Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Syono Orthotics Gel Insoles Review

The Syono Orthotic Shoe Inserts and Gel Insoles are a set of orthotic insoles and inserts that provide cushioning and support to alleviate pain throughout your body. They absorb the shock your feet receive from everyday motion. 

Walking, running, and standing become easier and less painful. Syono Orthotic Shoe Inserts and Gel Insoles are highly recommended for those who stand or walk on hard surfaces all day, those who have constant or recurring foot and heel pain such as plantar fasciitis, and those who would like to get the most out of their day without accumulating the damage done to our feet by daily activities. 

Every insole comes over-sized so you can cut them to whatever size you desire.

My review: Syono gel insoles are easy to insert into any shoe, feel extremely comfortable, and definitely help alleviate foot pain, particularly for shoes that don't have proper cushioning or arch support, or for situations where lots of walking or standing around is involved.

I inserted these into my Toms, which are loafer shoes. While Toms are always comfortable and nice everyday shoes, they have virtually no arch support, so I can tell they aren't best for walking around in. Syono gel insoles only come in two sizes, but each size can be trimmed to best fit your particular shoe. On one hand, I love this because it allows me to put the insert into any type of shoe—whether it's wider like a sneaker, or narrower like a loafer—but at the same time, it was kind of a pain in the neck to trim the padding to fit the inside of my shoe exactly. It requires a bit of time and lots of inserting to check the fit, taking out to trim again, etc., but since it fit my shoe exactly, I suppose it's worth it.

The actual feel of the insoles is fantastic. I could really notice the difference in how my feet felt after being in my shoes for a long time. The product isn't overly thick and bulky—it's a pretty thin insert—yet the gel cushioning is fabulous. I can see this being a hit for everyday people like me who sometimes need extra support with uncomfortable, flat-bottomed shoes, and for people who have chronic foot or heel pain.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

MAG Magnetic Screen Door Review

CHOOSE THE BEST MAGNETIC SCREEN DOOR!
PREMIUM MAGNETIC SCREEN DOOR
- Excellent to hot weather. Keep fresh air in! 
- Highest quality material available 
- Designed with a high standard of functionality.
HANDS FREE - INSTANTLY OPEN
it instantly opens and automatically closes behind you using powerful magnets, so you can carry food, drinks and more from inside to out without ever having to fiddle with latches, sliders or heavy doors.
EXCLUSIVE PREMIUM MESH
- Invisible Magnets, 
- Easy to install! No tools required 
- Excellent for your pets! 
- All sewing technology, make the magic mesh more durable.

My review: In concept, MAG is a fabulous hassle-free screen door with a magnetic closure that makes it so easy to use, for both doors both indoor (like for the kitchen, bedrooms, etc.) and out. This is a great idea for those who want to leave doors open on hot summer days, but don't want the pesky flies and mosquitos to come in.

Application is very easy—the MAG utilizes an adhesive/velcro pairing so you can stick this screen door in any doorway, and extra thumbtacks for even more reinforcement. I think this was very thoughtful, however, the screen door was way too long for our door frame. The width fit perfectly, but the screen dragged three or four inches on the floor, which doesn't only look unattractive, but also made the entire screen door wobbly and not straight because the bottom was not flat with the ground. I could not find a way to adjust the height of the screen without applying it above the doorframe.

I feel like this is a high-quality product with a lot of thought put into it, but because it didn't fit, I simply could not use it how I wanted to. It also will not apply to glass/sliding doors, which is how our back doors are set up, so that was a disappointment as well. Hopefully MAG will make an adjustable version suitable for sliding doors and shorter door frames.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Priority Chef Dual Julienne and Vegetable Peeler Review



  • The only julienne cutter and vegetable peeler and slicer that you will ever need, premium 2 in 1 zoodle maker and peeler, easily create professional quality julienne vegetables and healthy vegetarian noodles or zoodles in seconds
  • Our vegetable peeler is perfect to peel potatos, carrots, zucchini, cucumber, butternut squash, apples, onions and more in seconds - giving a professional cut each and every time.
  • Stunning brushed metal finish with ultra sharp blades that will create perfect zoodles, peeled, slice or julienned vegetables any professional chef would be proud of - every time with a fraction of the time it normally takes
  • FREE eBook offering 40+ healthy dishes that be created using our tool - Liven up meal times and get your kids interested in eating vegetables with these great healthy recipes - exclusive to Priority Chef

  • My review: I love this julienne peeler and find it an affordable, convenient, and efficient alternative to expensive spiralizers. As a huge health foodie AND carbaholic (an unfortunate combination), I'm always trying to find ways to cut down on carbs, and vegetable noodles are my heaven-sent answer. By cutting pasta and rice noodles out of my diet, I save SO many calories, but can still enjoy my yummy Italian pasta dishes and Asian noodle salads.

