When I received the opportunity to try out a cool kind of breath spray, I figured "why not?" But, I miss admit, as someone who prefers minty breath fresheners over sweet, fruity ones, I was a little suspicious (yet, intrigued!) by two of the three flavors available- green tea, cranberry, and mint. But something about the green tea really intrigued me. And, I am so glad that I chose this one, because it is just amazing! It's the perfect balance of minty and sweet, and its so, so refreshing.
This stuff is even better than regular "breath freshener" sprays because it has cleaning properties- the idea is to spread this stuff all over your mouth with your tongue to give it a super cleaning.With that being said, you would not believe how handy this thing can come in!!! This past Sunday, I drove 11 hours from Tennessee to Buffalo after volunteering with the awesome Remote Area Medical (RAM) group for the weekend. To make matters worse, in typical WNY style, we got stuck in an effing blizzard and ended up going off the road on the highway near Fredonia. Needless to say, I was exhausted and ended up oversleeping for a really important meeting. I literally threw on my clothes and ran out the door... which was wear this gorgeous thang was. T-Spray saved my freaking life!!! I definitely didn't have time to brush my teeth before I left, so I felt disgusting and I must say, after spraying a few splots of this stuff, they really did feel different. In addition, I swear it really does make my breath way better.
This stuff --> TOTALLY WORTH IT, GUYS. I'm curious to know what the other flavors are like- ahem, cranberry! A 30 mL bottle of this stuff is on amazon right now for $19.99. Let me know what you guys think!
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Midori Spring Culinary Grade Matcha Green Tea! A Review :)
I've written about tea before- mostly (or all) about matcha green tea, because, up until recently, I was more of a coffee drinker. Now, I am proud to say that I only drink coffee maybe once a week, on average. Yay! While I did go through some awful caffeine withdrawal (those headaches were awful!), I feel so much better now and I drink at least 1 cup of green tea per day.
I'm also trying to get back into smoothies, which I used to make a lot. Now that the weather is finally warming up, I'm more apt to throw a bunch of stuff in a blender with ice to create a thick, cool drink. Plus, its so much fun!
I've always been a fan of matcha green tea because its pretty much the most potent of potent teas. So, we know green tea is pretty amazing (like all tea is) and takes the crown for "most beneficial tea" as far as antioxidants and all that stuff goes. However, matcha tea takes it all up a notch.
The only problem with matcha tea? It's better. Pretty darn bitter, actually. So, I really wouldn't recommend drinking this stuff on its own and without any sweetener.. however, its just lovely with some milk and honey, orrrrr.... as part of a smoothie! I've been mixing a heaping teaspoon of my Midori Spring matcha powder with some vanilla protein powder, almond milk, ice, and a few drops of my vanilla stevia sweetener (you can also use raw honey a different sweet, healthier option). I love the way it has turned out and it's perfect to give me a natural boost of energy.
I'm excited to mix this stuff up in other items. Matcha tea also works great in baking as well. I have a friend that used to make matcha green tea cookies and they were delicious! So, I'm excited to try all these things.
I love that Midori Springs matcha is GMO free and USDA organic. These sorts of things mean a lot to me. However, I much prefer my matcha tea in a container, rather than a plastic bag. The bag claims that it is resealable, yet I've had to close it with a clip of my own since the first time I opened it. In addition, its just more messy when its in a bag like this, as you have to, you know, get your hand in their more. That's really the only change I'd make about this stuff. And, lucky for them, it looks like they make their matcha green tea in a plastic container option as well (though it is a little more expensive).
I'm definitely going to try to incorporate matcha green tea into my diet more often. I'm actually really excited to have an ice cold matcha green tea smoothie on the hot summer days that will be upon us before we can imagine!
If you're looking to try Midori Springs eco-grade matcha powder, you can purchase the 3.5 ounce bag that I tried here on amazon for $22.99. And, I'd love to hear your guys thoughts on matcha tea! Like it, don't like it? Have any secret recipes you'd like to share with us? Share your knowledge, you awesome people!!!
I'm also trying to get back into smoothies, which I used to make a lot. Now that the weather is finally warming up, I'm more apt to throw a bunch of stuff in a blender with ice to create a thick, cool drink. Plus, its so much fun!
