Cellulite Defense Gel

Details: Body Merry's Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream can be purchased on Amazon via the Link provided.  This product has caffeine, retinol, seaweed and comes in a 4 fl oz jar.  By using this Cellulite Defense Gel you are actively fighting cellulite with their special formula.  It is fast absorbing gel-cream helps to visibly reduce the appearance of unwanted bumps and lumps and leaves your skin both feeling smoother, but looking tighter and younger.  Directions:  massage the gel-cream in the morning and at night on the areas of the body that you want to look better.  For best results apply on clean dry skin.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Review: This product is the third cellulite fighting product I have tried in my life time.  I have really enjoyed using products like this because I have seen really good positive results.  Body Merry is also a company who knows their body creams because this product works really good!  This is the only product that has a super strong smell.  And this smell lasts a long time.  I first used it right before going to bed, and it finally wore off by morning.  So I want to give you a heads up, if you use this product on body parts that will not be covered by clothing during the day you might not want to smell "earthy" all day.  This product has a very strong "sauna" feel.  When I put it on at night, I literally felt like my body had a fever because it went between the hot and icy feeling all night long.  It wasn't unpleasant, but it was not easy to get used to.  I do think that because of this super strong "sauna" reaction, as well as the quick absorbing qualities and lastly the caffeine, retinol, seaweed mixture, you see results much faster!

With my experience, I like the smell, but its so strong that I can only put it on and have it on for about 10-20 minutes away from my husband who doesn't like it at all.  I like the pudding like consistency of the gel-cream, its easy to put on and rub into your skin.  The "sauna" feel is stronger than any other product I've tried and I'm still not used to it after a month.  But I also don't like icy/hot, or muscle rub products that do the same thing.  I used this product on my stomach where my Mommyhood stretch marks are the worst.  It is working great on the cellulite, and even smoothing my stretch marked skin too.   I recommend this product!

Pros: works stronger, faster, quick to absorb, good smell, strong "sauna" feel

Cons: strong smell that lasts a while even after being absorbed into skin, super strong "sauna" feel might not feel good to all

My Rating: Thumbs Up

Infusion Water Pitcher

Details: Infusion Water Pitcher from Kitchen Frontier.  This product can be purchased from Amazon via the link provided.  This fruit infusion pitcher is shatter proof, an acrylic pitcher, BPA free, easy to use and clean, helps make drinking water healthier and safer.  Keeps fruit infused water clean and fresh without the floating pieces of fruit.  This is protected with a 100% lifetime money back guarantee.Benefits include helping assist with weight loss and detoxing, staying well hydrated to boost metabolism, flush toxins and provide nutrients from naturally infused ingredients, can be filled with fruits, citrus, and herbs.  Directions: when using the infuser core here are some suggestions: cut citrus fruits into wedges that can easily fit into the core, berries can go in whole, except large berries like strawberrys and some black berries.  Fill core with a pattern of fruits, citrus and herbs so it will taste good and look nice.  Hand wash pitcher and parts.  Its best if this pitcher is infused over night for best taste and potentcy. Pitcher is a 93 oz capacity with dimensions of 7.5" x 6" x 10.25".

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product in exchange for honest non biased reviews on my blog and on amazon.  I only recommend products that I actually test, try, review and deem worthy.

My Review:  I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!  Seriously, that sentence says it all about how amazing this product is.  I have Amazon prime so I got the pitcher really quickly.  It took a little bit of time to get some good recipes and the fruit needed for those recipes.  But once I got it I was able to use this really easily.  I put my infuser recipe together at night, so that it would be ready come morning.  I've been drinking it for 3 days now and love it.  The water is super duper cold, so if you have sensitive teeth drink through a straw (at least that's the advice I got from my Dentist).  The water tastes really good.  Some fruits/ citrus are more strong than others, so be mindful of what you use and how much you use.  And just in those 3 days of using this product my skin has broken out, which means the detoxing is actually working (because I'm eating clean and can feel a difference).  This works and is amazing!

