Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin

Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow

First, I must disclose that I received this product free, in exchange for an honest, unbiased, and quality review. I received my Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin from Toluna on March 31, 2016. I received this product because I signed up to test it, which is one of the many activities that Toluna offers to get opinions from consumers.

Copied from the back of the label: "Eye Shadow with organic butterfly bush. 100% free of preservative, talc, and fragrance. Natural satin colors. For sensitive skin. Compatibility ophthalmologically approved. Upon peeling the label up to see the ingredients, I loved that I could almost recognize everything. The exceptions were Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Kaolin, & Tocopheryl Acetate. Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is an amber liquid made from naturally occuring fatty acids, and is often used in cosmetics to slow sweating. Kaolin is a white clay. Tocopheryl Acetate is a man-made vitamin E, used in cosmetics for skin hydration. The rest of the ingredients seemed to be types of herbs.

Unfortunately, I have very soft lighting in my house, so I don't know if you can even tell that I have the Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin on. The one I received is a very light color for me, and shows up on me as a frosted eye shadow. It appeared frosty and white. I had to apply three coats for the pink tint to show.

So, how does the Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin stack up?

Pros- It is for my skin type and did not irritate my eyelids or eyes period. Even though it is kind of light for my complexion, I still like it. It's a cute color that I still was able to make work. It came with a little applicator brush, which is always a plus. It comes in a small, travel sized case that is easy to take with you. It glides on very silky. It has cute, garden pattern. Less is more when it comes to make-up for me, so I love neutral/earth tone colors. This was my cup of tea, so to speak. I feel made up but not over-done.

Cons- It is very messy. I am very heavy-handed, so I went to town on this eye shadow, thinking I would have to press hard to get some on the applicator brush. It broke up really bad inside of the container. This would make a mess in my cosmetic bag. 

So, would I buy Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin? Yeah, you bet I would!!! I really tried not to be biased but this is EYE SHADOW, and I'm a lady with a love for it. I would just choose a different color. <laughs>

Here's the link:http://www.amazon.com/Nivea-Pure-Natural-Shadow-Cool/dp/B00PEQTNHG

Happy Shopping :)

Cush Comfort Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain

Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain

First, I must disclose that I received my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion for free, in exchange for a honest, unbiased, quality review. I placed my order for my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion on April 7, 2016, on the Sears website. I was responsible for the shipping cost, which ended up being $3.13. I received notification of shipment on April 11, 2016. I received my package and item in pristine condition.

I decided to try this product for review because I sit a lot (probably way too much). I am a blogger and I run a Facebook group, so I do constant sitting, even though I am a stay-at-home-mom. I had just came home from a painful doctor's appointment, so I was very delighted when I opened my package. In fact, I loved the founder and maker of my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion, Chris', insert. It really made me chuckle and made my day. I can appreciate a great sense of humor. He felt down-to-earth and seemed to understand my need for his product.

So after opening my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion and sitting on it, I immediately heard the air release of the cushion. It kind of reminded me of how a truck sounds, when the driver breaks. It felt like I was sitting on a cloud, but this was just day one. I also realized after day one, that I was sitting down on it backwards. I would not have known other than looking at the pictures of how to use it correctly on the Sears website, right underneath the product link. They way it is in the pictures I posted, is how you are supposed to sit on it. I turned it around like a genius and honestly like it better that way.

After 10 days of abuse to my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion, and I say that because I have butt for days, I do notice that the cushion is already starting to sink in more. This poor cushion was up for the job of its life. However, I do notice a slight improvement in my poster. It is getting bad, but I am not as hunched when I use the cushion properly. The cushion does not totally solve my back alignment issues though. It will probably take a back brace or posture bra to do that.

So, how does the Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain stack up?

Pros- It has a non-slip backing and will stay in place. It is very soft and comfy under my butt. It is portable and can be taken with me. It is discounted right now from the original $49.97 to $36.67 on the Sears website, which is about 27% off. I did notice a slight difference in my posture during long-time and short time sitting while using the cushion, verses not using it.

Cons- Someone still might not be willing to pay $36.67 for the Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain. My back is still hurting right now as I am typing this review, so this is not the miracle that magically solved my back alignment issues. If you hunch or slouch slightly that's one thing. However, if your poster is a bit more severe, no, this cushion will not totally correct it. For me, it is probably going to take a combination of this Cush Cushion and a posture bra. After 10 days of use, my tush is starting to really flatten this Cush, so the comfort level is dropping some. This item might be more suitable for smaller and lighter butts.

If I had to buy another Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain for some reason would I? I cannot honestly say Yes. I will have to test the full longevity of this item, as it is starting to lose its support some after 10 days. 