    Any firm vegetable will make fair-sized noodles, but my favorites are zucchini/squash noodles (virtually flavorless, and can work with any sauce), raw carrot noodles (for a raw crunch), cucumber noodles (a neat way to eat cucumber salads), and potato noodles (for hash browns!!!). The possibilities for recipes and garnishes are endless.

    The Priority Check dual peeler both peels your vegetables, but also has another side to it that juliennes, or finely shreds, your vegetables. I no longer have to take ten minutes to finely shred my carrots for salads—this peeler does it for me in seconds! It is very sturdy and I was impressed by how high-quality the metal is. It won't be breaking on me anytime soon, and the blades look like they'll last a lifetime.

    The peeler is slightly dangerous because there are no protective covers on the blades; I would suggest storing this in the box it comes in, because otherwise you could cut yourself while digging around for it in a drawer. While peeling, it is very easy to cut yourself, especially if you're working fast or working with a smaller, rounder object (like a potato). One solution I've found is to place the vegetable on a cutting board and hold one end down with a fork. This way, you can julienne the veggie quickly and effectively, without accidentally shredding your fingers—which I have definitely done before. Ouch!

    My only complaint is how difficult it is to wash this item. Since I only use it for vegetables, I never need to scrub it with dish soap or anything like that, but when using pulpier veggies, like carrots, potatoes, and cucumbers, little shreds of vegetable will get stuck between blades and in the metal sections of the peeler. A dish sponge/towel hardly fits in there, and I'm definitely not touching those blades with my fingers, so usually I just need to run it through running water until the shreds come out. However, if you don't have very strong water pressure, I would suggest using a toothpick or small cleaning brush to clean in between blades; you don't want these pieces of food drying and getting stuck to your kitchen tool!



    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Sticker You Review and Giveaway

    You can now customize stickers into any shape, size, or quantity you need! Only using StickerYou's Sticker Editor you can make stickers to the exact 0.1” in size. Make your stickers round, square, or contour die cut to the image to get that perfect shape to match your artwork. For business purposes, you can upload your company logo or idea and promote your brand message. All custom stickers are printed using very durable, water-proof white or clear vinyl removable adhesives.

    Review: I was given the chance to try StickerYou's white vinyl stickers. You can create your own sheet of stickers and design the shape, cut, colors, and images as you desire, and they will print them out for you! Here are some of the wonderful features of these high-quality printed stickers:
    WritableWritable

    100% Satisfaction Guaranteed100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    No MinimumsNo Minimums

    Removable Without ResidueRemovable Without Residue
    WaterproofWaterproof

    Microwave SafeMicrowave Safe
    Dishwasher SafeDishwasher Safe

    Any Size, Any ShapeAny Size, Any Shape
    StickerYou will cater to any of your sticker printing needs, including wall decals, iron-ons, labels, and temporary tattoos. The best part is, you can customize them completely with their user-friendly editing tools and using your own images/designs.

    Giveaway: One reader will get the chance to win two pages (or up to $37) of white vinyl stickers like I did. Just email me at jsididia@gmail.com to be considered.


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Thursday, August 14, 2014

    TrueSol Yacon Syrup Review

    • Pure yacon syrup assists in weight loss and slimming waist sizes, regulating blood sugar, and increasing daily fiber intake
    • The syrup, distilled from the Peruvian tuber yacon -- contains up to 50 percent fructooligosacharides, or FOS. FOS, classified as a prebiotic, is a non-caloric sweetener and also a fiber source.
    • According to a 2009 Scientific study, daily intake of yacon syrup produced a significant decrease in body weight, waist circumference and body mass index.
    • Yacon syrup Speeds up the metabolism to combat excess fat and regulates the hunger hormone, making you feel full longer.
    • Low-Glycemic Sweetener

    My review: Yacon syrup contains ingredients that naturally lower blood sugar, and it can be used as a substitute for high-calorie or high-glycemic sweeteners such as sugar or maple syrup as well. The bottle recommends taking this as a supplement for weight loss by the spoonful, like medicine, but personally I wouldn't recommend that because it doesn't taste that great by itself. It's not entirely unpleasant, but it's kind of a stale-sweet, starchy flavor that's the same texture as corn syrup; I would not find myself craving this stuff by the spoonful.

    Instead, I use it to sweeten foods that I normally add sugar or honey to, such as teas, nut butters, and baking recipes. This is an excellent sugar and honey substitute, with less calories, and a lot more fiber! I'm a huge health foodie, and am always looking for healthier alternatives to my favorite foods and ingredients. While yacon syrup's taste is far from regular honey or sugar/stevia, it's virtually tasteless with a hint of sweetness that will let you have the same sweetness in foods without sacrificing your waist line.

    Giveaway: If you want to win your own bottle of Yacon syrup, please email me at jsididia@gmail.com and I will choose ONE winner.


