Art Naturals Retinol Age Defying Cream Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. Art Naturals has some great products, so when I found this retinol cream; I had to try it. You will get a little over 1.5 ounces of this age defying retinol moisturizer. It comes in a very nice jar with a cool top that you push down to dispense the cream; which has a very mild "cream" fragrance (no floral or perfume smell). Although this is a small jar it should last me for quite a while. I have a small dark spot that I am hoping this cream will help to diminish. After reading the directions I washed my face and then applied the cream to my clean dry face. I rubbed it in to my face and neck until it was dissolved completely. After using this for about 5 days my dark spot actually has diminished a bit, so I am hoping that with some time it will get lighter and lighter. I do wish that it had a little bit of a fragrance as the "cream" smell is really not a pleasant smell, but it is also not UNpleasant; just kinda boring. The cream does feel very nice and makes your skin feel soft and moisturized. So, if you are aging (like me) and want something to help diminish dark spots and keep your skin as young as you can...purchase this Art Naturals Retinol Age Defying Cream. Get yours here: Art Naturals Retinol Cream

ERA Organics Microdermabrasion Face Scrub/Mask Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. I am always looking for a good facial scrub, so when I saw this era organics scrub I really wanted to try it, because it is supposed to help revive the skin and get rid of blackheads and dark spots. This is a natural microdermabrasion scrub with manuka honey walnut. You will receive a 2 ounce jar that should last about a month if you don't over use it. I have been using it for about 10 days and my skin feels amazing. The scrub has a nice consistency with tiny little walnut shells to work out all the dirt & grime from your pores. Just apply a small amount to your face and gently scrub it in. Leave it on for a minute or 2 and rinse. Your skin will feel soft, clean, & moisturized! What is also great about this scrub is that you can even use it as a mask if you so choose! Just leave it on for about 5-10 minutes and your skin will once again feel revived, clean, & soft! Another thing that I love about this product is that it has virtually no scent to it! Some scrubs/masks can have an over power scent, but this scrub/mask has almost none and still leaves your face feeling fantastic. I do wish that it came in a little larger size, so that it would last a bit longer, but other than that, it's a great product that will leave your skin feeling clean. Get yours here: Microdermabrasion Scrub

Majestic Pure Argan Oil Shampoo Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. After trying Argan oil conditioner; I was looking for a good Argan oil shampoo, when I came across this Majestic Pure Shampoo. I LOVE Argan oil, so I just knew this would be awesome. You get a 16 ounce bottle of this amazing shampoo. It is a restorative shampoo, so it should help with any damage to your hair. Although I really don't put any kind of products in my hair; I couldn't wait to use this Argan oil Shampoo, because I knew it would be great for my hair. It has a somewhat thick consistency with a light floral scent and lathered up really nicely. After using this the first time I was in love once again with Argan oil! It left my hair feeling soft and looking silky and smooth. It was so easy to comb; which is why I love Argan oil so much! I just can't get enough Argan oil products...it is just SO good for your skin! I really can't say anything negative about this Shampoo other than I wish I had 32 ounces of this stuff! It is a great product!! You just can't go wrong with Argan oil! I will definitely recommend this to friends/family. Get yours here: Argan Oil Shampoo

Orignal Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. I LOVE memory foam, so when I found this memory foam bamboo pillow I was naturally intrigued. I purchased the pillow and when it came it was folded up like a sleeping bag...the instructions tell you to put it in the dryer for a few minutes and it will "come back to life", so I put the pillow in the dryer for about 5-10 minutes and wallah....I now had a perfect king size pillow! The pillow is filled with a bunch of little pieces (not sure exactly what) and the outside is very soft and thick. I put a pillow case on it and couldn't wait to try it out that night! I have now been using this pillow for almost 10 days and I LOVE IT! It definitely is memory foam...it contours to my head perfectly and I have even been sleeping better since purchasing this pillow. My hubby is a bit jealous and now wants one of his own! It looks like I will be purchasing another one soon!! The only small cons I have found with it, is that I will sometimes have to "fluff" it a bit in the mornings and I have noticed a smell (not a bad smell, just a smell of some sort). So far I am in love with this pillow and wouldn't use anything else!! I would and have recommended it to family/friends and as I said will be purchasing another one for the hubs! Get yours here: My Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow

Ednae Facial Moisturizer Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. This facial moisturizer comes in a 2 ounce jar and has a really nice fragrance to it; as well as a very silky texture. The directions are very simple...just smooth onto face and neck until absorbed into skin. This moisturizer will leave your skin feeling and smelling wonderful! The jar may look small, but a small amount goes a long way! This should last me a few months. I just love how it leaves my skin feeling soft and silky. You could really use this moisturizer anywhere on the body. I have used it on my elbows, because they tend to get really dry and since using it my elbows have been silky smooth!! I would absolutely recommend this moisturizer to friends and family that are looking for a way to smooth their skin. Get yours here: Ednae Facial Moisturizer

Higher Tea Weight loss Tea Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. I purchased this tea because it is supposed to help with weight loss. This is REAL tea...you will need some sort of bag to use to steep the tea or a strainer to strain them after steeping. I followed the directions and heated up my water and then put in the proper amount and waited for about 10 mins to get a good steep and flavor of the tea. After the 10 mins I strained the tea and disposed of the leaves. The tea had a very good flavor. I DID need to add a little bit of honey to sweeten it up a bit, but just a small tablespoon. After using this product for about a week I'm not sure I have really seen any weight loss, but I do know that tea is supposed to help with it. It is a very good product for any tea lover. I don't drink much tea, but this tea is very tasty and I do not mind drinking it at all. It's nice at night before bed to wind down. I would definitely recommend this tea to anyone who likes tea, but not sure it works that great as a "weight loss" product. Order yours here: Weight Loss Tea

Evergreen Research Magical Flames Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. Wow....it's like bringing the Aurora Borealis to FL! These magical flames really put on a color display! After reading the directions we got our fire started and chose to use 1 packet on a small outdoor fire. We were just amazed at the colors. 1 packet brought us about an hour of beautiful colors to our fire! Everyone just loved watching the flames turn different colors. These little packets are really quite magical. After testing them out I decided to give a few away to friends who have kids and firepits...they were so excited to show their kids what these packets can do. Of course they wanted to know where to get these and I told them to check out magical flames here on amazon. I will definitely be recommending these to more of my friends and family. These are such a fun way to spruce up a fire!! Order yours here: Magical Flames

Art Naturals Argan Oil Shampoo Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. I purchased this product for my mother in law, who has thinning hair and was looking for something to help with growth or stop the thinning. I thought this product might help her with that. I happen to LOVE Aargan oil too, so I thought this really might help do the trick. I gave it to her as an "early Christmas gift", so that I could get her to test it out for me. She started using it on Dec 16th and after the first use, she was in love! She loved how it made her hair feel silky soft and said the smell was very pleasant....not too strong; just clean. She liked how it lathered up; as well. She also said that she was amazed at how well she could get a comb through her hair. After using it everyday for about 10 days she said she can't really tell if it is working or not; as far as the thinning, but she said she hadn't really noticed as much hair as usual coming out when brushing. So, with that said, I would say the shampoo works great as a shampoo, but that the verdict is out; as far as working as a hair growth therapy! I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who might have hair thinning to help to at least reduce it; as I believe it is working for my mother in law. It's a great shampoo product, either way! Order yours here: Argan Oil Shampoo

"I'll Be Your Eyes" by Chris DeMakes

My husbands grandmother, Phyllis Allen, was born in Michigan on April 5, 1920. In 1980, she moved to Port Charlotte, Florida. She lived a wonderful, healthy life until a disease called Temporal Arteritis robbed her of her eye sight at the age of 84. Temporal Arteritis affects medium-to-large arteries. It causes inflammation, swelling, tenderness, and damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the head.

