Showing posts with label Organic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Organic. Show all posts

Thursday, May 17, 2018

prAna Organic Active Wear + 15% Discount Code

I come to you with a premise, and it is this: If you are wearing clothing that is at one with what you are doing and at one with the earth, amazing experiences can happen! This is what happened to me when I wore my prAna 100% organic cotton pants for the first time!

As many of you know, I work in a Middle School and it requires less than business casual. It results in a more utilitarian, casual kind of look. I'm so OK with that, and my look has evolved into just that for everyday! But I still want to look nice and I definitely want to be comfortable! I put on these awesome prAna Shala pants and the day went amazing! I didn't do anything different other than wear these great pants, so that's why I know it was these pants! They are so comfortable. They feel like brushed velvet, only breathable!

Anyway, the day was just so easy and I felt more of a reserve of energy than I usually do. Well, that was great! Right after work, I headed over to one of my all-time favorite spots, 'This Is The Place Heritage Park', where there is always something fun going on, yet plenty of space to just walk and see beautiful things. It happens to be Baby Animal Season and so I wanted to see those cute animals before they get too big! 

It was so beautiful there. May is the most gorgeous time of the year for me! There were quite a few little baby critters running around, but I was enchanted by the goats, and one in particular which seemed to be so calm and easily entreated by the likes of me. I sidled up to it and put out my hand. 
I was provided product to facilitate an honest and fair review. Affiliate and non-affiliate links may be present for reference purposes. Thank you for your support!
 At first it seemed oblivious to me, but then as I talked, slowly and non-nonchalantly, getting closer with my hand still outstretched, it took the bait, which turned out to be no bait at all. Perhaps it thought I was going to offer it a nice morsel of goat food (What do goats eat? I'm not sure, except maybe the labels off soup cans...). I had nothing to offer, which it soon found out. 
 I was hoping its mood wouldn't turn sour. I wanted to avoid being gored at all costs! But it stayed sweet and simply turned towards the camera and gave a sweet little goat pose before setting off to find more tasty and interesting pursuits. 
That might not seem like the most exciting and fun thing that has ever happened to you, but I just loved the feeling of nature, and peace with the earth, and friendship between human and animal. 
This spring and summer I'll be wearing more comfy and cute clothing from prAna, that are great for every kind of adventure because when I'm hiking or working with the kiddos, I want comfy clothes that allow me to move freely. That is what I get with prAna. 
I was interested to learn that organic cotton uses 71% less water than conventionally grown cotton! And organic cotton doesn't pollute the water it does use with toxic chemicals. So important! Just remembering to buy an organic cotton shirt when you need a shirt would be a huge contribution! There is something about wearing organic materials. They make me feel like I'm in tune with the earth and that I'm keeping its interests at heart. It's a good way to feel!

Make sure to check out prAna online and get 15% off all purchases using this code: TRGAS18



Sunday, June 8, 2014

High-End Natural Skin Solutions At Factory Direct Prices - RainShadow Labs




Are you someone who loves high end natural beauty products? 

Do you use products from a company that promotes green products? Chances are those products have been made by an outside manufacturing source, packaged and then used by that company. Rainshadow Labs has been manufacturing beauty products with natural ingredients for companies since 1983. They are based in Oregon! 
 I’m glad I found out about them because I can have their base products delivered to me for so much less than I would pay for a brand name product. Chances are that the brand name product probably has been formulated and manufactured by them anyway, but packaged and marked up in price considerably. I was given their Eyebright Gel to try out. 

When it came to my door, there was no fluff. It came in a simple 36 oz. amber jar and I was actually a little confused. Normally products come in attractive packaging and with some brochures or fliers telling you just how wonderful the product and company is. Nothing of the sort with this delivery. Just a plain amber jar. Nothing else.

 I opened it and took a whiff. It smelled like fresh cucumber! I put some on my face and it was a gel that felt very cool and refreshing. I put some on my neck and I was pretty impressed. My neck actually looked better. This was pretty impactful, especially since this is made with 75% organic materials.
    I even had my husband try it.  A 36 oz. jar of gel can go quite a long way, so I have recruited him to start taking care of his skin. He hasn’t been one to do that and I think it’s high time he starts paying attention to his own skin. So he does use it and he does it willingly, which is a nice surprise. He really likes the cool feel of it and the fresh and pure smell, just like I do. 