If you would like more information of this product, here's the link:  http://www.sears.com/cush-comfort-cush-comfort-non-slip-memory-foam/p-71NCHCN0400?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2  #cushcomfort

Happy Shopping :)

Porcelain French Press Coffee Maker, Yellow - By SWEESE Products LLC

Porcelain French Press Coffee Maker, Yellow - By SWEESE Products LLC

First, I must disclose that I received my Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC., highly discounted, in exchange for an honest, unbiased, and quality review. So I placed my order for my Porcelain French Press on April 10, 2016, and received it on April 12, 2016. I received it in two days because I have Amazon Prime. It arrived with packaging in pristine condition and I had no issues.

Determined the next day that I was going to have the best cup of coffee ever, I washed my Porcelain French Press and gave it a good rinse. Next, I proceeded to grind my coffee beans (3 rounded tablespoons) to a course grind and put them in. I then heated about 12 ounces of water in the microwave and poured it into my Porcelain French Press. I then immediately pressed the beans and poured the mixture into my coffee cup. Bad idea! This was the WORST cup of coffee I ever drank!

Totally heart-broken and confused about what I had done wrong, I scoured the internet for videos on how to properly make coffee in a Porcelain French Press. After finding the helpful information I needed from a coffee barista kind enough to share, I then went back to the kitchen and poured that horrible cup of coffee (coffee bean water). I then sniffed my Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC., and could almost imagine the wasted coffee beans crying out in agony from being sacrificed for nothing. I smelled all of the coffee goodness that I should have been sipping on, wasting away as soggy coffee grinds I now had to dump. I then dumped the French Press, gave it a good rinse, and placed it in my sink drain.

So on take two of trying to make a cup of Joe worthy of barista ranking, I gave my French Press a good rinse with hot water and placed the top on to keep the heat in. Next, I proceeded to grind my coffee beans (3 rounded tablespoons) to a course grind and put them in. I then heated about 12 ounces of water in the microwave and poured enough of it into my Porcelain French Press to just cover the ground coffee beans. I gave this a good stir. I then proceeded to pour the rest of the heated water in, stirring it again. Unlike the previous day when I instantly poured the pressed the coffee, I let this sit after pressing for a total of 3 minutes. I then poured my coffee. One sip, and I was in coffee Nirvana! 

So how does the Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC., stack up?

Pros- I had a very bold and flavorful cup of coffee once I got the hang of it. I tasted more flavor with this French Press than I do with my drip coffee maker on the bold setting. The price is not bad at all, and costs less than the fancier, drip coffee makers. It's easy to clean than a carafe. A great cup of coffee is not too time consuming and could be made in under 5-6 minutes. It saves electricity and you can give the drip coffee maker a break.

Cons- You have to get the grind, amount of water, heat, and timing just right. If not, you will not like your cup of coffee. Too short, you will have coffee bean water. Too long, the barista on the video said that it will be too bitter. This particular French Press is porcelain. One wrong move and all the kings horses and all the kings men, couldn't put your French Press back together again. Also, this Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC. is better for smaller batches of coffee. A carafe amount, not so much. In addition, the colors are kind of weird, but that is just my opinion.

So would I purchase this Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC., again if need be? I am hooked on the taste of French Press coffee now. In the event of this one meeting an untimely demise, no, I would probably go for a different style of French Press and possibly even a stainless steel one.  

If you are interested in purchasing this item, here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Porcelain-French-Press-Coffee-Yellow/dp/B01AVRODQS?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

Happy Shopping :)

Namaste Products: Namaste Gluten Free Taco Pasta Dinner & Namaste Gluten Free Brownie Mix

Namaste Products: Gluten Free Brownie Mix & Namaste Gluten Free Taco Pasta Dinner

First, I must disclose that I received my Namaste Gluten Free Brownie Mix & Namaste Gluten Free Taco Pasta Dinner in exchange for an honest, unbiased, and quality review. 

I contacted Namaste on 3-24-16, asking if I could review their products. I also asked if Namaste would be willing to sponsor my first group giveaway. At the time I emailed Namaste, my intent was to have my giveaway when the group reached 1000 members, which did not go as planned at all! I was contacted on 3-28-16, at which time Namaste kindly granted both of my requests.

So what kind of products does Namaste offer? Namaste makes Kosher, all natural products free from GMO's, wheat, gluten, eggs, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, mustard, sulfites, sesame, caseine, fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. They also allow rigorous third party testing to make sure that their products are not compromised, in addition to the standard USDA testing and certification. I was thrilled to know that I was feeding my family food products held to a higher standard.

