Amari Vitamin C serum

I've been incorporating Vitamin C serums into my daily skin care routine for almost a year now, and have tried multiple different brands across a large spectrum. In my experience, most of them have almost the exact same ingredients lists and product descriptions, just different labels/companies selling them. Generally, these serums have been safe for my sensitive skin but there have been a few select ones that have irritated my skin too much.

Fortunately, Amari's serum is a pretty standard serum that does not break me out and is great at evening skin tone and reducing dark spots. You can feel your skin soaking in the nutrients whenever you pat this stuff onto your clean face. Like any skin care product, you won't see instantaneous results, but you will definitely seem improvement if you use it consistently and take care of your skin (adequate cleansing, moisturizing, drinking plenty of water, etc.) in the long term. Remember, this serum itself is NOT a moisturizer, so you should always follow with one (a lotion, emulsion, oil, or anything like that) to lock all the healing properties in.

Btipsy Lemon Squeezer REVIEW

This is the first lemon squeezer I've ever tried (I used to have one of those manual twisty juicers, and it was a pain in the neck to use!) and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it works and how fuss-free it is. The metal is sturdier than it looks, so you can squeeze your citrus pretty hard and get maximum juicing benefits without popping a vein.

I'm glad it's made out of stainless steel so you don't have to worry about scratching it or rust.

The design is a little clunky which makes it difficult to store, but at least it's simple, so it's easy to clean.

Overall, I'd recommend it as a basic squeezer. I'm not sure how many uses I'd get out of this since I don't cook with lemon often, but it's still nice to have in the kitchen drawer.

Btipsy Cocktail Muddler

All cocktail aficionados have muddled citrus or berries for their drinks sometime in their life. I always used the back of a spoon, since the only time I'd actually seen a muddler was in bars or lounges, but it's nice to own one for a change! It makes me feel very professional ;)

It's a standard, no-nonsense tool. Not dramatically life-altering, but very easy to use (all you really have to do is pound any food item by grabbing the handle..... caveman style) and even easier to clean. I was surprised by the quality based on the price. This would be a very affordable, very appropriate gift for any of your cocktail-loving friends... or alcoholics. Just kidding (sort of).

Azure Naturals Retinol Serum

This review took me a little longer to write than my normal beauty reviews because when I first tried it out, I absolutely hated it. I applied it only at night because retinol/retinoid products are known for drying out the skin and even causing redness in sensitive people like me. It made my skin smooth at first, but after a few days of usage, I would break out terribly in small, white pimples across my forehead and cheeks! My acne is typically in control; I get the occasional hormonal breakouts, but it's usually not a main skin concern for me. Once I stopped using the serum, the acne disappeared almost immediately, so I knew this was a product-related issue. I tried again a few weeks later and got the exact same results, which was frustrating. I was almost about to toss this serum once and for all, when, one day, I discovered the most amazing thing:

I realized I had been using the serum wrong.

For people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, retinol may be a little harsh for daily use, even if under heavy moisturizers and only in the evening. What I changed in my skincare routine gave me great results with no irritation!

The secret: I only apply this serum 1-2 times a week. I'm almost 100% sure the offending ingredient is pentylene glycol, since that is a common solvent in beauty products that irritates or causes breakouts. It's not a major problem for me because I do use another essence that contains propylene glycol (a similar ingredient); while I try to avoid it when I can, it is generally known to be safe, so I use it if I must. Only applying the serum a couple times a week discourages buildup of any comedogenic materials on the surface of the skin = no breakouts! Genius!

I am a huuuuge fan of Azure Naturals's other products (Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Argan oil... they are my holy grails!) so it's no wonder I'm in love with this stuff too. I love what it does to make my skin smooth and wrinkle-free, and am comforted in knowing it is a great preventative anti-aging treatment since I don't quite fit into the "mature skin" category yet ;) This is the best stuff you can get for this quality and price, so I highly recommend. Just don't use it every day if you have sensitive skin like me!

Optimal Omega 3 Fish Oil Review

Premium Quality Fish Oil - Potent 600mg DHA and 800mg EPA (1,400 mg Omega-3 Fatty Acids) per 2g serving. More than double than that contained in lower quality fish oils!

Maximum Purity - Optimal Omega 3 has been through the molecular distillation purification process which removes harmful toxins such as mercury and PCB

Enteric Coating ensures Maximum Absorption of Essential Fatty Acids by allowing the soft gels to pass through the stomach directly to the small intestine. This also prevents fishy burps!

Amazing Value for Money - 180 Premium Quality Softgels Provide 90 servings. So one bottle can last you up to 3 months!

