vegan – Chocolate 'N Children

May 5, 2016

Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask – Review

The Roman Goddess of healing, Valentia, relied on nature’s gifts to heal the citizens of Umbria. Whether matriarchs seeking to maintain their youthful look or farmers seeking help for sun damaged skin, Valentia used berries, herbs, barks and other natural ingredients.

Just like their namesake, Valentia Skin Care products have been formulated with natural and organic cosmetic ingredients that will repair and protect the skin. Valentia products are Made in the USA, Vegan Friendly, Cruelty Free, and contain Natural and Organic Ingredients.

I received Valentia’s new Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask for free to review.

KEY INGREDIENTS

– Kaolin Clay: Clay minerals draw impurities, improve skin tone, and tighten pores for smoother firmer skin.

– Plant Stem Cells: Naturally decreases the level of pro-aging toxins and works to soother the skin, reduce redness, and improve evenness.

– Spirulina: A botanical stimulant full of vitamins that hydrates the skins surface and contributes to tissue regeneration of the skin.

– CoQ10: Lessens the appearance of wrinkles by reducing free radical damage and stimulating health collagen production.

– Hibiscus & Cranberry Fibers: Both lend their anti-aging properties to firm and reinforce the skin, helping to reduce the creation of new wrinkles.

I love this Clay Mask. It’s so refreshing. My skin feels smooth and refreshed after I use it. And it smells so good!

I put it on and left it on for 15 – 20 minutes. Then washed it off as the instructions specified. The results were great. The clay mask left my skin refreshed, smooth, and clear.

The Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask has a bit of texture to it. The instructions say to rub the mask on and then exfoliate when you rinse it off. This didn’t work really well for me. It was difficult to exfoliate and rinse the mask off with a washcloth at the same time. It worked way better to use a circular motion to rub the mask on and basically exfoliate at the same time. And then just rinse off when the mask set time was over.

My most important test for a good mask is whether or not my face breaks out the next day. I did not have any trouble with my skin the next day, my face was still refreshed and clear.

To keep up with Valentia’s Newest products you can follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

I received this product free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.

April 14, 2016

Plant Powered “Non-Prescriptions” for Eczema, Psoriasis, and Scalp Issues

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Thanks to derma e, I received all of these product for free for purposes of my review.

If you’re living with eczema or psoriasis, you know how painful, frustrating, and even embarrassing it can be. Recurring patches of dry, red, itchy, flaky, irritated skin can make you want to hide.

You may have turned to prescription treatments or over-the-counter products only to be dissatisfied with the results, or the fact that they contain ingredients like steroids, coal tars or pine tars. The good news is that derma e has formulated something incredibly effective, and so safe that the entire family could use it.

derma e Psorzema® Crème is made with a safe and effective blend of herbal extracts and skin vitamins such as Neem, Burdock, Bearberry, Vitamins A and E to help soften and soothe dry, irritated, scaling skin. It’s natural blend of ingredients help reduce redness and encourage healthy looking skin without the use of steroids, coal tar or pine tar.

Family owned and operated for over 30 years, derma e has pioneered the development of vitamin-rich, high-performance antioxidant skincare solutions. The award-winning line features doctor-developed, consumer-tested and clinically-tested face care, body care and treatment products that are free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and petrolatum. Every formula is cruelty-free, gluten-free and 100 percent vegan. Manufacturing and operations are offset 100 percent by wind power. derma e can be found in over 16,500 retail outlets across the U.S. such as Whole Foods Markets, ULTA Beauty, CVS and more!

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My kids have sensitive skin. My oldest is sensitive to scents and dyes so we were already using the free and clear laundry products by the time my little guy came along. He’s sensitive too, but since I’ve already cut most scents and dyes out of the kids skincare sensitivity wasn’t my problem with him.

Dry skin was a problem. Not all over, but little patches of dry skin around his knees, elbows, and legs. And dandruff in his hair. At his 1yr checkup my dr suggested that I use cortizone on him for a week to clear up his dry skin. It did a great job of clearing up his skin problem, but I truly hate using something with a steroid in it every month or so on my child’s skin. It just can’t be good for him. I’m supposed to use an anti dandruff shampoo on him as well but I can’t stand the smell of it and it really stings his eyes if the soap gets in his eyes when I’m rinsing his hair – and, there’s no 100% effective method for keeping all soap out of a wiggly toddler’s face when you’re washing his hair. So, I’m constantly on the lookout for safer products for my child.