                  
                  

Namaste Gluten Free Taco Pasta Dinner

With the Namaste Gluten Free Taco Pasta Dinner, the serving size states that it is for four people. The Namaste Gluten Free Taco Pasta Dinner kit comes with the brown rice pasta, pasta shells and Taco seasoning packet. Me being skeptical, I immediately thought there was no way this was going to feed my family. My husband was at work and had to work really late, so I was figuring out how this pasta kit was going to feed 3 teenagers, my 6-year old son, and me.After preparing about a pound of lean ground beef, a large can of organic, whole black beans, green onions, and a jar of quartered sun-dried tomatoes and combining this mixture with the pasta, I was amazed! This was in fact a very hearty meal that was able to satisfy my daughter, twin teenage boys, and me. My 15 year old sons even went back for seconds and stuffed themselves. Unfortunately, this meal did not go over well with my six- year old finicky eater. He took one look, one sniff, and made his "ick face." I had to prepare him an alternative meal. In the picture is my big portion of Namaste Gluten Free Taco Pasta Dinner, topped with a big helping of organic guacamole. All I can say is "nom, nom, nom," in my cookie monster voice. The taco seasoning pack was very flavorful. I did not even have to use it all. 

Namaste Gluten Free Brownie Mix

So after being thoroughly impressed with the Namaste Taco Pasta Dinner, I decided not to be so critical of the Namaste Gluten Free Brownie Mix. Made with brown rice flour and other organic ingredients, it tells you on the box that the package is a double batch. I prepared mine as the side panel said, with 3/4 cups oil, 3 organic, large, brown eggs, and 1/2 cups hot water. The mixture was so thick that I still had to add another 1/2 cup of water. My electronic mixer struggled to go through the mix before I added the extra water and even after doing so, it still was very thick and rich.After finding the biggest baking pan I could and preheating my oven to 350 degrees, I baked my Namaste Gluten Free Brownie Mix in the time suggested on the box (38-42) minutes. Mine were done in 37 minutes with time left over. You could smell the wonderful aroma throughout the house, even in the bedrooms. Again, this was a big hit with everyone in the family, with the exception of my 6-year old son. My husband, teenage twin sons and daughter, and me, loved the brownies. On the contrary as before, my little finicky son took one look, one sniff, and made his "ick face." I coaxed him to at least taste it, but he spit the morsel into the trash. The picture above shows the portion of my cooked brownies that are left over, after everyone (including me) had one to two brownies.

Contest My giveaway will conclude tomorrow, Sunday 4/23/16 at 8:00pm EST. At this time, my winners will be choosen. The top prize will be the wonderful Namste Tote bag. The contents are as follows: 4 Namaste Foods Products; Namaste Grocery tote; Copy of Gluten Free & More Magazine; & Assorted recipe cards. To be in the giveway, you must be an active member of my Facebook group "Taka's Free Samples, Discounts, & Product Review." You must also comment under the contest link, letting me know you are interested in this giveaway.  

Please join the contest at Taka's Free Samples, Discounts, and Product Review by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/938364149604718/ I normally do a break down of Pros and Cons on the products that I review but did not here. I was thoroughly impressed with the two Namaste products I was given the opportunity to try for review. The only Con was my finicky eater not liking the products. The cost might possibly be a Con for some too, but you get what you pay for in my opinion. These are quality products and the certifiactions from the USDA and third party rigorous testing can back that up.To know more about Namaste Foods please visit their Website and Facebook page by clicking these links: http://www.namastefoods.com 

& https://www.facebook.com/NamasteFoods Happy Shopping :)

Rest & Peace Natural Sleep Remedy

Rest & Peace Natural Sleep Remedy

First, I have to disclose that I received this product heavily discounted, in exchange for an honest, unbiased, quality review. I ordered Rest & Peace Natural Sleep Remedy on April 9, 2016. Prime was not available for this particular item, as it came directly from the seller's company, HopeWind inc. 

So what is Rest & Peace Natural Sleep Remedy? It is a distinct essential oil blend to be diffused while sleeping, for therapeutic and aromatherapy purposes. Quoted straight from the bottle: "Proprietary Blend: Citrus recticula (Mandarin), Ocimum basilicum (Basil), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Frankincense (Boswelia careteril) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)." 

When opening the essential oil, I did catch some familiar smells. I immediately caught the strongest scent in the proprietary blend, which is the Lavender. I also was able to recognize the hint of the Mandarin, which gives it a slight sweetness. I also was able to smell a hint of the Basil, since I have cooked with it. As far as some of the other ingredients, I am familiar with Valerian Root due to my past experience with selling supplements.

