Review: Jockey Stay Cool

August 21, 2011 1 Comment

We all know about the new wicking technology which keeps you dry and cool while you sweat your butt off.  I feel like I can recite the commercials verbatim.  But when my favorite under-roo company, Jockey, shared samples of their staycool line, I knew this was the real deal.

Available for both men & women, Jockey’s staycool is line is made with Outlast technology to keep you cooler by regulating your body temperature!  Taken from their site, “Our new women’s Jockey® staycool collection is engineered with Outlast® technology to help your skin feel up to 3° cooler. The cotton-spandex fabric blend offers a soft, breathable feel and a flattering fit. Styles include a reversible tank, reversible t-shirt, bikini and modern brief underwear silhouettes.”

staycool reversible tank

 The very soft fabric is so light.  I wore the reversible tank to yoga class where I found it perfect for stretching and moving.  I agree that it does really keep you cooler, which is nice when the studio heats up.  I also liked that the tank didn’t cling to me, but still fit nicely without riding up during inversion poses.  The same can be said for the reversible Tshirt.

Here I am getting excited about my staycool Jockey tank.
I also totally dug my bright colors, hence the sunnies.  
Since we’re talking about these awesome outter-garments by Jockey, I should also mention the under-garments.  Yes, I’m talking about underwear.  I have to say, at first I was a little wary of trying briefs.  I’m a bikini girl (and btw, their staycool bikinis rock).  And now my newlywed husband has a new, realistic fear: granny panties.  Jockey’s staycool modern briefs are anything but granny-panties.  They do provide more coverage than I’m accustomed to, but hey, change isn’t always bad.  And yes, I’m still talking about underwear.  However, I loved them.  Without totally creeping you all out and risk loosing followers by continuing to talk about my underwear, I’ll just say this:  you won’t regret buying Jockey’s staycool modern briefs.
For those of you who made it this far through a post in which I discuss my unmentionables (rather ironic, no?), you deserve a prize.
No really, email me for a 25% off + free shipping code* on any single Jockey staycool item.  I know I’ll be ordering more!
You can be pumped like me.
But can you get your toenail polish to match your staycool top and sun glasses, like me?!
We can’t all be so cool…
(staycool)

*only 10 codes available on first-come-first-serve basis

These rambling thoughts about my underwear and exercise clothes are 100% honest opinions and the heartfelt truth.  Jockey supplied the products, I just tell you how I feel.

Filed Under: review

Shaping up with Liz DiAlto

February 15, 2011 Leave a Comment
After four sessions with Liz DiAlto I can already see a difference in my physique, balance, and strength!  When we first started I knew little of the right approach to working out.  Now I am much more comfortable and confident with Rest-Based workouts and my appearance!

I find that having a trainer is clutch, for me.  I’m not one to pop in an instructional DVD and follow along. I lack the self discipline (in this area) to create a regular workout routine.  Those DVD’s? In my house they make awesome coasters or dust collectors. Liz is great for keeping you motivated and engaged while working out!  She holds you accountable for your workout (no fair not squatting low enough or lunging far enough!).  She also keeps it fun and gives you someone to talk with while getting in shape!
If you are one to find comfort working out in the privacy of your own home, or actually make time and stick to that routine without the gym –then I don’t understand you, but want to be you.  However Liz has something perfect for you! Head over to her site, you can look into her Virtual Training!
Also while there you can get workouts, healthy recipes and more when they sign up for her weekly newsletter.  Just go here.
Working with Liz was a great experience, and my body (and me) thank her!!
Disclosure: Liz DiAlto provided me with 4 half-hour “Rest Based” workout sessions, in exchange for two posts.  It should also be noted that on my own time I also maintain a yoga exercise program, meanwhile working alongside another trainer in a circuit-based strength program.
Filed Under: BlogBook, diet, review

Save the Date Inserts: Clearsnap Ink & Stampendous Stamp Reviews – Part 1

October 12, 2010 2 Comments

It always starts with a great idea:

I’ll MAKE the Save the Date inserts! {I should have stopped here}

How hard could it be? {Hard enough for it to take 5 weeks}
I’ll get Mike to help! {Sorry, but he’s about as artistically inclined as a kangaroo}

Hind-sight is 20/20.

Luckily, over the summer I wrote to two lovely companies asking for their help in crafting other wedding elements.  Both Clearsnap and Stampendous sent me products for use and review!

