Tie Clip Review

Okay, I admit that I personally don't wear a lot of ties. But, my son loves dressing up and looking sharp. He's mastered the art of tying neck ties by watching YouTube videos. I must say that I'm rather proud of him. Pervinco sent me one of their Premium Men's Tie Clips to review. Naturally, I gave the tie clip to my son.

He was thrilled! My son is eleven-years-old, so the tie clip is a little on the big side for him, but he likes in anyway. It's sturdy and keeps the tie in place. It is has a classy and stylish look to it. The best part is that looks great and is inexpensive. The Pervinco Premium Men's Tie Clip is sold on Amazon.com.

I received the tie clip that was mentioned above free of charge, through a Tomoson.com promotion, in return for my honest review. 

Advanced Moisturizer Cream by Anaiti Review

My latest experience trying a new facial moisturizer has been with Anaiti Advanced Moisturizing Cream. I have used a couple Anaiti’s other products and was very happy, so I was anxious to try this new product that I received.

About

Anaiti purports that this cream rejuvenates sagging, dehydrated skin and makes crow’s feet, age spots and discoloration less noticeable. The cream contains a unique combination of ingredients to protect skin from damage and promote smoother, younger looking skin. Its ingredients include:

• AQUAXYLTM, derived from natural sugars xylitol and glucose, provides an 'anti-dehydration shield' optimizing water circulation.

• SODIUM HYALURONATE gives skin volume and youthful fullness.

• SHEA BUTTER naturally soothes and moisturizes.

• SEA BUCKTHORN SEED EXTRACT contains high concentrations of naturally occurring anti-oxidants, protecting skin from damage.

My Experience

This cream feels soft and silky. It moisturizes and hydrates skin quite well. However, after using it the first time the foundation that I applied to my skin shortly after using the moisturizer got clumpy and looked awful. Thinking it was a fluke, I tried again the next day and still got an uneven texture applying my makeup. It could just be the combination of the brand of foundation that I used with this face cream does not mix well. Anyhow, I do think this moisturizer does a good job. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated, while being lightweight and non-greasy. I use it on days that I don’t plan to wear makeup and am pleased with the results.

Advanced Moisturizer Cream by Anaiti is available on amazon.com with a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

I received a container of the moisturizing cream, mentioned above, free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

Parasheet Beach Blanket Review

I love the beach, picnics, and the outdoors. It never fails, however, that every time I go on an outing that I must lug stuff along like a pack mule. I like to do whatever I can to lighten the load. That is why I’m so fond of the lightweight Parasheet Beach Blanket by Gecko Active.

It measures seven feet by six feet, which is room for two people. It has snaps on the side for attaching another one for more room. The Gecko Active beach blanket is well made, with quality seams and well sewn. It isn’t cheaply slapped together.  It has accompanied me on many trips to the park and beach and has been holding up very well.

corner of the Parasheet blanket

I took it with me on a recent trip to the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean on the west coast of Washington is always windy. It’s a great place to fly kites. There is also some awesome, smooth sand. It is a beautiful place to go. This beach blanket does need to be weighed down, especially when it is so windy. It does have pockets in the corners to fill with sand to weigh it down. It also has loops in the corners to place stakes to keep it down. One of the best things about this is the parachute nylon that easily shakes out the loose sand when you’re done and packing up. I also had a flannel picnic blanket with me that was not so easy to shake the sand out, and I ended up with sand being brought back to my car.

It comes with a handy storage bag and is compact for easy travel. It also makes a good gift for the outdoor enthusiast. It is sold on Amazon.com





*Disclaimer: I was given this item free, in return for my honest review.

Anaiti Advanced Eye Gel Review

My under eye area is a problem, and it has been since I was in my teens. I’ve fought dark circles and puffiness for a long time, and I’ve used many products that claim the ability to fix them. So far, I haven’t found a miracle cure. There are so many causes for dark under eye circles and puffiness, like allergies or genetics. I’m always game to try a new eye product, to see what happens. Even if I get a small improvement, I’ll be happy. Most recently, I’ve been using Anaiti Advanced Eye Gel. 

It is supposed to help combat fine lines, wrinkles, eye bags, crow’s feet, dry skin, dark circles, and puffiness.

I tried using it both in the morning and at bedtime. I recommend using it at night to help eyes look more refreshed in the morning. I found that using it during the day didn’t work out very well for me. It did not absorb very well and prevented my makeup from blending in. I do use under eye concealer, due to having a dark under eye area, and with applying the eye gel several minutes before my makeup I ended up with my makeup looking heavy and clumpy. I have gotten compliments recently that I look well rested, so the subtle difference that I saw must be noticeable.

