Osaka Jar, Self-Sealing Airtight Jar

The Osaka Jar, Self-Sealing Airtight Storage Jar is designed especially for coffee but can be used for storing almost anything. It holds up to 13.5 oz. The jar itself is made of ceramic and the lid from silicone. It is heat resistant and airtight but will allow any CO2 build-up to be released without allowing in any oxygen.

This is just the neatest little jar! We are using it to store coffee grounds. We usually grind just enough to last a day or two so they stay as fresh as possible. The lid seals so tight you can actually lift up the whole jar by the lid. This will be sure to keep our grounds fresh.

You can find the Osaka Jar, Self-Sealing Airtight Jar on Amazon. They also offer it in black.

* I received this item at a discount for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

A Coffee Lover's Guide to Coffee - Book Review

We love coffee at our house and enjoy trying new beans whenever we get the chance. I also enjoy anything coffee flavored from ice cream to chocolate so this book was right up my alley.

I learned so much from reading A Coffee Lover's Guide to Coffee. It was a quick and easy read. It is full of all kinds of interesting info. It explains the difference between Arabica and Robusta which I had not known before. It talks about roasting, producing, brewing styles, coffee machines, storing, and goes in to a bit of detail about the countries that produce coffee and their rank in the coffee world. I really enjoyed this book.

You can find A Coffee Lover's Guide to Coffee on Amazon. Be sure to enjoy a cup of coffee while reading this one.

* I received an ebook version in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

 

Slackline Kit with Training Line

Our boys have been having a blast with the TrailBlaze Slackline Kit. We just happened to have a somewhat decent weather day today so my husband set it up for them. He said it was super quick and easy to put it up. He did adjust the tightness of it once they had walked a few times on it. He realized he had put it a bit too loose.

The kids were up on it within a few minutes. Some where having an easier time than others. They were laughing so hard and hanging on for dear life at the same time. It was such a good time watching them. I did try it but didn't get too far. I need to work on my balance a bit. Practice makes perfect! I do like that this kit comes with the training line so you can hang on until you master it.

The kit comes with everything you need. It includes the 50 ft Slackline (orange) and training line (bright green), both have their own ratchet, 2 tree protectors, and a bag to carry it all in. We chose not to use the tree protectors today since we knew we were only going to have it up for a few hours. We didn't want to leave it out in the nasty weather we are supposed to get tomorrow. I'm anxious to see if their legs and core will be sore tomorrow after all the time they spent on it this afternoon. They can't wait to get it back up once the weather is nice again.

You can find this Slackline Kit with Training Line on Amazon. It will provide hours of fun!

* I received this at a discount in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

NOVICA Silver Pendant Necklace 'Quechua Dove'

The Silver Pendant Necklace 'Quechua Dove' is such a beautiful piece of jewelry. A .925 sterling silver dove bears the olive branch of peace. I love what this necklace symbolizes and it spoke to me as soon as I saw it. It's so simple yet meaningful.

This piece is designed by Fabiana Quispe of Peru and crafted by hand. She names it Urpi, meaning "dove" in the Quechua language. She learned the craft by watching her father and other artisans in her village.

This an original NOVICA fair trade product in association with National Geographic. They work together with artisan designers all over the world to produce beautiful crafted items. As with every NOVICA item it includes an official NOVICA Story Card certifying quality and authenticity.

The necklace is just the perfect length for me. It's a 17.75 inch 1 mm sterling silver snake chain with a spring-ring clasp and the pendant is 1.3 inches long (including the bail) and 1.1 inches wide. I find it to be just the right size. It's really just my style in general and I love wearing it.

You can find the Silver Pendant Necklace 'Quechua Dove' on Amazon. They offer many beautiful items made by talented artisans. 

* I received this at a discount for my honest review. Opinions are my own. 

Telescoping Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

We love having bonfires in our backyard. They are so relaxing and there is just something about hot dogs and marshmallows over a bonfire. We generally have a stash of roasting sticks on hand but I usually have to buy a few new ones every year to replace broken or lost ones.

