Link Up Your G!veaways! 2/2-2/9

2012-02-02T08:42:00.002-05:00

List your cool giveaways and look for other swell giveaways to enter!

Experience Life with Xperience Days

2012-01-31T17:19:00.005-05:00

A little while back I won a gift certificate from Xperience Days. Being the complete bore that I am I used the credit for a spa finder gift card, which I then used on a well-needed massage. As much as I love spas I couldn't help but be intrigued with some of the more adventurous activities that were available.

At Xperience Days you can find all kinds of unique gifts that include wine tasting, hot air ballooning, dance classes, day cruises, hang gliding and so much more.

Xperience Day's website is easy to navigate. You can search activity, local or price, this makes it easy to choose the perfect activity for yourself or as a gift. They also offer instant gift certificates via email in case you happen to be strapped for a last minute gift.

NASCAR Driving Experience;
a unique gift for him/or her

This site has been on my radar for quite some time and one day I'm going to step out of my comfort zone and do something really exciting.

For more information visit Xperience Days.

Now the very awesome folks at Xperience Days have offered to give one of my readers a $50 gift certificate to use on anything on their site. I'm sure some of y'all could find something more exciting than a spa finder gift card.

Use the Rafflecoptor entry form to enter the giveaway.

For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter, see option in form, and your tweets must be open to the public and not protected.

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Say Goodbye to Nasty Chlorine Bleach

2012-01-28T15:39:00.011-05:00

I am a recovering bleach addict. In spite of the fact that bleach made me sick I always felt is was the best means of truly cleaning and disinfecting the home. Unfortunately bleach is proven to be harmful to both people, animals and the environment, so it really isn't something you want in your home.

I have come to appreciate there are safer products that are equally effective. Such is the case with color-safe Oxygen Bleach by Tropical Traditions. I'm already a huge fan of their laundry detergent which contains oxygen bleach and I really like having the extra container of bleach on hand for whites and extra soiled loads. Remember this is safe on colors. I'm also finding that this non-chlorine bleach is a great household staple.

Today I did a load of whites using the Tropical Tradition's laundry detergent and I also added their oxygen bleach to the load. I have an HE washer so I used half the recommended amount. Everything came out looking bright, and smelling fresh and not surprisingly so since this is a natural destainer and deodorizer.

I stopped using regular bleach in laundry when I started using the Tropical Traditions laundry detergent. Let me tell ya it's nice being able to breath near the laundry without getting sick.

Tropical Tradition's Non-Chlorine Oxygen Bleach is even more effective at whitening because it actually has the ability to break down organic stains as opposed to just merely masking them which is unlike traditional bleach.

I'm also finding that this isn't limited to the laundry, but host a myriad of household uses that include both inside and outside the home. I used this on the kitchen floor with great results. My future plans include using this in my carpet cleaner as well as throughout the bathroom. This is also safe to mix with most other cleaners.

Non-Chlorine Oxygen Bleach is a must have for every household. If you visit Tropical Traditions you can find more information as well as more uses for their Oxygen Bleach. You may want to take advantage of the amazing sale price of only $16.75 for a 6 lb container, that's close to a 50% savings!

The fine folks at Tropical Traditions have offered to give one of my readers a 6 lb container of Non-Chlorine Oxygen Bleach.

Use Rafflecoptor easy entry form to enter the giveaway. For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam; see option on form, and your tweets must be open to the public and not protected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link'em Up Thursday

2012-01-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

List your awesome giveaways and look for other swell giveaways to enter!

Turn Back The Clock with iderma

2012-01-25T18:30:00.004-05:00

My motto is: You're never too young to start an anti-aging skincare routine. My grandmother also taught me that you you're never too old. There is no doubt her youthful complexion is a testament to those words.

iderma.com is a site dedicated to featuring anti-aging skincare. They feature some of the better anti-aging companies and products. As a vegan I have tough time finding skincare products, but that doesn't stop me from being tempted, I am; after all, attempting to not age past eighteen.

For instance, iderma carries a line of skincare called Shinso, this line boast some rather impressive natural ingredients and is said to be used by Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Kim Kardashian. I'm sure you will agree that these gals look amazing for their age or any age for that matter.

iderma also carries Elure, which improves the appearance of skin via skin brightening formulations. It has also been touted in Allure magazine as being a beauty breakthrough and even won their coveted Best of Beauty award. Very impressive.

For more products and information on turning back the clock visit iderma.com

`

Oh the Convenience of Having a Mirror in The Shower!

2012-01-23T18:15:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that I managed for so long without a mirror in my shower. It's just one of those things that you always wished you had, but never saw as a reality. Who would of thunk that there would ever be such a thing as a fogless shower mirror.

The Fogless Shower Mirror by ToiletTree Products has a five star rating on Amazon. Over 680 people gave this 5 stars for being the best shower mirror on the market. As an owner of the ToilTree Shower Mirror I can certainly say that I am also very pleased with the product.

The mirror is completely adjustable, so it will work for all
members of a family with varying heights.

The mirror installs easily with adhesion strips and glue and it's completely secure. ToiletTree's patented technology keeps the mirror fogless for life and without the need for nasty chemical sprays. There is even a little shelf to store stuff like razors or tweezers. The mirror is also shatter proof and adjustable. In spite of mirror being acrylic, it's actually a very good quality. This of course is of paramount importance to me because I like to perform tasks such as tweezing in the shower.

Beautify your skin in the shower!

I'm a skincare junkie and one thing I learned is that the shower is so ideal for cleansing your skin because the steam, heat and moisture really opens your pores, making it optimal for tasks such as shaving, tweezing and cleansing. I also like to use my Nutra Sonic in the shower.

It is certainly a wonderful thing to have a high-quality mirror in your shower and this one by ToiletTree products is one I highly recommend . You can find the ToiletTree Fogless Shower Mirror at Amazon; as well as Amazon Canada, for a sale price of only $29.99.

Now the lovely folks at ToiletTree Products have offered to give one of my readers their very own Fogless Shower Mirror.

Use Rafflecoptor entry form to enter the giveaway. NOTE: for your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter; see option in form, and your tweets must be open to the public and not protected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

H2PRO Styling Flat Iron-ends 1/24 Midnight

2012-01-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

Hair Product Pro is sponsoring a giveaway for their very awesome H2PRO Flat Iron. Ends 1/24 at Midnight

SounTouch Plus Light Therapy Box ends 1/23 Midnight

2012-01-22T11:19:00.001-05:00

Beat the winter blues and more with SunTouch Plus Light Therapy Box by Nature Bright.

Essentials for Pets

2012-01-15T19:55:00.007-05:00

I live in the U.S. and one thing is for certain, and that is we really love our pets. The amount of money Americans spend on their pets is said to have doubled in the last decade. I'm no doubt a major contributor to this statistic considering all the fancy toys, blankets, treats and so forth I have shelled out on my cat.

I shudder when I hear stories of how hard pets had it back in the olden days. A life filled with table scraps and spent mostly outdoors braving the elements. I'm sure you will agree that this is no life for our precious animals. Fortunately many companies have met the needs to help us provide a better life for our pets. Of course I recognize that there are plenty of superfluous stuff out there that is most likely for our benefit only. I know I have spent a fortune on fancy pet toys when a simple string or feather would of sufficed.

There are, however, items that make living with an animal companion a little easier and more enjoyable. I have come across a couple items from TeleBrands that I are essential for both cats and dogs.

Comfy Harness is just that, a comfortable harness for dogs and even cats. The material is mesh, light weight and sturdy. Most importantly far safer than attaching leashes to collars. Pulling on a collar can cause neck injuries and even strains.

I let my cat go outside every now and then when the weather is nice. I keep him on a long leash attached to the clothes line and many times I see him straining his little neck. A couple of times he has even gotten loose, but happily stayed in the yard. I have my reasons for not wanting my cat to wonder off on his own and that would be another post.

It is easier for me to get him in the Comfy Harness than other harnesses that I have tried in the past. If you ever tried to put anything on a cat you can appreciate the challenge. Once it was on he was fine, he wasn't gnawing at it trying to remove it, rather he just went about his business.

I chose the medium and it's a bit big, but it somehow works. The fact that it attaches with Velcro makes the process of sizing; as well as getting it on a cat;) much more doable. Because it's adjustable, sizing isn't a problem. I simply chose the wrong size, but I'm not disappointed by any means. It's just a little roomy, I'm happy that it stays on securely and is comfortable for the cat. This will get a lot of use in the warm weather.

The next must-have for pets is called Pet Rider. I have come to appreciate that many dog breeds shed far more than any cat. Dogs are also more active, thus they tend to get really dirty. Lets not forget claw damage to our furniture which can be caused by either dog or cat. This is where Pet Rider comes in handy.

Pet Rider will protect car seats from animal dirt or damage. Pet Rider is water resistant, machine washable, claw resistant, easily wipes clean and has seat-belt access. You can also use this in your house to protect furniture.

As you can see by the image this drapes over the entire car seat which is ideal since most dogs; or cats, tend to up the entire back seat.

Two pet must-haves that will get a lot of use and won't break your budget. Both items are available at www.telebrands.com
`

H2PRO: Another Awesome Flat Iron

2012-01-08T18:32:00.003-05:00

I was born with the ever so wonderful combination of fine and frizzy hair. As a result of this hair combo I have come to love my flat iron. My flat iron is one of life's necessities.

When Hair Product Pro contacted me to review the H2PRO Vivace; their top rated flat iron, I was like sure send it my way, of course this was after reviewing the info regarding the product. I'm picky with flat irons, they have to meet a certain criterion before I even consider using them on my hair.

Here are some noteworthy features of the H2PRO Vivace 1" Plate Styling flat iron:

Adjustable Heat Control: 140-450 F
Plate Material: Ceramic, Toumaline
Nano Technology removes chemicals & bacteria
Damp to dry styling-Safe on Damp Hair
1-inch Plate Size
Automatic Heat Recovery-Quickly recovers heat to plates
Multi Functional Hair Styling: Straightens, Curls, Flips, for hair styles
Swivel Power cord: will never tangle
1-Year Warranty

I love the Nano technology, it's actually important to me in a flat iron because it helps the hair to retain moisture and minimize damage. The H2PRO also provides three layers of ceramic plates which provide extra protection for hair. I have seen sites that feature arbitrary "best flat irons", the truth is there really is no "best", but rather a preference. With that said, the H2PRO technology is what you should be looking for in a flat iron. So it's definitely one to keep on your list.

The H2PRO is light weight, easy to work with, heats up quickly and gives me high end results. I give it an A+.

To learn more or to purchase the H2PRO visit Hair Products Pro. The H2PRO is offered at a special price of $119.99, a 25% savings. I have seen this on another site for a sale price of $149.99 and the listed retail as $200. This also comes with a warranty along with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. Gotta love that!

Now the very generous folks at Hair Product Pro have offered to give one of my readers their very own H2PRO Flat Iron, how cool is that?

Use the Rafflecoptor easy entry form to enter the giveaway.

Please note for your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter, see option in form and your tweets must be open to the public and not protected. Thanks guys!

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Nature Bright; A Cure for the Winter Blues

2012-01-07T19:59:00.002-05:00

For me winter has very few redeeming qualities. Cold weather and shorter days aren't really fun for anyone, but if you suffer with SAD the Winter can be far worse than just a few inconveniences or aesthetically unpleasing scenes.

What is SAD? SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is characterized by seasonal specific depression. So this is by no means limited to just Winter, but rather many people can experience this disorder in the Spring, Summer and Fall. The most common, however is Winter-onset depression.

Some common symptoms of SAD include:

"difficulty waking up in the morning, morning sickness, tendency to oversleep and over eat, ..a craving for carbohydrates, ..lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on or completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family and social activities.." -Wikipedia

In a nutshell, it's no fun. Fortunately there are treatments. Many doctors may subscribe antidepressants along with light therapy. Light therapy in itself may be fully effective at treating Winter-onset depression. The reason being is that lack of natural light is most likely the catalyst for this disorder.

This is why I decided to look into this form of treatment. After much searching I decided to go with Sun Touch Plus by Nature Bright. I'm glad I did!

Nature Bright has been in the business of creating light therapy products for over a decade and they have an amazing track record of helping many people alleviate their SAD symptoms.

The science behind light therapy:

"Scientific researchers have discovered a new light receptor in the eye's retina that interprets signals from light rays, and send the information to sections of our brain that stimulate hormone secretion and body rhythms. The Sun Touch Plus' Sky Effect lamps emit the optimal blue light that best stimulates these receptors, which send signals to neurological receptors, energizing important centers in the body."

Some of the features of the Sun Touch Plus include:

10,000 Sky Effect Light
Built-in Negative Ionizer
15,30,45, and 60 Minute Timer
Emits 17,000 Kelvin UV-Free Light
Mimics the blue sky

When I first received my Sun Touch I was so anxious to get started I had it positioned too close and for too long, I timed it for the full hour. As a result I ended up with a headache. I now have it set up on a filing cabinet next to my desk; which is a little further away, and I time it for 30 minutes. So it's important to gauge your bodies reaction. You may want to start out slower and then gradually increase your time.

I try to use my Nature Bright as early in the A.M. as possible. I'm already seeing a increase in my energy level as well as some relief with the depression. I really wished I had looked into this sooner.

Light therapy is not advised for those who suffer with bipolar disorder, if your not certain then you should seek a diagnosis from your doctor. This not a sunlamp, you will not receive a tan. Sun Touch is completely free of UV light.