As Anaiti’s other products, the Advanced Eye Gel is cruelty-free and paraben-free. It is available on amazon.com, and has a money back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.


I received a free 0.5 fl. oz. bottle of eye gel in return for my honest review, through a Tomoson.com promotion.

Luminous C Serum by Anaiti Review

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been using some products from Anaiti skin care. Anaiti combines state-of-the-art technology and the latest research to formulate effective skin care products. I’ve been using Luminous C Serum by Anaiti for four weeks.

 Anaiti Luminous Serum incorporates Matrixyl, Renovage, stabilized vitamin C, and niacinamide to help skin be more youthful and luminous looking. It refreshes a dull complexion. It comes in a 1 fl. oz. size, which will last me several weeks, since I only need one pump at a time.

It absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feel smooth and soft. I use it at bedtime and wake up with skin that looks brighter. My skin feels good — it feels firmer, has improved texture, and seems brighter.

Luminous C Serum by Anaiti is available on amazon.com.






Through a Tomoson.com promotion, I received a free 1 fl. oz. bottle of this serum for free in return for my honest reveiw.

Review of Advanced Age-Defying Face Cream by Anaiti

I’ve mentioned before that I love a great face cream. I’m always on the lookout for facial moisturizers that are full of ingredients that decrease fine lines and that help restore skin elasticity. A few weeks ago I discovered the skin care brand Anaiti. Their tag line is “Age-defying Skin Care for Celebrity Skin.” Being curious about “celebrity skin,” I was pretty psyched to get some of their products to review. I’ve been using the Advanced Age-Defying Face Cream by Anaiti for the past four weeks.

Anaiti Advanced Age-defying Face Cream boasts hyaluronic acid, Matrixyl, and Renovage. It is supposed to be good for both dry and oily skin. It helps to balance moisture, decrease pore size, increase firmness.

What I like about it is that it absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy. After using it for four weeks, I’ve noticed better firmness and elasticity. My skin’s texture feels good, and I like the way my skin feels. It is a subtle difference, but it is enough of an improvement that my skin feels good.

It’s great for using in the morning, since it isn’t oily and can be used under makeup without causing my makeup to get cakey or to become greasy and disappear.

It is pricey, when compared to the usually face creams that I buy. It is an effective moisturizer and lives up to my expectations. Another plus — it is cruelty-free and paraben-free.

Advanced Age-defying Face Cream by Anaiti is available on amazon.com, and it comes with a one hundred percent satisfaction guarantee.

I received a free jar of this face cream, through a Tomoson.com promotion, to try in return for my honest review.

Beardsmen Spirit Beard Oil and Mustache Wax Review

Okay, so I don’t have a mustache…well, at least not enough of one to need mustache wax…maybe another type of waxing, but that’s for another blog post. My husband is into facial hair — a fact that caused some contention during the early part of our relationship because I was not a fan of scratchy facial hair. My husband has sported a mustache for most of his adulthood. I recently was given the generous opportunity to review a couple of products from Beardsmen Spirit: Beard Oil and Mustache Wax. They are both awesome, high quality and 100% natural products.

Beardsmen Spirit Beard Oil

This is designed to be soothing and to keep your beard from itching. It is conditioning and easy to use. Just get a couple of drops of the beard oil in your hands and rub them together, then massage on your beard and skin under your chin and cheeks.

The ingredients are jojoba oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, castor oil, and essential oils for giving the beard oil its scent. The scent is that of eucalyptus, cedar, and pine. In my opinion, the eucalyptus stands out, more than the woodsy smell. Overall, it does smell good. The smell is not overpowering, and it does dissipate.

It comes in four ounce bottles, and since only a small amount is needed at a time, the bottle will last a while making this a great value.

  Beardsmen Spirit Mustache Wax

 Beardsmen Spirit Mustache Wax comes in a two-ounce metal tin. To use the wax, you scrape off a tiny amount with your fingernail, rub it between your fingers to soften it, and then smooth it on your mustache and style.  It gives great hold and conditions your mustache.
It is made with natural ingredients: beeswax, lanolin, jojoba oil, eucalyptus oil, cedarwood oil, and pine needle oil. It has a great scent that is subtle and woodsy.

Whenever I think of a styled mustache, I get a picture of Rand Fishkin, SEO expert, in my mind. Beardsmen Spirit Mustache Wax can help you get an awesome handlebar mustache or just keep your hair tidy and in place.

