Thursday, September 4, 2014

Immune Support Supplement Reviews



Emergen-C Immune + Citrus

First off, I enjoy Emergen-C and have used it in the past. I have at least tried every flavor and I tend to use it to prevent illness. At the onset of any kind of sickness, I drink 2-4 packets a day.

I almost never get sick; I am a healthy, active 23-year-old. Whenever I'm feeling slightly under the weather, I take one pack in the morning, one in the evening, and by the next day, I feel much better. I may not be back to 100% functionality but it's much better! I recommend you try the Emergen-C! It tastes good and it's fizzy too (my personal preference in drink).  

Emergen-C 1,000 MG Vitiman C

I hate having a cold, and when I get one, I need to get over it. At the first sign of a cold, or anything really, I start taking Emergen-C and can usually shorten the length

of the cold, get better quick, plus I know it's a great source of vitamin c. Emergen-C is a simple and cheap way to keep myself in good health. I take at the first onset so I won't get sicker during those cold and flu seasons of year.

On top of helping recover from any illness, Emergen-C is also great for everyday use. It gives me energy and boosts my immunity so I don't get sick. I don't always have time for healthy eating, so with this supplement I feel like I'm giving my body the necessary vitamins to function properly, without feeling fatigued a couple hours later like with coffee. When on the go, I stick a few packets in my purse whenever I need an extra boost. On the plus side, this tastes amazing.

Airborne Everyday Chewable Tablets

I also love Airborne. It has saved me from catching a nasty stomach flu and stopped several illnesses in its tracks before it got worse. There is no scientific proof that it works, but for me, I take it the minute I start feeling ill.

This product, however, is meant to be taken every day. I'm not sure if taking an excessive amount of Vitamin C is such a great idea, though I know lots of people do. But we're talking eight times the recommended daily dosage and though it passes out of the body, I don't feel entirely comfortable taking it every day when I'm feeling healthy. 

Because its main ingredient is Vitamin C, Airborne Everyday cuts back on other vitamins. It has only 40% of your daily recommended Vitamin A; Vitamin B6 is 65%; Biotin is 10%; Pantothenic acid (as calcium pantothenate) is 50%. On the plus side, it does have vitamins that others may not, for example Magnesium (5%), more of zinc (53%), selenium and Managanese. How will this affect your health? I'm not a doctor, so I can't say for sure. But I felt this difference was important to point out.

Secondly, the two chewable tablets did leave some trace of chalkiness, which sent me into a coughing fit when I drank something afterward. Also, the berry flavor was too sweet. If I were to buy this again, I'd get the orange flavor. But this a personal preference.

In sum, I like Airborne and will continue taking it before going on a trip or whenever I feel an illness coming on, but it won’t be an everyday staple for me.

All in all, taking immune support supplements can be helpful in preventing illness and helping you recover from one. In my opinion, you need to find what works for you and be sure to try each flavor before making your mind up on a specific supplement. I don't have a personal favorite and I tend to have a lot of theses types of supplements in my apartment, but don't take my word on it, try them yourself!




Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Skintimate® Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel Sampling


My Instagram
Just the other day I received a sample of Skintimate® Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel from Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site. These samples were given to me for free so that I might review them the opinions I share here are 100% my own.

I was really excited to receive this sample and share opportunity and my legs rejoiced from the added moisture and glorious scent.

How did shaving the legs get such a bad rap for being a monotonous and loathed chore? Think of the reason why you’d shave:
  • Going on a weekend trip at a hotel with a pool, better shave the legs
  • Spring break and that vacation is around the corner, better shave the legs
  • Summer is here – break out the shorts, flip-flops and razor
  • Going on a date, better shave your legs

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Truth is, we very much look forward to all these events. So shaving the legs is a good sign my friends! Hooray, shave those legs! 

My Instagram
I actually just got back from my summer vacation and when I got back, there was my sample of Skintimate® Mandarin Burst. What perfect timing for Skintimate® Signature Scents to add a new scent to its already exciting shave gel lineup! Mandarin Burst! This new shave gel has revitalizing moisturizers, vitamins and olive butter, to protect and nourish your skin.  