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    NightFood Review


    Finally, the perfect snack for people who snack at night!
    You don't beat nighttime cravings with chips or ice cream, and you know you can't beat them with carrot sticks or rice cakes.
    You need NightFood.
    Review: WOW, these snack bars are absolutely delicious!! I can't believe how decadent the combination of dark chocolate crisp and white chocolate coating are, in fairly low-calorie, guilt free bar!

    Each bar is about 140 calories which isn't exactly nothing in a diet, but it's much healthier than unhealthy fried foods like chips and donuts. To me, they taste like Clif bars but MUCH tastier. And they're nice and chewy, yet crispy at the same time too, like a thick, chocolatey rice crispy bar. Amazing!

    Honestly I don't think they do much to beat nighttime cravings or help you sleep better or anything like that. While they were a satisfying snack, they didn't make me completely full either; they are pretty small bars. I'm sure if you could control yourself and eat these INSTEAD of unhealthy snacks, you'd save lots of calories, but they don't stop you from eating unhealthy snacks to begin with. To make yourself feel fuller, drink a lot of water with consumption. I typically down a whole water bottle while eating my NightFood bars and then brush my teeth right afterwards to cut any cravings.
    However, because of just how absolutely delicious they are, I'm planning on buying my own box now! NightFood is currently holding a promotion where you can get a FREE trial box of delicious Cookies 'n' Dreams bars—just pay $4.95 shipping. That's still less than $1 for each bar, so it's a great deal! They have a new flavor coming out soon as well, so be on the lookout for that!


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Monday, August 11, 2014

    Barefaced Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

    Join millions and experience the Dead Sea's natural wonders...
    Bursting with Goodness
    Dead Sea mud is full of natural minerals, salts and nutrients, proven to have repairing and healing properties for our skin.
    Sent from Mother Nature
    Filtered down from the surrounding mountains, layers of fine salt, sand and clay deposits have developed over centuries to form the black mud of the Dead Sea. Our mud has been harvested straight from its bed.
    Enriched with Organic Ingredients
    Our mud is the best we could get our paws on. All we've done is added a few all organic ingredients to ensure it remains fresh for your skin to enjoy.
    Proven to Naturally Improve the Appearance & Feel of our Skin
    - Tone, tighten and improve skin texture.
    - Exfoliate, unclog and purify pores. Help rid your skin of blackheads and imperfections.
    - Draw out unseen excess oils and impurities.
    - Moisturize and stimulate skin collagen to help fight wrinkles.
    - All natural and organic ingredients. Paraben free.
    Compliment & Complete your Beauty Regime
    Free radicals from pollution in our modern world mean simply cleansing and moisturizing isn't enough to ensure your skin is bare and beautiful. Our deep cleansing mud mask contains natural anti oxidants to fight free radical damage and maintain healthier, younger looking skin.
    Show off your Bareface
    Banish those bad skin days and reveal a Barefaced more confident you. Skin will feel beautifully bare, purified and rejuvenated. This good skin feeling with brighten up your complexion and your day.

    My review: I wanted to love this all-natural, supposedly blackhead-clearing mud mask, but I feel like it didn't do anything good for my skin. I have sensitive skin to begin with, but I also have oily-combination skin and struggle with acne and clogged pores, so I thought this mask treatment would be great. I have tried other mud masks in the past—some on the quite expensive range—so Barefaced's Mud Mask seemed like a pretty affordable, completely natural option.

    However, I had a few issues with it. I'm not sure if the formula separated or if I just received an old batch, but my mask was extremely watery in its container. There wasn't any visible separation (i.e. I didn't see a layer of water pronounced on top) but I gave it a stir with a spoon anyway. It didn't help much, so I applied it as it was. Because of it's non-sticky, watery nature, it was rather hard to apply and dripped down my face as I was using it. The consistency is hardly a mask, it was more like a face wash!

    After about two minutes of waiting with the watery mixture on my face, I started to feel tingles. Usually if your skin tingles while using a mask treatment, it means it's working. Usually, it isn't an unpleasant sensation, and it's actually quite invigorating. However, with this mask, it was very much an unpleasant feeling; it wasn't itchy, but it just didn't feel good! I wanted to scrub it off then and there. I did not wait a full ten minutes like instructed, and only kept it on for a total of three. When I washed it off, my entire face was bright red. Not swollen or broken out in rash (thankfully!) but tomato red. Thank goodness it was nighttime, otherwise I would not have been able to go out like that.

    The redness took about an hour to die down, and my resulting facial texture was nothing to call home about. In fact, the mask left a certain residue on my skin that made it feel a bit waxy—definitely not soft and smooth as it advertises. I did not see a visible reduction in blackheads, pore size, or blemishes. I didn't see anything, other than redness and the residual layer that wouldn't disappear even after a second face washing. I just assumed it was a moisturizing property of the mask, but it didn't feel hydrating and smoothing.

    I'm not sure if I'd be willing to give this mask another try, even though I have the entire jar left. Apparently you are not supposed to use this more than twice a week, yet you have to use up the entire jar within six months of opening, so I'm pretty sure a lot of it is going to go to waste, especially since twice a week is two times too many.