She was a trooper though. For almost 10 years, she could hug the wall and find her way to the bathroom, feed herself and recall memories as if they were yesterday. Her daughter, Sharon DeMakes (my mother in law) and father in law, Doug DeMakes, were her primary caregivers for this whole time. In August of 2014, a severe bladder infection hospitalized her. At her age, it was too much to rebound from and her health quickly deteriorated. A hospital bed was brought in to my in-laws home and set up in their living room.

Granny (as we affectionately called her) was under constant care for 24 hours a day by Tidewell Hospice, the local hospice service here in Port Charlotte and the three surrounding counties. They are a not-for-profit organization, completely funded through Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and donations. They were an absolute blessing to our family. They would come in, change her bedding, change diapers, administer medication, dress her, check her vital signs and a whole host of other things. Most of all, they understood the process that is the end of life. The volunteers from Tidewell Hospice would come and sit with Granny for a few hours every week, so that my in-laws could get out of the house, run errands or have dinner together. Basically, providing them with some sort of life outside the constant pressure of being caregivers and knowing that the only end in sight was granny's passing away.

Granny hung on for almost 6 months and died peacefully with my in-laws beside her on January 10, 2015. She was just 3 months shy of her 95th birthday. My brother in law, Chris DeMakes, has written a song called "I'll Be Your Eyes." He wrote it as if it were written by his mother to her mother. Thank you for taking care of grandma. 

If you're reading this, please share on your social media sites. We want to raise as much money and awareness for Hospice as we can, so that the next family who needs help can receive the care and blessing that is Hospice.

For more information about Tidewell Hospice, please visit:www.tidewellhospice.org. .

To donate, please click HERE. In the box that reads, "In Memory of", please type Phyllis Allen. That way, Tidewell can track your gift, keep me informed, and I can update you on how much we have raised.

Thank you for taking the time to listen and especially donating in memory of Granny.

I'll Be Your Eyes-Copyright 2015 Chris DeMakes Songs
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Words and Music written by: Chris DeMakes (twitter.com/lessthanchris)
Produced by: Chris DeMakes & Roger Lima
Recorded and Engineered by Roger Lima (Facebook.com/Moathouse.studio)
Mixed by: Jamie Woolford (jamiewoolford.com)
Mastered by: Dan Coutant (srmastering.com)
Video montage by: Michelle DeMakes

Chris DeMakes: Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Lead & Backing Vocals
Roger Lima: Bass Guitar
George Rebelo: Drums & Percussion
Ryan Baker: Piano & Organ
Darlene Douglas, Monique Richardson & Khanya Bennett: Gospel Singers

In loving memory of Phyllis Marietta Allen

Green Gobbler Drain Snake Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. I purchased this 3 pack of Green Gobblers Drain tool in hopes to figure out what is making my bathroom sink stink! You will get 3 of these LONG hard plastic drain "snakes" to clean out your drain. They are made of a bendable hard plastic with (what I am calling) jagged jaws at the end to pull out any gunk in your sink! My only issue with the tool was that they come bent and you have to sorta unbend them to get them a little straightened out to push down the drain, but they are pretty pliable, so it wasn't too bad.

They are So easy to use....just remove from packaging and shove down the drain! I pushed it up and down a bit to try to grab any gunk that may be down there. After pushing the green gobbler down the drain and moving it around...I pulled it out and unfortunately there was only a little bit of gunk that came up. Now, to be clear....the drain seems to drain OK, it just has a smell to it, so I was hoping that maybe this would help with that, but apparently whatever smell is in there, it isn't from a clog.

