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Lifestyle: Live the Lovely Life

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Entertaining: Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice

November 21, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Every fall since we were young, a family friend with a small apple orchard has served fresh apple cider mulling in her home whenever company came over. The delicious aroma has always been heavenly. As her guests file in, she greets them with a warm mug of her mulled cider with a cinnamon stick in it, and guests young and old gather around the fireplace hearth and sip the tasty brew. Nobody knows her secret recipe of spices; she just keeps the spices and cider at a low, rolling boil for a few hours, tending to it in between greeting and serving each of her guests. Nothing beats a warm drink with fall spices after being outside on a cold, crisp day. During this season, there are lots of opportunities for entertaining ranging from formal events; family get-togethers and even informal tailgating parties and football games. A common theme in all of this is welcoming guests with a delicious drink that everyone can enjoy.

A tasty and traditional drink of the season is either Mulled Wine and Mulled Cider. Mulled Wine, originally the drink offered by generous and well-to-do wealthy households in medieval times, it has seen various incarnations over time. A combination of favorite autumnal flavors such as Cinnamon and various spices taste especially good when simmered in apple cider, claret, port, or in a signature drink of your creation. Still a popular tradition today, in the hustle and bustle of entertaining, this charming drink sometimes get overlooked due to time constraints while cooking a large meal for many guests.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE TEA BAGS: ALL THE TASTE WITH LITTLE WORK

To enjoy the taste of a simmered mulled drink without having to allocate excess prep time during a busy meal or gathering, consider a tasty Mulled Spice preparation to kick-start your simmered warm beverage options. These bags come eight to a box and are as easy to use as a tea bag. These bags quickly add the flavor and taste of what normally takes a hostess’ watchful eye to maintain a rolling boil on the spice steeped beverage to achieve a full bodied, evenly simmered, not too sweet mulled beverage. If you would like to enjoy being with your guests instead of babysitting the mulling process, the Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice Tea Bags is a great option for you.

TASTE

I was surprised at how much this tastes like the combination of spices used in my apple orchard friends’ cider recipe. A natural and healthy combination of Cinnamon chips, orange peel, cloves, allspice and pure orange oil both smell and taste delicious. It tastes homemade but is very simple to make. Unlike other commercial preparations, there is no added salt or sugar, and it is caffeine free. Add sweetener to taste.

Of course, if your family enjoys any special additions to your signature brew, you can always add in raisins, orange slices, sliced almonds, a pinch of ground ginger, cardamon, and if you prefer to go sugar-free, a vanilla pod for some sweetness. But just adding the bag directly to your brew of wine or cider imparts plenty of flavor.

And, as a side bonus, the mulled spices make the house smell delicious, warm and inviting to guests.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

USES

Traditional known to be included in mulled wine or cider, the Mulling spices can be used apple juice or other fruit juice, red or white wine, and tea to make a delicious mulled drink. The OldeTraditionSpice.com website has a whole list of recipes to choose from (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) so that the kids and designated drivers can still join in on the fun. Recipes include Hot Toddy, Hot Buttered Rum, Hot Apple Toddy, Hot Buttered Scotch Toddy, Caramel Apple Smoothie, German Wassail, Eggnog, Holiday Apply Cranberry Punch, and Spiced CoffeeLate, amongst many others. I counted about seventeen non-alcoholic recipes so the whole family could enjoy.

It is also tasty as a straight drink when used just like a tea bag in hot water. Steeping a mulled spice bag in green tea is a great way to make the vegetal taste of green tea more appealing to kids without using lots of sugar. It also adds a nice taste to ginger ale and can be served cold. Any of these options make for a nice mulled drink for kids during the festivities.

The bag can also be cut open and the contents used as a seasoning in cooking or baking. As seen in the video, the spices are a good size and not the “dust” remainders of the respective ingredients.

Each bag can be used two to three times or can be used to steep a larger quantity of liquid.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

ABOUT THE OLD TRADITION SPICE INC COMPANY

In reviewing their website for mulled spice recipes, there was something else interesting I liked about the makers of this product. Olde Tradition Spice, Inc., does community outreach by employing Americans with disabilities for their packing process for various products. The company also stands by using natural and wholesome ingredients to create a product that tastes homemade.

CONCLUSION: I like to be able to make a tasty mulled drink, alcoholic or not, quickly and easily, whether brewed for a large group of guests or just one cup for myself. The Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice Tea Bags smell and taste delicious and smells homemade. I like the option of being able to serve mulled wine to adults and have a similar tasting mulled cider or tea option for kids or those who choose to opt out of drinking. This mulling spice is a nice treat to have tucked away to entertain unexpected guests or to quickly make an inviting beverage during the cooler season.

