I just got this email! KIWI Magazine is all about natural and organic ways of living. LOVE IT! They just came out with this cookbook for families with food allergies. It will get released on April 10 but, you can pre-order it through Amazon.com.
Archive for Health
Pre-Order KIWI’s New Cookbook!
Sibu Beauty Review
I was recently given the opportunity to review a Sibu Beauty product called Sea Buckthorn Revitalize & Renew, a liquid supplement for skin, hair and nails. I loved the look of the company and their commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.
Sibu Beauty
Sibu Beauty products all started with a meeting between Sibu’s founder, Bruce McMullin and an ayurvedic specialist (which is Ayurveda, which literally means “The Science of Life,” is an ancient healing science from India Source) in Calcutta, India. This specialist told Bruce about a “powerful holy fruit, the Sea Buckthorn berry” and Sibu was founded in 2003.
Sibu has a complete line of products including: facial cream, body cream, balancing facial cleanser, hydrating serum, replenishing night cream, sea buckthorn seed oil, age defying eye cream and a bar of facial soap. Products range in price: $6.95-$50.90. They even have a couple new products not in their brochure.
All of Sibu’s products are chemical free, contain no artificial flavors or colorings and no preservatives. The company seeks to use the sea buckthorn berry responsibly and in a sustainable manner. Sibu Beauty also practices fair trade in that they offer fair wages to the people of Tibet who harvest the berries, environmentally safe processing techniques and healthy, safe working conditions. (Source: Sibu’s product brochure & website)
The company’s founder is committed to giving back to charity, which you can read more about on their website under the “Giving Back” tab.
Sea Buckthorn Revitalize & Renew
Sea Buckthorn is suppose to improve skin tone and texture, supports hair and nail growth. It is full of Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9 fatty acids. Omega 7 is rare, but supposedly vital for cellular support. It is also a powerful free radical scavenger.
Ingredients: Besides the Omega fatty acids, sea buckthorn fruit puree, apple juice from concentrate, white grape juice from concentrate, acerola fruit juice from concentrate, evaporated cane juice, banana puree, sea buckthorn oil seed oil, natural flavors, pectin, xanthan gum.
Sibu Beauty Review
I am pretty skeptical by nature, but have had such a dry face this winter that I was willing to try anything to help alleviate the flakes and scales! I received a 25.35 fl.oz. bottle of the Sea Buckthorn and started taking it….oh nearly a month ago, I guess. I have taken a tablespoon or so each day, pretty consistently but have missed days and think there might be just the slightest change, maybe. Definitely no overnight differences or incredible results by any means.
By my last tablespoon, which I took yesterday, I think I was finally getting use to it’s unusual flavor. I am not a huge peach or apricot fan and I would have to say that Sea Buckthorn reminded me of a mix of those two fruits. I would literally shiver after drinking it, but I persevered because I wanted to be able to give an honest review of how well it worked. I could have easily given up the first day! 
Just goes to show that if you keep trying a food/drink you can start to kind of like it, even if you didn’t in the beginning.
I like the idea of this product, but the ingredient “natural flavors” is always something hidden. While the ingredients are not organic, two of these products have a low score on EWG.org (Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic site), so that is very good. The other products were not showing up in the database.
Overall, this was an ok product and I am glad I tried it. However, ultimately I think beauty products are a personal choice and we have to find what works best for us. For more information about this product please visit: www.SibuBeauty.com
Sale & Discount
Right now they have a sale going on until tomorrow night:
20% OFF Sitewide + Free Shipping!
Use coupon code SIBUDEAL20 on checkout.
Free shipping offer excludes Sibu Raw. Offer ends March 31st.
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Zero Water Review and Giveaway (2 Winners)
STOP BUYING BOTTLED WATER!!! ZeroWater is here to help save the Earth with it’s water filtration system. ZeroWater has a “patented 5-stage water filter system and is the only system certified to meet the Food & Drug Administration’s standards for Purified Bottle Water.”
Let’s talk water and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) – TDS is the substances in your water that make it “taste salty, bitter or metallic.” I live in the Northeast and have well water.
I used the TDS water meter provided 
I tested our tap water and here’s the results.
