Posts Tagged ‘Natural product’
anti-aging cream, Beauty, Botox, Natural product, paraben-free, Shopping, skin cream
In Natural Beauty, Recently Reviewed on November 13, 2014 at 10:07 am
Looking for a natural, non-invasive way to look younger? Phytogenics has introduced a new anti-aging cream aptly named Phyt-Age, and claims it works as well as Botox but without the toxic injections. While there’s no shortage of anti-aging creams on the market promising to turn back the hands of time, few of them offer a money-back guarantee if you don’t see results in 30 days. In fact, Phytogenics is so confident you’ll love their Phyt-Age cream, they even challenge you to take a simple 15-minute test to see the difference. Then, if you’re impressed with what it can do in that short time, imagine the results with ongoing use. (I certainly won’t be returning my sample!)
According to Phytogenics, the reality is our skin shows signs of aging and becomes susceptible to sagging, wrinkles and injury due to various factors such as decreased skin thickness and dehydration. But Phyt-Age cream has been specifically formulated, with a combination of seven naturally occurring ingredients such as argan oil, topical vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) and hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), to target these causes and restore skin to a healthier and younger-looking state. These ingredients contain bio-molecules designed to give you optimal anti-aging results by stimulating collagen production and brightening skin tone. For those individuals who wish to avoid certain preservatives and are highly sensitive or allergic to fragrance and perfumes, take note – this rich cream has no fragrance, and is paraben-free.
Known for its secrecy, the beauty industry has a history of closely guarding product formulations and limits many ingredient lists in the fine print – if you can find them at all without a special request. So it’s refreshing to see Phyt-Age is clearly labeled, and even details information and research about the efficacy of the active ingredients it contains on the Phytogenics website. They even welcome customer feedback and have posted numerous testimonials. For more information on Phyt-Age visit http://phytogenicinc.com/
Avalon Organics, Beauty, cleansing milk, facial cleanser, health food store, Lavendar, Natural product, organic, paraben-free, performance product, sulfate-free
In Natural Beauty, Recently Reviewed on August 15, 2014 at 9:05 am

As you navigate the sea of mainstream cosmetics out there, with so many chemical-based products vying for your attention and dollars, it’s nice to land upon a product that not only lives up to its claims but also surpasses your expectations. Fresh out of facial cleanser, I waded through the aisles of my local health food store and struck gold with this cleansing milk.
Avalon Organics CoQ10 Repair Facial Cleansing Milk. Lured by the promises of wrinkle smoothing hydration and cell renewal, I was pleasantly pleased to find a quality, performance product that is certified organic, paraben and sulfate free. PRODUCT NOTES Attracted by the handy pump dispenser, which I think is a great feature, I thought it would be similar to the many watered-down, liquidy cleansing milks I’ve used before. Surprisingly, a little goes a long way. So go easy with the pump as it dispenses more of a thick cream — almost like a cold cream in terms of texture and consistency. And while it says it “contains White Tea and Sunflower,” it’s hard to miss the punch of pure lavender it exudes. BOTTOM LINE. It’s hard not to love this rich cleanser. My skin really does feel smoother and look firmer after using, so I’m excited to explore other offerings in this new-found product line. Well done Avalon.
Disclosure Notice: We participate in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program, which earns fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. Our participation does not influence our content decisions but helps to offset the costs involved in maintaining this website.


Costco, countless benefits, Food, Health, healthy eating, Hemp, Mango Coconut, Natural product, organic, protein, protein bars, Shandiz Natural Foods, super foods, vegan
In Good Eats, Recently Reviewed on May 28, 2014 at 10:01 am
In case you’ve missed the news on the super foods front, hemp has long been touted for its amazing nutritive value and countless benefits. There are so many products available now — from the original hemp hearts, hemp cereals, hemp milks and many things more. If you’ve been reluctant to try hemp, here’s an easy entry into healthy eating.

