Showing posts with label Gluten Free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gluten Free. Show all posts

Monday, November 22, 2021

Viviane Woodard Skincare Purifying Glacial Clay: Home Spa in a 2 oz Tube!

 Welcome to me from Viviane Woodard Skincare! 

I found this refreshing and very well-organized website in my search for gluten free skincare. I placed my second order after finding out that I would receive a free gift with order of any size. Thus Purifying Glacial Clay entered my life.

First of all, both orders arrived in a beautifully packaged box. I instantly felt celebrated with the black and white polka dot tissue paper and gift bag. I mean, you just know when a company values  you and takes time to SHOW they care. I mean yes I was thanked for my order via email confirmation and on the receipt that arrived with the product but to actually SEE the order arrive and I can tell you that the item I did purchase to receive the free gift was  not a large order by any means. So I did see that I was celebrated just as much as my initial larger order. So in that sense, this company passed the test with flying colors - and black and white polka dots!

On to the actual product testing. The product was sealed and I understand this packaging is being phased out though this recipe will remain. So getting ahead of myself - Yippeee!!!! 'Cause I really enjoyed this clay. This is not the usual Bentonite Clay which I use often. It did not make me look like I just dove into the mud in my back yard (lol). It was a light green tinge and went on so smoothly. It smelled divine, like the kind you spend lots of $ on at the actual spa. It dried without making me want to itch my face off (like Bentonite clay does).

I left it on longer than the 10-15 minutes indicated because I was just enjoying its smelly goodness. I used the free skin accessory I was gifted with (more on that in a later review) and a thin cloth dipped into warm water. I did not want to use anything abrasive because I wanted to know if this was an actual exfoliate and I can tell you that it is! So the beauty of a clay mask that exfoliates without large tearing or rubbing on the fine skin of your face, neck and decollete is that this method is kinder to your face and allows for you to actually use this product the 2-3 times per week as recommended.

I slathered on their moisturizing product (more on that in another review!) and I just sat down and was amazed at how soft my skin felt and how I got that subtle glow after the moisturizer sunk in.

I recommend this product not only for the price, but for the value in that it truly can replace the pricey clay mask at the spa. Of course I will still go to the spa (who wouldn't continue to spa?) but this frees up a bit of $ for a massage or a body soak you have been waiting to try. It works and it is such a nice change from the chunky, skin tightening Bentonite that I have come to accept as the only clay which will work on my aging skin.

 Viviane Woodard Skincare is PETA Business Friends confirmed, Cruelty Free, PETA Animal Testing Free, and so many gluten free options! Visit today and see for yourself that this company loves people, animals and products which truly are affordable for home care. https://vivianewoodard.com/ 

And who doesn't want some black and white polka dots arriving at your door?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from  Viviane Woodard Skincare. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@bluewaterbro.com with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Monday, January 21, 2019

Prolon Fast Mimicking Diet - You Have Got To Try It!

Before
In planning for the New Year I sought out not just a diet or exercise plan but something new which I could apply to my daily life all year long as a healthy introduction to what I have been doing already. My goal was to lose weight and to get my metabolism going again. My challenges were enabling glucose management (I am hypoglycemic), avoiding food allergies (gluten, oats, soy, tapioca, teff) and supporting my thyroid and adrenals. Oh and non-GMO and mostly organic.

Enter the ever-wise Mary at Ovitaminpro.com. She introduced me to the author of this diet and. shared how she and her husband Dr. Dan just attended a seminar regarding Prolon. She shared they were going to try it as the science behind it made sense. 

I was on board! I ordered the book and unfortunately it did not arrive before the diet and has not arrived yet but I am excited to read it and eventually glean...

The beautiful white box arrived with everything so well organized and easy to follow. Each day was in a white box labeled Day 1, 2, 3, etc. I really appreciated the big 32 oz. bpa-free bottle as no need for measuring water for the L-Drink which entered on Day 2.

Day 1
I set everything out on my counter in the order in which I would consume each item. The handy dandy laminated card was great as I propped it up against the Day 1 box. I had already found a gluten free substitute for the L-Bar Coco Crisp bar which I could not consume due to containing oats. My husband enjoyed those along with the rest of each day's L-Drink which I felt wasteful if I had just dumped the excess down the drain (more about that in Day 2). I weighed myself early that morning. I also drank a cup of coffee which is allowed. I still would like to know if caffeinated coffee was allowed or just decaf. That was not clear.

