Yiva Daily Balance and Giveaway!

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Over the past couple of months I was given the chance to try out a Daily Hormonal Product from a company called Yiva! As you know from my previous posts on my past issues with with the monthly monster that all us women seem to get on clockwork. The little demon will never go away, and this point in my life, I'm afraid I'm too young for that.

I agreed to give Yiva a try!

If you have not heard of Yiva, they are a company that offer alternative solutions to traditional medicine. I’m big on non-traditional medicine in fact I try to only treat my kids with homeopathic remedies most of the time unless something truly serious has to be addressed.

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Yiva’s products are 100% natural and safe, in fact, two of their most popular products are the Yiva Daily Balance and the Yiva Fertility Boost. The Daily Balance is the one that I have been using over the past month, and I have to say it’s actually not that bad. The Daily balance claims to help alleviate menstrual cramps within weeks after using the product. One thing I can say is that it does help, I am not sure if helped me to the whole 100% because I was also taking them along with other things.

However, I do like the product and love the taste of it. The directions tell you to place about 10-20 drops under your tongue and let it dissolve by itself.

It does have a pepper-minty taste and right away I always feel uplifted by it!

Although I think that is due to the peppermint taste.

Some of the ingredients in the Yiva Daily Balance include:

• Propriety blend of herbs

• Purified water

• Agave nectar

• Chaste berry

• Rubus Ideaus

 

Yiva also has products to help alleviate allergies! So if you deal with allergies that have a large variety that you could choose from.

During this season if you are allergic prone you might want to look up more information on their site.

They do offer a 45-day money-back guarantee!

 

Yiva is also giving one of the Daily Balance away to one lucky reader!

 

Update: Giveaway has ended!

Yiva Naturals Women's Daily Balance
 

 

 

 

Natural Vitality: A Relaxing Magnesium Supplement

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure for more Info.

These past couple of weeks I was given the opportunity to review an awesome anti-stress supplement drinkNatural Vitality is a company that was founded in 1982 by Peter Gillham in an effort to provide and combat nutritional deficiencies America. It was founded on the fact that American nutrition has declined over the past 6o years and he wants to do something about it. So by creating nutrient rich, easy to use sustainable supplementation he is definitely on the right road.

Natural Vitality products are high quality and even are award winning dietary supplements. All of the products are Non – GMO and all the ingredients are organically grown. They are best known for Natural Calm, their magnesium supplement drink which helps to balance out the muscles and nerves in the body. Which keeps the heart steady and supports a healthy immune system.

This is not my first time using Natural Vitality, I have used their products over the past year, mainly their children supplementation for my kids.  The main way that I have used them in the past was with by mixing them in the kids smoothies so that children would drink them with out even knowing I had them in there.  Since for some reason if I tell my kids their taking liquid vitamins they just automatically want to say no.

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But when taking cod liver oil they seem to have no  problem…….

Anyhow, lets stay on track here.

Natural Vitality sent me their Natural Calm Anti-Stress raspberry lemon flavor packets to review. The purpose of the packets is supposed to balance your calcium intake and restore healthy magnesium levels in the body. Having healthy levels of both calcium and magnesium is very crucial , both of these play a major role in proper formation of bones and teeth, regular bowel function, regulation of the heart, relaxation of blood vessels and even help with giving you a boost of energy. More than 80% of Americans are deficient in healthy magnesium  levels.

Now that's way to many people if you ask me!

Some symptoms that can you help you figure out if you might be lacking in these is two are:

  • Numbness and tingling
  • Muscle contractions and cramps
  • Seizures
  • migraines
  • loss of weight
  • Fatigue and Weakenss
  • Menstrual Cramps

 

I know from my own journey of having an issue with painful menstrual cramps that I had to do something about it.  I decided to up my mineral game and include more calcium and magnesium along with other things. I hardly get nauseous anymore and I barley have cramps if any.