    A couple of small things I noticed about the gel:  When you put it on and it has been on for a few seconds, it will feel slightly sticky until it absorbs, which takes a couple of minutes. Because this is made of raw ingredients, it is best to keep it in a cool and dry place. I actually keep it in the refrigerator. In the winter, that would be too cold for me, so I would find a place where the heat isn’t directly on it.  The ideal temperature for this product is 45 to 72 degrees.  
From their website,  I see that they have the most affordable, highest quality and most profoundly innovative lotions, gels, soaps, washes, body butters, serums, crèmes, scrubs, candles, and bath salts, using essential oils and organic active ingredients.  They do recommend you get a sample size before you buy larger sizes and they are very kind—the first 3 samples are free with just freight charges. Otherwise the samples are $3.95. 
   Here is a description of the Eyebright Gel: " This formula speaks to the deep and grounded evolution that Natural Skin Care Formulating has gone through in the last three decades in order to be able to deliver such a brilliant eye therapy product to you today. It is no exaggeration to say that this formula addresses every single eye area concern possible. Dark circles, wrinkles, sagging, puffing, loss of plump and firm, loss of tone and resilience....its all taken care of in this delicate and light gel. Do not be deceived by the elegant and refined nature of the look and feel of this formula. This product is NOT to be underestimated. From Plant Stem Cells to Multiple Complex Peptide blends....from botanically derived Hyaluronic Acid Spheres to fiber and cellular rebuilding Amino Acids.....collagen boosting and skin firming and wrinkle repairing ingredients are fully loaded into this genius formula. Use it daily. Use it ten times a day. You will be addicted!" 
Directions for Use: Dab around eyes, forehead and cheek area. Can be used as an all over face treatment. Safe to use morning and night. Can be used under makeup.

 Ingredients: This gel consists of 75% organic materials. 
 Eye Bright - enriched with sodium hyaluronate—a superior moisture magnet especially good for the naturally dry area around the eyes. Due to its astringent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it tightens and reduces puffiness. 
 Aloe - cooling, soothing and calming effect to the skin. It is antibacterial, antiseptic and has anti-fungal properties. It helps the skin to naturally heal. 
Natural Fragrance -  like fresh cucumber, very refreshing and result of the Cucumber Hydrosol. 
Jojoba Oil - contains almost all of the vitamins and minerals essential for healthy skin and hair: 
Vitamin E, B-complex, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and chromium. And it’s even gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin without causing allergic reactions. clears impurities that the oil extracts from the surface of your face and neck. It has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. 
Periwinkle – a known anti-inflamatory agent 
Licorice - Consistent use of licorice extract over time has been known to fade dark spots and blemishes, and lighten skin. Potent antioxidants in licorice extract fight skin-damaging free radicals. 
Reishi - contains ingredients that cause melanin suppression as well as other beneficial trace elements. These contents might help reduce the presence of and destruction caused by free radicals, promote cell regeneration to increase skin thickness and texture. 
 Also, Gotu Kola, Frankincense and Vitamin E are in this gel! 
   Another great thing about RainShadow Labs is that you can actually have them formulate a product to your own specifications.  For instance, if you are allergic to certain ingredients or plants, you can have your own product made up for you.  Or if you want to start your own business, with your own product, you can have RainShadow make it, manufacture it and package it.   It would have to be in a bulk size, however.  And you do pay for the lab formulation time.  
    I was really happy with what I found out about this lab in the moisture-drenched state of Oregon and want to continue using these products for a long time to come!

Thanks for visiting! This site accepts product samples and/or compensation. Affiliate links may be used to support this site. All text and opinion are 100% my own and are not swayed by any sponsor affiliation!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Sustainable and #Organic Surface Skin Giveaway

 Today I had a great bathing experience.  I used Surface Skin Care Body Wash and Body Lotion for the first time.  It is the introductory duo to the Surface Skin Care line.  They already have a well-established luxury hair line with the same philosophy as the Skin Line.


