Keeping up w/kiddos & SuperDetoxMe

The weather is warming up (except for this weekend; we oddly got snow in April), so we've been outside a lot. I've been having fun with the kiddos and taking my snacks on the go.

As you know, my favorite snack is a smoothie or juice. SuperDetoxMe took note of this fact and offered to send me all five flavors of their new juice, which is meant to be consumed as a detox. Since I already keep my diet fairly clean, I opted to enjoy them separately.

According to Super Detox Me, "Each flavor offers real fruit and vegetable taste that can only be achieved by using premium all-natural ingredients. SuperDetoxMe drinks contain no additives: no preservatives, no sugars or colors. They also do not contain any artificial or natural flavors. They are all vegan, allergen-free, gluten-free, kosher and non-GMO."

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that I sampled these juices while the kids were off from school for Spring Break (I didn't post anything on my blog at that time, which explains the delay in posting about these juices here now). You also might remember that my daughter and I shared the first one, which is our favorite of the bunch.

Renewal is a combination of apples, blueberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, whole grain brown rice and cocoa. It's described on the website as a "brown rice milkshake" that's "nothing short of delicious" and nutritious, too. It has antioxidants, vitamins and calcium, and "organic whole grain brown rice milk, dairy milk’s vegan sister, adds in a bit of protein, all while being allergen, gluten and lactose free."

The standout ingredient in this juice is the cinnamon, which not only provides taste, but texture, as well. Combined with the apple and blueberry, it reminded us of cinnamon raisin bread.

After trying the most decadent juice of the bunch, I selected the juice at the complete opposite end of the spectrum to sample next (on another day that week). I have to admit that it took a bit of strength to get through the first couple sips of this very green Strength (it has apple, cucumber, lemon, banana, spinach, kale ginger and chlorella), but then I adjusted to the strong chlorella flavor. I don't believe SuperDetoxMe was stingy at all with the chlorella, as it is the main flavor I could taste, but the lemon cuts it a bit.

This is how SuperDetoxMe describes it, "Strength is the Green Queen of juices. She embodies the strength of top super foods kale and spinach, and the sweetness of apples and bananas. Cucumbers keep her lean and smooth, while lemons and ginger give her pizzazz to rule the castle. Chlorella algae boosts her immune system to keep the Green Queen’s candle burning 24/7, 365 days a year."

The last three flavors are very similar to taste. I found that the apple was the standout ingredient in all three. It's no surprise, since the ingredient lists are short and sweet, like Awareness. It has apple, aronia (also known as chokeberry), lemon, cucumber and acerola.

"Bring Awareness to the day. Every day," the SuperDetoxMe website states. "De-stress and refresh with this super-charged, super-ripped aronia lemonade. With anti-oxidant rich aronia and acerola berries, it packs a real booster punch for increased metabolism and energy, and a better outlook on the day. It’s fuel for the mind, body and soul!"

This juice was quite unique to me, most likely because I'm unfamiliar with aronia. It must have been the flavor I could not pinpoint. I did like the touch of acerola, which gives it an added boost of vitamin C.

If you saw my YLLO scrub and Lani Tropical Cacao Detox Mask posts, you're probably aware of my love for turmeric. Transformation just happens to have turmeric in it, as well as apple, carrot, pineapple, cucumber, lemon, mango and ginger. Again, I could mainly taste the apple, but other flavors were still present.

The SuperDetoxMe has a fun way of introducing you to this juice that I found to be amusing: "Behold the Transformation of Sir Carrot! He is one sweet seeker of the Holy Grail of all that’s good for the heart, body and soul. Charming the ladies with pineapple, apples, and mangos, oh yeah! And, he packs one mean vitamin punch: A, D, E, K, B1 and B6, stronger and sprightlier than all other Knights of the Juice Table. Sir Carrot boosts his smooth body with cucumber, and keeps things fresh with lemon and turmeric. Transformation is the warrior of all warriors to reckon with."

The last juice I tried was Vibrance, which sets itself apart from previous two juice with the subtle hint of peppermint and green tea. I found that the peppermint was quite refreshing and the green tea gave me a boost of energy. I didn't notice the mango as much as I'd like to have.