True to Nature bars made by Shandiz Natural Foods.
My daughter was the first to spot these bars in the snack aisles at Costco. Since we love anything hemp in our household and we’re big eaters of organic granola bars — we snapped them up to try right away. PRODUCT NOTES It’s hard to believe that something that tastes this good can also be good for you and so rich in protein! With yummy flavours like Peanut & Peanut Butter; Mango Coconut; and Chocolate Banana – who can resist such decadence? BOTTOM LINE Words of warning: can’t stop eating these. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked, too.
Apple, apple chips, Food, Fruit, gluten-free, Natural product, nut free, Ontario, vegan
In Book Reviews, Recently Reviewed on January 24, 2014 at 5:16 pm
We love apples. I prefer them to be firm with lots of crunch. So if they’re a bit mushy, I’m likely to leave them for baking. Perhaps I’m biased, but Ontario grows some of the best apples I’ve ever eaten and although nothing beats fresh I think I’ve found a great off-season alternative in these apple chips.

Martin’s Crispy Apple Chips It’s been a while since I’ve bought apple chips. We discovered these ones over the holidays thanks to an extended family member.
PRODUCT NOTES Fantastically crisp and delicious. I love that they’re grown locally in Ontario with no sugar or preservatives added. Maybe that’s why they taste so good. They’ve even got some great recipe suggestions online if you find you have any left once the bag has been opened. BOTTOM LINE Even if you’ve never had apple chips before I’m pretty certain you’ll love these. Our bunnies really like them, too!
Disclosure Notice: We participate in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program, which earns fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. Our participation does not influence our content decisions but helps to offset the costs involved in maintaining this website.


Beauty, Home, Natural product, paraben-free, SPF, sunscreen
In Natural Beauty, Recently Reviewed on December 4, 2013 at 11:28 am
With the first major snowfall this year already fallen and melted away (at least here in Toronto), we’re reminded of the breathtaking wonder and beauty of the season – not to mention how much more of it lies ahead! Breathtaking to be sure, as while we enjoy walking in a winter wonderland as much as anyone else, it’s the whipping winds we could do without! If you have sensitive skin like I do, then you know how our puffy, reddened faces suffer following these outdoor adventures.
Cliniderm Gentle Protective Lotion.
Believe me, you still need sunscreen in winter and here’s a family of products I can hardily recommend. The Gentle Protective Lotion with SPF 45 is one of my year-round staples but I have also used the protective hand cream and my daughter loves the soothing lotion – especially after a walk on a cold winter day. PRODUCT NOTES First and foremost, these products are free of parabens, dyes, perfumes, lanolin, formaldehyde and proteins. So there’s no scent to any of the lotions. The sunscreen is a bit thicker than most you’ve probably tried so it’s not to be used as a moisturizer. BOTTOM LINE Well priced and worth every penny. Now if only they were organic…
Disclosure Notice: We participate in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program, which earns fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. Our participation does not influence our content decisions but helps to offset the costs involved in maintaining this website.


Apple, Food, Fruit, Health, muffins, Natural product, strawberries, vegan, wholesome baking
In Food, Glorious Food, Recipes on July 14, 2013 at 11:21 am

