GERmanikure Crystal Nail File Review

I have heard so much about glass or crystal nail files lately that I wanted to get one for myself to check it out.  I am not a big nail person, I don't get manicures or paint them regularly, but I do maintain them at home for the basics, and the cardboard sandpaper like files I have at home are admittedly junk.

GERmanikure offers a line of crystal nail files with messages on them.  These two sided files come with a message engraved in one side (Mine says "I am too pretty to work") and a leather case for storing the file when not in use.

The case is a quality piece that seems like it will hold together for years.

The file itself is two toned.  Mine is pink where the words are etched and white on the file end.

The words are etched in to stay for a long time.  They will not rub off with use.

The file itself is a thick crystal material that was much smoother than I expected.  It is pointed at one end and rounded on the edges.  There are no sharp points that will cause injury.

The file surface, though smooth, does a great job of filing nail surfaces.  It doesn't scratch or roughen much with use, but surprisingly smooths and shapes nail surfaces.  I even tried this file on my dog's nails after trimming them and it it worked wonders!

I am a new fan and anticipate this file lasting in my house for many years, unlike those cheap ones that I toss after one use.  Very cool!

You can find one here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Natural Riches Omega 3 Fish Oil Review

In my quest to live healthier, I have been taking fish oil supplements for some time.  I have tried many different kinds, some cheap, some expensive, many with the fishy aftertaste or burps. This time around, I turned my attention to Natural Riches Omega3 Fish Oil

The bottle is well sealed and packaged with an outer plastic ring seal around the cap and an inner bottle seal as well.

Once the bottle was unsealed and opened, I was curious about the smell and sniffed inside the package.  I was sad to note an obvious fishy smell.  Perhaps this is from the factory, spilled oil from inside a capsule, or just the result of having such a product in a bottle.  I noticed that the pills themselves were about average sized, a long oval shape.  

The 180 capsules are an amber hue with a coating that is not sticky, but is soft and flexible if pressed.  The soft gelatin capsules have an Enteric coating to help increase the absorption of the Omega-3's (by slowing down the ability for stomach acid to break them down) and work to reduce fish burps.  Two capsules makes a daily serving.

When I consumed them, I awaited the telltale fishy evidence, but was happy to find I did not experiences any of those effects, even with my concern at the fishy smell in the bottle.  Small enough to easily swallow, they go down easily and do not lodge or taste bad on the way.  

This product is made with fish caught in Chile and Peru, from smaller fish on the low end of the food chain to further reduce mercury.  Molecularly distilled, they are lab tested as well to verify purity and safety.  Made in the USA and backed by a money-back guarantee.

You can find them here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Prenatal Vitamin Review

To go along with the Prenatal DHA + Vitamin D3 supplements I reviewed recently, I have also been trying out these Prenatal Vitamins also made by Zenwise Health.  This bottle of prenatal vitamins comes in a huge 300 count.  It is you basic prenatal vitamin, perfect for expecting or breastfeeding mamas like myself. 

 The bottle comes well sealed.  Once the outer plastic seal is removed from the cap, there is an additional paper seal that must be removed in addition to a wad of cotton.  I did not find any broken pills in my bottle and felt very secure that the contents had been well protected.

 Inside are brown vitamins.  They are your basic oval shaped pill.  They are manageable in size and easy enough to swallow with a little water.  I didn't notice any taste after consuming them.

 A serving is 2 pills, so this bottle will last a very long time!

Each of these pills contain the following:
- 800 mcg of Folic Acid
- 2,000 IU of Vitamin A
- 100 mg of Vitamin C
- 25 million CFU of probiotics
- Vitamin D2
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B
Additionally, these vitamins are made in the USA in a FDA registered location with GMP and NSF certifications.

You can find this product here

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Reflective Running Vest Review

I recently acquired this new reflective running vest and reflective arm band combo in my search for safety gear that will get me noticed.  Though I am not a runner, I am active in the view of traffic regularly as a crossing guard for employment and walking for enjoyment.    The more I stand out, the better!

I was able to choose the size I desired for this set, and I went with a medium planning to wear it over my coat when weather is cold.  It comes packaged in a plastic bag, nothing fancy.