 So I set out to make the Save the Date Inserts (a paper to contain our Wedsite, accommodation information, and things of the like)

It all started with a word document.
I wanted a border on the card that is to go along with the Save the Date magnet.  I fought with the copier at work to get things to line up.  As a double sided document I had a heck of a time getting the border on the outside and inside to match up, but finally did. (thanks, Michelle!)

Then the paper came into question.
I only had blue, normal paper.  It worked, but I wanted something to catch your eye.  I stumbled upon some blue card-stock; better than thin, flimsy paper!

But my printer had other plans.
I hand fed each paper — all 65 — to insure the printer cooperated.  (I put 2 inserts on each page to save time and space)

Finally I cut them all out, while watching many DVR’d shows.  Did you know Mike failed scissor cutting in elementary school?  It’s probably true.  Even though we own a pair of left-handed scissors, he’s not allowed to use them near important things.

Stampendous provided me with many great stamps:

On the left is their “Proud Peacock” rubber cling stamp.  On the right is their rubber cling “Peacock Points” set.  Not pictured above are the the “Peacock Plumes Mirror Silver” stickers, I received as well!  The smaller single peacock feather on the right fit my needs the best for this project.  I found the “cling” mounted stamps to be a little more difficult to work with than wooden mounted stamps, but I got the hang of it after awhile.  The stamps are well made and fun to use!

Clearsnap sent me 11 different shades of ink samples!

I received their Cat’s Eye Colorbox Pigment Brush Pad (aka ink pad) in Platinum, Burnt Copper, Peacock Gold, Verdigris, Silk Green, Pheasant Gold, Gold Brocade, Amber Satin, Ruby Satin, Royal Silk, & Raw Silk.  The Silk Green and Peacock Gold (duh) fit my needs best. After testing the ink on card stock I purchased my own full sized ink pad in Cyan!  Their colors are gorgeous and the ink is easy to work with.

Put the two together and look what you get!

 

That’s a lot of peacock stamps.
I combined the gold ink samples with the cyan ink to achieve  the two toned effect.
You can see that it took a few tries to get them juuuuust right.  However, once you do about 50 you end up messing up a few.  Then you try again.  I have no idea how many I made, but I did it.  And I cut them all out, too…

Stay tuned for the final reveal of the Save the Date Inserts in Part 2!
(Or however long it takes me to actually take the finished product TO the post office and put stamps on everything.  I should take pictures of them before I actually do that…)

Disclosure: Stampendous and Clearsnap are not related companies.  Stampendous sent me the stamps and stickers for the purpose of this review.  Clearsnap sent me the ink samples for the purpose of this review.  These opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Filed Under: BlogBook, i complain because i can, review, STDs

Birthday Giveaway: Jammie Girl jammies!

September 13, 2010 50 Comments

I love my jammies (bold, italics, underline).

It might have something to do with loving sleep, but nothing beats coming home from a long day at work to your favorite pair of jammies.  (Well, maybe wine, dinner on the table, and your man – but being IN your jammers is the icing on the cake!)

A few weeks ago I received and reviewed a pair of Jammie Girl jammies.  Jammie Girl’s site is the mecca for cute PJs. I love the Munki Munki line, which has the uber cute nightgown “June Bug” tribute to brides:

The PJ Salvage Purple Pursuasion  cropped pant looks oh-so-comfy and stylish, too:

Jammie Girl sent me the Malabar Bay Sea Stars Blue Pajama Set in medium.  Check out my review for full details, but here’s the skinny: LOVE THEM!

In honor of my birthday, you too can own a set of Malabar Bay PJs!
They are offering one lucky winner a pair of Malabar Bay jammies in Flamingo White!

Here’s how to enter the giveaway:
Mandatory Entry:  Go to Jammie Girl’s Site and comment below, telling me your favorite pair!
(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry! If it says 3 entries then leave 3 entries! Valid for USA only. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. Please make sure you leave an e-mail address or have it in your profile! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!** )
Bonus Entries
1. Follow my blog publicly with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
2. Like me on Facebook (1 entry)
3. Subscribe by reader or email located on left sidebar to my blog (1 entry each)
4. Add my button to your blog or add me to your blogroll (2 entries each)
5. Blog about this giveaway. Leave me link. (3 entries)
6. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry/tweet)
*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you’re not a bot.
**Anything appropriate or something like:  I wanna win the PJ #Giveaway with @CrowndVic and @jammiegirlstore http://ow.ly/2DgxZ
7. Follow @JammieGirlStore on Twitter (1 entry)
8. Like Jammie Girl on Facebook (1 entry)
9.  Vote for this blog*** (Crowning Victoria) for Weddzilla’s Blog Guru award! (1 entry)
***Must be a new vote if voted previously.  Scroll through the pages to find my button (most likely on page 3 or 4). Click the arrow next to my blog logo to vote.

