**REVIEW** Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil

A few weeks back I was able to try a Rose Hydrosol (Rosewater) that impressed the heck out of me. As a matter of fact, I just updated that post with some photos.

Anyway, the same company that sent the Rose Hydrosol is letting me try this now:

Majorana Hortensis

That is Sweet Marjoram 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil from Vita Pure (sold by Banyan Pure*). It is (like the Rose Hydrosol) steam distilled.

The botanical name is Majorana Hortensis or Origanum Majorana. There is apparently no difference between the two - mostly - because they stand for the commonly known herb of sweet or knotted marjoram. This particular one I have is labeled on the Product Page as "Sweet Marjoram" so that is the one I will use for looking up all info.

The smell is not unpleasant, but it's not one that I would use as a personal fragrance. It reminds me of Manuka oil with a hint of clove or oregano. When I looked it up, I found that the smell is normally associate with oregano. This is how one site describes sweet marjoram:

Marjoram Essential Oil is derived from the flowering tops and leaves of the Marjoram plant. It's a very close relative to Oregano, and although its scent is similar, it's much less pungent and far more pleasant. It's got a slightly camphorous, woody, herbal scent with a hint of spice. It's actually a very nice scent! (source)

I had to do some research (aka - going to Google!) because Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil is completely new to me. After the success with the Rose Hydrosol - which is antibacterial - I want to try something else that had possible healing benefits. First, I checked WebMD and took a look at some of the ailments that marjoram might be used for with the disclaimer of "lack of sufficient evidence"... It's a long list

Asthma (Early research shows that taking 2 drops of marjoram oil daily along with asthma medication for 3 months might improve lung function in people with asthma better than taking asthma medication alone); Coughs, Colds, Runny nose, Stomach cramps, Colic, Liver problems, Gallstones, Headache, Diabetes, Menopause symptoms, Menstrual problems, Nerve pain, Muscle pain, Sprains, Promoting breast milk, Improving appetite and digestion, Improving sleep, etc. (source)

As with anything, people, we have to use some common sense with these things. So, use your head and do your own research before using any kind of E.O. That said, one of the benefits I will be exploring is the healing of wounds and skin infections. The rosewater has almost completely cleared up the psoriasis on my feet, but I will try using the marjoram in place of the rosewater for the next several days. That way I can save the rosewater which I also like to use as a fragrance and in the diffuser.


By the way, this is what my feet currently look like after using the rosewater for the last few weeks.

Of course, I did use some pedicure implements (which I will be reviewing) and applied more rosewater but you have to know what my feet looked like before!

I also have less itching. That itching used to wake me up out of a deep sleep! I have read where marjoram is supposed to be an analgesic so maybe that will help continue fighting the itching.

One thing I can't even think about is ingesting this. I read that most of the benefits can be gotten from applying topically - with or without a carrier oil - but a couple of people talk about using very small amounts to flavor their food. No thank ya. All I need is to start foaming at the mouth or barking like a dog...

So, bottom line is that there are a lot of potential benefits to this essential oil. I will come back and update on any that I experience.

Peace
--Free



* I am contacting the Seller to find out why the change in names. On the Product Page, it shows the bottled labeled as "Banyan Pure", but my bottle arrived marked as you see in the photo labeled with "Vita Pure" I will let you know what I hear.

DISCLOSURE:

In exchange for providing my fair and honest review, I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or at a discount using. Regardless, I only review products that I have personally used and can give an opinion of.

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**REVIEW** IQ Shield FitBit Blaze Matte Anti-glare Protector

When I got my first Fitbit, I had the Flex model that I hated. The device itself was very limited (and expensive). The band was such a cheaply made piece of crap that it made me swear off ALL Fitbits for a couple of years.

The second Fitbit was a gift and I like the Blaze model so much more than the Flex. The band is still my least favorite part of the item, but it's at least more durable than those awful Flex bands. The other thing about this one is.... the glare of the screen in some lighting situations.