Now I have to give another disclosure here: I am in no way a medical professional. Also in no way does my review substitute medical advice. Please see your doctor for medical advice. Now as a former sales associate of supplements and herbs, I had many repeat customers that swore by Valarian Root in the form of teas and pills to be taken internally. There are claims that this herb does help with sleep, even though this is not supported by the FDA. 

As far as how I used this oil, I purchased humidifiers/essential oil diffusers for all of the bedrooms in my house (mine and children's). I bought them along with other essential oils for the intent of helping us with sinus problems; then, I was given the opprtunity to try this essential oil. I love the smell of this oil, and found it very comforting to breath while falling asleep. I mainly love this blend due to the Lavender in it, which is associated with a smell for sleep. I also noticed for my children and me, that this oil does help slightly with our allergy irritations due to the high pollen count where we live. The mix of this proprietary blend being diffused along with the mist of the humidifiers helps our breathing stay slightly clearer than not using anything at all.

So, how does the Rest & Peace Natural Sleep Remedy stack up?

Pros- Only a few drops are needed for diffusing. I used the guide on my oil diffuser but you can go to the seller's website for directions on how to use this. Because a few drops are needed, this essential oil will last for a long time. You don't necessarily need an oil diffuser to diffuse this essential oil. Aromatherapy can be practiced in the shower (my version of a poor man's oil diffuser) and in the bath. I have practiced shower aromatherapy by sprinkling a few drops of the oil by the drain (not wear you stand). The steam diffuses it nicely, as well as a bath. It is calming and helps to slightly clear congestion. The scent did calm me and feel comforting for sleep.

Cons- The Lavender slightly overpowers the proprietary blend. You are not going to like this oil if you dislike the smell of Lavender. I personally feel that the scents could have been more balanced by slightly cutting down on the Lavender. This oil's scent is very strong. It might not be suitable for people with scent sensitivities. Someone not sure about the effectiveness of aromatherapy might not be willing to pay $29.99 for a bottle of the oil.

So, would I purchase Rest & Peace Natural Sleep Remedy again? I love the smell of this oil, but I had to compare it to a plain Lavender. After doing so, I could smell a deliciousness of the other scents that you don't get from a plain Lavender essential oil. So yes,there is a possibility that I would buy this again.

I purchased my Rest & Peace Natural Sleep Remedy through Amazon, but I will post the seller's link too. They give you more information about the essential oils and aromatherapy in general.

http://hopewindhealth.com/collections/all

http://www.amazon.com/Rest-Peace-Sleep-Essential-blend/dp/B018X3SGKG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00

Happy Shopping :)

Firmoo Eyeglasses from Firmoo Online Optical Eyewear Store

Firmoo Eyeglasses from Firmoo Online Optical Eyewear Store

I was contacted through personal message on Facebook by Ms. Katrina Houkes, Marketing Assistant for Firmoo Online Optical Eyewear Store, on the morning of Tuesday, April 5, 2016. I was not aware of this eyewear company before contact with her. In the personal message on Facebook she explained who she was, and kindly granted me the offer of trying a pair of her eyewear  in exchange for a honest, quality, and unbiased review on my Facebook group page and blog. During our contact, I told her that I do wear prescription eyeglasses. After contact with her, I immediately placed my order online, on the Firmoo website.

I was directed via link to the "Collection for Bloggers" page of the Firmoo website. On the website, I was prompted to make an account as a new customer, which was very easy because I had the option of linking it up with my Facebook information. My interest was immediately peaked about the Firmoo website because it is very professional and very well put together. Moreover, there were many options to choose from even for those that do not wear prescription eyeglasses. The Firmoo Online Optical Eyewear Store also has sunglasses, prescription and non-prescription, accessories, safety glasses, and daily updated style trends.  

After exploring the different options on the website, I clicked on the "Eyeglasses" option at the top of the Firmoo website, which then gave the option to choose women's or men's eyeglasses. Once I clicked the "Women's" option, I was given a choice of looking through 4 pages of optical frames in different styles, sizes, prices, and colors. Again, I was impressed by the many different styles and by the frame prices, which started as low as $19, and ranged up to $39. I ended up ordering a pair of $27 frames and picked style S5308, which I also added to my "favorites." I was given a voucher code for the frames, non-scratch prescription lenses, and free shipping (basic options). However, with the basic options that I chose, my order would have only been $33.95.

                    





The pictures above are me showing off my new specs on April 16, 2016, after getting a confirmation email that my eyeglasses had shipped on the 7th.

So, how do I rate my Firmoo Eyeglasses from Firmoo Online Optical Eyewear Store?