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Apothecary Extracts Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil Review

    • One of the most versatile essential oils. Naturally fight Acne, Toenail Fungus, Lice, Yeast Infections, Skin Tags, Cold Sores, Dandruff, Ringworm, Fleas, Warts, Psoriasis, and More.
    • Use to make your own Shampoo, Lotion, Soap, Face Cleaner, Body Wash, and Toothpaste. Stop polluting your home and make all natural Household Cleaners, Detergents, Shower Sprays, Bathroom Disinfectants, and Kitchen Sprays.
    • Every purchase comes with a FREE 100 PAGE GUIDE. We provide you with all the ways to use tea tree oil to improve your life, and replace harmful cleaners around the house. This is your's to keep even if you return the tea tree oil.
    • We Have the Tests to Prove Our Tea Tree Oil's Purity and Potency. Many essential oils are diluted to cut costs. We have the Gas Chromatography Report to prove our tea tree oil is 100% undiluted, and without impurities. Find out what the Aborigines have known for centuries about this amazing gift from nature.
    • Our Australian tea tree plantation has received awards for its industry-leading, conservation farming practices. They have the smaller carbon footprint of any producer of pure and natural Tea Tree Oil. The Australian Parliament has invited them to represent farming operators at a Carbon Farming Incentive forum. They were one of the first producers to be accredited under the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association Code of Practice. The nutrition program for the Tea Tree plants is based on organic fertilizers. When using pesticides (a necessity to ensure the health of the plants) they employ a shield sprayer to minimize any contact with the plant. Whenever possible natural crop protection products are used.

    My review: Apothecary Extracts's tea tree oil is 100% pure pharmaceutical-grade oil—basically the purest, most natural version of tea tree oil you can get. If you don't already know about the countless uses for tea tree oil, this product comes with a useful eBook full of recipes, and you can always look up its functional benefits online.

    Since tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial oil, I use it for my skin to treat acne and cold sores. Tea tree oil is common in a lot of acne treatment products, so I found no harm in using the pure version. Because this stuff is really strong, it's a good idea to either dilute it with some water (one part water, one part oil usually does the trick for me) if you are applying it directly to skin, or mix it in with whatever lotion or cleanser you are using to avoid any potential skin irritation. It has a distinct scent to it, that I wouldn't categorize as bad per se, but it's really strong. It's kind of a mix of mint, bleach, and very herbal and medicinal. I don't mind it, because when diluted, it doesn't smell any worse than any of my mask treatments or other essential oils, but my boyfriend said it made him nauseous, and that's not an uncommon side effect. It also can cause irritation because of how strong it is, so always patch-test it before using it on your face. I have sensitive skin, but did not experience any irritation with it, thank goodness!

    In its pure form, tea tree oil is a completely safe, all-natural acne treatment. I use it as a spot treatment by dipping a cotton swab in the 1:1 oil:water mixture, then dabbing that on specific blemishes. Or, like I mentioned earlier, I add a few drops to a squirt of face wash or a facial mask treatment, then mix it all up to get its added antibacterial benefits.

    The packaging is great. There is a stopper cap under the screw-top lid to dispense a few drops at a time; I love that, because no oil goes to waste—you're only dispensing however much you need. This 4 oz. bottle is HUGE and is bound to last me a long, long time. Since tea tree oil has other uses as well, including treating lice, funguses, and dandruff, I think it's a great product to always have on hand, just in case.


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Weight Gurus Smartphone Tracking Digital Body Fat Scale Review

    Easy to read
    Easy to read in all lighting conditions. Bright blue backlight. Extra Large 4.3" diagonal LCD.
    Accurate
    4 high precision sensors provide reliable, truthful measurements every time.
    Smartphone Tracking
    Sync weight, body fat, muscle mass & water percentage with iOS and Android devices. With our free Weight Gurus App you can store weight entries, view trends, and chart progress. Syncing is easy. Simply press the App's weigh-in button and scan the scale's display with your smartphone camera - much like scanning a barcode. No bluetooth pairing or network configuration required! Syncing is fast. It takes about a second.
    Body Composition
    Bio-impedance analysis is the standard technology used across all Body Fat scales to estimate Body Fat, Muscle Mass, Water Weight and Bone Mass. This is helpful for understanding the source of weight changes. For example, you might notice a healthy weight gain from a decrease in body fat but an increase in muscle mass. While this trend information is helpful for everyone, the limitations of bio-impedance analysis will cause absolute measurements to read high or low for some users due to different body types.
    Master Your Weight
    In our first year we have helped people lose over 100,000lbs!
    Designed in the USA
    Many scales are sourced and sold from China with little concern for the overall experience and quality. We custom design our scales from the ground up - from our Weightless and appSYNC technologies to the slim design and extra-large, extra-bright, easy-to-read display.

