Swap of the Week #2: Cleaning Products

 During week two we will be discussing a safer cleaning option.

    Since I am new to the toxin free journey, I was a bit skeptical of this one.  A friend of mine had tried a  new to her product and had great things to say about it, so I had to check it out. Boy am I glad I did!!  Force of Nature Multipurpose Cleaner has completely eliminated a ton of cleaning products from our home.  

    First lets get in to the different type of products it's replaced for us.  No more bleach, window cleaner, floor cleaner, degreasers, odor removers, or bathroom cleaners.  This means no more Windex, Febreeze, Resolve carpet cleaner, Scrubbing Bubbles, 409, and so on!!  It's safe for all surfaces even stone and won't degrade grout or rubber seals like just plain vinegar can over time.  

    I use it to clean counters, mirrors, mop floors, sippy cups, high chair, and tv trays.  I have also used it to kill odors in trash cans, diaper pails, and smelly stinky shoes.  I literally use this miracle cleaner for everything, even the kids some days.  Yep, I said it!!!  I have sprayed the cleaner on a towel and wiped down dirty sticky hands. I didn't even freak out like I would have with other products, when big brother decided to hose down little brother with the bottle when I had my back turned! (Kids are fun!!!)

    Force of Nature is completely safe for kids and pets because there is absolutely no toxins or harmful chemicals in it what so ever.  Each activator has salt, water, and vinegar in it.  Here's how it works: fill up the electrolyzer with water, add the activator, and push the start button.  Electricity is responsible for breaking up the molecules and creating two new products.  These two products are Sodium hydroxide, which is responsible for cleaning up those sticky messes, soap scrub, and grime, and Hypochlorus acid, which is responsible for deodorizing and disinfecting. The vinegar is responsible for lowering the PH and balancing the solutions out just right.  The correct amounts need to be measured, hence the activator capsules, or bleach could be created, it may not be as effective, or it could have shorter shelf life.

   

At 99.9% effective, its even more powerful than bleach!  The EPA has certified Force of Nature to be used in hospitals, medical, dental, veterinary, daycares, schools, offices, and other facilities because it is effective and safe.  It's been 3rd party tested and protects against several viruses and bacteria such as Staph, MRSA, Norovirus, Samonella, and Listeria to just name a few.

    The starter kit comes with the electrolyzer, a reusable spray bottle, and activator capsules.  Each bottle made is only effective for a two week span, so any unused portions need to be thrown out.  I have no had to throw any out, nor have I even made it close to two weeks without having to make more because there are so many uses for it!  The company does have a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.  I haven't met anyone that uses it and doesn't love it though.  

    I will admit I was surprised my first time using it because it does have a slight bleach like smell. It was then that I looked into the science behind how and why it works.  The Hypochlorus acid is in the same family as bleach, but without the harmful chemical compound. I like that I am reducing plastic waste and waste in general, all while saving money too.  It only cost about nine cents per ounce to use this cleaner versus up to fifty three cents an ounce for some of the other brand cleaners. `    

    You can save even more money on their discounted bundles, promo codes, and referral link.  They have a range of starter kits and bundles to choose from for just about any budget.  The website usually has a code to save 30% off and get free shipping. The current code is FORCE, but if that doesn't work you can usually find one online or their actual site.  When you create an account with them you can sign up for subscriptions or just purchase as needed, but you get a referral link.  This link can be sent to friends and you earn free product if purchased through your link!!

    So let's recap!  You are switching to a safer cleaning product that is toxin free. You are eliminating a bunch of different products for one. You are eliminating plastic waste by using the reusable spray bottle.  You are saving money.  Money back guarantee.  What are you waiting for?  Go check Force of Nature out now!!!

    To see my full review on this product, watch here.  Stay tuned next week for more safe swaps!