SuperDetoxMe's site says, "Get ready to shake things up with Vibrance. Just when you are feeling like running back to your nest, you can always count on the green-tea and peppermint power-combo to lift you up and get you moving. It is a good thing we got your back ... Now, go go go little bird, people are counting on you!"

I know my kiddos are counting on me to be there when they need me. We had a blast the day we photographed these juices outside with the sidewalk chalk. This juice kept me fueled, while we sketched out the designs printed on the juice pouches. Although these juices are lightly pasteurized (I usually juice my own produce or buy cold-pressed juice), I appreciate the fact that it allows me to easily take these with me wherever I go. You can purchase these juices in 10-pack cases of one particular flavor (I recommend Renewal), or as a 1-Day, 3-Day or 5-Day Detox Pack.

Have you tried SuperDetoxMe? What are your thoughts? Let me know on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable).

* SuperDetoxMe sent me these juices for review. All opinions are my own :)  

Are you Prim & Proper or Not Proper?

I am so excited, because I recently received my Prim Botanicals Proper Not Proper order. I just couldn't wait to share my thoughts, especially since this weekend is your last chance to get 20% off with the code: PROPERNOTPROPER.

As you know, I'm a huge Prim Botanicals fan, so it's no surprise that I ordered four of the six new items on the morning they were released. Let's start with the Proper side of the new Proper Not Proper collection, as we all want to appear that way. It's the pretty side of pampering.

I just adore this Spoil Yourself Silly Body Scrub. It smells like fresh pink grapefruit, as the pale pink color suggests. It looks like pretty pink crystals, and contains sea salt, turbinado sugar, coconut oil, hazelnut oil, camellia oil, almond oil, andiroba oil, pracaxi oil, rosemary extract and a proprietary blend of essential oils.

I brought this in the shower with me asap, and since I brought you along, I kept things proper with a pink bikini. This clear sugary goodness is easy to scrub all over your body without making a big mess of your shower/tub. It's a gentle scrub that holds up long enough to lightly exfoliate your skin before dissolving in the warm water. It leaves behind a sweet scent and some mega moisturizing effects from those luxurious oils.

Silly me wore the new Pretty Perfect Lip Shine in the shower, as I couldn't wait to try it. This warm peachy nude is simply perfection in it's cute little glass jar (did I mention how beautiful the packaging is on all of these products?).

Since the lighting in my shower isn't the best, here's a closer look in better lighting. It's extremely moisturizing and is definitely more of a balm than a lip color. However, there is a lovely tint of sheer color that looks very natural.

The last item in the Proper Collection is the Mademoiselle Swell Perfume Oil, which I have yet to get in my hot little hands. This photo is from the Prim Botanicals website with this description: "Clean, fresh, and delightful, Mademoiselle Swell is a crisp blend of pure essential oils like French neroli, Egyptian jasmine, Sicilian lemon, and Himalayan cedarwood. This intoxicating blend of both citrus and floral notes will leave you feeling light, bright, and lovely."

The other perfume oil I did not receive is from the Not Proper Collection. It's described as "totally tantalizing, Flor Oscura is a voluptuous blend of pure essential oils like wild rose, warm sandalwood, and deep amber. Spicy, seductive, and completely intoxicating, with Flor Oscura you’ll always leave a lasting impression."

Moving on to the rest of the Not Proper Collection, I purchased the Debauchery Detox Body Scrub and Hey Now Lip Balm, of course (I'm so addicted to body scrubs and lip products).

This scrub is the completely opposite of the proper scrub. Just look at its deep, dark color from ingredients like Hiwa Kai Hawaiian black lava salt, Epsom salt, activated charcoal, Philippine Barako coffee grounds, coconut oil, cold-pressed hazelnut oil, cold-pressed camellia oil, cold-pressed almond oil, cold-pressed andiroba oil, wildcrafted pracaxi oil, tocopherol, and a proprietary blend of essential oils and fruit extracts. It smells like an intoxicating coffee blend.