The Body Wash has a generous infusion of Poppy Seeds, used to gently exfoliate the skin without stripping it of moisture.  And it's quite fitting because it smells absolutely, deliciously, edible--almost like sweet poppy seed bread.  After the shower was done, I found myself foraging in the kitchen, wondering what I could find that would taste similar to what I had just showered with!  Lol!  

The Body Lotion was the same scent as the Body Wash and it had a thicker than average consistency.  My skin drank it up and it absorbed immediately, leaving smoothness and softness.  I'm kind of a lotion snob and don't use your average grocery store or mall lotions because of all the chemical ingredients.  This lotion was every bit my idea of what a lotion should be.  It was great.  And the scent lasted several hours beyond the shower.   And no, I never found anything that I felt would taste as good as these two products smell!  But the day isn't over and I just might head out to the bakery! 

 Using natural beautifying gifts from nature, Surface delivers an abundance of anti-aging, skin moisturizing, hydrating and renewing benefits for younger looking, smoother and vibrant skin from head to toe.  Surface Skin debuts with a body wash and lotion.   Many people are already familiar with Surface salon hair products and have greatly benefited from them.  Something really interesting to me is that Surface hair products are only available in independantly owned salons, not beauty retail stores, national chains or franchises.  So this is very exclusive stuff. 

What is in Surface Skin?  

Acai Berry - A super fruit containing the most powerful antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, essential amino and fatty acids.  It helps protect skin from environmental damage, while providing essential nourishment to improve the skin's elasticity.  Works to smooth lines, and help defend against premature aging.  

Blueberry -  High in Vitamin C and E, a natural source of Alpha Hydroxy to help make skin smoother and appear younger. Helps to brighten age spots and refine the skin to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Willow Bark - A natural source of salicylic acid, used to enhance skin cell turn over and smooth the skin.  Gentle and effective, making it ideal for even sensitive skin. 

Babassu Seed Oil - Popularly known as the "Tree of Life", Babassu Oil is used for its soothing, protective and emolliant properties.   It acts as a carrier to help support delivery of nutrients thus assisting and improving the delivery of other cosmetic actives in the formula.

Poppy Seed - For natural and gentle exfoliation, the Body Wash has this perfectly round and gentle-on-the-skin seed.  I can actually see it in the formula when I put some on my hand or my washcloth.  

Rated Vegan Quality - These products are all natural, with only plant extracts.  No animal protein or other unnatural ingredients are used.  All Surface Products are formulated with sustainable harvested ingredients and certified organic botanicals!

Surface Skin Care would like to introduce a GAL NEEDS...reader to a skincare duo, the Body Wash and the Body Lotion.  You're gonna like the way your skin feels!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, January 5, 2013

A Winter Nutrition Fact Check by a Nutritionist

I'm no nutritionist!  There is no R.D. beside my name, but that doesn't deter me from delving into the mysteries of nutrition and what it can and cannot do for the body.  I happen to believe that the most excellent nutrition is extremely hard to achieve and accomplished only with working extremely hard at it, maybe at the risk of neglecting other life experiences.  So I can only do the best  I can with the time I have and try to not hit myself over the head for imperfect nutritional days and weeks, even months.  

I find winter to be the hardest for me.  Right now, here in Utah we are in the single digits, which compared to some parts of the country is quite warm, I know.  But I'm not going out of my house or car unless it is above 30 degrees!  So exercise does suffer, as does nutrition.  I don't feel much like drinking cold smoothies, or salads, or anything refrigerated.  I feel like baked goods, soups, casseroles and hot cocoa!  I like to think that we have at least one characteristic in common with the grizzly bear--hibernation.  I wish that winter hibernation was as accepted as siestas are in Mexico.  In my world it would be totally acceptable to say, "I'm sorry, I can't be at work this next week because I'm in WHiM (Winter Hibernation Mode.)"  But alas, that isn't what our society does and so off I go at 7 am each morning to greet another chaotic day, without even a siesta.  


Here's the thing--I just read an article in BYU publication, 'The Real Woman' Magazine by BYU Professor, Susan Fullmer, PhD, RD, She had some interesting things to say about what is and isn't accepted as nutrtional fact.  She gave 10 nutritional myths.  Some of these myths were hard to distinguish from fact.  