*commission may be earned on links within this article*

Ingredient to Avoid #1: Phenoxyethanol

 

    European Standards are hundreds times better at banishing ingredients than the United States.  In Europe over 1,300 ingredients are banned, but in the United States only about 30.  Crunchi Corporate has actually even more strict requirements in order to offer a toxin free skincare and cosmetics brand.  They even have their own banished list on top of the European Standards.  

    There is no regulation on the term toxin free, but Crunchi defines it as follows: "a product is considered toxin free if it does not contain any ingredients known to cause harm or health hazard based on the available ingredient data and research.  Each ingredient has been carefully selected and our products are free of all harmful ingredients documented in our banished ingredient list."

    

    Each week I will inform you of one of those ingredients and why Crunchi has banned its use.

    Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative in most personal care products such as skincare and cosmetics.  It is the product of highly corrosive phenol and a known carcinogenic ethylene oxide.  A member of the glycol ether family, Phenoxyethanol, may contain residuals of these chemicals resulting in possible allergic reactions.  The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists this ingredient as a core allergen even with as little as less than one percent present.

    The goal is cleaner, healthier skincare and cosmetics free of harsh chemicals and known allergens.  Phenoxyethanol doesn't make the cut with it being considered a core allergen at such low levels.  I was using several skincare and pampering products that utilized this ingredient as the preservative.  I have since discontinued use of said products because my personal goal is to transition to a toxin free lifestyle.

    

    The ingredient does meet European Standards, so if low tox is your goal then this ingredient may not be a huge deal for you to avoid. Just make sure you are looking at your labels and you are aware if you start having any breakouts or allergic reactions, this ingredient could be the culprit.

    Let me know in the comments below if you found this ingredient on any of your trusted labels. And don't forget next week we will be covering another ingredient to avoid!

Swaps of the Week #1: Summer Products

During week one we will be talking safer alternatives to sunscreen and insect repellents. 

    First you should know there are two types of sunscreens as far as how they function.  I won't be going too in depth with this, but they are chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb into multiple layers within the epidermis, while physical sunscreens sit on top of, or absorb only into the first layer of the skin.  If you are wanting a toxin free or safer alternative to traditional popular brand sunscreens, you will want to look for a physical sunscreen. 

    You may be surprised to learn that most of your common and popular sunscreens contain some pretty harmful and questionable ingredients. The most common and controversial ingredient is oxybenzone.  According to an article from The Environmental  Working Group (Access Article Here), oxybenzone has been linked to allergies, cell damage, and even hormone disruptions! Another ingredient in some sunscreens is avobenzone that can actually become toxic when it is mixed with chlorine from pools. The chemical the mixture creates has been linked to issues with kidneys, liver, infertility, and the nervous system just to name a few (Access Article Here).  These are only two out of numerous ingredients allowed in sunscreens that can be harmful or toxic to you and your family.

    In order to find safe alternatives you want to be looking for physical sunscreens that have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. My safe swap is a toxin free option from Crunchi.  Sunlight Daily Facial SPF 30 can be used on everyone in the family, even children, because it contains no harmful ingredients.  It is not only safe for your skin, but the reef as well. A non-nano zinc technology creates a lightweight, non-greasy, and fast absorbing product.  Since this is a facial sunscreen, it is best used on the face, ears, neck, and shoulders.  For an overall body safe swap sunscreen, I would suggest Badger sun care collections. They have adult, kids, and baby sunscreens that all have a clear zinc as their protectant. 

    

    Next summer swap is insect repellent. There are tons of options out there with some containing Deet and others not.  I prefer a more natural approach and use homemade insect repellents to avoid putting harsh chemicals on my body.  Remember whatever you put on your skin can absorb and possibly have repercussions as discussed previously with the sunscreens. 

    I have found two different homemade products that I think work well and are made with minimal harmless ingredients. They do both contain essential oils and should not be used on children under 3 months old. I recommend not using on children under 6 months of age just in case there is a skin irritation. 