Giveaway will end on 9/24/10 (my birthday!) at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog.


{personal photos by Yours Truly, Me}
{Photos of June Bug and Purple Persuasion PJs from Jammie Girl}

Disclaimer: All opinions are 100% honest and my own.  Jammie Girl provided me with the pictured pair of PJs for the purpose of this review.  I purchased an additional pair on my own because I love their selection.

Filed Under: birthday, GiveAway, review

Review and Giveaway: Simple Green Naturals

August 30, 2010 64 Comments

My green cleaning power overflowith.

Thanks to Simple Green Naturals my home is not only clean, but in an earth-friendly way.  Simple Green’s newest line of cleaners, Naturals, are “100% naturally derived, with ingredients originating from nature: chicory, coconut, corn, palm, naturally occurring minerals, salt and sugar, and water. Nothing else.”

And they clean just as well, if not better, than the Simple Green original cleaner we know and love.

Simple Green Naturals provided me with 7 different products: Carpet Care, Multi-Surface Care, Bathroom Cleaner, Glass and Surface Care, Floor Care, Dish Washing Liquid, and Liquid Hand Soap.   They were all great!!  Many have a “foam” setting on the spray nozzle, too!



Naturals are safer, effective products that offer:
• 100% natural ingredient sources
• Biodegradable formulations
• Full ingredient disclosure
• International scientifically-accepted ingredient names
• Naturals scents are IFRA compliant and made of 100% natural essential oils & plant extracts.
• 100% recyclable PETE plastic bottles with 25%+ post-consumer content, printed with soy inks
• Natural Versus Naturally Derived
• No animal testing
• Non-toxic formulations

You can win Simple Green naturals!
What you will win:
A Simple Green Naturals Kit including 7 full-sized cleaning products 
(pictured above.)

Here’s how to enter the giveaway:
Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling me why you want to win Simple Green Naturals Cleaners.
(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry! If it says 3 entries then leave 3 entries! You must be 18 years old! No PO Box addresses will be accepted! Please make sure you leave an e-mail address or have it in your profile! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!** )
Bonus Entries
1. Follow my blog publicly with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
2. Like me on Facebook (1 entry)
3. Subscribe by email located on left sidebar to my blog (1 entry)
4. Add my button to your blog or add me to your blogroll (2 entries each)
5. Blog about this giveaway. Leave me link. (3 entries)
6. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry/tweet)
*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you’re not a bot.
**Anything appropriate w/URL or something like:  “I want to clean green with @SimpleGreenNews and @CrowndVic #giveaway http://ow.ly/2wCNB “
7. Follow @SimpleGreenNews on Twitter (1 entry)
8. Like Simple Green on Facebook  (1 entry)
9.  Vote for this blog*** (Crowning Victoria) for Weddzilla’s Blog Guru award! (1 entry)
***Must be a new vote if voted previously.  Scroll through pages to find my button. Click arrow to vote.


Giveaway will end on 9/24/10 (my birthday!) at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog.
Open to US only.
{photo 1: Yours Truly, Me}   {photo 2: source}
Disclaimer: These opinions are 100% my own.  Simple Green provided me with full-sized bottles of their products for the purpose of this review and giveaway.
Filed Under: GiveAway, green, review

Review: Jammie Girl jammies!

August 29, 2010 6 Comments

This summer I scoured the PJ department in stores looking for a light-weight, matching set of jammies.  I wanted a pair I could wear when visiting family: something comfy, yet that wouldn’t cling to me and obviously show I don’t sleep in a bra.  In the privacy of my own home that works, but I’m sure my bro-in-law would appreciate something more, uh, modest. (Hi, Matt!)

Jammie Girl contacted me with the perfect review and giveaway opportunity!

These Malabar Bay organic cotton, super comfy jammies came in a cute drawstring pouch, inside of a Jammie Girl bag!
In Sea Stars Blue print, they are perfect for my visits to Florida.