Even though we are out of our bright sunny days of summer and in the darkness of winter, it doesn't take much sun or the wrong indoor lighting to reflect off the Blaze screen. Even at the gym that I go to (stop laughing! I have gone a few times lately...), the lighting is pretty bright and I have to turn my Blaze certain ways to see the screen well.

I figured that since I have anti-glare protection for my cell phone, I could find something similar for my Blaze. They are two of the most expensive mobile gadgets I own. Mobile gadgets are the ones I worry about dropping, bumping, or otherwise risking some kind of damage.

So, I wanted protection (and anti-glare) for my Blaze and I wanted it to be affordable.  Found it:

                                  



That's the IQ Shield FitBit Blaze Matte Anti-glare Protector I got so I could write a review of my experience.

At the same time that I got the IQ Shield, I was testing out a protector from a different brand. I recruited my niece - who has the same Fitbit model as mine - so that we could try both and compare. For this review, we are talking about the anti-glare protector that I used on my Blaze.

I initially expected that the cover would just protect the screen and only cut back some on the glare, and I would have lived with that. What surprised me is just how much the cover cut out the glare.

On the left, my Blaze with the IQ Shield. On the right, Gabby's Blaze without anti-glare. Big difference, right?

When I was taking the photo, I realized that some people might attribute such a difference to the way Gabby was holding the devices so I asked her to try holding them straighter. As you can see, the difference is seriously drastic no matter which angle you are viewing from.

What a nice difference that is. I no longer want to ever be without one of these shields now. (I'm going to get some for my phone next.)

Other than how well this works, the main reason I like this shield over some others I've tried is because of the nice kit. You don't just get a shield and one of those dust cloths to prep with.

See what I mean? You get everything you need to prep the screen and apply the cover. It's really easy. My niece said that it was one of the nicest kits she has ever seen. (She used LOTS of gadget accessories like this because she has more gadgets than I do!)

Made in the US, this kit comes with 6 covers. I won't run out too soon, even though I am sharing them with Gabby. I still have the first one on (since around the 5th of October) and it's still in good shape. I'll try to remember to come back and update on when and why I need to apply a new cover.

You can find the Blaze kit I used here. I'm checking the brand's entire Amazon storefront for a cover(s) for my phone.

Peace
---Free






DISCLOSURE: I received one or more of the items reviewed in this post at a discount or no charge . This does not affect the fairness and honesty of my opinion. I write this blog for the readers and share my full experience when I test a product.

**REVIEW** Pure Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea

Green tea is one of those things that is so good for you, but hard to fit into the daily (Westernized) lifestyle. If I drank green tea the way I drink coffee...

What I like about matcha is that I can do one cup a day and feel like I've had lots more than that. I've tried other brands and am always on the lookout to try more. I got this in and gave it the first try today:

I love the color of matcha green tea. The taste is something that takes getting used to. For me, I've learned just how much to use for a cup (depending on if I plan on doing 1 cup or 2 on a particular day), and I've learned how to sweeten it to my personal taste. Before I get to all that, though, let's talk some of the positives about this particular one from Nature's Nectar.

Just as with anything else that I do for my health and well-being, when I use a food or beverage, I want to know that I'm getting good quality. One of the first things I noticed on the product page for this matcha is that it's "lab tested for purity".

In the U.S. we look to the USDA for regulations of agriculture, and this tea has the stamp. In addition, this matcha also bears the stamp of the JAS - or Japanese Agricultural Standards. From what I have read and heard, the JAS has strict standards. That's nice to know. I'm not sure, but I think that the Japanese might be stringent when it comes to labeling a tea as "ceremonial grade".

It's been a while since I've reviewed a tea so let me go again over the benefits.

The biggie for a lot of people is that green tea is supposed to be a metabolism booster. Of course, that would translate (I'd hope) to weight loss, right? The other thing that the tea is good for is general relaxation and stress relief. That's the one that I like. Most of all, This matcha has an all natural Amino Acid called L-Theanine which supports energy and focus and mental clarity. (I should be drinking more than one or two servings a day!)