I've always been a fan of matcha green tea because its pretty much the most potent of potent teas. So, we know green tea is pretty amazing (like all tea is) and takes the crown for "most beneficial tea" as far as antioxidants and all that stuff goes. However, matcha tea takes it all up a notch.
The only problem with matcha tea? It's better. Pretty darn bitter, actually. So, I really wouldn't recommend drinking this stuff on its own and without any sweetener.. however, its just lovely with some milk and honey, orrrrr.... as part of a smoothie! I've been mixing a heaping teaspoon of my Midori Spring matcha powder with some vanilla protein powder, almond milk, ice, and a few drops of my vanilla stevia sweetener (you can also use raw honey a different sweet, healthier option). I love the way it has turned out and it's perfect to give me a natural boost of energy.
I'm excited to mix this stuff up in other items. Matcha tea also works great in baking as well. I have a friend that used to make matcha green tea cookies and they were delicious! So, I'm excited to try all these things.
I love that Midori Springs matcha is GMO free and USDA organic. These sorts of things mean a lot to me. However, I much prefer my matcha tea in a container, rather than a plastic bag. The bag claims that it is resealable, yet I've had to close it with a clip of my own since the first time I opened it. In addition, its just more messy when its in a bag like this, as you have to, you know, get your hand in their more. That's really the only change I'd make about this stuff. And, lucky for them, it looks like they make their matcha green tea in a plastic container option as well (though it is a little more expensive).
I'm definitely going to try to incorporate matcha green tea into my diet more often. I'm actually really excited to have an ice cold matcha green tea smoothie on the hot summer days that will be upon us before we can imagine!
If you're looking to try Midori Springs eco-grade matcha powder, you can purchase the 3.5 ounce bag that I tried here on amazon for $22.99. And, I'd love to hear your guys thoughts on matcha tea! Like it, don't like it? Have any secret recipes you'd like to share with us? Share your knowledge, you awesome people!!!
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Valentia's Skin Detox Clay Mask and the Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub: A Review of the Former
I've reviewed a few products by Valentia skin care in the past- in fact, their Even Glow Vitamin C serum was probably one of the first products I've ever reviewed ( check out that baby review here!). Although I was a novice at writing product reviews and that serum was the first of many more varieties of vitamin c serums by numerous other brands that I would review in the near future, there was still something that stood out about Valentia's version of a vitamin c serum. The texture was not just serum-y (know what I mean?), but almost had a slight milky finish to it- in a good, "no, I'm not gross and expired and old product" kind-of way (promise!!)
That was so long ago! After what has felt like ages, the Valentia crew has sent me a few other products to try out- their one and only eternal youth exfoliating scrub, and also their skin detoxifying clay mask (!!!) Both are super yummy and I'm super pumped about having them in my possession now (insert devil face here.... muahaha).
Valentia skin care, or, The Valentia Crew, as I'm kind of beginning to have fun calling them, has a natural kinda edge to them- quite a bit, actually. I was just reading up on them on their website and completely fell in love with their bio / mission statement. It's long, but its so good guys, that I'm copy / pasting it below. This is my blog, bitches!
Our loyalty and commitment to our customers’ voices and devotion to natural ingredients ensures that not only will those around you notice a difference in your complexion but you can present yourself each day feeling like… a Goddess.
They're not only letting us know just how passionate they are about natural ingredients- they're giving us a history lesson, too!! What a WIN!! Or, is it? We haven't reviewed the products, yet, have we?
What we know so far is that Valentia Skin Care has a cool mission statement and claims that they love using natural ingredients- and I hate having to use the term "claims" in there, but its just that so many brands these days claim "natural" and "organic" falsely, in an attempt to increase sales. This is why you should always read the ingredients label, people!!!
In short, both products were amazing. Both are full of natural ingredients, plants, and herbs and leave the skin feeling super clean, with a tingle. In long, well... let's go!
That was so long ago! After what has felt like ages, the Valentia crew has sent me a few other products to try out- their one and only eternal youth exfoliating scrub, and also their skin detoxifying clay mask (!!!) Both are super yummy and I'm super pumped about having them in my possession now (insert devil face here.... muahaha).
Valentia skin care, or, The Valentia Crew, as I'm kind of beginning to have fun calling them, has a natural kinda edge to them- quite a bit, actually. I was just reading up on them on their website and completely fell in love with their bio / mission statement. It's long, but its so good guys, that I'm copy / pasting it below. This is my blog, bitches!
