Product Review: Australian #TeaTreeOil - Including FREE Recipe Guide

*I received the product in this post for free.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Check it Out!  Essentials oils have been getting a lot of attention lately.  There are so many benefits of oils that I have been exploring them more and more.  I love finding products that can do the job I need done in a natural and safer way.  I first used Tea Tree Oil back when my kids were in elementary school.
Having a little girl with long hair it wasn't long before we got a taste of the lice bug.  What an ordeal this little nit can cause!  I would spend upwards of $50 on products to kill and rid those pesky things.  I finally was told to try Tea Tree Oil and it was cheaper, healthier than all those chemicals and effective.

Tea Tree Oil is one of the most versatile essential oils.  It can be used to make your own shampoos, lotions, soaps and even body wash.  It can be used to treat acne, cold sores and ringworm too!  Tea Tree Oil is often used to protect wounds and treat fungus.  Not only that but it is quite useful around the home as well.  You can make your own all natural household cleaners and detergents.   Because of it's disinfecting qualities it makes a great bathroom and kitchen spray.

I am so glad I got the opportunity to review this product and have so many uses planned for it!  I first used it as a cleaner and it is amazing.  Chemical free and all natural, I can rest easy knowing I am using products that are safer for my family.
Every 4 ounce bottle comes with a Free 100 page guide that will provide you with all the ways that this oil can be used to improve our life and make it safer too!

I could not get over the many ways that Tea Tree Oil can be used and I love having the recipe guide at my fingertips.  I am personally not that fond of the scent of this oil and I don't know that I could put it near my face without some scented oils included so I decided to clean with it first.  I want to take advantage of the anti-bacterial properties.  I first made the all purpose cleaner and I love it.  It is great for the countertops, the floors and tables and chairs. 

You can head over to Amazon HERE and get yourself some of this 100% pure Australian Tea Tree Oil.

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.

Product Review: Konjac Facial Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal

*I received this product for free for purposes of review, however all opinions are my own.

Check it Out! Everyone knows that exfoliating the skin is important but finding just the right products to get the job done can be a challenge.  Sure there are a ton of products out there but finding what works for you is the ultimate goal. I got this all natural facial sponge to try out via PureSol a while back and I have been loving it!

The PureSol Konjac Sponge is a 100% natural and eco-friendly sponge that gently exfoliates while deep cleansing and removing toxins and impurities. It has a unique net like structure that gently massages the skin and breaks down the daily dirt. It also stimulates blood flow and new growth of skin cells. Konjac is a moisture rich plant fiber that is by nature alkaline and balances the impurities and oils.

When I first received my sponge I wasn't too sure about it, it was as hard as a rock! Then I read the instructions and let it soak in water for a bit. It became super soft and squishy!  

The added Bamboo Charcoal contains activated carbon and minerals that deeply cleanse the skin, leaving it soft and refreshed. It helps pores get smaller, tighter and brighter as well. This sponge is made from 100% pure vegetable fiber and contains no coloring or additives which makes it perfect for hypersensitive skin.

 PureSol's packaging is 90% compostable too.

Each Konjac sponge comes with an easy to hang suction hook that is perfect for hanging right in the shower. I love how convenient that makes finding and using it.  It gets a little hard after it is left unused for a couple of days, but a quick soak under the water loosens it and softens it back up. I like the shape and size of this sponge as well. It isn't too big and contours well to my facial features so every inch of skin gets cleaned. 

You can get more information on the Konjac Sponge on their Facebook page and you can snag yourself a Konjac Sponge on Amazon HERE.     

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.

Product Review & #Giveaway: @EverBamboo Purify by Nature!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  All opinions are my own.

Check it Out!  With 5 people who are home ALL the time, I have to deal with a lot of odors!  From the laundry room to the kitchen, there always seems to be something stinky! lol  I recently got a chance, via Tomoson to review some all natural products that would help me out with that problem, EVER BAMBOO!

