YesterYear Soap Company Review

YesterYear Soap Company creates hand crafted soaps with moisturizing, cleansing, and soothing benefits. Their all natural soaps are made without added chemicals, preservatives or synthetic fragrances. Each soap is made from certified organic vegetable oils, scented with pure essential oils from plant extracts and colored with organic herbs. Their product line consists of individual bars in a variety of scents as well as sets that are perfect as gifts.

I have said it before and I will say it again, I am a sucker for bath products. I am especially fond of bath soaps and so when given the opportunity to try some new bath products I almost always jump at the chance. YesterYear Soap Company sent me three of their individual bar soaps to try. Each individual bar is approximately 3.5 oz. The three scents I received were Mississippi Mud, Cool Fresh Aloe, and Cherry Almond. The first thing I would like to say about these soaps is I love that they are made with natural ingredients. I try to stay clear of products that contain harsh ingredients such as chemicals, artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. If you read the ingredient label on each soap you will see that aside from being scented with essential oils and plant extracts these soaps only contain three ingredients; olive oil, shea butter, and coconut oil. You can't get any more natural then that! Perfect for my husband who has sensitive skin. These soaps also lather up really nicely and leave your skin feeling moisturized. I did notice that they don't last as long as most popular store bought soaps. I wonder if that is due to not having those added chemicals in them.

My favorite of the three soaps I tried was the Cherry Almond. The scent is amazing. It really does smell of cherry and almonds and makes you want to take a bite out of it. I didn't of course! It even filled my bathroom was a delicious scent every time I used it! My husband Chris, enjoyed the Cool Fresh Aloe scent. He said it smelled clean and manly. I liked Mississippi Mud the least of all. It had a semi sweet scent to it with some added spice. The smell actually bothered me a bit and the spiciness tickled my nose. I still can't quite firgure out what the scent was.

 I would definitely purchase the Cherry Almond soap again. As a matter of fact I think I would get two, one to use and one to leave on the bathroom counter to fill the room with it's luscious scent. There are also a few other scents I am eager to try, Vanilla Strawberry and Cafe Mocha sound like two I would love. You can purchase YesterYear Soaps online or in various specialty and gift stores around the United States. Check out their store locator to see if there is a location near you.

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

Orange Guard Review

via orangeguard.com

About a month or so before a 32 fluid ounce bottle of Orange Guard, a non-toxic pest control spray, arrived at my house for my test and review, I bought a natural pest control spray at my local grocery store. Not only did this spray not work, but it also smelled terrible. Every time I used the pest spray I heard complaints about the bad smell from my kids, my husband and myself. Fortunately, Orange Guard doesn't have a bad smell to it, but does it work any better than the one I bought from the grocery store?

Everyone in my household loves the smell of this a water-based insecticide Orange Guard. It has a very pleasant citrus smell to it. How well does it work though? I can't decide. I have mixed feelings about Orange Guard. I believe it works, but not on all bugs listed on the bottle. I'll start by explaining my ant problem.

Almost every summer ants escape the heat by crawling into my home through a crack(s) in the wall behind the refrigerator. It starts with one or two trails of ants, but in a day or two, if I don't manage to control them, the and trail has become several and they are all over the floor, the kitchen counters and the pantry. Killing them off isn't easy and eventually more of them come back. I have found pest control products that kill the ants, but the stuff is usually filled with harmful chemicals I don't feel safe having around my family. The ants eventually come back too. This year I sprayed them with Orange Guard and weeks later the ants haven't come back.

What about the roaches? Every summer large winged roaches like to creep into my house too. I hate roaches. I really really hate roaches. So I was more than happy to spray the Orange out of the Orange Guard on them. It's no surprise then that my 32 fl ounce bottle of OG was quickly gone. Unfortunately, it didn't work on them as well as I would have liked. First of all roaches are really fast insects. By the time I ran to get my Orange Guard Spray  bottle to kill a roach the roach was already gone. If the roach was still there one spray from the bottle and the roach would take off fast. Did it die? I have no idea. It took off too quickly to tell. On occasion I managed to spray a roach with Orange Guard enough so that it slowed the roach down enough for me to kill with a rag or a shoe. Why didn't I wait and see if it died, because if I did it would disappear. As a result I never saw a roach die immediately or eventually from Orange Guard, but I did see a slowing affect. On one occasion I trapped a roach, sprayed it, until it slowed down and then left the room for several minutes. When I came back I expected to see a dead roach, but instead it's as if I never sprayed it all. Did Orange Guard wear off? It definitely does not kill on contact, like it says on the the bottle.