I was super excited to try out this new Psorzema Creme. Something to help my child’s skin that doesn’t have steroids in it. Plus it’s natural, gentle, dye and scent free, and affordable. At $20 for a 4oz container on their website, it’s worth it to keep my child’s skin moisturized without steroids.

I got to try out the Scalp Relief Shampoo and Conditioner, the Body Wash, and the Psorzema Creme. I’m so pleased with all of these products! The Scalp Relief shampoo and conditioner really did help my child’s dandruff – and without the nasty smell of the anti-dandruff shampoos. The body wash was gentle and non-irritating to his skin. And best of all, the Psorzema Creme is just wonderful. It hydrated and softened his skin and all those little dry spots, that appear every time the seasons change, were gone after just a couple days of using the Creme. I couldn’t be happier.

I was already starting my annual spring hunt for a product that will keep his skin moisturized all summer. Because, once summer arrives and we’re swimming or in the sprinkler most days, it’s next to impossible to catch up if his skin gets too dry. I’ve found what I was looking for! The Psorzema Creme is so perfect for his skin, and it moisturizes so quickly and effectively, I’m going to be able to easily keep his skin moisturized all summer long. And I’ll definitely be purchasing more of this once my free product runs out.

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If you suffer with Eczema or Psoriasis, or just have dry or irritate skin, this is an awesome product that is really working well for my family.

Free sample!
As a special bonus for my readers. derma e is giving away samples of their Psorzema Creme to the first 10 readers who request a sample. You can go to their form here and request your free sample. And after you’ve tried it, I’d love to here in the comments what you think!

I received this product free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.

April 6, 2016April 9, 2016

Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum – Review

Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum – A potent and luxurious lactic acid serum that supports natural circulation for an all over youthful and refreshed complexion.

This Revitalizing Serum Will:
– Renew texture & tone
– Deeply moisturize
– Minimize fine lines
– Increase elasticity
– Brighten & Plumbs Fine Lines
– Evens Hyperpigmentation

All Valentia products are made with Natural & Organic Ingredients. They are specially selected to work together to achieve optimum results.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

– Wakame Bioferment (Seaweed): Increases skin oxygen consumption to detoxify and boost antioxidant defense.

– Gotu Kola: Lessens the appearance of scars and increases skin firmness.

– Lactic Acid: A natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that increases skin cell turnover, for healthier renewed skin.

– Licorice: Lightens unwanted pigmentation and corrects skin discoloration.

– Argan Oil: Naturally rich in Vitamin E, this oil reduced water loss and protects skin’s resiliency and elasticity.

I followed the directions and applied this product in the evening.

Wash and dry face
Apply Serum
Let serum dry (doesn’t take long)
Use your favorite nighttime creme or lotion

Super easy. This serum does a great job of toning and moisturizing my face. And applying it right before my moisturizer helps my skin absorb more moisture.

Some nighttime products leave my skin feeling greasy in the morning, but this Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum was not a problem. In fact, my skin feels more moisturized and less greasy when I use this with my favorite nighttime moisturizer than it does if I use just the moisturizer without this serum.

The bottle has a pump that is easy to use and I love how the bottle is just the right size for storing in my bathroom cabinet.

I also love that this product is cruelty free, made in the USA, and includes organic and natural ingredients. Makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my skin.

Check out more Valentia products on their website, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates and tips.

I received this product free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.

March 4, 2016April 9, 2016

Pure Goodness Protein Powder – Review

About the Product

New Pure Goodness Proteins are made from a powerful plant-based formula that contains 15 grams of plant based protein per serving and all amino acids essential for human dietary needs.

Pure Goodness products are Non-GMO verified, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, 100% Vegan and Paleo Friendly!

They have two different variations, Hemp Seed Protein and Pumpkin Seed Protein which are available in three different flavors, Unflavoured, Chocolate and Vanilla.

All seeds are gently cold pressed and minimally processed to ensure maximum nutrient preservation and digestibility.

Pure Goodness also believes in taking care of each other. This is why they give back, by donating 1% of sales to help provide nutritious food to communities in need across the US!

Aside from my pink backpack, which is awesome on the go. I also like to bring along my favorite shaker bottle with Pure Goodness Hemp Seed Protein. If I’m not going to be drinking it right away, I just carry it with the powder in it and then add water from a water fountain or water bottle when I’m ready to drink.

I received the Hemp Seed Protein, Chocolate Protein Powder to review. It has 4 ingredients! Hemp seed protein, fair trade cocoa powder, natural chocolate flavor, stevia leaf extract. For more nutritional info, check out the Pure Goodness website.

