PainAway: Essential Oils for Soreness & Pain Relief

My mother-in-law likes to refer to essential oils as "snake oils" I don't care what they're called as long as they seem to work.

I recently got my hands on Phytopia's PainAway Essential Oils for Soreness & Pain Relief.  I've tried Phytopia's products before and I've been impressed time and time again.

From the very first moment you open the box, the packaging is perfect.  It comes in a perfect little gift box that when you open it, each little item is like a treasure.

As always you have the outer gift box, the smaller card holder and the oil bag.

Inside the card holder is always information on the brand, information on the product, and directions on how to use, who is is safe to use on, and who shouldn't use the product.

The product contains menthol, which is really what you smell when you open the bottle and when you apply the product.  It is a soothing smell and the feeling isn't so bad either.  If you don't like the oily feeling after apply just let it soak in for 15 minutes then take a shower.

I am a firm believer in PainAway and I actually have some on my poor old lady hip right now as I type this!

You can find PainAway on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/PainAway-Synergy-Pain-Relief-Fibromyalgia/dp/B01FXABIF2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486404499&sr=8-1&keywords=back+and+joint+pain+reliever&m=A6FVX63KQA3ZR&tag=transbiz03-20

I received this product at discount in exchange for my honest opinion.

Neo Dynamic Large Heavy Duty 2 Disc Magnets & 2 Hooks

These Neo Dynamic Large Heavy Duty 2 Disc Magnets & 2 Hooks are no joke.  They are SUPER STRONG magnets, like for real.  My kids were playing with them and now the hook magnets are stuck together and I just haven't put too much effort forth in getting them apart.

The 2 flat magnets are perfect for hanging a large stack of papers on the refrigerator and with 4 kids, that always happens.  Every 100% test gets hung, with the newest on top! With a 20 pound pull force, they can hold down the fort pretty well!  The hooks have an 80 pound pull force and would be perfect for a multitude of uses.  I haven't quite figured out a use for them, which is why the kids ended up playing with them.  Apparently, they'll be a paperweight for now.

These are on amazon and totally magnetic! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MU8U0LC

I received this product at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mosquito Repellent Bracelet

It's only February, it's not yet the season for these but I am ready... I was born ready!  Anyhow, I'm kinda digging these Mosquito Repellent Bracelets.  Firstly, with 4 kids we are constantly spraying for mosquitoes and dealing with bites.  I personally HATE to wear bug spray so for me I am ecstatic.  I can finally go outside for 15-20 minutes without dousing myself and my children in bug spray and making everyone shower before climbing into bed for the night.

So they claim these are even swim and sweat proof, not really seeing the need to wear the bracelet while swimming but if a kiddo forgets to take it off, no worries!  I don't typically get eaten alive while at the pool, but maybe in your neck of the woods its a little different.

These are DEET FREE with NO CHEMICALS making these perfect for small children and the elderly.  They last up to 200 hours once the seal has been broken, and like with respirator cartridges, I will store in a ziploc bag to extend life as long as possible.

They come in a pack of 4 and they sell for around $8 which means at 800 hours of being bug free, its equivalent, if not cheaper, to the price of bug spray.  Find the Mosquito Repellent Bracelets on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/cld-brandstm-mosquito-repellent-bracelets/dp/b00upqh02k/ref=sr_1_143?ie=utf8&qid=1426791520&sr=8-143&keywords=mosquito+repellent+bands

I received this product for free or at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest opinion.

Juicy Skin Care Gold Glitter Up! - Body glitter lotion

Juicy Skin Care Gold Glitter Up body glitter lotion probably looks better on tan skin than my poor, pasty, pale, white, winter skin!  Juicy Skin Care says its best used after sun, it gives you that nice golden skin glow.

I'm sure this would look like a beautiful golden skin glow when my skin is tan and not pasty! BUT, I will start getting my indoor tanning on March 1st preparing for that summer season and I am stoked to use this.  I love the beautiful golden sparkle it leaves. It leaves a smooth finish and isn't sticky, oily or greasy.  It's like it isn't even there.  Despite the fact that it comes out brown, it doesn't really add any color, toner to my skin color which is nice so no worrying about making sure you got an even finish!