Light therapy isn't limited to just SAD, but those that suffer with:

Sleep difficulties

Low moods

Fatigue caused by irregular work shifts

Menstrual and menopause discomfort

Irritability

Excessive tiredness and fatigue

Jet lag

Winter where I live is still cold and dreary, but I'm happy to say that Sun Touch Plus by Nature Bright has given me some semblance of a life back.

You can purchase the Sun Touch Plus on Nature Bright as well as Amazon.com. The price is phenomenal on Amazon and you still get a two year warranty.

Now the lovely folks at Nature Bright have offered to give one of my readers their very own SunTouch Plus.

Use Rafflecoptor to enter the giveaway.

For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter; see option on entry form, and your tweets must be open to the public and not protected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link'em Up Thursday for 1/5-1/12 Is Ready!

2012-01-04T19:22:00.000-05:00

Giveaway Thursday is up and ready, so link up your giveaways and look for other awesome giveaways to enter!

Link'em Up Thursday-12/29-1/5

2011-12-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

Link up your giveaways and look for other swell giveaways!

Coconut oil for Pets: Why Beneficial?

2011-12-27T18:26:00.031-05:00

Organic coconut oil is a fantastic food with a myriad of health benefits. Coconut oil contains lauric and capric acid which are instrumental in helping the body fight viruses and bacteria. It also increases metabolism, is heart healthy, promotes healthy digestion and so much more.

Interestingly, coconut oil is also beneficial to many animals including cats and dogs. Many of us pet owners are seeing tremendous advantages in giving this to our beloved pets.

By incorporating coconut oil in your pet's diet they will actually experience much of the same health benefits as humans, specifically all the ones I mentioned above.

Coconut oil is also a natural remedy for fleas and ear mites. Yes many have experienced great success at treating both flea bites as well as ear mites, that is if applied externally, however, if taken internally may even prevent fleas. I recently read that it may even be a preventative against heartworms. I do hope this is the case.

Please notice I used the word "may", however, I did stop giving my indoor cat expensive heartworm medication. This is a decision each individual needs to make for themselves based on their own research. Please note that when it comes to proper pet nutrition veterinarians tend to be in the dark. They are trying to make money and tend to sell some really low-grade products at a premium price.

Another awesome benefit for us cat owners is that coconut oil will greatly reduce hairballs. That's right, coconut oil will not only help your cat to easily rid hairballs naturally, but will greatly reduce the amount of hair in your pet's system.

All this proving once again that natural remedies and a healthy balanced diet are the best prevention.

Pretty amazing huh? So now both kitty and I enjoy a daily intake of coconut oil.

Of course not all coconut oil is made equally. I feel it safe to say that The best coconut oil on the market is Tropical Traditions. See my first review.

Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil by Tropical Traditions is geared towards pets. Tropical Traditions has high standards for their products. Everything is fairtrade and made the old fashioned way, this results in a non-hydrogenated product that contains NO trans fatty acids. I like that their coconut oil for pets is completely organic. Only the best for my feline.

The only difference is that the oil hasn't been completely deodorized, this results in the oil having a smoky flavor as opposed to sweet, ...and this explains why my highly finicky cat likes the taste. I really thought I would have to mix in with his tuna. I simply put some on my finger or a spoon and he licks it up, it's the cutest thing.

I also rub this into his coat and it really helped with the winter dryness and dander.

I would encourage all pet owners to give this a try. Since it is so versatile at treating so many miladies common in pets it's really a good idea to have on hand at all times.

The average retail value for a 32 oz jar is $25, however, it is currently on sale for only $9.99. Over 50% off! Get it while it's hot, visit Tropical Traditions for a tremendous savings.

Now, the lovely folks at Tropical Traditions have offered to give one of my readers a 32 oz jar of this amazing stuff.

Use Rafflecoptor easy entry form to enter the giveaway.

For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter; see option below, and your tweets must be open to the public and not protected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Instant Pretty W/Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic

2011-12-25T17:17:00.007-05:00

SkinRise Bionic Tonic by Exuviance is kinda like a moisturizing toner in the form of individual pads. The combination of moisturizing properties along with refreshing ingredients; such as grapefruit and Eucalyptus extract, wakes up the skin while giving it a dewy glow.

There are certain ingredients in the product; such as fragrance, that I would prefer to be absent, however, with that said I like the the affect on my skin.

I mainly just use the SkinRise Bionic Tonic on special occasions and one pad can last me three uses. It's also great on those days where I just feel under the weather.

Neostrata is the company behind Exuviance and they are a completely cruelty free company. The products and sources used are free from animal testing as well as animal ingredients. So that's definitely a plus in my book.

There's lot of great stuff in the SkinRise Tonic, but it's still not as natural as I would normally prefer. Overall, Neostrata is a company that appears to have made some positive advancements in skincare.

I like having the SkinRise Bionic Tonic pads on hand. As I mentioned I can easily get three uses out of one pad. The 2 oz jar containing 36 pads is lasting me a while, so it's proving to be a really great value.

If you would like more information please visit Neostrata.com

Link'em Up Thursday

2011-12-22T15:28:00.000-05:00

Better late than never. Link up your giveaways and look for other swell giveaways to enter!

ProFlowers; Best Flowers

2011-12-19T18:04:00.007-05:00

I have received flowers from ProFlowers in the past and each time I was always very satisfied. The flowers usually arrive as buds and then within a few days bloom into lovely petals. They tend to last longer than average, so you really do get your moneys worth. See my first review to see how ProFlowers manages to keep their prices so low.

The beautiful bouquet pictured above includes 25 stems of Peruvian lilies, and 100 blooms per bouquet. The base price is only $29.99, but you can add an additional $7 for a vase. I like that you have this option because I find that most households are inundated with vases, so vases tend to be very superfluous. It's great to get that additional savings.

ProFlowers has a wonderful selection of fresh flowers and gifts at fantastic prices.

The best sellers pictured above retail for no more than forty dollars, so if you add shipping and tax the most you should pay is $50. That's a fantastic price for really awesome gifts. I could use a gift of flowers and cake, or perhaps flowers and those nifty little cake pops. I wonder if cake pops are the new cupcakes? don't know, but I think I love them both equally.

You will also appreciate that ProFlowers run sales, thus it may pay to subscribe to their mailing list. Visit ProFlowers for more info.

The very generous folks at ProFlowers have offered to give one of my readers a $50 Gift Certificate.

Use Rafflecoptor easy entry form to enter this giveaway.

In order for your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter and your tweets must be open to the public and not protected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

EatSmart; Best Digital Scales

2011-12-18T19:14:00.007-05:00

The Precision Digital Bathroom Scale by EatSmart continues to rank high among consumers. A simple scale that displays an accurate reading every time. This scale is so precise it will weigh as low as .2 pounds, that's 3.5 ounces. When you're watching your weight every little bit of weight loss can be of great encouragement. See my first review.

There are quite a few noteworthy features that set EatSmart digital bathroom scale apart from other digital scales. Here's a few of my favorite features.

4 High Precision Sensors - Consistent and accurate measurement
3 Measurement Modes: Pounds / Kilos / Stones
Graduation Increments of .2 lbs. / .1kg
Max Weight: 400 lbs / 180 kgs

I have been using the EatSmart digital scale for quite sometime, however, I did take a break while I went on a 'seefood' diet;) I prefer to be in an ignorant state when I go on these little lapses. Of course this does not help the situation. Now I'm back on track and I've started upping my exercise routine and I'm already seeing results. It is important that I have a reliable scale so that I can track my results. I also feel that daily weigh-ins really motivate me to keep my caloric intake at bay.

I would strongly recommend this scale, however, if you are one of those people that desires to track more than just your weight, then you may want to consider the EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale.

This digital scale will not only give you an accurate weight, but also your body fat, body water, body muscle and bone mass. EatSmart also provides a chart detailing what your readings mean. I was happy to discover that my body fat is optimal. EatSmart advises weighing yourself first thing in the morning, but to weigh your body fat early evening before dinner for the most accurate reading.

I have priced other similar scales, but found EatSmart to be the most consistent and better priced. I know I'm happy with both scales.

EatSmart offers fantastic customer service as well as a Satisfaction Guarantee on all their products. Both scales mentioned come with a two year warranty.

Currently you can find EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale on sale for only $54.95 and the EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale on sale for only $28.95. Visit EatSmart for details. You may even find better prices on Amazon.com, but they probably don't include the warranty.

Please note: Every time you like EatSmart on Facebook they will donate fifty cents to various charities. Please visit EatSmart for more information regarding these charities.

The lovely folks at EatSmart have offered to give one of my readers a Precision Digital Bathroom Scale. Use Rafflecoptor easy entry form to enter giveaway.

For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter; see option below, and your tweets must be open to the public and not protected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gorgeous Gifts, Jewelry and More at Ezistock

2011-12-18T13:19:00.001-05:00

Ezistock.com is a site you may want to keep on your radar. They carry Absolutely phenomenal gifts, jewelry, decor and more at incredibly affordable prices. All the items are straight from Thailand. Ezistock features the most beautiful jewelry I've ever seen in one location.

Find out more why I love this site. Visit this link.

Joya; Best Comfort Shoe Giveaway (3 Winners)-12/19

2011-12-18T12:52:00.000-05:00

Once you experienced the joy of wearing Joya shoes you will have a hard time going back to any other shoe. Find out why I love these shoes and enter to win your choice of style. Ya just need to Visit this link.

Link'm up Thursday-12/15-12/21

2011-12-14T19:28:00.000-05:00

Giveaway Thursday linky is completely refreshed, so link up your awesome Giveaways and look for other swell giveaways to enter.

Vegan Cats; Is It Possible?

2011-12-12T18:48:00.028-05:00

Very few things spur as much controversy as the concept of vegetarian or vegan diet for pets. Those that choose to adapt their pets to this lifestyle are often met with a level of anger and hostility that would make the world's reaction to the Casey Anthony verdict seem like a premiere of the Muppet Movie.

For all the naysayers and criticizers, there is one important aspect that can't be overlooked, and that is simply that vegan pet owners love animals. Our love for animals naturally transcends to our pets. We want the very best for them regarding nutrition as well as satisfaction. Yes, our pets are healthy and spoiled.

So I don't want any sub par pet owners regurgitating the same old anti-vegan-pet verbiage that is common to this subject. Please don't get me started the typical commercial cat foods ya'all are feeding your pets.

The subject of vegan cats became of interest to me after my cat stopped eating his food. His former food; Newman's Own Organics, is one of the better premium cat foods on the market. Completely organic and free of GMO's, I was completely comfortable giving this to my cat.

Why would feeding my cat meat be of concern? There is more than just the cruelty issue when it comes to wanting to abstain from meat. Thanks to factory farming 99% of meat sold at your local grocery store comes from sickly, genetically modified animals that subsist on a diet of additives, hormones and antibiotics. Man's greed is to blame, but that's another post.

You may be able to locate the one percent of family-run-farm fare, however, this is not so easy when it comes to pet food.   The costliest premium cat foods are made with factory farmed meat as well as fillers.

So it is any wonder why more and more folks are choosing a vegan lifestyle for themselves and their pets. The real question is not if cat's can be vegan, but rather can cats obtain the needed nutrients on a vegan diet. So far in my research the answer appears to be yes.

Many people assume because feral cats primarily eat birds, mice and insects that they must retain a carnivorous lifestyle when they are domesticated. The problem with that line of thinking is that cat foods are made primarily with cows, chickens, turkey, and fillers such as corn, rice, etc., not exactly the natural diet of your typical wild cat.  Throughout the years domesticated cats have adapted to this very diet.  The key word being adapted.

What about certain nutrients that cat's need that is found in meat, such as taurine? During the rendering process meat loses taurine, thus all taurine found in pet food is synthetic.

Remember, your typical house cats are not the same as their larger counterparts such as lynx and pumas.   They may require more protein in their diet than perhaps dogs or other animals, but who's to say they can't achieve these dietary requirements without meat. This is why the argument that cats are obligate carnivores is weak. Considering where most domesticated cats acquire their protein I feel it's safe to say that a cat's protein requirement can be fulfilled on a meat free diet.

There is, however, a caveat, please note this is not an easy task..and it may not be suitable for all cats.    Mainly because this subject is still in it's infancy and very few people have taken on this challenge. There are, however, testimonials of folks that have fed their cats a strictly home-made vegan diet for years with great success.

Making your own vegan cat food ain't easy and it's not something I care to take on, thus I have been researching the few vegan cat foods on the market. When I say few I literally mean three.

In my discoveries I have come across a highly reviewed company located in Italy that produces a vegan cat food called Ami Cat. Appropriately named because vegans love their pets and want them to be healthy and happy. Ami Cat has been around for a while and appears to be one of the best vegan cat foods on the market, but I can safely say that any vegan cat food is most likely better for your cat than your average commercial cat food.

I like that Ami Cat is natural and free of GMO's, dyes and artificial preservatives. It is completely balanced to meet all the nutritional needs of cats.

Ami Cat has done their homework and it's no surprise that most cats thrive on this food. From what I understand they are popular in Italy and a few years ago became accessible in the states thanks to Vegan Essentials.com.