Find Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice at http://OldeTradtionSpice.com. And stay tuned to Style Chicks, as we will be featuring our favorite recipes made with Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice in the next few weeks, ranging from Mulled Wine to amazing Spiced Green Tea recipes!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcmQtqXxSRM[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Food
Tagged: Baking, Drinks, Entertaining, Home, Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice

Skincare: Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

November 17, 2016 · Leave a Comment

My skin is sensitive, so I invariably get at least some skin irritation when shaving. While part of this irritation is due to the hair removal process itself, some of it is also a reaction to the shaving lotion I have used. It’s hard to find a shaving lotion that enables a close shave and is also made of natural ingredients yet still leaves skin soft and hydrated.

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion is a cut above traditional shaving lotions and creams. It is a highly hydrating and deeply nourishing cream that creates a full, rich lather that provides a smooth shaving surface. It is made with Aloe Vera to help pre-empt and treat any skin irritation such as razor burn.

 

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

 

ANDAVI ALL NATURAL SHAVING LOTION FIRST IMPRESSIONS
There is a lubricated feel that does not leave a sticky or gummy residue, yet it produces a creamy, rich lather with a smooth, feel that does not have a sticky pull or drag when the razor is used. The smell is a fresh, pleasant scent, suitable for men or women to use. No one ingredient is particularly overwhelming in scent; the Aloe Vera is notable.

USE
I applied the lotion generously, the amount in my hand as seen in the photo is what I applied to one leg while shaving. It lathered well and made for a smooth surface. I did not cut my legs while shaving, even though I used a duller razor than normal. I also tried shaving with a straight razor, which often gives me razor burn, but I did not experience that with the lotion. It does not sting even on preexisting scrapes or cuts. It rinses off cleanly after use without soap and does not leave a residue or any lingering after scent. I did not experience any razor burn, redness or little bumps even over already existing skin irritations from the previous time I shaved with a competitor brand lotion.

 

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

 

ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion is an all-natural shaving lotion that combines Aloe Vera with several moisturizing, nourishing, hydrating natural ingredients to provide a close moisturizing shave. Andavi skincare moisturizer and shaving lotion are pH-balanced to match the pH level of healthy skin.

BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA
Many of us are familiar with having an Aloe Vera plant in the kitchen to treat minor skin cuts, abrasions, and burns. It provides a protective barrier while shaving that washes off cleanly. Aloe Vera is highly moisturizing and nourishing to the skin, it has much of the nutrients needed for skin to be properly “fed.” But not all products that list Aloe Vera as an ingredient contain the actual beneficial part of the Aloe Vera plant. While many products contain some portion of an Aloe Vera plant, it can be adulterated or misbranded, leading consumers to buy products that meet a legal definition of Aloe but do not contain beneficial Aloe.

So how do you know if you are getting the right kind of Aloe Vera in your skin care product? The International Aloe Science Council is an organization that certifies quality, freshness and hygienic practices use of the Aloe Vera used within products. The IASC has strict standards for product testing, production facilities, and the actual product which contribute to the classification of the concentrations of Aloe Vera within their products. They require purity, freshness, quantity and hygienic practices. All Andavi skincare products contain Aloe Vera concentrations above the requirements for certification by the International Aloe Science Council.

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

 

Other ingredients include moisturizing, hydrating, nourishing ingredients, ingredients to protect and heal and ingredients to make for a better shaving experience. These are:

  • Evening Primrose Extract is used for skin issues like acne, wrinkles, and eczema. Full of Omega-6 fatty acids, it keeps hair and skin healthy.
  • Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a very stable oil that lubricates and can stay on the skin without leaving a residue after it is rinsed off.
  • Green Tea Leaf Extract is an antioxidant that soothes skin and reduces inflammation.
  • Honey antibacterial and moisturizing.
  • Jojoba Seed Oil is a stable carrier oil that treats sores and wounds. A non-greasy, non-comedogenic oil that is similar to human sebum in structure, it is often seen in skincare to soothe and smooth skin.
  • Coconut Oil is the go-to beauty ingredient of late, and for a good reason. It soothes the skin, provides an emollient base for other ingredients and is nourishing. It also helps reduce inflammation.
  • Argan Nut Oil is another beauty favorite that deeply hydrates scaly skin, is an anti-oxidant and has fatty acids that are like a superfood for skin.
  • Arrowroot Powder is a skin softener that heals burns and abrasions. It also works to thicken the consistency of a product.
  • Comfrey Leaf Extract speeds wound healing.
  • Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is used to treat minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation.
  • Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Cinnamon Extract and Peppermint Oil have Antiseptic and Healing properties.

Andavi Skincare Shaving Lotion does NOT include detergents, soaps, alcohols, parabens, phthalates, synthetic chemicals, coloring additives, fragrance or preservatives. This means that in addition to meeting the International Aloe Science Council standards, Andavi Skincare products comply with Whole Food Market “Premium Body Care” Standards and “Whole Body” Standards. These standards dictate that a product does not have any ingredients deemed unacceptable as per World Food Market requirements.