By the way, when I checked online to find out more about "L-Theanine", I found a Wikipedia article discussing the use of it in Japan. This article claims that "Theanine is used to help with anxiety, blood pressure control, mood, and cognition". I have to check out more info about that, but I found it interesting on the surface.

Like I said, I've learned how to use matcha to suit my tastebuds. I usually add the smallest amount of sweetener to it. In the past several months, I've primarily been using honey for my go-to sweetener. Tupelo honey (being so extremely sweet, IMO), is the one I like for this tea. I don't have to use a lot of the honey because I generally gulp the tea down as fast as I can.

Another (and my favorite) way to get my fix of matcha is to add it to smoothies. Until recently, I'd even been adding matcha to ice creams. Go ahead and laugh, but I thought that as long as I was going to be "bad" I might as well me good at the same time. There's a slight problem with that plan though.

I can't remember where I read this, but it was in n article or post all about teas. When someone asked about adding cream, milks, and sugars, it was pointed out why that isn't as healthy. Aside from the fact that those things add calories, the dairy also does something to lessen some of the healthy properties of the tea. I can't remember now exactly what the claim was but I'll update if I find the source again.

In addition to the health benefits, I know that some people consider other issues so I'll point out a couple more things. This matcha is pure. It's non-GMO, gluten-free and free of preservatives. I appreciate that the can is labeled on the bottom with a 'Use by" date.

I'll mention that The Daily Tea talks about the pricing of matcha. Also, notice that there is a Recipes page (for all types of teas) on the site.

So, go on, go and get your green on.

Peace
--Free

DISCLOSURE: via Tomoson, I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post at no charge & in exchange for doing a fair & unbiased review.

**REVIEW** Forskolin Extract (from Bioscience Nutrition) ***UPDATED***

**UPDATE** Cannot say how very glad I am that I got to try this. Barring any future problems (I don't expect any), I plan on using this for life. Seriously. This morning, my BP reading was 122/93. That's is the lowest I have been in over 10 years. I have not been taking my regular BP RX either. I plan on talking with my doctors about permanently substituting this for my THREE prescriptions. In my initial reviews, I mentioned that I had not noticed other significant changes. Since then, I can report that I am (for the first time in years), having very regular bowel movements (sorry that there's no more sensitive way to say that), and I am noticing a bit of an energy spike. Weight loss changes are slight, but any more weight loss could be due to the cinnamon-honey drinks I am doing.  I will update again as I hear and learn more. I am so happy about the improvement in my blood pressure readings that I could cry. I wonder if some of my fatigue was due to the high BP??? At any rate, this is such a positive change for me that I'm only upset that I didn't hear about the supplement sooner.




I very rarely apply to review supplements like this Forskolin extract.

 The reason I'm wary of supplements is because I take prescribed medications and infusions for existing medical issues. I'm not trying to create more problems for this aging body of mine! So why did I want to give this supplement a try? Not so much for any of the claims made:

1. Sustained and safe weight loss
2. Improves metabolism
3. Fat burner
4. Curbs appetite

Okay, truth be told those are some attractive claims. Lots of products make those same claims though. I wasn't really drawn in by any of that. What got me was what I'd read elsewhere about Coleus forskolii root extract - commonly called Forskolin.

Normally when I look up info on supplements, I don't find anything supporting the claims I want to believe in. Most times, I find that there is just a lot of hype from people selling something, but only "insufficient evidence" from respectable sources. Not this time. I was interested in the claims that this supplement might lower blood pressure and my trusty standby source (you know, until I can check with my personal physicians), WebMD was all over it:

On how it's used...

"Forskolin is a chemical found in the roots of the plant Plectranthus barbatus (Coleus forskohlii). This plant has been used since ancient times to treat heart disorders such as high blood pressure and chest pain (angina), as well as respiratory disorders such as asthma."

... and how it works:

Forskolin works on muscles in the heart and in the walls of the blood vessels. It produces a more powerful heartbeat and widening of the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.