Strawberry-Almond Cake
With strawberry season in full swing, you might find yourself with some leftover strawberries. My husband brought home a couple of pints but they didn’t travel well in the heat of the day. And even though I mixed them with lemon juice, they got a bit overripe before we finished the lot. This quick cake, which we cut into bite-size fingers, made quick use of the remainder.
Ingredients
Beat together
1 cup coconut sugar
½ cup coconut oil
1 egg or vegan substitute (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water)
1 tsp vanilla
Combine
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
Add
1½ cup chopped strawberries
1 tsp lemon juice
¼ cup sliced almonds
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare 8-in square pan with cooking spray. Beat together coconut sugar, oil, egg (or substitute) and vanilla until well mixed. Combine flour and baking soda then add to sugar mixture. Fold in fruit and lemon juice. Pour into prepared pan, smooth and top with sliced almonds. Bake in preheated oven until golden, about 30 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan no more than 10 mins. Drizzle with royal icing if desired. Cut into fingers.
breakfast, cereal, chia seeds, Costco, Cranberry Vanilla, Food, Genetically modified organism, GMO, Hemp, hemp seeds, Natural product, Nature's Path, organic, Shopping, superfood, Vegetarian
In Good Eats, Recently Reviewed on July 9, 2013 at 1:02 pm
We’re big cereal eaters in our home and have come to enjoy many of the organic and non-GMO varieties that Nature’s Path makes. And anytime we see something new and organic at Costco, we’re quick to snap it up, as it’s often less expensive than at the health food store.
Qu’i Superfood – Chia, Buckwheat & Hemp cereal in Cranberry Vanilla by Nature’s Path $15.49, Costco. 
Hemp and chia seeds have already made their way into our home, as we continue to discover their many uses, so we were eager to see how this cereal measured up. PRODUCT NOTES As soon as you open the bag, a wonderful waft of vanilla greets your nose. The cereal itself is just as flavourful but you have to wait and let the seeds soak unless you want to crack a tooth. BOTTOM LINE My picky teenager absolutely loves it mixed with almond yogurt while I like to use it as a cereal topping since the recommended amount seems a tad skimpy to me for a proper breakfast on it’s own. But if you’re looking for quick convenience and are the type who rushes each morning in a mad dash to get out the door, you might find this cereal a bit hard to chew.
Disclosure Notice: We participate in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program, which earns fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. Our participation does not influence our content decisions but helps to offset the costs involved in maintaining this website.


Beauty, Health, Natural product, Royal Jelly, Shopping, Skincare, sun protection, sunscreen
In Natural Beauty on June 19, 2013 at 10:27 am
Now that the warmer weather is finally here, it’s time to get ready for summer. Mind you, in Toronto it’s been hot and humid one week then cold and rainy the next, but that’s the Canadian climate for you. So not a day goes by when I don’t wear sunscreen on my face – it’s not really an optional choice as I burn really easily.
Burt’s Bees Radiance Day Lotion
The combination of a day lotion with sunscreen always appeals to me, as who wants to put yet another product on? PRODUCT NOTES This light lotion has almost no scent and absorbs quickly without any greasy feeling. It also comes in a pump bottle, which is really convenient. But I find it stings my skin a little going on even though there’s no alcohol in it. Luckily it quickly passes and leaves no redness. BOTTOM LINE An SPF15 is considered low by my standards, as I like to have maximum sun protection on my face. With that in mind, I’ll keep looking for something with more SPF and less irritation.
Deodorant, Health, Natural product, Rexall, Shopping
In Natural Beauty, Recently Reviewed on April 12, 2013 at 10:32 am
We first discovered Tom’s line of products a few years ago when my daughter, then a tween, was at that difficult stage when deodorant becomes a necessity. Frankly, I’d never given these products much thought before but my husband, we discovered, is pro-deodorant and anti-antiperspirant. Who knew? So the search began for natural products that actually work. And recently when I ran out of the antiperspirant I had used for many years I thought, why not try something new?
Tom’s of Maine Naturally Dry antiperspirant deodorant The natural powder scent reminded me of the baby powder scent my former faithful had, and I was attracted by the allure of “clinically proven” and “naturally dry.” Here’s a classic case where I should of read the actual ingredient list instead of just the highlighted “petroleum free” and “no artificial preservatives” lines. Then I would have seen it contains aluminum chlorohydrate. PRODUCT NOTES Feels a bit sticky going on. Except during those night sweats (another topic all together), I’m not one to perspire a great deal. That said, no noticeable difference was found using this product versus my former chemical-laden one. BOTTOM LINE Just when I thought I was doing myself a favour by using a natural product, I realize it wasn’t entirely the case and I paid a premium to do so. Next time, I’ll go for their aluminum-free product.
Disclosure Notice: We participate in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program, which earns fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. Our participation does not influence our content decisions but helps to offset the costs involved in maintaining this website.

