Like most women (or people rather) I like to smell nice. I usually use body sprays, but I hate how quickly they dissipate in smell.

Then I was given the opportunity to try Auric Blends Perfume Oils. The oils come in a wide variety of scents to fit any personality and preference. I tried Coco Mango and Black Coconut because I love fruity/tropical scents.

As soon as I got them in the mail, I had to take a whiff.

I was blown away with how awesome these smelled. Of the two, the Coco Mango was my favorite.

I love how the scents are easy to apply because they come in a handy roll-on applicator. Each one is 1/3 fluid ounce and perfect to slip in your purse or pocket for touch-ups after going to the gym. I did find that I did not need to apply more than once a day, unlike the weak body sprays I typically use because they are stronger, but not over powering.

I found the Auric Blends Perfume oils to be non-irritating to the skin.

The Perfume Oils are sold in over 40 different scents from fruity to floral to musky. There are scents that are very unisex such as the woodsy scents or spicy scents. I would like to try the Sandalwood Vanilla.

Auric Blends not only sells these amazing scented roll on oils, but also incense and henna.

The Perfume Oil is $7.50 and this is a STEAL because this amount will last you for a long time! With the holidays coming up on us quickly, this would make a great stocking stuffer!

Make sure you check out Auric Blends on Twitter & Facebook!

 
I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review. In no way was I asked to give a positive review.

I have a very large Maine Coon. He likes to play what I like to refer to as the “Swiping Game”. He sits on his cat tree and makes a swipe at anyone who walks by. Sometimes its fun other times, he gets a claw in and it hurts!

Although he likes to play this way, he is very good about only clawing up his cat furniture. However, he likes to “knead” his claws into you when you are cuddling with him on your lap.

That’s why I was excited to partner with Soft Claws!

Soft Claws are caps that go over trimmed claws and keep them from being sharp. Now Mac can knead my leg all he wants and it doesn’t bother me and I can cuddle with my favorite furball.

Soft Claws are easy to apply. I did it all on my own but I can see where having someone hold the cat while you apply would be easier. Mac tolerated one paw at a time. I would do one paw, then come back a bit later when he was sleepy and relaxed and do the second. He wasn’t sure what to think of them.

I would recommend this product to any cat owner that is done with clawing and scratching but does not want to declaw their cats.

Soft Claws come in a variety of colors and color combinations! There is even a festive Christmas set Each set comes with enough for approx 3-4 applications to the front claws and two tubes of adhesive. They lasted on Mac for about a month and I did have to replace some because he found a way to get a couple off. Over all, I would say he tolerates the application process and having them on pretty well.

You can purchase Soft Claws on the Soft Claws website. Make sure you check back on September 1st for your chance to win a set of Soft Claws!

PS. Mac is wearing the new Glitter Gold! We have enjoyed calling him “Mr. Twinkle Toes”!

If you are looking for a coffee that is low hassle but tastes like it came from an expensive coffee shop, I recommend Organo Gold.

I am not a big fan of “instant coffee”, and I was as always, skeptical when I was told that this coffee was prepared much like it. I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened a pack and found that unlike many coffees that don’t need presses or coffee makers to prepare, this was very different. It was not the typical crystals, but more of a fine power.

To prepare the Organo Gold, all you need is 6-8 ounces hot water and you simply stir.

I was blown away (seriously!) by how good Organo Gold is. The coffee is as smooth as you would get in an expensive coffee shop. It tasted like it came from an espresso machine!

Organo Gold is sold online and comes in several varieties.

• Gourmet Black Coffee
• Gourmet Cafe Mocha
• Gourmet Latte
• Gourmet Hot Chocolate
• Organic Green Tea
• “King of Coffee”
• Premium Gourmet Royal Brewed
• Gourmet Cafe Supreme

If you are looking for a quick Cup’a Joe in the Morning, make sure you reach for the Gold, Organo Gold!

When I first saw this brand of candy in the aisle at Walgreen’s, I was very curious. They sounded like a good thing, but I didn’t pick up any because I was unsure.

I was so happy when Unreal gave me the opportunity to test their UNjunked candy.

What is unjunked candy and how is it different? Unreal is the brand with the unjunked candy that has a mission for delivering candy that is free from the junk you typically find in most candy bars. Unreal is free of corn syrup, GMOs, preservatives, artificial ingredients and partially hydrogenated oil. I love that they are low glycemic as well being that I am a diabetic.

Unreal makes several of your favorites already.

• Chocolate Candy Shell with peanuts (UN54)
• Chocolate Candy shell pieces (UN 41)
• Chocolate Carmel Nougat (UN 5)
• Chocolate Carmel Peanuts Nougat (UN 8)
• Chocolate Peanut Butter (my fav!) (UN 77)

I am sure you can see the similarities between these and your favorites.