These Telescoping Marshmallow Roasting Sticks are nice. They come in a set of four and are 32" long when fully extended.

Fully extended.

We have not actually been able to test these over a fire because the weather has not cooperated since they arrived. It's been way too windy to have a fire. It's also very dry out. We just pretended so I could show how long it was. I'll post an update once we can actually use them. They do seem pretty sturdy and are comfortable to hold.

A really cool feature these roasting sticks have is that you can twist off the top skewer part so you can wash it. Love this idea! 

These roasting sticks would be a great addition to have for all your bonfire or campfire roasting fun. You can find the Telescoping Marshmallow Roasting Sticks on Amazon. You can also find out more by visiting barbeqa.com. 

* I received these at a discount in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

The I Quit Sugar Cookbook - Review

Sugar is everywhere and most of us eat way too much of it. When I saw The I Quit Sugar Cookbook I thought it might be a helpful one to have on hand. The first thing I noticed when it arrived is how heavy it is. It is a big book and full of all kinds of information not just recipes. The pictures are nice and the pages are thick.

I like the layout of the book. The author has handwritten type notes throughout the book. I think it gives it a bit of character but I do find a lot of the recipes may be a bit too hip for me. Not sure that word is even used anymore but that is what comes to mind. She does use a lot of brown rice syrup which I'm not really familiar with. She does also stress the importance of not wasting food. She uses everything in some way. I don't like to waste food either but I'm not at the extreme level. I also don't think I could ask strangers for their leftovers at a restaurant either like the author does.

A couple recipes that did sound like something I might like to try were the Carrot "Bacon" and "But the Kitchen Sink" Breakfast Hash.

Be sure to check out The I Quit Sugar Cookbook if you want to quit the sugar habit too.

* I received this book from Blogging For Books for this review. Opinions are my own.

Ancient Greek Remedy Oil

This Ancient Greek Remedy Oil is made from 100% pure organic cold pressed olive oil, lavender oil, almond oil, and grape seed oil. There are no preservatives, solvents, or chemical additives, It's vegan, GMO free, and animal friendly. It can be used on your face, hair, skin, and nails. It is to be only used externally.

It smells absolutely wonderful. I have used it on my nails/cuticles and heels. It's not greasy and soaks in well. As with many oils, you don't need a lot. One pump goes a long way. It does say to apply it 2x a day for a minimum of 3 months for best results. I just received it so I have only used it for a few days so I can't comment on long term use. I just can't get over how good it smells!

 You can find Ancient Greek Remedy Oil on Amazon.

* I received this item in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub

This 100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub from First Botany smells so good! Scent is always one of the first things I notice about a product and this is heavenly. Along with all natural gourmet coffee, a few of the other ingredients in  this scrub are - Dead Sea Salt, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, and Grape Seed Oil. It is 100% natural with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. It is also cruelty free so it's not tested on animals.

This scrub is specifically formulated to target cellulite, stretch marks, acne, eczema, age spots, and spider veins. The benefits include - exfoliates skin, restores elasticity, increases circulation, hydrates, boosts cell turnover, reduces fine lines, repairs damage from sun spots, reduces inflammation, and evens skin tone & brightens and softens skin.

I've used this scrub a few times now. I scoop it out with a spoon and then I do mix it with a tiny bit of water otherwise it doesn't want to stay on. I haven't used it on my face but just on random spots on my body where I have scars, stretch marks, and some dry skin. I have not used it long enough to notice a difference in appearance on my skin but it does fill soft and moisturized after using it. It does leave the tub/shower a bit slippery so I make sure to rinse it and wipe it down good. As with any scrub you don't want to use it right after you've shaved. It may irritate your skin.

I love using scrubs in general because they make my skin feel so refreshed and clean afterwards. The added bonus of this one with coffee in it is wonderful.

You can find 100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub on Amazon.

* I did receive this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil

I have been using this Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil in my diffuser in the evening and it smells wonderful. I love how calming and relaxing it is.

First Botany Bulgarian Lavender Oil is 100% pure therapeutic grade with no fillers or additives. All of their products are paraben free and cruelty free.