The Debauchery Detox Body Scrub is a bit messy in the shower, but not as messy as most other coffee detox scrubs. Since this scrub is from the Not Proper Collection, I used it in my "birthday suit" (I might have to use this on my birthday, as it's coming up soon) to keep it from ruining my swimwear. Besides, that's how you're really supposed to shower anyway :)

This scrub is also more gentle than some other coffee scrubs I've used, but it still gets the job done. The best part is how it leaves my skin so silky from all the oils in it. As much as I love my Prim Botanicals Body Oil, I can actually skip applying it on the days that I use this scrub.

Again, I wore the Hey Now Lip Balm in the shower to match the Not Proper scrub, but the lighting didn't do it justice.

Here's a closer look at me wearing it in better lighting. It's not as dark as in the container, since it is more of a balm. However, it does provide that once bitten tint. Similar to a beet stain, it's only a sheer wash of color, although this one looks more natural than the usual fuchsia shade. Just like the Pretty Perfect Lip Balm, it's extremely moisturizing. I'd call it a lip butter.

As you can see, I'm over the moon with this new Prim Botanicals Proper Not Proper Collection. Let me know what you think, too, on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable).

* I purchased these Prim Botanicals products myself.
All opinions are my own, as a fan of the brand :)

It's time to #GETYELLOW w/YLLO

I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm a little addicted to scrubs and masks, especially when there's something that sets them apart from the rest. Therefore, it's no surprise that I was more than willing to try this YLLO Turmeric Scrub.

According to YLLO, turmeric is "the ultimate badass for your face." It "kicks butt" by helping to reduce acne and rosacea, fading acne scars, evening out skin tone, controlling oily skin, slowing/eliminating facial hair growth, keeping skin young, tight and vibrant, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It also has a fun yellow color, thus the name YLLO.

Inside this simple brown packet is a bright yellow scrub made up of 100% natural, gluten-free and vegan ingredients. It contains turmeric, chickpea flour, cold-pressed coconut oil, cane sugar, sea salt, pure vitamin E oil and essential lemon oil. These ingredients are so clean, you probably could eat it, although I don't recommend it (I do know that it tastes good, if you accidentally get some on your lips/in your mouth while wearing it).

It's easy to use. Just mix about a tablespoon of the scrub with 1/2 a teaspoon of water and apply it to your face with your fingers. Massage your skin in a circular motion for some scrub action and then let it sit as a mask for about 20 minutes. During that time, you can dance around or do whatever silly thing you want to do, while your face is yellow.

Speaking of being yellow, this could be a good time to snap a photo of your yellow face. Post it on Instagram for a chance to be featured on YLLO's page. Make sure to tag your pic with #GETYELLOW.

When it's time to remove your yellow scrub/mask (the above pic is my naked face after washing off the YLLO Turmeric Scrub), make sure to rinse it well and most likely use your favorite cleanser to get every last trace of yellow. Although this combination of ingredients with the turmeric does not stain your skin, it can stain your washcloth and/or towel, so don't use pale colors or your favorite ones.

I've found that this scrub/mask leaves my skin glowing, even and very clear. I feel confident to go out and about makeup-free after using it. What do you think? Let me know on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable).

* YLLO sent me this scrub for review. All opinions are my own :)

RMS Beauty for less in first Esthoria Box

There are so many subscription boxes out there these days that it's hard to decide when it comes to which one to buy. You never know what you're gonna get for the price, so it's especially nice when you get some hints.

For example, I recently discovered Esthoria Box, which is a bi-monthly box, filled with 2-3 full-size high-quality and luxurious green beauty products. This month's box (which happens to be the first box ever) has three full-size RMS Beauty products, and you even get to pick your shade of Lip Shine (you know how much I love RMS Beauty Lip Shines, like the beauties above that I've posted in the past). The other two products are a secret, but I can tell you they are top sellers that also come in those cute little glass containers (I like to save mine for future use, such as for making my own beauty concoctions, traveling and keeping track of small items).