Still, this caveat was also  part of the article:

Herbal product manufacturers are now producing Coleus forskohlii extracts that contain high levels of forskolin. These preparations are being promoted for the same conditions for which forskolin has been traditionally used. However, currently there is no reliable scientific information that shows Coleus forskohlii extracts taken by mouth are effective. (my emphasis)

I wanted to give this a shot anyway. I'll run down what the Pros and Cons as of just 3 days use.

I can't tell you that I've experienced any boost in energy. I still use my 'strap molasses and my various honeys for that. The first day I took the Forskolin, I was really beat. I was still beat by the end of that day. (I noticed that the extract is supposed to be "good for insomnia" so not sure how that matches with boosting energy???)

The claim about this particular supplement curbing the appetite also is falling flat for me so far. I'm not eating more, but I'm surely not eating (or craving less). Maybe the metabolism part with help me with any weight loss. I've weighed myself so that I can do a comparison when I've finished this bottle, but it's way, way too early to tell anything yet.

None of the claims highlighted on the product page for this particular brand has been happening for me. Still, I am really so happy that I am giving this a try because, guess what? The claims made in general about the extract lowering blood pressure are being proved out for me.

I'm certainly not giving medical advice here (and if I was, you'd be crazy  to take it from me!), but I can tell you how this is working for me.

I currently take up to 3 different meds to try controlling my blood pressure. Sometimes, they work, sometimes, they don't. If I eat ZERO sodium and drink gallons of water, my meds work okay. If I get any kind of stressed out, or eat wrong, well then, my numbers go crazy. I'm always in a struggle to keep my top number under 140, but I've recently had trouble with my bottom number being high.

The first day, I took the supplement, I didn't notice a huge difference in my BP readings. I certainly didn't make any special notes about it in the tracking app I use. 

On Day Two of using the supplement, I checked my BP only because I was stressed. My reading was 140/87. This is a huge thing for me. Normally, the only way my numbers look that decent is if I am completely chilled out and haven't had my coffee yet - or any "forbidden salts" for several hours.

My BP numbers for Day Three were especially good. Not only was I mildly stressed (trying to do some freelance work that's driving me bonkers), but I also hadn't yet taken my prescribed meds. I wanted to check my BP after taking the Forskolin and before taking meds just so I don't get bottomed out. My numbers? 134/97.

Shut the door. Get out of here. Drop the mic.... All that. I'm checking my BP before I even dare take the prescribed meds. It would be so not-funny if I passed out from LOW blood pressure.

I can't wait to see my doctor so we can talk about this. I have some questions for the medical professionals: if this works, why isn't it being used more to treat blood pressure? Are there good reasons that it's not even being experimented with as a solution???? 

Anyway, I will update this post as I use the supplement more. I'm so happy about my blood pressure that I'm not worried about the other claims, but I will follow up on the weight loss thing.

Peace

--Free

DISCLOSURE:

In exchange for providing my fair and honest review, I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or at a discount using AMZ Review Trader. Regardless, I only review products that I have personally used and can give an opinion of.

**REVIEW** 3 Piece Set of Makeup Blender Sponges

This is what I have been using to apply my makeup:

Okay, I also had a sponge I picked up from a discount beauty supply when I was in Arizona.  It was a decent sponge and I use it just about every day (except, sometimes, on weekends). I had one other sponge but it began to fall apart after about a month. I don't remember what brand it was.

This is the set of sponges from Emax-Design that I was able to try out recently:

Ah...

I love these. First of all, they are a lot more pliable than my other sponge. Soft on my skin, but firm enough to hold up to pressure. I really like having this set. Before I got my other sponge, I basically used my fingers to apply my foundation. For the under eye area or for smudging my liner, I'd use those little foam tipped sticks.  Now, I just keep these sponges with my makeup to take care of everything. I feel like such a chick right now!

I know that everyone has their own routine for their makeup, but I try to keep things nice and simple: foundation, a little highlighting or concealer (depending on the day), eyeliner, mascara and lip stuff. (By the way, right now, I'm very much into stain-and-balm sets. More on that in a later post.)