If you have long hair or just hair that is always clogging your drain, then these little gobblers will definitely do the trick to pull out any hair & gunk you might have clogging your drain. The jagged jaws will grab just about anything! I will definitely be holding on to the 2 gobbler I have left in case of any sink clogs!!! These little guys are perfect for getting gunk out! If you've got clogged drain...try these gobblers before spending a bunch of $$ on a plumber....you might just save yourself a big expense! Grab your gobblers here: Green Gobbler

Queen Bee Leather Care/Conditioner Review

I purchased this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. I drive a car that has leather, so I purchased this leather conditioner to help protect my leather interior. I also have a dog that loves to go to the park and then get in and put her dirty little paws all over my leather interior! She loves to stand on the center console between my 2 front seats, so that gets really dirty! I decided that would be my first test to see how this conditioner works.

I first wiped the console clean and then added a few drops of the conditioner and used the applicator pad to rub the oil in. I left it for about an hour and when I came back it was just beautiful! It looked shiny and new!!

You will receive an 8 oz bottle that also comes with an application pad with 2 sides. All you gotta do is follow the directions to have shiny new looking leather! I will definitely be using this on my seats, as well, since my pup has her little paws all over them. It really brings the leather back to life! If you are looking for a good leather conditioner; then look no further! Try out Queen Bee Leather Care! Order yours here: Queen Bee Leather Care

 

QO Chili Infused Balsamic Vinegar Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. I purchased this chili infused balsamic vinegar, because I LOVE balsamic and was intrigued by the infusion. I really don't like hot stuff, but my hubby LOVES anything hot...the hotter the better for him! 

This chili infused balsamic is a little hot, but not overly hot! It has a really nice chili flavor and sweetness that balsamic usually has. It seems to have a thicker consistency than a normal balsamic, which I like. I also like that it is all natural! I decided to try it on some sauteed veggies and it was delicious! It was a little bit hot for me (I don't really do hot), but my hubby loved it!! It really gave the veggies a great flavor! 

I plan on adding it to some burger patties next, because I think it will really give them some amazing flavor! If you like hot stuff, then you will love this chili infused balsamic!! Even if you don't really like hot; the flavor is AMAZING! I would definitely recommend trying this balsamic out!! Get yours here: Chili Infused Balsamic

Mrs. Smith's Pies Review

I received this product for free from #Bzzagent for review. Once I got my free coupon in the mail, I went to the store to pick out my pie. They have several options to choose from like pumpkin, apple, berry and of course, cherry! I LOVE cherry pie, so that was the one I went with! Bzzagent not only sent me 1 free coupon, but also 5 extra $1 off coupons that I could use or share! The coupon came just in time for Thanksgiving, so of course, I picked up the pie for Turkey day! They are ready to bake pies, so the work is pretty much done for you!! Who can't appreciate THAT on Turkey day?! I just read the directions and popped it in the oven. When the pie was finished it looked PERFECT! I couldn't wait to try it, but I had to. After dinner, when it was time for dessert, I cut into the cherry pie and it just looked amazing! The crust was flaky and perfect...the filling was awesome too. You get a cherry in every bite! Everyone LOVED the pie! I will definitely buying more #MrsSmiths pies from now on. They are so easy to make and taste delicious! Check them out online here: Mrs. Smith's OR on FB: Mrs. Smiths FB page If you want to become a Bzzagent too and test our free products....check it out here: Join Bzzagent

Probelle Foot File Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. I purchased this foot file because I live in FL and wear flip flops pretty much year round; which is actually really hard on my feet, unless I get pedicures ALL the time. Who has time for that? I wish I did! 

My feet have become pretty dry with "winter" here, so I thought this foot file would be great to give myself my own pedicure! I really needed it for my super dry heels! The file is a great size and works great on my feet! It has a nice rubber handle so you can really get a good grip EXCEPT that it is loose and I think it really should be one full piece. (I will probably glue mine)

Other than that minor issue the files works wonders! My hard callused feet are now smooth and soft! I am super happy that I found this foot file...it really is just like the ones they use at the salon. I even got my hubby to use it and he loved it....I just might be able to convince him to go get a real pedi with me someday, LOL. If you don't have time or money to go get pedicures all the time, but want to have smooth soft feet; you need to purchase this foot file! It really is amazing and just like the salons! Order yours here: Probelle Foot File

Art Naturals Arabica Coffee Scrub Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. This is by far my 2nd favorite Art Naturals product I have tested out! This product is just amazing! The first thing you will notice when you remove the cap is the amazing smell of coffee!! It smells so good you will want to eat it, but don't! 