EVER BAMBOO invites you to Purify by Nature with their products made from all natural bamboo charcoal.  This charcoal is produced from the rapidly growing moso bamboo that has countless tiny holes and revolutionary abilities as both a dehumidifier and a deodorizer.  EVER BAMBOO is an all natural way to get rid of odors and moisture.

I received three of their products to check out.  The Fridge + Freezer Deodorizer, the Shoe Deodorizer and the Bin Deodorizer + Dehumidifier.  You can check out all the products on their site HERE.  

The EVER BAMBOO Fridge + Freezer Deodorizer absorbs ethylene gas which helps produce stay fresh longer.

It comes in a sturdy white pouch that can be tucked behind and between spaces in either the fridge or the freezer.  It is tightly sealed so you don't have to worry about the product leaking.  So far my fridge smells great!

The Ever BAMBOO Shoe Deodorizer eliminates odors instead of masking them and come in handy little packets that slide right down inside the shoe, really no matter the size.  Although I would recommend getting the EVER BAMBOO Boot Deodorizer for those boots and really large shoes.  My oldest son wears a 13 shoe so for him the Boot ones would be awesome.  These shoe deodorizers are sturdily packed so you can toss them in and out of your shoes without worry of them coming apart.

I tried the shoe deodorizers in all kinds of shoes and even discovered that they work great inside my shoe keeper.  Because it zips up, it kinda seals all those musty odors inside and the EVER BAMBOO Shoe Deodorizers took that smell away and keeps all my shoes fresh smelling!

One of the products that I was most looking forward to trying was the EVER BAMBOO Bin Deodorizer + Dehumidifier.  We always have smelly trash.  With 5 people always home and two animals as well, there are always odors of some kind mixing and mingling together in the trash bin! lol  

I was excited to see the sturdy black pouch that it comes in because I know it is going to last.  The pouch is hand washable so if it gets dirty it can be cleaned.  Since you install it on the lid of your trash can, it will get dirty.  The pouch comes with a nice sized square of velcro attached and a sticky back piece to stick it to the can.  

My trash can lid is one of those that rolls back so I installed my EVER BAMBOO pouch to the lid part that actually slides.   Since my can and the pouch are black it is pretty camoflouged and has been doing a pretty good job of taking care of the odors.  These would be great for diaper pails and in the cat litter box.

What I really love about these EVER BAMBOO products is that they are totally recyclable and rechargeable!  All I have to do is place my granule packets outside in the sunshine every 30 - 60 days and they will last for up to a year!  

You can't go wrong with a product that is sustainable, reusable, recyclable and effective.

Don't forget you can check out all of the EVER BAMBOO products HERE and my readers get 20% off on orders over $20 with coupon code:  purifybynature at checkout!  This code is valid thru 2/15/14.

Thanks to EVER BAMBOO, I get to give one lucky Check it Out! with Dawn reader their very own Gift Set that contains four products!

EVER BAMBOO Gift Set 

Giveaway

*Shoe Deodorizer

*Mini Deodorizer + Dehumidifier

*Closet Deodorizer + Dehumidifier

*Room Deodorizer + Dehumidifier

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below for your chance! Giveaway open to US residents only.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

*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.

Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash Laundry Detergent Review & Giveaway! 3 Winners! (closed)

Check it Out!  Yes!  I have yet another new Purex product to share with you!  Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash Laundry Detergent!
Part of Purex's #1 selling Natural Elements brand, this detergent is made with naturally sourced ingredients that are gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet tough enough to deliver clean, bright and white clothes.
Of course I have been a Purex fan for years, and I buy Purex on a regular basis...well I haven't had to lately, because of all the fab new products that I have been chosen to review via Purex Insiders, but it is my chosen brand so I have seen the Natural Elements line, but this Tropical Splash detergent is full of the exotic fragrance of fruits and flowers straight from the beach!  Pineapple and coconut along with distant floral scent will take you on a tropical nasal vacation!  lol

I love the scent that comes out of the bottle and how it leaves clothes smelling.  So does Ollie!  He came outta nowhere and just had to get himself a little sniff, so apparently Ollie loves it too!