    The first one is Bug Off by Bathhouse Soapery. We discovered this insect repellent lotion stick while vacationing in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I love how compact and convenient it is to throw it in my purse, backpack or diaper bag for when we are on the go. My second recommendation, we also found while vacationing in Arkansas at the Village Apothecary Shop inside the Ozark Folk Center.  Linda Oldham makes an amazing insect repellent spray out of a combination of essential oils, diluted water, and witch hazel. She also offers bug bite balm and lots of other salves, sprays, and roll ons at LindasSoapandMore Etsy Shop.  Tip: If she doesn't have it listed on her shop page, just email her with your order and shipping address and she will get it out to you!

    I like to keep the spray at home for when we are going to be outside in the garden or playing in the yard, and the stick just goes with us.  I, for some reason am like a buffet for mosquitoes, so its just a rule we don't leave home without repellent on hand.

     I hope you found some value in the information I have given you this week. Hopefully you give these products a try or at least become more aware of the ingredients in your current products to make an informed decision about transitioning to a cleaner lifestyle and products.

    Let me know in the comments what low to no tox summer favorites you use or if you have tried any of my recommendations.  See you next week for a new swap!

*commission may be earned on links within this article*

Cirkul Review Part 2

I have had this new product for a couple weeks now and I think it is safe to say I am loving it so far. I have a ton of positives to say, but also not going to leave out a couple negatives I have found along the way. So let's dive in and let me tell you my two cents on the Cirkul products.

After getting my trial in the mail (and by after, I mean literally within minutes), I found my whole family wanting their own and excited to try more flavors. So of course we ordered some to try besides what came in the trial. The minimum order is 8 sips, which ends up being two packs of four.  They offer several variety packs or individual flavors in four packs to choose from.  They currently have 39 flavors, so there should be something for everyone.  We have tried a little bit of everything and from each line. I don't have a specific line that I am in love with, but several of the flavors are delicious. I have included the flavors I have tried along with the survey rating I gave each one (scale is 1-10).  I also listed flavors that I have yet to try.

Flavors We Tried

• Fruit Punch- this is from the Life Sip line that has added vitamins.  I gave this flavor an 8.
• Mixed Berry- this is from the Fit Sip line that has added electrolytes.  I gave this flavor an 8.
• Strawberry Watermelon- this is from the Go Sip line that has caffeine.  I gave this flavor a 9.
• Orange Tangerine- this is from the Fit Sip line.  I gave this flavor a 2.  The reasoning for the low score was because it tasted extremely salty and nothing like citrus.  I was able to choke down two bottles (mainly because I didn't want to throw away money spent), but I did end up throwing the sip in the recycle and not finishing it.
• Cucumber- this is from the Pure Sip line that has pure essence of the fruit for flavoring.  I gave this flavor a 9.  As long as you don't have the dial turned way up, it taste just like sliced cucumbers in your water.
• Caramel Coffee- this is from the Brew Sip line and does have caffeine.  I gave this flavor a 10.  It tasted just like an iced caramel latte or macchiato.
• Green Apple- this is from the Go Sip line with added caffeine. I gave this flavor a 9.

Flavors We Will Try

• Brew Sips- vanilla iced coffee, Mocha iced coffee, and Classic iced coffee.
• Pure Sips-  Pear, Apple, Pineapple
• Go Sips- Grape and Black Cherry

I will have a part 3 review that will update you all on any other flavors we have tried or bought at that time.  All in all the majority of the flavors we have tried have been excellent.

The website says each sip lasts about 6 bottles worth.  My husband and I have been getting about 8 bottles out of each sip.  We keep our dials on 5 or 6 and then up them with the last couple bottles as the flavor does get diluted the more bottles you drink.  My son has had his sips only last about 3 bottles worth, but he insists on keeping his dial at a 10 all the time.  Since he was going through his sips so fast, I was curious to see if any flavor was left in the pouch within the sip. I found out how to get another bottles worth of flavor out of it. Please watch the attached video for those details.