That meter reads 126 as the glass stood there for a few minutes it went up to 129. Which in my area of the world is normal for tap water. Most of the US falls into the 051-200 meter reading. The ZeroWater filter will produce about 24 to 40 gallons of water for my area. As the meter reading rises the gallons of water reduces, because the filter has more substances to clean.
I buy bottled water for my family to drink. If I drink my current tap water from the faucet, frankly it tastes like dirt. I’ve tried other filtration devices and they haven’t worked.
Here’s what happened to the meter when I put my tap water through the filter.
The meter dropped to 001! WOW!
For the heck of it – I tried bottled water.
That one was 046!
The Pitcher -
It fits well in the fridge, has a place on the lid to put the TDS meter and a little spout on the bottom. I don’t even need to take the pitcher out of the fridge! My only concern in the future would be a leak from the spout. So, far all is well an no leaks! Hooray!
The Taste – It improved my water taste tremendously! No more dirt water and I can finally stop buying bottled water! ZeroWater recommends that you change your filter when you TDS meter reads 006.
World Water Day was officially on March 22!
Visit ZeroWater’s Website or on Facebook to learn more about their products!
Want more!? Use the following code MC30 for 30% off your own 10 Cup ZeroWater Pitcher !
My Review – Great product. As I said earlier my water tasted terrible. With the ZeroWater Pitcher, I don’t have to buy bottled water anymore! I can save money and the environment!
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ZeroWater and received a water pitcher to facilitate my review, two pitchers to giveaway, and extra filters to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
There’s a giveaway! No, wait there’s 2 GIVEAWAYS!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Losing Weight & Essentialzymes – Part 4 of the Slique™ Series
This is my very belated Health and Garden Tuesday post from two weeks ago. I had sick children that week and loads of catch up to do besides, so bear with me as I gather my thoughts and share my journey to losing weight (or lack there of).
First the product, then my story.
Essentialzymes
Essentialzymes are two capsules that you take before your meal for digestion and to add enzymes to your digestive tract. Here’s the product description:
Essentialzymes-4 is a multi-spectrum enzyme complex specially formulated to aid the critically needed digestion of dietary fats, proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates commonly found in the modern processed diet. The dual time-release technology releases the animal- and plant-based enzymes at separate times within the digestive tract, allowing for optimal nutrient absorption.
They really have no taste, obviously since you swallow them whole. I take them before meals with a glass of water. I do know the days I was doing the Slique™ Challenge, I truly experienced more energy, feelings of fullness and more regularity.
Lost My Motivation
I shared that I was participating in the Slique™ Challenge, well once I sent my photos in they requested that I retake them holding the newspaper, as I had sent in the photo of the newspaper in separately because I didn’t know I was suppose to hold it! I kind of lost my motivation then because it took me a month to decide to take photos, to participate and then blog about it. I have been thinking about it more and since we probably won’t be able to attend Young Living’s annual convention in Utah in June, which was a huge motivator… that and winning the $5000 cash prize….I have decided not to continue. I may purchase the products as I need them, but I won’t be purchasing the Slique™ kit every month.
Losing Weight & Measuring
I gained 5 pounds last time I weighed myself a week ago. 
Blah. I have yet to weigh myself again. I hate this whole process.
I measured myself a week ago Saturday and made my little notes of it, so we’ll see it that helps noticing any change. As of last week, it seemed like certain measurements had increased but not all. Go figure.
My Struggle
My struggle is lack of consistency when trying to do a program like this. I cheat. I miss my regular food. I fall off the wagon and do not get the results I want because I am not being faithful. Vicious cycle and I don’t want to waste money if I am not going to stick with it faithfully. I know it could work if I would discipline myself and eat different food than my family but we just are not set up to do that. Seriously. And to be honest, I must not want this enough or else I would stick to it. For example, when I want something like wanting to earn an income from home, I’ve never quit and I work hard to supplement our income.
Lack of Exercise
I am lacking in exercise. It’s been beautiful out but I still have yet to get for a walk. Oh I did shop at Costco today! Whoopie! (this was two weeks ago now!) I long for the days when gardening will be my exercise! Who has time to add yet another thing to do in a day, I’d much rather multitask and count it as 2 or even more things.
Update: However, I did take three walks last week with my children and jumped rope another day…..progress!
Moving Forward
I don’t have a definite game plan, except to increase my exercise. I know that works for me and with gardening, yard work, walks, jumping rope….that will all help towards that goal. Plus I’ll be eating more fresh veggies while I am at it!
