Battling Psoriasis with Cleopatra's Choice Products {Review}

I have recently written up about ways in which I have been battling my psoriasis.  And here's another post about products that have helped me with my continual battle with Psoriasis!  

I am pleased to introduce to you all to a company that specializes in skin care products.  Cleopatra's Choice offers a variety of products that are specific to meet the needs of YOU and your skin type.  I am very drawn to this company because they are inspired by Cleopatra who kept her beauty even as she aged.  I have heard of the healing properties of the Dead Sea, and Cleopatra's Choice contains minerals and salts from the Dead Sea.  

African Black Soap

4 oz African Black Soap, Cleopatra's Choice

Ingredients:

African Black Soap contains all natural virgin palm kernel oil and Potash made the ashes of plantain leaves, a rich source of iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.

Now I really liked this soap because it did not make me feel dried out after use like sulfate soaps do.  It does not have any scent and looks really rough!  I feel that it has little bits in the soap nice for exfoliation, but overall it is a slippery smooth soap.  There is a really light lather that is not like store bought soap.  It is a slippery like lathery that is clear.  African Black Soap seems to work well at cleaning my body off, as well as not irritating my psoriasis.  Sometimes though the potash can be a bit big and rather scratchy on delicate skin.  I had to pick out one of the ashes just because it was too big for my liking.  Last night was the first time I had to pick it out so it is not a problem I find that would stop me from purchasing this in the future.

The soap is in fact a product made from African women in Ghana.  Hard work and labor goes into every bar of soap, and am proud to know that it is a product of fair trade.  So every purchase helps women in Ghana provide for their families and support families.  After a few weeks of usage, this soap has a nice quality of long lasting.  Usually organic handmade soap seems to disappear within a few weeks, but I am thankful to see that it will survive for a month and more.  

The price is reasonable for organic and all natural. Within a $5-6 price range depending on how much you order and if it is on sale.

Calming: 100% Pure Essential Oil

10ml, 100% Pure Essential Oil *Calming*

Ingredients:

Lavender, Orange, Geranium, Cedarwood, Marjoram, Omanese, Frankincense, Rose Oils

If ever my psoriasis was horrible it was during times of stress and fatigue and frustration.  I seemed to scratch insanely during times like this, and am open to the use of Aromatherapy.  I have to say I did not know what to do with Essential Oils at first!  I knew I could use a few drops in my candle warmer and diffuse the scents this way.  A few drops and water goes a long way in creating a relaxing, rather calming room.  It enveloped my room and did calm my nerves down!  It has a nice herbally woodsy scent.  

I mixed a few drops of the Essential Oil to my lotion and applied it to my body.  It was nice and rather made me appreciate the therapeutic properties of Essential Oils.  I can imagine myself in a massage spa having someone rub a mixture of Calming and oils into my skin and back!  I love it, and am hoping to invest in more varieties of Essential Oils because mixing it into lotions and coconut oil has helped my skin a whole lot. 

As for my psoriasis, I have felt that direct skin contact with the oils has helped a little bit.  I think that mixing the oils with coconut oil or my lotion has helped is better rather than just direct contact with it on my skin.

The aromatherapy is amazing.  I fully stand by that it has helped me feel calm and relaxed and rather ready for bed!  In matters of aromatherapy, I think that my stress levels have gone down and is mirrored with me scratching less and feeling less irritated with my skin.  It's almost a soothing "scent"sation! (mind my humor).

Right now it is on sale too!  

Adovia: Mineral Hand Cream

100mL, Mineral hand Cream with Dead Sea Minerals, Shea Butter, and Aloe Vera

Ingredients:

Demineralised Water & Dead Sea Water, Glycerin, Glycerin Monostearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol & Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) Extract & Algae Extract & Papaya (Carica Papaya) Extract & Aloe Vera (Barbadensis) Gel, Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Oil, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Olive (Olea Europaea) Oil, Evening Primrose (Oenothera Biennis) Oil, Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis)Oil, Triethanolamine, Peach (Prunus Persica) Kernel Oil, Octyl Palmitate, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Benzoic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzalkonium Chloride, Dead Sea Salt, Calendula Officinalis Oil, Exotic Verbena (Litsea Citrata) Oil, Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) Extract, Soybean (Glycine Soja) Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Retinyl Palmitate.

I was also sent this Mineral Hand Cream with Dead Sea Minerals, Shea Butter and Aloe Vera.  My hands are loving and thanking Cleopatra's Choice for providing this product!  My hands are satin smooth, silky soft, and not oily feeling.  I was dismayed at first with the lotion running without me hardly squeezing the lotion out.  It was a bit more of a loose lotion than I had expected.  I had to get my daughter's hands too since a lot of the lotion came out fairly quickly.  That dismay quickly dissipated as I noticed that it absorbed into our hands swiftly.  