I found the jammies to be true to size and the right length.  I ordered the medium because I wear a size 8, and these PJs were just right if not a little roomie.  They wash well and easily, too.

In about a month’s time, in honor of my birthday, Jammie Girl offered a giveaway, too!  You can win a great pair of Malabar Bay PJs from Jammie Girl!  Stay tuned for this giveaway in about 2 weeks! (Oh, and be sure to check out Jammie Girl’s site, blog, and follow them on Twitter, for their super cute PJ options – like the ones featured on my most favorite show ever, How I Met Your Mother)

Penny Lane and Melonball highly recommend these jammies, too!

Disclaimer: These opinions are 100% honest and my own. Jammie Girl sent me the pair of pajamas for the purpose of this review and upcoming giveaway.

Filed Under: review

Green Bride Review: Organic Excellence

August 8, 2010 Leave a Comment

Did you know that chemical companies are not required to conduct safety tests for toxicity?  Did you know that many of these chemicals are including in our everyday products?

Daily we expose our bodies to chemicals in the environment surrounding us.  While avoiding car exhaust and trace amounts of pollutants in tap water might not be totally possible, you can avoid absorbing parabens, petrochemicals, and phthalates by choosing the right body care product from Organic Excellence.  Your skin is your body’s largest organ, absorbing many chemicals into the bloodstream simply by the products we place on it.

According to Organic Excellence’s site:

“The Environmental Protection Agency has identified hundreds of chemical ingredients in personal care products alone. Over 51 commonly used chemicals have been determined to be “endocrine disruptors.” Also known as Xenohormones, these synthetic and natural compounds mimic hormones in the endocrine systems of both humans and animals.” 
You can avoid placing unknown and unnecessary chemicals into your body by simply reading the label.   Take Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate for example, a harsh, toxic sudsing agent.  One purpose is to provide the lather and the soapy quality we expect when using shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.  However, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate is a corrosive agent containing low levels of carcinogens. {source} While the FDA monitors the use and effects of Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate in individual bottles/uses, imagine having this chemical in every body care product you own.
I’ll stop scaring you now. 
Organic Excellence‘s products boast 100% chemical free products.  
I received full-sized bottles (16oz) of Organic Excellence’s Wild Mint Shampoo and Wild Mint Conditioner to review.
“The ingredients in these products are formulated to add body and luster while preventing split ends and hair loss, and promoting growth.  Special ingredients also help to protect from sun damage and environmental pollution.” 
Let me tell you, both the shampoo and conditioner are LOVELY!  The mint scent really perks your senses and gets you going in the morning.  At first I was skeptical about the lack of sudsing, but then remembered this is because there are no sodium laurel sulftaes.  The shampoo still does get foamy, just not super sudsy.  It works well and does a great job, leaving your  hair clean and chemical free.  The conditioner works just as well – and the scent is the same.  After a week of using both products my hair feels great.  There’s no waxy build up and they both rinse clean, easily.   I cannot tell a difference between my previous shampoo/conditioner and Organic Excellence, aside from my hair actually feeling lighter.
For only $15.95 each, this price compares well with other “salon quality” hair care products!
I’m sold!
Organic Excellence also sent me sample sizes of their shampoo and conditioner, as well as their Spearmint Bodywash.  Again, the light mint scent graces this product as it cleans without chemicals.  I was also lucky  to receive sample sizes of their Joint Pain Therapy and Inflamation Relief Therapy, which I used on my neck just yesterday.  These are lovely because they don’t wreak of chemicals or metals, and work to soothe muscles and joints.  Samples of their Skin Renewal Therapy and Anti-Aging Therapy were lovely treats for my face!

I highly recommend Organic Excellence’s products to you.  Their high quality and competitive price are mere details next to the steps taken towards protecting your body.  

“Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical doctor. Organic Excellence does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect a mental or physical health condition, please see your healthcare provider.”

 Disclaimer:  These opinions are 100% honest and my own.  Organic Excellence provided me with samples of their products for the purpose of this review.

 
Filed Under: green, review

Review and Giveaway: Green Nest

July 27, 2010 24 Comments

Today we have our first catering tasting.  I’m nervous because I always mess up business deals.  As a good friend suggested, I need to keep food in my mouth so I don’t say anything I’ll regret! :)

Moving right along…
My “Green Soapbox” is overflowing with soap alternatives, thanks to many supporters.

Green Nest sent me a great eco-friendly product: Green Nest All Purpose Cleaner.

