Meal Prep Made Easy – Portion Control Containers by PrepRx

The following blog post is a sponsored post

As I have mentioned before in this blog  I deeply believe in meal planning, not only because it much
more convenient for our family of different food preferences, but because it is easier to make sure we all have access to
healthy food option at all times. So when I had the chance to receive the “7-Pack of Reusable Portion Control Meal Prep Food Containers” by PrepRX,  I was eager to try them out

Here is what I found:
Pro:
Tight seal lids. I have had no problems with spillage whatsoever even after taking it with me just about anywhere.
Perfect fit for the microwave. While other meal prep boxes are often a little too large for smaller microwaves, Not this one,
It’s almost square design making it a perfect fit
Easy to clean – while they are really easy to clean by hand, I especially love that they are dishwasher safe, saving me
not only time via the meal prep, but also in the clean up
Freezer safe. Perfect for leftovers or prepping ahead!
Easily stackable – they truly do not take away much space in my already cramped kitchen. Perfect.

Con:
When they say tight lid, they mean tight lid! Sometimes it is hard for me to open those containers, and even harder for my 12-year-old.

If you love meal prep, take lunch to work with you, and want to stay overall healthy, these containers are for you.
I love filling them with already cut up fruits and veggies, making sure that when I am getting hungry, I am not grabbing
for those snacks that are not so good for me. what is not to love? Available on Amazon now! 

Product Dimensions are 9.8 x 4.3 x 5.9 inches

Made out of FDA-Certified BPA-Free Polypropylene

Azure Naturals: A Vegan, Cruelty-Free Skin Care Line Suitable For Sensitive Skin – A Review

 

Over the last few months, I have been looking for a suitable skin care regime for myself, that
would actually live up to my fairly stringent criteria, while being effective. While this search
has been leading to some frustrations, I have come across several products, I can actually happily endorse,
and Azure Natural skin care line happens to be one of them.

What I look for in a skin care product line:
1. Cruelty free
2. Preferably vegan, but not necessarily (I will use products containing honey, as I am already restricted on what I can safely use I will state if the product is or is not vegan)
3. Fitting for sensitive skin (I have several allergies, and never know when my face reacts to something in various degrees
4. It suits my somewhat aging skin (lets face it, I am in my early 40’s, I have different skin care needs, than a 20 year old)

I have been using the Azure Natural Ocean Minerals Skin Care Line for the last two weeks now, and wanted to share with you,  my experience with these cruelty-free products.

The skin care products I have been using are three of their products:

1. Ocean Minerals Facial Cleanser
2. Ocean Minerals Facial Toner
3. Ocean Minerals Facial Moisturizer

Ocean Minerals Facial Cleanser
This Organic Facial cleanser comes in a 4 oz pump bottle, containing wonderful ingredients such as Organic Aloe, Rosehip and
Tea Tree Oil. I love how this cleanser leaving my skin feel balanced, not overly dry, nor oily. It has a very faint scent, which for someone like me who does not like strong scented beauty products (unless I am wearing perfume), absolutely perfect.
After almost two weeks, it has not given me any adverse reaction, while cleansing my skin perfectly.

Ocean Minerals Facial Toner
Again containing ingredients that are organic and natural, in its case Aloe, Irish Moss and Sea Kelp, this toner is a nice addition to my skin care routine. I have previously always neglected using a toner, but will from now on, as it has lessened the size of my pores. Also, it adds an extra layer of protection from environmental effects, which is always a great thing. This is also only minimally scented and feels cool upon application. Comes in a 4 oz spray bottle.

Ocean Minerals Hydration Cream
I love this moisturizer. Containing Aloe, Irish Moss, and Shea Butter, this creme leaves my skin soft and smooth without producing an oily or sticky film. I find it to be the perfect way to end a morning facial routine, light enough to wear under makeup, and nongreasy. It comes in a 1.7 oz pump bottle.

All of the above products are, as I mentioned vegan, cruelty-free, organic and very natural.
If you are looking for a great gift for Mom on Mother’s Day, or want to treat yourself to a beautiful skin, I highly recommend
Azure Natural’s Ultimate Ocean Mineral Skin Care Line. It is available on Amazon now.