Large 4 oz bottle that includes a dropper.

Lavender Oil is one of the most well known essential oils. It has so many uses. It is used in aromatherapy, massage- be sure to add a carrier oil with it, skin care, relaxation, and more. It is highly effective in treating anxiety, depression, and stress. It can also help with headaches, migraines, and as a sleep aid. I find it wonderful to add a bit of lavender oil to a bath before bed or have it in the diffuser for an hour or two in the evening to start to wind down. 

You can find this Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil on Amazon. 

* I received this item in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own. 

RollerMaster Rolling Pin

The RollerMaster Rolling Pin is made from non-stick stainless steel so your dough will not stick. Because of it's non porous surface it prevents cross contamination. The handles prevent unnecessary pressure on your wrists. You can also chill the RollerMaster in the freezer or warm it up with hot water depending on what you are using it for. It measures 25 cm not including the handles.

I was so looking forward to having a stainless steel rolling pin. I thought it'd be wonderful to have this style and that would be the end to my dough sticking. I was very disappointed as soon as it arrived though. I was thinking it would be at least a bit heavy since it's stainless steel but that is not the case. It is extremely light which I don't care for in a rolling pin. I prefer a bit of heaviness.

My other issue with this rolling pin and maybe mine is defective but it has at least 3 nicks in it. It looks like something sharp has cut it in a few places and you can feel the groove of it. Needless to say I'm not really impressed with this particular rolling pin. If I hadn't received it for review purposes I would return it.

One of the cuts in my rolling pin. 

The RollerMaster Rolling Pin can be found on Amazon.

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Organic Carrier Oil Gift Set for Hair, Face & Body

This Organic Carrier Oil Gift Set for Hair, Face & Body from Gio Naturals is nice little set to start creating your own special blends with essential oils or you can use these carrier oils on their own.

The set comes with Castor Oil, Argan Oil, Tamanu Oil, Jojoba Oil, and also an empty bottle for you to create your own blend. Castor Oil can help increase and strengthen hair growth. Argan Oil can help add shine to your hair & help tame frizz. It can also help to moisturize your skin. Tamanu Oil can help with many skin conditions including eczema, cold sores, stings, burns, and many others. Jojoba Oil can be used to add shine and to soften your hair.

The Gio Naturals gift set is 100% Pure Certified Organic Cold Pressed and Unrefined. Each bottle is 1 ounce.

I do think this is a nice little set to give as a gift or use for yourself to start creating. The box it came in however could have been a little bit better quality. It was very out of shape and if I had not been paying attention the bottles would have fallen out the bottom end and broke all over  my tile floor. The wrapping around the bottles also was very hard to cut off. There is no perforated segment so I had to use a very sharp knife to cut my way through each one. Other than packaging issues I'm overall happy with the set.

You can find this Organic Carrier Oil Gift Set for Hair, Face & Body on Amazon. You can also look on the Gio Naturals site.

* I did receive this product at a discount in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Hiking - Trekking - Walking Pole

This hiking/trekking/walking pole from Rowe Outdoors makes a walk in the woods or on the trails a lot easier. It is manufactured with the preferred lightweight 7075 Aluminum. 

The handle part is comfortable to hold on to and easy to grip even if you have sweaty hands. The wrist strap is adjustable and it also has a soft liner to prevent chaffing. 

It is a 3 section telescoping pole with quick locks, also known as flip locks, for easy adjustments. We found it very easy and quick to adjust to the height we needed. It worked great for my youngest boy to my tallest one and just took a quick moment to adjust. It has an adjustable range from 26.5 inches to 53 inches. 

The bottom tip of the pole is made with tungsten steel and has a removable rubber tip. A loose terrain basket is also included. 

We look forward to having this with us on our outdoor adventures. We've used it in our backyard trails and found it to be sturdy and it's so nice that it is lightweight enough that it can easily be attached to a backpack when not needed. 

You can find this Hiking Trekking Walking Pole on Amazon.

* I received this item in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.