For instance, People With Lower Body Weights tend to be more healthy.  Well, actually, no they don't tend to be.  As a matter of fact, several studies show that the people who live the longest and with the highest quality of life are the fat relatives of the slender people!  Generally speaking, those people who are considered to be overweight are living longer than thinner people.  I've always noticed that as soon as an elderly person starts to lose significant weight, severe health problems shortly ensue.  To me, having some meat on the bones serves as insurance for stressors inevitably showing up along the way. "Striving to maintain an unnaturally low body weight by under-eating, or over-exercising is associated with greater risks of osteoporosis, infertility, gastrointestinal disorders and poorer outcomes when experiencing major trauma or illness." -S. Fullmore, PhD, RD

Here's one that threw me--Organic foods are more nutritious and healthier than non-organically grown foods!  Not necessarily, according to Dr. Fullmer.  I only recently  begrudgingly got on the organic-is-better bandwagon because I hate paying so much more for it it's good for me.  Since Organic refers to how the plants are grown (pesticides, herbicides and GMO's)  versus what soil they are grown in, the nutritional content of the non-organically grown plant could be just the same, or better than the organic plant, just by virtue of the soil content.  The SOIL is what determines the nutrition of the plant!  So I suppose if you are not bothered by what residues from fertilizers might be on your vegetables (you can always rinse them and scrub them with a vegetable scrubber), non-organic might be the better route if you'd like to save some money.

And the last example here today is Fresh Fruits and Vegetables are nutritionally superior to frozen or canned.  Well, duh, of course they are, I said!  But silly, un-informed me!  By the time one buys fresh produce from the supermarket, it has probably been days since it was harvested, had to be sorted, packaged, transported, and then put onto shelves to wait until purchase. In the meantime, nutrients are decreasing each hour it is picked.  By contrast, produce is usually immediately canned or frozen after harvest, thus locking in much of the original nutrition! Now I can't use the old "there's no nutrition in that can of peas" excuse anymore.  (I hate canned peas and my husband likes them).

I guess that even this winter, as I try to hibernate and end up eating way too many carbs and sugar, I don't have to beat myself up as badly as I might.  I have a papered and certified nutritionist telling me that things aren't as bad as I thought!


DisclaimerNo compensation or promotional product was received for this post.  

 


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Nutorious Nuts and Ayala Herbal Water! #Giveaway

This is part of the Made In America Giveaway Event hosted by Woven By Words and Joy of Mama Joyner!  We've teamed up with over 40 other bloggers to bring you some great prizes, but best of all every.single.prize is made in the USA!  Not only will you be entering to win some amazing prizes, but you'll also become aware of how many American made products and companies are out there!  Let's all get educated on these awesome companies, and start supporting those who are committed to keeping Americans working!!

___________________________________________________________

There once was a gal named Helena
Who folks say was such a complain-ah.
She ate some nuts called Nutorious,
And washed them down with water called Ayala.
Then she took them to a party,
where they all then said, "She's such a play-ah!" 

Pardon the verse, but seriously these two items would be a fabulous addition to any party!  Even though these are two separate companies, they have a lot of  similarities.  They were both created by women, both companies are proudly made in the U.S. and both are winning awards for their great quality, taste and ingredients. And I've got both of these to give to one lucky Gal Pal today in a giveaway! 

                                                                          Nutorious Nuts   

These come in 6 different varieties, Pumpkin Palooza being the newest creation, and they are all delicious!  Like it says on the package, these nuts will be addictive, so beware!  Almonds, Walnuts and Pecans are the nuts and the different flavors are amazing!  I know when these nuts arrived, my husband was all about trying them. We weren't disappointed when we tried them, either.  They are delicious.  I tried all 6 flavors in the 4 oz. snack size. You can eat them straight out of the bag, or you can put them on top of desserts like ice cream (Ooh La La Original), blend them in salads (cranberry orange tango), put them in your oatmeal (Pumpkin Palooza), or bring them to a summer party (Blueberry Lemon Meringue).


