Kuuk Potato Fry Slicer #PotatoFrySlicer

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Kuuk Potato Fry Slicer.  We love whipping up fresh baked fries, spur of the moment,  so was super excited try.

While I feel like the concept is a great one, it seriously feels like it is going to break when I use it.  It does slice them, but creaks and groans through the whole process.

It doesn't help that I tried out their chopper a few weeks ago and I loved chopping garlic with it, but it broke after the 4th use.

This one is basically made the same way, so I will be surprised if it last a real long time.

I was sent this item free of charge to try in exchange for my unbiased honest opinion.

I hope the little gadget proves me wrong and doesn't let the potato get the best of it -- I will update as time goes along.

On a positive note -- it is simple clean up!!  Hoping it outlasts the chopper!!

Ethereal Wellness 6/10ml Essential Oils Set #etherealwellness

I was given the opportunity to try the Ethereal Wellness Essential Oil Kit at a discount, so that I could give my honest review and unbiased opinion.

These came very quickly.  My bottle of Eucalyptus had leaked, but since I had received a discount I did not contact the company in regards to that.  However, in all fairness if I had paid full price I would not have been happy and would have contacted the company for a replacement bottle.

I would not say I am an expert when it comes to essential oils, but I do use them on a daily basis in aromatherapy and also making my own cleaners.

Lavendar -- this was more of a flowery scent than the lavendar that I usually use, but I did really like it.  It was very relaxing and pleasant.  I have used Lavendar oil (not this brand, but others) for the past 25 years.  Anytime my daughter gets headaches, or fevers I mix it up and rub it on their temples and it seems to relieve it and helps them relax.

Eucalyptus -- This was nice.  Not quite as strong as the one I usually use (NOW), but very nice.  I have allergies and I use this to open up my sinuses.  I also include this in my cleaners for disinfecting the house.

Tea Tree Oil -- I have never been a big fan of the smell of tea tree oil.  However, it is a great disinfectant.  I also use on my skin if I get bug bites etc.

Lemongrass -- This one was new for me.  I have used lemon oil a lot through the years, but had never used lemongrass.  Has a nice smell to it.

Orange Oil -- This one I did not like at all and I normally love Orange Oil.  I have used various Orange Oils for the past 25 years and this is the first one that I have not liked the smell.  It did not resemble orange oil at all to me.  I had all of my family smell it and no one guessed orange oil, although 2 of them did guess that it was a citrus oil, but were both surprised when I told them it was orange oil.

Peppermint Oil -- This is another great one for the sinuses and also headaches.  In fact I like to mix the lavendar and peppermint together for headaches.

These are all marked Therapeutic Grade -- 100% Pure Essential Oil.

Very tiny bottles (I normally purchase large 4 oz)  these are all net 10 ml / .33 oz

This also came with 5 diffuser reed sticks that I have not tried out yet

Would I recommend?  I like the lavendar really well, but I would probably go with my normal lavendar in the larger bottles, because as mentioned previously I did not care for the orange oil at all, so would only be getting 5 that I actually would use.

For someone that does not have any oils this would probably make a nice starter set (except for the orange unless maybe I got a bad bottle -- who knows).

 

Kuuk Onion Vegetable Chopper #OnionChopper

I was given the opportunity to try this chopper at a discount to see what my honest unbiased opinion was of it.  I have a food processor, but for little jobs this will be awesome.

When it came in today I wanted to try it out right away so cleaned it up and grabbed some fresh garlic.

Just a few pushes of the plunger and the garlic was ready to saute.

It was very easy to open up and clean up afterwards as well.

So if you need a chopper for light duty jobs -- check this one out!!  It is made from food safe plastic and stainless steel.  Garlic is the only thing I have tried in this so far, but this is advertised for carrots, onions and almonds as well.

This is also dishwasher safe, but I washed mine by hand.


All opinions are my own and I received no monetary compensation for my opinions.

Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask by Valentia #ValentiaUltraPlumpingHydrationMask

I have been using this product from Valentia for about 2 weeks now.  I was given the opportunity to try it for my honest review and opinion.  No compensation was received in exchange for my review.

This is the first Valentia product that I am not absolutely blown away by.  Maybe I am expecting too much...