The L-Bar (nut based) was yummy! I loved the tomato soup and olive and crackers for lunch. Minestrone soup (blech) seemed like it was old and the veggies stayed hard so I knew I must not have cooked them long enough? I also add more sea salt and cracked black pepper (pepper was a no-no I found out the next day but sea salt fine).

Just before going to bed I felt bloated and uncomfortable but not the usual detox feeling.  I felt like I had eaten way too much food and drank too much liquid throughout the day. I was wondering if the tea besides the coffee was necessary. I mean, could I have skipped the tea in the morning?

I emailed Mary and shared my thoughts and I was glad I did because she shared this may be die off from my SIBO.  That was encouraging to get her email on Day 2.

Biggest victory (after seeing the scale go up that nite to my highest weight ever! I was wondering on Day 1 nite why I had agreed to this and how was this going to be good for me) was that on Day 1 I had the best night of sleep in my entire life! I kid you not. I slept so well and so peacefully and felt so content. No stomach gassy feeling or needing to use the bathroom just slept like a happy rock. 


Day 2
Scale shows I lost 2 lbs from my original weight the morning of Day 1! Woohoo!!! I felt rested and confident and then along with reading Mary's email and the positive encouraging words from Prolon's emails I knew I could endure and thrive the next 4 days.

Let's talk about the L-drink. Confusing to say the least which portion I was supposed to keep and which amount to discard. I actually did it wrong the first time and was glad my husband figured out the cryptic directions. You keep the run off amount on the top. When it gets down to your actual weight line that is what you are supposed to discard. I do not know if it has a shelf life (the remaining portion in the bottle) but I did stash each days "waste" in the fridge and used it in my husband's smoothies in place of stevia or raw honey. Why not? The hibiscus tea in the L-Drink was the winning combo. I did not add ice and it kept taking the edge off my hunger.

Olives? I have never savored an olive before! Not sure why it was so tasty or valuable to the kit, but I missed those olives on Days 3&5! Crackers too! My fav was the tomato soup, crackers and olives. So grateful when those were on the menu! Quinoa Mix soup (double blech).

Day 3
Lost another lb! Day 3 was kind of uneventful other than I had to go to a Women's Bible Study in the morning and so I waited until about 10:30 to eat my L-Bar. I savored the hot coffee at the meeting. I appreciated sleeping in because I knew I could drink my hot tea at home first and then when I headed out have coffee. 

You really do need to plan ahead. I appreciated the lack of meal prep or clean up during the entire 5 days. And because I had a cup o joe every morning, I did not feel deprived. However, my one crave starting Day 3 was cheese! I do not understand that at all but I kept thinking about it.

I noticed on Day 3 that I was truly enjoying taking time to consume the little bit of food that I was allowed each and every meal and snack. I was understanding for the first time what mindful eating means. I resented interruptions or distractions while I ate. I suddenly was protective of my meal times and even having the hot tea in the morning became a ritual of savoring. I did make my afternoon tea and then let it steep and cool and I added ice to it. I just needed a bit of refreshment and so I was glad I had saved the lemon mint teabag. The little things in life are to be enjoyed and I do hope this will be a carryover from my Prolon experience!!!

Day 4
No weight loss Day 4. But.....olives 2 times! I was hungry by the time dinner came. I was also ready for bed early. I had felt slightly light headed while sitting at my desk on Day 4 working. I felt physically and mentally spent which was not my usual on a Friday when I work 6 hours. I would not say I felt cranky or detoxy but just kind of down. I took time to analyze what I was feeling and realized my physical deprivation was having an effect on me emotionally. I was feeling the loss of the social aspect of cooking dinner for my husband and I and together sipping a glass of cabernet and then enjoying a bit of dark chocolate for dessert. 

I stopped and gave myself permission to mourn the loss of the routine of my days. And then reminded myself from that morning's inspiration email from Prolon that this was just 5 days and then my routine would return to normal but a new normal of not taking those blessings for granted. I also got real with the fact that I my body does need and enjoy protein and so by now feeling slightly deprived is probably a good thing! We can get so in our heads and belittle ourselves with negative self talk. I mean, really we need to go easy on ourselves sometimes!