Can I admit something here? Until now, I didn't ever think of wetting/dampening a makeup sponge. I was just using mine dry. Never did wet it until the first time I washed it. Anyway.

The big and medium sponge of this set was what I was dying to try out. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to use the small sponge for anything at all. But first, I wanted to see the difference in all three sponges when wet and when dry:

As you can see,  there is just the slightest plumping of the dampened ones.

Just so you can get an idea of the overall size of these, I took these shots:

The feel of them when dry is very firm, just as you'd expect. When dampened (wet and squeezed out), they are still firm, but there is a smoother texture to them. Live and learn, right?

largest

The biggest sponge is, of course, great for my foundation. I used the fattest end to do my cheeks and forehead, then I use the thinner part for my nose and around my mouth.

I was determined to give the smallest one a go and found that I really like using it for concealer/highlighting around my eyes. I learned a trick a long time ago of adding a touch of highlighter just above and below the brow line. When I look closely at my cleaned face, I notice that I have a natural lightening there anyway. The highlighting is to define (and even "lift") the brows. The blunt end of the small sponge? Perfect for that job. I use the tip of that sponge to smudge my liner so that it doesn't look too harsh and noticeable.

smallest

Depending on which foundation I'm using - and sometimes, depending on what mood my skin is in - I like to help "set" my finished face. I will either apply some of my Blur (from Making Cosmetics) or I just blot my face with a tissue. Well, that medium sized sponge is just exactly right for blotting. On the day that I applied Blur, I used the narrow end of the sponge (which gave me lots of control). When I remembered to test the sponge just for blotting (no Blur), I used the blunt end.

medium

I think I am now addicted to using sponges for doing my makeup. One day, I will have to try using brushes to do the job but, for now, I'm thinking that I like the control a sponge gives me.

I gave this set a 5-star Amazon review because of the versatility, the ease of using them, and the fact that they feel sturdy without being rough on or irritating to my sensitive skin. Now I want to get the 2-piece set so that I will have extras of the large size that I got in this 3-piece set.

So, it's official, I'm more of a girlie-girl in my middle age than I was as a teen. Go figure.

Anyway, I want to mention that I found another to-die-for foundation brand. I've been using these sponges to work with it. I'll review it in an upcoming post.

Now, if I could find makeup, a sponge - anything - to help with my attitude of late...

Peace
--Free



Disclosure: I received the items mentioned in the post at a discount or for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.

**REVIEW** Majestic Pure Pale Pressed Castor Oil

Yes, I know. I just did a castor oil review a couple days ago. That was for what's called a "cold pressed" castor oil. This is for a "pale pressed" castor oil. Specifically, this one:

                    Majestic Pure's 100% Pure Castor Oil (cold pressed & hexane-free)

I have to admit that, before now, I never paid attention to the different oil "pressings". What I did notice immediately when I got this pale pressed oil is that it's so much thinner in texture.

When I saw just how thin this was, I worried that it wouldn't be a "good" castor oil. Except for Jamaican Black Castor Oil (BJCO), all the castor oils I've used have been either thick or super thick. This one was as thin as table syrup. I love me some Majestic Pure, as you guys know, but I was trying to give this item the side eye at first!

Because I was curious about this (and the color, which is a yellow-ish hue), I went looking for info. All I could come up with was that different "pressings" produce differences in oils.

Okay.

To be honest, I really only care the most about whether this would be moisturizing. It is, and the good thing about it's thinner texture is that it makes a great skin moisturizer.

Thick castor oil (like the one I just recently fell in love with) is great for dealing with hair and skin at it's driest. Because a thick oil is heavier, it takes more time for it to absorb. What I learned using this thinner oil is that it's easier to apply on my skin in place of lotion because it absorbs much faster. It still does a the job of moisturizing my skin (and holding in more hydration from, say a shower or bath).

When I applied this to my hands, it only took a couple of minutes before it was absorbed and I could touch paper without staining it. Cool.