I purchased a sample of Ami Cat via Vegan Essentials.com. It was important that my cat like the food, I'm obviously not going to feed my cat something he doesn't like to eat. I am incredibly pleased that he liked Ami Cat. He's not on a complete vegan diet because he also likes wet food and there's no Ami wet food for cats. So he basically will get little family farm white chicken meat, Ami Cat and of course his treats and lets not forget a can of tuna once a week. I realize though his basic nutritional needs are being met by Ami Cat.

I can say that Ami Cat is meeting his nutritional needs because he seems satisfied, content and not constantly crying for food. The two weeks after he stopped eating his former food, I was basically giving him white chicken meat until I found something suitable. This was a tough period because he was always hungry, now after he eats he is sated and ready for a nap or extremely playful.

The important thing is to take cues from your cats, are they happy, healthy? The tell-tale signs will reveal themselves in you pet's health. Perhaps a partial vegan diet may be more beneficial for your pet. Either way Ami Cat Vegan Cat food is fantastic and I am confident that most cats can thrive on Ami Cat.

As far as purchasing Ami, Vegan Essentials is the only place I feel comfortable endorsing. They also offer the best price on Ami Cat cat food and they are working on bringing the price down even more for late 2012.

Ami Cat isn't cheap, but my cat eats less of it than other foods, so it's lasting longer. Also keep in mind that from time to time Vegan Essentials offers discounts or coupons, so it may be a good idea to sign up for their newsletter

CheapesTees; Dressing for Less Never Looked So Good

2011-12-10T17:44:00.007-05:00

A while back I was sent some rather fine apparel from CheapesTees.com. I was so excited with everything that I received that I wanted to get actual images of me wearing the items. Well unfortunately I am packing on a few extra pounds and considering the camera adds weight I felt it best to lose the weight before I had the pictures taken. The problem was that I kept procrastinating losing the extra pounds and then time got away from me.

On a positive note I did start dieting; or more appropriately watching my caloric intake, two weeks ago and now I am really close to my goal.

Regardless of my weight loss accomplishment; or lack there of, I am pleased to be reviewing CheapesTees. As the name suggest you can find Tees; and more, at the lowest prices. This includes name brands such as Champion, Adidas as well as organic and eco-friendly apparel for the whole family.

Organic & Eco-friendly apparel

When it comes to organic cotton you can expect to pay a premium price, however, the 100% organic selection at CheapesTees is very affordable.

I love the Bella Ladies' Stretch Yoga Pants pictured below and they are currently my favorite workout pants. They're very flattering and comfortable. They normally retail for $40, but at CheapesTees they are only $22.94. A 43% savings is not too shabby.

CheapesTees is a family-run company that values customer satisfaction. They stand behind their products and offer a sixty-day money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase. They also offer free shipping on orders over sixty nine dollars. So it may be a good idea to stock up and save. To learn more visit CheapesTees.com

Nicole Scherzinger; X Factor Judge or Politician

2011-12-09T11:41:00.012-05:00

If you have been tuning in this season to X-Factor then I'm sure you'll agree that this show is spectacular. As far as competitions of this venue go it is simply the Cadillac while American Idol is the Ford Focus, and the rest are Hyundais.

There is just one little problem and that is Nicole Scherzinger.  Every time she speaks it is as if she is running for office. I believe Paula may of made that comment after one of Nicole's lame attempts at judging a contestant.    Paula if you said that I couldn't agree more.

Every nuance, vocal inflection and tear seems calculated and insincere. Every Time she opens her mouth with that politicians cadence I cringe. Well, after last night's episode it appears the world agrees with me.

What happened? Two contestants; both brilliant, were in the bottom two, when this happens both contestants perform for the judges and they proceed to judge the contestants based on that performance.

If you watch the show you know there are other factors the judges will consider.  The dynamic of the show calls for each judge to mentor contestants, as a result many judges may be partial to their mentees.  Perhaps not the most desirable aspect of the show, but understandable and with a total of four judges, you can rest assured that three judges will vote impartially, well we hope.

Such was the case with last nights show. Both contestants;  Rachel Crow and  Marcus Canty, were brilliant, however, one out shined the other and had a better track record, that is first time in the bottom two. This was a no-brainier and this is the very reason the Judges decide the fate of the two with the least amount of votes. As we learned with AI, sometimes the best don't always generate enough votes, often due to people assuming they're safe.

Nicole in her over-dramatics refused to exercise this protocol and as a result the best was sent home.  At only 13 years of age, Rachel Crow is simply beyond-her-years amazing. Lets have a look at who Nicole sent packing...

Like I said this was a no-brainer. Nicole appears to be more fixated on challenging Simon than giving honest critique of the competition. This is why it's no surprise that Rachel was one of Simon's mentees. My advice to Nicole would be to remember that you are a judge in a competition and not running for office. X-Factor is not a platform for you to outshine the other judges, but to give honest critique of the talent. Simon is not your component or running mate, but rather a fellow judge. Work with Simon and not against him and all will be golden. Or perhaps this ain't your thing and it's time for you to be sent packing.

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Link'em up Thursday is here 12/8-12/14

2011-12-08T09:24:00.002-05:00

Giveaway Thursday is here kids. If you have giveaways or would like to enter some really cool giveaways check out my Giveaway Thursday linky list.

Novica; More Best Custom Gifts

2011-12-05T19:36:00.008-05:00

When it comes to receiving gifts many would agree that it's not the gift that matters, but rather the thought behind the gift. This is true of course, but I have to admit some gifts convey that 'thought' a little bit better than others. This is why I prefer to give gifts that are truly unique and special.

I actually have two picks for Best Custom gifts. Novica is the second that I'm featuring and it is very similar to my previous pick; Ezistock, in that it's fairtrade, that is it provides a venue for artist and artisans from different countries to connect with the consumer. See my first review

Novica does just that, they provide a platform for talented artist and artisans from around the world to share their work and in turn make a better living. We as consumers are then able to shop as if we were in these amazing countries. The concept is simply brilliant.

As you scour Novica you will simply be enamored at the vast cultural productions. Everything from women's ponchos, sterling silver cocktail rings as well as a lovely selection of pendant bracelets can be found at Novica.

With every item you are given the artist's name and a brief biography, this is an element that really adds to the experience.

Edmundo Contreras is the artist behind this goegeous chest, Edmundo was born in Apurimac. and specializes in the andahuaylino (Andahuaylas) style.

"I've exhibited my work at arts and crafts fairs, and in 1995 took first place in the Concurso Internacional para América Latina y el Caribe, winning the UNESCO Prize. One of my proudest moments was receiving the Vizcardo & Guzmán Medal as a master artisan, awarded by the Peruvian Congress in 2002"-Ednumdo Contraras

On Novica's website you can find a more detailed biography of each artist. Whether you are buying a gift for someone you love or perhaps yourself, you will find something truly special at Novica.com

The lovely folks at Novica would like to give one of my readers a $60 Gift Certificate. Use Rafflecoptor easy entry form to enter giveaway.

Check out my Ezistock $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway

For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter and your tweets must also be open to the public and not protected.

Nutra Sonic; Best Sonic Cleanser

2011-12-04T18:08:00.012-05:00

My pick for best sonic cleanser is the Nutra Sonic Cleansing Brush by Nutra Luxe. Nutra Sonic cleansing system often flies under the radar, yet it consistently receives the best overall ratings. I have been using the Nutra Sonic Face Cleansing system for close to a year and I find it to be indispensable. See my first review.

The sonic technology behind Nutra Sonic works to thoroughly cleanse skin of makeup, dirt, oil and residue. In fact the Nutra Sonic Cleanser is so effective it removes 6 x's more makeup than a manual cleaning methods.

Some of the features that set Nutra Sonic Cleansing brush apart from the competitors is it's four oscillation speeds, including:

Low Frequency - Sensitive Skin

High Frequency - Normal Skin
BODY Brush Speed - All Over Cleansing
Jitter Mode Pulsating Oscillation - Microdermabrasion

The Nutra Sonic is also very durable, like I mentioned I have been using this for just about one year and is spite of the fact that it dropped several times it's still is working perfectly and the brushes hold up extremely well. The price is also VERY competitive, approximately $50 less than its direct competitor.

The entire brush on the Nutra Sonic ooscillates up to 400 times per minute as opposed to just the center. I also really love having a Microdermabrasion mode as well as a body brush. So you are really getting more bang for your buck.

Now, If you are looking for something that is even more affordable then I would highly recommend the Nutra Sonic Companion. I have been using this for a couple weeks and I love it!

This travel-friendly sonic facial cleanser has two speeds: low frequency for sensitive skin and high frequency for normal skin. The Retail value is $75, but you may find it cheaper on HSN. Many people who purchase sonic cleansers just want to clear up acne and improve skin tone and may not desire the extras, if that is the case you will be very satisfied with the Nutra Sonic Companion. I'm glad I have both, but if I had to choose one I would pick the companion. It's nice to have both, but again the Nutra Sonic Companion does the job and is more affordable.

Regardless of your preference, Nutra Sonic is very deserving of my ever so humble award.

To learn more visit Nutra Luxe.net You can also find Nutra Sonic on HSN.

The very generous folks at Nutra Luxe have offered to give one of my readers a Nutra Sonic Companion.

Use Rafflecoptor entry form to enter giveaway. For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter, see option below. Your tweets must also be open to the public and not protected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sound+Sleep; Best Sleep Sound Machine

2011-12-03T17:49:00.006-05:00

As a result of suffering with chronic insomnia I've learned the import of creating a peaceful, tranquil environment at night. Outside distractions can infringe on your sleep which is a bad thing considering our bodies need quality sleep to function properly. I have been using a white noise machine for quite sometime, however, I have also been in the market for a sound machine that produced varied quality sounds.

Sound+Sleep; Sleep Therapy system, is the only sleep sound machine that I have come across that produces quality sounds. This machine not only effectively mask outside noises, but the quality of the varied sounds actually induces sleep. This is why Sound+Sleeps receive my humble award. See my first review.

Some of the features that make Sound+Sleep patented technology stand out from the competition is the quality of the sounds. Unlike other machines that I've looked at in the past the sounds were low quality, static-like and irritating. On the other hand Sound+Sleep sounds of a have a rich and realistic quality. You will actually feel as if you are near a fireplace, water fall or that it is raining outside. It took me a while to realize that it probably wasn't actually raining outside, that says a lot for the realism effect.

Another point is that the sounds of these other machines don't turnover, but rather are repetitive. Quite frankly this can be very annoying. Fortunately Sound+Sleep contains lengthy recordings of actual sounds. This is quite refreshing.

Sound+Sleep; Parent tested Parent
approved Winner

Sound+Sleep also adapts to your environment. Just say there was a sudden noise; dog bark, talking, thunder, etc., Sound+Sleep automatically raises the volume to block out these outside noise. Also note that everything is adjustable, even the red On Button can be turned off as to not cause a distraction.

Sound+Sleep also offers ten sound options as you can see above. I really love them all except the white noise and that's only because I'm so over plain white noise.

I love my Sound+Sleep! I realize from my first review that many people like myself can not sleep in pure quiet. Much of the reason is because outside noises are more noticeable when it's completely quiet; if that makes sense. Another reason is that we need something to lull us to sleep, Sound+Sleep does this beautifully. This is an excellent Sleep inducer that can help you to achieve a decent nights sleep.

At the moment if you sign up for Sound+Sleep's newsletter you can receive a Sound+Sleep for only $99.95 the normal price is 129.99, so that's approximately 25% off retail. To learn more visit soundofsleep.com.

Now the fine folks at Adaptive Sound Technologies have offered to give one of my readers a Sound+Sleep.

Use Rafflecoptor to enter giveaway. For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter, see option below. Your tweets must also be open to the public and not protected.

Heads up if you entered my last two giveaways

2011-12-03T14:48:00.003-05:00

You may already know that Google + is the wave of the future. Google hopes that Google + will be on par with Facebook. That may very well happen one day, but at the moment it's not quite there yet.

I've decided to remove 'following me on Google + as a mandatory entry'. For those of you that are already following me on Google + you can give yourself and extra entry via the Rafflecoptor entry form. I realize to do this you will most likely need to submit another mandatory entry. You will not be disqualified, however, I would appreciate the heads up so I can easily delete the extra mandatory entry.

The giveaways are for the Avanti Flat Iron from Flat Iron Experts and the $100 Gift Certificate from Ezistock.com
Thanks all!

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Link'em up Thursday

2011-12-01T09:20:00.001-05:00

Link up your giveaways and look for other giveaways to enter!

Ezistock; Best Custom Gifts

2011-11-30T19:35:00.012-05:00

If you're looking for something truly special and unique you may want to head to Thailand, but if that is not possible you can conveniently shop for the most extraordinary custom gifts at Ezistock.com. What makes this site truly unique is that it features artisans indigenous to Thailand.

Ezistock easily brings handcrafted jewelry, art, decor and so much more from Thailand to the consumer, and in doing so it provides a platform for struggling artist and artisans to make a living.

Ezistock is a green company and each artisan must comply with eco-friendly materials and production of their products. They also must comply with United Nations Global Compact.

I have never been to Thailand, but I know it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The food, people, culture are simply exceptional. One day I will visit Thailand and I will probably never leave. That is my dream.

The aesthetics in Thailand; the natural as well as the indigenous style, is absolutely exquisite. When you have amazingly talented artist and artisans surrounded by such incredible beauty only something truly memorable could transpire.