I shared this with Mary via phone as she was so good about calling me back when I left a voicemail with the answering service. I left a message to leave me a voicemail about a product but when I saw it was Mary calling, I did pick up. Her friendly voice was comforting and uplifting.

She spent as much time as I needed in answering my questions. You just do not often get that kind of care and personalized counsel from a busy company. Mary was happy to know it was the end of my mimicking fast and despite my desire to eat baked manicotti on my transition day Sunday, she shared a piece of fresh fish and veggies would be best as my body really needed the protein. I agreed the baked manicotti could wait. Little did I know at the time how hard the transition would be even with fish.

Day 5
Yes my last day was on a Saturday in which I had to work 9-6. The highlight of my last day was tomato soup with crackers for lunch. I went to bed early Day 5 with dreams of waking and making the snapper en papillote, sticky rice, avocado and orange juice for breakfast.

Happily, I took my last sip of the L-Drink and set the bottle in the sink. I took all 5 white boxes and the big box to the garage to use for Christmas decorations. I just love anything white.

I had done it! I knew at that moment I would do Prolon again. Actually, my plan is to do another one in March then run my blood labs and then do another in May and then run my labs again.

On Day 5 my husband and I both commented on how great my skin on my face looked. And that my face was so much thinner. It was like I woke up in my younger body. I could also see my legs and butt looked slightly smaller in my leggings. The scale only read one lb less than the day before on Day 5. However, I felt like a completely different person and my mood was great. Throughout the 5 days, there were highs and lows but the lows were offset by the sense of "euphoria" you get when fasting. However, I did not have the same feeling of a normal diet due to the L-Drink supporting my glucose needs. I am just so intrigued to learn more!

Transition Day
I wish I had spent even more time researching the day after! I felt fabulous at church. So happy, so skinny so full of energy. I was actually afraid to drink a cup of coffee because I already had way too much energy. I felt confident and knew I looked so much better than the Sunday before. I serve in the lobby before, during and after service so I see so many of the same people each and every Sunday. I could see the interest and attention I do not usually get. Flattering to say the least!

Fast forward past lunch and I should never have had a glass of red wine! I got a sense of heart burn and felt "off" as the serenity I had felt earlier in the day seemed to fade at that point. I do not know if it was a sugar spike or just too acidic but I wished I had not had a glass of wine on the Transition Day. Next time I will do better. I was so excited to eat I know now I did not eat slowly enough. That no doubt contributed to the heart burn sensation.

In Conclusion
As I sit here now pondering this quite intriguing concept which is fast mimicking, I can share with you that I still have a lot to learn! I am so shocked to say that I wish I were still on it because although it was a challenge and most of the soups being quite blechy (sorry Prolon)  I felt so good!  I wish we could have all the benefits of it and still the vino, carbs and chocolate.

While I did take my thyroid supplements in half the amount each of the 5 days I felt when I went off the cleanse, my body was not thanking me for that so next time I will stay on the thyroid supplements as normal.

I cannot wait to read The Longevity Diet book https://prolonfmd.com/the-longevity-diet/ and learn more! I cannot wait to share this part of my health journey with others. While the company I work for which is Kroger's healthy banner Vitacost.com does share what fast mimicking is in our VitaVibes Blog, we do not sell this product. However, I have been so fortunate to have access to these cutting edge programs and supplements at www.ovitaminpro.com

I continue to be humbled and blessed by those people in my life who come alongside me to mentor me and to challenge me to be the best I can be. I am so grateful for Mary and Dr. Dan as I trust them always to lead me in the healthiest of directions. And...when I almost fail to remind me of the ultimate goal which is to keep striving for the finish line. For it  is there where looking back will always be the prize. The blood labs do not lie and that fact along with feeling great (looking great too) is where we can see how far we have come!

No one was meant to do life alone. There is a team of people cheering for you at www.ovitaminpro.com. Reach out today. You will be glad you did!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from www.ovitaminpro.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Raw Cacao Nibs from Quiwi Foods



Oh my goodness (literally)! I have been seeking cacao nibs which have a low sugar, cholesterol and sodium content. This product not only has low sugar, cholesterol and sodium but no sugar, cholesterol or sodium! As soon as I ripped open the packaging (couldn't wait to get started!) I could smell the burniliciously good chocolately aroma (I made up those words). Not sure what gives these nibs the almost smoky smell but I love it!