 The arm bands are quite large and have a Velcro strip that makes them adjustable.  They easily fit over my biceps in a fleece shirt, with room to spare, so I have no doubt they will work over a winter coat with some adjustment.  They are a full yellow band with plenty of flex to them, a plastic feel and look that stands up to moisture easily.

 The vest is not a full jacket style vest, but more of an x-shaped vest that covers shoulders, chest and back, and then the waist.

 It is made of a fine mesh, which makes it breathable and lightweight.  There are a few gray reflective panels on the chest, back and shoulder fronts and backs, but otherwise this is mostly yellow.

 The vest slips over the head and fastens at the waist, opening on either side with adjustable Velcro strips.  It is not a full length vest, but more of a short, above the waist type deal.

 The main gray panel in the front sits just above a large mesh zippered pocket that could be used for holding a phone or keys, though I wouldn't think I would want either of those in such a position banging against me constantly for running.  Since the vest is not a full abdomen length vest, the pocket sat right a stomach height for me.

 When the vest is on, it fit me securely, but I had plenty of wiggle room in my fleece jacket and extra room to adjust on either side as I had the Velcro secured as close as I could.

Once worn for my daily use, I did note that the vest tended to ride up with my arm and upper body movements, and I had to keep tugging it down as it tended to hang up on my coat or shirt.  It is OK, but more bulk than I imagine a runner would want.  For walking or hiking visibility, I would imagine it would suit someone just fine.

You can find this product here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Anxiety and Stress Relief Essential Oil Review

My newest essential oil acquisition comes from Phytopia.  This brand seems premium from the moment I opened the box.  Inside, I found a black suede bag tied with silver ribbon.  

Within the bag, I found the oil bottle sealed in a shrink wrapped plastic to prevent leaks and secure the bottle.  Once that seal was removed, I could access the goodness within the brown glass bottle.

The bottle has a dropper style insert for easier, cleaner and more controlled distribution of the oil.

The oil is clear and thin, as I would have expected.

Within this bottle of "Tranquility" is a stress and anxiety relieving blend containing the following:

- Organic Carrier Oils (Olive Virgin, Sunflower, Evening Primrose, Jojoba)

- Organic Essential Oils (Orange Sweet, Geranium China, Vanilla, Rose Maroc)

This 50 ml bottle of oil is already mixed with carrier oils and ready to be used on skin,  It is not an oil meant for diffusers.  To use, simply apply on skin and massage around the shoulder and neck.  It is not for internal use or for children.  It has a 36 month shelf life when stored in a cool and dry place.

Each bottle has a manufacture date printed on it so the user can be sure of shelf life.

I really enjoy the smell of this oil.  It has a vanilla overtone with orange coming in second and the geranium and rose filling in slightly.  It is very pleasant, light and soothing.  I am truly loving this oil.  While I know it is not going to last as long since it is already diluted (and I don't know the ratios), I love that I do not have to do the work and that a little goes a long way.  I have no doubt this bottle will last me quite a long time.

You can find this product here

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Spiky Massage Ball Review

I have found a great little tool to help me relax my feet and weary muscles without the need for power cords, acrobatics or another person.  The Spiky Ball Deep Tissue Massaging ball can it all the hard and easy to reach places easily and with no extra equipment.  

I got this little ball for my tired feet, because after a long day on my feet a massage sounds great but the resources are never available.  I can now roll my feet across this ball and the little spikes target pressure points and help to create a soothing feel that relaxes muscles and eases aches.

 About the size of my hand, it is not a tiny little ball, but small enough to pack away easily.  It is made of a thick, hard plastic, there is no flexing in this ball which helps it to retain its shape and function so well.

This ball can be used to roll across achy legs, along a back or even arms.  Definitely a nice little tool to have around!

You can find it here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review

Breathable, Adjustable Neoprene Ankle Support Review

An old high school injury in which I broke my ankle has followed me through life.  Thanks to that break, I easily sprain or strain my ankle and it seems about once a year I am hobbling about because of it.  My stand by support is the original elastic ankle sock type support.  While it helps, I often grow tired of it quickly because the heel band cuts into my foot leaving pressure marks and pain.  So, when I got the chance to try a new ankle support out, I took it.