Regardless of the medium used; lacquerware, ceramics, resin, each artist's productions is the result of raw talent and painstaking attention to detail. This is reflected in the finished product. You also can learn a little bit about the artisan on Ezistock's website. I think is a great feature that really brings another element to the process of shopping in Thailand via the world wide web.

This lovely aroma therapy kit features scents of sandalwood and rose. Truly a delight for the all the senses.

I could spend all day looking at the beautiful handcrafted jewelry on Ezistock. I really like the beaded, silver, marcasite and gemstone Jewelry, but there are so many stunningly gorgeous pieces it's hard to pick a favorite.

Now if you were to buy comparable products in the states you would pay quite a bit, but the prices on Ezistock are practically a steal. These finely crafted, limited edition pieces aren't just your average ho hum gifts, but rather they are keepsakes to be passed on from generation to generation. These pieces are indeed truly memorable.

To learn more about this beautiful site visit Ezistock.com

You can also find Existock on Facebook and Twitter.

Flat Iron Experts; Best Flat Irons

2011-11-27T18:52:00.010-05:00

I couldn't narrow down one specific flat iron to include in my Best Product promotion, so I 'm awarding Flat Iron Experts for carrying the largest selection of highly rated flat irons at the most affordable prices. They have an impressive selection and they guarantee the lowest prices. If you happen to find a flat iron at a lower price Flat Iron Experts will not only match the price, but they will provide an additional 5% off the matched price. They may not be the only flat iron website, but they are the best.

Flat Iron Experts also stand behind their products and offer a 30 day money back guarantee. They accept major credit cards as well as American Express and Paypal. Their flat irons also come with warranties. You won't find this same protection on Amazon.com.

Flat irons have come a long way and now even affordable flat irons can deliver top results.

Flat Iron Experts carries so many highly rated flat irons that I don't think there is a 'best' , but rather a preference. Flat irons have come a long way since the Chi Ceramic flat iron first debuted. The flat iron that I am currently using from Flat Iron Experts is the Avanti Wet-Dry Nano-Titanium Ceramic Silver Digital Flat Iron.

This flat iron features the latest technology, the result is moisture retention and far less damage to the hair. I have been using this for nine months and I'm still receiving salon-like results. Even though this is fine to use on wet hair, I prefer to use it on dry or damp hair. The digital feature is awesome, I set it at 350 F, but it does go up to 450. My hair is pretty frizzy and I'm fine with 350, so the Avanti Ultra would be effective on any hair type. This is light weight and designed to get closer to the scalp, so even the clumsiest person like myself can achieve top results.

If you like to learn more visit Flat Iron Experts.com they also carry other hair tools as well as beauty products.

The very generous folks at flat iron experts have offered to give one of my readers an Avanti Wet-Dry Nano-Titanium Ceramic Silver Digital Flat Iron. This flat iron retails for $259.99, at the moment it is on sale at Flat Iron Experts for only $159.95. Huge savings!

Use Rafflecoptor to enter.
For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter and your tweets must also be open to the public and not protected.

Obasan; Best Organic Pillows

2011-11-26T17:55:00.010-05:00

Sleeptek is the Canadian based company Obasan and they have been in the business of producing quality bedding since 1985. Desiring to grown and better their product in 1995 Sleeptek transitioned to organic materials. Their objective is to provide a product that will induce quality sleep. After two months of using their pillow I say mission accomplished. See my review here.

We are inundated with toxins on a daily basis as is, the place that we rest and rejuvenate should be a safe have. I feel everyone should have an organic pillow. Traditional mass-produced pillows are a health threat and have a negative effect on the quality of your sleep.

I appreciate that Obasan has high standards for their products. Everything is Fair Trade and their cotton is 100% certified organic. The materials used are vegan and cruelty free.

Retention in Shape and firmness
Flexibility combined with stability (for continuous sleep comfort)
Excellent heat and moisture regulation
Superior air circulation (for preventing the growth of molds and mildew

Naturally flame-retardant and repellent to dust mites
Absorbent (able to absorb 30 percent moisture and remain dry-perfect for "night sweats")
Cool in summer, warm in winter

I haven't woken up with a stiff neck for the duration that I have been using my Obasan pillow. It's so comfortable, soft yet firm. It also retains the perfect temperature which is a very unique feature. Obasan has indeed earned my humble "best product" award.

Obasan carries all bedding including organic mattresses, comforters, infant bedding and even organic pet beds. To learn more visit Obasan.

Saguenay 2.0 Shredded Natural Rubber Pillow

Saguenay 2.0 Shredded Natural Rubber Pillow features:

Removable cover with two different surfaces for warm or cold nights (silky organic cotton and organic cotton jersey
Zipper on both sides for easy removal
Fully adjustable for individual needs
Chemical free and won't hold dust mites
No chemical off gazing

The very lovely folks at Sleeptek have genously offered to give two of my readers the Saguenay 2.0 Shredded Natural Rubber Pillow pictured above. The pillow is amazing and retails for $129.

Use Rafflecoptor easy entry form to enter.
For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter, see option below. Your tweets must also be open to the public and not protected.

Stay Warm & Fashionable This Winter

2011-11-23T16:19:00.009-05:00

I have a love hate relationship with hats. I love hats but finding one that doesn't drown my small head is time consuming. That doesn't stop me from spending a great deal of time in the hat section at my local department store trying on every last hat in an attempt to find one that suits me perfectly. Many times I do find the right hat, but it usually is more money than what I'm willing to spend.

I was recently sent a Scala Women's Winter Cloche by Dorfman Pacific. This is a company that knows hats. They have been leaders in the headwear industry for ninety years, and I can personally attest to the high caliber of their products. This stylish winter hat didn't disappoint. I was sent a standard size for review purposes, however, you can choose your size accordingly. Regardless, this hat fits my head like a glove and is very flattering.

I received the Charcoal; a color I chose for the practicality purposes, but as you can see the wool cloche is available in seven colors. This includes the Wine pictured below.

This is a gorgeous hat and a great addition to your winter wardrobe. At $30 The price is doable even for the very frugal like myself:) At the moment they are currently on sale for only $24..and that's not all..

You can receive free ground shipping; US only, just use this promo code: ScalaPronto, visit Womens-Hats.com to save! This offer is ends on 12/31/11.

LiptonPublicity provided me with a review sample, however, I was under no obligation to write a review.

Create Lasting Memories w/My Memories Software

2011-11-22T18:31:00.012-05:00

I once knew of someone that actually made a living scrapbooking. This is something that I aways found perplexing. I feel scrapbooking is personal, they're your memories. Who could possibly be better at arranging and executing those memories than the one to whom they belong.

Well, for those of you who may be on the fence about creating a lovely platform for your memories you will really appreciate My Memories Suite. You don't have to be the most creative person or even the most dexterous. This is good news for me since I can't even cut a straight line or manage to draw a straight line or circle without the use of a ruler or a circle maker.

My Memories is a digital scrapbooking Software that easily enables you to create a professional looking scrapbook.

17 page album

Princess Diva

The template pictured above is titled Princess Diva. This is one of my faves, I love that it's multi-layered, but again everything is removable and adjustable as well as addable.

More Templates

I'm having a lot of fun with this software, I've been using this more than photoshop. At $39.97 it's definitely worth the value. Bloggers will also find My Memories useful for creating graphics and images for their blogs.
My readers can receive a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store, just use this here code: STMMMS58943

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ageLOC Galvanic Spa ll; Best Beauty Gadget

2011-11-21T17:35:00.010-05:00

I had a hard time categorizing the ageLOC Galvanic Spa by Nu Skin. I think of this as a best at-home facial or anti-aging device. After nine months of continued use with positive results it has rightfully earned my coveted award. You can see my first review here.

The Galvanic Spa uses the tried and true technology of iontopheresis. One treatment at a spa can cost anywhere from seventy five to two hundred dollars.

The first step uses the negatively charged Pre-Treat Gel which binds to impurities, softens and relaxes pores allowing them to breathe and dissolves excess facial oils. The positively charged ageLOC Treatment Gel draws out impurities targeted in the pretreat step, facilitates recovery from stress, enhances hydration and targets the ultimate sources of aging to help preserve the look of youth and reduce the overall appearance of aging.

I experienced a noticeable result after the third treatment, so the results are cumulative and over time become even more noticeable. I try to use this at least once a week, however, really dramatic results can be obtained with daily use. As I age I will most likely use the Galvanic Spa more frequently. I am already pleased to have noticed plumper skin, reduced pore size and a more vibrant look. Kind of like after a facial and this is the reason why I haven't needed a facial since I started using ageLOC Galvanic Spa. So it has proven to be very cost effective.

After 70 days of daily use; the results are tantamount to a face lift

Another benefit is that even though I'm a skincare junkie and use the best natural products on my skin, I often completely let myself go and don't do anything for my skin, as a result my skin will start to look dull. One treatment will get my skin back on track, much like facial. I must add this only takes nine minutes so this is very doable even for the lazy:)

The ageLOC Galvanic Spa will also reduce the appearance of cellulite, help with hair loss, clear up acne, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and firm up the skin. It's wonder device that does it all. The only downside is the cost of the facial gels. I actually use a vegan product that I feel works well with the Galvanic Spa and it's cheaper.

I feel this is a must-have beauty product/gadget. If I had the money I would buy one for all my friends and family. Please note that I would encourage you to purchase the product directly from Nu Skin's website as opposed to other online sites because Nu Skin does stand behind their products. Or you may be able to find a local distributor.

Joya; Best Comfort Shoes

2011-11-19T19:04:00.019-05:00

Shoes that bring you joy while you walk is the concept behind Joya shoes.

The masterminds behind the Joya shoe basically used the principle of biomimetics to construct a shoe that would be as flexible as the human foot and then they added several layers of cushion to provide support and comfort.

The result would completely redefine the shoe into something that is as comfortable as being barefoot in grass yet provide needed support on harder terrain.

As you can see from the above image that there are many layers on the sole of the shoe. the result of these varied layers provide support, comfort, and flexibility as well as breathability. At the moment they are unlike anything on the market, and are considered the world's softest shoe for good reason.

Joya shoes are made to alleviate stress on the foot while providing support. The diagram above demonstrates the amount of foot pressure of Joya compared to other shoes. Red is the maximum amount of foot pressure and blue is the lowest. Joya wins hands down.

Oh but are they pretty? Many will sacrifice comfort for aesthetics, this is a mentality that I can't relate to, with that said I feel that most fastidious men and women will be pleased with Joya's stylish selection.

There are seventeen styles in the women's collection and I would actually like to have ten. I would throw out all of my shoes; except a couple of dress shoes for black tie events, and replace them with Joya, and I would be good to go.

Joya also has a nice selection of men's shoes. You guys will be styl'n.

The bottom line is that I prefer shoes that are comfortable and I find Joya to be a cut above other shoes of this genre. I never really appreciated the degree of how confining and constrictive my feet are in my other shoes until I started wearing Joya. Another aspect is that Joya shoes are extremely durable, so even though they may cost more than you're average comfort shoe they will last far longer.

Joya shoes simply rock and win my humble award for best comfort shoe, actually they win best shoe period. No they are not Manolo Blahnik or Jimmy Choo, they're just better.

I have a strong feeling that one day Joya technology will be the norm for footwear. People will look back in utter amazement and horror at today's footwear and wonder how a bygone people managed to endure such horrific torture on their feet.

To learn more about Joya or to find or to find a local retailer that carries Joya visit Joya Shoes.com

You can also find Joya on Facebook and Twitter

The lovely and generous people at Joya have generously offered to give three of my readers their choice of shoes. That's a retail value up to $240 each.

Use Rafflecoptor entry form to enter giveaway. For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter; see option below and your tweets must be open to the public.

Best of the Best Extravaganza

2011-11-19T15:28:00.013-05:00

When it comes to how I spend my money or what products I should consider, I base my decision on online reviews. I skip the commercials and magazine adds and go straight for the Internet. Even product mentions in magazines are the result of a hefty pay-out on the part of the product's company. On the other hand bloggers have the least to gain and tend to be very straight forward in regard to the actual quality and worth a product or brand.

Many bloggers like myself won't even mention a product we don't like, the reason for me is because I realize that even negative publicity is more beneficial than no publicity. Why give a spotlight to a lemon.

After a year of consistent product reviews I wanted to do a special post on not only my favorites, but products that continually score high with consumers. Thus, you may want to keep the products featured on your radar. Keep your eyes out for this badge.

Nutiva Weed; The New Green

2011-11-13T18:53:00.012-05:00

One thing I've learned since becoming a vegan is that hemp is an excellent source of protein. Unfortunately due to its close relationship to marijuana, hemp is a federally regulated controlled substance. The truth is the two couldn't be more different.

Both hemp and marijuana are derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. While marijuana contains high levels of THC, hemp contains low levels of this psychoactive ingredient. Another noteworthy fact is that hemp also contains high levels of CBD which is an antipsychoactive.

So what does this mean? Simply that it's not possible to get high on hemp. So there is absolutely no legitimate reason why this natural resources shouldn't be utilized. Whether you are a vegan or not, hemp is something you may want to consider incorporating in your diet.

Why? well for starters hemp is a complete protein and contains essential fatty acids. It's also a natural antioxidant. Hemp is also low in calories and high in fiber which makes it very filling. Hemp is simply a diet friendly wonder food.

Nutiva is a company that produces hemp and sadly they have had their share of problems with U.S. policies. In spite of these hardships the company still manages to thrive. I started drinking their plain hemp shakes a while back when I saw the company featured on some news show.