Just like other Purex Detergents, Tropical Splash Detergent is made to perform in high efficiency washing machines.  And it's a biodegradable formula, both of which I love.  And don't forget, Purex detergents are one of the most affordable detergents out there.

Once again I get to share this great product with my readers and 3 lucky people will each get a coupon good for a Free bottle of Purex Natural Elements Laundry Detergent!  Enter via Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I received the product in this post compliments of Purex for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

20 Mule Team #Borax Laundry Booster Review & Giveaway

Check it Out!  I LOVE being a Purex Insider!!  Why??  Just look at what I got in the mail the other day...

 I am so excited to share another fabulous product with ya'll that is gonna make getting your clothes looking their best, easier for ya!  20 Mule Team Borax is the ultimate Laundry Booster!  

Not only is it 100% natural mineral from the earth, but it contains absolutely no additive chemicals!  No phosphates, no chlorine, no added chemicals, just pure sodium tetraborate, which is a natural substance that is produced by the evaporation of seasonal lakes.  This substance is removed from the ground, washed, dried and boxed to give you a product that will not only boost your detergent but soften hard water.  Did you know that 85% of homes have "hard water"?  I know we do!

Adding just a 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax to your laundry will also help keep those stains from redepositing onto your clothes.

Since finally getting into our "new to us" home, I have been loving being able to get my laundry done with no quarters and in my pj's.  I was super pleased that 20 Mule Team Borax is safe for my brand new HE washer and got right to trying it out.  I used it on colors as well as whites and it left my colored clothes brighter and my whites whiter!  Love it!  There isn't really a smell so it doesn't clash with your fragrant detergents and really only takes seconds to add to the wash.  I really wish it came in a more storage friendly container instead of a box, but I can definitely work with it!  

Borax has a great sweepstakes going on too right now.  In the Fresh Year, Fresher Laundry Sweepstakes, you could win one of 171 coupons for Free 20 Mule Team Borax or a nice clean $1,500 Grand Prize!  

Wanna try some 20 Mule Team Borax for FREE?  I have 3 coupons to give away!

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below to win one of 3 coupons good for a Free box!

There will be 3 winners!  US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*As a Purex Insider, I receive product information and samples via Borax for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Product Review: @CleanWell Hand Sanitizing Wipes #naturalclean

 

Check it Out! Although I have always been a bit of a germaphob, I have become even more aware of germs since living in a hotel.  Between the doors, the elevator buttons and all the public stuff that I have to share, that's alot of germs from alot of different places! 
I have taken to always have a bottle of hand sanitizer with me, but have discovered many problems with that.  I can't tell you how many times I have found the bottle leaking in my purse and I hate how it tends to harden at the top of the bottle and creates a crusty mess.  I also have learned that I have to pay attention to the scent as some of those bottles of hand sanitizer smell pretty weird.
Recently I got a Clean Well Hand Sanitizing Wipes sample via Influenster in my Naturals VoxBox and I am in love.
Not only do I love that they are individually wrapped, but they are perfectly sized and smell amazing!  When you use a Clean Well, it leaves your hands smelling and feeling wonderful.  No drying out from all the alcohol and other chemicals, just a soft and clean feeling. 
Clean Well kills germs naturally without alcohol using a Thyme based technology and is a kid safe formula.
I highly recommend Clean Well Hand Sanitizing Wipes and when you head over HERE to their Facebook page you can even snag a coupon!  You can also check out all the other products they have to offer.

*I received a sample of the product in this post compliments of Influenster for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Tuesday's Tip - Ants

Check it Out!  It is ant season and if your like most of us, you have to battle them in some area of the home.  Commercial ant sprays are expensive and if ya have pets and kids, dangerous!

I have always used vinegar/hot water to kill fire ant beds in my yard, something my mom taught me and ants hate vinegar.  They also hate cinnamon, lemon juice, chili powder, cloves, salt and petroleum jelly. 