First of all, my skin is very dry.  This is called Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask -- so I was assuming this would add lots of moisture to my skin.  However, it feels dry after I have used it and not moisturized at all.

Maybe I am wrong in thinking -- "Hydration" would be "moisturizing".

Directions say to add to face avoiding the eye area.  Leave on for 15-30 minutes.  It states a slight tingling sensation is normal.  Use a damp cloth and warm water to remove.

I personally had no tingling sensation at all when I used it and I have very sensitive skin.  I guess I expect more results out of a product that I put 15-30 minutes into.  I was not impressed with this one and that is a first with Valentia.  I have tried 3 other products from Valentia and love them and gave them all 5 stars.

I saw no results from this one and my face actually felt dry after I removed it.  So, for me I felt like I wasted 30 minutes of my time each time I used it - LOL!!

Cons -- To me this felt like it left my very dry skin even drier after using it.  Since my face is very dry to begin with it was almost an uncomfortable dry once I rinsed it off and I had to follow up with an extensive moisturizing routing each time I tried this.

Not saying everyone would have this same experience, but for me this product does not work and I cannot recommend to anyone who has dry skin.

This product states it was made in the USA and is cruelty free.

There is no ingredient list on the label, but after some research I did find where they had posted in response to a question on Amazon.

Ingredients

Deionized Aqua (Water), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Algae Extract, Camellia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, HippophaeRhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn Oil), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed Oil), Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Organic SimmondsiaChinensis (Jojoba Oil), Acai Berry Fragrance, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Proprietary Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend, Organic Avena Sativa (Oat), Frankincense Essential Oil (active, not for smell), Opacifier, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic CentellaAsiatica (Gotu Kola), Wildcrafted Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), WildcraftedTaraxacumOfficinale (Dandelion), Wildcrafted Geranium Maculatum (Wild Geranium), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin

Thanks for reading! 


 

Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum #valentia

I was super excited to get to try out another product from Valentia.  I have tried a few of their items in the past and loved them.  This one was no different. 

It comes in an amber colored glass bottle with a pump lid.

I used 3-4 pumps on my face and down my throat on a freshly cleansed face.  The bottle states to use 1-2 pumps, but my face is very dry and this just soaked it right up.

Valentia boasts -  A potent and luxurious lactic acid serum that supports natural circulation for an  all over youthful and refreshed complexion.This Revitalizing Serum Will:
- Renew texture & tone
- Deeply moisturize
- Minimize fine lines
- Increase elasticity
- Brighten & Plumbs Fine Lines
- Evens Hyperpigmentation

I personally did not notice any visible results, but I did notice a moisturizing which my face is in desperate need of.

I experienced no negative reactions from this product and I loved the way it felt and smelled.

Ingredients include -

- Wakame Bioferment (Seaweed), Gotu Kola, Lactic Acid,  Licorice, Argan Oil.

Price is on the high side for the 1.18 size bottle, but it isn't cheap to get a product that is healthy and good for your skin.

I was given a discount on this product to try.  The company wanted my unbiased opinion and review.  So far I have loved the Valentia product line and would definitely recommend them.  Especially for anyone that is wanting to be a little more careful about the ingredients they are allowing their skin to soak up.

None of the links in this blog post are referral links -- I do not get any compensation for this review.  Thanks for reading.

Check them out for yourself here!!

Azure Naturals - Sweet Orange Vitamin C Product Line #AzureNaturals

Hope you guys had a beautiful Saturday!!  Mine was super busy!!!

I actually have 4 products that I am going to share with you today.  Three of which I absolutely LOVE!!  The fourth is very nice all except I do not care for the smell.  But we will get to that!

I was given the opportunity to try these 4 products from Azure Natural and tell them what I think.  They want honest unbiased opinions which is the only thing I believe in doing because I rely on reviews myself and feel it is important to cover all aspects -- including if it is just a smell that I dislike.

This skin care system is a 4 part process

You start with the

Ultimate Vitamin C Sweet Orange Organic Facial Cleanser.  It is a 4 oz pump bottle.  The bottle states that it is 15% Vitamin C & MSM Organic Aloe & Rosehip.  I used about 3 pumps to cleanse my face.  It said to avoid the eyes, but I used it is the shower and got it probably pretty close and I was ok -- not recommending that -- just saying.