This mustache wax works quite well, providing great control and conditioning. It has a good scent that isn't overbearing. This wax is easy to use. Only a tiny amount is needed so this two-ounce tin will last a while. Overall, my husband was pleased with this product.

Both products can be purchased through Amazon.com.



*I received the two products that were mentioned above, free, in exchange for my honest review.

Maxasorb B12 Cream Review

I’m a huge fan of B vitamins, especially B12. Vitamin B12 has so many benefits. I’ve battled fatigue for a long time. Consequently, I’ve taken several supplements, and B vitamins are among my favorites for boosting my energy. B12 is also good for cardiovascular health and nerve health.  I have a pile of supplements that I take each day. However, who wants another pill to take? I’ve often thought topical vitamins that absorb through the skin are a great idea and have been wanting to try some. Luckily, I was able to obtain some for review purposes from Vita Sciences through a Tomoson.com promotion.

Maxasorb B12 from Vita Sciences delivers 320 mcg. of the methylcobalamin form of B12, 120 mcg. of Niacin, and 10 mcg. of folate in each dose. The directions for those 12 and over are to rub two pumps onto skin once per day. Two pumps is a 320 mcg. dose, and one 1.7 fl. oz. bottle contains 30 doses.  It is not intended for use on children under 12 without consulting a physician first. So, treat this like medicine and keep it up, if you have young children, lest they think it’s like any other lotion.

At first, I wondered what it would smell like. Would it smell like vitamins? I’m pleased to say that it smells great. It smells like peppermint. I can see so many benefits, especially for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills. Some vitamins aren’t very appetizing with their characteristic vitamin smell and taste. By using a cream, there is one less pill to worry about. Maxabsorb B12 cream is also a great moisturizer. The cream is gentle and soothes dry, itchy skin. It absorbs quickly, and after a month of use it seems to be effective.

Vita Sciences has some other products that look promising: Vitamin D3 Cream, Melatonin Cream, and pain relief cream. Vita Sciences Maxasorb B12 is available on Amazon.com and at www.vitasciences.com. If you order now from vitasciences.com with this one time use code save15, you can save 15%.




*The product mentioned above was received free of charge, in exchange for an honest review.

GoPure Naturals Argan Oil Review

I'm growing my hair out, and the longer my hair gets the more the ends of my hair need TLC. The dry, thirsty ends of my hair love argan oil. goPure Naturals Argan Oil is a treat that my hair really likes.

goPure Naturals Argan Oil is 100% natural with no additives. It is made with high-quality, organic argan oil. I find it works well to eliminate frizz and moisturize my hair. I use it only on the ends of my hair, and only a bout two or three drops at a time. Argan oil can be used on the body, hair, and for moisturizing nails. I've mostly used it on my hair and am quite pleased. This is quickly on its way to becoming a staple in my hair care routine.

goPURE Organic Argan Oil Benefits for Hair:
    • Reduces Frizz and Works ans Anti-Frizz While Detangling Waves and Curls
    • Deeply Nourishes and Hydrates Dry Scalp - Helping to Reduce Dryness and Flakiness
    • 100% Natural, Paraben Free, No added Fragrance or Color
    • Naturally Removes Split Ends and Leaves Hair Silky Soft
    •Dramatically Improves Color Treated or Damaged Hair - Leaving it Silky Soft, Manageable and Beautiful!

goPure Argan Oil comes in a 4 oz. bottle and is available on amazon.com. Check out goPure Natural's Facebook page.


I received a free product in exchange for my honest review, via a promotion from Tomoson.com.

GoPure Naturals Peppermint Essential Oil Review

I love the smell of peppermint oil. It is invigorating and lifts my mood. I started using peppermint oil a few years ago combined with lavender oil, when I discovered the MigraStick. Peppermint oil is great mixed with shea butter or coconut oil for a nice-smelling body moisturizer. I've been using goPure Naturals Peppermint Essential Oil, and it is very useful.

The menthol in peppermint oil has a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect. I recently came across an article that touted the performance enhancing quality of peppermint. The smell of peppermint has been shown to lessen feeling of exertion and  improve mood.

goPure Naturals Peppermint Oil is 100% natural and cold pressed.There are no added ingredients. It has a variety of uses, which makes the larger size bottle that it comes in great! So many essential oils normally come in a little bottle, and they are costly. This four ounce size is very economical. Only a tiny bit is needed at a time, so this bottle should last a long time. It's also great smelling! Below is an excerpt from the product information.