Clinically Shown to Support Heart, Joint, Skin and Cognitive Health*

My review: As someone who's been taking fish oil for years now, I have pretty high standards for my fish oil supplements. Optimal Health Labs have come out with a fish oil that has a high concentration of Omega 3's all the while having gone extensive purification processes to eliminate toxins like mercury and PCB that are usually associated with fish consumption.

Omega 3's are crucial for brain and heart health, and they are found naturally in fish and shellfish. However, if you either do not like the taste of fish, or can't have much of it due to high cholesterol, a fish oil supplement is the way to go. This supplement does have a fishy smell to it, but I've yet to come across one that doesn't (even the GNC brands smell/taste fishy). It isn't overwhelming, but if you absolutely hate the smell of fish, you may want to find a better option to get your Omega 3's in, such as using plant-based capsules.

This 180-count bottle only costs $30 on Amazon, and is a three-month supply, which I think is a pretty good deal. It is recommended to take 2 capsules daily, but I usually only take one per day because I like and incorporate seafood into my regular diet, and to stretch my bottle out longer. It is not recommended to take more than 2 capsules per day.

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.

The Bigger Better Nut Milk Bag Review

OUR TOP SELLING NUT MILK BAG IS SO POPULAR  BECAUSE IT IS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO MAKE STRAINING SMOOTH & NUTRITIOUS NATURAL BEVERAGES FAST AND EASY!

- Ellie's Bigger Better Nut Milk Bag is the perfect size for small or large batches, made with professional grade nylon mesh, and triple stitched won't tear like other bags, letting pulp into your almond milk 
- Become a perfect almond  milk maker every time, no double straining ever! 
- Heavy-duty materials and construction prevents split seams and eliminates pulp from almond milk & green juices

- The Bigger Better Nut Milk Bag is double the capacity of most & made to fit over pitcher mouths, medium bowls & large jars for easy pouring unlike small, messy bags
- Rounded corners for easy milking and fast clean up
- The perfect size mesh only lets the milk & nutrients through, ensuring smooth & delicious nut milks - NO GRAINY PULP - just thick, rich & nutritious milk 
- All food grade nylon materials made to last & last

Includes FREE E-BOOK LOADED WITH RECIPES AND TIPS!

My review: Ellie's Best nut milk bag is fabulous for all your straining needs, and is essential for recipes like nut milks, fruit purees, cheese, and so on. You can tell this bag is high-quality because of its fine nylon mesh that doesn't catch particles of food, as well as the sturdiness of its composition.

I like the rounded corners because all you have to do is flip the bag inside-out to clean; no picking out food from pesky corners here. Overall I'm pleased with the size, quality, and price (currently only $9 on Amazon) of this Bigger and Better nut milk bag, and would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a strainer bag.

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.

Surpahs Shiny Small Lightweight Digital Bathroom Scale Review

This Sachet Pink small, sleek, lovely digital bathroom scale measures your body weight and calculates your Body Mass Index (BMI), it can identify 4 pre-defined users, results are displayed on its 2.3" (59mm) diameter big round shiny LCD, with very nice blue backlight, supports easy reading in the dark. 

The BMI scale features smart gravity point detect and auto-calibrate. The G-Sensor patent-pending technology embded in 4 TPU skidproof stands support more stable and accurate measurement from 11 lb to 330 lb. New "Sense-ON" patent-pending technology gets instant readings when you step on the scale.

My review: This is such a cute, sleek bathroom scale that I've loved getting to use. It's a simple and to-the-point scale that tells your weight, and the base grips make it great for any hard (hardwood, tile, or linoleum) surface.

I love the cheery bubblegum pink color and the shiny, classy feel to it. Every time I step on it, it feels like I'm stepping onto a luxurious surface, like in a spa, and the backlight of the scale isn't only pretty, but also allows for reading in dimmer light as well.

Honestly I think it's a little expensive for a digital scale (currently $30 on Amazon) but if you really care about the appearance and quality of your scales, I'd definitely recommend this 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.

Vino Aria Wine Aerator and Pourer Review

The Secret to Better Tasting Red Wine

Great Wine Aerator to Enhance Your Wine's Flavor

- Perfectly fits wine bottle for straight pouring
- High quality acrylic & aluminum with rubber stopper
- Fits conveniently into the spout of the bottle eliminating drips
Enjoy your wine the way it was meant to be
Wine aerating and pouring at the same time to increase flavor
Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
- Unique petaled design, eliminate drips and aerating wine with air
- Gift Box Design, Great Gift for Wine Lovers!
- Laser engraved logo with classy design

Review: Vino Aria is the first wine aerator I've ever tried, and I was pleasantly surprised by how it worked. I am in no way a wine connoisseur; in fact, I think wine is the most intimidating of alcoholic beverages because it's so hard to get just right. It's more about artistry than it is about the "buzz." I am in no way a wine expert, but these are just my opinions of an everyday consumer.