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Now, usually I use body wash and a shower puff to shave. In fact it has been a very long time since I have used shaving gel and after this sampling, I realized I missing out! First off the smell is to die for! I think that this shaving gel would be perfect for the winter because even though the weather is cold outside you can escape to a tropical paradise in your shower.

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Featuring the refreshing citrusy fragrance of mandarin oranges, lemons and limes, Skintimate® Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel provides a combination of aromatic scent and moisturizing properties perfect for warming and smoothing that rough ‘winter skin’.

Containing six moisturizers including antioxidant Vitamin E and Olive Butter, Mandarin Burst will not only provide you with a smooth refreshing shave, but will also help replenish your skin’s natural moisture and will help maintain healthy and beautiful skin with its gel turning lather.

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The first thing I noticed when I opened the package was the bottle, love the colors! They made summer feel more like summer. Even the gel is colorful! Pink! Love it! I could instantly smell the citrus, grapefruit! It was very invigorating. Though I'm an evening showerer, I'm sure that this scent would be great for morning showers, helping you to wake up.

My Instagram
The gel lathers beautifully and a little goes a long way. The razor glide over your skin and there is little to no chance of nicking yourself. I found my legs to be very moisturized afterwards and did not even need the usual gobs of lotion! I would highly recommend this product and I will for sure be using it from now on!   

I say that we give shaving a break and embrace all the reasons why we do it. If only to have silky smooth and nourished skin again? Finally!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Monday, September 1, 2014

LISTERINE® Naturals Antiseptic Mouthwash Sampling


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Last week I received a sample of LISTERINE® Naturals Antiseptic Mouthwash from Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site. These samples were given to me for free so that I might review them the opinions I share here are 100% my own.

I was really excited to receive this sample and share opportunity because LISTERINE® is already a brand that I trust, use regularly, and enjoy, so why not create more buzz for this great brand?

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I'd like to start off this review by saying, just because it's natural & clear, don't think that this mouthwash is going to be anything similar to mild. It's not mild. It's just a tiny bit less aggressive than original LISTERINE®, but has more of an herbal taste than the somewhat chemical flavor of original LISTERINE® (or other options.) The first use was a shock to me and the aftertaste left by the stevia did not help at all.

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The taste is strong and might even strike you as medicine-like the first time you use it. My second time I was prepared and quite enjoyed it. If you like the bite of regular LISTERINE®, this may make you just as happy. The taste was not sweet, and not a strong mint flavor. It was quite aggressive none the less.

I'm always a supporter of going with less chemicals if the performance is equal or very similar. In this case, the performance was on par with chemical mouthwash but the after taste was different than the chemical version than I'm used to. The aftertaste doesn't really make me want to buy it after this sampling but the fact that it is natural does make me want to use it more. The best part is that I wouldn't hesitate to use this and have breakfast soon after-- something I always avoid with chemical mouthwashes.

My Instagram
My Instagram

If you are interested in this alternative because it has fewer chemicals, I would encourage you to try it! But don't try it if you assume by the natural/clear appearance that it is lighter or more mild in any way. It definitely is not. But the flavor is still nice.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Viva® Vantage Choose-A-Size

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I LOVE the new Viva Vantage paper towels! I received the paper towels as part of a Crowdtap sample and share a few months back and they are all I have used since! They have ridges that really make them tough towels, they don't fall apart after rinsing, scrubbing, and wringing them out. They're even absorbent! Even after cleaning some tough stuck on gunk in baking pans of mine, the towels were no where near giving up. As an added bonus, Viva Vantage paper towels are very affordable and not stiff to the touch, though I would not recommend using them to clean your face thoroughly.

These samples were given to me for free so that I might review them the opinions I share here are 100% my own.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.   

Friday, August 8, 2014

Suave Professional Natural Infusion with Awapuhi Ginger and Honeysuckle - For Damaged Hair

I recently received a sample of Suave Natural Infusion with Awapuhi Ginger and Honeysuckle shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in cream. I did not receive full sized products, only a one time use for each product.

Photo Credit Suave
Suave Professionals Natural Infusion Awapuhi Ginger and Honeysuckle is a basic Suave product. I'm not sure if Honeysuckle improves hair texture, or if Awapuhi Ginger makes hair it stronger or healthier. Most likely not, but they do give the shampoo a pleasant smell, ginger spiciness blended with honeysuckle sweetness.