I decided that there's a place for both types of oils in my routine. Still, I wanted to understand more about this whole "cold vs pale" pressing thing. I'm no expert, so take what I learned with a few grains of salt:

• Cold pressing leaves the oil more "virgin" because there's no heat used in the process.
• Pale pressed oil has a lower acidity. Pale pressed oil is from the first pressing of the castor bean.
• (source for info includes this specific page)

Um, that's about all I learned! Sorry. Hahaha...

If any of you know more about the subject, be sure to fill me in. 

For now, I am loving this oil. I like the fact that I can apply this to my hands and the rest of my body just before I get dressed. I like that it absorbs almost like a lotion (I just need to fill a small bottle to fit in my purse and gym bag), and most of all, I like that it really does work.

One warning: Don't over-apply. Just because this is thinner, I went a little overboard when I put some on my hair. My body heat begin to warm the oil and I had it dripping down my neck! A little bit goes a looong way, trust me.

Again, I have to say that I've used quite a few products from Majestic Pure by now. They seem to be a real stand-up brand and they do stand behind their products. By the way, this castor oil, other than being "pale pressed" is also hexane free.  There is a 100% refund guarantee.

Peace
--Free


Disclosure: 
In exchange for providing my fair and honest review, I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using AMZ Review Trader. Regardless, I only review products that I have personally used and can give an opinion of.

**REVIEW** Coconut Oil Hair Mask

I'm going to do some raving about this. Seriously. Before I even tell you what it is, let's look at the ingredients:

• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Water
• Rosehip seed oil
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B5
• Glycerin
• Argan oil
• Glycine (amino acid)
• Betaine (amino acid)
• Climbazole (topical antifugal agent)
• Ginger Oil

Now, when is the last time you used a non-homemade product with such simple ingredients?  Except for the ones I had to Google and link to, I know what every one of the ingredients are.

This is the product:

It's Pure Body Naturals Coconut Oil Hair Mask - Deep Conditioner.

First thing I checked out when this was delivered was that list of ingredients. I was glad that it was so plain and simple, but I did wonder if it would actually work. That makes me kind of a hypocrite, I think. I mean, I am the one always talking up all things "natural" when it comes to health and beauty.

Anyway, I did a sniff test next. The coconut scent is not as strong as I thought. It's there, but it's pretty mild. The other thing that I noticed was that the conditioner is not as thick as I expected. Since it's called a hair "mask" and since it has all the shea and coconut, I thought it would be much more dense.

As thick as any other conditioner, right?

It took about 2 1/2 of those spoonfuls to coat my short hair from edge to edge to nape. This is not a super thin formula, but you can see that it's just about as thick as a bottled conditioner. No matter. The thing is, it works. And I mean, it works really well. 

When I first used it, I did everything wrong. For one thing, I know that any hair conditioning product works best when applied on washed (or at least damp) hair. I had already washed my hair and it was dried. Plus, I'm lazy. 

I just applied the mask to my hair and sort of rubbed it through, same as I do for a leave-in product. Then I put on a plastic cap and waited about 10 minutes. (You're instructed to wait 5 to 15 minutes,so I was mostly in line.

While I was rinsing the mask out I could tell (like you usually can with a conditioner) that it had softened my hair quite a bit. The thing is, it was the same kind of softness I get from any other decent conditioner (like my Aussie Moist). It wasn't until my hair was fully dry again that I noticed where this mask beats my beloved Aussie Moist (yes, I said it!). 

Because I was specifically testing this for the review, I didn't apply any other products (my oils and sprays, etc.). Plus, it was late and I was, once again, too lazy. I pretty much wrapped my hair in my silk scarf and went to sleep.

Here is where I am very impressed: Next morning, my hair was still soft. Don't get me wrong, I did have to moisturize my Sahara Desert scalp... But what I mean is that, no matter how well I condition, once my hair is dry - completely and totally dry - I tend to lose a lot of moisture. This time, my hair was still very soft and just felt so good.