Losing weight is a journey of an overall lifestyle change, which our whole family has been on for years.
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Hungry for Change: From the Creators of Food Matters
I love sharing about new resources that educate people about our current Big Ag food system and anything that helps people realize we do not need big corporations controlling our food. Hungry for Change is a new movie from the creator of Food Matters (another must see!). This is a direct quote from FRESH’s email as I am about to watch the movie with one of my sons and whoever else is propelled towards the sound of a movie playing…..so here it is:
Today marks the worldwide premiere of Hungry for Change, and you can watch it online for FREE until March 31st. Check it out today!
http://www.hungryforchange.tv/fresh
In this movie, you’ll hear the truth behind “diet,” “sugar-free,” and “fat-free” products, and learn what to avoid in your supermarket. You’ll be inspired by transformational stories from people who have recovered from being sick and overweight. You’ll find the solutions to vibrant health for yourself and your family. So, watch the movie and share the knowledge with a friend–it may save a life!
To a more energetic you,
Ana and Crystal
The FRESH TeamP.S. Want to support good food and our work at FRESH? Consider adding to our tip jar.
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#HealthyHabits & Oral Care Challenge Update
Nearly a month ago we started the Healthy Habits & Oral Care Challenge, if you missed my first post about the Healthy Habits & Oral Care Challenge, please go back and read it here. We had our ups and downs of changing our individual daily habits, after all isn’t that why we give a challenge at least 30 days? I have heard some say it takes up to 90 days to successfully start a new habit or break an old one, while others say 2 weeks. Who’s to say, right? We are all different.
Depending on my work schedule, I improved my goal of getting back to brushing 2x/day and flossing at least 1x/day, even though I know our panel of experts recommended flossing 2x/day, but I wasn’t flossing at much, if any before the challenge. I was pretty much able to rinse 1-2x/day as well, just not consistent with the 2x/day recommendation.
My children were pretty stellar and I think some advancement has been made with certain ones that were really struggling. Consistency is key. A couple of the children really did not care for the mouthwash or were afraid of swallowing it (they know too much and read labels!). Another one of my children thought the toothbrush she had was too soft or not soft enough? I cannot remember now and she’s in bed early because she’s sick. But that is just a personal preference.
I really liked the flavor of the alcohol-free mouthwash we got. Not sure if my husband even tried it (I don’t keep tabs on his oral care! :)), he’s putting the little ones to bed so I can work so I cannot really ask him right now! I think overall everyone in our family has been pleased with the experience. It has made us more aware of how important it is to be a good example of practicing healthy habits to the younger children and showing them good oral care.
Tips on Getting Your Kids to Brush, Floss and Rinse
● Make oral care fun (e.g., make it a game; brush, floss and rinse to music; etc).
● Reward their behavior (e.g., give gold stars for good oral care).
● Show, don’t tell – make oral care a family affair.
● Involve them in their own oral care routine by providing products like LISTERINE® Smart Rinse, which can make the daily routine more fun,
provides 12-hour cavity protection for kids and strengthens teeth 99 percent better than brushing alone.
These tips were provided by Dr. Kaneta Lott, DDS (pediatric dentist).
Need oral care products? Shop here.
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing and participating in the Healthy Habits for a Lifetime Oral Care Challenge. We are being compensated by Johnson & Johnson and TheMotherhood. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review and compensation, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
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Starting Our Seeds: Motivation Monday
Daylight Savings has begun, the days are growing longer and warmer. Signs of spring. Ahhh….the change of seasons is so refreshingly sweet, isn’t it?
It was so nice yesterday and we our box of seeds (Mike the Gardener’s and Johnny’s Seeds) came the other day that my girls were begging me to start planting. I did not have our seed flats or other containers, but we did have plenty of egg cartons that we were saving for when we had our laying hens, so I told the girls to go ahead and use the egg cartons to start the seeds. They went to town and got a lot planted. Then again when you have 5-6 pairs of hands it does not take long to get a job done. They planted veggie seeds and flower seeds.
My motivation this week is to get the rest of our seeds planted that need to be planted so they are ready to put into the ground at the right time. What the children planted yesterday was for their individual gardens, not our big one! We have one table set up in our living room and will probably need to set our other one up once I get my seeds planted. I am hoping it is warm enough and light enough in front of our big window. (Dreaming of the day we have a greenhouse or hoop house!)