The Roman Goddess of healing, Valentia, relied on nature’s gifts to heal the citizens of Umbria. Whether matriarchs seeking to maintain their youthful look or farmers seeking help for sun damaged skin, Valentia used berries, herbs, barks and other natural ingredients. We also rely on all natural ingredients due to their protective, preventative and corrective powers.
Valentia Skin Care is proud to provide customers of all skin types with scientifically advanced products to meet individual skin care needs.
Our Mission: To provide you a greater level of overall happiness with your appearance without the harsh chemicals that dry out, stretch, burn and prematurely age the skin. Our strategic formulations include powerful natural ingredients that have been scientifically proven to succeed in giving skin a natural and radiant glow that contributes to a youthful look.
Just like our namesake, Valentia Skin Care products have been formulated with natural and organic cosmetic ingredients that will repair and protect the skin.
After performing extensive research into what skin care customers find most important, we found an overwhelming demand for skin care that is natural, free of toxins and paraben-free. Natural ingredients with an organic base have proven most effective at repairing skin damaged by sun or wind, preventing signs of aging such as wrinkles, dark spots, and reversing the effects of oxidative stress on the skin.
They're not only letting us know just how passionate they are about natural ingredients- they're giving us a history lesson, too!! What a WIN!! Or, is it? We haven't reviewed the products, yet, have we?
What we know so far is that Valentia Skin Care has a cool mission statement and claims that they love using natural ingredients- and I hate having to use the term "claims" in there, but its just that so many brands these days claim "natural" and "organic" falsely, in an attempt to increase sales. This is why you should always read the ingredients label, people!!!
In short, both products were amazing. Both are full of natural ingredients, plants, and herbs and leave the skin feeling super clean, with a tingle. In long, well... let's go!
Oh, my God! I'm not going to lie, at first I was like "okay, another exfoliator, another scrub." But, this is amazing! For starters, the texture is awesome- more gel-like, with very gentle exfoliating beads that appear to be made out of jojoba beads and/or pumice and/or tiny coffee grinds (just going by the ingredients list- which is a sad face for environmental reasons, but let's move on). I prefer to put it on my skin when my face is just partially damp- too wet, and you'll end up overusing product. As the instructions indicate, I take a small dollop out and massage it into my skin in circular motions. It's so gentle, you guys. And the cool, gel-like texture feels amazing. I'd say this is definitely gentle enough for daily use- so gentle, that you may want to incorporate a stronger exfoliator into your regimen once a week or so- trust me, it's what the skin needs during these gross, dry, winter months.
As far as ingredients go, overall they are pretty great and contain a decent amount of hydrating ingredients, which are wonderful this time of year. The "key" ingredients are olive butter, avocado butter, and kukui butter- all three of these ingredients are rich in antioxidants and a variety of rich vitamins and healthy fats (remember, fats like these are good for the skin!) It also contains the glorious coffee extract, which was a super exciting discovery for me- coffee and caffeine are supposed to be great for the skin, stimulating and, of course, exfoliating.
This isn't to say that there aren't some less amazing ingredients in the scrub, either. Thankfully, phenoxyethanol is the last ingredient in the list- meaning that it contains the smallest amounts of it in comparison to every other single ingredient in the list- but it's still there, and phenoxyethanol can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Not to be worried, though- I'm sure there's a reason why the Valentia crew decided to use this ingredient and I'm sure its not coincidence that its the last ingredient, either. Phenoxyethanol is a commonly used preservative and fragrance stabilizer, by the way, and is actually found in loads of different cosmetics products.
Brownie points: The scent of this stuff is stellarrrrrrrr. It smells invigorating and awakening and I swear I can actually smell the green tea extracts. It's just awesome, and I'm super looking forward to using this scrub on my super early mornings when I have clinical at 7:00 AM.
Overall, I'm super in love with the Valentia Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub. This scrub is unique from any other scrub I have tried- the scent is awesome, the texture is amazing, and I love that I don't feel like its tearing my fact apart. This is going to be my main scrub for these awful, dry months. Go, Valentia Crew!
You can score a 4 oz tub of Valentia's Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub right here on amazon- it's original price is $49.99, but at the time of this posting is $25. I'm not sure how long this sale will last, so take advantage while you can!
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