The dietary fiber is just under 40% for a 2 tablespoon serving size. These raw cacao nibs will be the perfect snack and 2 tablespoons is a handful of raw cacao nibs. So good for you and these cacao nibs actually taste like chocolate and have a crunchy texture. I cannot something so tasty can also be so good for you and even though the saturated fat is 7 grams, it is the good for you fat like avocados and coconut oil.

I also appreciate the iron, calcium, zinc potassium and magnesium.

This product arrived quickly and was packaged in a sturdy, attractive re-sealable plastic packaging. Of course I transferred it to a glass jar in my snack pantry as it is such a beautiful product and seeing it next to all of my other healthy snacks makes me smile.

Quiwi Foods is doing good things and it is my pleasure to support their efforts in promoting Farm To You. This item is a product of Peru. Quiwi Foods is located in San Francisco, CA.

I am so blessed to review such a wonderful healthy yummy product. I am so happy I found Quiwi Foods Raw Cacao Nibs. These healthy chocolately treats will be a staple in my house. Thank you Quiwi Foods!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from Quiwi Foods. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Monday, February 15, 2016

OVitaminPro.com GlutenFlam by Apex Energetics



I am allergic to gluten. Not sensitive. Allergic. I asked my doctor what I can do when I eat out and worry about eating a salad which has come in contact with gluten (yes, that is all I feel safe eating out these days). He told me about GlutenFlam by Apex Energetics. I keep this amazing product in my purse, have a bottle in the car and I also keep a bottle at home.

I am supposed to take 1 before a meal if I feel I may be contaminated and then if I know I have been contaminated to take two after the contamination event. Being new to this gluten allergy existence, I made the mistake of eating out 3 times in restaurants which claimed to offer a "gluten free choice". I ate french fries at Chick Fil A because I was told they were gluten free. Within moments I felt that tingly feeling which led to a racing heart and then that scary feeling like my body is a bit detached from my brain. If you are allergic to gluten you understand this strange and uncomfortable feeling. I did not have the GlutenFlam with me. Big mistake.

I ate a "gluten free" lunch at Ruby Tuesday and upon walking back to the car Bam! that tingly feeling and then the strange sick feeling which I had experienced at Chik Fil A. I did not have GlutenFlam with me that day either. Big mistake.

Fool me once. Fool me twice. But three times? Yeah. I  had one last experience on vacation. I had spinach and eggs with onions. Obviously it was prepared on a cook top which had gluten because I suffered again. I now know my body and I respect and trust how it feels!

The problem in all 3 of these scenarios is that I caused my body to have 6 months of gluten in my system. If I  had the GlutenFlam with me I would have done my body good by being preventive. I would still have to pay for price of cross contamination but it would have been wise to take the GlutenFlam and I would not have felt sick immediately after or the next day.

Unfortunately, the world we live in does not understand gluten free at all. A restaurant cannot have gluten free food unless the entire restaurant purges every bit of gluten in it and has not prepared gluten on a cook top or pan - ever.

My local pizzeria proudly advertises "Gluten Free Pepperoni Pizza" and yet cooks the pizza in the same pizza oven, next to the man throwing the gluten flour in the air and cuts the "gluten free" pizza with the same pizza cutter as the gluten pizza. This is so unfair to those of us who become very sick when exposed to gluten. I believe our country should be better at regulating the restaurant industry as this is a gross misrepresentation of a very serious allergy. It hurts those of us who cannot tolerate gluten in any form.

I know gluten has been a trend but it is time we educate others. One person at a time needs to know that this allergy is the same as a nut or shrimp allergy. It is that serious. I try and not get frustrated when others minimize my plight. "Oh just eat some bread! Just this one time. Is it really that serious?!" Walk a day in my shoes....