    My review: This is a fabulous digital scale that would be a great resource for people on a weight loss plan. It has multiple functions, other than just working as a scale, including calculating body fat percentage, bone density, water weight, and muscle mass. It also has connective features using a smartphone app so you can track your weight even if you aren't at home, and to always have your numbers on-the-go.

    The way it works is by running an electric current through your body (via the metal panels where you place your feet) and that current detects your body's nutrient composition—separating fat from muscle from water. I think it's neat, but a general safety warning is to never use this scale with wet feet or just out of the shower—for obvious reasons. This safety warning is plastered all over the instruction manual, but just a heads-up for people who like to weight themselves fresh out of the shower: this is not for you! The electrical current itself is very light and you will not be able to feel it, but I still would not want anyone to risk electrocution or a fire by standing on this with wet feet.

    A little flaw is that the blue backlight of the screen went out after a few uses, around the second day I opened the package. I don't know how to replace the screen light, and since the screen itself still works fine, it's not a huge issue. However, since there's no light, I won't be able to use this scale in the dark (like a digital watch without a light).

    I'm not on a specific weight loss program right now , so I probably won't be using this scale to its full potential, but if you are, it really does everything, so don't stress! It's useful to be able to measure my body fat percentage and muscle mass every once in a while, even if I don't track it regularly—every fitness lover's dream!


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Saturday, August 9, 2014

    Paradise Pure Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Review

    Indications
    For those looking to eat healthier, burn fat naturally, maximize immune and digestive system, improve blood pressure and healthy cholesterol levels, manage weight, increase energy, reverse damaged hair, moisturize skin, and more WITHOUT the expensive procedures or use of dangerous artificial supplements...Our Coconut Oil is made for you.

    Ingredients
    Our proven, safe, weight-dropping ingredient: 100% Pure & Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Absolutely NO: Fillers, Binders, Dangerous Stimulants, Artificial Ingredients, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide, Wheat, Gluten, Soy, Egg, Milk, or Peanuts. 100% Safe & Natural! Vegetarian, vegan, celiac, any diet friendly!

    Directions
    It couldn't be easier! To zap out bad fats with a healthy balance of good ones, just use in place of other oils in cooking, baking, or frying. Also mixes well and makes delicious & nutritious smoothies! Or, for topical benefits, simply apply to your skin or hair and watch the transformation begin! Following these directions will help you to fully stimulate your body's natural healing with NO side effects!

    My review: Coconut oil is one of my favorite multi-use products, and best of all, it's perfect for both beauty AND cooking! TheraVita's Paradise coconut oil is fabulous; not only is it organic, but it's also unrefined, unbleached, cold-pressed, and 100% pure—this is the best quality coconut oil you can get.

    It came solid and remained as solid at room temperature, but with the fluctuating NorCal heat, it would be softer on some days, harder on others. At one point, it completely liquified because the weather was so hot. This stuff definitely melts easily!

    Coconut oil is great for cooking and baking because it is heat stable. I cringe every time I watch a cooking video where the host puts OLIVE OIL in a frying pan—no!!!! That can be toxic because olive oil is one of the least heat-stable oils out there. It's great for salad dressings and to use as seasoning, but when it comes to any kind of cooking that uses heat (like a stovetop or oven), coconut oil is the best. It does smell strongly of coconut, so if you don't like coconut, don't eat it raw. However, you can't taste it when you cook with it... it just works as a neutral cooking oil.

    There are a million uses for coconut oil as a beauty product. My favorite ways are to use it as a lip balm, and as an eye makeup remover. Before I stored this tub of coconut oil away in my kitchen, I scooped about half of it out into a separate container so I can use that for beauty-related purposes, and the original container for cooking. I recommend you do this too, to avoid cross-contamination. Otherwise, just get two tubs of this stuff! At 30 oz., one container is pretty large and will last a long time.


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    5KTape Review

    Premium kinesiology tape. Two black 2 in. x 16.4 ft pre cut, I & Y shape, waterproof, latex free, hypo-allergenic sports and athletic tape. Provides stability and support to your muscles. Reduces pain, inflammation and promotes circulation!

    Kinesiology is beneficial for everyone! Many people besides athletes use it. Effective for the elderly, children, and everyone in between!  5KTape can be used on shin splints, back pain, shoulder, knee, and ankle injuries, plus many more sports and everyday aches and pains. Works great on sore muscles and bruises too!

    My review: I'm no gym rat, but as a former athlete and present runner (..sometimes) I do get the occasional shin splints or sore muscles from my workouts. I also have chronic lower back pain from my cross-country years, so I didn't think I could lose anything by trying 5KTape kinesiology tape.

    Basically, you apply this to whichever body part needs some extra support in a stretched position. I used it for my lower back, so I hunched over, making sure my entire back was arched, applied three strips of tape in a semi-hashtag fashion, and then sat straight up. Since the tape is applied to your stretched muscles, when you contract those muscles, the tape "wrinkles" a bit, but that's where the magic happens. It keeps your muscles taut and works almost as a backup ligand, except it's not a brace or anything bulky; it's just a piece of cloth tape that fits like a second skin.