My Recipe: grape fruit, black berries, strawberries, cucumber, lemon. This is a detox recipe which I found on pinterest.  The grape fruit after day 2 is super strong.  The cucumber was really strong day 1, but not any more.  I have used the fruit for 3 days now.  I am not sure how long fruit usually lasts, but so far its very fresh and potent still.  So I'm going to test it and see just how long fruit will last in the infuser pitcher.  

Pros: works great, easy to use, fruit stays fresh for a long time

Cons: none

My Rating: THUMBS UP!!!!

Body Firming Cream

Details: Bonapiel Anti Cellulite and Body Firming Cream with caffeine and retinol.  You can buy this product from Amazon via the link provided.  Comes in a 6 fl oz bottle.  This product will reduce cellulite by creating firmer tighter skin, is one of the best body firming creams because it will visibly improve skin firmness, will prevent the "Orange Peel" skin due to it quickly absorbing into skin, will decrease up to 90% faster within weeks, so you can "Say Goodbye to stubborn Cellulite" and comes with a money back guarantee.  Directions: apply directly to the abdominals, hips, thighs, arms, and glutes.  Massage into skin using a circular motion until absorbed or brush on in even layers with a fan brush.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Review: It has been many many years since I last tried a lotion/ cream that helped fight or reduce cellulite, as well as a body firming lotion.  During those early years of testing I remember it not working.  So I was very skeptical when testing this product out.  When using this product, the first thing you notice is the smell/ scent.  Its strong, a good fresh scent, that will go away once the cream is fully absorbed.  I love products that have this quality!  The cream is CREAM not a LOTION so its thicker, you don't need as much when rubbing it into your skin, and stays on your body all day.  I tested this product on my thighs, abdominals/ stomach, and buttocks.  I really saw the biggest change in my thighs.  They are smoother, the cellulite can't be seen much at all, and when I shave now, its easier, with smoother, less lumpy firm skin.  I didn't see much change in my stomach, but will continue using it to see what happens.  So after using this product for a month I can say there truly is a visible change to your skin, skin is firmer, cellulite does break down more so you see it less through your skin.  I actually felt more confident after using this product that I no longer wear beach shorts when I swim, or go to the beach.

Pros: works, love the scent that goes away once cream is fully absorbed, saw the visible change in my skin, I have firmer more smooth less cellulite thighs now

Cons: none

My Rating: Thumbs Up

Australian Tea Tree Oil

Details: Australian Tea Tree Oil can be purchased via the link provided.  It is a versatile essential oil that is a fighter against: acne, fungus, lice, yeast infections, skin tags, cold sores, dandruff, fleas, and a whole bunch of other harmful things.  Because this is an essential oil it is pure enough and strong enough to use when making your own: natural/ organic shampoos, lotions, soaps, facial cleansers and even toothpaste.  Comes in a 4 fl oz bottle, and a FREE 100 page "How to Use" guide that gives you 53 suggestions on how to use Tea Tree Oil.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Review: When I got this product I showed it to my Mother-In-Law who was more excited that I got it than I was.  I've used shampoo and conditioner with Tea Tree Oil in it, but other than that, I've had no other experience with this essential oil.  But because I had heard of it I was very curious about it, and wanted to learn more, and see what else it can do for my body.  Let me tell you, getting this product is cool, but having the company give you a free "How to Use" booklet is super helpful.  There are so many ways you can use this product, I didn't even know.  Just to name a few benefits that I personally found interesting: Its great for shampoos and conditioners to help improve the quality of your scalp.  It can be made into a spot remover. You can make a deodorant from this product.  A sore muscle relaxer.  These are just a few things that you can use Tea Tree Oil for.