I tried Orange Guard on flies too. No where on Orange Guard does it say that it kills flies, but I thought it couldn't hurt to try and see if it could. Flies like roaches move too quickly to see results. I find that my flyswatter always gives me great results.

About Orange Guard: "Orange Guard was created as an alternative to harsh chemical insecticides that contain hazardous contaminants which may lead to potential long-term health and environmental dangers. Since Orange Guard is non-toxic, it is safe to use around food, adults/children and pets and kills insects on contact, repelling them for weeks. The effectiveness of Orange Guard lies in the ingredient d-Limonene orange peel extract that is a natural repellant. It is a water-based, indoor and outdoor insecticide that exterminates ants, roaches, fleas, aphids, spider mites, leaf hoppers, and other insect pests. Recognized as safe by the FDA and is EPA registered, it leaves a pleasant citrus smell in the home rather than that harsh chemical smell that conventional insecticides often carry. Now you can control insects in and around your home without worrying about your family, your pets, and the environment!" For more information about Orange Guard visit the website here: http://www.orangeguard.com/

I really like the idea of using a non-toxic pest control product with a pleasant smell in my home, but I think Orange Guard may have to strengthen its formal a bit and test it out really well on those resilient roaches, before I'll buy it. Then again it did work on the ants... If the ants come back next year I'll give Orange Guard another chance.

Note: When spraying a bug on the floor Orange Guard leaves a slippery residue on the floor. So, it is important to clean up immediately after use to avoid any slip and falls.


Disclaimer: Orange Guard provided me with a free sample of this product to review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product. My opinions are my own.

eBeanstalk Review

eBeanstalk is an online toy store with a large assortment of toys for boys and girls from 0 to 12 years. Their corporate philosophy consists of 3 simple rules:

1. Make the kids happy.

2. Make the parents, grandparents, friends and relatives happy.

3. Have fun at what we do.

Toys are categorized by type and age appropriateness making it super easy to find the perfect gift. Do you know a little one that is turning two soon? You can check out Toys 2 year olds love! Maybe your looking for a gift for a special girl that loves to craft. They have some great Craft bead kits. They also have the Best wooden toys! I love the wooden Melissa and Doug play food sets they carry and have actually purchased a couple for my little girl in the past. I have also purchased art supplies for Penelope from eBeanstalk and I have always been happy with my purchases. In fact I have the site bookmarked on my computer, it is my go to site for kids toys. Lately I have had my eye on a few things I would love to get  for my daughter.

She has started showing interest in gardening and watering the plants around the house so I think she would love this Blossom Bright Tote Set.

The weather has been really nice here and Penelope is always asking to go on a picnic so I know she would adore this Bella Butterfly Picnic Basket. I have also had my eye on this Majestic Mansion!

Penelope is always wanting to "talk" this is what she calls pretend play and she is always handing me one of her dolls so that we can pretend different scenarios. I just know this dollhouse would make the perfect "talking" place and would bring years of fun. It's a little high in price but Christmas is still a few months away so maybe I can start putting money aside to save up for this present.

I could go on and on telling you all the things Penelope would enjoy from eBeanstalk. Check them out for yourself and you will see what I mean. eBeanstalk offers free shipping on all orders over $75 and if your a grandparent they even offer special discounts just for you! I am signed up to receive their newsletter which contains the latest news on any promotions or deals they have going on as well as advice and suggestions on toys and gifts. This is definitely the place to shop for the kiddos in your life!

***Monica***

Although I will be receiving a promotional code from eBeanstalk for writing this post. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. 

Tropical Traditions Organic Shredded Coconut Review and Giveaway

via Tropical Traditions

Lately, my mom has been making a big effort to improve her and my father's diet. So, she's asked me to search for a deal on dried coconut in bulk. Just my luck, Tropical Traditions sent me a 1 gallon bucket to sample and review. They're even offering a gallon to one of my readers.

If 1 gallon of organic shredded coconut doesn't sound like a lot of coconut to sample.... think again. A little of this shredded coconut goes a long long way. I've been sampling it here and there for over a month and there is still plenty of coconut to use on future meals. 

My coconut experience. My first recipe to try with the shredded coconut was coconut shrimp. Wow! What a wonderful way to eat shrimp. I don't regret making this at all. This was some of the best coconut shrimp I have ever made... that I've ever tried. My youngest daughter who hates shrimp or any seafood loved my coconut shrimp. Everyone loved this dish. It was so crispy and so so perfect. Wow! It was easy to make too. I also added some coconut to the rice I made to serve on the size. Not only was it tasty but it appears that my one cup of rice turned into 3 cups when cooked with the coconut. Was I just hungry?  