Here are a couple of other things that ants don't like:
*Cucumbers
*Talcum Powder
*Borax
*Mint
*Cloves
*Coffee Grinds

Free Eco-Me Samples

Check it Out!  When you head over HERE and fill out the request form, you can snag some Free Eco-Me Family and Pet Safe Product samples for Free!

Check out the Green Works Reverse Gallery and help the Ian Somerholder Foundation!

Check it Out! You may already know that Green Works Products are all at least 95% naturally derived, but did you know that Green Works is being used to create murals?  Yep, using the cleaning power of Green Works products, artist Kiji McCafferty created the Green Works Reverse Graffiti Gallery.
You can check out the cool video below to see how he used GreenWorks cleaners to create scenic murals in a dirty underpass in Silver Lake and just by watching it, you will be helping the Ian Somerholder Foundation in its efforts to raise funds to help educate people and fund conservation projects that have a positive impact on the planet and us!  GreenWorks will donate $1 just because you watched it!
You can also check them out on Facebook HERE.



*I received information via Mom Bloggers Club and Green Works for purposes of this post, however all opinions are my own and I am eligible for a free product.

Tuesday's Tip

Check it Out!  Here's a tip... always keep Vinegar in your home.

If your not familiar with the wonders of this product, just check out some reasons why.

Vinegar is so versatile you can use it for everything from the garden to your laundry.

I always keep a bottle of vinegar near my washing machine and I use 1/4 cup in with my darks.  It not only removes odors but it can prevent lint from sticking to your clothes.  It also decreases the soap residue that frequently causes fading in darks.  It does a great job cleaning an iron as well.

We use vinegar in our yard to kill weeds and clean the hummingbird feeder with, it much safer for the birds.  We also use it to kill ant hills and stop them from gathering in certain areas, like around the picnic table or deck.  It will kill slugs as well, I do not like those slimy little things!!

Once every 2 or 3 weeks I use vinegar and baking soda with a little lemon juice to clean my drains, just pour it all in, let it sit a minute and run hot water.  It leaves the fridge fresher when you add a little vinegar to your cleaning water too.  Don't forget those baby toys and books, wipe them down with vinegar to safely clean them.  And if you have a pet that tends to have accidents, vinegar is a chemical free way to clean it up and deodorize as well.

Speaking of pets, did you know that cats hate the smell of vinegar?  Yep, mix with water and spray the leaves of plants to keep the kitty from messing around with them and spray it in a windowsill or on a counter that they won't stay off of and are suppose to!  I have also heard, but never tested myself that if you put a little vinegar in your pets water that it will keep the fleas away.  Anyone tried that?

One of the best things about vinegar is it is affordable and earth friendly!  What do you use vinegar for?

Scotch Coupon and Tote Bag Rebate

Check it Out!  Scotch Brite has a pretty cool deal going on including a rebate!  GO HERE and get yourself a coupon good for $1 off any 2 Scotch Brite Greener Clean Products and a mail in rebate for a Free tote bag.  You will need your 2 UPC's and a receipt for purchase to claim your tote bag.  Valid thru 6/30/12.

Get @FutureFriendly and #TakeaLoadOff to win a HE Washer & Dryer

              Check it Out!  Earth Day is Sunday and if everyone did their part, we could really make a difference.  Did ya know that switching to cold water when doing laundry could save enough energy to power 1,363 hours of TV.  Heating water when doing laundry can account for up to 80 percent of the energy used per wash load in the US.  Tide Coldwater is specificallly formulated to clean in cold water and actually removes stains better than leading liquid detergents.  Back in January I received a complimetary bottle of Tide Coldwater to try out and I loved it!  You can check out my Tide Coldwater product reveiw HERE.Tide and Future Friendly are inviting you to Take a Load Off your energy bill and the environment by washing in cold water too.  Check out the Take a Load Off Sweepstakes and take a minute to make the promist to switch.  When you do you will be entered to win a Maytag Bravos XL High Efficiency Top Load Washer and Dryer AND a 1 year supply of Tide Coldwater!  You can enter once a day and a winner will be picked each week throug May 13th.  You can check out this press release for more information on energy conservation and P&G's role.  So what difference are you making this Earth Day?    
*I received information about the Take A Load Off sweepstakes via SheSpeaks for purposes of this post, however all opinions are my own.

Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler Review and Giveaway

Check it Out!  I'm in the Rubbermaid Buzz Program this year and I am so excited!  I love Rubbermaid products and have some that I have had for too many years to count.  Did you know that Rubbermaid also makes storage solutions?  Yep and what is super cool is that they have storage solutions for your recycling needs too!

I recently received the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler to try out and I am super excited to share it with you. 

So here is what it looks like in my under the sink cabinet before...

And this is how we stored our cans to recycle...

It's not a pretty method but it works until it gets full and then we take it to an outside bin. 

So you can see why I was excited to get started with my Hidden Recycler!

And of course what a better place to put it than in that under the sink cabinet that was a hot mess. 

The Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler comes with clips that can easily be attached to a cabinet door or it can be screwed right on for a more permanent solution.

Since I wanted to get it right up and not wait for the drill to charge I whipped on the clips...

And then attached the lid portion to the clips...

Then I just attached the 5 gallon bag to the lid portion easily by placing it in the groove...

And Taddda!!!  My Hidden Recycler is ready to go!

Not bad looking and pretty simple to install, the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler's 5 gallon bag holds up to 36 12-ounce cans and you can even fit a milk jug in it and is leak-proof.  It's machine washable which I totally love.  It's soft sided so it's super flexible and it's made of recyclable material so it is recyclable itself!  How cool is that? 

Oh and you did notice the handle, right?  Portable, flexible and recyclable, now that is a multi-functional product! 

Even though it is leak proof, I just don't want to muck it up yet, so I put in a trash bag before putting in any cans and it got me to thinking that this would make a great trashcan under the sink also.  It is super versatile as you could put the Hidden Recycler in the laundry room or even in the bathroom for dirty clothes or even in the kids closet- my kids tend to throw their dirties there, so this would be perfect on the back of the closet door! 

The Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler sell for $15.99 at Rubbermaid.com and is also available at Meijer stores.  If your in need of some organization and storage tips, be sure and check out Rubbermaid's Adventures in Organization.

Okay so I am clearly in love with this product and thanks to Rubbermaid I get to give 1 lucky Check it Out! with Dawn reader their very own Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler! 

Entry is super easy via the Rafflecopter form below.

Natural House Products Review and Giveaway

Check it Out!  I love finding all natural products and recently I got the opportunity to try out some natural household cleaning products via Natural House. 

Introducing Sinky, Trashy and Flushy!

So with all the natural cleaners out there on the market, what is it that makes Natural House so different? 

After checkin' out all the info and reading up on these products, I have one word... Probiotics!

What, you say? 

Yes, by using non-toxic, probiotic cleaning agents, these products are strong enough for those big ccommercial jobs, yet safe and gentle enough to use at home.

So, what are these probiotics?

"Natural House probiotics creates mini-ecosystem on a microbial level that produces enzymes which break down odors, dirt, fats, oil, grease, food scraps, waste and toilet paper products on a continuous basis between applications. This creates a natural, clean, balanced environment that is safe for even the most sensitive members of your natural house."

This means that these products actually continue to scour and clean that grease and those germs right up 'til your next weekly treatment!  Ok, don't know about you, but anything that will continue to clean for me, without me doing anything is a definite must!  And any help for the nastiest areas of the home is surely appreciated.  The toilet, the trash can and the sink drain, yuck! 

Check out this quick 2 minute video to learn all about how these probiotics work:

Natural House received the Retailers’ Choice Award” at the 2011 National Hardware Show!