Dollar Store Quality At A Non-Dollar Store Price: Soccer Ball Necklace – A Review

This post may contain affiliate links 

I get quite a few products and books to review each week, for which I am very grateful for. But of course, not all of them
are going to be off the highest quality. And while I have no problem singing the praise for those who have done a great job with their products, books or services, I am equally as willing to write a neutral or negative review, when warranted.

As it is in the case with this Silver-Tone with Black Crystal Pave Soccer Ball Pendant Necklace 18″, from Dee Zee Global. While it might make a cute everyday gift for the young girl who just started with soccer, it is more dollar store quality than what I usually see on Amazon. The pendant is rather light, and nothing special, the chain a standard stain of the same quality that will last for the few weeks it is meant to be worn anyway until it is tossed in the corner. It is not ugly, it is sparkly enough to get a young girls attention, but like I already mentioned, not above the quality I see in the local Dollar store.

Instead of giving your daughter, or anyone else this necklace, there are much prettier, and more high-quality options out there in the same price range.

Disclaimer: I was given the soccer ball necklace for free in return for an honest, unbiased review

5 Facts You Might Not Know About Bento Boxes

The following post may contain affiliate links

Bento boxes are all of the rage, ranging from adorable boxes for children, to elaborate stackable wooden boxes,
with beautiful decor. Originating from Japan, they are a wonderful way to store and transport food wherever you go.

But how much do you really know about these traditional Japanese food boxes? I have collected 5 Bento facts you might not know, just for you:

Source

I have collected 5 Bento facts you might not know, just for you:
1. Bento actually means convenience. And that is exactly what they are, a convenient way to take food with you, with
practical compartments keeping your food separate and clean.

2. In Japan you can be served Makunouchi Bento at a restaurant. These meals come arranged in elegant lacquered boxes, and are often very elegant.

3. There is such a thing as bento art. Featuring elaborate designs – cute, filled with humor, or just simply weird – Hongkiat
features a few of these well-designed bento art pieces. Check out the Starbucks bento box, which is my personal favorite

4. The difference between a bento box, and a lunch box is,…. well there is not any, because essentially a bento box is a
lunch box used in Japan. The biggest difference is probably, that a lunch box does not have to have separate compartments to be a lunch box, while a bento box usually has at least two compartments.
5. Great for eating healthy – bento boxes, because of their separate compartments allow for portion control. This is
especially great for those who are trying to reach their goal weight, or trying to ensure that they are consuming a balanced
meal. Use the largest compartments for veggies, and the smaller ones for proteins, starches, and even desserts.

My current favorite bento lunch boxes are these NimNik Kitchenette 3-Compartment Bento Boxes. Easily stackable, these three compartment boxes make it easy to transport a well-rounded lunch to the office, but are in my house mostly used for meal-prep. I like the prepare my healthy snacks and meals ahead of time, knowing that if I have the convenience of filled bento boxes at my fingertips, I am less likely to reach for an unhealthy snack. They are perfect for holding cold
lunches, such as sandwich and salad lunches, my favorite vegan wraps, or especially for a raw meal, like zucchini noodles with raw tomato sauce, with space left for some no-bake cookie balls, and fruit!. They come in a pack of ten, with a black bottom and a see-through plastic top, and are easy to clean. I love that the lid fits very tightly upon the box, making sure that there will be no mess, during transport. They are not of the thickest material, so I would not abuse them, as
it is possible with some other sturdier bento boxes, but I have had neither breakage or leakage issues with them, and we
have put them through the family test.

You can find the NimNik Kitchenette 3-Compartment Bento Boxes on Amazon right now!

 

Want to see how bento boxes can be used for a healthy, vegan meal prep? Check out one of my favorite YouTuber “Mind Over Munch” create Vegan Bento Boxes!

Disclaimer: I received the NimNik Bento boxes for free in return for an honest review

 

Cruelty-Free And Vegan – Youth Express Night Cream From Insta Naturals: A Review

 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I was given this product for free in return for an honest, unbiased review
I was looking for a hydrating night cream to add to my evening routine, but was not too happy with the many products out
there that are tested on animals. So when I was offered to try out this cruelty-free Youth Express Night Cream, I was truly
excited to see what it would do for me.