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However, I have had great experiences so far with many of their products. The Natural Vitality  calm packets taste quite good.  You know how some powdered drinks can have a powdery taste to them, well these do not. The raspberry lemon flavor dissolved quite well and quickly enough so that I could enjoy it.  Soon after I finished half the bottle I started to feel really calm, and very relaxed. It was a little more of relaxed feeling than what I'm used to since it made me want to go to sleep. However that was only the first time that I used it. Every other time it was not to that extent, where I needed to take a nap.

The Anti-Stress Drink is Gmo-Free, and it gets my vote for sure!

I also had the chance to try out their Natural Vitality  Kids Natural Calm Multivitamin. This one in  particular  is one that I have used in the past and has a taste similar to that of a V8 if you ever had it. Not a big fan of V8 or the taste.  That is why with this multivitamin supplement I tend to mix it in the kids smoothies when I to get the chance.  It contains over 24 organic fruits and veggies, omega-3 DHA & EPA and Vitamins and Mineral along with amino acids.  The kid natural calm is even gluten and GMO free! The only thing I don't like is that it contains agave nectar which I am not a fan of.

But hey you win some you lose some.

Even though, I don't like the taste it goes away when mixed in homemade Popsicles or smoothies!

Natural Vitality even has their own line of Vitamin C supplements, I already take some supplements in pill form. Although not many, because I have a hard time taking any pills that are not in gel cap form.

Don't ask me why, it stems from a horrible experience I had as child taking medicine.

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So, I was totally relieved to see that their vitamin c was in a gel cap form,  Lately I have been using a powdered form, but its great to have options.  They are really quite small and easy to swallow making it snap to take the required amount for each day.  The only thing I noticed is that I have not seen the product back on the site, so I don't know if they stopped selling it or if they are just plain out of stock .

Anyhow,  I love the natural vitality products and will continue to purchase more in  the future.

 

 

 

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Review: My EcoCentric Mom Box!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure for more Info.

Not too long ago, I had decided to sign up and try out the Ecocentric Mom boxes. Ecocentric boxes are a safe alternative way to try out all natural, organic, chemical free brands on the cheap. As a busy mom and avid shopper,  I love trying out new things. In fact I consider myself a product junkie. There is one thing about the smell of new items that I know are safe for my family and I which really gets me excited.  It could just be my passion that I have always had with natural living.

I know, don't judge me……..

Ecocentric Mom Box

 

For example according to Ecocentric Mom Box did you know that tricolsan is a hormone disrupting agent that is present in more than 140 types of products from hand soap to  toothpaste, and even children's toys. Which can interfere with brain and reproductive development and lead to learning disabilities and infertility.

I know for a fact that is something I try to avoid if I can, the human body readily absorbs things placed on the skin and ingested. You have to make sure you are protecting  your little ones and your health.

That is why I love Ecocentric Mom box! It is a monthly subscription box packages. That sends you full size samples and modest sizes to try in the comfort of your own home. Ecocentric mom box is basically taking the guess work out of it for you on what you should buy.  It will  save you money in the buying process, because once you are able to try out new product samples you will be equipped in the future to know whether or not you would want to buy that product again or not.

Without Having to buy the whole product, than find out after one use you didn't like it to begin with.

Right…….

I know I have wasted money plenty of times on things like that.

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Ecocentric Mom Boxes, gives you option of subscribing based on what you need. There are three different boxes that you could choose from. The Mom Box, The Mom to Be Discovery box , and the The Baby Discovery Box . The Mom box  is for any mother with little ones to teenagers and beyond.  The mom to be Discovery box is for new to be moms, in which you would receive products based on things you need throughout your pregnancy and beyond. The Baby discovery box will give you all things that are need for the new baby during the first few years.

These boxes are great and loaded with products full of healthy, non-toxic, Eco-friendly, safe products, including skin care; make-up; healthy home; organic non GMO foods, toys,  creams, snacks and treats; fair trade; nutritional and wellness products; spa/pampering items..

I have two boxes so far and I have used many of the products, so some of the items are missing from my boxes. I should of did a review sooner but you know how life gets in the way.

Some of the items in the boxes include:

Tree Hugger – All Natural Bubble Gum

Organic Tisano Chocolate Tea

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews pure natural energy

Candestino Banana Bar with Milk Chocolate

Organic Nectar's Cocoa Bars

Simply Rustic Pumpkin Body Scrub

Lauren Brooks Cosmetics sample which comes with Coupons.

