Product Review: Eco-Emi Box

Product Review: November Eco-Emi Box


Born out of the love for her beloved dog Emilia, Christine (owner and founder) named her company Eco-Emi to honor the memory of her sweet pet Emi, as well as incorporating her campaign to share and deliver Eco-products to everyone's home. Eco-Emi is a monthly sampling service or subscription box filled with natural, organic, vegan, or fair trade products that are mostly travel or sample sizes. 


The idea behind this company is to eliminate the overwhelming and let's face it - expensive guessing game of trying all sorts of  eco-goods, only to be let down by the inefficacy of a particular item.


Here' s a snippet of Eco-Emi's philosophy:


"I have spent many years experimenting with the endless products you see in places like Whole foods, Trader Joe’s, Wild oats, small natural stores and so on. I have been able to sort through the clutter of the good and the bad so that I can send you only what works and what’s worth the splurge."


Eco-Emi does the the footwork for folks who are flirting with the idea of going "green" but unsure of how or where to start. These monthly eco-subscription boxes saves folks time and money and in this economy, I know of a lot of us would appreciate that.


With that said,  let's get it going with November's Eco-Emi box. :)

Informational flyers and coupon codes. I like! :)

Items I enjoyed:

The coupons and special discount flyers - because who wouldn't wanna buy quality items at a discounted price ;)

Deep Steep Foot Cream - oooohh, candy-cane scented lotion for my footsies. A nice treat for my feet - absorbed quickly without leaving any greasy residue. I enjoyed the foot cream but, I enjoy my multi-purpose B&B Body Butta more.  To read my Body Butta review, click here.

Hugo Naturals Essential Mist in Vanilla & Sweet Orange - This scent reminds me of BBW's Eucalyptus Spearmint with a touch of Lavender Vanilla...but without the toxins. I know because I used to douse myself in it a few years back. haha! The dry-down was very faint...almost non-existent. Since it is a multi-purpose spray, it now resides in my living room, bathroom and kitchen.

Sweet Riot Dark Chocolate with cacao nibs and raisins - My honorable mention item! I've just recently been a fan of dark chocolate since Dr. Oz mentioned that chocolate is good (must be 70% or higher) in moderation, I'll have it every now and then. I've found that leaving them in the freezer gives it an extra crunch and takes the edge off the bitterness. But, with Sweet Riot's dark chocolate - freezer time was not needed. It had chocolate nibs and raisins which kept the bitterness at bay. I was thoroughly enjoying each savory and rich chocolate-y bite so much, that when I looked down to take another bite, it was all gone! 


Oh, the tragedy :(

I also love the philosophy behind their company's mission to promote culture, celebrate diversity and foster understanding between nations through the power chocolate. Sweet!

Choco-fact: Studies show that chocolate consumption can increase production of the feel good hormones called seratonin and dopamine. It also produces the chief chemical in your brain called endorphins a.k.a. the Happy-Happy-Joy-Joy state of mind.

So before you find yourself caught in a heated debate about the social injustices of the world, or before you ask your boss for a raise, why not start off with a round of chocolate? Great stategy Sarah! haha! 

To know more about the mastermind and chief rioter Sarah Endline and her band of wonderful rioters, click here


Keeki Pure and Simple - My gold star favorite item! This lip balm gave a silky, shimmery wash of a light berry color that tasted like an Andes Mint. You know, that mint/chocolate candy that restaurants give out after a meal? LOVE!

The first time I've heard of this company was a couple of years back.  I was looking for a gift for one of girlfriends daughter's birthday and came across their line of nail polish. Their products immediately caught my attention because of what?? Yup, you guessed it - the packaging! They are oh sooo adorable looking and toxin-free. I loved that the owners and founders of this company are mommies who created an organic, non-toxic line of fun things for children because there weren't very many available out there at the time. I loved that one of the founders, Natalie Bauss, lives with her family on an organic farm which tells me that she sees and knows first hand what it takes to create clean, non-toxic products. I'm a fan :)

Organic Excellence Wild Mint Shampoo/Conditioner - We've been using these products for a couple of years now, thanks to The Glamorganic Goddess. My husband, son and I have thick, curly, unruly hair. After reading all the toxins clearly displayed in the ingredients list on the back of my old shampoo/conditioner, I desperately needed to switch them out. When I found out that Organic Excellence worked on all types of hair, I was up for the challenge. The first time I used this product, it left my hair feeling soft and manageable. Since it worked like a charm on my hair, I decided to have my boys try them out. 