Ayala's Herbal Water      
Again, in 6 flavors and I loved it.  It made drinking my daily quota of water very enjoyable indeed!  My personal favorites were Lemongrass Mint Vanilla and Ginger Lemon Peel!  They would be great at parties as an alternative to alcohol or even soda!  That is the goal of the creator of Ayala's Herbal Water, Dr. Ayala Laufer-Cahana, M.D.  An accomplished physician in pediatrics and medical genetics, Dr. Ayala's love of gardening and culinary exploration led her to conceive Herbal Water in her own backyard herb garden.  Herbal water is the first nationally available USDA Organic Certified flavored water!  Truly unique!  It's amazing that this water has zero calories because it tastes so good! 
Let's hear it for US Companies headed by women!  Enter the giveaway below by liking Ayala's Herbal Water and Nutorious Nuts on Facebook. Then proceed to the optional entries after that.  Do as many or as few as you'd like!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Grand Prize for this Event will be a Kayak from Lifetime Products plus $100 PayPal cash!  Enter for that over at Woven By Words or Joy of Mama Joyner!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Jasmine + Neroli Roll-on Perfume by Ko Denmark #Giveaway

 I love smelling nice.  It puts me in a great frame of mind.  I find that it puts those around me in a better frame of reference towards me as well.  When I got the chance to use the Jasmine + Neroli roll-on perfume from Ko Denmark, I was  taken by surprise.  I haven’t really smelled anything like it in the world, at least where I’m from.  And the more I wore it, the more I loved it.  The reason I hadn’t smelled it is because it is a highly valuable and rare scent, made from two of the world’s most expensive flower oils, pure Jasmine and Neroli (orange blossom).  Furthermore, it is organic, certified vegan and contains no mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, perfumes, artificial colors or animal ingredients.  So of course, in my world, where you can’t buy a bar of soap without an onslaught of unnatural ingredients, there would naturally be a different smell from a product as pristine as this.  I was so pleased to be introduced to this fragrance and line of natural beauty products and I know you will be too! 

                                                          About Ko Denmark:
Owner and creator of the ko Denmark line, Henriette Holst, has drawn on her Dutch roots to create a line of body washes, moisturizers, body oils and a perfume made from two main ingredients, neroli and jasmine.  They are great for those who have sensitive skin and are allergic to synthetic perfumes.  She has been recognized on Goop Get, put out by Gwyneth Paltrow, as well as Allure and Vanity Fair and many others.  

                                                About Henriette founder of kō denmark:
i grew up in denmark where the standard of living, design sensibility and expectations for quality products are among the highest in the world. danish women are conscious of the origins of the ingredients of the products they use in their homes and on their skin. when i started kō denmark, i took great care to bring this way of thinking to everything we create. at ko denmark we use two of the most precious flower oils – jasmine and neroli – to produce beauty products quintessential to the danish beauty regime with powerful nourishing benefits and one of the most coveted scents in europe. we are proud to share ko denmark and our moisturizing products for dry and sensitive skin with women all over the world.
Interesting facts:  

  • It takes 1 ton of flowers to produce just 16 ounces of oil and kō denmark uses only pure flower oils in its products. 
  • It takes 8.000 handpicked blossoms to produce 1 ml of jasmine oil
Win It: One reader will win their own roll-on bottle of kō Denmark Jasmine + Neroli Roll On Perfume. (ARV:$45) Open to readers in the US & Canada!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Simply Eden Bath & Body Products - Review and Upcoming Giveaway!


I was so lucky to be able to try some products from Simply Eden!  A little goat farm with sweet little goats, whose milk has been used to make the most delicious bath and body products!  My favorites are:
Grapefruit Peppermint Essential Oils Goat-Milk Lotion. ($14) This lotion smells so refreshing and invigorates me when I put it on.  It sinks into my skin and it becomes baby soft.  It is an amazing skin boost! 

