I’m so excited to be teaming up with Laughing Vixen again to bring you some more awesomeness. She is a wonderful friend and one of my favorite artisans. I have a varied collection of many of her delightful necklaces, pendants and charm bracelets and I’m pleased that she has offered one of my readers their choice from her shop!

Laughing Vixen Lounge is a one woman show run by Kris, a former Hairstylist who decided to put her love of movies and vintage style to good use making fun and unique jewelry.

St. Patrick’s Day Silver Pendant

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

The Ocean Blue Charm Bracelet  

and, for those of you edgier sorts, The Zombie Charm Bracelet.
I have the perfect friend for this one!

From Laughing Vixen’s Shop Announcement:

Pop culture jewelry with a flair for retro, horror and custom designs. Find yourself a unique necklace, charm bracelet and many other needful things. **All items are made when ordered and will take 3-5 days before they ship**

$1 from every item will be donated to www.donatejdm.org from December 1st – April 22nd to help The Brittany Foundation for rescue dogs.


Laughing Vixen Lounge


Appearing nightly on stage:
A mix of Retro Kitsch, Rockabilly Chic, Vintage Horror and Pop Culture Obsession.

Specialties of the house:
Pendants, Charm Bracelets and other Needful Things.


Today’s Special:
1 part Sassy, 1 part Sexy, 1 part Superhero. Mix ’til Amazing and garnish with Laughter. Wear and be Fabulous! Repeat as needed.

That should give you some idea of the amazing variety. I always have a blast going to her site and seeing what new imaginings she has created.  Here are a few more favorite pieces:

White Rabbit Psychedelic Silver Pendant

Fairy Dust Necklace (with Fairy Dust!)

All My Love Necklace  

Vampire Fangs Necklace with Blood Drop Beads


But, I don’t want to spoil all the fun because there’s so much more to explore at Laughing Vixen’s Etsy Shop.

So, check it out and enter this fun giveaway! You can buy something cool for yourself, a friend, a family member, a stranger ;).

Laughing Vixen has generously offered one of my readers a $50 gift certificate to her shop to buy anything their heart desires (she’ll even pick up the shipping, cause she’s cool like that).

This giveaway is open to everyone 18+ worldwide! She will ship to you internationally.

Just follow the Rafflecopter and it will lead you in the right direction.

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It is a perfect time to find what gifts you would like to give to your mother. Makobi Scribe is proud to present Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Carnival Event from May 10 12:01 PM EST to May 18  at 12:01 PM EST and is accepting signups now.

Sinky, Flushy and Trashy – no, they’re not the names of newly discovered dwarves that lived with Snow White. What they are are powerful probiotic natural household cleaners.

It’s not that often that I get excited by cleaning products, but honestly, these products from Natural House have done it for me. I am a great fan of probiotics – take them every day and encourage my family to do the same. Probiotics, also found in yogurt, help to eliminate the bad bacteria while keeping the good in your gut.

Natural House products use an eco-friendly cleaning method of probiotics that create a beneficial, odor eating ecosystem to naturally drive out and digest odors at their source. They don’t just cover up the problem, they go to the root of it.

I was sent these three natural cleaners to try out for 2 weeks in my home and I immediately went on a cleaning binge. I actually enjoyed cleaning! Now don’t get me wrong, I love a clean house, but I’m not big on nasty smelling chemical products that often don’t work well. I hate when, after using them, myself or my family ends up coughing or worse, and I hate when I wonder if the surfaces are ok to touch afterward.

This is particularly important if you have children or pets. All of the Natural House products are phosphate/APE-free, eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable.

Here’s a video for those who want to know more:

I started with Trashy. I sprayed all the trashcans in my home – in the kitchen, in the bathrooms, in the bedrooms. It has a fresh minty scent and you just spray it in before putting in the trash bag. I noticed that it worked on even the worst smells.  I was very relieved to know that there are alternatives to harsh smelling chemicals that truly work.

After Trashy, I moved on to Flushy. Now, no one I know enjoys
cleaning toilets. I’m sure some do, but not my friends. I’m actually used to seeing products in the grocery store that say poison on them. I have to admit that gives me pause. And, this is where Flushy comes in. Utilizing non-toxic, probiotic cleaning agents, Natural House products are strong enough for commercial clean-up, yet safe and gentle for all of the members of your home.

I had fun with this one. You simply drop in a small wrapped square packet, and within 10 seconds, it’s foaming up and blue. I watched it as it did its thing and then had a simple job with a brush. I honestly didn’t have to put much elbow grease in as Flushy had done most of the work and I was left with a sparkling toilet bowl. So, yes, I ran to do the other toilets in my home, even going so far as to get an audience to watch the foaming action. Maybe I’m weird that way.