Now that we have discussed the flavors, let's talk about incentives. Cirkul has a points rewards program, as well as a referral program. Both of these programs offer free product.

The Cirkulate tab is where you can find your referral code to send to friends, how many referrals you have made, and where you can redeem referral points. After 4 points you can redeem a four pack of sips or after 10 a metal bottle can be redeemed.

Cirkulate Tab Sample Screen

The Inner Cirkul tab shows how many points you have, a survey link to rate flavors and earn more points, and where you can redeem points for product. The only thing I caution about is to pay attention to small print. I have enough points to redeem product, but if not combined with an order there is a $3 shipping fee.

Inner Cirkul Tab Sample Screen

If you want to modify your flavors or shipping date you can do that under the Your Plan tab and the Your Details tab has your personal information. I go into more detail about the website, as well as the flavors in the attached video so give it a look.

Now we have talked about flavors, website, and programs, let's review the pros and cons again so you can decide if the product is right for you.

Pros

• 39 flavors
• Different types of sip lines : ex. Added caffeine, stevia, pure, vitamins, electrolytes, etc.
• Free product in not 1 but 2 programs 
• Adjust and set shipping date
• Can cancel or restart subscription anytime
• Cost is effective if use sips wisely

Cons

• May not like all flavors you buy
• Can not buy sips individually 
• Bottle sweats and doesn't keep ice long (chill sleeve may help with this. I will find out for part 3)
• If redeeming points product, shipping fee applies if not combined with purchase.

If you weren't interested in the Cirkul after the first review, then you most definitely should be after this one. The cons for me weren't important enough to be a deal breaker and the pros definitely outweigh them.  I would love to hear what you all think about it in the comments section or if you would like to try it, click here for your $5 trial.

Full Video Review

Happy sipping and hope you enjoyed my two cent tips!

Splenda Naturals Stevia Review

Hey folks! I have joined this community called BzzAgent that allows me to try and review awesome new products. I thought I would share with you all my thoughts on my first campaign. I was sent a table jar of Splenda's new sweetener called Naturals Stevia. It is a all natural, zero calorie sweetener that will give the artificial products a run for their money. So let's get into detail about my first impression.

The appearance of the packaging is of great quality. The jar is a good size to use for something you would sit out on your table for coffee or tea. The container itself is sturdy and has a tight fits snap lid. The container also has all the pertinent information on it. By this I mean ingredients, nutritional facts, how the product is made, safe for diabetics, and even a recipe.

Table Jar Sample

I opened the snap lid to find a product that looks just like granulated sugar. I smelled the product out of curiosity and at first reminded me of an artificial vanilla smell, but after a couple days, I believe it smells more like brown sugar. I of course couldn't wait to use it so I tasted a little bit on the tip of my finger to find it almost tasting like sweet air with a bit of powdery after taste that I for one associate with most artificial sweeteners.

Opened Product 

The first actual use was in my coffee along with French vanilla creamer and sugar free caramel flavoring syrup. I didn't want to alter how I made my coffee, so that I could get the truest taste of the sweetener. My first impression, I could still taste the slight powdery after taste. I then looked the container over more to realize that I had not made the proper adjustment to how much I had put into my coffee. This product only calls for half of what you would use with regular granulated sugar. One teaspoon of sugar is equivalent to 1/2 teaspoon of Naturals Stevia.

Once I made the proper adjustments and used the product for two or more days, the after taste was no longer a factor. I believe the combination of using too much product, along with the idea of using a sweetener other than sugar caused the after taste. I have never been a fan of artificial sweeteners and I associated this Splenda product with the artificial taste at first. 