After reading the directions I applied the scrub to my face in small circles. It felt so good to scrub and exfoliate my skin. The smell tho....it really is amazing. (If you do not like the smell of coffee...this scrub is not for you) I had my hubby smell my face before I removed the scrub and he even said it smelled amazing! 

After letting it sit for a few minutes (about 5 mins); I splashed some warm water on my face to remove the scrub. My face felt so smooth afterwards! The best part is that you can use this scrub any where on your body! The only issue I found is that it is not super easy to apply and KEEP on your face. Although it can really be used anywhere on the body, I prefer to use it as a facial scrub. I am definitely in love with this product! I would definitely recommend this scrub to anyone who is looking for a great exfoliating scrub that smells heavenly! Order yours here: Art Naturals Coffee Scrub

Art Naturals Arabica Coffee Scrub Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. First off, I LOVE Art Naturals products! This is probably my 4th product I have tested for them!! I purchased this Art Naturals Hair Protector for when I use my flat iron or even when I blow dry my hair. It gives your hair great protection from heat! Although, I rarely put product in my hair (gels/hairsprays/mousse); whenever I use my flat iron or blow dry my hair, I worry that I am causing damage to it with the heat.

Since I have been using this thermal hair protector I have felt much better about not damaging my hair! I love that my hair feels so soft after using heat on it and the smell....it is amazing! My hubby even commented on how good my hair smelled after using this thermal heat protector!

You get an 8 ounce spray bottle, which should last me a while. Just spray on your hair before using any heat tool and your hair will smell and feel amazing! This is a great product to help keep your hair healthy and shiny. I would definitely recommend this if you use a lot of hot tools to style your hair! Order yours here: Thermal Heat Protection Spray

BodSmith Broad Spectrum Enzyme Review

I received this product at a discounted rate for my honest & unbiased review. I purchased these BodSmith Digestive Enzymes to help with protein digestion. You get a bottle of 90 medium sized pills that should last you about a month if you follow the directions and eat 3 meals a day. The directions say to take 1 pill with each meal (again, this is based on 3 meals a day).

These digestion pills help support optimal intestinal function, relieve occasional bloating and gas, support efficient digestion of food. Break down starches, proteins, carbohydrates, and fat. They also support healthy colon function and promote digestive health and nutrient absorption.

After taking these for 10 days, I definitely feel like I am on a more regular schedule with my (sorry to be specific) bathroom use. I don't feel as bloated either. I would definitely suggest these for better digestion of foods and to help feel less bloated. These pills are pretty easy to swallow and a great way to get a healthier digestive tract! Get yours here: BodSmith Enzymes

Collagen Eye Mask Review

I recently purchased the MyM® Collagen Crystal Eyes Mask at a discount on amazon to review for #Itsforthebirds group from FB. The packaging was simple, but nice and easy to open. You get 10 gel masks, so you will get 10 total uses. I purchased these hoping that the mask would help to take some bags away from my aging eyes.

Upon opening the package and reading the directions, I washed my face with warm water, pulled the mask out of the package, and carefully applied each one to my eyes. It says to leave it on for 30 minutes, so I set a timer and laid down to wait. The mask has eye openings so that you can see while you wait, but you have to be careful that you don't get any of the moisture in your eyes. 

While waiting for my timer to go off I could feel the gel getting cool on/around my eyes. After 30 minutes of waiting I carefully removed each eye mask and discarded in the trash. They are NOT reusable! The skin around my eyes felt cool and quite soft after just one use. They recommend using 2x's a week. I am hoping that after a few more applications I will start seeing a little less bags under my eyes. 

So far after just a few uses, I have less dark circles and my skin around my eyes feels so smooth!