-0-9-oz
• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ROCKYOURHAIR?ref=br_tf
• Twitter- https://twitter.com/Rock_Your_Hair
• Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Your-Hair-Bombshell-Powder/dp/B008U2XT9E/ref=pd_sim_bt_7

Ingredients (as listed on the site):
Water (Aqua), Silica Silylate, Euterpe Oleracea Pulp Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hydrated Silica, PEG 8, Propylene Glycol, Tin Oxide (CI 77861), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Fragrance, Citronellol, Butylphenyl Methlypropional Lilial, Linalool, Alpha Methyl Ionone (Gamma Methyl Ionone)

I received the above product from Swaggable and Michael O’ Rourke, free of charge. I am not obligated to provide positive or 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.

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.