When using this product I specifically used it to help my scalp and hair (because it leaves your scalp tingly and super clean feeling like a scalp massage), to remove skin tags, and as a skin toner or soother.  This is basically an essential oil so the scent/ smell/ fragrance is strong, REALLY strong.  So follow the recipes other wise you'll have that smell about you all day long.  As I have been using this product, I have to say I really love the feel of this when I use it for my hair, skin and scalp.  I see really good benefits, when using those recipes.  I haven't been brave enough to try making the deodorant, detergent, or anything toothpaste/ mouth wash wise.  I also haven't been brave enough to make the stain remover recipe either, but I think I will give it a try because I have very active children and stains seem to follow them with all their clothes: school, church, and play.  For the few items that I've tried I have been pleased with the results.  However, there is only one negative thing I can say about this product is that one the bottle's label itself it mentions that you can use this product to remove skin tags, but the "How to Guide" doesn't tell you how, or give you a recipe to make and follow.  I wish there was more information about this specific product use.  Other than that I'm happy with using this product, and the results I'm getting.

Pros: love the product, love the benefits, LOVE the "How to Guide"

Cons: there aren't recipes or how to guides for all the benefits mentioned on the bottle's label

My Rating: Thumbs Up

Skin Nourishing Oil

Details: Mia Mariu's Skin Nourishing Oil comes in a 4 fl oz bottle. To be used on face and body, non irritating paraben, alcohol, sulfate, fragrance free product, that is also child safe.  When using this product your senses will be rejuvenated by the nutrient replenishing essential oils, botanical extracts, anti-inflammatory natural helps, moisturizing and healing support ingredients as well.  Provides deep penetration without clogging pores.  Can with constant use reverse signs of aging by promoting collagen production.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Review:  I was both intrigued and worried about testing this product.  I have been lucky enough to test, try and review the Mia Mariu's makeup line, and found it wonderful.  However, when it comes to oils that are especially for the face my body doesn't always react well.  And in fact with this Mia Mariu Skin Nourishing Oil, my face completely broke out in a bad blemish rash.  Not fun to try and deal with, but it slowly went away as I stopped using this product on my face.  However, I did find better results when I used this product on my skin.  I specifically applied this product to my Motherhood stretch mark areas on my stomach, sides, back, and legs, as well as applied this oil to my arms, and hands.  I could feel my skin was much more smooth, and soft, and it was refreshing.  Even though they claim there is no fragrance, there is in fact a fragrance: a fruity/ citrus-y scent.  Its light and part of why I find this oil refreshing, however when a company specifically says no fragrance that is what you expect before putting this on yourself.  For a whole list of their ingredients please click on the link provided above because it leads directly to this product on Mia Mariu's website.

A little of this oil goes a long way, in fact I thought I was using way more oil than I actually have been...in other words after using this as often as I have, I'm surprised with how much oil I still have left to use.  I enjoy the fact that this oil quickly rubs into skin, and that the fragrance does diminish.  I didn't like my facial breakout, and don't recommend this product to people who have sensitive skin.  Even though I rub this into my hands, I do end up washing it off with dish soap because on my hands I honestly can't get it to rub in as easily as I do other areas of skin.

Pros: smells good, rubs in easily, works well on body skin

Cons: smells, doesn't rub in easily into hands, my face broke out bad

Contest: Ends October 4th: please comment below with one of the essential oil ingredients from this product. 

My Rating: Thumbs up and down

Nighttime Anti Wrinkle Serum

Details: Azure Naturals Ultimate Retinol anti Wrinkle serum.  2.5% retinol, Hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, professional strength.  1fl oz bottle.  Made in the USA.  Directions: wash and pat skin dry.  Apply a toner before using serum.  Use before bedtime so it can work over night on your face and neck.  Natural and organic ingredients, not tested on animals. Vitamin A is known to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone, helps improve skin pigmentation.  Can be bought on amazon through the above link.
"ONE YEAR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! All Azure Naturals products are backed by our 365-day, 100% Hassle-Free, Money Back Guarantee. If you don't absolutely love our ULTIMATE RETINOL Anti Wrinkle Serum we will give you a full refund, including shipping, no matter where you buy the product!"