And, now, moving on to Sinky. Here was my biggest test. You see, embarrassingly enough to say, I had had this weird odor in my kitchen sink.

It was truly so odd and unrecognizable that it reminded me of that Seinfeld episode where someone had to sell their car because of an unrelenting odor! But, I couldn’t very well sell the sink, and I’d tried to get rid of the smell through normal cleaning, rinsing, lemons, sprays. Nothing worked.

So, optimistically, I approached the sink, my nemesis, armed with a little square package of Sinky. I tossed it down the drain, and turned on the hot water for about 10 seconds. Now, first let me say that you can use this with a garbage disposal or not. It promotes healthy drains and breaks down grease and food waste preventing clogs and slow drains.

And, it did that, but, what amazed me was “the smell” was gone! It was truly gone. Never to return. I’m ecstatic. And it kept on cleaning! Also, the water drained faster and more smoothly.

Natural House probiotics create a mini-ecosystem on a microbial level that produce enzymes which break down odors, dirt, fats, oil, grease, food scraps, waste and toilet paper products on a continuous basis between applications. This creates a natural, clean, balanced environment that is safe for even the most sensitive members of your natural house.

So, these products get my high seal of approval, and not just mine, they won the “Retailers’ Choice Award” at the 2011 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, NV.

You can buy  Natural House products directly on their website:  — Or you can purchase Natural House on Amazon.

I can’t wait to try Moppy, Surfy and Glassy next. I find the prices very reasonable.

CONNECT:

Natural House Website
Natural House on Facebook
Natural House on Twitter

Natural House has also generously offered my readers a chance to win a 30-day-supply of the same cleaners I received so you can experience them in your own home. Just follow the Rafflecopter. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

It is a perfect time to find what gifts you would like to give to your father. Makobi Scribe is proud to present Father’s Day Gift Ideas Giveaway Event from June 10 12:01 PM EST to June 18  at midnight EST and is accepting signups now. Just sign up here.

Numi Organic Tea: Moroccan Mint

Second, I tried the Numi Chamomile Lemon Tea before bed. Very relaxing. This tea is a blend of Egyptian chamomile blossoms and Australian lemon myrtle leaves.  Mildly sweet and flowery, a cup before bed was soothing.

Third, and my favorite, was the Numi Moroccan Mint Tea.  The organic mint used is known as “nana mint” and is found in North Africa. This blend had a wonderful aroma and I found myself taking in the scent as I drank it. With its mild spearmint taste that pleased my senses, this is one I will be drinking as iced tea this summer. I really enjoyed it.
 

Tropical Traditions

I recently received a large 32 oz. jar of  Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from TropicalTraditions.com to sample and I was very intrigued. I’d never used coconut oil before, but I have heard that it is very versatile and has a unique taste. I’d read that high quality virgin coconut oil should be snow white in color when it is solid  and water clear when liquid and this coconut oil is a gorgeous pure white. 100% organic, Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil is made in the Philippines.

This oil is made by by families who are coconut farmers using old-fashioned traditional methods that have been used in the Philippines for hundreds of years. They use the highest quality coconuts hand-picked from each harvest. It is not mass-produced.

Virgin Coconut Oil, Gold Label – 1 quart

I decided to do an experiment. I made two omelettes, one with olive oil and one with coconut oil. They were both very good, but the one with coconut oil had a very light,  mildly sweet taste. It was really delicious. Also, this oil can be heated to high temperatures and remain stable and it that way it was preferable.

I really love the taste and the omelette virtually slid off of the pan and was light, fluffy and not brown at all. The coconut oil is also really good in stir-fry.

One of my new favorites –  I also tried it with fried zucchini which I love – very light and delicious!

You can find many tantalizing recipes on the Tropical Traditions Coconut Recipes blog. 
You can use it in salad dressings, in baking, in dips, in smoothies, even in Chocolate cakes! Since it is such a large jar, I’ll be trying more of these.

I also love to use the coconut oil as a moisturizer. It’s amazingly hydrating and soft on your skin. It smells delicious too. I’m very fond of using natural products on my skin so this fits right in. You only need a little too.

CONNECT:

Facebook
Twitter
Website

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Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

My skin goes through phases, at times more sensitive than others. I’ve been drinking more water, which seems to help with hydration, but recently tried a product which irritated my skin. I am not a fan of perfumes or scents in my facial skincare.

This is why I was especially pleased to review some products from the Simple skincare line.