I highly recommend GlutenFlam as essential for every person who suffers from gluten allergy. I do take one GlutenFlam when I am feeling run down or have become slightly constipated. The stool does change to a lighter clay color and is a bit softer y (tmi). I feel better instantly. Doing this for my body reminds me of my month gluten detox my doctor advised. I now know that this clay colored looser stool from my gluten detox is what I need to achieve every once in a while to stay healthy, GlutenFlam helps me to do maintenance in an easy and pleasant way. I feel so much better afterward as I know my body had been holding some gluten or remnants of gluten or other foods I am allergic to.

I consider this product as not only prevention but maintenance. I will live a much healthier life because of it. It is necessary to my health and well being. I am grateful for my doctor for telling me about it. And I am appreciative of OVitaminPro.com as it is just a few mouse clicks away and OVitaminPro.com ships it to you free http://www.ovitaminpro.com/apxglutenflam.html 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from OVitaminPro.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Adrenastim by Apex Energetics from OvitaminPro.com




In my recent one year commitment to better health, my doctor included this item in my health care (drug free) protocol. I saw another Adrenastim on www.ovitaminpro.com. The one prescribed for me is KR-72 and the other is KR-15. You do not need a prescription for this item. However, it is very important that you do receive counsel. 

I was excited to post this review because this item was not the easiest to figure out how to use. My doctor told me to "pump" a quarter-sized amount in the morning before coffee and then just before lunch. Looking back now, It would have been a good idea if I had shown him what my interpretation of a quarter-sized pump looked like. As it turned out, I had been pumping much less than I needed the first 5 months omg). I felt like I had wasted my efforts as I did not receive the benefit like I could have had I been using the correct amount from Day 1). After increasing the pump size, I started getting hot flashes and racing thoughts long into the night. I was actually then using too much!

Figuring out what was causing these uncomfortable symptoms was an inconvenience because I had just started several new supplements and was detoxing for leaky gut syndrome. I had to experiment with the process of elimination. It was the high amount of product along with another adrenal support supplement I had been taking that caused the hot flashing and racing thoughts into the night. We finally found the right amount and schedule.

I did not mind the slight smell but I did get a rash on my arms because I was not taking turns applying to the inside of my legs. The rash went away pretty quickly.

Just last month, the hot flashes and night sweats returned. I was a pro now at knowing how my body was reacting to this product. I emailed my doctor and he told me that my body had announced that my adrenals were now 100% happy (he didn't actually say that but it was my interpretation).

I feel more confident and less anxious after using Adrenastim. If you have adrenal fatigue, you know how easily you can go from calm to anxious. I know now when I do feel the stress coming on that I can take a moment and breathe deep, get away from the stressful situation if possible and take care of myself. If I cannot get away even for a moment I know that my body will now be able to handle the adrenaline rush which used to cause me to panic and be light headed quite easily.

There is so much to love about this product! I truly appreciate the ingredients (see below).  Gluten free too which is my new reality.

What I enjoy about shopping with www.OvitaminPro.com is that if my doctor is not available, I can consult with Dr. Dan http://www.ovitaminpro.com/apxadrenastimse.html

OvitaminPro.com will be my go-to for all of the specialty supplements I need. I will never have to wait for these products to become available at my doctor's office(inconvenient) and I can save a trip(saves time + $)! I also like that a customized Autoship system can be set up for me each month. Oh and did I tell you I get money back in rewards?

Though I am not taking this product anymore, it is comforting to know that if I did need it, it would just be a phone call or an order away! Adrenastim has made my life more pleasant and www.OvitaminPro.com has been the catalyst to making my health dreams convenient and less costly!

Ingredients: AdrenaStim-SE Facts: Tyrosine, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Phosphatidylserine, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng), Avena sativa (Oat), Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), Arnica montana, Medicago sativa (Alfalfa), Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile), Ribes nigrum (Black Currant), Betula pubescens (White Birch), Quercus robur (English Oak), Sequoia giganteum, Holly flower water, Impatiens flower water, Clematis flower water, Oak flower water, Olive flower water, Elm flower water, Hornbeam flower water, Vervain flower water, Lavender oil, Grapefruit oil, Sweet orange oil. Cream Base: Aqua (Deionized Water), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed oil, Alcohol, Glycerin, Citrus fruit extract, Glyceryl stearate, Polyethylene glycol, Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Tromethamine, Polysorbate 80, Sorbic acid, Salicylic acid, Carbomer. 