Great in Hot Tea

 

I would definitely recommend this product. Granulated sugar has 15 calories per serving and this product taste the same and has zero!!!! It is also a great substitute for diabetics, which for I'm sure is a huge selling point for those on restricted diets.  If zero calories and a great taste doesn't have you convinced, it is an all natural product that contains stevia leaf extract and erythritol.  The erythritol is the natural sweetener extracted through the fermentation process. 

So there you have it, an all natural product that taste great, has zero calories, requires less than other products, and is safe for restricted diets such as diabetics!!!  Give it a try, I bet you will be surprised!!

8 Copycat Recipes that Keep Dining Out Cravings at Bay

Hey Folks!  I'm back to share more of my two cents!

One sure way to save money is to avoid going out to eat at all costs, but it can be difficult when you crave that restaurant style salsa or maybe some hibachi.  I have come across some great copycat recipes to help you stay in, as well as, some recipes that are better than the "convenience packaged" foods, so let's get started!

1.   Max and Erma's Famous Chicken Tortilla Soup:  

via food.com

This taste as close as you can get to the real deal.  I found the recipe here.  I followed the recipe almost exactly except in place of the green chilies and can of tomatoes, I used a can of Rotel since it has both ingredients and that is what I had at the time.  For the tortilla strips, I bought the fiesta seasoned Kroger or Meijer brand ( I've used both) tortilla strips and they worked very well in the soup.  This is a cheesy soup that hits the spot when the weather is getting colder.  It has a great taste that isn't too spicy for little ones, something the whole family will enjoy.


2.  Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper:

via countrysidecravings.com

The box of hamburger helper can be found on sale for pretty cheap most of the time, but why not make your own for just as cheap with ingredients you know are going into the recipe instead of leaving it up to General Mills.  This recipe taste better and doesn't need to be altered in anyway. It can be found here.

3.  Chick-Fil-A Nuggets, Waffle Fries, and Sauce:

via samsclub.com and buildyourbite.com

 

So this one I cheated a little, but Sam's Club has Member's Mark Southern Style Chicken Bites that are basically the same as the nuggets from the restaurant.  They even have a hint of pickle just like the real thing.  These are great because they can be microwaved in just a couple of minutes for a quick snack and it doesn't hurt the taste or texture of the product.  The Member's Mark Southern Style Waffle Fries are also available for a limited time at Sam's Club.  They taste like the restaurants', but the only down fall is they can't be fried for a crispier texture.  We have tried both of these products and love them because they taste just like the real thing.  Our Sam's Club doesn't carry it, but some clubs also have a Member's Mark Southern Style Chicken Sandwich which comes frozen with a bun and is suppose to taste like the restaurants' also.  So after you purchase the copycat products, you have to have some Chick-Fil-A Sauce to go with the nuggets and fries.  I found a pretty close recipe here.  The only thing that I did was add just a touch more mustard for my family's liking.  It is super easy to make and adjust to your taste.

4.  McCormick's Chili Seasoning:

via meatandpotatoesrecipes.blogspot.com

I love to season my chili with this seasoning packet, but it's becoming more expensive especially when I have all the ingredients in my spice cabinet.  In my opinion, this recipe is more of the Hot version and I would cut the cayenne powder in half to make it closer to the original recipe. We like it SPICY, so I left the recipe as is for us.

5.  Japanese Hibachi Shrimp Fried Rice:

via averiecooks.com

I am so thankful I found this recipe!  My family absolutely loves to go to our local hibachi restaurant, but it gets expensive really quick and before we know it, we are close to $100 in the hole for just one dinner.  This is super easy to make and curbs those restaurant cravings.  You can also substitute any meat you would like.  We have tried chicken and it was just as delicious as the shrimp.  Get the recipe here.  I did make some adjustments to the recipe to use what I had.  I omitted green onions and chopped a small yellow onion and sauteed it instead.  I also used olive oil instead of any other oils that the recipe called for.  I used a short cut and had the Birdseye frozen veggie blend (corn, peas, carrots, and green beans) that I tossed in instead of the individual veggies.  I sometimes like to add mushrooms too depending on our mood.  Follow the recipe as is or follow my adjustments, either way I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