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Review:  I'm very impressed with this product.  I love that its all natural and organic.  I love that I can use it at night and just fit it nicely into my bed time routine.  This is one of the first serums that doesn't have a smell, scent, or tingling, stickiness, and coloration when I use it.  I can see it working around my eyes in the way that I don't have purple/ black eye bags when I'm up all night with sick children, or I just don't get good sleep.  I have seen it working on my neck.  I have seen it working miracles on my forehead and between my eyebrows wrinkles the most.  They aren't as severe, noticeable, and deep.  Even though the company offers a full money back guarantee which I quoted above, I honestly don't think you'll need it because the product does what it says it will.  I've been using this product for only 2 months maybe, and have seen positive results, so I can attest to it working.  On top of having a great product, I'm also very impressed with the company, their customer service is very nice, happy, and respectful.  Even when I was having issues ordering and whatnot for the product review, they were willing to bend over backwards for me.

Pros: WORKS AMAZINGLY

Cons: none

Contest:  This company is willing to give you a free product, so here's what you have to do: be the first person to email me at momsthumbreviews@gmail.com.  READY SET GO!!!

My Rating: Thumbs Up!

Turmeric Supplement

Details:  Premium Turmeric Supplement is enhanced with Bioperine (2000% more than most brands), has no fillers, binders, preservatives, artificial ingredients, no magnesium stearates, no silicone dioxide, no titanium dioxide.  Super clean and pure turmeric supplement.  Contains 95 % concentrated curcuminoids.  Each bottle contains 120 vegetarian capsules.  Can be purchased on amazon.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Review:  The above disclaimer is something that I have to put in this product review so that I can submit this product review to Tomoson, but in this instance it is incorrect.  I did not receive a product from this company at all, so I was unable to test, try and honestly review this product.  However from the information that I have received from this company's website below is what I can honestly give you as my readers. This is just an infomercial as I have not received or tested this product.  Going onto their website that gives you all the information about this product, I was not impressed.  There is a lack of details, about the product, a lack of benefits of the product, and a lack of being able to follow the buttons on their website that are supposed to allow you to buy their product directly from amazon via a link on their website.  If you try and contact the company they do not respond, so their customer service is not very good either.

Pros: none

Cons: lack of real details, lack of good customer service, lack of benefits for why one should take this product

My Rating: To be honest, I am going to give this company a big thumbs down because I see nothing that gives it a thumbs up.

Organic Rosehip Oil

Details: Skin Daily Skincare Solutions 100% Organic Rosehip oil, Premium grade cold pressed, 1 fl oz bottle.  Directions: keep refrigerated to prolong freshness.  Skincare directions: apply 2-3 drops to your finger tips and gently massage into freshly cleaned and dry skin.  continue to massage until fully absorbed by the skin. Rose hip oil is good to fight against scars, sun damage, sun spots, acne, stretch marks, Eczema, Psoriasis, dermatitis, as well as dry nail and hair.  It is a very potent antioxidant that helps restore and hydrate your skin.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Review:  This is the first time I have ever used Rose Hip oil.  I saw that it had great benefits to your face and skin and wanted to test those benefits out.  As I used this for many weeks I noticed that my facial skin was softer, smoother, and complexion was clearer.  I didn't use this daily because my skin is sensitive to oils, so I went with an every other day to every 3 day program.  Even with this usage I found good benefits to my skin.  I did feel that when I used this product and then went out into the sun, my face burned more easily causing more sun spots, dirtier pores, and more breakouts.  So I highly suggest if you use this, even if it is thoroughly absorbed into your skin, to please use face sunscreen so you don't burn.  I have to be honest, when using this product I swear it made my skin more yellow...but it could just be me.  Yes, the oil is yellow-ish-orange.  And the oil smells strongly, not a nice smell, and not a bad smell, just a strong earthy smell.  So make sure you only use the few drops recommended so you don't smell.