Next, I made a banana smoothie and added coconut to it. It add a really nice texture and flavor to it. I also discovered that if I accidently add too much sugar in my smoothie adding more coconut will fix the problem. 

Then I applied it to a whole chicken and baked it. This also produced a tasty dish. I had no idea you could combine chicken and coconut together. 

After that I finally pulled out my blender and followed the coconut milk recipe video posted on the Tropical Traditions website here. It was surprisingly easy. We (hubby, kids and I) drank it like regular milk and also added it to cereal. It wasn't our favorite way to use the coconut, but it really gave me some ideas like cooking or baking with it. I'll have to do some research to see if there is a heat difference to it as compared to regular cow milk. 

I used the coconut in a few other recipes too and I can't say there was one I didn't like. I gave my mom some to sample too and I'll be ordering some for her in the next week or so. 

What about the price? I haven't researched the cost of organic shredded coconut so, I don't know much about the cost for Organic Coconut, but considering how much food I made with the coconut, how delicious it was and how long it has lasted and compare to the price, it appears to be a really good deal. Buying it under the Healthy Buyers membership would save me even more money. 

What I don't like! Opening and closing the bucket is frustrating. It's a well sealed bucket and easy to store, but for my small hands I need a lid-off pail opener or something to open it up and a heavier object to shut it tightly. 

The Giveaway: Open to U.S. and Canada. One lucky winner will receive a gallon of Tropical Traditions organic shredded coconut. *Deadline: July 30th, 2011. 

Mandatory Entry:  

Visit Tropical Traditions. Then leave a comment below with your Tropical Tradition favorite. 

Additional Entries: (leave one comment for each additional entry you complete)

-If you follow GGG on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar)

-Put the GGG button your blog (please leave link)

-If you follow GGG on Twitter

-If you follow GGG on Facebook

-Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter @troptraditions

- Subscribe to Tropical Traditions email Sales Newsletter here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/subscribe_for_special_sales.cfm

Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email before a new winner is selected.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review. I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Softlips Review and Giveaway

CLOSED

Congratulations! Winner #69 STYLEEZTA

Softlips introduces a fresh new look! That's right after over 20 years of being the lip care product of choice for young woman they are updating with eye-catching graphics and a bold new logo.

Don't worry though their signature slender sticks and fun flavors will remain the same. I love Softlips lip care! Not only do they leave my lips feeling super smooth and moisturized but they contain SPF 20 to help keep my lips protected in the summer sun. I am a young mom on the go and I don't usually wear lipstick but I don't want to be completely bare. That's why I love the light gloss Softlips adds and their tinted line of lip balms are great as well. They give a nice color while still looking light and natural, and for those rare occasions when I feel like getting all dolled up, I can apply some Softlips over my lipstick for some added shine and softness. Softlips has a variety of flavors to choose from with new limited edition flavors being released seasonally. My go to favorite is Cherry but I also love several others like Mint with a hint of Vanilla and Chai Tea from their PURE 100% Natural
Organic Lip Balm line. If you are not already become a fan of Softlips on Facebook  to keep up to date on new flavor announcements and Facebook giveaway offers!  Softlips can be purchased in the lip care section of the cough/cold aisles of food, retail and drug stores nationwide.

I received 6 Softlips flavors for my review including; Cherry, Vanilla, Raspberry with green tea extract, Mint with a hint of Vanilla, Wildberry, and Strawberry. How would you like to win the same great flavors? Softlips is offering one Girly Girl reader this chance!

To Enter: Check out all the great varieties of Softlips and tell me which one you would love to try the most. You can also get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on July 24, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only.  

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

Update on Joy's Baby

Hi, Joy here! Several months ago I did a review for Intelligender. You can read that review HERE. My Intelligender result was BOY and it was such a fun test to do. When we went to our mid-pregnancy sonogram baby's ankles were crossed and we got a shot of what looked like a little girl.

So our original thought was that the test was wrong. Consumers must remember that there is a slight chance to get a wrong answer; the test is for entertainment purposes only.

BUT... our 3D scan today showed that we are indeed having a BABY BOY! You can view photos and the story at my personal blog by clicking HERE. It's very much a boy and not a girl as we originally thought!

Intelligender was such a fun test to take and I'm excited to see that our result did end up being correct.

My sister-in-law just bought an Intelligender test and I'm excited to see if her result is accurate, too!