    5KTape is high quality tape, and it's already in precut strips with adhesive backing, so there's no fuss with cutting or peeling. I admit this tape takes some getting used to for first-time users. You may have to practice a few times to apply it just right. Whenever I unpeeled the back adhesive, the tape would stick to itself, and it doesn't unstick very well. Or, I would apply it and get a small crease in the tape while it was on my skin, and that part would not smooth out. Sort of frustrating, but like I said, once I got the hang of it, it wasn't a problem at all.

    I could definitely feel the tight pulling in my back that allowed me to sit up straighter. The tape is very breathable and waterproof/sweatproof. It flexes with your body, and doesn't feel like tape at all. It's very easy to wear under clothes because it isn't bulky, and you can go the whole day without really noticing it. I love that!

    For methods and practices of using the tape on specific body parts, look up instruction videos by typing in "Kinesiology tape ---body part---" and you'll find lots of useful information.

    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Friday, August 8, 2014

    Yorkie Splash & Shine Review and Giveaway

    Yorkie Splash was created out of a need for a shampoo to fit the specific needs of Yorkshire terriers. After trying numerous products, we here at Walnut Hill decided that there just wasn't anything on the market that worked well for every type of Yorkie - sensitive skin, coarse hair, cottony coats, silky coats, dry coats, or oily coats. We finally decided that keeping 5 different kinds of products around was just not manageable. So, we endeavored to make our own! After a lot of research, consulting with experts, and some trial and error on scent, we came up with a "formula" that did exactly what we wanted it to - make every type of Yorkie coat look and feel amazing, and smell great, too.
     
    After using our shampoo on our own Yorkies, friends began asking how they could get their hands on some of our shampoo. So, we bottled a little. Pretty soon, word of mouth created a buzz that has continued to grow.

    My Review: Yorkie Splash and Shine is a line of grooming products specifically targeted for the coats and skin of Yorkshire terriers. The three most popular products are the Yorkie Splash (shampoo), Yorkie Shine (Conditioner), and Yorkie Sheen (detangling spray) and I was lucky enough to try all three of them.
    These products smell great and will not irritate your dog's skin. Using the shampoo was a little tricky because it felt slightly tacky even after rinsing, or "waxy" as the product description states, but that is expected upon first use. It was slightly mitigated by using the conditioner and was much better after using the detangler and drying the fur.
    Yorkie Splash's products are very affordable and have great packaging. I like how there are instructions on each product as well, right on the front for easy access. This shampoo set will last a long time since yorkshire terriers are smaller breeds. I did not need to use that much to lather up my dog.

    Giveaway: for the chance to win your own sample set of Yorkie Splash, Shine, and Sheen, comment on my review or email me at jsididia@gmail.com and I will select a winner.




    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Wearever Seamless Unique Dri Panties Review and Giveaway

    Introducing our newest addition, Seamless Unique Dri Panties™. These seamless panties reduce any embarrassing panty lines. Also, our Smooth & Silky Seamless Full Cut Incontinence Panties have a soft and silky feel - leaving you feeling as if you aren’t even wearing incontinence products. These panties are perfect for women experiencing light to moderate incontinence and are perfect for the active and fashion conscious. Wearever’s Women’s Smooth & Silky Seamless Full-Cut Incontinence Panties are made of a nylon/spandex microfiber knit. Similar to other styles, these panties have Agion™ antimicrobial fibers, which reduce the bacteria that cause odor and include a sewn-in super absorbent Unique-DriTM pad which traps liquid for all-day built-in protection. These panties have a classic full-cut styling, with no visible seams for a sleek silhouette.  These panties are easy to care for and are an economical option, as they last up to 250 washes.

    My review: These incontinence panties are a great idea for those who need extra protection, but don't want to waste money on disposable underwear and pads. Wearever provides great high-quality material that serves its purpose. This 100% panty that I got to try gave me full protection and I experienced no leaking or smelling like some pads cause. However, the fit is not perfect. I am a pretty slim person but have full hips and I got a size Small/Medium (the smallest size). The panties fit on my hips (rather high-waisted), but they were baggy in weird places, like around my thighs and at my rear end. This was an unattractive look and I cannot imagine wearing pants or shorts around such sagging panties. That was disappointing.
    I recommend Wearever brand incontinence panties; they have lots of styles you can choose from, both men's and women's. However, I would make sure whatever fit you are looking for actually FITS you before making the purchase.

    Support Us TOO International with Wearever Purchases this September!
     
    A portion of proceeds from select sales of Wearever undergarments will benefit prostate cancer nonprofit Us TOO International this September. Wearever is partnering with Us TOO International to raise money in support of prostate cancer awareness, education and support networks for patients and their families. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. 