Should I even mention the amazing smell!? It's sweet and almost fruity.  It's absolutely delectable! This also contains Vitamin B3 & Aloe Vera Gel which is why it is the perfect after sun lotion.  Plus who doesn't want that extra sparkle after the glow you already have after being in the sun!

I got this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

L&ZZ Women's Sexy High Waist Tight Net Pantyhose Stockings

L&ZZ Women's Sexy High Waist Tight Net Pantyhose Stocking get these on amazon!! 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NA0AYYS

Acrylic Paint Set by Eunectes

My step daughter is 12 and a budding artist.  I wish I had half her talent but I cannot even draw a stick figure.  Although my kids seem to get great pleasure out of watching me attempt to be an artist.  They like to give me something to draw and explain how to draw it and die in laughter when it turns out horrible.  I'm glad I'm a good sport.  Sigh.

I haven't painted with acrylics since I attempted an art class in college.  What painting and drawing has to do with photography is still beyond me, but I'm sure my art teacher got some good laughs at my renditions of inanimate objects we had to recreate on paper. It's been a good 15 years since I picked up a paint brush but I'm really looking forward to trying these myself.

My kids did use these briefly while they created their Valentine's boxes for school.  Unfortunately, I was out of town and didn't get any pictures of them using these! However, they colors are vibrant and not clumpy.  I had them water them down so they weren't so thick.  Acrylics are nothing like the paints they are accustomed to painting with and without me being there, I wanted them to be able to do this on their own.

You can find this exact paint set on amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b01m1sfph0

I received this product in exchange for my honest opinion.

Core Fitness Zone - Resistance Band Set

Core Fitness Zone's Resistance Bands Tube Set is a great starting point for anyone looking to add a fitness routine to their daily life or to supplement their workouts, or even adding the option of an at home workout that requires little space.

Upon opening the package you see that everything is contained in a carrying bag.  This bag is great, even after many uses I am able to get everything back into the bag.  It makes storage and travelling with the Resistance Bands a breeze.

Inside the bag are 5 resistance bands - ranging from 2-4lbs up to 25-30lbs.  They are also stackable and have a carabiner at the end of each band for easy assembly/disassembly.

Along with the bands are the standard handles that are on the end of most resistance bands.  There is one ankle cuff and 2 foot cuffs.  There is also an anchor attachment.  Using the anchor attachment needs to be done safely.  Which means you put it on the side of the door that closes to avoid it flying off and injuring yourself  (do not attach to the side that it opens up into).  It also should be used on a door that somebody won't open, a control measure such as using a closet door, or a door that you can lock would be a safer option.  If those aren't available a tag or sign that hands off the anchor strap that could deter someone from opening the door would be beneficial!

The E-book that comes with this product offers great information for someone who is starting out and looking to start a workout regimen.  It not only gives pictures that demo the exercises but it breaks it down and goes over a plan that could be used.

This is a great gift and could be used for the young or the elderly! A versatile gift for the whole family! Order yours here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F7UQL28


* I received this product for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my honest opinion.

LTC-50 USB Rechargeable 800 Lumen LED Bike Headlight -Taillight Set

What I love about the LTC-50 USB Rechargeable 800 Lumen LED Bike Headlight -Taillight Set is that for $39.99 you can get a 800 Luemen LED rechargeable headlight and a taillight.  The taillight runs on batteries, but I would love it if were rechargeable, too! The taillight runs on 2xCR2032 and I'm not sure how long those bad boys will last but hopefully a while because those can run about $6-$12 for a pack of 2 depending on the brand.  The good news is for the price Lumintrail sales a taillight for $12 that includes batteries, see my point, sometimes battery purchases aren't always necessary!

My schedule has been crazy lately but I am hoping to get out with my bike this weekend, weather permitting to try out this light!