The Lip Shine alone retails for $25, and if the other products are what I suspect they are, they cost even more. Now do the math, and you'll see that the total for the three RMS Beauty products are definitely more than the $69 (plus shipping) price of your first Esthoria Box.

To sweeten the deal, Esthoria Box sent me a link to share with all of you. It will give you a code for 10% off your first Esthoria Box. Here's the link for anyone who's interested: https://esthoriabox.com/rawdorable/.

Let me know if you use the link and which color Lip Shine you picked. You can find me on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable). Thanks for the code Esthoria Box :)


* Esthoria Box noticed my interest in their first box on Instagram and offered me the code to share with my followers. I did this post, because I thought others would be just as excited as me about RMS Beauty being in the first box for less. Enjoy!

* Esthoria Box is a bi-monthly subscription box, so you are signing up for a subscription that can be canceled at any time (you can sign up to be automatically charged every other month or prepay for 6 months). Check the website to answer any of your questions.

Minimalist Ninalu designs get noticed

One of my favorite things about being on Instagram is discovering new fashion, natural beauty products and accessories. I especially love finding items that are handmade by an individual or small business.

Recently, I discovered a beautiful jewelry designer by the name of Luka Alagiyawanna (the above photo is from her website). She founded her minimalist jewelry label, Ninalu, a couple years ago in Berlin (I don't live anywhere near there; that's how amazing Instagram is when it comes to connecting small companies with customers all over the world). "Every piece [of Ninalu jewelry] is designed and handmade by her and inspired by minimalistic Berlin aesthetics and Sri Lakan nature. She creates pieces out of sterling silver, brass and copper tubes in combination with natural materials like wood, shells, coral, seeds and stones, which she collects in nature," as stated on her website.

I was lucky enough to connect with Luka, who offered to send me one of her simple and sophisticated pieces. She even let me pick what I'd like to wear, and sent it to me in this sweet little package, sealed with a sprig of dried flowers (gotta love the attention to detail).

Inside, I found this sleek and elegant Bent Copper Tube Necklace I'd been eyeing. The focal point is the copper tube, which is delicately strung on a waxed cotton cord (mine is black, but it also comes in raspberry and olive). There are rose gold-plated silver end beads that make the necklace easy to adjust to your desired length.

I couldn't wait to wear it, so I put it on right away. I wore it short for the photo, so you could see the pretty little adjuster beads. I've also worn it longer, much like my usual arrowstack necklace, seen in many of my Instagram posts. I've had so many compliments on this necklace that I couldn't wait to tell all of you about it.

If this necklace got your attention, you should check out the other jewelry on the site, such as the necklaces seen above (the above and following photos are from the website). Even this unique Chrystal Wood Hanger is sold on the site for displaying your collection.

The Ninalu collection also includes bracelets. They are perfect for stacking, without adding too much bulk to your wrists.

One of the main themes in the collection are the tubes seen in many of the necklaces and bracelets. This Brass Pyramid Necklace reminds me of the kites I made in my science class years ago (we made this shape out of straws and string, and then covered two sides with paper). It's a classic design that never gets old and has meaning to me.

It's also one of the Himmeli designs on the site. They are geometric planters/modern brass object sculptures. This Copper Pyramid Himmeli is the simplest design available.

However, they can be as complex as this Copper Diamond Himmeli ...

... or as lovely and eye-catching as this Brass Rose Quartz Himmeli.

Now you've probably figured out how these minimalist items got my attention. What items interest you? Let me know on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable).

* Ninalu sent me the necklace for review. All opinions are my own.

Indulge in good nutrition w/a Peace A' Cake

Although this blog started out as a raw food blog, it definitely has evolved over the years. The same is true when it comes to what I eat. I still eat mostly raw vegan foods, but I also make room for cooked items, such as these yummy Peace A' Cake gluten-free and vegan baked treats. I was lucky enough to win them from the lovely @laurenginger of Naturally Lauren (a fellow mommy blogger, who I've been following for years; I trust her when she blogs about foods that are good for you, your tummy and your tastebuds).

