Crystal Body Deodorant Stick Review

I've always been fascinated with natural perfumes/deodorants!  So I went for a hunt in the Health Store & came to this find...  & wanted to give it a shot.  The Crystal Body Deodorant Stick.  Hypoallergenic, Fragrance & Paraban Free, this deodorant stick is made of 100% Natural Mineral Salts which claims to 'eliminates odour by leaving an invisible protective barrier against odour-causing bacteria'.

I've had it for well over a month now & it took me some time to figure this product out.  I wasn't sure if it was working so I looked into it further.  For me, it may have needed a bit of time to work on me.  My body is so used to Antiperspirant Deodorants from Supermarkets that I believe when I started using this product, all the chemicals from the old stuff probably had it's chance to 'flush' out in the meantime.  But after regular use & not giving up, it started to work & I noticed a difference.

Overall I do like the product; it doesn't stop perspiration, however I've noticed a big reduction in odour.  I don't expect it to stop perspiration as it is only natural for our body to do so.  But the embarrassment of maybe stinking a little is put to rest (=.  The best time I use it is straight after a shower, I pat dry my armpits (but not fully) then use the deodorant stick, as you need to moisten the stick to apply it on.

I love that it's fragrant free, because it doesn't interfere with any perfumes etc that you put on your body (=.  It saves a lot of money too as with daily use, this deodorant stick can last up to a year!  They have a few other products I'd like to try too, like the Crystal Essence Mineral Salt Deodorants.  Check it out =D.

Ingredients: Natural Mineral Salts, Ammonium Alum.

A Rainy Wednesday

This won't be a big post, just a small appreciation of life.  A smell I just absolutely love;  Rain.  It's just so fresh, pure & clean.  The sound of the droplets & the chill in the air makes it the perfect moment to just relax, forget time & snuggle to the person you love the most.  Or read a good book you picked up from the library.  Or watch your favourite movie.  Complete with a big cup of coffee, of course.  Another smell I love ;-).  Just for a moment today, I took a little adventure out the front yard & took a couple pictures to share with you all.  Isn't God's creations just beautiful?

Do you see what I see?

Happy Wednesday!  Smile & God bless xx

Giovanni Review!

Giovanni D-tox System Purifying Body Wash Step 1, Giovanni D-tox System Purifying Facial Cleanser Step 1, Giovanni D-tox System Purifying Facial Scrub Step 2, Far North Soap - Vanilla Honey Cake Soap.

This is the Giovanni D:tox System Purifying Body Wash.

Here it is!  My review on the Giovanni range I purchased from iHerb.com.  There were a few other cleansers/scrubs & soaps by Giovanni as well, but decided to try the Dtox System (unfortunately they didn't have 'Step 3' Moisturiser at the time of purchase, so that's on my wishlist!) as the 'Volcanic Ash & Activated Charcoal' ingredients really stood out to me.  Sounds a bit bizarre right?!  

D:tox System* Purifying Body Wash:  Well, I used it... & Oh my!  It is quite pleasant smelling (the Acai & Goji Berries!), light to the skin & comes out...  black!  Once applied with a loofah, it just froths up a little bit & is white.  I have Poliaris Keratosis on my arms too & have found that to be reducing after each wash (=.  It could be the natural ingredients in the product or just the switch from chemical laden products to something cleaner that is helping this, plus it's not irritating (I do have sensitive skin).  This is only one product out of the many I may try out, but I really like this wash, as it IS cleansing & I feel better that my skin is not absorbing harsh chemicals.  Last thing about this product is the cute bottle.  Quite sophisticated if I say so myself (=.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Leaf Juice, *Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit Extract, *Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract, *Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, *Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Left Extract, Carbon (Activated Charcoal), Volcanic Ash, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides, Fragrance (Includes Essential Oils).

*USDACertified Organic, 100% Vegetarian Ingredients / No Animal Testing / Cruelty Free, NO Phthalates / dyes / sulfates / parabens

D:tox System* Purifying Facial Cleanser:  I LOVE a clean feeling face.  I have the odd moments when I do go to bed with my makeup on (naughty!) but there's nothing better than clean & refreshed pores!  I'm usually a facial scrub person but I wanted to be kinder to my skin & dedicated some nights of the week to this cleanser.  I actually found it to be similar to the body wash (in lather & colour), it lathers beautifully on the face, not too soapyish.  Just a nice light cream & coat on the face.  I did find you can't use it alone to remove makeup so I use a makeup wipe, particularly for the eyes.  But overall, it's purifying & I feel my face breathe after using this product.  It smells different to the wash as well, it has a more citrus fragrant with a hint of berry.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Tacopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Carbon (Activated Charcoal), Volcanic Ash, Iron Oxides, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Potassium Sorbate, Polysorbate 20, Retinyl Palmitate, Xanthan Gym, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium PCA, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Valencia Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit Extract, *Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract, *Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, *Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Natural Fragrance.

*USDACertified Organic, 100% Vegetarian Ingredients / No Animal Testing / Cruelty Free, NO Phthalates / dyes / sulfates / parabens 

The D:tox System Purifying Facial Scrub Step 2.