 I really liked this cleanser.  I have tried a lot of cleansers in the past that left my face very dry.  This did not.  I don't know if it was due to the ingredients

or the fact that I followed up with the other 3 products afterwards.  I had no negative reactions or breakouts from this cleanser at all and I would definitely re-purchase and recommend.




The second step

Ultimate Vitamin C Sweet Orange Organic Facial Toner 

This comes in a 4 oz. pump spray bottle.  This is the one that I am unsure of still.  I have been using it for 2 weeks and I do want to say I have had no negative reactions from it.  I would spritz it on my cleansed, dry face.  Let it dry before applying the next step.  The issue I had with this one was the smell.  I cannot place it.  It smelled like it had a little citronella in it which I am highly allergic too.  Just to verify if anyone else is allergic to citronella -- I quickly read the ingredients label (well maybe not quickly since it is really small and I am getting up there in age and cannot read the tiny print like I used to -- there is no citronella in this)

 I did not have the same reaction with this as I do with citronella - it just made me stop and pause and I guess panic a little.  That probably will make absolutely no sense to someone who don't have allergies, but anyone that does and has a reaction to something will know what I am talking about.  I had a moment of panic.  I think it might be the sweet orange that I am smelling -- not sure.  I had no issues with smells on the other 3 products in this sweet orange line -- just the toner.   Anyway -- as far as continuing to use this -- I did.  I had no negative reactions except the smell and it does not last.  The toner gives a tightening effect to your skin -- you can feel it working as it dries.  It is nice -- just wish it had a different scent -- but hey that is just me.  Will I purchase again??  Not sure -- the verdict is still out on that.  I like using it with the other items just not sure if it is worth the smell and my temporary panic -- yes I do it everytime I use it -- I know crazy right?!  I don't want someone to think it smells bad.....  It just reminds me of something I am highly allergic to.  As for the way it makes my skin feel -- definitely recommend!


The third step -

Ultimate Vitamin C Skin Repair Serum

I really really like this.  It especially feels good on the skin after the tightening effect of the toner.  I probably use more of this than I would actually need, but it feel really good and soothing.  I use about 4 pumps on my entire face and down my neck.  I applied it after the toner was totally dry.  This serum I would definitely re-purchase and highly recommend.  It has some great ingredients in it.

The fourth and final step

 Ultimate Vitamin C Sweet Orange Infused Organic Moisturizer

 This is another step I absolutely love.  I use about 4 pumps of this as well.  Makes my skin feel very soft and moisturized.  Again, loved the ingredients

I would also definitely recommend this one as well!!  Overall I am very positive about this whole line.  As you can tell if you made it this far that even with the issues of the smell of the toner I continued to use it.

I got mine from Amazon discounted in exchange for my honest review, but the price on this line when you consider the ingredients I don't think are too bad!!! 

I did notice there are some coupon codes on Amazon so be sure and check them out if you decide to try it yourself

---

Special Offers and Product Promotions

• Buy 1 Vitamin C Cleanser and Receive 20% Off Vitamin C Toner Here's how (restrictions apply)
• 20% off your entire order when you purchase 3 or more Azure Naturals products! Build your own gift set! Enter code AZUREB20 at checkout. Here's how (restrictions apply)
• 25% off your entire order when you purchase 5 or more Azure Naturals products! Build your own gift set! Enter code AZUREB25 at checkout. Here's how (restrictions apply)

First Botany Cinnamon Oil Essential Oil #FBCinnamon

I had the opportunity recently to purchase this at a discounted rate so that I could try it out -- review it and give my unbiased and honest opinion.

First of all I have been using essential oils for over 30 years.  I love them and use them on a daily basis, but I in no way consider myself an expert. 

Everything I mention here is just my personal opinion.

I really like using cinnamon oil for a breath freshener.  It is a "non sugary" way to freshen up the breath.

Ok, with this one it is a bit different than any I have ever tried.  I think my daughter described it best when she said it has a perfumy cinnamon taste.

She is right.  Sometimes when you walk into a room that someone has just sprayed fresh cologne or perfume in and get some in your mouth -- that is what the aftertaste to this oil tastes like.  It has a cinnamon flavor when you initially taste it -- it has a sweet cinnamon taste, but then it tastes kind of like you got perfume.  Not overbearing, but it is there.  I am not sure what is causing it and I have never had another cinnamon oil do that, so I did want to mention that.  It also leaves my tongue a bit numb.