• Peppermint oil is one of the world’s most commonly used essential oils, with a history that dates back as far as 3,000 years. It offers a pleasant, uplifting scent that has been used to treat a variety of physical and mental ailments, from bad breath to depression. Modern research proves that it stimulates several regions of the brain, giving it the power to have a profound impact on the entire body.
• With a high concentration of essential minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium, it is a highly effective treatment for digestive disorders. Administering peppermint oil is easy; simply place a couple drops in a glass of water, and then drink.
• Peppermint oil has been proven to have a positive effect on the respiratory system. Whether it is used as a chest rub or is inhaled through a vaporizer, it quickly clears the respiratory tract and provides fast relief from bronchitis, sinusitis and cold-related symptoms.
• Pure peppermint oil can be used topically to relieve muscle pain, headaches or to simply give skin a vibrant, healthy glow. Its healing properties have been recognized for centuries, and it has been a staple in many medicine cabinets for generations.

 goPure Naturals Peppermint Oil is available on amazon.com at a very reasonable price. Also check out their Facebook page.


I received a free product in exchange for my honest review, through a promotion by Tomoson.com. 

Book Review: Body Cognition - The Method

I’ve had poor posture and suffered from migraines and other aches for some time. I’ve always believed that good posture is important to health and looking good. I’ve  sought exercises and ways to improve my posture and get rid of my rounded shoulders. I recently read Body Cognition— The Method by Josepha Michaeli looking for ideas to help.

Body Cognition is a combination of education and training in exercises to use our body correctly. The body is a tool, with proper use being important. Poor posture and incorrect use of our body can affect our health, causing pain and much more. This book is at attempt to explain and display its practical implementation. It is written by Josepha Michaeli, an acclaimed Israeli physiotherapist and physical education teacher. More information about the author and Body Cognition can be found on the Body Cognition's website.

The Amazon description states that the book is target towards “all those interested in their body and health and want to delve deeper into the body out of personal and intellectual inquisitiveness” and professionals dealing with all the body therapy disciplines.  All readers are supposed to be able to find what they are looking for in accordance with their level of interest and depth.

I had hoped this book would have some practical lessons and exercises one could do to improve their body’s posture and muscular support. As a layperson, found this this book seems to be intended for professionals or those involved with bodywork.  At times, I felt this verbose, jargon filled book was over my head. It reads like a textbook for practitioners or students planning to enter the field. It is packed with information about human anatomy and the body’s functioning. After the first chapter, I realized that the practical exercises, movements, and information about implementing the method that I sought probably would not be found here. The book covers lots of the whys regarding the need for body cognition, but lacks much of the hows. The book did reinforce my belief that the body does work as a machine, and if part of it is off then it doesn’t work at its optimum level. My key problem is that I work at a desk in a sedentary job, and "prolonged immobility" and continuous, monotonous actions are bad.

Body Cognition— The Method is available as an ebook on amazon.com.

In closing, I will say that I was disappointed, as this book was not what I had hoped. I received the book (through a Tomoson.com promotion) in return for providing a review, otherwise I probably would not have continued reading the book past the first chapter, and I would normally not bother with writing a review. It’s not necessarily a bad book, just not a book meant for me.

InstaNatural Lavender Essential Oil and Peppermint Essential Oil Review

Some time ago I blogged about the MigraStick. It contains lavender and peppermint essential oils, which are supposed to help relieve migraine symptoms. Lavender oil is known for its relaxing property, while peppermint oil cools and refreshes. Over the years, I’ve kept these two essential oils on hand. Sometimes I use them in an aromatherapy diffuser, and other times I use a bit combined with coconut oil to use on my skin.

Recently I got some lavender and peppermint essential oils from InstaNatural. These essential oils from InstaNatural come in four-ounce bottles, which are a much larger size than essential oils usually come in. These two popular oils can be used for multiple purposes, and this larger size is convenient. When using essential oils, only a drop or two are needed.

InstaNatural Lavender essential oil and Peppermint essential oil smell quite potent. InstaNatural’s Lavender Essential Oil is extracted from the oil glands of the Lavendula Offincinalis plant. It does not contain any fillers or added ingredients. Lavender oil can be used as a linen spray, in homemade soaps and creams, or just for sniffing for calming and relaxing. InstaNatural’s Peppermint Essential Oil comes from the Mentha Piperita herb. Its minty aroma is refreshing and reduces stress.

IntaNatural products, including their essential oils, are sold on amazon.com.

Disclosure – I received the two essential oil products, mentioned above, free in return for my honest review through a Tomoson.com promotion.