First of all, I am glad to report that it works even on my sensitive skin. As I am prone to allergies, I am always wary of switching products, and to product lines I am not familiar with, but I am happy I gave this cream a try. Containing rosehip, which is filled with Vitamin C, and Niacinamide, which is Vitamin B 3 – assisting aging skin to keep the youthful look, the cream  hydrated my skin, and left my face feeling softer to the touch, even after only a few applications. I also love that it comes in an airtight pump, which in my opinion is so much more sanitary than tubes, and jars, as the product never gets in contact with fingers until the actual time for application.

InstaNatural Youth Express Night Cream Available on Amazon now!

It fits perfectly into my nightly beauty routine, and I can feel good about not using a product tested on animals. Insta Natural Youth Express Night Cream is also vegan, which is a wonderful plus for my vegan friends out there.

Question

What is the most important criteria you look for in a night cream? A special ingredient, its origin, or maybe, like me,
if it is cruelty-free? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

Finally – A Skin Care Product I Truly Enjoy

Disclaimer: I have received Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. The following post also contains affiliate links, at no cost to you. See Disclosure page for details.

Finding a skin care product I can use, that is also cruelty-free is a hassle, and often fruitless. And even if I am not allergic
to the product, I find that I can either not stand the smell of it, or it is ineffective. Thankfully I received Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum in the mail recently, and now I am hooked on their cruelty-free product line.

Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum Available on Amazon Now!

A pleasant orange scent, that reminds me of orange essential oil (which happens to be my favorite), greeted me the first time I tried it on. Used after your evening cleansing routine, the soft and non-greasy serum immediatly left my face feeling refreshed, and properly moisterized without leaving an oily feel. I am not often impressed by beauty products, and even though the serum is in the  price range (about 35 Dollars on Amazon), I decided that I will give myself a small gift and switch a few more of my beauty products over to the Valentia product liine..

I must say, that for my vegan friends, I am not entirely sure if the serum or any of the other available products are vegan, considering that there are some ingredients that could be animal derived or not – but I have sent the company an inquiry and hopefully will hear from them soon, so I can update you as soon as I get an answer.

I love my adorable vintage style diffuser! Available on Amazon

If you are wondering why I love orange essential oil, let me tell you. Not only because of its fruity, clear fresh scent, it is als a mood lifter, and room brightener. I love adding a few drops to my diffuser, in order to lift the over all energy of any room.

 

 

 

Finding the same scent in a beauty product made my day.
Happy shopping!

Claudia

A Gift I Did Not Know I Needed – Herb Scissors

 

Disclaimer: The following post is a sponsored post and contains affiliate links. I received the item for free in return for an honest review. See disclosure page for details

We use a lot of herbs and spices in our daily life. From making our own spice mixes to creating our own tea blends, making our own sauces, and cooking for friends, I spent a lot of time cutting up rosemary and chives, basil and oregano. While a proper kitchen knife is a fine enough tool to get the herbs and spices needed in a proper size, it is not as convenient and fast as the Five-Layered Herb Scissors from Marky Products. Armed with that surprisingly heavy, sturdy and sharp tool, I “cut” my prep time to a few seconds, slicing through anything needed to make the perfect spaghetti sauce and all of the fresh herbs needed for our salad dressings.

Five-Bladed Herb Scissors from Marky Products

Yes, the herbs get stuck in between the five blades, but thankfully the product comes with a small, green “comb”, which cleans between each blade, making the cleanup also a quick action. The five-layered herb scissors are one of those products, I did not know, I needed until it arrived at my doorstep.

Let me give you a quick review summary:

Pro:

1.  Sturdy, heavy duty scissors, that are easy to handle and feel comfortable in my hands.

2. the scissors are comfortable for both right and left-handed people (me), as well as people with bigger hands (my husband)

3. Cuts the cooking prep down to a fraction of the time

4. cleans easy,  due to the cleaning tool included with the scissor purchase

Con:

1. the cleaning tool is another little thing that is easily lost in an already full gadget drawer. It would be even better if the cleaning tool would attach somehow to the scissors for a more convenient storage.

Overall I highly recommend the Five-layer herb scissors from Marky Products as a great addition to a household that cooks a lot, and is into clean, fresh cooking that includes a lot of fresh herbs.

You can purchase the useful herb scissors on Amazon today, and get free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime!