Product Review: Eye Cream for Reducing Eye Puffiness, Dark Circles, Wrinkles and Fine Lines Around Eyes

My thoughts: I love Adovia products and the eye cream is no exception! As the mother of a 10month old, I don’t always get a full night’s rest and often wake with puffy eyes or find myself sporting some dark circles toward mid-day. The Adovia eye cream corrects these problem areas and keeps me looking well rested and years younger than I actually am. Thanks Adovia for another great product!

• Product Information: The Adovia Promise: Your Eyes will Look 10 Years Younger or Your Money Back! - Reduce Puffiness Under and Around The Eyes - Makes Eyes Appear Years Younger and Radiant!

Gets Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes - Your Eyes Will Look More Youthful and Refreshed!

Formulated Specifically for The Genltle Area Around the Eyes - this Light Eye Gel Absorbs Quickly into Skin for Deep Hydration

Dead Sea Salt Delivers an Immidiate Infusion of Dead Sea Minerals - Essential for Proper Skin Health and Beauty

Contains Vitamin C which Delivers Powerful Antioxidants Deep Into Skin Cells

Amazon Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b00kqbr9fm

Hashtag: #adovia

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.

Product Review: Petbrosia Dog and Cat Foods Review + Giveaway

Product Review: Petbrosia Dog and Cat Foods Review + Giveaway


My thoughts: I ordered the Petbrosia dog food for our Yellow Lab but unfortunately he did not like it. Neither did our Chihuahua…but the good news is our cats did! I can’t say anything bad about Petbrosia for the same reason I can’t say anything bad about raspberries. I personally just don’t like raspberries in the same way our dogs just didn’t like the salmon and sweet potato food. The Petbrosia customer service was fabulous and ordering was a breeze. I’d recommend trying Petbrosia to see if your pet will fall in love!

Product Information: Salmon & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Petbrosia Pet Food! Petbrosia determines the right Petbrosia diet for your dog or cat based on their breed, age, weight, food allergies, activity level, and other needs you feel should be brought to our attention. We use only the highest quality, all-natural ingredients, grown and raised by farmers across America. No corn, No wheat, No soy, and No by-products. You will receive a free 10 Pound Box for your product review and your sweepstakes winner will receive a promotional code for a free 3 Pound Box. (Only Lower 48 States we do not ship to Alaska or Hawaii at this time)




Product Link: http://www.petbrosia.com

Hashtag: #Petbrosia



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.

Product Review: Rainbow Bandz Loom Kit

Product Review: Rainbow Bandz Loom Kit

My thoughts: My daughter was in love with this loom from the moment we opened the box. It works great to make all sorts of designs and different style bracelets and necklaces and I absolutely love the fact it’s non-toxic and latex free. This is a product you’ll feel good about giving to your children!

Product Information: Rainbow Bandz Loom Kit consists of a hook with a base opener, a loom, 24 C-clips, 600 latex colorful rubber bands which can make up to 28 colorful & charming bracelets, and an instruction manual. It is used to create bracelets, charms, and other interesting stuff.

The instruction manual has some pointers, tips and instructions to follow in order to come up with different desired creations – from beginner to expert level.

Rainbow Bandz kit includes:
- 1 Super durable loom
- 1 Hook with base opener
- 600 silicone latex free rubber bands
- 24 S-clips

**Non toxic, Lead and Latex Free**

Make single and wide pattern bracelets for different effects and combine multiple loom sets to make longer and wider combinations. Use short combinations to make funky rings and longer ones for crazy necklaces!


Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/rainbow+bandz+loom+kit/dp/b00hujx6vy/ie=utf8?m=a5uti14eibhz0&keywords=loom+kit

Hashtag: #loomkit

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.

Product Review: Pure Raspberry Ketones 1000 Mg/ Serving, Without Fillers and Binders. Natural Fat Burners Review + Giveaway

Product Review: Pure Raspberry Ketones 1000 Mg/ Serving, Without Fillers and Binders. Natural Fat Burners Review + Giveaway

My thoughts: This is a great supplement; I used it in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise and I was quite satisfied with the results. A true to its word product for a reasonable price. Love that there are no fillers or artificial ingredients!

• Product Information: Pure Natural Raspberry Ketones (Not Synthesized in Lab, It is extracted from Natural Sources), No Additives, No Fillers or Artificial Ingredients

- Where it is Manufactured- Made in USA, with FDA Approved cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Highest Quality Standard for Manufacturing Supplements).

Why Our Products - Pure Natural Raspberry Ketones, 500 MG, 12O capsules, No additives, No Binders, No Fillers or No artificial Ingredients. Quality is Tested and Standardized against the Monographs in USP/NF.

How it Works- Proven Fat Burner and Appetite Controller. In Vivo and In Vitro studies, it shows that it increases the Fatty Acid Oxidation; stimulate Adiponectin, which is a protein involved in regulating Glucose Level and Fatty Acid Oxidation. It burns the Body Fat and Converts it into Energy when Body needs it and that is how it helps Body to Control Appetite; as a result it is Appetite Suppressant. Raspberry Ketones Works as an Efficient Weight Loss Supplement when it combined with balanced diet and Regular Exercise. When one does Exercise, it require body to burn extra energy and also burn extra calories, and if you are taking Raspberry Ketones, it burn the Existing Body fat to convert it into Energy which is required for Exercise. As a result one doesn't need extra nutrition to get energy for exercise

Clinical Studies/Results - Ushiki et al. conducted an acute, single administration study to examine the anti obesity effects of raspberry ketone in healthy adults (N=5) (22). Healthy males aged 24-50 years were included in this study. Following acute administration, raspberry ketone was also shown to significantly reduce arteriosclerosis index score ([total cholesterol - HDL cholesterol] / total cholesterol) compared to control (p<0 .05="" a="" and="" blinding="" br="" included="" lack="" limitations="" of="" randomization="" study="" this="">
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/raspberry-additives-artificial-ingredients-controller/dp/b00dxnxg2u/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=utf8&qid=1402352668&sr=1-1&keywords=summit+nutritions

Hashtag: #TomsonRaspberry





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.

Product Review: BabyLuxe Jersey Knit Sheet for Portable Crib/Pack'N Play

My thoughts:  What mom doesn't love products that are designed to make their lives easier? I know I do, so when I was given the chance to review a BabyLuxe Portable crib/ pack 'n play sheet, I immediately knew it would be a product I would come to love.

When I received the product, the package did not look as advertised picture above, but was instead in a blue package that said "Especially for Baby."

I have always loved the softness of cotton, but hated how cotton shrinks. These sheets are made with 100% cotton and sized for shrinkage. Meaning that you can wash and dry them, over and over and they will never shrink. I love this feature, since I tend to wash my sheets on a weekly basis. After trying a few sheets before in my portable play yard, I have been disappointed with the fit. Instead of fitting well and staying on, previous sheets would slip and end up wrapped around my baby. BabyLuxe sheets have one of a kind, patented extra deep sides to prevent the sheet from slipping, which allowed me to feel safe knowing my daughter was protected. Practically the only thing that I hated about this sheet was that it was white and not in a prettier color.

Overall, I have been very pleased with my BabyLuxe portable play yard sheet and recommend them as the perfect find for baby shower gifts.

Product Information:  Our 100% Cotton Jersey Knit Sheet for Portable Crib/ Pack'N Play is convenient and comfortable. The patented extra-deep sides prevent the sheet from slipping off. The size has been adjusted to allow for shrinkage. Dimensions: 30" x 40". Washer and Dryer friendly

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/b00k08is2y/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pc_s_img?_encoding=utf8&colid=2zjv7y8gted5a&coliid=i39h5071bnj8zg

Hashtag: #BabyLuxeJerseyKnitSheetforPortableCribPackNPlay

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.

Cinnamon Bread Recipe

I tried a new recipe this morning (I always try to make something warm and gooey as a treat for mid-milking Saturday mornings) and my 6 year old son Andre said "Everyone is going to be in love with this recipe, that's for sure Mom!" so that said, I figured it was worth sharing:

Ingredients:

Lard (just a dab to coat your bread pan)...or use spray oil if you prefer

Batter:
1 cup melted butter
2 cups sugar
2 farm fresh eggs
2 cups buttermilk/raw milk (or 2 cups milk plus 2 tablespoons vinegar if you prefer)
4 cups unbleached flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture:
2/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions:

1) Coat the inside and bottom of your pans (you'll need two) with the lard. I also keep a shaker of cinnamon and sugar on hand for the kiddos to use on toast in the morning and I added a few shakes to the bottom of the pans as well (I believe you can never have too much cinnamon and sugar). Set pans aside and preheat oven to 350.

2) Just use a spoon for this step: Mix sugar and butter together, then add baking soda and eggs and mix again. Add 2 cups of flour and mix again. Add buttermilk and remaining flour and mix again.

3) Grab the hand mixer/electric mixer and finish mixing the batter. You don't have the knead this dough, and the mixer will work well on a low speed. Don't mix too long, just a minute or so.

4) Pour approximately 1" of batter into the bottom of each pan and use 1/4 of the cinnamon/sugar mixture for each pan and layer it over the batter.

5) Grab a butter knife and cut the cinnamon/sugar mixture into the batter to swirl it around (I let the kiddos do this step and they write their names and all sorts of nonsense)

6) Pour remaining batter into your pans.

7) Pour the remaining cinnamon/sugar mixture over the batter and repeat step 5.

8) Tap the pans lightly to make sure everything is even and place them in the oven for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done if you insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean.

9) Enjoy!!! (it does make 2 loaves so you can share with a friend or neighbor so it's a win/win!)

May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, sunshine, and plenty of sweets to share with your friends!

Hugs,
~Crystal

Bloggers Grab Your Calendars! Announcing FOUR Upcoming WOW! Women on Writing Book Blog Tours You Won't Want To Miss!

Bloggers Grab Your Calendars!

WOW! Women on Writing

As many of you know, I am a Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing and I have three VERY exciting WOW! Women on Writing Book Blog Tours I can’t wait to start booking. Please join me and be part of the excitement!

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Dates:   September 29^th through November 1^st

Author:  Tara Meissner

Title:  Stress Fracture: A Memoir of Psychosis

Genre:  Memoir, Psychology Memoir

Summary:  This psychology memoir is about the things that break us and how we heal. It offers a raw view a 33-year-old wife and mother swallowed by psychosis. The psychotic episode includes meeting Jesus Christ, dancing with Ellen DeGeneres, and narrowly escaping eternity in the underworld.
Casually called a nervous breakdown, psychosis is an entrapment outside of self where hallucinations and delusions anchor. Family, doctors, and fellow patients witnessed a nonverbal, confused, distraught shell of a woman. In the security of a psychiatric care center, the week-long psychosis broke and spit out a bipolar patient in the cushioned place of middle class medicine.
Outpatient recovery consumed the better part of a year with psychiatric treatment and spiritual contemplation. Left scarred and damaged, health returned allowing her to tentatively embrace a grace and peace earned through acceptance of bipolar disorder. 

Guest Post Topics Available:

1-The decision to self publish

2-Bipolar and the creativity link myth

3-Why writing a memoir about mental health was not "brave."

4-The writing process .... could include the value of writing circles, creating time to create, finding ideas, editing, rewriting, and deciding when a project is "done."

5-Accepting bipolar and finding grace

6-Stigma

7-Why I don't ever "admit" I have bipolar, but am comfortable revealing this health condition.

8-I knew I was a writer when ... 

9-What makes someone a writer? 

10-The courage to trust yourself, the process, and your art and let the world decide if it has value. Followed by the audacity to keep creating art even if the world says your work doesn't. 

11-Robin Williams

12-Being a mom with bipolar

13-Being a wife with bipolar

14-Managing flashbacks

15-Why I swallow the pills every day and why I always will. 

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Dates: October 6^th through November 10^th  

Author: Kathleen Pooler

Title: Ever Faithful to His Lead: My Journey Away From Emotional Abuse

Genre: Christian, Memoir, Non-Fiction

Summary: A loving family, solid career and faith cannot rescue her until she decides to rescue herself.

A young woman who loses sight of the faith she has been brought up with attempts to find her way in the world, rejecting her stable roots in lieu of finding adventure and romance. Despite periods of spiritual renewal in which she receives a prophecy, she slides back, taking several self-defeating detours that take her through a series of heartbreaking events.

When Kathy's second husband, Dan's verbal abuse escalates, Kathy finally realizes she must move on before she and her children become a statistic.

How does a young woman who came from a stable, loving family make so many wise choices when it came to career, but so many wrong choices when it came to love, so that she ended up sacrificing career and having to flee in broad daylight with her children from an abusive marriage? What is getting in her way and why does she keep taking so many self-defeating detours?

The story opens up the day Kathy feels physically threatened for the first time in her three-year marriage to her second husband. This sends her on a journey to make sense of her life and discern what part she has played in these vulnerable circumstances.

She must make a decision--face her self-defeating patterns that have led to this situation and move on or repeat her mistakes. Her life and the lives of her two children are dependent upon the choices she makes and the chances she takes from this point forward.

Guest Post Topics Available:

1.   1-Writing as a Pathway to Healing

2.     2-Finding Freedom From Abuse: The Spiritual Journey

3.      3-How Writing Memoir Helped Me Find Self-Forgiveness

4.       4-Interview about memoir (questions and responses written or blogger can submit questions)

5.      5-A Nurse Learns to Care for Herself

6.     6-Turning Vulnerability into a Strength

7.     7-Girlfriends Matter

8.     8-Writing Through the Pain

Topics related to Memoir Writing:

1.     9-The Transformational Power of Memoir

2.     10-Planting the Seeds for Memoir through Journaling

3.     11-Finding the Structure for Your Memoir

4.     12-Marketing a Memoir

5.    13- The Importance of Research in Memoir Writing

6.     14-Using Pubslush to Crowdfund a Memoir (interview format)

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Dates:    November 3^rd through November 26^th

Author: Jerry Waxler

Title: Memoir Revolution: A Social Shift that Uses Your Story to Heal, Connect, and Inspire

Genre: Memoir, Fiction, Instruction

Summary: In the 1960s, Jerry Waxler, along with millions of his peers, attempted to find truth by rebelling against everything. After a lifetime of learning about himself and the world, he now finds himself in the middle of another social revolution. In the twenty-first century, increasing numbers of us are searching for truth by finding our stories. In Memoir Revolution, Waxler shows how memoirs link us to the ancient, pervasive system of thought called The Story. By translating our lives into this form, we reveal the meaning and purpose that eludes us when we view ourselves through the lens of memory. And when we share these stories, we create mutual understanding, as well. By exploring the cultural roots of this literary trend, based on an extensive list of memoirs and other book, Waxler makes the Memoir Revolution seem like an inevitable answer to questions about our psychological, social and spiritual well-being. 

Guest Post Topics Available:
My five favorite types of memoirs

How to turn your lawn into a story

Twenty years in choir and the power of habits

Why are you so passionate about memoirs?

Why everyone should write a memoir?

How do you overcome your fear of revealing yourself to readers?

How to shift from writing a journal to a memoir?

How do memoir writers find readers?

Why have you been working on a memoir for ten years?

Why blogging is a great step toward memoir writing

Why journal writing is a valuable step on the memoir writing journey

Compare the benefits of journal writing and memoir writing

Why did you call your book Memoir Revolution?

Your bio says you studied counseling psychology. How does that relate to memoir writing?

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Dates:    October 20 through November 21st

Author: Nina Guilbeau

Title: God Doesn’t Love Us All the Same

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Fiction

Summary: Janine Harris never really thought about homeless people. She barely even notices them as she passes them by on her way to work in downtown Washington D.C. All Janine can focus on is the shambles of her own young life, afraid that she will never be able to get past the painful mistakes she has made. However, all of that changes on a snowy evening in December when Janine unexpectedly finds herself alone with Vera, an old, homeless woman who seems to need her help. 

Now Janine wants to know what could have possibly happened to Vera to leave her so broken and alone. 

As Vera shares her life story with Janine, the two women form an unusual bond and begin a journey that changes both of their lives forever. Reluctantly, they each confront their own past and in the process, discover the true meaning of sacrifice, family and love. Although in the end, they learn that they must face the most difficult challenge of all - forgiving themselves.

Guest Post Topics Available:

family/sibling topics:

1)   Birth Order Theory

2)   Ways to Keep Family Connections Strong

Other:

1)   Ways to help those in need

2)   Working with the homelss

3)   Book vs movie

4)   Book clubs in general

5)   Creating book clubs

6)   Cyber book clubs vs in person

7)   Getting the most out of book clubs

8)   Character inspirations

9)   Genre confusion

10)                The power of the review(er) 

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WOW! Blog - The Muffin

If you are interested in participating in any or all of these WOW! Women on Writing Book Blog Tours please email me at: crystal@wow-womenonwriting.com and I would be happy to provide you with an advance copy to review. We can work together a choose a date when you're available to post the review on your blog as well as the media kit information I will provide to you. The day the book tour information appears on your blog, WOW! Women on Writing will advertise the stop and help drive readers to your blog. Additionally, your blog will be featured in the launch day post for each book and you can certainly let your readers know about the book giveaway held on WOW!'s blog/The Muffin the day of each launch. 