We also have to get the tiller serviced so it is ready to go when we start planting outside. I have asked my dear husband to do that job!
Chickens will be ordered but we will plan for them to arrive in April and May. Pretty exciting stuff going on here at Loony Acres!
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Malnourished Children & Future Fortified Campaign
There are needs everywhere and it is impossible to meet them all, but just once I would love to be able to help every person and every organization I know needs that help. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Alas, I can only help a few at a time.
I have joined another campaign involving Future Fortified to help children.
The Campaign
Future Fortified is a campaign of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to help millions of women and children around the world access the essential nutrients they need to lead healthy, enriched lives. Our goal is to provide sustainable access to improved nutrition for 50 million women and children in developing countries by 2015.
Did you know…
~ Approximately two billion people around the world do not receive the daily recommended nutrients they need for proper growth and development?
~ 35% of all deaths each year among children is due to poor nutrition in mothers and children?
(Source: Future Fortified)
1,000 Days from Future Fortified on Vimeo.
Home Nutrition Packets
Home Nutrition Packets are Future Fortified’s solution to this problem. It is a little packet of nutrients that women and children can simply sprinkle over their meal for added nutrition.
My thoughts
I actually think this is a great solution and would be very easy to use since the idea is for families to just add the nutrients to their local food. It sounds like the packets will be small enough to carry, handout or ship. That would be a bonus compared to bulky containers that supplements can come in. The families wouldn’t have mix anything and there are no complicated instructions.
Giving Back
A donation of $20 is being made to Future Fortified because bloggers like me are writing posts to spread the word about this campaign. Donations will cap at $1000.
More Information and to Join the Campaign
Website: http://futurefortified.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FutureFortified
Twitter: https://twitter.com/futurefortified
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Future Fortified. To thank me for my contribution, Mom Central donated $20 to the Future Fortified campaign.”
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Balance Complete – Part 3 of the Slique™ Series
Some comments left last week made me think that there is some misunderstanding concerning how I am doing with the Slique™ Challenge to achieve my weight loss goals. The photo below is the suggested regimen:
This is what my meals may look like on any given day:
Meals
Breakfast: I am big on breakfast. It is pretty much my favorite meal. I start out by having my orange juice with my vitamins and fish oil. Then we usually have cold cereal, oatmeal, toast, eggs or pancakes.
Snack: Slique™ Tea, water with Slique™ Essence, sometimes a piece of fruit or dried fruit like Craisins or Wolfberries. My Ningxia Red, which is a nutritional drink full of antioxidants.
Lunch: Slique™ Tea 15 minutes before. Balance Complete (a meal replacement shake) or a light lunch. Eaten with enzymes (for digestion).
Snack: Slique™ Tea, water with Slique™ Essence.
Supper: Slique™ Tea 15 minutes before. Balance Complete or a light supper. Eaten with enzymes.
For the most part I have not been consistent in doing any of this. It’s been hit or miss and I have mostly been eating what my family eats. I have had no weight loss so far in the last week and three days. Nor have I gained any. I am hoping to up my activity to some walks this week, but we’ll see if I make that goal. I am also an emotional eater, which was taught as a wee one I am sure, so if I have a bad day I tend to eat more. Lots of bad habits to change.
Balance Complete
This is a meal replacement powder. It is vanilla flavored. It smells good and tastes good. I prefer to take it in cold water. I need to start making this one of my meals to see if that helps me drop some pounds.
Inches
I met someone at an essential oils educational class last who is also doing the Slique™ Challenge and she is not only weighing herself but measuring herself. So while she has not dropped any pounds, she has lost inches, which keeps her motivated! Pretty good idea, one I plan to implement as soon as I find my tape measure or purchase a new one!
That concludes Part 3 of the Slique™ Series.
Read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
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Kid-Safe Chemicals – Must See Video
This is a must see video if you are even remotely curious or concerned with the amount of chemicals our children are exposed to today. Thanks to the Environmental Working Group (EWG.org). They also have a site that allows you to look up ingredients, which I cannot seem to find that link right now but will add once I find it:
This video is precisely why we are changing the products we use and the foods we eat. It is for the future of our children and future generations. A change must occur. What will you do?