Elma & Sana Pure Organic Argan Oil Moisturizer

Golden Path Alchemy Awaken cleanser

Along with coupons, vouchers to Company's like Green Kid Crafts and Kids conserve!

 

The second box that I got came with:

A Zents 5 Piece Set

Jamu Coconilla Massage Oil

Simply 7 Snacks Lentil Chips

Pure Matters Pea Protein Chocolate and Vanilla Protein shake

Celtic Complexion Creme

Probar Meal Bar

The Seaweed Bath Co. Lavender Powder Bath

Shakelee Basic  H20 Organic Super Cleansing Concentrate

Purple Prairie Botanicals Tea Tree Bar Soap

Berryplus Laundry  Soap

The list is just full of great products that you would receive, I am very impressed so far with the products so far and can't wait to try out new products and new companies. Luv it!!

Do you use Ecocentric Mom Boxes?

 

 

Get your EcoMom Box Today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drop It Or Rock It! Shea Moisture Thickening and Anti-Breakage Line for Thin Hair

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure for more Info.

Yesterday I had the chance to review the Shea Moisture Thickening and Anti-Breakage line for thin hair. This line features the Shea Moisture Organic Yucca and Baobab shampoo, the Shea Moisture organic Yucca & baobab anti-breakage masque along with the Shea Moisture Yucca conditioner which is the leave-in.

I have to admit I am one of the few who have not tried all the Shea moisture products line in their entirety together. So when I  was browsing Walgreens one day and saw I could get a boatload for cheap. I jumped all over it, hey what can I say I like to spend money.

So yesterday, when I had some time on my hands, I decided I was going to wash my hair with all three to see if they lived up to what it says it does.

The first thing that I like to do before any shampoo is pre-poo my hair at least overnight with Afro-Veda hair oils so that my hair can have a nice sheen and a nice Ayurvedic hot oil treatment to boot. I have been doing this for quite some time now. However, I did not have any time yesterday to do an overnight hot oil treatment. I just lightly oiled my hair and scalp with Afroveda New Methika oil to treat dandruff and stuff…..

The next step I did was to detangle and place my hair into about 8-12 twists so that I could easily wash and unravel my hair in the shower.

I then proceeded to use the Shea Moisture organic yucca and baobab shampoo in the shower. When I wash my hair I like to put them in twists. Then take each twist out separately one at a time and wash them each separately. I have tried washing my hair in the twists a couple of times, but I don't like it. My hair does not feel as clean and I am not able to use the smoothing technique by rubbing my hands down my hair to help smooth the cuticle.

When you have kinky hair like mine you want to smooth the cuticle in as many ways as possible…….

The shampoo lathered up well, it has a great slip which made it easy to clean and wash my hair fast.  Anything with great slip is awesome for my type 4 kinky hair. It smelled divine and smooth to the touch. My hair felt soft and not stripped at all. One thing I can say is although my hair felt soft and smooth after the shampoo, it did not feel very clarified.

This is a great shampoo if you are looking for something to cleanse your hair without stripping it but at the same time giving it moisture. It does not give a clarified clean feeling. So be sure to rotate this shampoo with a clarifier.

Would I buy the shampoo again?

Yes.

Some of the ingredients in the Shea moisture yucca shampoo include:

  • Yucca Soap
  • Shea oil
  • Baobab Extract
  • Coconut Oi
  • Rosemary Extract
  • Honeysuckle Extract
  • Vegetable protein
  • Aloe Vera Juice

So as you can see there is some good stuff in there.

My next step was to use the Shea moisture organic yucca & baobab anti-breakage masque. Now when I applied this to my hair, I immediately did not like the way it felt. It has a creamy rough touch to it,  if that makes any sense. White in color, very thick with a mild scent. Not much to bother anyone at all. I am used to some great conditioners on my hair and this one was not cutting it already just by touch.

So I said hey let me give it a whirl and wait until I rinse it out in the shower to give my final verdict.