To view all our touring authors, check out our Events Calendar. Keep up with blog stops and giveaways in real time by following us on Twitter @WOWBlogTour.

Product Review: HSI Professional Argan Oil

Review: HSI Professional Argan Oil


My thoughts: I’ve had a lot of luck using Argan oil to extend my hair color between dye jobs. I wish I could explain how it works, but I can’t. It somehow hides my greys and leaves my hair silky smooth, shiny, and looking great. It’s not greasy and gets rid of frizz and flyaways. If you’ve never tried argan oil for your hair, give HIS Professional a try and see how well it works as a leave in treatment, heat protectant, and overall great product for your hair!

Product Information: Discover the Moroccan 'liquid gold', the product your hair needs for constant nourishment and incredible shine! The essential nutrients contained in this magic-in-a-bottle product are meant to give your hair a very healthy look, lots of shine and velvet smoothness. This is a leave-in treatment conditioner which feels really light on your hair, without building up residue or being greasy.

HSI Professional recommends the use of Argan Oil as an extra thermal protection before styling your hair with tools such as the flat iron, the hair dryer or the curling iron. It is suitable for all hair types, and you will just be sorry you have not discovered it before! It tames the frizz, it gives a lovely scent to your hair and it makes it soft and shiny. It really seems like your hair is in for a fabulous treat!
Product Link: http://www.hsiprofessional.com/p/hsi-professional-argan-oil-2oz-bottle
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/review/R368C2NR60PCFI/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm


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.

Product Review:Rainbow Bandz Loom Refill Pack

Review: Rainbow Bandz Loom Refill Pack


My thoughts: You should have seen the look on my daughters face when her Rainbow Bandz Loom Refill Pack arrived in the mail. She was so excited to work with all the bright colors. We opened the packages and the bandz were strong, none were broken, and each pack contained a hook as well as the closure clasps she seems to go through so quickly. The bandz are of the highest quality and she loves her Rainbow Bandz Loom so it just made sense she would love the refill pack as well. Thank you Rainbow Bandz for making our summer fun a little more enjoyable!

Product Information: Rainbow Bandz Loom Refill Pack contains over 600 pieces of specially made colorful latex free bands. Each pack makes up to 28 “single” patterned bracelets which also includes C-clips to secure the bracelets created.

It adds more to your rubber collections for more creative crafts. It’s fun and it potentially boost some worthwhile skills in kids and impart some growth and development benefits. Instead of giving kids instant bracelets, it will be more beneficial to teach them important skills like focusing on tasks and following directions. Planning and deciding color combinations and patterns can further stimulate the brain creativity among children.

Rainbow bandz loom refill pack is guaranteed to be of high quality, durable and super elastic that do not
easily break. All elastic bands are 100% compatible with other loom brands. We make sure that the materials used for our rubber bands are safe – NON TOXIC, LEAD and LATEX FREE.

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/best-quality-rainbow-loom-refill/dp/b00hujhibi/ref=sr_1_3?s=toys-and-games&ie=utf8&qid=1403269571&sr=1-3

Hashtag: #rainbowrefill


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.

Product Review & GIVEAWAY: THE PEE POCKET

Product information: THE PEE POCKET ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE USE FEMALE URINARY DEVICE TO ALLOW WOMEN TO STAND WHEN PEEING.
Developed by a team of doctors, pee pocket is ideal for any woman
on the go, who has to go.

THE PEE POCKET female urinary device is perfect for athletes, travelers, the elderly, disabled, pregnancy, parents of young girls, post-surgery patients – any woman who might have to go while on the go; active women who enjoy the outdoors, sports, music festivals, camping, hiking, biking, traveling, etc. Sketchy bathrooms -- or nonexistent ones! -- are no match for this handy device. It fits easily into a purse or backpack and is a must have for germ-conscious women who don't have access to a sit-down toilet or who don't want to use unfit facilities.

THE PEE POCKET is a single use, waterproof disposable funnel allowing women to pee while standing. It’s convenient tri-fold design easily fits in purse or pocket and includes a hygienic tissue wipe and disposable bag. Use without getting hands or other body parts wet.

Created by team of doctors who were fed up with the mess after taking their young daughters to unfit facilities.

Come in single pockets for $1.75 or three packs for $4.95.

For more information, please visit http://www.thepeepocket.com

My thoughts:  This isn't necessarily at item you cannot live without. It is however something that might be nice to keep in your glove box. I have a 7 year old daughter who inevitably "has to go" when we are in the middle of nowhere and there's not a gas station for miles. We often pull over and she goes on the side of the road. Of course, it's not super easy for girls to go without making a bit of a mess, so the pee pocket would be something she could use to make it easier...but then there's the disposal issue of having it surfing around the vehicle until we reach our destination. Interesting device, worth trying, but I'm not sure I'll be adding it to my "I must own this" list anytime soon.




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.

Product Review & Giveaway - Diva d'or Derma Roller

My thoughts: The Diva d'or Derma Roller was something totally new for me. I wasn't sure what to expect. The directions were simple and easy to follow. The roller itself was easy to use and moved quickly and easily over my face. It's super important to follow up (as the directions indicate) with a good moisturizer. My face was a little red after, but I used the Diva d'or Derma Roller before bed and by morning you never would have guessed I had done any type of youthful skin procedure the night before. After just a few uses you'll start to see results as skin becomes more supple, pores become less noticeable, and acne marks disappear. This is a super product and a great price; it sure beats an appointment for laser treatment and you'll be happy with the results!

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/SALE-TODAY-ONLY-Micro-Needles-microneedling/dp/B00JTY6WQ4/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

Leave a comment and one lucky winner will receive their own Diva d/or Derma Roller. The winner will be chosen on July 23rd and announced as a comment on this post! 

Guest Post by Jennifer: Tapping Into The Benefits of Turmeric

Tapping Into The Benefits of Turmeric

By now, most people who have the slightest interest in health and healthcare products, would have heard a thing or two about Turmeric. If not, a ton of literature abounds online via research papers, articles and reviews which give the 411 on turmeric or turmeric curcumin, what it does and what people think about it. A quick Google search (even if you spell it incorrectly) is all it takes if one needs to get up to speed before continuing through this article.
Okay, now back to the topic. When it comes on to what are termed as super herbs and spices, turmeric is bound to come up for consideration. A brief history of the plant (assuming that you checked this out in your recent Google search), will show that it has been in use for many years, particularly in ancient Indian civilization, in medicine, cooking and religion. Just in case you didn’t bother to do the research, turmeric (scientifically called curcuma longa) is the main ingredient in curry, a popular spice used in many dishes. Additionally, it has been used in Southeastern states, especially India for more than 3,000 years to treat ailments ranging from cuts and bruises to stomach bugs. In more recent times, it has been labeled as a powerful antioxidant and has been heavily researched for claims that it can treat several lifestyle illnesses now affecting people across the globe. Guess you’re now wondering why I made you do the research if I was going to tell you anyway, right? Well, there’s much more to know about turmeric, like the various ways one can tap into its many benefits. Maybe you haven’t researched the benefits as yet, so, just to briefly skim over: turmeric is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It boosts the immune system, regulates blood sugar, soothes aching joints and is currently being studied for its reported claims to combat diabetes, prediabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and other conditions.

Supplements
In terms of academic research, the curcuminoid portion (curcumin for short) is the main component of turmeric which has been under the microscope. Not surprisingly, it is what constitutes the bright yellow-orange pigment which the plant is famous for and what makes up most turmeric supplements. As its popularity has grown, so has the number of supplements purporting to provide all the health benefits that turmeric curcumin has to offer. Apart from fancy packaging and graphics, they are more or less all the same. Many turmeric curcumin supplements are usually 95% standardized curcuminoids, with the other 5% containing additives such as piperine (from black pepper) or other agents to make it easier to absorb (its bioavailability is low on its own). The recommended dosage is anywhere between 400 milligrams up to 3 grams per day and is considered safe to take by adults if not abused. However, curcumin supplements are not generally recommended for pregnant women unless given the green light by a doctor. Most supplements come in capsule form, usually 30 or 60 tablets.