    Throughout the month of September, 10 percent of proceeds from the Wearever men's underwear line will be donated back to Us TOO International. This includes all sizes, styles, colors and purchases in singles, three-packs and six-packs from the Wearever Men's Incontinence Underwear line. To learn more and purchase products to support Us TOO International, visit www.WeareverUS.com. 

    Giveaway:To enter for a Wearever panty of your choice, Like Wearever on Facebook and Follow them on Pinterest. Once you have done those things, either comment below with your information or email me and you will be entered.

    Additionally, you can find Wearever on Twitter at @WeareverOnline.

    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Saturday, August 2, 2014

    Propresser Garlic Press Review

    When Quality and Convenience Count, Nothing But Propresser Will Do!
    Here are 5 Reasons You're Going to LOVE Your Propresser Garlic Press
    1. It easily minces garlic in one press (No more sore palms or aching fingers like you get with other garlic presses)
    2. Large capacity basket (Press good sized cloves ... even if you leave the peels on)
    3. No more stinky "garlic hands" (Easy to use and even easier to clean so you won't have to worry about smelling like garlic cloves all day)
    4. Heavy duty, quality construction (BUT it weighs in at a svelte 9.3 oz so ANYONE can use it effortlessly)
    5. Backed by an INSANE Double Guarantee! (Order yours now because you literally RISK NOTHING!)
    Order your own Propresser Garlic Press today. Use it in your kitchen to effortlessly press garlic and add loads of flavor to your favorite dishes.
    Once you've seen for yourself how handsome is the Propresser Garlic Press, how easy it is to use, how quickly you can clean it, we're confident you'll have LOADS MORE than 5 reasons to love it!
    Review: I love using fresh garlic when cooking, and probably work with it on a daily basis. Sure, it's easier to just use the frozen kind, but nothing beats the aroma and taste of FRESHLY minced garlic in recipes!

    The problem is, I hate mincing garlic. It makes my hands smell, it makes my cutting boards smell, and like chopping up an onion, it just isn't pleasant to do. Propresser Garlic Press will save you from all that with the simple squeeze of a clamp. All you have to do is place clove or two of unpeeled garlic—yes, unpeeled!—squeeze hard, and you have freshly minced garlic. It's really easy as that.
    I was blown away by how easily this presses garlic. At first, I was skeptical because I thought the garlic peel would somehow get in the way, but the garlic itself comes out beautifully. Inside the press, you have a completely empty peel that you can just discard. It's so easy to clean this device as well, because the peel somehow picks up most of the garlic debris when you take it out of the chamber.
    Lots of research has been done by culinary professionals, regarding the taste of minced versus pressed garlic and most verdicts are that pressed tastes better and sweeter because the bitter core of the garlic clove is not included when you press garlic. I couldn't tell a huge difference in taste, but I sure did get finer, easier pieces of garlic! I never have to mince garlic by hand again!
    A little tip for beginners or first-time garlic pressers like me: This press is NOT a simple one-touch device, and you do have to put in a little elbow grease when pressing your garlic. I have very little upper body strength so I had to put some effort into squeezing the press, but it wasn't impossible. I think I'll get the hang of it eventually. Big buff guys (like my boyfriend) will have no problems with pressing. Weaklings like me may struggle a bit. Regardless, this is my new favorite kitchen tool and I can definitely see myself using it regularly.


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Matcha DNA Organic Matcha Green Tea Review

    MatchaDNA's matcha green tea powder comes in individually wrapped single-serve packets, which make tea-making SO convenient. No messy measuring or spillage whenever you want some hot green tea or a nice green tea latte; these pre-measured packets take the guesswork out of everything and allow great portion control.

    For me, one 3 oz. packet lasts two cups of tea, and the consistency of the powder is fantastic. It is very fine, very smooth powder that dissolves instantly in hot water. I love the smooth, rich taste of it as well.

    MatchaDNA's Green Tea Matcha is high-quality green tea powder, and it's currently on sale for $19.71 for an entire bag (original price $35). Considering how tasty this stuff is, I'd definitely say it's worth it.


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Everyday Kitchen Essentials Nut Milk Bag Review