Remember I told you about the moisturizing shampoo bar I use? That helps my hair retain moisture when I regularly use it. That's because it doesn't strip all of the moisture I have in my hair. This time, I was so impressed because my hair seemed to retain all the softness caused by the conditioning mask.

This is great news. For one thing, I co-wash my hair more than I wash with shampoo. What do you want to bet I'll be using this more than I use my Aussie Moist? That's how good this is.

That first treatment was on Saturday night. It's now Wednesday. My hair is still nice and soft. I have used my scalp butter and, yesterday, I used my spray moisturizer when I was styling my hair. Still, I know that this is going to be my new go-to conditioner

The mask costs $13 with Amazon Prime (when I have to pay for it), but I'm guess-timating that the jar will last me through a good 30+ washings. Maybe more. When I use it next time, I will follow the directions and apply to damp hair. I know that will let me use less of it. 

So, I'm pretty impressed. I especially like that there aren't a lot of crazy-sounding ingredients in this. 

By the way, I happened to apply to review another product from the same brand, Pure Body Naturals. Now I really can't wait to try that.  (I already looked it. The ingredients are just as natural as in this hair mask. Yay!)

I've used Pure Body Naturals products before and have never been disappointed, but they really scored one with this hair mask. I don't think anyone will ever use the offered money-back guarantee, but it's there on the product page, just in case.

If you don't get yet just how much I love this stuff, I can tell you this: All I had to do to fulfill my part of receiving this was to do an Amazon review. This was my pleasure to do a blog post on!

Peace

--Free


DISCLOSURE:
In exchange for providing my fair and honest review, I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using AMZ Review Trader. Regardless, I only review products that I have personally used and can give an opinion of.

**REVIEW** Organic Castor Oil from Cammile Q

Sometimes, I have a brand reach out for me to try something because they read the blog and know what sorts of products I like reviewing. This was the case with this:

That's a 100% Organic Castor Oil from Cammile Q.

You guys know that I have tried a couple of different castor oils. I've mainly been using Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)  - which I sometimes call BJCO or Black Jamaican Castor Oil!

"Regular" or JBCO, when it comes to whatever kind, there is a big difference in castor oils.

What I like so much about this one is that I can use it in a lot of different ways. There is no odor or fragrance so I feel more confident about using it to extend the scent on perfumes and the fragrance oils I wear as perfumes. (I'll get into the specifics of that in a moment.)

This one is very, very thick. Love that. I had tried another castor oil that was super thick, but it did have a sticky or "tacky" feel to it. I didn't mind that when using it on my hair or on my feet, but it wasn't as nice when trying to moisturize all over after a shower.

My original intended use for the Cammile Q castor oil was as an eyelash/eyebrow moisturizer. It's only been a few days, but I can't wait to see how this works down the road. What I did was take one of the wands from an empty mascara, cleaned it really well and stored it in a plastic baggie. Now I use it to apply the castor oil to my lashes and brows at night after I clean off my makeup.




I like using the oil on my lashes and brows, but we all know I'm a maniac about my the hair on my head! I found ways to incorporate this castor oil into that care regimen. Because this is thicker than my JBCO, I especially like to use it as a hot oil treatment. Once again, there's no odor. Also, if I rinse out the treatment with conditioner instead of shampoo, I find that more of it remains to moisturize my scalp. If I want lighter oil on my scalp during the day, I can use the JBCO.

One other way that this works is as a protectant (not exactly a carrier) oil for when I want to apply EOs  to my skin as a fragrance. The reason this works well is because, while it does protect my skin from the strength of the EO's, it also helps to make my fragrance last longer. (I find that wetting the skin with warm water, blotting, and then applying the castor oil before a perfume or fragrance EO is the best way.)