Cooking
As mentioned before, turmeric is one of the main ingredients in curry, so if you have had a curry dish in the past, then you have had turmeric in your body before. Curry is not the only way that it can be had from cooking though. The powder (ground turmeric made by dehydrating boiled turmeric) is used in many popular dishes and concoctions said to relive several ailments. Turmeric powder in eggs, soups, sauces, vegetables and in most dishes is a common practice for many turmeric enthusiasts. Added to milk, it makes what is termed as ‘golden milk’ and the Japanese have made a famous turmeric tea which is sold in restaurants. Its use in food runs the full gamut, winding up in food coloring, flavoring, smoothies and ice cream. It is important to note that while turmeric supplements may not be readily recommended for pregnant women, there is no problem for them to have it in food in normal proportions.

Topical Applications
The Indians perfected the use of turmeric more than 3,000 years ago as it was featured prominently in their Ayurvedic system of medicine which has stood the test of time and is still practiced up to present day. Many treatments incorporating turmeric are based on or borrow from practices used by the Indians. A paste made from turmeric is commonly mixed with water, honey or other substances to make skin scrubs and treat various skin blemishes. Commercially, it is included in some sunscreen screen products and cosmetics such as facial powders and creams. It is applied to cuts, scrapes, burns and skin lesions. Also, it is applied to hair to treat dandruff and itchy scalp and is included in some hair products.
Benefitting from turmeric is quite easy based on the number of ways it can be had and as you would have recognized, you probably have had it in one form or the other in the past. After all, almost everyone has had a tasty dish of curried something. Also, whether you have current health issues or just want to be preventative, turmeric can be safely had by all and sundry (specifically adults) without any adverse effects.

Author’s bio:
Jennifer is a mother of two amazing daughters, Haley and Chelsea, as well as a wife to an awesome husband Robert. To round out the family, she also has two dogs that seem to run the house. Jen loves to shop and share her experiences (both good and bad) on various products on her blog http://www.shoppingwithjenn.com.

Product Review: Insta Natural Argn + Coconut + Jojoba Oil Hair Treatment + Elixir

Product Description: Organic Argan Oil Treatment for weak, limp and lifeless hair.

·         A rich blend of Argan Oil, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, & Grapeseed Oil.

·         Use as leave in conditioner, overnight hair treatment or heat protectant.

·         Reduces damage and dryness on hair and scalp, removes frizz, adds instant shine and softness.

·         ★ WORKS OR YOUR MONEY BACK ★ Our Guarantee: We back our products up with a 100-day hassle-free money back guarantee, no matter where you buy our product. There is absolutely no risk to you when you order now! If you are not completely satisfied, simply contact us and we will give you a full refund, no questions asked (you do not even have to return the bottle). Our #1 priority is to make sure our customers are completely happy.

My thoughts: I've been using the Insta Natural brand Argan Oil on my hair for quite some time and as a result have avoided coloring my roots. This works magically to hide grey hair without coloring and helps my hair feel smooth. Smooth healthy hair with no grey means I look years younger without spending a fortune at the salon! Thanks Insta Natural for a fabulous product that does what it promises AND THEN SOME!

Amazon Link: http://www.intanatural.com/arganhair/

Hashtag: #arganoilhairtreatment

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.

Product Review: Adovia Facial Lift and Firm Serum with Dead Sea Minerals and Vitamin C

Review: Adovia Facial Lift and Firm Serum with Dead Sea Minerals and Vitamin C

My thoughts: I’ve been quite happy with all the Adovia products I’ve tried. The Facial Lift and Firm Serum is no different. It glides on smooth, has a pleasant scent, makes my skin feel soft and radiant, and whether worn with or without makeup, it offers a nice finish. Adovia has a great skin care line comparable with many expensive lines but without the $100+ per bottle price tag. Great value for a great product!

Product Information from Adovia:

- Achieve An Instant Lift and Anti Aging Effects on Your Skin
- Delivers Anti Wrinkle Results Over Time
- Vitamin C - Also Contains a High Concentration of Vitamin C for Anti Wrinkle Antioxidant Skin Protection
- Dead Sea Salt - Formulated with a High Concentration of Dead Sea Minerals and Salt - 21 Minerals Essential for Skin Health and Beauty
Non-Oily Moisturizer Delivers Deep Hydration and Nutrient Absorbtion

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b00khgik54

Hashtag: #serum

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.