    Are You Fed Up with Cheesecloths, Cheap Nut Milk Bags, and Pulp Left Over in Your Drink?
    Discover the Premium Nylon Nut Milk Bag that can be used over and over — and will produce nut milk to die for!
    We know that attaining the perfect consistency for your nut milk can be hard when you’re working with low-quality bags that tear after one use, or messy cheesecloths that rip and leave milk in places you don’t want it.
    This revolutionary nut milk bag is…
    Durable and Long-Lasting. Premium nylon fabric holds up to the most strenuous nut milk-making around.
    Large Enough to Hold It All. Unlike other bags, at 10 X 13 inches LARGE, this bag fits over bowls for easy straining.
    Join the “Nut-Milk Making Revolution” Today
    • Keeps pulp OUT of your drinks
    • Cleans easily (no more moldy bags!)
    • Perfect for the first-time nut-milk maker
    Order today, and you’ll receive our Exclusive Recipe Book with tons of delicious recipes for nut milks of all flavors!
    Review: This nut milk bag from Everyday Kitchen Essentials is the perfect multi-purpose kitchen tool. You can use it for a variety of different recipes, not just nut milk: including juicing, cheesemaking, and just straining in general. I made homemade jello with this and had to puree fruit and strain it to get rid of the pulp and seeds. The nut milk bag, made out of nylon, which almost feels like a slightly stretch plastic, is VERY durable. I squeezed the life out of this bag and it didn't wear out! The rounded bottom is perfect for collecting pump, and makes it easy to clean since nothing gets stuck in corners.
    What I didn't like is how easily this bag stained. Since I was using fruit, obviously there were lots of messy colors involved, but even after washing it vigorously with soap and water, some of the fruit stains would not come out. I read somewhere you should bleach the bag naturally with grapefruit seed extract.... but it's not like I just have grapefruit seed extract lying around the house. The bag is clean, but it just looks nasty from all the stains. I wish it was reusable but the stains make me not want to use it again. I may have to invest in a new one.

    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Ozeri Weightmaster Scale Review

    The Ozeri WeightMaster 400 lbs Digital Bath Scale with BMI and Weight Differential Detection was designed and engineered in the USA to provide a comprehensive yet simple weight management solution to measure and track your weight. Featuring BMI Measurement and Auto Recognition Technology, the Ozeri WeightMaster weighs up to 400 lbs and displays your BMI (Body Mass Index), a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. Immediately after displaying your weight and BMI, the scale's Weight Differential Detection displays your "net weight change" from your last weigh-in (L1), the average of your last 3 weigh-ins (L3), and last 7 weigh-ins (L7). By measuring your weight once a day, the Ozeri WeightMaster empowers you to see how your current weight changes day to day, from the last 3 days, and over the previous week. For users who would rather just focus on their weight trend without worrying so much about the actual numbers, the WeightMaster features Color Alert Technology, which displays your weight change in a GREEN illumination for weight loss and RED for weight gain, providing a visual form of intuitive feedback. With built-in intelligence, the WeightMaster requires no complicated synching and spares you the data connection failures common to more expensive wireless and Bluetooth alternatives. Precision engineered and durably made, WeightMaster auto-calibrates with StepOn technology and auto-powers off to preserve battery life. The Ozeri WeightMaster is made out of impact-resistant tempered glass, and equipped with non-slip scratch-resistant feet that won't damage flooring. 

    Review: this weighing scale is unique in that it tracks your weight loss progress by recording your prior weigh-ins and lighting up according to how much weight you have either gained or lost. This is a great way to keep your weight loss journey on-track because the numbers and results are right there in front of you.

    The scale is very simple in design and user-friendly. When used on a flat surface, it measures weight accurately and saves your previous weights to compare the current one with.

    I'm glad I got to try this product and will be using it for my weight loss journey.


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

    Friday, August 1, 2014

    Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream Review


    Look Younger Than You Are With Our Revolutionary Age Defense Eye Cream!
    You've come to the right place if:
    ~ You're saying NO to sticky creams that burn and leave your skin itchy and dry; 
    ~ You want a cream that doesn't give itself away under make up; 
    ~ All you want is a Guaranteed solution for all your eye woes, whether its dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness, crow's feet, fine lines, sags or bags.

    We're special because:
    ~ We reject the idea of using harsh chemicals for the delicate eye area and use natural & organic ingredients instead; 
    ~ We've packed in Vitamins C+E+B5, Peptides, Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid; 
    ~ We know that's not enough. So we've added Antioxidants, Minerals and Plant Oils: Aloe, Witch Hazel, Cucumber, Jojoba Oil, Green Tea, Licorice, Eyebright, Avocado Oil and Rose Hip Oil (to name just a few!); 
    ~ Our cream works well on all skin types and leaves your skin looking and feeling firm, plump and young; 
    ~ You can get fast and lasting results and be at the receiving end of compliments!

    Review: Body Merry Age Defense Eye Cream is an all-natural eye cream full of vitamins and nutrients to hydrate your skin. It targets ALL eye skin and undereye problems, and my main focuses were dark circles and puffiness (I don't have to worry about wrinkles yet).

    The cream is SO silky smooth and a little definitely goes a long way. I would say a half pump is enough for both eyes. It applies very silkily and is very light; it's a lightweight cream that isn't heavy or weighs my skin down like other creams. Since it is almost completely oil based, I was afraid it would break me out, but I have had no problems with that so far.

    It is definitely refreshing for my undereyes and moisturizes the skin around my eyes very well. I only use it in the nighttime so that it won't make me oily during the day. It feels like it is a very gentle, fresh moisturizer but have not seen its dark circle reducing effects yet. I look forward to trying this longer and seeing if it reduces my dark circles.


    I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.