But in the meantime, some of the ingredients inside the anti-breakage masque include:

  • Water
  • Shea Butter
  • Coconut Oil
  • Mango Butter
  • Avocado Oil
  • Olive oil
  • Aloe Vera Juice
  • Baobab extract
  • Vegetable Protein
  • Rosemary Extract
  •  Vitamin E
  • Essential Oil Blend
  • Much more……

I would expect with all those great ingredients my hair would love it. However, I am coming to realize that deep conditioners with a Shea butter base as the main ingredient don't work that well for deep conditioning my hair but acts more a sealant preventing the other great ingredients from penetrating my hair shaft.

Would I purchase it again probably not? Was it okay, yeah? It made my hair slightly soft after the fact because while I was rinsing it out my hair felt petty though. So I guess my hair felt stronger. However, I will use the product again, since I did buy it and do not want to waste my money……..

The last thing on my list was to use the Shea Moisture yucca & Aloe thickening growth milk with biotin and Bamboo extract. This particular leave-in is supposed to help with thin and fine hair by thickening and volumizing the hair shaft

I have been going through a period of breakage, which is the reason I am giving the line a try.

I decided to mix some aloe Vera juice about two tablespoons to about 6 tablespoons of the growth milk together. To make sure when I applied it to my hair my cuticles would lie more flat. I like to mix aloe Vera juice to my leave ins because although many come with it already added to their products. Its is a very small amount and not enough to close the cuticle. I use different oils all the time with my mixtures too. This time I added one tablespoon of Avocado Oil to the mixture.

 

In the end, I test with my pH strips to make sure it is the right ph before applying it to my hair.

 

Some of the ingredients listed for the growth milk include:

  • Water
  • Shea butter
  • Coconut Oil
  • Mango Seed Butter
  • Jojoba Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Vegetable Glycerin
  • Aloe Leaf Extract
  • Biotin
  • Yucca Extract
  • Bamboo Extract
  • Rosemary EXTRACT
  • Vitamin E
  • Much More……..

Shea moisture growth milk was okay, not bad not great. I have had better. It is a lightweight conditioner not heavy in consistency at all. Since it was so watery when applying it to my hair it took a second for my hair to absorb it.  I'm still on the fence about this one, because my hair was soft, not as soft as I like it or have experienced with other leave-ins.

Yet my hair was shiny after the twist out.

Will I buy this product again, I probably will. It  is a lightweight and did get the job done. I will keep it to use as a refresher conditioner on those days I need a pick me up.

It will work great for that!

My final verdict is that I will re-use the shampoo, but mainly in the hot warmer months.  The anti-breakage masque is a pass for me maybe you will like it, it does have great ingredients inside of it. Which I'm sure will work great for someone else. The Growth milk, I'm going to keep using to see how it works out as a refresher.

Have you used the Shea moisture anti-breakage line for thin and fine hair.

I would love to know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luv Naturals Product Line Review!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure for more Info.

Well  guys I had the chance to buy the full the brand new product line from Kim Luv. Which if you follow her you know that it is called Luv Naturals. I follow Kim Luv, and I love her products. This woman has created a full pH balanced hair care product line tailored for women with kinky-er hair textures. She has spent many hours and years researching information, products, even the real science of what it takes to master ethnic textured hair.

I've been natural for a good little minute and never have I seen a full line, that worked this well on my type 4b/c hair as well as the luv naturals product line has in just one use. I have to give to Kim Luv, for taking the patience, determination and just pure want to formulate something so special as this.

Now I have to admit the products are a little bit on the more pricey side, but I have been known to pay more on other things so why not make the investment in my hair. In the video below, I do mention that I might not buy the shampoo again. Only because it's the only product in the whole line that did not impress me as much. I just don't consider it as great as my Griffin Remedy Shampoo. But that is just my opinion every ones hair responds differently to different things.

Your Hair might love it.

Now when it comes to the Don't be so Clingy Detangler, the Conditional Love, and the Love me and Leave me in Conditioner. These are my  faves! I am glad I took the time to invest in a small black owned business. Which has created some spectacular products, in my opinion for type kinky hair!

To learn more visit: Luv Naturals!