GoPURE Youth Glow Eye Gel

They say that eyes are the windows to the soul. What do your eyes say? Tired? Weary? Old? I’m afraid to think what my eyes may say, sometimes. With late nights working, kids, allergies, and various other problems that life throws my way I’ve had dark under eyes often, along with more than my share of puffiness. So, I use lots of eye creams that are supposed to reduce darkness and puffiness. Most recently, I have been using GoPURE’s Youth Glow Eye Gel, which I got to try complimentarily in exchange for my review.

About GoPURE Youth Glow Eye Gel

The goal of this eye gel is to reduce eye puffiness, dark circles, and eye bags and to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One of its key ingredients is Matrixyl 3000. It also contains natural ingredients, like plant stem cells, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, vitamin e, and an amino acid blend. The company lists the benefits as:

    •Dramatically reduces puffiness under and around the eyes - Look more refreshed, younger and more attractive
    • Reduces appearance of dark circles under and around your eyes - Making eyes look younger
    • Reduces appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (aka crow’s feet) so your face looks more radiant
    • Safe for all skin types & does not contain parabens, sulfates or alcohol.

This little bottle (0.5 fl. oz.) of eye gel is luxurious. It smells like fresh cucumber and feels refreshing as it is put on. Only a tiny dab is needed, however I always seem to be heavy handed with the pump because I get way too much out with each pump. As far as looking younger and getting rid of dark circles, the jury is still out. It does refresh and hydrate. Youth Glow Eye Gel is available on amazon.com and GoPURE Natural’s own website.

Visit GoPure Naturals Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gopure-Naturals/1532309590375841 






   
I received the product that was mentioned above free of charge, through a Tomoson.com promotion, in return for my honest review.

Speed Jump Rope by Bella Naturals Review

I fell off the wagon some time ago with keeping fit. So when I recently had the opportunity to review Bella Natural’s Jump Rope, I saw this as a great time to start getting back in shape. I haven’t jump roped in a long time.

Jump roping is an inexpensive way to get fit. I absolutely love ways to avoid spending lots of money, including not spending money on gym memberships. I do like gym equipment, but I think that there are plenty of ways to get an effective workout without spending tons of money.

Jump roping is a great workout and burns lots of calories. Just 10 minutes burns the same about of calories of 30 minutes of slow cardio work. This is wonderful for people, like me, who don’t want to spend a lot of time working out. I like doing short bursts of more intensity because it feels awesome to have a short, effect way to burn calories.  Jump roping is also versatile for beginners or for those capable of a more advanced workout.

This jump rope from Bella Naturals is adjustable, has high grade metal ball bearings, and is made of a quality thin cable. It’s lightweight, yet durable. When it first arrived, I did doubt its durability because it is a very light, thin cable. It works well for me and does work smoothly. I like it better than the rope kind and plastic kind that I’ve used previously. It even comes with a neat storage bag.

It provides a great workout for beginners, WOD’s, Cross Fit, MMA, boxers, and anyone looking to burn some calories or get their hear rate going. Bella Naturals Speed Jump Rope is sold on Amazon.com.


I received the above product free, through a promotion of Tomoson.com, in return for my honest review.

Poppy Austin Eye Cream Review

The latest product that I've gotten to try, through a promotion from Tomoson, is Poppy Austin Eye Cream. I've fought under-eye discoloration and puffiness for years, and as a result I've also used many eye creams and products for helping my eyes look better. I know that not all face creams, especially eye creams, are created equal.

Poppy Austin is a unique company that started by chance with a blueprint for argan oil and the belief that, "ingredients matter." Today Poppy Austin makes hair and skin care products with premium and ethically sourced ingredients.

Poppy Austin Eye Cream is a nice, rich moisturizer that comes in a handy pump. It recently came on the U.S. market after an extensive round of research, development and production. It promises to tackle dark under eye circles, baggy eyes, crows feet and fine lines. It is made with natural ingredients, like green tea, vitamin C, aloe, jojoba oil, and rosehip oil. It's gentle ingredients are great for the eye area, but it can also be used on the entire face. It does not contain any parabens, fillers, alcohol, or additives. The ingredients are also 72% organic.

I've been using this cream for a few weeks, and it is awesome. It really does brighten my eyes soothe any puffiness. Admittedly my under eye area is very purplish, and I believe it will take a miracle to fix. This cream has lessened the darkness to some degree. I love it because it does work. The first time I used it, it felt refreshing as I patted it on. It also diminished the crinkles forming and fine lines around my eyes. It isn't greasy and absorbs quickly, so it can be worn under makeup without clumping.

Poppy Austin Eye Cream is sold on Amazon.com in a 30ml size. It also comes with a money back guarantee, if you aren't satisfied.



I received the above product free of charge from Tomoson.com in return for my honest review.