I love the shape of the acrylic spout. It pours wine beautifully, and apparently the design of increasing surface area aerates the wine itself. I couldn't detect a drastic difference in taste, but it sure looked prettier when poured, and there were no spills or messy drips like regular wine bottle spouts would cause.

The aerator comes in a cute cardboard gift box and is a useful, inexpensive gift for wine lovers. I'm not sure just how often I'd use this, but it's definitely handy to have for entertaining purposes.


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.

True Synergy Yacon Syrup Review

Study Conducted By Dr. Oz

After the four weeks, there were forty women who completed the test as required, and 29 of them lost weight in some form. Fourteen of the women reportedly lost five pounds or more, with the average weight loss overall coming in at 2.9 pounds. There also was a 1.9-inch average waist size reduction. The best low-glycemic sweetener ever has been found Fresh pressed from the Yacon root (Smallanthus sonchifolius) this syrup is a gift from nature that has been enjoyed for centuries in the Andean highlands of Peru. Suggested Use As a dietary supplement Use Yacon Root Syrup as you would honey agave stevia or maple syrup on foods in recipes and to sweeten beverages.

Note: Must be refrigerated after opening - Or as directed by your healthcare professional.

My review: Yacon syrup is a no-calorie sweetener that could serve as a honey, maple syrup, or sugar alternative. 

It smells and looks like molasses, but I would say it's far less sweet in its pure form. I would not use this to drizzle over my pancakes or waffles, because it's not that kind of sweet, and it has a bit of a pungent earthy flavor to it. However, it's an absolute lifesaver for baking! If you're a health foodie like me, or just want to cut calories in baked goods, use yacon syrup to substitute for sugar or honey. I almost always bake with honey or maple syrup, and replace about half of the amount the recipe calls for, with yacon. Best of all, it's all-natural and vegan, so you can eat this on any diet.

True Synergy provides a high-quality syrup in an easy-pour bottle. This stuff is 100% pure so you know you have no added sugars or fillers here.


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.

Sari Foods Organic Spirulina Powder Review

Our Organic Spirulina Is IMMUNO-MAZING! The rich, dense green color gives us away - we're nutrient-packed!

You can add Organic Spirulina to your favorite smoothies, juices and recipes for a nutritional boost your body will love you for. See the attached product sheet for even more organic spirulina benefits. We will also send you a free recipe book with the promotion so you can try out many different ways to incorpate this ultimate superfood into your diet!

Adding Spirulina to your diet will help:

STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. Organic Spirulina is the most nutrient dense food known to humankind and works miracles in the body by helping to balance your pH and reduce Inflammation - which is the root of most disease. This nutritional content provides protection from colds, flus, other contractable illnesses… & even cancer.

FIGHT AGING & FREE RADICALS. This miracle superfood has more antioxidant activity than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and 3900% more beta carotene than carrots, packing a powerful antioxidant punch that promotes skin health and cell regeneration while providing protection from cell-damaging molecules absorbed by the body through pollution, poor diet, injury, or stress. 

OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH WITH NATURE’S MOST PERFECT MULTIVITAMIN. With over 100 naturally occurring and bioavailable vitamins & nutrients, Organic Spirulina contains more than 60% protein and is a non-synthetic source of iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, beta-carotine, B12, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, antioxidants and essential amino acids (GLA, Omega 3, 6 & 9's). 

My review: I am in love with this stuff! Spirulina is an all-natural superfood that contains numerous vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids such as vital Omega 3's, and to top it all off, it's incredibly protein-dense. One teaspoon serving contains 13% of your daily protein intake (6.5 grams)! Most supplemental multivitamins are highly processed and can contain fillers and other ingredients, but Sari Foods's spirulina is nature's multivitamin--it's a nutrient-rich powerhouse in the most natural form.

Sari Foods spirulina is a very fine powder that goes great into any recipes. I personally could put this into everything, but I would recommend using it in savory dishes, rather than in sweet. The only reason for that is because it has a slight taste to it; it isn't unpleasant, but since this stuff is algae-based, it tastes slightly like seaweed or kelp... it just has that distinct "ocean" smell and taste to it. This is obviously not a problem for things like soups, chilis, and casseroles, because the flavors of everything else will cover it up, but I would hardly want to start my mornings off with seaweed-flavored smoothies! I put it into everything else savory, however. I mash it up into my egg salad, stir it in with my dijon lentils, mix it into soy sauce (for stir-fries or other cooking!) and salad dressings and dips and... boy oh boy, the possibilities are SERIOUSLY endless. 