I do not like the way it semi-permanently attaches to the bike. I like the quick install and uninstalls.

I received this product for free or at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest opinion.

STAR Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

Let me paint you a picture.  You've been up since 3am and it's somewhere close to 10pm and you may have fallen asleep on the couch and you've zombie walked down into the basement, found your way to the bed without stubbing your toe or running into a wall and your husband says "Did you check the bed for spiders?" REALLY!? That's an every night occurrence in my house.  Never in my life have I had to unmake my bed to check for spiders before getting into bed until I married this man. So, I've placed a STAR Ultrasonic Pest Repeller in the outlet near our bed.

So, while I've never seen any spiders under our blankets, the idea that my husbands fear of spiders could possibly be laid to rest just a little bit is a great peace of mind for me.  I don't like spiders but nothing is going to stop those creepy things from attacking while sleeping, never-mind the fact that I checked before going to bed.  How many spiders do they say we swallow in our sleep!?

So far so good, we are just getting into that spring warm up (In February, in Kansas, UGH!) and mice usually come out too and again, nothing.  We usually have a HUGE ant problem from early spring until late fall and so I've placed the 2nd STAR Ultrasonic Pest Repeller near the kitchen window, which is where the ants always come in.  No amount of pest control has managed to keep those little ants away over the years so I'm hoping that we can combat them in another way! Here's to hoping!!

 

 

I received this product for free or at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest opinion.

Layzie Gear

Layzie Bone, member of the Best Selling Hip Hop Group Bone Thugs n Harmony has launched his own clothing collection at Layziegear.com.  Head on over the Layziegear.com to find hats, t-shirts, accessories and mix tapes.

Check out my Bone Thugs n Harmony hat with the classic logo! This has takes me back to the 1990's!

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

Zahler Prenatal DHA Multivitamin

Did you know that you didn't have to be pregnant to benefit from prenatal multivitamins? In fact they're one of the best one women can take.  The benefits to any woman especially with the Biotin, Vitamin B, calcium and Iron that is super helpful in aiding in hair growth! Prenatal vitamins also contain Folic Acid (this one has Folate) and Calcium which are something that aren't found in a standard multivitamin.

Along with the basics behind a prenatal, the Zahler Prenatal also contains DHA which is omega 3's and are essential in the brain development, bone, vision etc in the unborn child.  However, DHA is good for all adults for optimal brain function.  DHA is the most abundant of Omega 3's!

I've been taking the Zahler Prenatal DHA Multivitamins in place of my regular prenatal multivitamins for a little over a week now and I have seen some amazing changes in my hair, skin and nails.  With it being cold and flu season and as sick as I've been, its essential to make sure you're getting everything your body needs to stay healthy.

Just take 1 Zahler Prenatal DHA 2x a day, with a meal and it's that simple! I take mine with breakfast and lunch.

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

Q-Band Fitness Band

I have been one of those people who stand up in protest against the fitness trackers in the world.  I always felt if you needed a watch to tell you to be active you needed to get your priorities straight.  I am a very active person so getting to try out the Q-Band has been fun!  To be honest, I was skeptical at first with my bad attitude but I have completely changed after wearing this for the last week.

The Q-Band does so much more than just track your steps, functions I didn't even bother with because my phone was dying a slow horrible death and I couldn't sync the Q-Band to it because my phone wouldn't hold a charge... But, ALAS, I have a new phone now.  So with the Q-Band, you can get your calls, texts and app notifications on the go, so you always have them with you.  Once I can figure out how to get the app to sync with my new phone and my iPad I will try this feature out.

Ok so the obvious feature: step counter.  Seems to be fairly accurate.  My son says if I wear it on my right hand I would get more steps.  Cheater, now I know how he gets so many steps on his fitness band.  I work a desk job so it's been a nice challenge to myself and almost discouraging on Fridays when I don't teach spin class to see my numbers so low.  Speaking of spin class, since it will not register my steps while spinning, I attach my Q-Band to my cycle shoes and away we go! Some days I am not entirely sure it registers accurately when it comes to cycling but that's fine since it's a "step" counter not a "RPM" counter I expect it to be inaccurate.  I figure it's better than nothing.