For more information please visit http://www.ovitaminpro.com/apxadrenastimse.html

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from OVitaminPro.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Monday, November 09, 2015

Island Fresh Coconut Oil - OMG!



The owner of Island Fresh - Mark Anderson blessed me with this oh so generous 54 fl oz organic, virgin, cold-pressed, non-gmo, unrefined coconut oil. The product arrived packed snugly. Anyone who complains that their item arrives leaking is honestly just simply lying! The seal was so tight as well as the cap that I had to get my husband to help out and open it and he struggled. This type of packaging ensures that this item is pure and untouched from any oxygen which would alter its freshness.

I love the simple approach this small company employs in regard to the labeling. I also appreciate the design of their website http://www.island-fresh.com/ . Good health does not have to be complicated!

The taste! OMG! Fresh coconuty, just a tad unctuous. I started out taking one tablespoon before bed. I have to tell you that my digestion (sparing you the details) has been better and I prefer this in place of fiber at night. Taking some oil before bedtime helps my liver out and is better than dessert! Google the benefits of coconut oil - guaranteed that your findings will be ala Bubba shrimp... 

I gave this oil to my dog on a dinner plate. It was gone lickety split! And I also scooped some into a glass Ball jar. Now when she sees me pick up the jar she comes a runnin'. She thinks I am going to feed it to her, but I apply it to her skin as she tends to have dry skin. As soon as I apply it she is licking it off! The benefits are twofold.

Since I have just been diagnosed with hypothryroidism (with supplementation I dodged the "Armour Thyroid" meds bullet) I was interested in coconut oil as thyroid support as mentioned on the label. 

I liked applying the oil to my hair (yummy smell), but found it was a bit too oily even after I shampooed it. However, this item is a great after shower moisturizer! I have added to a glass cosmetic jar and use it in place of expensive lotions which I have found even though gluten free, and contained wonderfully beneficial plant-based ingredients - just don't do much for my suntanned skin.

I could sing praises of Island Fresh Coconut Oil all day long long into the night. This jar has a special place in my kitchen away from heat and light. It proudly waits for me to open it and enjoy throughout the day. I will be a consumer of this product for a very long time. Thank you, Island Fresh!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this free product from Island-Fresh.com.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Cuppa Chocolate Teas (Strawberry Chocolate) by The Republic of Tea

http://www.republicoftea.com/cuppa-chocolate-tea-sampler-cube/p/V01045/
Another fun adventure into tea! I reviewed The Republic of Tea's Cuppa Chocolate Teas. Yes, I reviewed all 5 teas which come 5 of each in the box (stay tuned for the other 4 chocolate teas reviews). However,  this review pertains specifically to my favorite - Strawberry Chocolate!!! omg. This tea was the most deliciously fruity smelling. Immediately upon ripping open the packet, strawberry chocolate and bourbon vanilla beans in my face- pow! 

I also had noticed from The Republic of Tea's website that the Strawberry Chocolate Cuppa Chocolate Tea is Gluten Free (which I seek out nowadays). As a friend to gluten free readers, here is the link just to Strawberry Chocolate Cuppa Chocolate Tea http://www.republicoftea.com/strawberry-chocolate-red-tea/p/V10000/. Have fun shopping!!

The sipping experience: 
Yes, I watched the tea steep (5-7 minutes). My double walled insulated mug did its job well. First, I sipped without adding almond milk. Yummy! The strawberry was not as present during my tasting as were the sweet blackberry leaves. 

I added almond milk (Silk gluten free with vanilla 30%) and sipped. Missing something! So I added a very small amount of agave. Perfect for an after-dinner dessert replacement.

The health factor in this tea is that Rooibos is the number one listed ingredient. So many benefits from Rooibos! I do enjoy Rooibos but not by itself so this tea is an excellent tea in which the health properties of Rooibos are hidden and do not end up on the forefront of my palate (liken to pureeing beans to hide in soup).

I give Cuppa Chocolate Strawberry Chocolate rave reviews. It's caffeine-free as well and if that were not enough, according to The Republic of Tea's website, "Strawberry Cuppa Chocolate Tea was featured on NBC Today Show as the top 10 Skinny Foods all dieters should try."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Republic of Tea as part of their review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

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