Aegend is the maker of this new support.  Their product comes packaged in a neat little cardboard box, nothing fancy.

Inside that box is the support, wrapped in plastic, and a customer support card.

The support itself is black and made of neoprene.  There are three main straps in addition to the heel hole and the body of the support.

Putting this ankle support on is very easy and can be done quickly.  Step one: insert heel into hole and wrap the elastic band around your foot.

Step two: wrap the leg strap across the front of the leg

Step three, criss-cross the two remaining straps to create a support system across the front of the ankle.

The straps all attach with a very strong Velcro.  Once attached, the support sits comfortably on the foot and leg.

Having recently injured my ankle, I have been using my old support, but gave this new one a try for the day.  I laughed when I went to bed late that night, because I had completely forgotten I was still wearing it.  I had no pressure marks or pain from the heel area, no discomfort or sweating from the body of the support, and it was so comfortable to walk in.  There is plenty of flex in this support, lots of room for movement as it is not binding or restricting.  The neoprene is breathable, and even with a sock underneath, I did not experience sweating.  The support fits inside of my shoe easily enough as well.

I am never going back to my old ankle support now that I have this one.  It is so much better!

You can find it here

* I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and un-biased review

Essential Oils Guide Book Review

Ultimate Essential Oils Guide

by Alexa Moore

I have used essential oils for many months now, but have a lot to learn yet, so I am always eager to check out books that help me gain knowledge about these oils as well as recipes for making my own blends.  Alexa Moore has written such a book, geared directly toward beginners.  This is an e-book currently.

Moore has clearly spent some time in writing this book.  It is filled with recipes which break down the oils and ingredients needed, the instructions for mixing and the desired results it should produces or ailments it will address.  Unfortunately, many of them require oils I have not yet heard of or had opportunity to obtain, which makes me think it may not be such a good book for true beginners.  Nonetheless, they are very thorough and easily followed.

The book starts out with a break down of aromatherapy and talks about why oils can be helpful.  It also addresses how and why to use essential oils.  This information was helpful and easily followed.

Some unfortunate things that took away from the positives of the book for me:
-  I found many spelling or grammar errors that were distracting to me and made the book less authoritative for me.
- In addition, I also dislike that the final pages of the book link to oils sold on Amazon, but the links did not work.
- Also, I noted that the author either sells or has a strong affinity to Doterra Oils, as the company name showed up in the book.  As a beginner, I don't want to be sold on the different companies or drawn into multi-level marketing, I just want the basics, the hows and whys.

Sadly, I can't say this was one of my favorite essential oil books so far.  It was OK, but just that.


You can check it out here 

* I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Glass Water Bottle with Silicon Sleeve Review

I enjoy having a water bottle on hand at all times, so I am always interested in trying out a new one.  This time, I got my hands on a glass bottle with a silicon sleeve sold by Purify You.  This bottle ships well protected!  It comes bubble wrapped in its own box, which ships in a bigger box.  

 Once unwrapped, this is a very pleasing water bottle.  It has a plastic cap with a handle for hooking onto packs with a caribiner or strap, or just for holding on to.  It is wrapped in a flexible silicon sleeve that coordinates with the cap.  I chose this aqua color, but it is also available in purple, grey, blue, pink and green.

 The bottle is a thick glass that has an opening big enough that I cans slide ice cubes into it (those made by my built in ice-maker, I have not tried the self-made rectangular ones that come from trays).  The lid easily screws on and off with a couple of turns.

 Even when wet from condensation, the bottle is not slippery thanks to the silicon sleeve design.  It is easy to grip.  My one complaint is that I keep dropping the lid thanks to my butterfingers, and I would have liked to see some sort of strap or lid leash included to keep it from falling off completely.  However, this does not in any way affect function and I still like the bottle.

It is dishwasher safe, so it is easy to clean.  A 12 ounce capacity, it is a smaller bottle that easily fits into vehicle cup holders and stroller trays.  This is not a "guzzle it down after a long workout" kind of water bottle, more of a sidekick for all day hydration - with refills, of course.

You can find one for yourself here

* I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.