Other ways I've tested this out is by adding it to the hand lotion I keep in my purse, adding a little (about a full dropper full) to a 16-oz tube of shampoo. The shampoo was a clarifying one that has been sitting in the bathroom cabinet for months. I figure it will be less stripping with the oil added to it. Also, I am using the oil on my little nephew after his baths. He's inherited his daddy's tendency to "ash up". Most lotions just roll of that child so I've been using oil on him ever since he was about 2 years old! He'll even ask me if it's time to out on some "oy-yul")

Of course, this is just a really nice sealant after washing and/or conditioning the hair. Apply to the ends with a the fingertips is you don't want much oil on your hair.

Finally, this is going to last. It's thick and doesn't take a lot. The trick when doing hot oil treatments is to use just what you need. I don't like warming my hair oils over and over. What I do is put just enough in a baggie (about a half - or little more - of a dropper) and warming the baggie in hot water. Then I can drizzle my scalp with the oil. I hate wasting stuff so this works best for me. Also, I've noticed that, just like my hair, my skin works better at absorbing moisturizing products when it's damp and a bit warm.

When you look at this on the Amazon product page, it looks small. The bottle is actually bigger than I thought.

USDA certified Organic

Like I said, I love my JBCO, but I love this unrefined castor oil too. It's unscented and thick - without the tacky feeling. There is a 30-money back guarantee, just in case you aren't as impressed as I am.

If I get the chance to check out some of the other Cammile Q products, I will let you know. In the meantime, you can go over and take a look.

Peace
--Free

**REVIEW** Baby Bib Set by NinoStar

Since she and her cousin are the ones using these items, let's start by showing off my beautiful new grand-niece...

Sometimes, I call her "Meanie Beanie" 

... And my handsome new grand-nephew...

LOL Go ahead. Caption that expression!

(I was using the term "great" until I realized I like "grand" better!)

Both new additions to the fam are adorable. Baby LJ looks a little stubborn (he is), and Baby Sissy looks mean. We've decided that they both just have a lot of deep thoughts...

Anyway, this is the Baby Bib Set by NinoStar:

You get 5 bibs, the 12 stickers, and that cute giraffe.

When I got the baby bib set for the nieces to try on the kids, I didn't realize that all the colors are more masculine than fem. That aside, the bibs are really cute and, thank goodness, the snaps are way more secure than on most bibs. Also, the fabric is thick and absorbent enough that we aren't missing that plastic backing most bibs have. If you notice, after some washing, that plastic starts to wear and tear and feel icky.

The moms like that the snaps hold so well and that the bibs look a bit different than the usual store finds. Their favorite part of the package has to be the stickers. Every mom (especially first-time mommies like LJ's) want to mark and note everything in albums. The stickers make nice reminders of just how fast the time does fly.

I think that I like the stuffed animal most of all. I mean, if I get a say!

The animal is not very big, which makes it perfect for very little ones. Not that Sissy stays wake long enough to see hers much, I did lay it in her swing with her to see if it would catch her eye. She gave it the side eye! I think LJ is old enough to play with it more and it's small enough for his little uncoordinated hands. The feet are made of bumpy plastic and I know the kids will love gumming on them when they start teething.

 This would make a nice baby-shower gift and it's nice that there is more than just one thing included. With all the positive stuff noted, I have to say that some mothers and fathers might want something more feminine for their baby girls. The first thing Sissy's mom wanted to know was if she hadn't gotten the "Boy" set by mistake. Of course, once she put on one of the bibs, she liked everything else about it. Still, I myself would have liked something in pinks and yellows for Sissy.

The only other thing that threw us off when we got the delivery is that the product description also calls the bibs "snap on drooling cloths", so you might be looking for a separate item. No. The bibs can be used as drooling cloths. So, just know that.

The Prime price will seal the deal for a lot of gift-givers. Because the bibs are well made and so soft, you'd expect to pay a little bit more.

If you buy this and find that you aren't happy, no worries. The products are backed by a "100% money back guarantee. Return it within 90 days for a full refund with no questions asked." That's straight from the Seller.

Here are some more photos I took to show some of the detail of both the front and the soft backing.

Peace
--Free



DISCLOSURE:
In exchange for providing my fair and honest review, I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only review products that I have personally used and can give an opinion of.