When using this product I only stuck to using it on my face, but after seeing the positive benefits for my skin, I am now willing to try using this on my 4 year old's Eczema, my nails, and my husband's dandruff dry scalp hair.  Yes, its truly amazing to see how one little product can be beneficial to so many issues.  I'm so impressed with this product, because my skin is so sensitive, I either end up with a break out, it not working, or something negative with more skin care products.  Do I believe that it worked because it is organic and all natural?  YES!  I honestly do...I am moving into a more natural way of living as quickly as our budget allows, and as quickly (usually slowly) as I can find products I really do want to try like organic all natural shampoo and conditioner.  So in this instance I highly recommend this product for all the needs you might have.  It actually works, even if you only use it every 3 days or so.

Pros: WORKS, doesn't clog pores, doesn't cause a break out, tons of uses for this product

Cons: it doesn't smell nice, smell is strong

My Rating: Thumbs Up

Are your Nails healthy?

I have recently been thinking about health of mind, body, and the different parts of your body like dental health, vision health, organ health, skin health, brain health etc.  As a blogger who does lots of product reviews, lately I've been asked to review lots of vitamins, minerals, and other natural dietary supplements key to keeping your body healthy.  When we are in tune with our body, we know what different types of pain mean, we know what symptoms to remember when something isn't flowing well, our bowel movements aren't normal or we are craving something not in our diet.  As I have been learning to listen to my body, with every creak, pop, jab of pain or growl I am learning something new about my body and how it tells me I'm doing good, or that I'm not doing good health wise.

When I don't feed my kids enough vegetables they get a yellowish tint around their mouths.  When I don't eat enough greens my hormones are fluctuating like crazy.  But I have never once thought about noticing my nails and how they change to let me know they're healthy or not.   I have always had thin weak nails that chip, break, tear and sometimes peal off in layers, this has been going on my whole life.  But just recently I have learned that not all of that is normal, and its not really good...not SUPER bad, but there are things I can do to help my body to be healthier by listening or rather following the health of my nails.  So my question to you is, do you know if your nails are healthy or not?

Below I have listed a few links of articles that I have found, very helpful to me in helping me learn more about nail health and how it keeps us more in tune with our total body health.

1. Top 10 things Your Nails say about your Health from How Stuff Works, 10 detailed and real tips or suggestions on how to measure your body's health by following or watching for bad signs from your nails.

2. 5 Home Remedies to prevent nail Problems from How Stuff Works, 5 treatments you can do from your home to help keep your nails healthy and prevent dangerous or harmful issues to your nail health.

3. 5 Things not to do before going to the Salon from How Stuff Works, Learn how to keep your nails, your skin, and even your legs from being contaminated at a Nail Salon.

4. 3 Reasons your nails are naturally Dark from How Stuff Works, nails that change color isn't healthy, learn how to treat and prevent this from happening to you.

Omega 3 Krill Oil

Details: Number One Nutrition: Premium dietary supplement: Omega 3 Krill Oil promotes cardiovascular health, natural source of omega 3, 6, 9 with astaxanthin.  60 soft gels per bottle, 1000mg per serving.  Take 2 soft gels daily with meals.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Review:  This is the second time in my life that I have tried Krill Oil as my Omega 3 oils.  I have taken fish oil my whole life, and with my earliest memory being when I was in middle school I have about 20 years of different types of fish oil brands, omega 3 brands under my belt of taking these.  Most have fishy after tastes that you burp up multiple times after taking your suggested daily dose.  I have had some brands that smell fishy but have no fishy after taste, and everything in between.  Number One Nutrition Omega 3 Krill Oil is a medium sized soft gel that is super easy to take, easy to swallow, but it smells even worse than most fishy smelling fish oils.  However, if you can get past that smell these soft gels are the best that I've ever taken.  My normal fish oil soft gels are horse sized, and I have to take 2 daily, with no fishy smell, and a slight fishy after taste that you burp up.  However, to be honest, I don't mind taking this super smelly Omega 3 Krill Oil because there is no fishy after taste, even if you take these with no food.  That is the first time I've experienced this type of dietary supplement before.  In my mind that is impressive.  Like all vitamins or minerals, dietary supplements, you don't see them working instantly, your body needs the time to ingest, fill up, use and absorb before you will see results.  And with fish oils/ Omega 3's you don't really see the results right away and sometimes not at all until you go to the doctor.  I like how my body feels, I'm glad I am giving my body the essential fatty acids it needs, and I'm finding my body feeling better and healthier when I take Krill oil.  So in this sense I will recommend this product.