Black Raspberry Vanilla Goat-Milk Body Mousse. ($9) This is like a whipped topping that melts into the skin leaving the most yummy lingering scent.   It comes with a matching goat-milk soap!  There are a variety of scented Body Mousse to choose from, all amazing!
Raspberries and Cream Lip Balm.  ($3.25) Wonderful lip treatment!  It makes my lips feel super soft and supple.  Contains mango butter and is lightly tinted!
Red Rock Cedar Goat-Milk Soap!  ($5.75) This soap feels and smells amazing!  It's raw cut and handmade.  The goat milk and oils in the soap make the skin feel wonderful!  My husband loves this soap and it smells so good!  I also love the Grapefruit Peppermint Essential Oils Soap! 
Athena is the master soap maker and matron of the farm.  Much love and care goes into the making of her products.  She started making them because she was very sensitive to regular products and needed to have alternatives for her own use.  Lucky for those who try her products that she didn't stop with herself.  She lovingly shares her products with friends near and far.  Her little goat farm may need to be expanded if many more people hear about these products.
 I love her idea for parties and baby showers.  She makes soap cupcakes and bundt cakes!  Guests can leave with a take-home gift of a "slice" of soap cake!  How cute and unique!
    Athena, at Simply Eden, will be awarding someone a Raspberry Vanilla Goat-Milk Soap and a Raspberry Vanilla Body mousse when we participate in the upcoming In Honor Of The Ta Ta's Giveaway Event Hop on October 21 - 24! 

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Tropical Traditions Virgin Palm Oil Giveaway!

Congratulations to comment #168, Eve,  who said, "tweet http://api.twitter.com/shopgurl/status/27695338454"





Palm oil is the #1 dietary oil in the world, except for the U.S., where soybean oil is the most widely used oil.  Traditionally, palm oil has been used for baking, shortenings, margarines and deep-fat frying.  It has a long shelf life without being hydrogenated and has zero trans fats!


Today, Malaysia is the Word’s largest producer of oil from palm fruit, although it is native to West Africa. Being an introduced crop to Asia, they are mainly harvested from large plantations. Tropical Traditions Virgin Palm Oil is produced by small-scale family producers in Africa that are certified organic. When you purchase Tropical Traditions, you are supporting the small scale family farmers in Africa and NOT the large, corporate run plantations in Southeast Asia! Read about the history of Virgin Palm Oil here!
 The nutritional and health benefits of palm oil are staggering. It is 15 times richer in beta-carotene than carrot!

I wasn't sure that I would like this oil or not but I tried one of the recipes featured on Tropical Traditions using Palm Oil, the 'Orange Coconut Cookies', using orange zest and coconut.  They were SO delicious!  There are also recipes for Chops, Steak, and bread. I'm excited to try all of these and take advantage of the healthful benefits of this great oil!


Right now you can purchase Organic Virgin Palm Oil at Tropical Traditions for half price!
(For first time purchasers, please use the referral code 5954910.  You will receive a complimentary copy of the book 'Virgin Coconut Oil:  How It Has Changed People's Lives And How It Can Change Yours' with your purchase.  This book includes over 85 recipes using coconut oil and research showing the health benefits of coconut oil!)


WIN A JAR of Tropical Traditions Organic Virgin Palm Oil!  Please complete the mandatory entry before you do any of the other entries!  This giveaway is open to US Residents, Canadian Residents, bloggers and non-bloggers. You must be able to have product mailed to a mailing address other than a P.O. Box and must have a valid e-mail address that I do not have to look high and low for.  Good luck!


MANDY: Visit Tropical Traditions and find one recipe that you'd like to try and tell me about it!


EXTRAS:

+2 Visit Tropical Traditions on Facebook and like them! (Leave two separate comments for two entries!)

+3 Grab my 'A Gal Needs...' button on my right sidebar and post it on the main page of your blog!  Leave me your link! (Leave three separate comments for three entries!)



+3 Subscribe to my RSS Feed in a reader of your choice! (Three comments for three entries)

+5 Place an order at http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/ and where it says 'How did you hear of us?' put in this referral code: 5954910

+5 Blog, Stumble or Facebook about this giveaway and tell me where you did by leaving me the link!  (5 entries each method)


+3 Follow me on Twitter! (Three comments for three entries!)


+2 What is the strangest food you ever tried and ended up liking?

+1 Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter and tweet this..." #Win a jar of @TropTraditions Organic Virgin Palm Oil @Melahelen http://bit.ly/9c8JwF #Giveaway - 10/18/10"  (Can be done 1x daily for one entry each!)  Leave your tweet status!


This giveaway will close on October 18, 2010 at 11:59 MST.  The winner will be chosen through random.org and notified by e-mail.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond!  Thanks for participating and thanks to Tropical Traditions for the chance to review and host this giveaway!  The opinions in this blog are mine and are honest and candid!  I was supplied with product to sample and review!