What you will notice though between these and your stand-bys is the HUGE difference in not only ingredients, but flavor. I couldn’t get over how absolutely delicious the Unreal version of my favorites were. They tasted almost wholesome and were chock full of flavor. I actually find that I prefer the Unreal version on most of the varieties. The Chocolate Peanut Butter was so delectable. It tasted like the gourmet cousin of the others I have tried.

I have to say, I loved the Unreal stamp on the bottom of the cup.

One flavor I wasn’t too keen on was the Chocolate Candy Pieces/Chocolate Candy Shell with peanuts. For some reason, it just didn’t taste right to me. I think it just didn’t taste sweet enough. My daughter who normally loves this variety also felt the same way. My husband, however, loved them.

I can’t say enough about how happy this family is that we discovered Unreal. I love that I can enjoy one and not worry too much about the high glycemic index of most candy bars. I have to be honest, to me, low/no sugar chocolate tastes terrible and this is a great alternative!

You can find Unreal at many major retailers such as Walgreen’s, Kroger, Rite Aid, Fred Meyer and Ralph’s.

Ladies, I want to be frank and maybe a bit personal here. If you think you will blush at the topic of feminine odor, I suggest you read some nice recipes on my blog

I am the type of person who some would say “has no shame”. I don’t feel the need to be embarrassed by things most people deal with. One thing I think most women I have talked to (because most of my friends are also in the No Shame Club) deal with from time to time is feminine odor or what some people call “That no so fresh feeling”!

It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Its natural and completely normal to have some odor down there (although truly bothersome odor should be checked by a Doctor).

Did you know that its better to use a gentle method of cleansing your lady parts than just use the same method you use on the rest of your body? You skin is so delicate there and you can easily upset your PH-balance if you use harsh cleaners and rigorous scrubbing.

I was recently given the chance to try Healthy Hoo Hoo. Yes, the name makes me giggle, but I have to be honest, I absolutely love a company that is just like me: straight and to the point with a little humor thrown in!

Healthy Hoo Hoo is exactly what it sounds like. It is a feminine wash for all your girly parts.

What makes Healthy Hoo Hoo different from plain old soap and water?

For one, Healthy Hoo Hoo is PH balanced. It will not upset your body’s natural way. Secondly, Healthy Hoo Hoo is formulated to not contain harsh chemicals, Parabens or fragrances/perfumes.

There are three different products in the Healthy Hoo Hoo line and I tried all three. First, there is a Foaming cleanser. I loved this one the best. It was great to use in the shower. I love the thick foam.

Secondly, there is a Gentle Feminine wash. This one was also great in the shower or tub.

Last, there are Feminine wipes. I think these really come in handy for on the go freshness. One of my favorite maxi-pad brands used to include a wipe on each pad and I believe they stopped making them. I was super bummed, but I am now happy that Healthy Hoo Hoo came out with these. Now I don’t have t feel self-conscience while on the go during my visits with the “great aunt flow” or anytime!

*takes a deep breath and lets out a sigh of relief*

See, that wasn’t so embarrassing now, was it? Make sure you get that confident clean with Healthy Hoo Hoo.

When I was asked to review Almondina cookies, I was happy. We love cookies in this house and we especially love a cookie that is “without guilt”.

Almondina is just that. The cookies are free from cholesterol, trans-fat, salt and preservatives. They are made from all-natural ingredients,

My husband liked to have them in the morning with his coffee. I have to be honest, I barely got to try all the flavors before he ate them all. Obviously there is one huge fan of Almondina in this household.

Of the little bit I was able to steal away from my husband, I liked the Chocolate Cherry flavor.I love the crunch that Almondia has and the fact that they taste delicious alone or with a beverage.

While Almondina may be all-natural and trans-fat free, it is not lacking in taste.I have been trying to eat more health-conscience lately and I have to be honest, there is a great number of healthy foods out there that really lack in the flavor department. These “healthy alternative” taste like cardboard to me and I can’t just deal with it. I will never eat a rice cakes for this reason. ( I actually find it misleading to call them a rice CAKE when they taste more like a rice cardboard BOX)!

My daughter didn’t even know she was eating a “delicious healthful Cookie” until I told her. I guess you could call me a mean mommy, cause I pull this trick on her all the time.

Bottom line, If you are looking for a delicious alternative to unhealthy cookies, reach for a pack of Almondina in eight distinctive flavors;

The Original
Choconut
Cinnaroma®
Gingerspice
AlmonDuo®
Anniversary™
BranTreats®
Sesame
Pumpkin Spice
Chocolate Cherry

Also, don’t forget to try the Chocolate and Yogurt dipped variety as well.

Almondina is sold at many fine and common retailers. Check this list to find some in your area!

I hate to floss. There, I said it. It takes too long, it hurts my gums and for some reason, it just annoys me.

What I do love is the feeling when you get back from the dentist and a teeth cleaning.

With the ToiletTree Professional Oral Irrigator, I can get that feeling every day.It features a large water reservoir, three operating modes, and it is rechargeable. This tool is so easy to use; just fill the reservior with water, choose your setting and press on!