D:tox System Purifying Facial Scrub:  I'm an absolute sucker for facial scrubs.  Although I don't have a problem with acne (I get a pimple here & there), I have blackheads on my nose & chin.  I would use every facial scrub on the shelf  to try & rid them & sometimes they do work, but now experimenting with natural products, hoping this is just as good.  Ok, so I know it's not specifically for the blackheads but I would think that when cleansing & exfoliating, it should get in to the pores, remove dead skin etc etc.  I love this scrub.  The scrub comes out nice & firm & once heated up, melts between your fingers & on your face.  It has a smooth yet full feeling as the tiny little pumice grains work on your skin.  Once rinsed off, my face is feeling smooth & my problem areas don't feel as dry as they used to.  It feels like it moisturises your skin at the same time but it is always best to apply moisturiser straight after the shower anyway, when your pores are open due to the steam.  I love a nice smooth face, it makes makeup flawless on your skin (=.  The Purifying Facial Scrub smells nice too, with the citrus/berry fragrance.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Tiglyceride, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Tacopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Carbon (Activated Charcoal), Cetyl Alcohol, Volcanic Ash, Behenyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides, Potassium Sorbate, Lecithin, Retinyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Jojoba Seed Powder, Pumice, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium PCA, Butyrospermum Parkil (Shea Butter) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Valencia Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit Extract, *Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract, *Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, *Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Natural Fragrance.

*USDACertified Organic, 100% Vegetarian Ingredients / No Animal Testing / Cruelty Free, NO Phthalates / artificial fragrance / dyes / sulfates / parabens

The best thing about using all these products (not only being *USDA Certified Organic), is that Giovanni Cosmetics is a proud supporter of the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. (= 

Vanilla Honey Cake Soap

Ok, so the soap pictured is not a Giovanni product, instead I just wanted to share it with you (=  I bought it when my little family & I went to Cairns, QLD at the Kuranda Markets.  It was handcrafted by 'Far North Soap', made with Olive Oil, Sustainable Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Local Organic Beeswax & Rainforest Honey, Cocoa Butter, Organic Australian Vanilla Essence, Vanilla Powder & 100% essential oil of Cinnamon.  It smells DELICIOUS, with the honey & cinnamon!  Very cute for display, I haven't yet used it; you know when something looks GOOD, you're afraid to ruin it?  There were SO many other flavours & designs, it was hard to choose...!  Check out the website (=  www.farnorthsoap.com.au.

My Detox!

Hello lovelies!

Ok so I didn't even finish the full course of my detox...  In fact, I got up to day 6.  I got a bit sick & was vomiting (but I think this is due to something else) so decided, this was enough.  Mere hubby though, quite enjoyed it & kept going!  I think he finished up yesterday (=.

Overall, it did work to some degree, I felt fresher, healthier, & lighter;  & I was ~ down to 64.6kg.  I only exercised once in the 6 days too so can you imagine if I did more, how much more toxins may have been ridded from my body?

To be honest, I'm not sure I would do this one again.  When I think of detoxes, I personally expect to come to a slump in the first few days & get headaches because this is the toxins being flushed.  I never felt any of these?   I just felt healthier because I was eating wholesome foods.  The next detox I'm eyeing will be juicing.  I've heard so many benefits from it & so many people are doing it!  So it must work a treat.

I wish I could put some sort of picture with this post to make it more colourful & interesting for you, but I don't have one...  My next post will be about beauty however, plus with some more reviews & I've been shopping around too.  In fact, I'll post my wishlist up here!!

Vic xoxo

Day #1 ~ Detox...

Day one of my detox.  So far, so good (=  I know, it's only been...  14 hrs (or 7 hrs since I woke up =P), but I'm a little bored & while I tell you how I feel, just wanted to have a good yarn...  So, I took my 10ml shot of the stuff this morning mixed with 1/2 litre of water & (I know, naughty), skipped breakfast...  Morning tea was a Sencha Vanilla tea by T2 (Mmmm!) & lunch was an avocado on 2 pieces of rye toast. I've just polished off my Green tea & am snacking on a Granny Smith.  I haven't done any exercise yet, a bit lazy, but I'll update later if I DID get off my bottom & do some this afternoon (Ha!).  Not sure what dinner will be, Salmon with steamed greens?  I feel good & am surprised I'm not crawling up the walls for my beloved coffee?  Though I admit I was tempted to have my Roasted Dandelion (coffee substitute, as it has chicory root in it...  Caffeine free!) but gee, with no sugar or milk?  Ick!

I know that in my previous post I mentioned this isn't anything to do with weight, but I do want to see if I lose any weight while on this program.  So I thought I will record my stats here so that you all know how I & my body go with this whole process.  Currently I am 66.2kg BUT in saying that, it could be to do with water weight, or (& yes I'm going to say it) 'that time of the month'...  So I have 9 & 1/2 days to go, I'm feeling fabulous still but I am aware that the going gets tough by day 3.  Pray for me xx.

Time to Detox!