My hands, though are not prone to eczema, are always ragged and dry through washing dishes continually.  I felt that Adovia Mineral Hand Cream gave my hands a new lease on life!  After using this lotion, my hands I felt were alike those of  a delicate baby--soft and silky smooth.  I would get this in the future and recommend this to others who wish for moisturized hands with softness!  This is by far one of my favorite.

I also love that it was made in Israel!

Conclusion:

Overall, I feel like I was pampering myself and my household to quality products from Cleopatra's Choice. From using organic soap to improve and restore sensitive skin to the home tranquility Essential Oils created, I feel that Cleopatra's Choice offers consumers quality and affordability.  Not only that, but their website offers us a vast array of products that use ingredients unique to that country.

Websites: 

• Cleopatraschoice.com  
• https://www.facebook.com/CleopatrasChoice
• https://twitter.com/#!/cleopatrachoice

Disclosure: I have received the products for free for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any other way.  All opinions above are my own and from my experience using the product.  

Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel: Are you Gellin' Insoles Review and Giveaway

The Foot Pain Background:

I have been a Barista, worked as a line short order cook, and served tables 3 years back.  Constantly on the go, moving, and on my feet worked havoc--and I knew the pains of being on your feet!  A good pair of shoes was where I turned to, but in-evidently after a couple of weeks or even months I still experienced slight discomfort and feet fatigue.

Now as a mom though not a Barista or serving tables--I am constantly on the go and again on my feet.  Whether washing dishes, cooking, rocking, chasing, running, exercising, I am on my feet.  Do I still experience foot pain?  Yes, Just last week I was wearing my good pair of tennis shoes, and experienced pain in my feet and ankles.  I had been walking Costco, running after my daughter, among other things.  

So when I recently was given the opportunity to try out Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles, I jumped at the chance to end foot pain.  These Dr. Scholl's insoles are paired with the same good tennis shoes I wore when I experienced foot pain.  This will be the second time in my life that I am using any kind of insoles.  

Setting the Insole in the Shoe:

So, first thing I needed to do was take out whatever was inside my shoes.  It was really easy with these shoes, as it was not glued in.


I am about a size 7.5-8 so I had to cut out the Dr. Scholl's insoles to fit into my shoe.  These as packaged would NOT fit in my shoes, so I needed to cut them to size.

  It was fairly easy adjusting the insole.  I was a bit scared at having to cut the insole, but once I got one done, it was no problem doing the other.



On the bottom side of the insole there are guiding lines to help you know where to cut.

Then Simply place into shoe!

Using Dr. Scholl's:
The cushion I get when I walk is so good on my toes and heel and feet!  Prior my feet ached and I did not get this delightfully squishy energy feeling as I walked.  Now after trying it for a week and a half, I have to say that I have not experienced any pain in my legs or ankles.  

When walking around Costco, I sometimes have to smile because it feels like there's a slight gel springy-ness in my steps.  And maybe not exactly a foot massage, but a comfortable cushion that really does a great job at absorbing shock.  I thoroughly enjoy using Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel and would definitely purchase a pair of insoles for my husband to try out and would purchase these for myself when these wear out. 

 Giveaway:  

I was sent a couple of $5 off coupons to share with all of you!  I will give 5 away to random posts below!  You must have the intention of using them or giving them to someone who could really use them!  Giveaway will end June 30, 2012 12:01am EST.

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Disclosure: I am a BzzAgent and received samples and coupons for the purpose of this review and giveaway.  All opinions are my own, and are honest and hype free.

Quaker Soft Baked Bars: Delightful Cinnamon Pecan or Banana Nut?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Mornings are hard for me as a mom.  Sometimes I just want wholesome food or an easy warm breakfast snack that I can toss in the microwave and enjoy immediately to my satisfaction!  This is what I envision as one of my perfect breakfast snack:  

All I can do is smile if this welcomed me out of bed!  Quaker has hit the market with something new, and something that look and sounds good for an on the go mom such as myself.  The NEW Quaker Soft Baked Bar is packed with 6 grams of Protein, 5 Grams of Fiber, and is packed with 5 B-vitamins and is only 140 calories. In my opinion I would choose the Cinnamon Pecan Bread.  Quaker Soft Baked Bar sound delicious.  And the flavor I would choose to warm up in the morning would be the Cinnamon Pecan Bread!  The thought of smelling and tasting cinnamon and pecan bread for breakfast awakes my tastebuds.  I love Cinnamon and pecans!  Having the two together in a Soft Baked Bar would be heavenly!  I would look forward to mornings just so that I can grab a warmed up Cinnamon Pecan Bread bar.  