I found that while a full charge takes 8 hours, It last for a long time. I have only had to charge it once and myself and my family have been using it for over a week now. I can’t get over how clean my whole mouth feels. I actually use it several times a day because it is so easy to use and I love the feeling!

I love that the ToiletTree Professional Oral Irrigator takes up very little counter space and could easily be taken on vacations and trips.

My favorite setting on the irrigator is the soft setting. I have sensitive teeth and gums and this one worked best for me. Other settings include “normal” and “pulse”. I found that it works good if you use lukewarm water for sensitive teeth.

(YES! Those are my teeth up close. I know you love seeing my teeth up close!)

I can honestly say this beats competitors! With it’s compact design, portability, effective cleaning, and ability to be re-charged, I highly recommend this! I find the price to be very reasonable as well!

You can purchase the ToiletTree Professional Oral Irrigator on Amazon.com

I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review. In no way was I asked to give a positive review.

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to the usual ice cream, you should seriously try Ciao Bella’s latest products called Adonia. Adonia is Greek frozen yogurt. I have to admit, like usual, I was skeptical (noticing a pattern?) because I tried Greek yogurt and honestly hated it. My husband loved it, but he eats everything.

I have to say, Adonia Greek frozen yogurt is not at all like regular Greek yogurt. I found it to be so delicious, this could definitely replace any frozen treat I usually indulge in. Now, it is true I am a diabetic, but I admit, I sneak some ice cream in now and then and not the sugar free kind. While Adonia has sugar in it, it is also low in fat.

Here at our humble abode, we tried three flavors; Wild Blueberry, Raspberry and Mango. I really can’t tell you which was the favorite. Everyone liked all of them equally. Yes, they are that good!

The texture was smooth and creamy and the flavor was perfect and mouth-watering!

We were getting a little frustrated trying to find Adonia, the night we went on the hunt for it, though. It was not available at either store listed on the Ciao Bella Website. We actually had to go to 5 different stores to track it down. I would definitely suggest calling a store first to see if they carry it since it is so new. If your favorite retailer does not carry it, I would suggest asking them to. This is so good you don’t want to miss out!

I was given a NetTALK device to review a while back. NetTALK is a device that allows a person to get rid of their home phone company and use the internet connection to make and receive phone calls. I was given the NetTALK duo wifi that allows a person to take the device with a phone an use it where ever there is wifi.

The NetTALK duo Wifi features a year of service (you can get more after your year is up for a very low cost), the device, an ethernet cable and an A/C adapter.

The NetTALK service features all of your favorite home-phone features such as:

-Call waiting/caller ID/ Call forwarding

-3-way calling

-411 directory assistance

-Conference calling

The NetTALK duo wifi has instructions both online and in the package. The online version takes you step by step. There is also Customer support on the phone.

There are free calls to the US and Canada with no contracts or monthly bills. It is your “Phone company in a box”.

My experience with the NetTALK device was not a positive one. I had trouble connecting even after following the online and written instructions. While there is help online, I did find the site to be lacking in troubleshooting info. There are some troubleshooting pointers on there, but it is very basic and if your problem is not basic, you may need to call tech support. I called tech support and noticed the wait was not short.

When I was finally able to get the device working, I experienced a couple dropped calls as well as broken reception.

Being that I am not a “techie”, I really can’t say why the device was so difficult for me to use or why the reception was not that great. I fully admit, it may be my own user error, but I feel I may have been able to get it working properly if I was able to really get some help with tech support. I did not have the time to wait when I called the couple of times that I did.

I want to point out as well that the opinions and experiences with this device are my own. I am sure not everyone experiences it the way I did.

I love to cook and create with food. It is my outlet. When I came across the beautiful ceramic cookware from Emerson Creek Pottery, I was highly impressed with how much of a selection they have to choose from. I had the honor of reviewing the Go Green Apple Baker.

I have tried baked apples before, and previously, I have made them in a large muffin tin, but with that method, I never was able to bake it evenly. When I saw the apple baker on the Emerson Creek Pottery, I was ready to try it out with my recipe.

Here is my apple I tested out the Go Green Apple Baker in. I will be releasing the recipe soon! Until then, Allow me to tell you about Emerson Creek’s beautiful pottery.

The Go Green Apple Baker is made from one hundred percent lead-free Virginia clay. Each piece is hand made and non-toxic. The Go Green Apple Baker is made in a stunning natural, earthy color.

The Go Green Apple Baker is easy to use and I was really impressed with the even baking it provided. I had a wonderful apple goodie!

I think this would cook any fruit to make a delicious treat.

Emerson Creek Pottery is made in the USA, right in Virginia. I am really impressed that each individual piece is made by hand and in a glass kiln. The pieces are hand-painted. This means each piece is uniques and to be treasured.

I bet you are wondering how that apple turned out, huh? Well here it is!

I highly recommend Emerson Creek Pottery for your fine kitchenware. They make not only this lovely apple baker, but dinnerware, bathroom accessories, teapots and more!