I couldn't wait to get started so, first up, I tried the Flushy Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Septic Treatment...

What is super cool about these products is that they come in convenient water soluble pouches that within seconds begin to dissolve and foam up! 

They are super quick and easy to use and you can see the cleaner in the water.  They did a great job of cleaning any tough stains and when I went back the next week, it didn't seem as dirty, which made my job a lot easier.  I really love the convenience and knowing that not only is my toilet clean but that it is also doing some maintenance on my septic tank!  It's also eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable.  I have kitties and boys and sometimes the lids get left up and a kitty may get curious so I love that they are safe for my pets and my kids.

So next up I tried out the Sinky Disposal Scrubber and Drain Maintenance.  Again a convenient little pouch that I just threw in and ran the hot water and watched it foam up.  I didn't get a whole lot of foam the first time I used it but the second week I got it and it left my sink clean and smelling really nice.  What I love is knowing that it is still working and keeping dangerous food borne pathagens away!  I don't have a diposal but I do have a septic tank and I like that it breaks down grease and food waste which makes for cleaner lines, preventing slow drainage and clogs. 

And last but not least I tried the Trashy Trash Can Deodorizer and Scrubber.  I frequently have leaks in the can and hate the way it smells.  It's super easy to use in a convenient little spray bottle that will fit down inside the can so you can spray all the way down the sides.  I just sprayed it, let it sit a bit and then came back and wiped it out.  I didn't have to scrub the stains and it left a great smell that left me surprised.  I put in a new liner and when it was time to clean it again, it didn't smell as bad.  My little ole trash can has never smelled better!  There are active ingredients in this stuff that actually keeps the odors from coming back!

So overall I am completely satisfied with not only the cleaning job that these products did but with the benefits that I get from using them!  I highly recommend them and at only $4.99 for a 30 day supply, you cannot go wrong!  You can purchase Natural House products directly through their website: http://www.naturalhouse.com/products/  And you can find Natural House on Amazon.  You can also find Natural House on Facebook and Twitter!

Now for...

*The Giveaway*

Thanks to Natural House 1 lucky Check it Out! with Dawn reader will win a 30 day supply of Flushy, Trashy, and Sinky to try for themselves!  Entry is super easy via the Rafflecopter form below.  US residents only.

Product Review: #Tide Coldwater via @shespeaksup & P&G

Check it out!  Laundry is a never ending chore in my home.  I have at least one load a day, and if I miss a day?  Yeah, you probably know. 

I am typically a Purex user, but when I get a deal on laundry detergent I am all over it.  I do not buy Tide, matter of fact I have never bought it in my life.  When I was younger I had a skin reaction to it and my mom never used it again so neither did I.  So when I got the opportunity to sign up for the SheSpeaks Tide Coldwater Program, I will admit to being a little hesitant.  However, I decided that at my age and all the changes my body has been through there was probably no reason I would have a problem so I decided to sign up and give it a try. 

I received a full size bottle of the new Tide Coldwater via SheSpeaks and P&G and of course there was a basket of dirties waiting...

I typically wash my darks in cold water and I have to use warm on some of my whites due to how dirty they are.  Tide Coldwater is specially formulated to help get clothes clean when they are washed in cold water. Switching to washing in cold water is one small step you can take in your daily life to help conserve energy and save money on your utility bill.  I definitely could use some savings in that area! 

Well one of my main challenges is the kids white socks.  Ever since getting a trampoline I have been dealing with the most cruddy socks...

I am happy to say that the Tide Coldwater took care of the crud and those socks look great!  I was impressed at the cleaning power even in cold water.  Just check em out...

 I have pretty much used the entire bottle and I have washed darks and whites and was happy with the results.  Oh and no skin reactions!  So if I can get a good deal on this product, you can bet I am gonna stock up! 

You can check out the buzz on Tide on the SheSpeaks Facebook page HERE.

*I received the product in this post and a gift card compliments of P&G via SheSpeaks for purposes of this review however all opinions are my own.