I love the punch of green color it provides. It may be off-putting to some, but the chlorophyll of the spirulina makes any food you put it into a vibrant green! Not only a superfood, but also a natural food colorant ;) A little goes a looong way with the color, so it isn't exactly pretty. Green eggs? Green rice? Green pasta? If you don't mind eating lots of green-tinted food, this will not even be an issue for you. It is a very, very fine powder, so be careful when dispensing it. I've definitely had random poofs of spirulina because I wasn't careful with pouring and sealing the package.

All in all, this is a fabulous must-have health foodie product, and I recommend it to everybody. It's perfect for vitamin and protein boosts in virtually any recipe, and this huge 16-oz. bag (only $26!) is bound to last forever. 


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.

Yalmeh Vitamin C Serum Review

Yalmeh, a leader in anti aging and skin care, now offers a vitamin C serum for face and neck that harnesses the power of liquid vitamin C. This vitamin C anti aging serum is safe and effective. The Yalmeh team is dedicated to producing products that consistently exceed the expectations of each and every customer who tries them. The vitamin C serum is no exception.
What are the benefits of choosing Yalmeh products?

• Made with mostly plant based ingredients
  Pure product, made with no fillers
  Free of Glutens
  Vegan friendly
  Proudly made in  U.S.A. in an FDA Registered Facility
  Yalmeh uses only quality ingredients.

These benefits are found in EVERY product produced by Yalmeh. Because of this, you can feel confident in your choice of any moisturizing or anti aging products. But what makes the vitamin C serum so useful.
 What can you expect this product to offer you?

• Contains the highest form of active available Vitamin C and E as well as hyaluronic acid to encourage softness
  Fades sun spots and discoloration
  Reduces lines and wrinkles, including micro wrinkles
  Lessens future wrinkle formation
  The molecular structure allows this serum to fill even the smallest lines
  Creates smooth, supple, glowing skin
  Refines skin texture

The best thing about Yalmeh’s vitamin C serum is that it does more than improve your appearance, it heals your skin and improves your overall skin health. This combination of health and beauty is unstoppable!

My review: Yalmeh Vitamin C serum works great for my skin oily-combo acne-prone skin. I incorporate Vitamin C into my skin care routine regularly, and this brand has not disappointed. It is unscented and is made from mostly plant-based ingredients, which means there's minimal harmful ingredients such as parabens and other fillers. I've definitely had trouble using highly fragranced frou-frou serums in the past, but this one is just straightforward and gets the job done.

I don't have fine lines or wrinkles, but I've noticed this stuff helps minimize my sun damage scars and acne scars. It doesn't really help with acne itself, but it hasn't clogged my pores and made my acne worse either, so I would say this is safe to use for all skin types.

The only other comment I have is for people with super sensitive skin. I unfortunately am one of those people, and noticed this serum can make my skin more sensitive and even a little tingly or red. Because I know I have naturally redness-prone skin, I know this is not Yalmeh's fault, but if there's anyone who has even more sensitive skin than me, I though I might warn them. Regardless, you should ALWAYS follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen after using this serum; even if you're only going to be in the sun for a short amount of time, or if it's cloudy out, UV rays can penetrate your skin and cause a lot of damage that you could easily prevent.

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.

iGotTech Sticky Suction Car Mount Review

When Quality and Convenience Count, Nothing But a Sticky Suction Stand Will Do! Order your own Sticky Suction Stand today.

Use it in your car to easily hold your gadgets and add a super convenience to your commutes. Once you've seen for yourself how handsome is the Sticky Suction Stand and how easy it is to use we're confident you'll have LOADS MORE than 5 reasons to love it! Why wait till your current car mount or even your air vents finally break down. Haven't you put up with enough inconvenience? Order your Sticky Suction Stand and join thousands of other satisfied customers who LOVE the "Sticky" difference!

My review: I'm actually quite a fan of this car mount. The sticky pad that holds your phone is unique, and it sticks to virtually any smooth hard surface so it's compatible with all phone or GPS devices. At first I was a bit hesitant to try it because the adhesive seemed less reliable than a clamp or lock like other car mounts I've tried, but this "stickiness" is less like a sticker and more like a really firm grip, which was different, but pretty cool. The adhesive is reusable, so if it were to come into too much contact with dust, lint, etc. and lose its stickiness, all you have to do to reincorporate its adhesive properties is wash it with soap and water. I think that's pretty neat.

The neck of the mount is very sturdy and holds my phone upright in the car, however, the suction cup base could use a little improving. It isn't so weak that it fell off every few seconds, but it definitely had trouble sticking to rougher surfaces like my dashboard and wooden surfaces like my desk. It is ideal for plastic or glass, which complete smoothness.


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.

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.

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:

Writable

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

No Minimums

Removable Without Residue

Waterproof

Microwave Safe

Dishwasher Safe

Any 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.

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.

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.