Simple was formed in the UK in 1960, with cleansing products without perfume or color, especially designed for even the most sensitive skin. Today it is the UK’s #1 facial skincare range with no artificial perfumes, dyes, or harsh irritants that can upset your skin’s balance. This is music to my ears! They use “skin-loving” ingredients instead with added vitamins for natural and healthy skin.

I know that when my skin is clean, clear, moisturized and healthy, I look and feel better and more beautiful.

The first product I tried were the Exfoliating Facial Wipes.

 I remember a while back talking to a skincare expert about my skin and she stressed the importance of exfoliating to me. Over time, old dead skin cells cling to the skin’s surface. Exfoliation is beneficial because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.

I really love this product for many reasons. Though some might find the texture a bit rough, that is its purpose and it’s really quite gentle compared to many other exfoliation methods I’ve tried. My skin felt remarkably clean and new afterward, also very soft. These wipes contain Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to help restore, moisturize and renew as well as aloe vera to help condition.

They come in a convenient, resealable package and they are so easy to use. Just pop one out, smooth it over your face and you’re done, no scrubbing and having to wash afterward. Simple!
They are Dermatologist tested, Opthamologist tested, safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic.

They also make Cleansing Facial Wipes.

The next product I tried was the Refreshing Facial Wash Gel.

Disclosure: I was provided these products by the sponsor for review but the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

 Ah, scales. Sometimes we love them and sometimes we hate them, but one thing I strive for is a good-looking scale that is simple to read and use and that is consistent. I’ve found that in the EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale with Extra Large Backlit 3.5″ Display and “Step-On” Technology.

Continuing with my new year’s resolution (I know, it’s already March!), I’ve been eating healthier and it’s so much fun to see my weight very close to where I want it. This is not to say that there have been no fluctuations over the past months, but somehow, having an accurate scale, I feel more accountable.  This scale has 4 high precision sensors with consistent and accurate measurement up to 400 lbs or 180 kgs every time. It also has graduation increments of .2 lbs. / 3oz. for more accurate measurements.

Over the years, I’ve had some awful scales. Either they were ugly, difficult to read or were unreliable. I’m happy to say that I love my new EatSmart scale. First of all, it’s super easy to set-up. Just take it out of the box, put in your 4 AAA batteries (included) and place it where you want it.

I do want to say that should you move it for any reason, it’s very easy to re-calibrate. Every time a digital scale is moved it needs to be initialized and auto-calibrated. You just:

1. Place the scale back on a hard, flat surface.
2. With one foot, press the platform of the scale so that numbers appear on the display. Once you see zeros or dashes remove your foot.
3. Wait for the scale to turn off again.
4. Step up onto the scale for a weight. 
5. Your scale is now calibrated. 

This is super-easy and if I move it to clean or for any other reason, I can do this in a second or two.

Also, it looks GREAT! It’s thin and sleek and see-thru glass, not bulky or ugly or heavy! It really fits my style and my home.

Also, it has a large 3.5″ LCD display with a cool blue backlight. This looks very attractive and it really is easy to read. You don’t have to bend over to see if you’re seeing it right. Also, sometimes I weigh myself without turning on the light at night and it shows up perfectly. My mom who had a hard time seeing the numbers on my other scale loves this one so much that I bought her one at Amazon.

In fact, it’s on sale there right now for a great price.

The awesome folks at Eat Smart Products have generously offered one of my readers their own Precision Digital Bathroom Scale.  Just follow the rafflecopter and you’re entered!

Ways to Connect and Stay in Touch with EatSmart: 

Website
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Google Plus

Another cool fact: For March 2012, loyal EatSmart employees, Dominic, Emma and Tux, have chosen the Friends of Wayne Animals as their charity of the month. They will be donating 50 cents for every new Twitter follower during the month of March. The Friends of Wayne Animals is a volunteer nonprofit located in NorthernNJ.

Each month EatSmart has a different charity they donate to. You can read more about this on their blog as well as finding interesting information and cool recipes.

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Disclosure: I was provided this product by the sponsor for review but the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

  There are so many ways I could title this piece. Wholly Awesome! Wholly Healthy! Wholly Delicious! Wholly Cow!

When I received a cooler on my doorstep filled with Wholly Guacamole of every conceivable variety and Wholly salsas, I must admit I was in seventh heaven. Seeing those colorful packages gleaming at me was a truly beautiful sight, treasures waiting to be opened and explored. If you think I’m going overboard over Wholly Guacamole, well, you would have to understand that I don’t just like guacamole, I am crazy about it. And, it’s hard to find guacamole that is as good as homemade. But, I have to say that Wholly has managed to do that. And to introduce me to new and delightful flavors that have my tastes buds doing the mambo. They even included a stress avocado which I squeeze when I’m searching for just the right word or waiting in line at the bank.

