Fair Trade, Eco-Social Products for Earth Day: Vegan Spreads from MELT Organic

With summer coming up, how about a story highlighting companies with a strong commitment to the environment? MELT Organic, for example, offers vegan buttery spreads & sticks that are made with eco-social and fair trade ingredients and are certified USDA organic and non-GMO.

Furthermore, MELT Organic’s square packaging reduces greenhouse emissions when compared to traditional round tubs because it requires less space to store and transport.

Our Thoughts

I got a chance to try out some MELT spread. It's an organic alternative for your breakfast and cooking needs. It's a coconut-oil based spread that tastes a lot like butter. It's rich and contains a lot of good fats and other ingredients that your body needs.

The spread went on my bagels and bread easily, and tasted nice. It really went well with my Hawaiian bread in particular. They are suitable for vegan diets, and have small, convenient packaging that fits easily in your fridge. I am definitely going to use this spread again. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Capriclear and 7th Heaven Facemasks

About Capriclear: 
CapriClear® Moisturizing Spray is a gentle, all-natural solution for dry, sensitive skin made from a single natural ingredient - 100% fractionated coconut oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), the purest form of coconut oil available.  Dermatologist formulated and tested, CapriClear® is hypoallergenic and fragrance free, ideal for all ages, especially those sensitive to ingredients commonly found in other products.

CapriClear® is a patented, colorless, odorless, non-staining and quick-drying spray that provides immediate soothing relief from dry, flaky, and irritated skin.  Unlike many conventional emollients, CapriClear® does not contain emulsifiers, fragrances, animal products, artificial dyes, preservatives or other additives such as sulfates, parabens or toxins that can lead to skin irritation.

CapriClear® has earned the National Eczema Association Seal of AcceptanceTM.  The NEA Seal of AcceptanceTM was awarded as part of the association's Eczema & Sensitive-Skin Education program (EASE) which maintains rigorous standards for acceptance.  Products eligible for the NEA Seal of AcceptanceTM are those that have been created or intended for use by persons with eczema or severe sensitive skin conditions and that have satisfied the NEA Seal of AcceptanceTM criteria.

Our Thoughts; 

I am a huge fan of coconut oil anything! This is perfect for on the go! My sister-in-law even used it on her dry, itchy skin, and it really helped clear it up! Wind chapped cheeks, razor burns, and more. I keep this on hand with my two year old daughter for just about everything! It stays within reach at all times. This would be the perfect stocking stuffer, or gift for any mom out there. 

You can find Capriclear on Amazon.

About 7th Heaven:

UK based skincare line that specializes in luxurious face masks that burst with premium all-natural ingredients, smell delicious, deliver immediate results and address a wide variety of skincare needs.  The company offers masks for every skin type, condition, issue or wish, from deep cleansing to super-hydration, brightening and revitalizing, exfoliating and resurfacing, calming and soothing, smoothing, oil-absorbing and acne treatment and prevention.

Our Thoughts:

The Argan Oil Mud mask was refreshing and delightful! Goes on smoothly, and as it dried it turned white. About 25-30 minutes with the mask on until it's dry, and you can rinse it off. This mask cleans the pores and balances oil levels. Perfect for a night in with the girls, or alone relaxing with a good book!

The Tea Peel-Off was unlike anything I'd ever done before. I wasn't sure at first how it was going to work, but as it dried my face tightened and while sitting with some girlfriends laughed so hard I wasn't sure if the peel would work properly! However, to my surprise, it was wonderful! Cleansing, refreshing, and I felt really cleaned and energized my skin!

All in all these are great products and make great stocking stuffers for the holiday season! You can find 7th Heaven on Amazon.

Oil Pulling with GuruNanda

GuruNanda Pulling Oil (www.gurunanda.com/oil-pulling)

Until now, consumers who practice oil pulling have routinely reached for something that's already in their pantry -- for example sesame oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil. But this new product -- which contains a proprietary blend of all three, plus peppermint oil -- is specifically designed for oil pulling, and it harnesses the individual benefits of all three for a more balanced and effective approach.

In short, oil pulling works to rid the body of toxins that build up from poor diet, environmental factors, sedentary and stressful lifestyles, lack of hydration, etc. These oil soluble toxins get "dumped" into the mouth through the salivary glands, and the pulling oil (which is swished for several minutes and then discarded) takes them out. The result is not only cleaner, whiter teeth and fresher breath. Many users report systemic changes that range from weight loss to increased energy and decreased pain.

To read more about the Ayurvedic principles behind oil pulling, and learn more about how this "detox" can contribute to overall wellness, you can visit www.gurunanda.com/oil-pulling.

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My Thoughts

Oil pulling is not new for me. I've done it in the past with just coconut oil, which usually made me want to gag when I first placed the thick oil in my mouth and it had to melt down. When I used it, I was always pleased with the results, but hated the beginning part. GuruNanda pulling oil is in liquid format and comes with some peppermint oil for flavor and I'm sure added benefits.

It's recommended to swish the oil through your mouth for 15 minutes. I usually pull while I shower because I am occupied and not really thinking about it. It had been a few months since I'd oil pulled, so I was excited to use this product. The taste was pleasant, though I didn't like the smell. It somehow reminded me of a dentist office.

I used it several times a week and I did notice the same benefits as when I'd used just coconut oil. My teeth began to whiten and places that had been sensitive in the past, were now not as. If I keep it up, my sensitive teeth will no longer be bothered by cold liquids.

GuruNanda oil is made up of sesame oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, and peppermint oil. This is a product I will keep on hand to use.

I was also sent their convenient travel cups which are a little smaller than a K-Cup.

Carrington Farms Coconut Oil

**This product was received in exchange for a fair and honest review.**

About Carrington Farms:

Since 2000, Carrington Farms has been making delicious, 100% organic, non-genetically modified Health Food Products accessible to nutrition-conscious consumers around the United States. Our comprehensive line of flax and coconut oil products serves a range of purposes, from conditioning hair and nails to weight loss and staving off chronic disease. From our pure whole seed flax to our chia blends and cold-pressed organic extra virgin coconut oil, all of Carrington Farms' vitamin and mineral-full health food products are a great way to start adding a little more nutrition to your everyday life!

Our thoughts:

If you're looking for a healthy way to make cooking better, Carrington Farms has your answer! Coconut oil that stays liquid at room temp! Easy to pour, always a liquid, you will completely change your way of thinking about coconut oil. Everything from brownies to making sugar scrubs, this truly is a one stop oil for every need.
A healthier alternative to vegetable and olive oil, using coconut oil will not leave a taste or much of an odor. Carried exclusively at Wal-Mart. You don't have to give up quality to be healthy.