6.  Carnival or Candied Nuts (aka German Nuts):  

via dinnerthendessert.com

I have found two recipes for these amazing little snacks!  These are also a  great idea for Christmas gifts or a sweet snack to bring along to parties.  I have made both the pecan recipe (here) and the almond recipe (here).  They are both crock pot recipes and take a few hours to make but you pretty much dump, mix, and then stir every hour or so to make sure the nuts stay coated and don't stick together.  Both recipes turned out amazing and they were extremely hard to put down once you got that sweet cinnamon goodness on your tongue.  With these recipes it can be fair and carnival season all year long (and as an added bonus it makes your house smell awesome!).

7.  Better Than Manwich Sloppy Joes:

via heatherlikesfood.com

This isn't exactly a copycat recipe, but it's more along the lines of the Hamburger Helper recipe listed above.  Making your own from scratch has way more flavor and is a lot healthier than anything served in a can or box.  Honestly, I have never been much of a sloppy joe fan, but the rest of my family loves them and this recipe definitely made that love even greater.  It turned a myself into a fan and is worth trying since you more than likely have all the ingredients right in your pantry.  You can find the recipe here and it is just perfect the way it is.  I didn't have to make any substitutions or adjustments.

8.  Mexican Restaurant Style Salsa:

via aspiceyperspective.com

This recipe is great because you can adjust the "heat" to your liking.  It also it a great way to use those garden veggies and herbs.  The original recipe can be found here and is a great snack around our house.  We are also Mexican food junkies and crave the restaurant style salsa a lot.  Sometimes I feel like we just go to the restaurant specifically for the chips and salsa.  Well if your family is like ours then I have found the solution.  Again we like heat so we kept our seeds in the jalapenos and added a couple more than the recipe called for.  I also used a can of diced tomatoes instead of the brand of crushed tomatoes the recipe called for and it still tasted like our local restaurant's.  This recipe more than hit the spot on cravings.

Hopefully these recipes help save you some money, expand your dinner or snack options, and/or have given you more ideas of how to get lost in the amazing Pinterest world.  Hope you enjoy these recipes as much as my family has!

Cirkul Review Part 1

Hey Folks!!!  I was tired of seeing the online ads for this product and wondering if it could help me with my hatred of water, so I ordered a trial!

Shipping Box

I just received my trial pack, which includes two flavor cartridges and the bottle.  It is a 22 ounce bottle, but it does not have measurement marks along the side, which I do find disappointing, but not a deal breaker.

Opened Trial Pack

The flavor cartridges included were Fruit Punch, which is part of the Life Sips line and Mixed Berry, which is part of the Fit Sips line.  Life Sips have vitamins added, Fit Sips have added electrolytes, Go Sips are caffeinated, Brew Sips are coffee flavored, Tea Sips are flavored teas, and Pure Sips are infused with natural flavoring and no added sweeteners.  There are a couple of the lines that offer a Stevia option as well.  For more information please refer to the video below.  Thanks!!!

Water Bottle with Cartridge

Trial Contents

Flavor Cartridge

I will continue this review in two weeks, so that I have enough time to try it out and let you know exactly how many bottles the cartridges last for me and so on.  The website says each cartridge should last about six bottle refills or 132 ounces.  I am hoping this is the solution to staying hydrated and kicking the sugary soda habit.  Only time will tell.

I hope you are looking forward to the second part of the review as much as I                                         am in posting it!!

The video below shows the product as I opened it, how it works, my first review of how it tastes , along with my personal preference on how much flavor works for me.  Check it out!!!!!!

You can find all this information on my Facebook page, Two Cent Tips.  Don't forget to like and follow to stay up to date on all new blog posts and reviews!!!  

Don't want to wait around for my full review and want to try it out for yourself? Get your $5 trial here!