It's been a few years since and we're still loving them. :)

I'm secretly hoping they'll start making liter sized bottles of this stuff. hmmmm, not a bad idea...

So there you have it! That's all for this weeks bloggy-sode of my "Better Box" review. I hope you can take advantage of my comparison reviews so you can 

• figure out which subscription box works best for you and your budget
• consider them as gift ideas 
• get an introduction to cleaner, non-toxic products  
• encourage support for small businesses in your community 

Until next time, 

Laugh, Love, Live Positive

Product Review: Conscious Box

Product Review: November Conscious Box

When a group of 20-something long-time friends (Jameson Morris, 23, Jessie Richardson, 21, and Bjorn Borstleman, 23) decided  partner up  to help raise  social responsibility, sustainability, and conserving the environment as a part of their business strategy, you take notice.  You take notice of the fact that a.) They're driven and determined in their EARLY twenties and b.) They understand the significance of small businesses where quality and efficiency to be much higher. 


Enter, Conscious Box.


Although they would periodically partner with major league businesses, majority of the contents in Conscious Box highlight mom and pop operations whose products are not typically seen or readily available in grocery stores. Conscious Box is dedicated to introduce these smaller (often better) companies to the marketplace. 



Taken directly from their site:

 Conscious Box is a monthly subscription service focusing on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. You’ll receive one Conscious Box

 per month, and you can choose the plan that works best for you (with some serious savings along the way!) Get a variety of unique pure & natural products every month From organic food to vegan beauty products, you’re sure to find new favorites Discover ethical and purpose-driven businesses of all sizes Get content on daily living tips, exciting monthly themes, and creative ways to use your box.

As they sent their first subscription boxes out to several homes across the country this month, I thought it was cool to be a part of their debut packages .

Personally, I love trying out new things. And if they are organic, natural, and sustainable -  the better. It's always fun to try out and discover new finds that are not only kind to your body but kind to the planet. So, enough talking...I'm excited to try them out! h!

* Some items are organic and a few are natural products. I posted pictures of the the ingredients list in order for you to make a conscious decision as to which products works best for you. Enjoy! :)

Love the fact that they encourage readers to recycle.   :)

Items I enjoyed:

Bodacious Banana Bread Walnutz ~Sweet Raw Food Nuts - It was hearty and crunchy, PLUS it has live enzymes which improves the immune system and digestive regularity. Enzyme support is important during the winter months. If your not a fan of yogurt,(for all my friends out there with weird "texture" issues) then...have one of these. 

Mary's Gone Cracker's Chocolate Chip -  It has just the right amount of crunch, chewy and sweet chocolate goodness. Yum!

Funky Monkey Pink Pineapple snack - Brass monkey - that funky monkey! Beastie Boys RULE! haha! But there was nothing brassy or junkie about this Funky Monkey. It was a fruity, crunchy, light snack that would satisfy your 3pm carb cravings. Cool enough to try, but on the fence with the flavor. Maybe if it were a  different flavor...? 

KIND Almond & Coconut snack bar - My favorite item in this box! My gold star snack! I was looking or another snack bar to alternate with my Pure Bars and I've found it! It had the right amount sweetness from the honey, crunchy from the almonds and coconut chewiness. Great way to satisfy your sweet tooth that's filled with protein and fiber. Score!

So, there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my Conscious Box review. 

Until next time, 

Laugh, Love, Live Positive

Events: Brush set contest

 Julie Czinger!!! 

WOOOHOOO!!!

CONGRATULATIONS JULIE!!

Please email me your address @NaturallyNancy1@gmail.com to claim your prize.  I know you will enjoy these awesome makeup brushes from Enkoremakeup. In the event that I do not hear a response within 24 hours, I will choose another winner.

Thank you all for participating in this giveaway! If you did not win this time around, don't be discouraged. I will have more giveaways coming soon so be on the lookout.

Thank you and have an awesome day!!!  xox

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored event. 