Peace A' Cake is a line of paleo and gluten-free baked goods, started by owner and CEO Vanessa Hentz. She's a busy mom and business owner, who really knows the importance of good nutrition. She's a sports nutritionist and a member of the International Society of Sport's Nutrition (ISSN). She also is certified as a Specialist in Strength and Conditioning by the NSCA and holds a post-graduate diploma in Exercise Physiology, as well as being a specialist in Sports Nutrition by the International Olympic Committee. This lady really knows her stuff, so I couldn't wait to try her baked goods that she makes to suit her lifestyle (btw, you really need to see her abs. Amazing!).

These Peace A' Cake muffins and brownies are created with love, out of real, all-natural, wholesome ingredients, like coconut oil, coconut sugar, natural prune juice and cassava root flour (this makes some of them grain-free). Above are some of the mini muffins that my hubby, kids and I were more than happy to sample (the muffins come four to a box; although all four in the box are the same flavor, we created our own personal assorted box out of the flavors we received).

My daughter went straight for the White Chocolate Cranberry Almond All Natural Muffins. They contain natural prune juice, all-natural cassava flour, vegan white chocolate chips, gluten-free oat flour, organic coconut oil, organic coconut palm sugar, organic evaporated cane juice, dried cranberries (sweetened), almonds, natural almond extract, natural vanilla extract, aluminum-free baking powder and baking soda.

She especially likes them either chilled or warmed up for the fresh-from-the-oven flavor. When warm, the chips get nice and melty. These are a traditional muffin texture and not a cupcake pretending to be a muffin.

We also had fun dressing up the White Chocolate Cranberry Almond mini muffins, as well as the Oatmeal Raisin ones, for Easter. As you can see, we had a bunny tea party, but with bunny smoothies (frozen banana, carrots, almond milk and Jem Raw Organics Cinnamon Red Maca Sprouted Almond Spread; you can get 20% off Jem spreads with the code: RAWDORABLE) and mini Peace A' Cake muffins dressed as bunnies, using almonds, raisins, freeze-dried strawberries and cashews.

The Oatmeal Raisin All Natural Muffins contain natural prune juice, all-natural cassava flour, organic coconut oil, organic coconut palm sugar, seedless raisins, organic evaporated cane juice, gluten-free oat flour, organic gluten-free rolled oats, natural vanilla extract, aluminum-free baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. It was the first flavor I tried, but not my favorite. This one is slightly drier than the rest, most likely from all the oats. It almost tastes like they contain rice protein. To balance out the texture, I prefer to eat these with a spread and/or jam of some kind.

We all absolutely love the chocolate muffins and brownies. Usually, the addition of cocoa powder dries out a whatever you are making, but these are surprisingly moister than the rest.

Our favorite of the muffin flavors is definitely the Double Chocolate All Natural Muffins. They contain natural prune juice, all-natural cassava flour, organic coconut oil, organic coconut palm sugar, dairy-free chocolate chips, organic evaporated cane juice, natural cocoa powder, natural vanilla extract, aluminum-free baking powder and baking soda. These are especially ooey gooey and yummy when you heat them ever so slightly. I can't believe these are grain-free.

The Chocolate Walnut All Natural Muffins are more muffin-like than the Double Chocolate. The ingredients are similar, except for the addition of walnuts and gluten-free oat flour. Personally, I'd like them better without the oat flour, but they are still good.

The Double Chocolate Brownies are crazy delicious. I wish we had more. They contain natural prune juice, all-natural cassava flour, organic coconut oil, organic coconut palm sugar, dairy-free chocolate chips, natural cocoa powder, natural vanilla extract, aluminum-free baking powder and baking soda. They have the shortest ingredient list of the bunch, but the best flavor.

With only two of these brownies in the house, we had to be creative about sharing. We cut one of them into a brownie Tic-Tac-Toe board and used strawberry hearts and banana "x"s as our game pieces. Then, we ate our winnings.

Just so you know, we kept our Peace A' Cake goodies in the fridge and freezer to preserve their freshness, although I don't believe it's required. Let me know if you try them, too. You can find me on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable).

* Although I was sent these Peace A' Cake muffins and brownies,
all opinions are my own :)