It comes in a concentrated formula (see 4 oz smaller bottle) that you pour into another container (such as the spray bottle they supplied) and add water, according to your cleaning needs.

Green Nest cleaner is a simple formula that requires water to activate it’s goodness, that then breaks down completely into water and carbon dioxide in 27 Days.


At first I though I better get cleaning – no fair watching the grime collect! I must use it all in 27 days! (Let’s be fair though, I wipe down the counters daily.)  But there’s no need to use the concentrated formula all at once.  Their site contains dilutions for use of the cleaner on different items.

Important Features about All Purpose Cleaner from GreenNest.com:

* Is environmentally safe.
* Is 100% readily biodegradable.
* Is non-carcinogen/non-corrosive.
* Is Water Based.
* Has a Neutral pH Factor 9.5+/-0.4
* Is odorless and colorless.
* Is economical.
* Saves time and labor.
* Is safe on any washable surface.
* Will remove oil stains from driveways.
* Will not attack wax or paint.
* Requires no rinsing.

Each 4 ounce bottle of concentrate will make 2 gallons or 8 quarts of all purpose cleaner.  The average retail cost per quart is $1.13
I feel good about my experience with Green Nest cleaner:  it cleans well,  it lacks a chemically-gross smell, and makes me feel good about not killing the fishies in the sea.

And you too can have all of the above!  
Buy it:   for $15.95 you can purchase your own from GreenNest.com
or Win It here!  One lucky winner will get a 4oz bottle of concentrated Green Nest All Purpose Cleaner, a spray bottle, and a $10 gift card to GreenNest.com (which has many other lovely products to choose!)
To Enter:  Follow me publicly with Google Friends Connect (left side bar) and comment telling me you are a follower. This is mandatory before you do any other entries.  
(Friends who already follow with GFC must comment telling me they are a current, public follower to enter.) Please ensure your email address is somewhere — in profile or listed.
*Additional entries (leave a separate comment for each):
Sign up for my RSS feed or Email subscription (1 entry)
All entries must be in by 11:59 EST on August 4th.  Winner will be drawn using www.random.org on August 5th.  Open to the US only, please.
Disclosure: Green Nest sent me my own 4oz bottle of concentrated cleaner, spray bottle, and $10 gift card to GreenNest.com to facilitate this review. All opinions about the cleaning product are 100% honest and my own.
Filed Under: GiveAway, green, review

Green Bride Review: EO products

July 20, 2010 1 Comment

I reached out to EO Products for the opportunity to explore a more “green” approach in life. In looked to reduce my carbon footprint, I want a product (or even a whole line of products) which take an environmentally safe approach from beginning to end.  Also, please don’t test any part of your product (partial or finished) on animals.  I know poor little bunnies don’t enjoy getting things stuck in their eyes to see if it hurts.  Of course that hurts!

Here’s a little info from EO’s site about their product vision:

  • We manufacture consistently excellent essential oil formulations that are efficacious, safe and made from natural, sustainable botanical sources.
  • We create products for our customers that allow them to treat or relieve specific needs and to maintain overall good health through the benefits of therapeutic botanicals.
  • The continued and ongoing development of new and innovative products that meet our stringent formulation criteria.
  • Innovation without compromise: Personal care must perform. We pledge to continue to research new natural ingredients that can provide function and benefit without compromising our natural integrity or product performance.
  • We develop innovative formulas based on researched herbal and aromatherapy knowledge.
  • We know that the formulation of beneficial herbs, essential oils and natural ingredients is truly an art form.
  • We work continuously to source natural and organic ingredients with uniquely therapeutic properties.
  • We also choose not to include synthetic colors, fragrances or harsh chemicals in our products.
  • EO® products must perform given the expectations of our customers.

So I asked EO Products to share the love and allow me to experience their line.  And share they did!

I received samples of French Lavender Everyday Shampoo & French Lavender Everyday Conditioner, French Lavender Shower Gel and French Lavender Body Lotion, full sized bottle of Vanilla and Coconut Bubble Bath, full sized bottle French Lavender Liquid Hand Soap, Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray, travel pack of Lavender Hand Cleansing Wipes, and a full sized bottle of All Purpose Soap.
It was like Hannukah in July!