Inspiration: Give Thanks

Give Thanks




Give Thanks for the chance to share your story; someone will be inspired by your journey.


Give Thanks for the times you've been burnt out and overworked. That means you've created something of value and significance.


Give Thanks for days where sleep was optional. Passion, creativity and drive will always yield positive results.


Give Thanks for days that are challenging, for those challenges will sharpen your will to succeed.


Give Thanks for the folks who are critical and detracting. They will remind you that people who scrutinize and judge DO NOT define you. They define themselves as judgmental and scrutinizing.


Give Thanks to those who open their hearts and homes to you, for there might be a time where they will need you to do the same for them.


Give Thanks to your mentors, coaches, advisors and teachers who have helped you take your passion to the next level. Once you excel, it would behoove you to pay it forward.


Give Thanks to all the blessings given to you. It attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.


Give Thanks to your family and friends, for they have given you the gift of love and compassion.


This Thanksgiving...


I am thankful. 


I am grateful.


To you all.

Product Review: Bubble & Bee Body Butter

Mission: To find an organic, non-toxic body butter for the winter months


Merchandise: Bubble&Bee 100% Organic Body Butta (like buttah baby!)




The first time I heard about this line of organic products was from my fellow blogger and wellness friend, The Glamorganic Goddess. She's been an avid fan and speaks very highly of Bubble&Bee products in general but, she's been particularly expressing a lot of love with how well the body butters work. That peaked my interest to the point where I had to find out. So, I picked up a few items and decided to try them out for myself.  


Here are my thoughts.

First thing I noticed - the PACKAGING! I am such a sucker for pretty packaging. Just look at it!  I love the quirky fonts, color scheme, and the bee mascot. You see, I've purchased several items that unfortunately, apart from the sparkly wrappers and cute containers, fell short of performing well. 

But this time, I had a feeling that I'll be enjoying what was inside this big tub o' love. 


I was right. 

Ingredient list for Raspberry&Vanilla 

Product certifications

Ingredient list for Sugar & Spice

Bird's eye view ;)

Second thing I noticed, was the SCENT. Okay, if you follow my blog, you'll know that I have a big thing for vanilla, lavender, Egyptian/China musky scents. And lemme tell yah, this product did not disappoint. The first thing that came out of my mouth the minute I opened it was... "mmmmm...This smells yummy!"

The Raspberry&Vanilla smelled like a vanilla mixed berry smoothie and the Sugar&Spice smelled like vanilla covered ginger snaps. They smelled so delicious that I was seriously thinking of having a quick lick at it! haha! 

So, just to give you an idea of how wonderful these products smelled, I left one of these open (I forgot which one) whilst taking a hot shower. By the time I stepped out of the shower, the steam from the butters (I mean BUTTA) somehow activated the scent and the room smelled like someone had been baking cookies in the bathroom! hahaha! I have the Raspberry&Vanilla in the bathroom and the Sugar&Spice scent in the kitchen. I'm glad I got two separate scents. :)

Third and last thing I noticed was the TEXTURE and consistency. As you can see, the body butters looked like...well.. buttah! (I had to say it! heehee!) It had a fluffy, whipped-up, mousse-like consistency and the texture was a bit in the creamy side. It does have a tendency to have an oily payoff so keep in mind that a tad bit of this product will go a long way. 

Two things to keep in mind when using this product: 

• Play with the amount of product to use that'll work for you.

Start small. Once the butta (Love saying' it haha!) is emulsified on your hands, you'll see that you'll have more product than what you've started with.

• Give it time to absorb into your body. 

If you were to glance at the first two ingredients listed, it shows shea butter and coconut oil - two of the most fatty, salve-like natural moisturizers in the market. If you use less, the body absorbs it a lot faster. But if you decided that you wanted to heat up a batch, pour it in the tub and swim in it (I don't recommend doing this by the way - your tub will be slippery for months. And oh yeah, possible third degree burns) or slather on a bit more product, give it a few minutes (usually 2-5 minutes) to allow the body to ingest the stuff. I promise you, good things comes to those who wait. Your skin will be grateful to you all winter. :)

So there you go. I hoped you enjoyed my review and until next time....

Laugh, Love, Live Positive