If it were not for the "aftertaste" I would really like the flavor of this -- the aftertaste just throws me.

It does not smell as strong as some of the cinnamon oils I am used to using either.  So unfortunately in this instance this would not be my go to oil when I want to replace my cinnamon oil.

It does come in a generous 4 oz amber colored glass bottle with an eye dropper which I do like.

Ingredients state that it is 100% Pure Therapeutic Cinnamon Leaf Oil with no additives or artificial ingredients added.

As with all of my reviews I am not paid -- these are just my honest opinions -- unfortunately in this instance -- this is not one of my favorite oils and I will not be repurchasing this one.

Thanks for reading!

First Botany Clove Oil Essential oil #fbclove

I was sent another essential oil to try so that I could give my unbiased honest opinion.  I was not paid for this review and all aspects of it are my own opinion.  I am not an expert, but I do use essential oils on a daily basis for cleaning, aromatherapy and over all well being.

I have always like to keep clove oil in the house because I use it when anyone here has a toothache.  It works wonders.  of course you do have to be careful to keep it off of your good teeth because it will eat the enamel off of them.  My husband has bad teeth though and anytime he feels a toothache coming on he grabs a Q-tip and applies it to the painful area and gets relief usually fairly quickly.

I also like to coat my pine cones with it just to freshen up the air or put it on the air filter where the AC/Heat intake is.  One of my favorites is to mix cinnamon and cloves and it smells like someone is baking!

This was a generous size 4 oz amber colored bottle with an eye dropper syringe.

According to the ingredients this is 100% pure Therapeutic Grade Clove Oil.

I have also read that clove oil is a great way to boost your immune system -- Another reason to diffuse it into the air.

I definitely recommend this oil.

Sili-Mitts Silicone Oven Mitts #lifequintessentials

Ok, I am bringing you something that I am really really loving!!

I absolutely love these oven mitts!!  They are quilted on the inside and come up pretty high on your arm insuring a burn free cooking experience.

I have literally thrown away all of my cloth oven mitts.  These silicone quilted type are the only ones that I will have in my kitchen!!

They are so easy to clean -- I pull the quilted section out -- toss them in the washer and dryer.  Not sure if that is what the manufacturer recommends, but that is what I do!!

These are made with a high-quality silicone outer shell (100% FDA Approved Silicone according to the manufacturer - Sili Mitts) and has a lifted pattern that allows for great grip.

Inside the mitt is a soft quilted lining made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, offering you superior protection and comfort. Love Love Love this aspect on these mitts.  I have tried some other silicone ones without the quilting and they are a no go for me!!  I thought they were ok at the time, but the more I use the 2 types together -- I say go with the quilted ones.

Heat resistant up to 480 F/ 250 C and the silicone outer shell is completely waterproof; this means no more hot water burns or steam burns when doing your daily cooking ever again!

Extra long in length to cover your arms from far-reaching grease spatter or burns from the oven rack while cooking your family's favorite dishes!  YAY!!

Ok, I gave my washing directions above and then looked up the manufacturers which are -- Simple to wash with warm soapy water, dry, and put away or hang them up using the conveniently attached loop.  This is what I do between the big washings - which is to put them in the washing machine -- to keep the quilted lining clean as well.

I was sent these to try so that I could give my honest unbiased opinion of them.   Seriously if you do not own oven mitts like this you have got to try them!!

Check them out for yourself here -- no this is not a paid link and I get nothing for your clicks!

Roman chamomile Oil #FBRomaChamomile

Here is another essential that I had never had the opportunity to try before.  First Botany contacted me once again to try this oil in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

When I first put it on -- I wasn't sure what to think.  It has been on my hand for an hour and it is nice.

It has a spicy scent to it.  I like it once the initial strength of it has died down.

This is a generous 4 oz amber colored bottle.  It also comes with an eye dropper which is a big plus in my opinion for dispensing.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil can help bring a sense of calm. Roman Chamomile is also a suggested oil for use during times of anger or irritability and has a therapeutic, calming effect on the skin, mind, and body. 

This is my first experience with chamomile and I have nothing to compare with but I would recommend to give it a try!!