This Pure Goodness Hemp Seed Protein is awesome for taking with me to so many places! When I’m teaching, it’s great to sip on during the day or drink all at once at snack time. When it’s a busy day and I’m on the go, it’s great for having along for a mid-morning energy boost, or a tide-over until lunch. Days when I’m home and getting caught up on the housework it great for a mid-afternoon snack. And it makes a great post-workout drink. So many times throughout my week that a little extra protein is so helpful – and by little, I mean 15 grams.

I prefer it mixed in milk. The flavor is great (even in just water) but I’ve never been really good with the gritty texture of a protein drink and milk is a bit thicker than water so it masks the grit just a bit. Just heat up a cup of milk, add the powder, mix, and you have a Protein Hot Chocolate! Perfect for an afternoon snack or pick-me-up at home.

If you prefer to mix your protein powder with water, you’ll still like this product. It does mix in quite well. No chunks. It doesn’t settle too badly, but I do still shake my drink up every so often just in case.

What I like best is the taste. Because there’s so few ingredients, I don’t have to taste a bunch of added vitamins and such, it’s just whatever is naturally occurring in hemp seed, cocoa, chocolate flavor, and stevia. Really, with all that cocoa, it’s the best protein powder I’ve ever had in milk. So chocolaty! I can definitely taste the sweetness of the stevia, but I don’t eat a lot of foods with stevia in it so I tend to notice it when it’s there. It’s not a bad taste just a tad sweeter – in my opinion – than cane sugar.

This is a great protein powder, it tastes great, and mixes well.

Check out Pure Goodness on Social Media!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

I received this product free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.

March 25, 2015April 9, 2016

Artisana Organics Review

A big thanks to Artisana Organics for the free products to try and review! All opinions are my own.

They sent me Coconut Oil, Coconut Cacao Bliss Spread, and a variety of Squeeze Packs.

I was a bit skeptical about the squeeze packs actually tasting good. They’re made out of just the nuts without anything added. I was pleasantly surprised. They taste great. The Pecan Butter and the Coconut Butter were my favorites. Cashew and Walnut weren’t bad, but they’re not my favorite nuts so I didn’t enjoy them quite as much as the others.

These are made from organic nuts and there’s no added sugars, so you can feel good about your tasty snack! These are the perfect size for an afternoon pick-me up or on the go.

The Coconut Cacao Bliss Spread was my favorite item! This stuff is awesome!

The ingredient list is so simple! “Organic Raw Coconut Butter, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Agave Syrup, Organic Cacao, Organic Cacao Butter”. Also it’s certified organic, vegan, and raw. I’m all about knowing what I’m eating, so I feel good about eating this.

I tried it a few different ways. On crackers, on bread, warmed with strawberries and just eating it with a spoon(my favorite). This would also be an awesome addition to a smoothie or milkshake.

I had it sitting out on my counter and kept just grabbing a spoon and eating a bite, it’s so delicious!

It’s a bit thicker than peanut butter. I tried it on bread but it’s too thick to spread. So, no chocolate sandwiches for me :(. It works pretty well on toast though, because the heat softens it and it spreads pretty well this way.

If you don’t like coconut, they have 4 different kids of chocolate spreads. You’re sure to find one you love!

And then the Coconut Oil. I haven’t used a coconut oil in a while so I’d forgotten how much I like it. All it has is coconut oil. Nothing else.

You can use it as a lotion or a hair treatment, but I prefer to cook with it. I love the flavor it gives to popcorn! I just do mine on the stove, put some coconut oil in a pan, heat, add popcorn kernels, put the lid on the pan, and wait for the popping to stop. I added some salt after I finished popping and it was delicious!

I also used it as a replacement for oil in other recipes. It’s delicious in brownies (the extra coconut flavor with the chocolate is awesome!). And then I used it to sauté some carrots. I was surprised by the results. Coconut oil fries up differently so I ended up with carrot fries. Which were so tasty! I’m definitely making these again!

Carrot Fries:

1 Tsp Artisana Organics Raw Coconut Oil

5 carrots peeled, cut in half, and sliced in 4ths (to make the fry shape)

Salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a skillet over medium heat. Fry until carrots are soft and golden brown on the outside. Stir often. Add another tsp of coconut oil if needed to keep fries from sticking.

They don’t sell the products on their site, but you can purchase them from several online retailers, including Amazon.