As of tomorrow, I am going to start my 10 day detox (I know that it says on the box 20 days, however I'm going to be kind to myself...  & not set unrealistic goals ~ But who knows?  I could get there & decide "I can go on!" ;-)  ).  Being an absolute foody & also carrying a bit of 'softness' from not exercising during my pregnancy (you know, the flesh that moves independently to my main frame...) I just need a reboot & revamp.  I'm not going to lie, I have lost all my baby weight but 'weight' is a whole other thing.  

SO!  I am doing the Brauer Slim & Detox, as pictured above.  Stated, it may aid or assist weight loss, assists detoxification & help maintain a healthy digestive system. It also helps relieve flatulence & assists in the relief of constipation.  I have done this detox before & has done wonderful things for me.  I have heard others do it & some weren't happy with it, so each to their own?  As with any detox plan you may go on, the Slim & Detox has its directions:

~ Take 10ml of the syrup morning & night.

~ Avoid processed foods/caffeine/sugars (except fruit).

~ Avoid large/rich meals that overload your body.

~ Gentle exercise to encourage muscle movement in the intestine to help with waste & assist weight loss..  

Foods that are allowed are:

~ Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, rye bread, oats)

~ Chicken & fish

~ Fresh fruits & vegetables/salads (I will be avoiding potato though)

~ Herbal teas

& at least 2L water a day (=

Wish me luck lovelies!  Especially for the coffee part...  I just LOVE coffee...! & if you have done this before, I would love to hear about your experience!

<3 <3 <3

Aubrey Organics Inc & TrueTouch (Neways) Review

Aubrey Organics Silken Earth Powder Blush (in Honey Bronze): I purchased this blush from iHerb.com, being 100% natural ingredients & talc free.  Honey Bronze is a soft brown/orange so when I use it, I only try & dip the blush brush as lightly as I can for just a soft colour to the cheeks, otherwise it is quite powerful.  With my porcelain skin, it REALLY pops, or is 'dramatic' if you like. I actually think if I had darker skin (hello again fake tan!), it may look better with the complexion.  But on a plus note, it holds to the skin so it's not messy & feels smooth on the face.  Overall I like the brand, the packaging & the powder but will try their different colours that would better suit my skin colour.

The Ingredients:

Silk powder, copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, tapioca starch*, lauroyl lysine, mica, iron oxide. May contain: Beta vulgaris (beet) powder, carmine, raphanus sativus (radish) powder, titanium dioxide, silica.  *Organic 

TrueTouch Hydrating Cream to Powder - Porcelain:  This pressed foundation from Neways is creamy & gives a medium coverage to your face.  It's quite silky however I did find I need my powder foundation softly brushed over the top to reduce the 'shine' or if I sweat.  It is one of the most expensive foundations I have purchased & although I do like the coverage & the feel of it, the amount in the compact didn't last long.  Before I bought my ecotool brushes, I used the sponge applicator that came with the compact (as you can see) briefly until I received the foundation brush.  I would purchase it again but would try other brand foundations first.

The Ingredients:

Isononyl isononanoate, C18-21 alkane, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, polyethylene, isocetyl alcohol, dimethicone, polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, methicone, retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate, iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), titanium dioxide (CI 77891).  May contain: Mica (CI77019), bismuth oxychloride (CI 77163). 

Neways Toothpaste

When I was introduced to Neways, I thought this would be the great first step in to the 'safe, natural' lifestyle, so I purchased a few different products.  & I'm glad I did (=  Today, I'll be giving you my opinion on the Neways Ultrashine Radiance Toothpaste.  Before I start, my first thought on any natural toothpaste (before I would even try it), would be that it would be bland or taste icky.  Maybe not even smooth (don't ask me why haha... =S).  But when I tried this, I was quite amazed!  Just like normal toothpaste!  Maybe a bit lighter in the mouth & being a peppermint flavour, it isn't overpowering or stingy.  The thing that attracted me the most about this peppermint toothpaste is that it doesn't contain fluoride & it features casein, a naturally occurring protein in teeth.  You also only need to use a pea size so despite the small packaging (this one is 72g), it does go a fair way.  It doesn't froth up a lot like normal toothpaste does, so I'll take it down to the ingredients used.  But my teeth are still sparkly & pearly white (=.  I would definitely use this again.

The Ingredients:
Sorbitol, water (aqua), hydrated silica, sodium coco-sulfate, xylitol, peppermint oil, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, calcium glycerophosphate, cellulose gum, sodium chlorite (stabilised chlorine dioxide), hydrolysed casein, sucralose, chlorophyllin-copper complex.

Sorry! & updates... (=

Hello my fellow...  followers!  (=

I'm terribly sorry for being a bit slack of late...  Long story short, my little family & I have recently been on a much waited holiday & when we returned, we have moved house & I have been quite busy setting up to make us feel more comfortable.  I LOVE organising & redecorating.  Hubby has started a new job, & baby & I still hang out everyday hehe! <3  (Which I'll put in here quickly, he has started rolling over to his tummy but not quite, & he's just starting to say 'Ma'.  He has the 'Mmmm' in there, just got to get the 'Aaaa'. Very proud!)

You're all in for a treat today, I'm going to post my reviews of most of the products presented on my page for your taste.  Keep watching!  & again, sorry my lovelies!

God bless & keep smiling  =D
Vic xo