This combination of ingredients helps make shaving easier, reduces any irritation, cuts or abrasions, and leaves skin soft and smooth.

CONCLUSION: Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion is an all-natural lotion with a high quantity of quality Aloe Vera and a host of other skin soothing, nourishing, softening, and healing ingredients that make for a rich lather, lubricated surface, close shave. It smells good and washes off easily. I did not experience any bumps redness, scrapes, or razor burn, even when shaving with a straight razor. My legs were left soft. Suitable for men or women, skin is razor burn free and left in better condition than before shaving. Recommended!

 

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

 

Find at Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion http://www.AndaviSkincare.com

 

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGB4xwCyC50[/embedyt]

 

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Body, Organic, Skincare
Tagged: Aloe Vera, Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion, natural, Organic, Premium Body Care, Shaving

Contest: Win a bottle of AD2 by Scent2Health

November 8, 2016 · Leave a Comment

If you have read our review of AD2 by Scent2Health, you know how great we think it is. Now, thanks to the great folks at Scent2Health, you can win one of two bottles of this amazing oil!

To enter, send an email to ad2contest@stylechicks.com.The winner will be notified by email after the contest ends on Tuesday, November 15th, 2016. We won’t use your email or other information for any purpose other than to notify the two winners.

AD2 by Scent2Health

AD2 by Scent2Health

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Body, Health
Tagged: AD2 by Scent2Health, ADHD, Contest, Essential Oils, Focus, Giveaway

Health: Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid

October 31, 2016 · 3 Comments

B Vitamins have gotten more attention recently because of their impact on brain function and energy levels, their role in combating stress, regulating metabolism and nerve function, and, of course, their beauty benefits. Some expensive Vitamin B supplements are available marketed towards improved hair and nail growth as well as for promoting youthful, glowing skin.

WHY TAKE A VITAMIN B SUPPLEMENTAL COMPLEX?

Many women including myself have inadequate levels of one or more Vitamin B’s, leading to feeling tired, sluggish, and just mentally foggy. Some seek a multi-vitamin or B Complex supplement to address general tiredness in the hopes of gaining more energy. A Vitamin B Complex can be especially beneficial when taken in liquid form instead of capsules or pills. These tablet form vitamins do provide some benefit but do not absorb nearly as well as a liquid Vitamin B Complex. One liquid complex we especially like is Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid.

 

Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid

Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid

 

MY EXPERIENCE WITH ENP VITAMIN B-COMPLEX LIQUID

I have long struggled with low Vitamin B levels; it got worse as I burned the proverbial candle at both ends in grad school. I have gotten Vitamin B12 injections at the doctor, and post bloodwork follow-up calls from said freaked-out doctor urging me to go out and buy a Vitamin B Super Complex RIGHT NOW and start to take it daily. These phone calls include warnings of what can go wrong with low B levels including the risk of nerve damage and low red blood cell production. The doctor also told me I’d be less tired if I take Vitamin B, so now I do so regularly, and supplements do help. I can usually tell quickly if a Vitamin B supplement works for me or not by three factors:

  1. I quickly feel like I have some physical energy and during the hours that follow, increased mental focus
  2. My metabolism kicks into high gear
  3. In a few weeks, my otherwise stubby, brittle, weak fingernails start to grow like weeds

I’ve tried all kinds of Vitamin B supplements ranging from drugstore generics to super expensive brands including some supplements geared towards hair and nail growth. So far, on the drugstore brands, I probably have improved levels of Vitamin B medically speaking, but I don’t feel much improvement in my energy, stamina, and metabolism. I saw no improvement in my hair growth and my fingernails were still weak and brittle. I have been on a more expensive brand of Vitamin B, which does improve my energy levels to a degree and my nails grow fast. But even this expensive Vitamin B complex doesn’t contain all of the Vitamin B range I was told by the doctor to take, so I still have some gaps despite taking a B Complex daily.

 

Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid

Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid

 

SOME BENEFITS OF ENP VITAMIN B-COMPLEX LIQUID

ENP Vitamin B-Complex Liquid has all of the B Vitamins I was told I needed in a complex. That is a good start. It is annoying to be taking a B Complex and realize you are still missing some important ones. Each of these B Vitamins works with other Bs in the supplement to convert food to energy.

HIGH ABSORPTION RATE
Another vital feature is ENP’s liquid B-Complex is has a very high absorption rate. I always knew it was better to get your B’s from food instead of supplements whenever possible, but didn’t realize even amongst supplements that the form of supplement is highly correlated to how well the body can use it to its’ benefit. Pills and capsules must be digested, which doesn’t leave as much Vitamin B left to get into your bloodstream. But a liquid has a much better chance of your body absorbing the nutrients it like food, a far superior means of attaining Vitamin B. Statistically speaking, liquid absorption beats out pills and capsule by a long shot, it is more than twice as effective.