I absolutely love lavender scented items and enjoyed the pleasant fragrances in each product.  The bath products were soothing and easy on my sensitive skin.  The hand soap is stationed next to our kitchen sink and I honestly look forward to washing my hands!  Using the hand cleansing wipes on the go made public transportation a breeze.  But by far, my favorite product that will become a staple in my life is the sanitizing spray.  It smells amazing!
Oh, and who knew you could clean anything with their all purpose soap? Anything!

So the next time you’re out at Whole Paycheck (you know the grocery store I’m talking about) look for EO products and know that it’s money well spent on a wholesome, earth-friendly, animal-friendly, wonderfully smelling and very effective product!

EO: Love Life. Live Clean.

[EDIT] Disclaimer: These opinions are 100% honest, and my own.  Aside from receiving these products to review, I was not compensated in any way.

Filed Under: green, review

Green Bride Review: Pure Ayre Odor Eliminator

July 7, 2010 4 Comments

You all know the moment when you swear an odor is not-so-secretly squatting in your home and a floral freshener simply masks those stinky smells.  You might even try to bleach it out.
The real challenge comes not only in removing said foulness, but doing so in an environmentally friendly way.  Many aerosols, while free of CFCs, are made with non-biodegradable ingredients and chemicals, or worse are not safe for accidental inhalation by Fluffy, Fido, or Frank/Francesca. 

I found the solution: Pure Ayre Odor Eliminator.
(Yes, another amazing eco-friendly product that does AMAZING things in mysterious ways!)

Here’s some info from Pure Ayre’s site:

“PureAyre is composed of plant-derived enzymes, purified water and essential oils. It is the first and only food-grade odor eliminator. That’s why it’s safe. And PureAyre is the only product with enzymes specifically targeted to break the bonds of all odor-causing compounds found in nature. That’s why it’s strong.”
To really test this product I went to the smelliest place in my humble abode: THE LITTER BOX!
Pure Ayre can be used to treat, but is not limited to: “etroleum products (like gasoline and diesel), sulfides (like rotten eggs and skunk), ammonia (like urine) and aldehydes.”  It can even remove stains.

While the litter box contained nothing, this “clean” cat toilet still emanates a funk.

I sprayed Pure Ayre all over the closet where the LB lives (it’s safe on all fabrics, but test an inconspicuous spot first) and directly on/in the litter box.
Instead of some fake, overwhelming floral or allergic reaction inducing fragrance I smelled a faint mint scent.  The scent is so faint I struggled to smell it at all – which is when I realized that in a matter of moments the funk disppeared.
Fast forward to 10 minutes later and I think the cats are still trying to find their litter box.

Pure Ayre is a great, effective, and environmentally product that I happily recommend to all.
How can you get it?
But it now online, or look here for an index of stores and a store locator!


Note: I received no compensation, other than a sample of Pure Ayre, for this review.  It is 100% honest and all opinions are my own.
Also, for what it’s worth, I pre-wrote this post before my trip to Texas!
Filed Under: green, review

Green Bride Review: Solay Wellness

June 21, 2010 Leave a Comment

I desire to live a more earth-conscious life.  I want to take better care of myself as well, by using more natural products, and products that are not harmful to the environment.  This review begins my “Green Bride” series where I will review products that are good for your body and helpful to our Earth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’m slowly transforming my life into a more green way of living.  Solay Wellness Inc offered me a step in doing so, through their natural organic beauty care products.
Here’s a little background on Solay products:

“Solay Wellness is a small woman owned company, located in Skokie, Illinois (just outside of Chicago).
 We offer wellness products such as, Salt Lamps, Organic Skin/Body Care, All Natural (really!) Cleaning Products, and much more.  All of our skin care, cleaning products, pet care products, etc.  are made by mothers locally and in our surrounding areas. None of our products are ever tested on animals.”
Also, I was pleased to notice that many of their products are vegan friendly! 
Solay products feature Himalayan Salt, which  has many healing properties.  I found this information on Solay’s blog:
“Himalayan Crystal Salt is constructed of photons or pure light energy. The primal energy held within the salt is released when you add water, and the ionized nature of the crystalline structure allows the stored minerals to be absorbed by the body’s cells. The geometrical nature of water and salt together known as “Sole” creates a distinct setting which regenerates, cleanses at a cellular level, and produces essential vitamins and proteins.

The high level of nutrients and minerals in the Himalayan Salts removes damaged, dead skin and helps heal and repair skin while the essential oils relieve itchiness and lock in moisture. The crystalline structure of the salt which has formed from great pressure over millions of years makes the salt organic and absorbable for the body.”