Nutiva products meet the highest standards of Certified Organic and are certified Non-GMO by the Non-GMO project.   As far as protein shakes go I feel Nutiva's Hemp Shake is the best, but I'm not talking about taste as much as quality of the product. List of ingredients for the Hemp Shake include:

Hemp Oi, Hempseed, Chia See, Coconut Oil, and Coconut Manna.

Nutiva sent me their organic chocolate hemp shake for review, I haven't tried it just yet but it smells decent. Other flavors include Super Berry and Vanilla.   A serving is only 90 calories and 3 grams of fat; healthy fat, 11 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber. This adds up to only one weight watchers point, because this is so low I often double the servings for extra protein.

The Hemp Shake contains another superfood called Chia Seed. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as essential minerals; phosphorus, manganese, calcium and potassium. Nutiva also carries white chia seeds that can be used in a variety of recipes as well as simply tossed in a salad, cereal, smoothies and more.

What I like about Chia and Hemp is that the are both low in calories and very filling. Two wonder foods that are beneficial and very easy to assimilate into ones diet.

To learn more visit Nutiva.com

Superfood Snacks; Raw Chocolate Bliss

2011-11-12T19:18:00.011-05:00

I live in the east coast and there is only one raw foods/vegan establishment that is relatively local. As to be expected this unique raw foods cafe is usually packed and many folks drive long distances to visit this little gem.

The owner of this establishment is a raw foodie. I respect his knowledge and appreciate the import of incorporating live foods in one's diet, but I would not make the transition to a raw foods only diet. I prefer my rice noodles cooked thank you.

It has been a while, but occasionally I use to treat myself to their prepared raw concoctions. However, due to being on a very tight budget it has been quite some time since I have enjoyed their healthy yummy raw treats. I recently had the opportunity to sample Superfood Snacks and it brought me back to my visits to my favorite raw foods cafe.

Superfood Snacks are a raw chocolate energizing snack or "raw chocolate bliss" that contains some rather impressive ingredients.

Organic Clear Agave Nectar, Organic Brazil Nuts, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Dried Mango, Organic Hunza Raisins, Organic Coconut, Organic Dates, Organic Dried Bananas, Organic Incan Berries, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Maca Powder, Organic Vanilla Powder, Organic Cinnamon, Selina Naturally Hawaiian Deep Sea Salt. -Brazilian Chocolate Ecstasy

Organic Clear Agave Nectar, Organic Dried Cherries, Organic Dates, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Coconut, Organic Blue Green Algae (AFA), Organic Cinnamon, Selina Naturally Hawaiian Deep Sea Salt.-Chocolate Cherry Qi

Just about all the ingredients are considered to be powerful antioxidants. They are not fattening or caloric and are actually very filling. I reviewed the Brazilian Chocolate Ecstasy and the Chocolate Cherry Qi. They are both very good in their own way and man do they bring me back to the good ole days. At 8.99 a bag they are cheaper than what I have paid in the past for comparable snacks. These healthy chocolate treats come in handy and really hit the spot.

To learn more or to buy your own chocolate bliss visit Superfoodssnacks.com

If you like Superfood Snacks on Facebook you will receive a $9 coupon, good for one bag of their chocolate snacks.

Link em up kids! Giveaway Thursday

2011-11-10T09:05:00.004-05:00

Post your giveaways and look for other giveaways to enter. Giveaway Thursday with giveaway directory is up an ready.

I have some really great giveaways coming up later this month so stay tuned.
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What's In Laundry Detergent?

2011-11-07T08:56:00.005-05:00

It amazes me that the most popular laundry detergents on the market contain the most toxic ingredients. Lets just start with a couple of those ingredients.

Dioxane: a by-product of ethylene oxide which is used to lessen the severity of the harsher ingredients such as alcohols and phenols. Is it safe?

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies dioxane as a probable human carcinogen. " ...Dioxane is also shown to be irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. It is suspected of causing damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys" -Wiki

There is more than enough evidence on the dangers of Dioxane and the big companies are well aware of these dangers. So why do they continue to use a known toxic chemical? the answer is simple, because it's cheap. Need I say more.

Phenols are another common ingredient in laundry detergent; Alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanols, these are synthetic surfactants that are said to be highly toxic. Not to mention dyes, perfumes, fillers or phosphates all of which are nasty and completely superfluous. Of course these ingredient also cause a great deal of environmental damage

There are some natural products on the market, but you still have to be careful. Many laundry detergents that are marketed as "non-toxic" are actually said to contain one or two toxic ingredients. So the consumer really needs to do homework.

One company I can always rely on to produce a truly quality product is Tropical Traditions Their non-toxic powdered laundry detergent is safe for people and enviroment as well as effective. The list of ingredients are simply: Soda ash, sodium percarbonate, mild surfactants. Absolutely nothing harmful.

The sodium percarbonate in Tropical Tradition's non-toxic Laundry Detergent acts as a natural bleach and is safe to use on all colors.

Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent is non-toxic and environmentally safe

I love the detergent, it does a fantastic job. It's a powder, but it rinses completely without leaving a any residue. I give it an A+ for efficacy and I give Tropical Traditions an A+ for getting the job done without compromising their integrity and delivering a truly safe product.

Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry detergents can be used on regular or front loading/HE washers. Just use half the recommended amount. A five pound container retails for $30, but you can usually find it on sale for $16.99. This is a fantastic value for the product. Visit Tropical Traditions for more info.

SodaStream; Make Your Own Soda and Save Money

2011-11-05T19:20:00.014-04:00

Soda is a huge business. I read the average American family spends anywhere from five hundred to one thousand dollars on soda annually. That's a lot of soda kids!

Carbonated beverages made their appearance in the 1800's and have continued to grow in variety and popularity. There is nothing that I find more refreshing than plain old sparkling water. I have been hooked on plain seltzer since I was fourteen.

Soft drinks such as cola and their diet counterparts continue to remain the most popular drinks. I would say the diet drinks are worse than the sugar drinks, perhaps they're less fattening, but they contain really nasty artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and splenda.

The best option is to take matters into your own hands and invest in a home soda maker. I have been using SodaStream for over a year and feel it is a worthy investment based on the fact that I can choose healthier options. Of course there is a monetary savings to be had.

All SodaStream home soda makers operate with the use of a Carbonator as opposed to batteries or electricity. On average a 120-liter carbonator should last a family of four approximately 3.5 months. Two 60-liter carbonators; averaging 120 liters, retails for $59.98. Multiply that by 3.5 and the average price annually comes to 209.93. Add the price of the SodaStream starter kit; which includes soda mixes, and that is another 99.95. (I'm basing this on the Fountain Jet)

The total amount on soda spent the first year for a family of four totals to $309.88, after the first year this number goes down to $239.92 plus I'll add additional cost for their soda mixes to $50; although I'm sure that figure is inflated. So now we have 289.98 I mentioned that the minimum that an average family of four spends on soda annually is five hundred dollars. Thus, the average family of four is still saving over two hundred a year on soda. Because I was conservative in my estimate this number is the minimum amount of savings.

A minimal annual savings of two hundred dollars for a family of four.

I feel the beauty of SodaStream is being able to add your own flavorings. Dr. Oz said his son likes to add grapefruit juice. It is fun to experiment with different juices and fruits, wine spritzers are nice for us adults.

Another benefit is having complete control over the carbonation, not to mention that the bottles retain carbonation. This whole year I never had one bottle go flat. The bottles are also BPA free.

Another benefit: no more having to recycle or lug soda bottles home from the grocery store. Healthy for people and environment and very convenient. SodaStream would also make a great gift. If you would like more information on SodaStream please visit SodaStreamUSA.

Making sure that I enjoy my daughter's Grease production

2011-11-04T12:20:00.000-04:00

Guest post written by Caroline Smith

"There have been several times over the years when I haven't been able to fully enjoy one of my daughter's plays because my hearing isn't the best. It's one of those things that I've been in doubt about for a very long time. I know that I shouldn't act that way but I wanted to finally do something about it.

I looked online to see if I could come across some info on getting some hearing aids so I can enjoy special once in a lifetime moments for my kids more. When I was on my search, I came across some information on ear testing and after I looked through it a little more, I decided to go through with it and got fitted with some hearing aids.

I had so much fun watching my daughter have her little time in the limelight. She absolutely shined during the play and I don't think that she could have done a better job in the play. She played Rizzo and I think that she has just the perfect little attitude to play such a character!"

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Giveaway Thursday

2011-11-03T08:16:00.008-04:00

Link up your giveaways and find other giveaways to enter.

Feel free to enter more giveaways in the giveaway directory. The linky will be re-newed every Thursday.

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Enjoy Delicious Peeled Snacks

2011-10-30T17:11:00.010-04:00

A friend of mine once regretted buying a bag of dried fruit, due to the fact that the fruit contained added sugar. We came to the conclusion that there is absolutely no reason to add sugar to fruit. Fruit is naturally sweet, why mess with perfection.

Noha Waibsnaider is the founder of Peeled Snacks and she had the right idea, simply leave nature alone. This is in stark contrast to the sugar, preservatives, fructose corn syrup, chemicals that is so common in most other similar products. Many of these products offer convenient packaging and not much else.

"Because they're packed separately, the nuts stay crunchy, the fruit stays moist, and you get a delicious boost over that 4 p.m. energy slump." — Oprah

On the other hand Peeled Snacks offers convenient packaging and a quality product. Simply pure organic dried fruit. The taste surpasses the usual supermarket fare of junk fruit snacks, and the names are really charming.

Much-ado-about-Mango
Cherry-go-round
Apple-2-the-core
Pine-4-pineapple
Banan-a-peel
Aprocot-a-lot
Raisin expectations

My faves are the dried mangoes, pineapple and cherries. They are very moist and taste surprisingly good. They really don't taste like any dried fruit I have encountered in the past. I can see why these are a kid-favourite. Also great for us adults looking for a healthy, satisfying snack.

You can find Peeled Snacks at your local Whole Foods, Starbucks and of course online. Visit Peeled Snacks for more details.

The lovely folks at Peeled Snacks have offered to give one of my readers an yummy Organic Fruit Picks Variety Pack. Retail value is $22.99.

Replenish Your Skin with Amazon Rain

2011-10-29T19:24:00.046-04:00

As a skincare junkie I have come to appreciate that many highly esteemed beauty products of the rich and well-to-do provide at best temporary benefits. Not to be left out is the normal drug store variety, since basically low-end products tend to mimic "high end" products and many are even manufactured in the same facility.

The catalyst for the lack in quality is due to profits, most companies want to enhance their profits and they do so at the expense of the consumer. The end result is chemical laden skin creams that may superficially plump up the skin and give the appearance of less wrinkled or firmer skin, while it's unsavory chemical counterparts are being absorbed into the skin and blood stream. So if you think there are any long term benefits to be had by these products you are deluding yourself. If anything they are most likely doing more harm than good.

The secret to beautiful skin is nature and simplicity. Avoiding chemical laden skincare is the most important thing you can do for your skin and health. I am constantly advocating natural products and I feel since I made the transition my skin has never looked better.

Amazon Rain is a company that utilizes natural botanicals found in the Amazon Rain Forrest to create a pure, natural and organic line of skincare. You won't find your average junk ingredients found in traditional skincare such as chemicals and preservatives, alcohol, harsh detergents, waxes, mineral oil, lanolin, artificial fragrances, colors and so forth.

What you can find in Amazon Rain:

Camu Camu

Camu Camu; aka Myrciaria dubia, is a tree that is indigenous to the Amazon Rain Forrest. The red fruit from the Camu Camu has some amazing beautifying properties.

such as "producing the highest source of naturally-occurring vitamin C – thirty times more than an orange – and ten times as much iron, three times as much niacin, twice as much riboflavin, and fifty percent more phosphorus. It is a significant source of potassium, minerals, and amino acids, and supports your skin's elasticity, reduces pore size, and offers powerful anti-aging benefits."

Suma

Suma; aka Pfaffia paniculata, has been used for hundreds of years to treat various skin conditions .

"The root of the Brazilian Suma plant contains phytochemicals, electrolytes, trace minerals, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, E, K, panthothenic acid, germanium, and 19 different amino acids – all of which nourish the skin and increase skin metabolism. Suma also strengthens the skin’s natural water barrier."

Over the last two weeks I have been using the Amazon Rain Lluvia Deep Nourishing Oil every night. This texture is similar to a product that I already use so I'm accustomed to the benefits of using an oil on my skin. This type of oil will not in any way clog your pores , but rather naturally supply you skin with much needed moisture .

Though, this really is not recommended for oily skin. With that said, I don't have a problem with oily skin, but I was experiencing those hormonal monthly break-outs on my chin. I continued to use the product on my chin including those break outs and I noticed they dissipated and today they are completely gone.

This completely organic nourishing oil will hydrate and nourish your skin. If your skin is very dry it is recommended that you use this with the Amazon Rain Replenishing Moisturizer, however, on occasion if I feel I need additional moisture I just use Tropical Traditions Pure Moisturizing lotion, and this is working out fantastically.

The bottom line is that I really like the Deep Nourishing Oil. The company carries an array of skin products and encourages combining products for optimal results. I find that the nourishing oil is complete in its moisturizing benefits and most will find they do not need the additional moisture. So this may very well be the only product you need.