Super generous and my family also thanks you Wholly Guacamole! There was lots to share!

There was really a smorgasbord to fit every taste inside:

Wholly Guacamole Classic – fits every occasion
Wholly Guacamole Classic 100 calorie  packs – a perfect size for a snack
Wholly Guacamole Spicy – this one has a kick!
Wholly Guacamole Spicy Snack Packs
Wholly Guacamole Organic
Wholly Guacamole Guaca Salsa – very tasty – with tomatillo and salsa verde
Wholly Guacamole Pico de Gallo Style – a  little more chunky – with tomatoes onions cilantro jalapeno puree
Wholly Guacamole Double Dip – Classic with a delicious layer of Spicy Pico de Gallo on top

This one is my favorite. I’m in love! 

                Inside was also their all-natural Mild and Medium Salsa

  February is heart-healthy month and I am very conscious about this. My dad and my mom have both had heart issues, so it’s something I watch carefully.

Wholly uses only Hass avocados, and according to the Hass Avocado Commission, 1 oz of Hass avocados contains 3.5 grams of mono-and polyunsaturated fat and a 1/2 gram of saturated fat. Unsaturated fats increase HDL or “good” cholesterol, which, according to The American Heart Association may help protect the heart. Saturated fats increase LDL, or “bad” fats, which build up in the artery walls that feed blood to the heart and brain.

Haas avocados contain 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B, E and K. Avocados actually have 60% more potassium than bananas, are high in fiber when compared to other fruits and are naturally sodium, gluten and cholesterol free. 

I’ve been trying to make healthier choices and I’m noticing a difference in how I feel in my overall energy and well-being. It’s great when those healthy choices are also delicious.

I try to keep avocados around, but often they aren’t ripe enough when I want to use them or, if I don’t use them in time, they turn mushy and I end up using them for moisturizing my skin (which isn’t a total waste because I find them very hydrating). On the other hand, you can have Wholly Guacamole virtually anytime and it’s perfect. Wholly Guacamole uses HPP packaging technology, not heat or chemicals, so that you have all the benefits and taste of homemade guac without additives or preservatives.

HPP is a process of preserving foods through the use of high-pressure water rather than with heat or chemicals and is used in the preservation of some meats and vegetables. With guacamole, the end product is a completely 100% all-natural, fresh tasting product that can be refrigerated for weeks and frozen for months.

Wholly Guacamole Classic is 90% avocado and 10% garlic, onion, jalapeño puree and salt to taste. It’s all-natural, always kept cold and never frozen. This is why you find it in the produce aisle next to the fresh fruit and veggies with the “cool kids”.

Fresherized Foods, the home of Wholly Guacamole, Wholly Salsa and Wholly Queso has a promotion going on right now called “Check Your Choice” which is all about making small changes to make a big difference. For example, exchange Wholly Guacamole’s good fats for the bad fats found in mayo or ranch dressing.

Dip your carrots and celery into Wholly Guacamole instead. 100 Calorie packs can be frozen and put in a lunch box. They thaw by lunch and make a great sandwich spread or snack with veggies or whole grain crackers.

 I’ve found so many more amazing choices this week since I got to experiment. Wholly Guacamole is incredible on a burger, on a turkey sandwich or in chicken or egg salad! Speaking of eggs, I put it in my omelettes with onions and tomato. It’s so good. It’s also great with deviled eggs.  For dinner, it spices up grilled chicken or salmon and is amazing in fish tacos. My friend in CA says she uses it in Sopa de Aguacate, Mexican Avocado Soup.

You’re really only limited by your imagination. And, it’s absolutely amazing right out of the package, especially one of the snack packs. They give me a burst of energy and are great in-between meals or, for a night owl like me, as a late-night healthy treat.

The Wholly Salsa is delicious as well – low in fat, high in flavor and full of vitamins and antioxidants.

 You can find it in Mild, Medium or HOT to fit your tastebuds. It’s perfect for a side with chicken or fish, for recipes, for dips and with chips straight out of the package. It’s also available in 3.6 oz Snack Packs. I love the Mild and Medium, very natural tasting and delicious,  but if you really like it spicy, go for the heat!

You can find a lot of delicious ideas and recipes on eatwholly.com.

You can also enter their weekly Check-n-Win Challenge on Facebook for your chance at $1000s in prizes and explore more fun and healthy choices.

Connect with Wholly Guacamole:

Facebook
Twitter
Website
Store Locator
Wholly Guacamole Pinterest

For fun, games and more info, also check out Eat Wholly’s Get Off The Ranch.

So, please enter via Rafflecopter, and I wish you all the best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: I was provided samples by the sponsor for review but the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.