Pros: easy to swallow, no fishy after taste you burp up, medium-small soft gels, high potency of krill oil in each daily serving.

Cons: smells like rotten dead fish (super strong smelling)

My Rating: Thumbs Up

Anew Reversalist Skin Care

Details: Avon Anew Reversalist: complete renewal express: wrinkle smoother, slide to open top.  To Use: gently pat into skin do not rub into skin.  Use fingertips to apply directly on wrinkles, over moisturizer or makeup.  Mirrored top compacter.  A finishing cream to powder perfecter in a portable compact, for application over moisturizer or makeup.  Instantly reduces the look of any type of wrinkle on the forehead, crow's feet and eye area.

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for product reviews that are honest and non biased.  Nevertheless I only recommend products that I have personally tested, tried and find worthy.

My Review:  I'm in love with this product since I first started using it 2 weeks ago.  I love how smooth to the touch it is, how it goes from a cream to a powder when you dab it onto your skin, how it blends into any skin tone or color.  For example when my face wasn't tan it blended nicely, when it was beet red from a sun burn I could still blend in this product.  Now that I'm tan from all the swimming my kids and I do, I can also blend in my Anew Reversalist product easily.  I've noticed that when I use this product over my makeup it is harder to blend completely.  I usually end up rubbing in this product, even though it says not to. Its also easy to add to much, and when you do that you have to keep rubbing it into your wrinkles to keep it smooth.  But if you just spend an extra minute or so on dabbing this into your skin after your makeup is on, without adding too much, you'll be just fine.  I also love the mirrored top of this compact so I can use this on the go if needed.

Pros: smooth texture,

Cons: not easy to dab into skin with makeup on

My Rating: Thumbs Up

Vitamin D3 with Organic Coconut Oil

Details: Natural Stacks: Vitamin De with organic coconut oil.  Performance essential, 5,000 IU, 180 soft gels dietary supplement.  No GMO, gluten, artificial colors, preservatives.  Serving size: 1 daily, suggested to take in the morning unless otherwise directed by a health care practitioner.  Vitamin D3 is a superior form of Vitamin D formulated with organic coconut oil for optimal absorption.  studies suggest that Vitamin D3 plays  a role in regulating the neuromuscular and immune systems, help with mood and sleep issues.  It also helps support new cell growth and bone formation.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Review:  Vitamin D is very important to women who need calcium way more than men do.  However, many women aren't recieving the correct amount of Vitamin D their bodies need to absorb calcium, help their bones, and teeth that they need because their bodies aren't absorbing enough Vitamin D.  I have read studies that say to go outside for up to 30 minutes without sunscreen to absorb pure Vitamin D.  However not everyone can absorb enough Vitamin D in that short amount of time, and usually any time after 30 minutes in the sun, sun burns start.  I have personally asked my doctor how much of both Vitamin D and Calcium my body needs, and I was getting half or less than what my body needed.  So I got a good all natural vitamin due that has both calcium and vitamin D in high potencies.  However  to get what my doctor recommended I was supposed to swallow 4 huge horse pills daily.  A task that usually went undone than done because I am not one for giant horse pills.

When I saw this product, and that the amount or potency of the Vitamin D was higher than taking those 4 giant horse pills I knew I needed to check it out.  What luck!  These soft gels are tiny, easy to take, and you get more for your money.  I am very glad to have found this product, now to find a calcium that's similar and I'll be set.  But I don't mind taking 2-3 small calcium pills so the Vitamin D3 is absorbed into my body and my body gets the amount of calcium it needs too.  I highly recommend this product!

Pros: high potency, small soft gels, easy to take, quick to swallow, comes with the healthy oil to absorb fully and quickly into body

Cons: none

My Rating: Thumbs Up