 I received 7 different products(!) in sample sizes: Organic Body Butter, Organic Body Milk, Daily Detox Gentle Face Scrub, Detoxifying Mud Mask, Organic Face Lotion, Hydrating Night Creme, and Organic Under Eye Cream.
My overall experience with Solay products is great.  They are fragrance free, which is perfect for my sensitive and breakout prone skin.  I’ve used all products daily for a week and half.  Here’s a brief blurb about use of each product (with links to purchase on their site):

Organic Body Butter:  thick, not overly oily, quickly absorbs, leaves the skin feeling super soft
Organic Body Milk: super hydrating, very light, lovely feeling and probably my favorite product
Daily Detox Gentle Face Scrub: very gentle, not scratchy, easy to wash off, left my face soft and somewhat-more-radiant skill showing
Detoxifying Mud Mask: very effective, you can feel it working, washes off best in the shower, left my skin super soft, great mask
Organic Face Lotion:  very light, absorbed quickly, no oily residue, may be reducing my rosy-undertones 
Hydrating Night Creme:  lush, definitely softens skin overnight, more likely to see results over time
Organic Under Eye Cream:  not waxy, light, reduces puffiness, my 2nd favorite product



Now you can try Solay products, too!
Just go to Solay Wellness Inc, click on the “Bath and Body” tab (after exploring their great site, of course) where you can purchase many great products.

Solay is offering my readers 10% off your next purchase: just enter the promo code “Himalayas” at the shopping cart page!

Disclaimer: I received no compensation, other than the samples of these products, for this review.  These opinions are 100% my own.

Filed Under: green, review

Review: GreenWash Ball, carried by GAIAM

June 9, 2010 4 Comments

When GAIAM offered to send me the GreenWashBall at first my “green-senses” perked up and my curiosity followed.  How can a product clean your clothes, be detergent free, and environmentally friendly?  What is so special about this little ball that replaces ordinary detergent and chemicals and still manages to launder your clothes, kill bacteria, and soften fabrics?!  On top of this, it last up to 1,000 washes or 3 years only for a mere $29.00!  I don’t have to do the math for you here; that’s a lot of mullah on messy, drippy, detergent saved!

I had to know about this miracle laundry helper.

 

It fits into your hand easily, is lightweight, and is virtually scent-free.  The beads inside it sound like a rainstick.  Reading up on the GreenWashBall I found that these tiny ceramic balls inside the GreenWashBall are exactly what do the trick: bumping into each other, creating friction, and thus raising the pH of your laundry water, softening clothes, cleaning fabrics, and killing bacteria and odors while it’s spinning around in your machine!

I popped the GreenWash ball in the laundry with my colors load.  GreenWash Ball suggests you sort your laundry first, as usual, separating colors from whites (duh, men).  When my cycle finished I fished out the ball, still intact and looking the same.  My clothes, too, looked just like they did when I put them in – except cleaner!  Once out of the dryer, we did the sniff test.  Mike smelled his once-gross running shirt and said, “Huh, it smells clean – not like sweat at all!”  All the clothes smelled fresh and so clean, clean.
Plus, all allergic risks linked to detergent residues are gone with GreenWashBall, which is a good thing for me and my super sensitive skin issues! (Moms, think about how expensive baby-friendly AND/OR eco-friendly
 detergents can be!)

Random other factoids (taken from the GreenWashBall pamphlet)
-”Due to its efficiency, there is no need to add any bleaching or other additive to your detergent”
-”You can also place a GreenWashBall in the refrigerator to help maintain the freshness of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.”  (Seriously? This thing is AMAZING)
-”You can use the GreenWashBall on any laundry where you would regularly use laundry detergent.”
-”Will work with any laundry machine”
-Needs one hour of sunlight a week per one wash. (Again, amazing, tricky, little ball!)

I definitely want to pop a few more of these on my registry, since GreenWashBalls suggests adding more than one for larger machines.

How to get your own:
Buy it now at GAIAM.com!  You may know GAIAM as a yoga supply company, which they still are – only now they carry loads of Eco Home and Outdoor goods.  Sign up for their emails and receive great coupons like this:  Enter “FATHERSDAY” now through June 14, to receive $15 off $75, $20 off $100, and $25 off $125!

Disclaimer: These opinions are 100% my own.  I was not compensated in any way for writing this review.

Filed Under: green, review

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