My favorite feature is the silent alarm.  My husband just went to days and sometimes I have the habit of snoozing my 3am alarm and he's not all too happy about that when my alarm goes off 3-4 times at 3am.  The Q-Band doesn't let you snooze! It vibrates every 2 minutes until you get your booty out of bed! You can program 4 alarms and program them for certain days of the week.

There's also a nap function that you can set for a duration of time and the silent alarm will go off.  I have mine set for 30 minutes and it's perfect for those lunch time cat naps!

The Q-Band also measures the quality of sleep that you get.  It tells you when you were awake, the amount of light sleep, deep sleep and REM sleep that you got each night and it graphs it out hour by hour.  You can manually set it to sleep/wake or you can program it to sleep/wake at certain times.  It's been fun to see the sleep patterns that I have.

Battery life:  The Q-Band says you can use the fitness band for 10 days without charging it.  I am on day number 7 without charging it and I've been down 1 battery bar for the last day.  I plan on letting the charge wear down significantly to get a good feel for the true battery life on this.  After my initial battery test phase, I will begin to charge the Q-Band while I am showering.

I listed all the pro's so how about the con's, there are a few.
- Not water proof.  The band is sweat proof but cannot without the "jets" of water or being submerged.
- Cannot get it to sync with my New iPhone. (I'm trying to get that one figured out, but it should be simple)
- Switching between modes is difficult.  It sometimes won't move and it goes into whatever mode it gets stuck on which makes me very frustrated and is probably my biggest complaint!

All in all I love the Q-Band!


I received this product at a discounted rate in exchange for my unbiased and honest opinion.

Tools4Wisdom Yearly Planner

I'm a very busy person so have a planner is essential to my every day life, both at work and personal. What I love about the Tools4Wisdom planner is that I am able to plan out my monthly goals. I am able to keep my fitness and my professional life in sync and in one place. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HR8KFF2

Cheese Board Set by Great Beyond Creations

I'm loving this elegant Cheese Board Set by Great Beyond Creations it will be the talk of the evening for your next dinner party or girls night!

It's super high quality and it's shows! It would be a perfect gift for any cheese lovers, a bridal shower, a wedding gift or a birthday gift.  This gift box includes the following:

• cheese board

• set of four knives

• six display markers for labeling

• gold pen

• white chalk

Everything is heavy duty and made of high quality.  The cheese knives all feature ergonomic handles and the cheese board can be written on with the chalk.

I received this item at a discount but my opinions are never discounted, they are 100% my own and have not been influenced by the brand!

Pedi Roller Foot File Callus Remover Replacement Heads

If you have an Amope Pedi Perfect you know that refills aren't cheap!  In fact they are around $13-15 for 2!  I found a good replacement that seems to do the trick, the 5-pack replacement heads by Naturally 30!  It's 5 for the price of what your would get for 2 of the name brand.  They install just the same and I had no issues using them.

(I received these at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest opinion. My opinions have not been influenced by the brand)

USB-Powered Heated Cushion

I've been thankful for this USB-Powered Heated Cushion today.  After taking a week off spin class my glutes and hamstrings are so sore and this heated cushion has done the trick today.  My muscles are much more relaxed.

The cord is about 3 foot long and has a USB plug, it can be plugged into to an adapter, battery pack, car charger, or USB connection on your computer/laptop.  The versatility is great.

What I hate is that the cord is in the front so I am always getting my legs caught on it when I'm getting up or getting tripped up in it.  I'm not sure if it would be better/worse if it were in the back, but perhaps the side would be a better option.

After plugging it in, it heats up in about 3 minutes and doesn't feel that warm to the touch but after sitting on it, it really feels warm and cozy! It could be a great alternative to heated seats in your car in the winter. Right!?

I received this product at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest opinion.  My opinions are 100% my own and have not been influenced by the brand.