The suggested retail for 0.5 oz of the Deep Nourishing Oil is $78, however, you can purchase this for $55 on their site. If you do find that you need additional moisture you may be able to find a cheaper natural moisturizer. Look for one with few ingredients that doesn't vie or conflict with the nourishing oil.

Out of the entire skincare line from Amazon Rain I feel the Lluvia Deep Nourishing Oil is the one must-have product.

I love the fact that Amazon Rain is a pure product and that will always be worth more than your traditional beauty potions. This is definitely on par with other natural skincare products that I have been using this past year.

Every Amazon Rain Product sale contributes a donation to the to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center and ACEER; Nonprofit The Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Resources.

To learn more visit Amazon Rain.

Bella Sun Luci; The Taste of Italy

2011-10-24T19:02:00.018-04:00

One thing I learned growing up in an Italian family is that the great care that went into creating a meal was a reflection of the love of those doing the cooking. This was evident in each and every painstakingly meticulous detail, including where each ingredient was obtained.

It's not that my family had a lot of money but, they were able to have huge gardens and grow the most amazing selection of vegetables and herbs. We always had fresh tomatoes, peppers and basil; Italian staples that served to make homemade sauce, soups and other scrumptious dishes. Everything was fresh and oh so good!

Sadly times have changed and due to circumstance none of us are able to maintain a garden. I do continue to desire the fresh, simple ingredients that were a part of my childhood.

This weekend I had the opportunity to bring back some fond childhood memories with Mooney Farms assortment of fresh sun dried tomato products.

Mooney Farms is a three generation family-run farm based in northern California. In 1987 the family sold their Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs at Price Club South San Francisco for the first time. The products sold out in record speed and history was made.

Simple ingredients such as; fresh sun dried tomatoes, pure 100% olive oil, garlic and a winning combination of spices that are not fully disclosed; it's a secret, really take Bella Sun Luci over the top. Absolutely delicious!

I added the Sun Dried Tomato Halves with Italian herbs to a can of diced tomatoes, which I then added to pasta. It tasted fantastic, very authentic. I have also been adding the Sun Dried tomatoes to salads.

You can find some really awesome recipes on Mooney Farms site.

Mooney Farms carries an assortment of sun dried tomato products that also includes: Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts, Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta, Julienne Cut Sun Dried Tomatoes with Italian Basil and more. They also offer dry sun dried tomatoes which I have been eating right out of the bag.

In spite of their growth, Mooney farms remains true to their values and their products continue to be made using their tried and true technique of slowly drying their tomatoes in the sun.

I love the taste of everything and like I mentioned the ingredients are pure and simple, however, the products do contain sulfites for color protection, this may pose a problem for those with sulfite sensitivity.

Interesting fact: Ounce per ounce sun dried tomatoes have 12 times the amount of Lycopene than raw tomatoes. That's pretty impressive.

You can find Bella Sun Luci at Whole Foods, Cosco, etc. you will also be able to purchase the products at Mooney Farms.com.

Headline Shirts Adds a Touch of Class to Novelty T-shirts

2011-10-23T18:12:00.013-04:00

Headline Shirts is a cut above your average novelty t-shirt retailer. Somehow they manage to completely dissolve that line that borders on tacky by creating Tees that display a measure of intelligence and irony.

Not to be overlooked is the fact that their t-shirts have a flattering cut, not your typical box shape tee that is reserved for inside the home.

Headline shirts is based in San Francisco and owned by hipsters who are aggressively adding new shirts consistent with current world trends. The selection is varied and of course contains hysterically funny t-shirts as well as ever so cool t-shirts.

Vintage t-shirt inspired by the 80's

Here are some of my faves:

Here's a few more:

No More Flat Lifeless Hair

2011-10-22T18:42:00.013-04:00

Because my hair is fine and coarse I always had a problem finding the right hair products. Volume shampoos tend to be too harsh for my hair, yet moisturizing shampoos tend to leave my hair flat and lifeless.

This is why I was surprised that the volumizing line of hair products by Nick Chavez actually worked for my hair. It gave my fine hair volume without drying it out, and thanks to the volumizing conditioner, I was able to easily comb through my normally uncombable hair.

Nick Chavez is an expert when it comes to tresses. He has been in the business of beautifying hair since he was a kid . The rich and the famous clamoured at his salon in Beverly Hills knowing that Nick would deliver top results. He is a consummate stylist and the birth of his haircare line was conceived out of a desire to find effective products to suit each and every hair type of his vast clientele.

QVC demo of Volumizing line

One thing is for certain, you will certainly find a Nick Chavez product that works wonders for your hair type.

I love the volumizing shampoo and conditioner, but to really take the volume to the next level, Nick has a Volumizing Extra Hold Hairspray that may very well take the lead in its genre.

I normally don't care for hairspray, but this is the bomb! You can create massive volume and keep your hair in place all day without that awful stiff look. Even after spraying my entire head I am able to run my fingers through my hair. Not stiff, just soft and alive.

Overall I'm very pleased with the volume line. You can find Nick Chavez at your local Ulta as well as online such as QVC and Nick Chavez's website.

Manna Organics; Delivers Wholesome Goodness

2011-10-16T17:07:00.049-04:00

I surely know the trials and tribulations of dieting. A few years ago I joined Weight Watchers to lose fifteen pounds. Along with accomplishing my goal I learned a lot about nutrition. After becoming a vegan a year ago I learned even more about eating healthy. I didn't even realize the junk that is so common in our supermarkets. I would encourage everyone to check out the movie Food, Inc., not only is this film educational, but it makes you cognizant of the junk inundating our supermarket shelves.

Among the pile of rubbish there are some quality products that I can wholeheartedly recommend. One of my faves are Manna Organics.

Manna Organics uses good old fashioned baking techniques to create a hearty line of organic vegan breads that are made from sprouted certified organic grains, seeds, fruits and nuts. Manna Organics isn't just concerned about the ingredient in their breads, but also the source of the ingredients. Their products are completely vegan and certified organic.

Gorgeous Nails with Dazzle Dry (Vegan Friendly)

2011-10-15T18:49:00.021-04:00

After a great deal of searching I finally found a vegan nail polish that is blog worthy. In my quest to find non-toxic, vegan nail polish for my blog readers, I ended up finding a product that would inspire me to pretty up my nails, something that never happens. I'm thrilled to have found Dazzle Dry!

In spite of the fact that I consider myself to be a beauty junkie, I seldom wear nail polish. Even as a teen when I had all the time and energy in the world nail polish was not a necessity, this was in stark contrast to my friends. The reason I reserve nail polish for special occasions is simply the effort and maintenance that is required.

Usually I can't sit still long enough for my nails to dry and they end up smudged. But, nothing could eclipse the tacky look of chipped nail polish. I think the most I have ever gotten out of nail polish; and I have used the best, is a couple days.

Dazzle Dry is a quick dry, chip resistant nail care system that will blow you away.

This three piece nail polish system will enable you to have gorgeous nails in a fraction of the time that it will normally take. This is because Dazzle Dry dries 75% faster than traditional nail polish. The system enables the polish to last for weeks without chipping.

How it works:

Step 1- Nail prep: Cleans and prepares your nails. Contains calcium, vitamin B5 and hydrolyzed protein.

Step 2- Base Coat- This eco-friendly base coat enables polish to adhere to your nails for long lasting nail color.

Step 3: Top Coat- Apply over nail color for a glossy look and have your nails drying in no time. Contains UV screen to protect your lovely nails. This was featured as one of Elle magazine's "world's best beauty products"

The whole process; including applying nail color, took me less than three minutes. It is suggested to wait five minutes for dry-time. I waited a minute and carefully went about my business and within moments my nails were completely dry. I'm willing to do this more often because it was so easy, my future will be filled with painted nails.

Dazzle Dry has an ample selection of colors. Their vegan nail liquor comes in a multitude of shades, I have never seen so many options for vegan nail polish.

Some of my fave Dazzle Dry colors

Unlike traditional nail polish ingredients, Dazzle Dry is completely free of harmful chemicals such as Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde and is the first and only polish that is free of Nitrocellulose.

All of these toxic ingredients are not missed because the quality of the polish is superior and it dries unbelievably fast. I was sent the Polar Jade and it's stunning, the color has life and isn't just a flat color. From my experience you do need to apply the base and top coat to achieve long lasting results. Many have found that it last chip-free for up to four weeks. I didn't have the polish on that long, but it did survive massive cleaning and that is something I have never experienced.

Dazzle Dry will also strengthen your nails and prevent yellowing. It's a fantastic product! You can purchase Dazzle Dry at VBCosmetics.com

My Chocolate Obsession

2011-10-11T18:38:00.018-04:00

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory is one of my favorite movies of all times. I actually prefer the original; I felt it had more heart, but that's another story. I'll never forget when they first entered the chocolate room with that amazing chocolate river. An iconic scene that occupied many of my childhood dreams and continues to do so even as an adult.

"Come with me and you'll be In a world of pure imagination
Take a look and you'll see Into your imagination" Gotta love it!

This is why I'm amazed that I just recently discovered Chocolate.com. How I managed to have not known about this site remains a mystery. Chocolate.com is basically your one-stop chocolate destination.

When it comes to all things chocolate, Chocolate.com features the best of the best. You will be delighted as you look through their large assortment of chocolates, every type, occasion, gifts, you name it they have it! I could spend all day on that site. They even have all kinds of candy and cake. Indeed the cyber equivalent of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

Business Week -

"... an online emporium, complete with boutique sweets, recipes, and articles that run the gamut from the health benefits of dark chocolate ...."

Boston.com -

"You can get just about any chocolate candies sold nationwide at the Chocolate.com website."

I mentioned that Chocolate.com has every kind of chocolate, as a vegan I appreciate that they have a vast selection of vegan chocolates. I had the opportunity to sample Cashew Clusters from Smith Organic Chocolates. These chocolates are vegan, and sensational! if you're not a vegan I would encourage you to try these vegan cashew clusters. The dark chocolate has a pure, rich taste. I love all chocolate, but I feel vegan chocolates are the best taste wise. There are also many health benefits to be had from pure dark chocolate.

I was sent 12 of these deletable cashew clusters and as to be expected they are just about gone, and it is not for lack of trying to exercise will power, oh how I tried.

Chocolate.com accepts major credit cards along with Discover, Paypal and Google Checkout. They are also BBB accredited and earned an A+ which is something I value in a business.

Shield Your Home with Tile Doctor Cleaning Products

2011-10-10T18:15:00.016-04:00

I'm a strong believer in avoiding chemicals when it comes to cleaning products. But, even I have to admit that when it comes to mold and mildew many of the products I advocate and love may not be very effective.

However, using harsh chemicals to treat mold and mildew just increases the toxicity inside the home, so this is not the best option.

The Tile Doctor recently came out with a line of non-toxic, antimicrobial cleaning products called Tile Doctor Shield and these products are already winning awards.

Tile Doctor used good old science to create their line of products that in the end would be effective against mold and mildew and make cleaning incredibly easy. ..and without harming you or the environment.

The brilliant technology behind Tile Doctor Shield enables the product to work continuously in that once applied it's effective at treating and preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms.

So this means that once the Shield is applied to the surface it goes to work to fight against microorganisms, unlike traditional cleaners that only work to kill microbes on contact. Traditional products also tend to contain harmful chemicals.

Interesting fact: Chlorine bleach requires 30 minutes of contact to kill bacteria. Yikes, that's a long time for such a strong product.

These products can be used on just about any hard surface.

Shield also remains effective for months after just one application. Spraying the product is a breeze, it's almost hard to believe that something so simple could accomplish so much.

Say goodbye to Mold, Mildew, Bacteria, Algae and Fungus

Other benefits of Tile Doctor Shield include:

Easy to clean and maintain

Eliminates need for harsh cleansers

Keeps surfaces cleaner, longer

Registered and available worldwide

Prevents deterioration of surfaces due to microbial contamination

This means that the surface can be easily maintained with just mild soap and water or your favorite non-toxic cleaner.

WOW that's impressive. The Tile Doctor Shield offers a three step program, I used the Prepare and Shield on my tub.

Here's a before shot:

No VOC’s

Does not leach

Does not rub o or migrate onto the skin

No heavy metals, silver, arsenic, or polychlorinated phenols

Safe enough to wear

More than 30 years of active use

Visible Bra Straps Ain't Pretty

2011-10-09T17:05:00.002-04:00

The scene: You are getting ready for a special event and you just put on an outfit that you bought for this very occasion. You are totally psyched cause you love this outfit. Then you look in the mirror and you see a few flaws. Your bra straps are visible and there is a gap in your dress or blouse. OH NO, SOS!

This has happened to me on numerous occasions, so when the Strap Perfect Concealer Clips came out I was the first in line or the phone. Anything for invisible, well concealed bra straps.

Strap Perfect is a piece of plastic brilliantly formed that enables you to achieve the perfect placement of bra straps so that they are not visible. I like that I can use these with my favorite bras, and the process of hooking the bra straps is far easier and more convenient than dealing with a bra with versatile straps.

Added benefit: enhanced cleavage

Strap Perfect is essential to any wardrobe because lets face it, visible bra straps are just tacky. Another wardrobe essential is Invisible Style; body and apparel, Tape.

This Apparel Tape is also useful on bra straps, low necklines, gaps in your blouses, strapless tops, hems, keeping accessories in place and more.