Pros- The Firmoo Website was easy to use, website is very professional, prices for basic and add on options are excellent, there are many nice styles to chose from. The website even helps you with measurements by suggesting that you use an old pair of your frames to compare to theirs. There is also a virtual model to try your glasses on, to help you chose from the sizes of narrow, medium, or wide. You can scan, upload, and save your prescription to your account. Your Firmoo eyewear comes with a nice protective case, adjusting tool, and lens cleaning cloth. They have a return policy and will honor it if your eyewear is damaged or is not satisfactory due to their liability. You can donate your old eyewear for charity.


Cons- Even with the website help, there is a possibility that you could get the measurements wrong. In a brick and mortar eyewear shop, you are fitted for your specs by an employee. Here, you have to know your own measurements. I chose wide frames due to my PD measurement (Pupillary Distance- how far apart your pupils are). I still love my new glasses anyway, but they are a tad bit wide/big for my face. The vertical length of the lenses were also much longer than they seemed in the online picture. I could have tried medium for a better fit, I think. Also for prescription eyeglasses, you have to have the EXACT and PRECISE prescription info before you place your order. It explains in the return policy that putting the wrong prescription in is your liability, which will not be honored. Also, the wait might be too long for people that want them faster.


So, would I shop with Firmoo Online Optical Eyewear Store again? YES!!! The prices and styles are amazing! I have already went back to the site to look at a medium style frame in red or purple (still deciding). Why? Because it's good to have a back-up pair. I am also thinking about buying a pair of prescription sunglasses. I wouldn't think of it at other places but with Firmoo's prices, I could afford it. 

Here's the link: http://www.firmoo.com/

Happy Shopping! :)

CASSANI FOGLESS Shower Mirror

CASSANI FOGLESS Shower Mirror

First, I must disclose that I received my CASSANI FOGLESS Shower Mirror for free, in exchange for an honest and thorough review. I placed my order for my CASSANI FOGLESS Shower Mirror on March 20, 2016, and received my item on March 22, 2016. I have Amazon Prime, so it arrived in the two days in pristine condition. I have had no problems thus far with the arrival of my packages or items through Amazon. 

Now gentlemen, before you say, "Wow lady! You just had to buy this! You couldn't let us guys have this one thing, huh?" Please hear me out here. <laughs> So this item is targeted for males of shaving age. The idea of the fog-less mirror allows men to hop in the shower, get that quick shave without the mirror fogging up, and get out. Well fellows, I was not trying to take from you. Us ladies just have moments when a fog-less mirror could come in handy as a backup. I decided to buy it for those days that I might want to touch up those armpits in the shower or have a backup mirror for hair styling and make-up application.

So, the fogless mirror comes with the mirror of course, which is made of stainless steel and has a protective coating on it. The mirror also has a hook for the mirror itself and a hanging hook for your razor. Both of those are made out of stainless steel too. This was pretty neat because you get to hang every thing up out of sight, and on your shower wall.

I removed the protective coating off of my CASSANI FOGLESS Shower Mirror, pulled the adhesive backing off of my two hooks, and stuck them on my shower wall. I also hung my mirror up on its hook. I love very hot showers, so this was the perfect opportunity to give my mirror a test run. I got in my shower and washed/conditioned my hair. I was in there so long that I ran out all of the hot water.

You know how this ends. <laughs again> So my bathroom mirror was all fogged up worse than the movie "The Mist." On the contrary, my CASSANI FOGLESS Shower Mirror was hanging on its adhesive hook unscathed.

So how does the CASSANI FOGLESS Shower Mirror stack up?

PROS- It's made of stainless steel, which won't rust, and is a durable material. It's also much more lightweight than a glass mirror. This mirror can also travel with you because it was made for home and travel. It has Anti-Fog Nanotechnology. CASSANI sends an email to you that tells you how to care for your mirror to get more use out of it.

CONS- Even though I put some weight on the adhesive hooks and they are secure now, there is a possibility that the adhesion will wear over a long period of time. If not taken care of properly (dropped/mishandled) the mirror can become damaged. The Anti-Fog Nanotechnology does wear off after a period of time and the company tells you this. 

So if I had to buy one again would I? I honestly can't say "Yes" or "No" on this one. While the mirror did perform well this once, I would have to look into its longevity. Also, this product would seem to be more of a necessity for MEN (the gender it's targeted towards). 

If you would like to know more about this product, here's the link: 

http://www.amazon.com/Fogless-Shower-Mirror-Nanotechnology-Exclusive/dp/B00CNOUZE2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00 

Happy Shopping :)