A superior feature to ENP’s Liquid B-Complex amongst Liquid Vitamins is that is it cold-processed to preserve the nutrient values intact. This is a rarity amongst liquid vitamins.

VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY FORMULA
Vegetarians often have difficulty obtaining adequate levels of Vitamin B strictly from their diet alone. Unfortunately, many supplements, especially capsules use animal products. ENP Liquid B-Complex contains no animal products and is considered vegetarian-friendly.

NO FILLERS OR ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS
According to their packaging and website, ENP Liquid B-Complex does not contain artificial color or sweeteners, yeast, wheat, sugar or dairy products, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, treenuts, peanuts, or soy.

TASTE AND TEXTURE
ENP Liquid B-Complex mixes well into juice or tastes good alone. It is not gritty, slimy or chalky, it tastes and feels like a mixed blend juice.

MORE ON ENP LIQUID B-COMPLEX INGREDIENTS
Eight B Vitamins function together, but not all supplements contain all of them. Here are all eight B Vitamins in this complex and what each of them does:

  • B1 (Thiamine) works with the other Bs to turn food into energy
  • B2 (Riboflavin) is a co-enzyme required by certain vital proteins to function.
  • B3 (Niacin) regulates cholesterol. A lack of Niacin can result in anemia, headaches, and tiredness.
  • B5 (Pantothenic Acid) converts food to energy, specifically synthesizing and metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
  • B6 (Pyridoxine) works to convert food to energy
  • B7 (Biotin) is responsible for maintaining proper blood sugar levels
  • B9 (Folate) also known as Folic Acid, it is involved in DNA, red blood cell, and RNA production. Folate prevents anemia
  • B12 (Cobalamin) maintains the brain, nervous system, hair, skin, and nails

Other ingredients:

Aloe Vera is exceptionally good for you because it contains nutrients for cleansing and repair of the body and the reducing of inflammation. Drinking Aloe Vera also makes skin look radiant. I could never quite stomach drinking Aloe Vera Juice drinks, but find it doable within this supplement liquid.

Choline helps synthesize cell membrane components. Women tend to not get the recommended intake of choline, especially postmenopausal women.

Inositol is a vitamin-like substance found in plants. It works to balance body chemicals and thereby promotes hair growth and reduces insomnia, attention disorders, and depression.

Dimethylglycine is an amino acid found in liver and beans. It is believed to function with the immune system to reduce stress and inflammation in the body. If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your doctor about how much Dimethylglycine (DMG) intake is safe for you.

 

Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid

Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid

 

TRYING THE SUPPLEMENT:

SERVING: Shake the bottle well and drink one ounce (one capful) alone or in juice once a day. Can be mixed with juice or consumed directly.

– Taste: A sweet, non-acidic somewhat citrusy taste. Tastes good by itself as well if you are not a daily juice drinker.
– Smell: like a non-descript fruit juice, pleasant.
– Texture: Not quite as thick as a nectar yet thicker than orange juice in consistency, but not slimy or gelatinous. Not chalky or gritty. Mixes well into my morning juice without being detectable or feeling slimy when swallowing it.

Easy to drink, it blends into my juice without stirring, and it is not particularly detectable in flavor or texture in grapefruit or other citrus juices or juice blends.

 

Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid

Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid

 

RESULTS
I was very pleased with the results of ENP Vitamin B-Complex Liquid! I have been using an expensive combination of Vitamins to supplement my Vitamin B needs, and while they have helped, I still did not feel like I had much energy. ENP Vitamin B-Complex Liquid seems to make my mental focus clearer, and I feel more awake during the day, similar to how I feel when I have an afternoon cup of coffee but without the caffeine. My energy levels are more even, and I don’t feel a suddenly exhausted crash at mid-day. I have been using ENP Vitamin B-Complex for about a week now, but I only felt I needed a cup of afternoon coffee one a day this week instead of my daily routine of multiple cups of coffee during the day, which for me is wonderful! For a 2-3 cups of coffee per day person to just have morning coffee and the B-Complex liquid in my juice is pretty impressive results in my book. ENP Vitamin B-Complex Liquid comes in a 32-ounce bottle, so I am excited to see the results after an entire month of use and beyond!

Of course, consult your physician before starting this or any other vitamin or dietary supplement.

Find ENP Vitamin B-Complex Liquid at CPVitaminSales.com. Style Chicks readers get 15% off with promo code STYLE15.

 

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2W4Wm4m_f8[/embedyt]

 

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Beauty, Body, Hair, Health, Skincare
Tagged: Body, Effective Natural Products ENP Super B-Complex Liquid, Health, Vitamins, Wellness

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