Every gal should have these two items. I would also advise carrying them in your handbag, you just never know when a wardrobe malfunction will erupt;)

The folks at infomercials-tv.com have offered to give one of my readers a set of three Strap Perfect Concealer clips in clear, tan and black as well as a package of Invisible Style Tape.

Use Rafflecoptor easy entry form: Giveaway begins 10/10

Say Goodbye To Dry Skin

2011-10-08T17:44:00.012-04:00

At the moment many of us are enjoying an Indian summer, unfortunately this won't last. Those of us that live in the east coast know what's around the corner and it's not pretty, unless the snow is falling, but other than that it is NOT pretty.

Winter may as well be a four letter word, short days, cold weather, high electric bills, dead fauna, cold weather, dry skin and did I mention cold weather?

Perhaps I should paint a pretty picture. The snow is falling outside creating a beautiful landscape and you just came in from skiing, you feel refreshed and invigorated. You are now snuggled beside a cozy fire and enjoying a soothing cup of hot cocoa. To top off this lovely moment your skin has never looked or felt softer.

Skiing may not be attainable this winter, but soft, moisturized skin can be thanks to Tropical Tradition's 100% Pure Moisturizing Cream.

Like all of Tropical Tradition's products this rich, emollient cream contains only fair trade, natural organic ingredients.  They are a company that continually delivers high quality products.

You won't find any junk ingredients including alcohols, artificial colors or fragrances, petroleum and so forth. The ingredient list is pretty simple and the star ingredient is their Organic Virgin Coconut Oil as well as organic virgin palm oil and grapefruit seed extract. For those of us who would rather not age past 25, you will appreciate that Tropical Traditions Pure Moisturizing Cream is rich in vitamin E and carotene.

Tropical Traditions isn't just concerned with the ingredients in their products, but also how the products are made. Some of their creams contain organic essential oils that are imported from France, the process of producing these essential oils must also meet a high criteria in order for the product to pass Tropical Tradition's high standards.

Tropical Traditions recently sent me their pure moisturizing cream in lavender. I have been using their unscented lotion daily for quite some time so I wanted to try a scent.  I am normally sensitive to scents, however, I'm completely fine with the their lavender. It has a medicinal, aromatherapy smell that I find very relaxing.

...and of course it's very moisturizing.   I also think it absorbs pretty quickly and this is in spite of the fact that it is completely free of alcohol.  The perfect cure for dry winter skin.

Along with unscented and lavender, other scents include citrus, baby silk, peppermint and arnica.

At the moment you can purchase Pure Moisturizing Cream for 40% off. The retail value of the Baby Silk Moisturizing Cream is $20, but it is now on sale for $12. At that price it may be worth it to stock up or buy one in every scent. Visit TropicalTraditions.com to learn more. For the quality of the product I feel this is a beyond amazing value.

FRAAS The Scarf Company; Fall 2011

2011-10-03T18:58:00.000-04:00

Fraas is a company that I frequently feature, they have been in the scarf business for 130 years. With that many years of success they are without a doubt leaders in their industry.

I love that Fraas offers a wide verity of beautiful scarves to accommodate any price range. Last year I had the privilege of reviewing their Cahmink scarves. The scarf felt like the real deal and yet they are so very affordable.

Frass is introducing their Wrap for this fall. Most designers will agree that wraps are a wardrobe staple. Everyone should have a least one wrap per season in their closet and I couldn't think of a lovelier or more snugly wrap than this one.

Fashion forward and oh so practical. I really love the loose ruffles, if gives the wrap a feminine edge. The size is perfect, not too big and overpowering; which is important if you don't want the wrap to overpower your outfit, but big enough to keep you warm.

I think all will appreciate that the wrap performs double duty. That is, you can even wear this gorgeous wrap as a scarf, thanks to the perfect sizing.

This new fall essential retails for $66 and I view it as an investment piece. One that will accommodate many outfits and occasions.

To learn more or make a purchase visit Fraas.com. You can also find Frass at fine department stores such as Dillards, Boscov's, Bon-Ton as well as Amazon.com.

`

Essential Tips for Entering Blog Giveaways

2011-09-29T18:01:00.034-04:00

Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.- Albert Einstein

Since I started hosting giveaways I noticed a few things that folks are doing that may be preventing them from having success at winning blog giveaways. Before I became a consumer advocate I would enter blog giveaways regularly I averaged a minimum of three wins weekly. I was by no means entering a ton of giveaways, just what appealed to me and it really wasn't much.

I wanted to do a post based on my observation as a giveaway host; as well as someone who has had success with blog giveaways, featuring tips on how I feel you could improve on winning blog giveaways.

First tip:

Bloggers verify entries

Remember that! This brings me to the another important thing to remember...

Bloggers are not clairvoyant!

If you are following us under a different name or profile that you used to enter the giveaway, then we need to know. This is so we can verify that you are following us. This is common sense, however, I feel that so many folks enter giveaways on borrowed time like myself, and because of being in a hurry many overlook really important info. Most likely not intentionally, I know I've done this many times myself.

Also If you follow blogs privately how do you expect them to verify you as a follower? It takes more effort to follow a blog privately, so I can't imagine this being a problem, but recently I noticed that I have almost 70 private followers and I can't help but wonder if this was unintentional or intentional.

Rafflecoptor is a fantastic entry form and it makes it easy to remember pertinent information, so I'm surprised that I'm still seeing many of you forgetting to add links to your tweets. With Rafflecoptor we really need your tweet links. Either way, bloggers shouldn't be expected to be sleuths.

Take advantage of the extra entries

The very first blog giveaway I entered I won. I didn't have a blog, however, I used Yahoo 360 page to post a link to the giveaway. That was the winning entry, but shortly after that I opened a Google Account and this here blog was born. I used this blog to post links to giveaways because many bloggers offered it as an extra entry.

Another thing I did was open accounts with Digg, Stumble, Technorati and so forth. This may take a little time and effort in the beginning, but it is well worth.

Tweets, I can't stress this one enough, most of my wins were daily tweets and I find that to be the case as a giveaway host.

Don't be loyal to a browser

Many folks limit themselves to one browser to enter giveaways. I found it necessary to use a couple when entering giveaways. Firefox remains my #1 choice for blog giveaways.

One reason is because Firefox is more reliable and also offer add-on options that I found to be helpful for blog giveaways.

Another important tip:

Verify your own entries

I find this is needed for Rafflecoptor entries. I'm sure I have dq'ed myself with this one. Sometimes it seems that 'likes' or 'follows' don't always make it through. So what I do is have my Twitter and Facebook pages open so that I can refresh the page and verify that I'm following or liking.

Last but not least:

Don't Cheat

I couldn't say this enough, bloggers verify entries. It is that simple. I personally do not just verify the winning entry, I make sure the the entrant did not cheat by adding an extra entry they did not complete. You cheat you lose. I feel it wouldn't be fair to the other entrants that followed the rules. I realize things are done in error and not intentionally and sometimes I may discern that to be the case. With that said I encourage you to take the tip on verifying your likes and follows. It is important that these entries be completed if you intend on adding them as entries.

I feel strongly if y'all just remember these few tips you will start to see an increase in blog wins.

`

Giveaway Thursday

2011-09-29T08:54:00.000-04:00

Giveaway Thursday-9/29

Share your giveaways and find giveaways to enter

`

Jewelry Bar; Keeping it Fresh & Fabulous

2011-09-26T18:14:00.022-04:00

Jewelry Bar is a new company that was founded by two very talented friends from Saint Petersburg Russia. Mariya and Anna's European-inspired jewelry have a trendy yet unique flair.

Located in the east coast, Jewelry Bar has expanded to include top designers from around the world. Because Jewelry Bar is on the cutting edge of fashion their line of jewelry is constantly changing. This means that their pieces are made in limited editions. This is definitely an exceptional feature for those whom collect fashion jewelry, as well as for those of us that don't want to see the same jewelry that we're wearing on everyone else.

I love looking through their selection of jewelry. They look like a million bucks, but all of the jewelry at Jewelry bar is very affordable to say the least. I was sent a beautiful pair of stud earrings to review and they are gorgeous! The quality of the jewelry does not equal the price and I say this because these earrings retail for only $14 and you would never know it.

Along with stunning costume jewelry, you can also find gemstones at the Jewelry Bar.

I found these beautiful garnet stud earrings and ring. I also really love the the garnet and yellow topaz drop earrings pictured above.

Jewelry Bar is a company to keep on your radar, I have a feeling you will be hearing a lot more about them in the future.

Jewelry Bar is running a Facebook promotion, if you like them on Facebook you will receive a coupon code for 15% off their already phenomenally priced jewelry and accessories. After you like Jewelry Bar just email them at info@jewelrybarny.com For your code.

I also really appreciate that they accept Paypal, my preferred method of payment.

Del Monte; Giving Teachers A Chance To Win!

2011-09-25T18:06:00.010-04:00

Teaching is an extraordinary profession and one I don't think I could ever do, especially if we are talking grades kindergarten through twelfth. The fact that many teachers have to dip into their own funds to supply their classroom with needed school supplies is somewhat hard to digest.

As parents I'm sure you can appreciate the importance of getting kids to eat healthy. Having fresh fruits and veggies on hand is one of the best things you can do to encourage healthy eating in your kids.

Del Monte Teacher Monday: Cash For Classrooms is a great opportunity for teachers and students.

Teacher Monday gives teachers the chance to win well needed school supplies and fresh fruit and veggies for their classrooms.. Two pervasive struggles; adequate school supplies and getting kids to eat healthy.

This is Del Monte's second annual Teacher Monday and I applaud them for providing this opportunity for teachers and students throughout the US, Canada and Central America.

If you are a teacher simply register at Del Monte Teacher Monday: Cash For Classrooms by filling out the form and Uploading a short essay on how you plan to incorporate healthy eating into your classroom's lesson plans. Friends, family, students, etc. can vote for you daily via Facebook.

This contest is going on for six consecutive weeks and the teacher with the most votes will be the winner for that week. Teachers have six chances to win.

Parents, this is a great opportunity to express your appreciation for our teachers and get your some fresh health snacks for your kids. So please register with Teacher Monday so that you can vote daily for your favorite teacher as well.

Voting begins on 9/26 and winners will start to be selected on 10/3, so hurry and get your entries and votes in so that you or your favorite teacher can win.

But wait there's more, if you like Del Monte on Facebook you are also eligible to win Del Monte Gift Certificates on a weekly basis.

How To Save Money On Textbooks

2011-09-24T17:47:00.018-04:00

The key to success is a good education, but education comes at a price and in this economy many wonder if it's really worth it. Some statistics that I found lead me to believe that the answer is a resounding yes.

It is said that college graduates on average earn fifty percent more than high school graduates and this is in spite of the current economic situation. Of course the job market is far from bountiful, but those with degrees are more likely to find jobs. With that said I'm sure you will all agree that a good education is priceless regardless of monetary success.

Sadly student loans take years to pay off and a student has far more to worry about financially than the cost of tuition. It's not unheard of for a student to spend a thousand dollars on college textbooks per semester, ouch.

Many students find books second hand online for a savings, but all too often the condition of the book is compromised. I personally like the idea of renting books. CampusBookRentals.com pioneered book rentals, their prices are fantastic and they offer a thirty day money back guarantee.

Other bonuses include:

Free shipping both ways
Live customer support
Largest selection of textbooks in the nation
Most flexible rental periods

The process is easy and convenient. The books come to your house with a pre-paid envelope that you just pop in the mail when you are completed with the book. No need to worry about late fees because CampusBookRentals are extremely flexible and allow you the option of extending your take-out time.

In the end you could save up to 90 percent on textbooks, I think that is fantastic. When you're a student your budget tends to be scanty and any help you can get is certainly noteworthy.

With that said textbook rentals are not limited to college students, while I was exploring their site I found a few books that caught my eye. I'm sure those that home school their children will also find this site to be ideal.

CampusBookRentals have teamed up with Operation Smile which is an amazing organization that helps provide surgeries for children with cleft lips. CampusBooksRentals have donated enough money to make it possible for at least one thousand children to have this life changing surgery since teaming with them in 2011.

Shielo Haircare: Taking New York by Storm

2011-09-18T17:55:00.004-04:00

I love beauty products, but for me to really get excited over a product It has to be ethically and environmentally forward.

Shielo is a relatively new line of hair and skin products that have already taken New York by storm. Containing quality ingredients found in nature, Shielo is a name to keep on your radar. The technology behind their products deliver top results. Shielo Color Protect line has already received recognition for being the best in its genre, in spite of the fact that it was just recently launched at the end of 2008.

The fact that Shielo delivers results is a definite plus, however, it is their philosophy that
really made me take note. Like I said these days I can only really get excited over ethically produced products. Sheilo's products are cruelty free and some are completely vegan.

I started using the Antioxidant Leave in Protectant. This product is inundated with natural botanicals, it's free of nasty parabens, certified organic and offers UV protection.

My hair is color treated and frizzy, I used this before I flat ironed my hair on Wednesday. It has a liquid texture as opposed to the serum I'm accustomed to using when I flat iron my hair. I sprayed this throughout my hair before styling with the flat iron. Then I sprayed again after I was done. The result is that it's Sunday and my hair is still straight. This is not normal for me, usually by the second day my hair starts to frizz. This is in spite of the fact that it did get a bit wet.

Of course this isn't limited to frizzy or color treated hair and is certainly more than just a styling product. Any hair type will benefit from the natural UV protection and moisture retention.