Because I haven't been able to use the product for a long time, I'll just give my first impression of each product that I sampled.

Anti-Breakage Shampoo - $ ($2.88 at Walmart)
(image: mid-ground, left) 
This isn't a volumizing shampoo. Most volumizing shampoos contain wheat protein or some other ingredient that adheres to hair and gives it bulk. And as far as healing damaged ends is concerned, as far as I know, you need to repair damaged keratin with a keratin-bonding agent...usually more keratin. Both claims seem a little off the mark. But Suave Professionals does get rid of the many products that I add to my hair on a daily basis. That alone gives hair a little loft so it appears a little more voluminous. And it's not harsh, so hair isn't just a bunch of flyaways and the damage is not exacerbated. The shampoo doesn't get to lather much and again, leaves your hair feeling clean and light. Hair is not hard to manage after use, so while not a healer, it does sort of deal with the split ends. It does a good job. Other products might do a better one, but for the price, I give it: ☆☆☆☆

Anti-Breakage Conditioner  - $ ($2.88 at Walmart)
(image: background middle) 
This would most likely be an excellent conditioner for fine, straight hair, very much unlike mine. My thick hair was not provided with enough moisture and there was not enough conditioner to really work through my hair entirely, leaving me with a tangled mess to deal with when I left the shower. I left the conditioner in my hair for the recommended 1-3 minutes and still, the tangles were barely manageable. The fragrance was still just as enjoyable as the shampoos, a delicate floral scent with just a hint of spice. If you have fine, straight hair that needs repair, this might be a good option, for me, it's a: ☆☆

Strengthening Light Leave-in Cream - $$ ($4.98 at Walmart)
(image: foreground, right)
Again, this product had an amazing scent, a soft, subtle, natural scent. The directions say to apply this product to damp hair and work from roots to ends through hair, combing to distribute. The consistency of the product is smooth and creamy and thinner than I had expected it to be. It goes on light and does not weigh your hair down at all. I wasn't sure if I should use my normal styling products in conjunction with it, but with work the next morning, I didn't want to take a chance of not looking my best so I used all my products with this one first. My hair is the softest it has most likely ever been! This is already on my shopping list and I am buying it when I go out tonight! If you couldn't tell, I give it a: ☆☆☆☆☆

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Movie Screening



Photo from gofobo.com

Director Jonathan Liebesman's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is not as terrible as one might have expected. But in the sense of bringing back memories to this 90s child, this movie is the best so far this year. 

The film does suffer because of the comic book-based elements that inevitably must be grounded in the 'real world' with, at times too much backstory. From main character and our eyes into the lives of the Turtles, April O'Neil (Megan Fox.)

O’Neil, a struggling news reporter seeking to make her bones on a story about the FOOT Clan. In doing so, she encounters the Turtles and befriends them, realizing that she -- and her scientist father -- had a hand in their origin. 

Through a series of confusingly-written scenes that burden us with too much backstory, we learn that the Ninja Turtles were her pets as a young child, and that her father was shot and killed by the villainous Eric Sachs (William Fichtner). The movie is obsessed with explaining how things work in a world dominated by sentient, talking turtles trained in the art of karate. 

From here, the movie auto-pilots its way through weightless, logic-less CG set pieces as Sachs and his Master, Shredder, scheme to unleash a deadly pathogen into New York City, one which Sachs will make money on by providing the government with a cure -- which he'll derive somehow from the Turtles' blood. Given the obsession of explaining the science, I was relieved with the lack of information provided here.

When the Turtles plays the nostalgia card it happens without being forced, which is refreshing. Fans will be pleased to finally see their beloved characters cut loose in action scenes, in ways that enjoyably harken back to the animated series. 

Megan Fox arguably gives her best performance in a summer tentpole to date, but she's still unable to quite nail the deadpan humor the character is often required to deliver. Her dream to be taken seriously as a journalist, which she announces repeatedly, is dropped in favor of an unconvincing and un-earned goal of accepting the turtles as her brothers.