With this much goodness, I will also pack myself a couple of these Quaker Soft Baked Bars in my bag for a delectable snack.  Too often I get a little hungry and opt to head out to the nearest fast food restaurant, but I think these will help assuage my hunger cravings.  The flavors we have to choose from are Cinnamon Pecan Bread and Banana Nut---Just thinking about it makes me feel warm and happy inside. 

Since I cannot hide something as good and wholesome from my daughter, it is nice knowing that I give her some there will not be guilt for it really is a good snack to have on hand for her.  These bars are soft on teething gums and contains real fruit and nuts. 

So what Quaker Soft Baked Bar would you choose?  Cinnamon Pecan Bread or Banana Nut Bread?

Purex Promos: Ladies Home Journal Giveaway!

Purex has teamed up with Ladies Home Journal to bring you and your readers to bring you an exciting offer. Purex will be giving away 1-year subscriptions to a lot of lucky winners!

Ladies Home Journal has articles on health, beauty, relationships, and tons of other enticing topics.

Be sure to sign up to win at www.purex.com/ladies-home-journal! Be sure to sign up soon, the promotion ends on June 22nd.


Disclosure: All information was given to me via Purex.  I am a Purex Insider.

FeverAll Acetaminophen: Giveaway Ends 6/19

I am very excited to host a giveaway for FeverAll Suppositories! Now, I know what you are thinking, but it really is not that bad. For one thing you will always have the confidence that your child will receive the right dosage--no spitting up, or measuring, etc. Read my full review of FeverAll Suppositories:

FeverAll Infants' Acetaminophen: Have you considered Rectal Suppositories?

Ready to Try it out for yourself? 

Save 1.50 by printing out this coupon! http://www.feverall.com/Home/Promotions

Giveaway: One winner will be chosen to win a pack of FeverAll Suppositories.  Winner can choose receiving  Infants’, Children’s or Jr. Strength. Giveaway ends June 19, 2012, 12:01am EST. Please enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway open to US only. Winner must respond to notification email to claim prize within 48 hours.

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Disclosure: All Opinions are my own. I received the product for free in the exchange for my review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not obligated to write a positive post. Giveaway will be fulfilled by sponsor. Please consult your doctor and use your own good judgement before giving anything to your child. I do not claim to be a professional.

New 2 Box Cheerios Packaging Review and Giveaway

In the past months I have always shied away from purchasing a box of Cheerios from Costco. They were always too big and tall to store in our cabinets, and too much for our little household to eat up in time! 


 Yet I remember caving in and purchasing Costco's Big Box of Cheerios.  My daughter recently grew an affinity to Cheerios as a simple easy snack.  I caved and bought ourselves a huge box at Costco.  It was at a decent price, and thought it was a bargain!  But because of the huge package, we could not eat down to the bottom.  The cereal became stale and just not breakfast or snack worthy.  I still have the remains of what's left in my cupboard!   I hate waste, and buying cereal in bulk was just not worth it to me.  

BUT Today, I am excited to talk about Cheerios NEW Packaging!   Instead of one huge tall box, Cheerios are now packaged into two separate boxes.  They are shorter in length, and a tiny bit wider.  I am quite fond of the TWO BOX packaging as it really eliminates the waste in our household and reduces the possibility of our Cheerios getting stale. Watch the Video below to see the difference in the NEW packaging!

Here are some reasons as to why I think this is such a Brilliant Idea from General Mills and beneficial to our family!

• The two box Packaging makes the cereal last longer and fresh. 
• The package is already divided into what we can use now, and what we can store up for later.  It makes it easier for me to put away groceries!  
• The box itself is shorter and can easily fit in our regular size cabinets.  Whereas before, I found it frustrating trying to figure out a way to store ONE tall big box in my cabinet.
• Available at Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's nationwide.  
• We can buy Cheerios in bulk without wasting or having the cereal become stale!
• Overall, it makes sense and works for our family.

Here's a look at their efforts towards Sustainability--information taken from http://www.cheerios.com/club2boxes:

A Focus on Sustainability:

If a more convenient design isn't enough, the iconic yellow box has gone green, environmentally that is! The new 2 box Cheerios® 40.7oz package is better for the environment than the previous 37oz item as it uses:

• Less air – the new 2 compact boxes combined fit more cereal than the previous package!
• Less material – packaging material has been reduced by over 200,000 lbs of paperboard, and saves 1,000 trees per year!
• Fewer trucks –more boxes fit on each truck, which takes 130 trucks off the road each year and reduces CO2 emissions!

 

Giveaway: One winner will be chosen to win the New 2 Box Packing of Cheerios!  Giveaway ends June 13, 2012, 12:01am EST.  Please enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway open to US and CAN. Winner must respond to notification email to claim prize within 48 hours.

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Disclosure: Cheerios® cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.