Shielo is a company that knows hair and have really done their homework to deliver quality products that are truly effective. ..and they did this without compromising their integrity. To learn more visit Shielo.com

Pure Organic & Luxurious Pillows by Obasan

2011-09-17T19:02:00.009-04:00

Second to the kitchen I consider the bedroom to be the most important room in the house. The bedroom is a sanctuary, a place to relax and refresh. After an exhausting day there is nothing like crawling into a nice comfy bed.

I just recently read an article concerning the dangers of toxic chemicals of mass produced mattresses and pillows. Sleeping is about restoring and refreshing your body and immune system, however, when we put ourselves in close proximity to these toxic chemicals we are not only defeating our purpose, but we're compromising our health.

Polystyrene, polyurethane foam and polyethylene are commonly found in pillows today. They are made with toxic chemicals and I'm sure you will agree this is not something you want near your face. Mold and bed bugs pose another threat. So what are we to do for a safe nights sleep?

Sleeptek has been in the business of producing safe, comfy bedding for over twenty five years. All the materials used in their bedding are Fair Trade and their Organic Cotton is G.O.T.S certified. Their Obasan line features organic mattresses, bedding, pillows and even pet beds.

Traditional cotton is inundated with toxins. Obasan, however, uses the finest and purest cotton. "... cultivated in a centuries-old traditional, cooperative manner in the Canete and Chincha valleys found high in the Peruvian Andes."

Void of Toxic chemicals inhaled during sleep, comfortable and soft to touch, absorbent and breathable, maximizing air circulation and minimizing perspiration.

"Obasan uses only the finest grade A natural rubber. Obasan rubber is harvested by tapping the milk (sap) of Hevea brasiliensis (the common rubber tree). The trees grow in North Malaysian plantations especially selected for their high-quality product." The process of keeping the rubber pure requires much effort and Obasan has kept their integrity by not compromising their standards.

Retention in Shape and firmness

Flexibility combined with stability (for continuous sleep comfort)
Excellent heat and moisture regulation
Superior air circulation (for preventing the growth of molds and mildew

Happy sheep make happy wool. Obasan wool comes from Argentina where the sheep happily graze in a 100% Chemical free environment. The wool is washed with vegetable-based agents only!

The benefits of happy wool:

Naturally flame-retardant and repellent to dust mites
Absorbent (able to absorb 30 percent moisture and remain dry-perfect for "night sweats")
Cool in summer, warm in winter

My goal is to eventually replace my mattress, but for now I'm starting with a pillow. Obasan's pillows are as luxurious as they are healthy.

I received the standard size Saguenay Shredded Natural Pillow by Obasan. For starters this is a rather big pillow, much bigger and fuller than my last pillow. The pillow is very malleable yet buoyant. That is, the pillow will mold to the shape of your head without losing its shape or firmness. Overall the pillow is soft yet firm which is important for a healthy neck and spine.

I find the pillow to be incredibly comfortable and I like that I'm not waking up with neck pain.

The perfect temperature. This pillow retains a nice temperature throughout the night. The Obasan natural rubber pillow can really help with night sweats. I tend to get night sweats during the night due to getting over-heated while I sleep, because the pillow remains at a neutral temperature it helps my body to not get so over-heated. Whereas my last pillow would get too hot during the night, waking up soak and wet is no fun.

The pillow comes with a nice, thick cotton covering. Don't keep it in the drier too long or it will shrink. The pillow itself is also machine washable. The pillow is durable and will no doubt last for years and years.

So many benefits to be had by choosing a truly organic pillow. Obasan has done a great job and I couldn't be more pleased. For more information visit Obasan.

The lovely and very generous folks at Sleeptek would like to give two of my readers a Saguenay Shredded Natural Pillow. The pillows retail for $95 each and I think this is a fantastic value considering the quality.

The Dangers of Dish Detergent

2011-09-12T18:46:00.009-04:00

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest the most dangerous household product is dishwashing detergent. Even more so than drain cleaner, that surprises me.

Many common dishwashing detergents contain various toxic ingredients. One ingredient is said to release a carcinogenic formaldehyde. Is it any wonder that the air that you breath inside your home is said to be far more toxic than outside pollutants. I read a statistic that indoor pollution is the catalyst for 50% of all illnesses.

Different studies have even shown that housewives are at a much greater risk at developing cancer than those that work outside the home.

This is serious business and if we don't make changes in regard to the products we choose to use, we may in fact be putting ourselves and our family at risk.

Tropical Traditions is one of my favorite companies and I can surely count on them to produce a safe product.

Household Traditions Powered Dish Detergent will thoroughly clean and disinfect your dishes without harming you or the environment.

You won't find any of the following:

Chlorine
Phosphates
Fillers
Fragrances

...or any other potentially harmful ingredients. Household Tradition's detergent also dissolves easily as well as rinses completely clean, thus absolving the need for a rinse aid. Because the product is concentrated you may not need as much, so this is really a great value.

Ahh now you can breath. A five pound container of Household Traditions Powdered Dish Detergent retails for $32.00, but it's now on sale for only $19.99. Keep your family safe and visit Household Traditions to learn more.

It's Raining Cupcakes

2011-09-11T19:19:00.031-04:00

Oh how I wish it were raining cupcakes, of the vegan variety of course. I always had an affinity for cupcakes. They look good and taste good, what's not to love.

The cupcake has been around for centuries, however, it wasn't until the mid 1900's that the cupcake took on the form of sugary goodness as we know it today.

Cupcakes make great collectibles because of their delightful aesthetics. If I ever were to collect anything it would be cupcakes.

I've scoured the net in search of my favorite cupcake paraphernalia and came across three artisans and shops that really caught my eye. I wanted three because 'all good things come in threes'... and everyone knows you can't eat just one cupcake, but you have to have three, at least three!

Fortunately each one responded and agreed to be part of my cupcake extravaganza.

Donna Wilson at The Fakery Bakery Shop combined her love of baking with crafting to create these scrumptious looking cupcakes. These Decorative faux cupcakes are zero calories and very real looking. Donna offers a cupcake for just about any occasion.

For me it was love at first sight. If these cupcakes weren't fake I would think they look too good to eat. Some folks actually buy these as gag gifts, but to me they are keepsakes. I would love to have a collection of these on a shelf in the kitchen. These cupcakes certainly make for fun, creative gifts and like I mentioned Donna has a cupcake to suit any occasion or personal preference.

Stay tuned for more cupcakes at The Fakery Bakery because Donna will be expanding her line to include Giant Cupcakes, mini cupcakes, Cupcake Photo frames, cupcake magnets and Cupcake Flowers. Can't wait!

Norma refers to her store as the body bakery and I feel this is the perfect description. I spent quite a bit of time looking through all these goodies, there's even a special section for ice cream and chocolate. You will be amazed at the vast selection. Something for everyone, another perfect gift idea.

Pink Sugar Bakery is another site that really caught my attention. Megan took inspiration from her sweet tooth to create custom treats, cupcake accessories and keepsakes. You can also access her Etsy shop from the home page. That's where I found the Pink Cupcake Cross Stitch Kit pictured on the far left.

Both shops features the Build Your Own Cupcake Pendant. You decide the color of the cake, frosting, w/without sprinkles and you even have an option to choose a scent from four delicious varieties that include chocolate and vanilla.

Megan has decided to remind us all of the fact that you would have to run 3.5 miles to burn off one cupcake. I mentioned earlier that it's not possible to just have one cupcake, I need at least three. WOW that's a lot of running.

Layne Designs Stunning Heirloom Jewelry

2011-09-10T18:33:00.014-04:00

Periodically I visit blogger opportunity sites to see if anything interesting will pop out at me. It doesn't happen very often, but every now and then something will strike my interest. So was the case with Layne Freedline's Jewelry.

I was captivated by these stunning stackable cosmos rings so I took the time to visit the artist's site and I was simply blown away by the caliber of the jewelry.

Layne Freedline is an award winning artist and each of her jeweled creations is intricately crafted and possesses a rare and high quality. Layne is relatively new in her industry, yet her custom jewels have already left a lasting mark. Each piece is simply remarkable. Layne doesn't just create jewelry, she creates heirlooms. Her creations are to be treasured and handed down from generation to generation.

"Layne received her bachelor’s degree in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from Temple University and completed several apprenticeships before opening Layne Designs (www.LayneDesigns.com) in 2008. ... and she was honored by the PA guild of craftsmen as one of this year's Best Emerging Artists."

Layne clearly has a natural gift for design, but I think it's also her great affinity for the gemstones and fossils that she uses in her creations that give her pieces that certain something that makes them really special.

Layne also adds her own unique style and includes an eclectic mix of influences and inspirations. This results in timeless jewelry that has a modern yet bygone feel..an almost enigmatic quality.

Cloud 9 Cocktail Ring

The Cloud 9 Cocktail ring pictured above is made with Agate. I'm not familiar with Agate, but I now know that I love it! The color and the pattern is extraordinary. The sterling silver compliments the soft, subtle hue and adds to the beauty by letting the stone shine.

Layne Freedline won “Design Challenge”
hosted by Jewelry Artist magazine

For a treat I encourage you to visit LayneDesigns.com you can also purchase these extraordinary Jewels at Layne Designs Jewelry etsy shop.

Sound+Sleep Will Lull You To Sleep

2011-09-04T17:49:00.030-04:00

In the past I've had serious bouts of insomnia. Throughout the ordeal I've learned quite a few things on "sleep hygiene", that is the dos and don'ts of achieving a good night's sleep.

I also learned the value of sleep. I wasn't functioning very well; understatement, when I wasn't sleeping and I felt awful. However, there are worse problems to be had. If left untreated sleep deprivation can lead to a host of serious health issues including heart problems.

One thing that I learned and has helped me is a white noise machine, I have been using one for several years. The basic purpose of a white noise machine is to mask noise. This is instrumental for helping me to fall asleep by keeping outside distractions to a minimum.

But, what if there were a sleep machine that did more than just mask outside distractions, but actually went a step further and lulled you off to sleep?

The Sound+Sleep; sleep therapy system, is a natural sleep aid that goes the extra mile and will not only mask outside noises, but induces relaxation with their advanced patented technology.

Sound+Sleep offers ten sound settings

Not all noise machines are created equal. I have come across quite a few that didn't have the sound quality of Sound+Sleep. They usually sound very irritating and seem as if they would completely defeat their purpose.

Sounds of a Meadow

Not the case with Sound+Sleep, the best I've come across to date. The founder of ASTI; Adaptive Sound Technologies Inc., sole purpose was to produce a quality product that would naturally induce sleep. All the sounds are very high quality, calming and relaxing.

Some innovative features of Sleep+Sound include an adaptive mode that will actually adjust to your environment. I usually keep the volume at medium, but if there were an unexpected noise; such as a siren, the volume will increase as need be to camouflage the noise.

Controls

Rotary sound profile selector
One touch volume adjustment
Lighted Display control for nighttime operation (this feature lets you turn off the display lights)
SoundStory Richness control
Adaptive mode selector
4 level sleep timer (30,60,90,120 minutes)
with gradual turn off or continuous play

The quality is phenomenal, the sound is not merely one dimensional, but rather multi-layered. I like that everything is completely adjustable. Last night I had the sound set to Rainfall, there was mild thunder in the background. It sounded so real I thought it might actually be raining. It was so relaxing, I feel that I'm even getting a better nights sleep.

You also have the option to set the timer for up to two hours. I personally choose to keep it on throughout the night, because I feel like I'm getting a better quality sleep.

Rainfall

My faves are the rainfall, brook, ocean, waterfall, fireplace and I also really love meditation. Meditation features the new age music that you hear when you're having a massage or in a pilates stretch class. Beyond relaxing!

Sound+Sleep; PTPA Winner

Sound+Sleep is parent tested and parent approved. Valuable for parents with little ones; or older ones, that are easily distracted or have a hard time relaxing.

I also think Sound+Sleep would make a fantastic gift. I don't know of anyone who wouldn't appreciate the gift of relaxation. For more information visit soundofsleep.com

Custom Posters at Uprinting

2011-09-03T18:20:00.036-04:00

I am happy to present another Uprinting review because I love the quality of their work. I've only had positive experiences with Uprinting and I'm definitely a satisfied customer. I like the fact that they have 24 hour online customer service. I have used this feature frequently and each time I have found them to be helpful and quick to respond.

Another bonus is their environmental stance. Uprinting uses vegetable and soy based ink as well as recycled paper. They have also been BBB accredited since 2006 and currently boast a top grade of A.

Uprinting features custom posters. Posters have a myriad of uses including marketing, advertising events as well as creative expression and so forth.

To make your perfect poster Uprinter offers their easy design tool as well as free poster templates.

I used their photoshop template to make one poster and their easy design tool to make basically the same poster. I'm not the most creative person:)

Poster printing has never been easier. I uploaded a classic painting and had some fun in photoshop with an image of my cat. Visit Uprinting to design your very own nifty poster.

The fine folks at Uprinting have offered to give one of my readers a:

18" x 24" Poster

Semi Gloss / High Gloss,

1 Business Day Turnaround

Retail value for the poster is $22.00.

This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive a poster for hosting. Check out UPrinting's poster printing processes, poster templates and custom posters.

Per sponsor rules: if you have won from Uprinting in the last 6 month you are not eligible to enter this giveaway:(

For your tweets to count you must be following @samasam on Twitter, see option below.

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